IF CHRIST IS IN YOU - PART 4

SATURDAY 17 AUGUST 2024

If Christ is in you, you are fully liberated from the law of sin and death. You have entered into the realm of life through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, and this truth wields a powerful effect in our human bodies, as long as you refrain from living in accordance with the dictates of the flesh and its carnal ways. Have you ever compared an ordinary carnal man with us, the heavenly ones? The difference is always clear because a man with Christ in him (just like my humble self) - is larger than or far superior to mortal men, meaning that the earthly experiences of a carnal man and his behavioural inclination dwindle into death, while that of the born again Christian manifest life and peace. Got it? More below!

Reference: Romans 8:9-10 New International Version (NIV)

"You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness."

If Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. In other words, the Spirit of God is more than able to save the body of those who are born again Christians from being subject to death. Moreover, I mentioned in the previous article that just as the human body is subject to death, the human soul is also subject to death when focused on evil-inclined pursuit, except the soul that is governed or controlled by the Spirit (see Romans 8:6 NIV). The soul that is governed or controlled by the Spirit constantly feeds on and lives by the Word of God. To that effect, James 1:21 reads, "So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your SOULS" (NLT).

Now watch this: Here is what the presence of Christ does in a born again Christian: He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him. Mark the word, "Completely." This truth is in accordance with the versified statement numbered as Hebrews 7:25, which reads, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them" (NIV). To save "completely" denotes that Christ in a man doesn't just signify that the spirit of the man is now born of God (recreated), it also means that the soul and body of that man can be utterly saved - by the renewal of the mind through the governing influence of the Spirit and by subjecting the body's deeds to the quickening ability of the same Spirit.

The AMP translation of Hebrews 7:25 reads, "Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God]." So the word, "COMPLETELY" is worthy of notice because it has to do with saving the tripartite nature of mankind (spirit, soul and body). In this regard, even a body subject to death due to sickness or terminal disease can be saved by the presence of Christ, if indeed, the Holy Spirit lives in that temple. This is exactly what apostle Paul meant when He wrote:

"And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation - but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live" (Romans 8:11-13 NIV). 

I believe that the above versified passage is self-explanatory. Therefore, it is a great delight that the gods of God are made perfect in practising how to set their hearts upon the things of the Spirit and lay hold on eternal life which is evidently at work in their spirit, soul, and body. Stay tuned for part 5. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Romans 7:5; Colossians 3:5; Romans 8:2; Ephesians 5:18.

Guided Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of righteousness and eternal life, plus the influences of your Spirit constantly displayed in my spirit, soul and body. I'm forever grateful for the firm inspiration of the Spirit and His gracious gifts ingrained into my inward being and infused into my soul by faith, in Jesus' Name, Amen!