Benefit of a Literal Indwelling?

That Christian Website ^ | 02/25/2011 | Travis Main

[hawkins]

Holy Spirit Indwelling Series – Part 5
Benefit of a Literal Indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

Going against the illustrations presented in the four previous articles which argued against a literal non-miraculous indwelling of the Holy Spirit in favor of a representative indwelling, this article will focus on examining “what if”. What if there was a non-miraculous indwelling of the Holy Spirit as some believe today? What purpose would the indwelling serve? Some kind and earnest Christians establish the indwelling of the Spirit is a sign of righteousness, provides faith and conviction, gives knowledge and wisdom, guides decision making, intercedes prayer, and much more. There are basic steps to determine if such a function is literal non-miraculous indwelling. Studying part of the Godhead is not an area which should be left to “I think” or speculation. In this article, the above functions will be examined by the scriptures and it shall be seen what is affirmed or must be discarded.

The initial article in this series proposed the indwelling of the Holy Spirit was a non-miraculous representational indwelling. It was described as a relationship in which man, adhering to the impact of God’s creation and Word, decided to come into obedience to God. At this point, man dwelled in God, God in man, man in the word, the word in man, etc. Man was not said to be literally in God, nor God in man, but there was unity of existence according to God’s word which made them one. Some men propose the Holy Spirit is literally in a man, because the Spirit must perform functions necessary for man. It is important to recognize if the Holy Spirit influences a man in anyway...

[ModelBreaker]

“It was described as a relationship in which man, adhering to the impact of God’s creation and Word, decided to come into obedience to God.”

Given original sin, how can anyone think this, by itself, is not miraculous?

[bibletruth]

Romans is a most excellent Bible Doctrine book for the first time believer to learn before digesting other books of the Bible; especially true to establish that today we are not saved by works of the law, but by the faith of Christ, and especially regarding how the Holy Spirit does literally indwells us "grace" believers, and how it is God who declares us to be SON's of God, not made by hands of a man-made pope (who is no leader of the Body of Christ [Colossians 1:18], nor is he the leader of the "true" Church, the "grace" believers In Christ):

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh... Also, consider our sonship establishment in Romans 8:14-16:

We are adopted as sons of God; we are not under the bondage of sin (law) to fear; IF we cry "Abba, Father".

And in Romans 8:17 ..."and joint-heirs with Christ; IF SO BE that we suffer with him, that we may be glorified together".

This is a IF condition: "if so be", it is not a blanket coverage in which all Christians are automatically enrolled into. I have solid doctrine study on this conditional statement, and few Christians have any correct understanding on the "if" conditions the our Apostle Paul instructs us in Romans. The inheritance attached to the define sonship is attained only on the condition expressed in this conditional clause. Paul was certain of it in his own case. Those who share Christ's suffering now will share in His glory, as a joint-heir, hereafter. It is necessary to begin by sharing His suffering in our lives today. And I personally have this suffering in my walk in Christ as an evangelist preaching the Gospel of Grace, faith alone in Christ alone, saved without works of the law, by the faith of Christ.