Baptist CatechismThe Baptist Catechism

    Settings

    Theme
    Bible for proof texts
    Text

    The Assembly’s Shorter Catechism Explained, by Way of Question and Answer (1753), Ebenezer Erskine and James Fisher · PDF

    Of JOY in the HOLY GHOST

    Part First

    1. 1. What is [joy in the Holy Ghost]?

      It is that inward elevation and enlargement of soul, which flows from the lively exercise of faith, feasting on Christ in the promise, “Believing, ye rejoice,” &c.

      1 Peter 1:8

      1 Peter 1:8

    2. 2. Why is this joy said to be [in the Holy Ghost]?

      Because the Holy Ghost is the author of it; as personally inhabiting, or residing in the believer.

      John 14:16–17

      John 14:16–17

    3. 3. What is the matter, or ground, of this joy?

      God in Christ as the everlasting portion of the believing soul.

      Psalm 16:5–6

      Psalm 16:5–6

    4. 4. What are the properties of it?

      It is an hidden joy; it is permanent; and it is unspeakable.

    5. 5. What are the peculiar seasons of this joy?

      The time of special manifestations after a dark night of desertion; the time of tribulation for Christ’s sake; the time of God’s remarkable appearance for his church; and sometimes in and about the time of death.

    6. 6. When may believers be said to have that joy in the Holy Ghost, which accompanies or flows from justification?

      When they have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.

      Hebrews 10:19

      Hebrews 10:19

    7. 7. When may they be said to have that joy which flows from adoption?

      When the Spirit itself beareth witness with their spirit, that they are the children of God; and enables them to cry, Abba, Father.

      Romans 8:15–16

      Romans 8:15–16

    8. 8. When may they be said to have the joy that flows from sanctification?

      When they have the testimony of their conscience bearing witness to their sincerity, and to the uprightness of their aims and endeavours in all the duties of religion, “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world.”

      2 Corinthians 1:12

      2 Corinthians 1:12

    9. 9. What are the signs and evidences of joy in the Holy Ghost, which distinguish it from that joy which temporary believers, or hypocrites, may have sometimes in the word, Matth. xiii. 20.?

      Joy in the Holy Ghost hath an enlivening, enlarging, humbling, and sanctifying influence upon the soul; whereas the joy of hypocrites hath no such effects.