Statement on the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Statement on the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Aug 29, 2026

It is important for all churches and individual believers to properly understand the work and ministry of the the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. There continues to be much confusion, leading to error entering into many churches. Much of this is a result of the teachings of the Charismatic Movement, and other such movements which arose in the 20th century.

The International Council of Christian Churches stands solidly on the Biblical teaching that “there are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory” (Baptist Catechism of 1689, questions 8 and 9). All the great churches of the Protestant Reformation held to this belief. (See questions 5 and 6 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism [Presbyterian], Article 1 of the 39 Articles [Anglican], Article 1 of John Wesley’s 25 Articles of Religion [Methodist], and Luther’s Small Catechism, question 19, under the First Commandment [Lutheran]). Many more could be listed.

This fundamental Biblical teaching is the foundation for understanding the work of each of the three persons of the Godhead. Yet, God is one, and the work of one member of the Godhead is never performed in isolation from the others.

Concerning the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures tell us that He:

• was active in the Creation (Genesis 1:1-2);

• convinces, convicts, and calls sinners through the preaching of the Word (Luke 24:47; 2 Corinthians 3:3;
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14);

• applies regeneration to those who are called (John 6:63; John 14:17; Ephesians 2:1-5; Titus 3:5);

• participates in our justification (1 Corinthians 6:11);

• seals us until that day we live eternally in heaven (Ephesians 1:13-14);

• will keep us from sin (Galatians 5:16);

• is active in our sanctification (2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23).

The Holy Spirit and revelation

• Since the completion of the canon of Scripture, God’s revelation to us is complete.

• The Scriptures are not the imperfect writings of men. Rather, 2 Peter 1:20-21 tells us that the inspired, infallible, inerrant Scriptures were written by “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:20-21).

• Nothing is to be added or taken away from the Scriptures:

• “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2). (See also Deuteronomy 12:32.)

• “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19).

• Puritan preacher John Owen once wrote: “Since the finishing of the canon of the Scripture, the church is not under that conduct as to stand in need of such new extraordinary revelations … new revelations it hath neither need nor use of;—and to suppose them, or a necessity of them, not only overthrows the perfection of the Scripture, but also leaveth us uncertain whether we know all that is to be believed …” (Chapter IV, Pneumatologia: A Discourse Concerning the Holy Spirit).

• Psalm 119:89: “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.”

• Isaiah 8:20: “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

• Christ held the Scriptures to be the very Word of God (Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:25–27; John 10:35; John 17:17).

• The New Testament writers referred many times to the Old Testament Scriptures as their authority (Matthew 1:22-23; Acts 28:23; Acts 4:24-28; Acts 8:27-35; Romans 9, etc.).

• The Holy Spirit gives us understanding of the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 2:12 tells us: “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. John 16:13a: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Signs and wonders

• Although God used visions, revelations, miracles, tongues, etc., in very specific times in history, and for a very specific reason, those things have ceased with the completion of the canon of Scripture.

When the Bible does relate the use of these various miracles, revelations, etc., it is virtually always in the context of authenticating new leadership and authority given by God at certain times in history. A few examples are:

• Moses: “And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.” God performed a miracle by the hand of Moses, and then said: “That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.”

• Christ: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know” (Acts 2:22).

• The Apostles: “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (2 Corinthians 12:12); “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” (Mark 16:20).

• It should be noted that Paul speaks of these things in his earliest-written epistles, but does not mention them in later epistles. Rather, he tells the ones he is writing to to heed the words of God which he has spoken. In 2 Timothy 3:15-17, he writes: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

The baptism of the Holy Spirit

• There are some that teach that there are Christians who have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, and those that have not been. It is as if we do enough good as a Christian, we can become a Christian on a higher tier from regular Christians.

• However, the Scriptures teach that ALL believers are baptized in the Spirit at the moment we are saved, and it is impossible to be a Christian without this.

• “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13).

• “But ye [Christians] are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9).

• “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (
John 14:16-17).

The baptisms in the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts and the early church, were a special empowerment and authentication that the Gospel was to go to an ever widening circle — to the whole world. With many verses, such as the ones just quoted, these post-salvation baptisms should not be viewed as normative in the church following the Apostolic period.

“And be filled with the Spirit”

• In Ephesians 5:18, Paul writes: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” This is not referring to someone without the Spirit getting a new filling of the Spirit. Rather, Paul is telling them not to get carnal excitement from getting drunk, but instead get their joy from the Holy Spirit. Every believer already has the Holy Spirit in completeness. Yet, Paul was instructing them to continually give their whole lives in submission and obedience to God’s Spirit. In the parallel instruction he gives in Colossians 3:15, Paul says instead: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” The person who obeys the Word of Christ, and is in submission to it, is filled with the Spirit.” Both of these passages continue on with what a person “filled with the Spirit” will do.

The work of the Holy Spirit in contrast to modern Charismatic teaching

Overemphasis on the Holy Spirit

The Charismatic Movement places its greatest emphasis on the supposed work of the Holy Spirit. The emphasis is usually on miraculous healing, miracles, new revelation, and so forth. It is said to come by a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, the Scriptures say that the Holy Spirit places His emphasis on Christ, and does not speak of Himself (John 16:13; John 15:26). Colossians 1:18-19, written under the direct superintendence of the Holy Spirit, tells us: “that in all things he [Christ] might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.”

Emphasis on emotion and feelings over Biblical doctrine:

Many Charismatics are involved in an unbiblical ecumenism. Roman Catholics, members of the World Council of Churches, and so forth, are warmly welcomed. Yet, the Holy Spirit never blesses those living in disobedience. There is a real effort to downplay or ignore doctrine, with much emphasis on supposed empowerment. Being part of the movement is often more important than one’s beliefs and Biblical living.

The pivotal passage of 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17, shows us that the Spirit filled Christian must strive to believe in sound doctrine, and to conform his or her life to the Word of God. It says: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” These are the things that are important, not the desire to see some supposed miracle, new revelation, and so forth.

In this same chapter, in verses 6 and 7, Paul tells Timothy to beware of certain women who are weak. They claim to be believers, yet seek after new things from false teachers. They are never satisfied with the plain teaching of Scripture, and it never brings them to a life in Christ.

We must be mature, godly Christians. Ephesians 4:14 instructs us: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.”

Conclusion

When the Ninth World Congress of the International Council of Christian Churches met in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1975, it passed a statement on the Charismatic Movement. In conclusion, it stated: “Be it resolved that we publicly declare our opposition to, and our separation from, the Charismatic Movement and that we regularly alert our churches and people concerning the dangers of these Satanic delusions and pray that we may be filled with the Spirit of God which will be manifest by the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.”

The 22nd World Congress of the International Council of Christian Churches, meeting from July 22-29, 2026, in Nakuru, Kenya, reaffirms this statement passed by the ICCC 51 years ago.

Therefore: We urge all churches and individual Christians to diligently study the Word concerning the wonderful ministry of the Holy Spirit. We further warn that rather than seeking to perpetuate things which were only meant for the Apostolic age, such as miracles, tongues, new revelations, etc., that they look instead to follow God’s command to “Be ye holy, as I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16), to study and meditate on the Scriptures, to “pray without ceasing,” and to seek in all faithfulness to be obedient servants of Christ. Then, and only then, will God’s Spirit bless us and lead us in the way everlasting.

Resolution on Religious Persecution

Resolution on Religious Persecution

Aug 29, 2026

Whereas religious persecution today has reached levels never before seen in world history;

Whereas whole Christian populations have been eliminated or greatly reduced in places where Christians have lived since shortly after the time of Christ, or at least for many hundreds of years;

Whereas many Christians have been murdered, injured and detained around the world;

Whereas thousands of church buildings have been seized, burned, or demolished in many countries, both by individuals and governments; and

Whereas many governments are increasingly restricting and persecuting various churches and religious groups, and seeking to hinder their freedom to preach the Word of God;

Whereas we exhort all Bible believers to avoid and warn against any political or religious movements with beliefs and actions contrary to God’s Word and the Gospel; yet strongly oppose any actions of civil governments to discriminate and deny any group operating with the confines of just laws;

Therefore, Be It Resolved that the 22nd World Congress of the International Council of Christian Churches, meeting from July 22-29, 2026, in Nakuru, Kenya, East Africa, calls on the governments of all countries not only to strenuously uphold and promote religious liberty, but also to protect those of all religions from harm, and to restrain and punish all who seek to perpetrate harm against them;

Be it Further resolved that the International Council of Christian Churches calls upon governments to only punish aberrant groups which violate just laws, or inflict harm on their adherents or others, and not to use such occurrences as a reason to make blanket restrictions or intrusions on all religious groups. The Scriptures teach that man is responsible directly to God: “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12); and

Be it Further resolved that the International Council of Christian Churches calls upon Christians everywhere to be model citizens, respecting all laws of their respective nations which are just, and do not violate their duties as Bible believers. May we be shining examples in our display of the “fruit of the Spirit”: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23).

“Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10).

Resolution on Communism and Socialism

Resolution on Communism and Socialism

Aug 28, 2026

Whereas Communism and socialism are on the rise throughout the world, even in such capitalistic nations as the United States;

Whereas government mandated Communism* and socialism** are claimed to insure a more just and fair society;

Whereas both systems are inherently atheistic, giving to government that which belongs only to God;

Whereas many church groups, such as the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches are increasingly strident in advocating Communism and socialism by such aberrant philosophies as Liberation Theology;

Whereas government mandated Communism and socialism are a violation of the Word of God, in that it replaces God’s provision with government mandates and dependency, theft and envy:

     •  It is a violation of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), including “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” “Thou shalt not steal,” and “Thou shalt not covet.”

     •  “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

Whereas God’s primary way for us to support ourselves and our families is by diligent labor:

     •  “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground” (Genesis 3:19).

     •  “For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee” (Psalm 128:2).

     •  “… It is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion” (Ecclesiastes 5:18).

     •  “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

     • “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good …” (Ephesians 4:28a).

     • In Acts 18:3, the Apostle Paul mentioned that he actively worked as a tentmaker. Paul speaks in a number of other places of working with his hands so he would not be a burden on the church (1 Corinthians 4:12,
1 Thessalonians 2:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:8).

Whereas God commands employers to compensate their employees justly:

     •  “For the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7); “For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward” (1 Timothy 5:18);

     •  “Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth” (James 5:4);

     •  “Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work” (Jeremiah 22:13).

Whereas God, in His providence, does not promise equality in wealth to every person:

     •  “Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

     •  “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour” (1 Corinthians 3:8). This of course is speaking of spiritual reward, but also applies to the material examples given.

Whereas God commands individual Christians to joyfully and generously help the poor and those in need; and the Bible never instructs socialistic governments to steal from some to give to others:

     •  We are to labor so we “may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28b).

     •  “He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor” (Proverbs 22:9).

     •  “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

     •  “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).

     •  Our primary responsibility is to provide for our own families: “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8).

Therefore, Be It Resolved that the International Council of Christian Church, meeting in its 22nd World Congress, July 22-29, 2026, in Nakuru, Kenya, calls on all governments and politicians, in their role as a “minister of God to thee [all citizens] for good” (Romans 13) to:

     •  reject godless socialism and Communism, which have proved to be failed systems whenever they have been implemented over thousands of years;

     •  promote a just capitalism, which has proved to be the best system in history for human flouishing and is consistent with Biblical teaching;

     •  make it a top priority to eliminate any laws which hinder honest business opportunities, and to establish laws that will facilitate and encourage people in being able to support their families and help others in need.

     •  strictly eliminate sinful corruption in government, which adds to the suffering and detriment of its citizens; leadership in government is to be as a servant, not for undue personal enrichment.

Be It Further Resolved that all Bible believers, in keeping with the clear commands of Scripture:

     •  Seek the Lord in eliminating the sins of greed and selfishness in their lives (Philippians 2:3-4; Hebrews 13:5);

     •  Seek to live simply, so that they will be able to help those in need (Philippians 4:12);

     •  Have real gratitude to God for their material blessings, and genuine compassion on the poor (Ephesians 5:20).

     •  Be in fervent prayer for those in need, even though the many dire needs of brethren around the world far outpace what any one believer or church group may be able to alleviate (1 Timothy 2:1).

___________

** Communism, most prominently known by its Marxist form, is a political and economic philosophy which eliminates private property, and nationalizes the means of production, in an attempt to create a “classless society,” where all citizens are wards of the State.

** Socialism is a political and economic system which has collective ownership, “economic equality,” and public welfare as its goals. It focuses on sharing resources and claims to reduce the gap between rich and poor.

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly,
or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).