South End
Church of Christ
 4001 Taylor Blvd
Louisville, KY 40215

 

10 Facts About Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Aaron Erhardt

  1. Dwell means to inhabit or reside in

  2. The Holy Spirit dwells in Christians (Rom. 8:9-11) (1)

  3. The Father dwells in Christians (1 Jn. 4:12-16)

  4. The Son dwells in Christians (Eph. 3:17) (2)

  5. Christians dwell in God (1 Jn. 4:13-16) (3)

  6. The Spirit’s indwelling is metaphorical (4)

  7. Many things are said to dwell metaphorically (5)

  8. The Spirit dwells by faith (Gal. 3:2) (6)

  9. The Son dwells by faith (Eph. 3:17)

  10. Literal indwelling would require a miracle

Footnotes:

  1. The Spirit’s indwelling is taught in many passages, including 1 Cor. 3:16 and 2 Tim. 1:14.

  2. Eph. 3:17 tells us how Christ dwells in Christians: through faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). Therefore, it is not some direct or literal indwelling.

  3. Surely no one believes Christians literally dwell in God. If our dwelling in God is not literal, why would we think God’s dwelling in us is literal?

  4. The Spirit “dwelling in us” is a figure which denotes the close association and harmony that exists when the Word (which He revealed) is received and kept in our hearts.

  5. Sin dwells in sinners (Rom. 7:17), the word of Christ dwells in Christians (Col. 3:16), and Satan dwelt in Pergamum (Rev. 2:13). All of these things are said to dwell metaphorically.

  6. Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16 are parallel passages. When combined, we see that to be “filled with the Spirit” is to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Hence, it is by faith!
     

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