THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST WITHIN ALL BELIEVERS
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The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the living Christ. All the attributes of Christ, the Son of God, exist in the Holy Spirit. It is that Spirit that lives within all believers… our Immanuel… Jesus with us.
The Holy Spirit is not just a force or influence. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. For there is one God who exists in three persons… Father, Son and Spirit. The three are one eternal and everlasting God. The Holy Spirit is one with the Father and the Son. He is God within all who believe.
Perhaps the least understood person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is our connection with God the Father and God the Son here on earth. Jesus is seated in heaven at the right hand of God the Father. During His time of ministry, Jesus was present with His followers.
After His resurrection, the Holy Spirit came to be the presence of Jesus on earth. At Pentecost, the believers were baptized with the Holy Spirit. Since that time, all who profess belief in Jesus are filled with the Spirit of Christ… marking them for eternity as God’s children.
We come to a better understanding of the Holy Spirit when we see how He acts in the lives of those who believe…
† The Holy Spirit gives us new life
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” – Titus 3:5-7
The Spirit draws us to salvation in Christ. He convinces us of our sin and our need for a Savior. When we repent and receive Jesus, His Spirit unites with our spirit. We are regenerated, recreated, spiritually reborn. Our sins are washed away by the blood of our Lord. We are made new… alive in Christ.
† The Holy Spirit indwells us
“He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” – 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
The Spirit assures us that we belong to God. When the presence of Christ comes to live within us in the person of the Holy Spirit, we are sealed for all eternity. We belong to Jesus, His kingdom, His family. We are guaranteed eternal life with Him. His Spirit becomes our Comforter… forever with us… the promise of our salvation.
† The Holy Spirit sanctifies us
“You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:11
The Spirit sets us apart as God’s own children. He leads us on our lifelong path toward righteousness… our road of sanctification. Through faith in Christ, we become more and more like our Savior. As we abide in Him and He abides in us, we daily grow in holiness and Christlikeness. One day, when Jesus returns, we will be like Him… perfect and holy.
† The Holy Spirit teaches us
“The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” – John 14:26
The Spirit is our Counselor, our Teacher. He leads us into all truth and imparts to us all wisdom. We are not to ignore or deny the Holy Spirit in our lives. He reminds us of the words of Jesus. Scripture is illuminated in the Spirit’s presence. His words become a part of us, changing us from within. As we listen to Him, we learn the right, godly, holy way to live.
† The Holy Spirit guides us
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” – Romans 8:14
The Spirit is our Helper, our Encourager. For the Spirit is the very presence of Jesus. He leads us to God’s plan and purpose… His perfect will for us. He helps us live the Christian life, walking in the love of Christ. His presence strengthens us and gives us courage to carry on as children of God. We are inspired to live our lives to glorify Christ.
† The Holy Spirit intercedes for us
“He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” – Romans 8:27
The Spirit is our Advocate. He is a powerful person on our side fighting for us. When we know not the words to pray, He speaks for us. For He knows the perfect will of God and will intercede for us accordingly. He is our Intercessor with Jesus before the Father, working all for our good and God’s glory.
† The Holy Spirit empowers us
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere.” – Acts 1:8
The Spirit infills us with His power. He is our Power Source. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives within us. We appropriate this power to daily live our lives for Jesus. He equips us with the boldness, confidence and faith to be God’s witnesses here on earth.
The presence and power of Jesus dwells in His followers in the person of the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of God now lives and reigns in the hearts of all believers. Jesus is spiritually present everywhere His Spirit dwells. His Spirit allows Him to be with and within His followers. He is always with us and will never leave us. For to have the Holy Spirit is to have Jesus Himself.
