Often we hear people say that the Bible very plainly declares the the Holy Spirit is in us, works in us and dwells in us. However, the Bible just as plainly declares that both God and Christ dwell in us, live in us and walk in us. Many of the New Testament writers plainly state that the Holy Spirit’s work and presence in us is representative – through the teachings of the New Testament which was revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives us faith, but “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). The Spirit begets us, but we are begotten “by the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15). By the Spirit we are quickened (made alive), but “thy word hath quickened me” (Psalm 119:50). We are born of the Spirit, but we are born of the incorruptible Word of God (1 Peter 1:22-23). By the Spirit we are saved, yet we are saved “by the gospel” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). James says the gospel is able to save (James 1:21). Paul says that the gospel is the “power” of salvation (Romans 1:16). The cleansing of the heart is by the Spirit, but the disciples were clean “because of the word” (John 15:3).
The soul is purified by the Spirit of God, but it is purified in “obedience” to the truth (1 Peter 1:22). The Spirit which fills us, dwells in us by the rich indwelling of the “word of Christ” (Colossians 3:16). The Spirit of God is resisted when the Word of God is rejected (Acts 7:51). The Spirit gives us growth when we desire “the sincere milk of the word” and “grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). The Spirit works in all in whom “the Word of God worth effectually” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
From the above statements it is obvious that every action of the Holy Spirit on the heart of the sinner or in the heart of the Christian is effected by the Word of God. It is our responsibility to study to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). A proper understating of how God’s Holy Spirit works is essential to please Him.
-Glenn Ramsey
