The Spirit's Witness

The moment we were redeemed by God’s grace through the blood of Jesus Christ, “the forgiveness of sins” (Eph 1:7), we “have received the Spirit of adoption” (v. 15), into the family of God (Jn 1:12). Our salvation is assured by the Spirit Himself, Who “beareth witness with our spirit,” that we are indeed “the children of God!” Before being saved, our spirit was “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph 2:1). Now, His presence in our lives becomes evident, because our spirit is quickened or made alive. And our bodies become “the temple of the Holy Ghost” (1 Cor 6:19). Therefore, we should never take the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:13), in our lives for granted.

His loving presence and desire to fellowship with us is one of the surest ways to know that we have been “born again” (Jn 3:7); “by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5). We communicate to God through our prayers, and the Spirit even helps us with our infirmities by making “intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (v. 28). He creates within us a spiritual “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Mt 5:6), whenever we study and listen to His word (Col 3:16).

 He gives us directions along the pathway of life (Prov 12:28), and warns us of impending dangers (Isa 30:21). But we must obey His voice so we can “dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil” (Prov 1:33)! Our Divine Comforter (Jn 14:16), is like a loving mother who wraps her arms around that insecure baby every day. The Spirit loves us deeply and wants us to bear His fruit (Gal 5:22), “more abundantly” (Jn 10:10). Paul reminds us that we are God’s heirs “and joint-heirs with Christ” (v. 17). Since God owns everything (Ps 24:1), He promised to supply all our needs (Php 4:19). However, the fulness of our inheritance will not come to fruition until we get to Heaven (Jn 14:2)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera