May 3, 2008

Romans 8:9 - "however, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him."

Coming off the preceding verses we realize that the one who is truly in the flesh is incapable of pleasing God, and is in fact hostile. Thus, knowing this, the person who can have friendship with God is marked by one thing: The Holy Spirit.

Note: You are not saved, a true believer, unless you have the Spirit.

This verse does much to shatter the theology of much of the charismatic world, and those who adopt a Schaeffarian view of sanctification. The phrase "if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you" reminds the reader of 2 Corinthians 13:5. Also note the unity of the godhead in this verse: The Spirit of God is then called the Spirit of Christ. Just as I might say to my wife: "Honey, thank you for doing such and so. Oh, and sweetie, do you think that you could hep me?" You wouldn't think I was talking bout someone else - so don' do it here with the Holy Spirit - they are not two, but one and the same!