The Indwelling of the Spirit

There are many references that refer to the spirit of God, the spirit of the Father, the spirit of Christ, and the holy spirit residing within a child of God. Because these references seem to refer to different spirits residing within the children of God, some believe that these different spirits must be metaphors for philosophical concepts. However, the spirit of God (i.e., the holy spirit), the spirit of the Father, and the spirit of Christ all dwell within the children of God.

Understanding the indwelling of God's spirit is extremely important because it deals with core issues about how the children of the New Creation interact with God the Father, Christ, and the holy spirit.

The problem with the statements concerning the indwelling of these various spirits is not with what is said, it is with the lack of understanding of how the spirit of God is administered to, functions within, and empowers the children of God. Once these things are understood, all references concerning the indwelling of the spirit can be easily understood.

Note:

In order to solve the mystery of the indwelling of the various spirits noted in the scriptures, it is necessary to build a foundation of knowledge upon which to base the conclusions presented in this study. Therefore, if you have not read chapter six, The Spirit of God, please do so, because the information contained in it is critical to understanding the indwelling of the spirit.

ONE SPIRIT

Below are several scriptures, which establish that the spirit with which the Father and Christ create, animate, control, sustain, and influence all that exists is only a single power, energy, and force with many different attributes, functions, and qualities.

The Same Spirit

Paul was inspired to say that the Father's spirit-power is the power which performs various functions within and for the children of God:

"But there are differences of gifts, but the same spirit; and there are differences of ministries, yet the same Lord. And there are differences of workings, but the same God is working all things in all. But to each one is given the manifestation of the spirit to benefit all of us. For through the spirit is given to one a word of wisdom; and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same spirit; and to another, faith by the same spirit. and to another gifts of healing by the same spirit But the one and the same spirit works all these

things, distributing separately to each as he wills" (1.Cor.12:4-9;11 Para.).

Spirit of Baptism

"For we all were baptized by one spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and all were given to drink of one spirit" (1.Cor.12:13 Para.).

Paul tells the Corinthians that they were placed into the Family of God by the power of one spirit and that they all received benefits through this same spirit-power.

Access to the Father

"For through him [Jesus] we both have access by one spirit to the Father" (Eph.2:18 Para.).

It is through the office of Jesus Christ and the one spirit that we have access to the Father.

The Unity of One Spirit

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called. With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and in you all" (Eph.4:1-6 KJV).

Paul encourages the Ephesians to maintain unity and love among themselves as they walk with God through the one spirit that binds them together in the body of Christ.

The Divine Nature

It is through the Father's spirit-power that all of his children partake of his divine nature:

"Grace to you, and peace be multiplied by the full knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. As his divine power has given to us all things pertaining to life and godliness, through the full knowledge of the One [the Father] calling us through glory and virtue, by which means he has given to us the very great and precious promises, so that through these you might be partakers of the divine nature, escaping from the corruption in the world by lust" (2.Pet.1: 3-4 Para.).

God the Father, the Father of spirits (Heb.12:9), imparts his spirit to those called to salvation. And through his energy and power, he transforms a person into his spiritual son and gives them his divine spiritual nature.

God the Father has only one spirit, which is referred to in many places as his spirit, the holy spirit, the spirit of God, and the spirit. Although there is only one spirit of God, there are many different spirit-beings, and there are people who are composed of spirit and physical substance (e.g., humanity, children of God). Whether totally spirit or spirit and physical, all beings exist and are sustained by the power and force of the Father's spirit.

A logical conclusion that can be reached from the scriptures that we have reviewed to this point is that the spirit of God (i.e., his power, energy, and force) is a single energy/power, not many different individual spirits.

INDIVIDUAL SPIRITS

The Father, Christ, and the children of God each have an individual spirit that is unique to them alone. Moreover, the holy spirit, the spirit of the Father and the spirit of Christ, all reside within a child of God:

The Holy Spirit

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy spirit to them that ask?" (Lk.11:13 KJV).

"And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the holy spirit, whom God has given to them that obey him" (Acts 5:32 KJV). See also Jn.14:15-17; 17:21-22; Rom.8:14.

A short review of the scriptures in which the holy spirit and the spirit of God are referred to shows that they are the same spirit. This spirit belongs to the Father who administers it through Jesus Christ. See Lk.3:16, Jn.1:33; Acts 11:15-16; Gal.3:1-5; Eph.2:13-15.

The Spirit of the Father

"But if the spirit of the Father that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the Father that raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies live through the indwelling of the spirit in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh; for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the spirit you put to death the practices of the body, you will live. For as many as are lead by the spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Rom.8:11-14 Para.). See also1.Jn.4:10-16.

"And he that keeps his commandments dwells in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the spirit which he has given us" (1.Jn.3:24 KJV). See Acts 5:32.

These scriptures show that those who have the spirit of God are sons of God and the Father dwells in his sons and his sons dwell in him through the power of his spirit.

The Spirit of Christ

"But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father" (Gal.4:4-6 KJV).

Here, Paul speaks of Christ, his sacrifice for humanity, and the sending forth of his spirit by the Father into the hearts of the elect:

"And those who are in the flesh are not able to please God. But you are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, since the spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone has not the spirit of Christ this one is not his. But Christ is in you, the body is indeed dead because of sin, but the spirit is life because of righteousness" (Rom.8:8-10 Para.).

The holy spirit, and the spirit of Christ must dwell within a person for them to be considered a child of God and accounted as a righteous individual:

"But if Christ is in you, the body indeed is dead because of sin, but the spirit is life because of righteousness" (Rom.8:19 Para.).

The Spirits of the Father and Christ

"If anyone loves me, he will keep My word, and my Father shall love him, And we shall come to him, and shall make a dwelling place with him" (Jn.14:23 Para.).

Clearly, the Father and Christ dwell within a child of God.

The Human Spirit

"Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen" (Gal.6:18 KJV). See also 1.Tim.5:23; 2.Tim.4:22; Phm.1:25.

A child of God who is of the New Creation also has a spirit. The Father, Jesus Christ, and the children of God each individually have a spirit that is unique to themselves.

THE CONCEPT OF ONENESS

The scriptures that speak of the concept of oneness in reference to the Father, his spirit, Christ, and the sons of God are about more than just philosophical ideas. These scriptures speak of being one in attitude, thought, and mind. Moreover, they speak of the reality of spirit substance as a foundation and basis of oneness.

In order to explain the concept of oneness to the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul used the physical body as an example:

1.Corinthians 12:13-18; 26-27

"For we were all baptized by one spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and all were given to drink of one spirit" (v13 Para.).

It is by the power of one spirit (the Father's holy spirit) that each child of God is brought into the spiritual body of Christ (i.e., the Church). And it is through this same spirit that they derive spiritual benefits.

One Body, Many Members

"For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? if the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now has God set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased him" (vs.14-18 KJV).

Although there are many individuals with their own unique personalities within the body of Christ, each has a responsibility to work in unity in order to help fulfill the purpose of the collective body of Christ:

"And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (vs.26-27 KJV).

Because of the oneness and unity that must be within the body of Christ, whatever affects one member affects all members.

The Oneness of the Father and Christ

While speaking to the Jews about the Father, Jesus says, "I and the Father are one" (Jn.10:30 KJV).

The Greek language shows that Jesus was speaking of the concept of unity and oneness. Indeed, the Father and Christ are one; they are of one spirit, one kind, one purpose, one mind, one attitude, and one opinion.

Notice what Jesus says in defense of his statements about the father-son relationship between him and his heavenly Father:

"Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, 'I said, you are gods'? If he called them gods with whom the word of God was—and the scripture cannot be broken—do you say of him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, You blaspheme, because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe me. But if I do , and even if you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may perceive and believe that the Father is in me, and I in him" (Jn.10:34-38 Para.). See also Jn.14:9-11.

This scripture shows that the Father is in Christ and Christ is in the Father. But how could this be? This situation can exist because the Father gave Christ of his spirit; therefore, Christ was of the New Creation: a member of the God family, and a partaker of the Father's divine nature.

The Oneness of the God Family

Just before his crucifixion, Jesus prayed for the preservation and unity of the apostles and others who would believe in him through their teaching:

"Neither do I pray for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as you Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me. And the glory which you gave me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and you in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them, as you have loved me" (Jn.17:20-23 Para.). See also Jn.15: 1-7.

Being one with God the Father and Jesus Christ is very important to understand, because it deals with many core issues pertaining to the God family and the New Creation.

A truly converted person has the same spirit and genetic imprint as God the Father and Jesus Christ, which makes them a member of the spiritual Family of God, just as the Father and Christ are members.

After reading Jesus' entire prayer on this subject, one can easily understand that Jesus was not asking the Father to bring everyone (or all the apostles) together into a single spirit entity; he was asking the Father to set those called to salvation apart from the world, protect them, and draw them into a unity of purpose, mind, attitude, and opinion.

The ultimate goal of the Father and Christ for those called to salvation is that they obtain immortality in the Family of God, which can only be accomplished if there is a unity of spirit, effort, and purpose between the Father, Jesus Christ, and the children of God.

Although the Father and Christ are composed of the same spirit substance, they are not one entity; they are separate, individual spirit beings with their own unique personalities in the same sense as humans are individuals and are unique in personality.

It is logical that, because the Father, Christ, and the elect of God are all partakers of the same spirit-power, energy, and force that is used to create, animate, control, sustain, and influence all that exists, all of them should have a oneness of being.

THE SENDING OF THE SPIRIT

Before and after his death and resurrection, Jesus promised to send the holy spirit to assist those whom the Father calls to salvation:

"And he said, Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day; and that this message of salvation should be taken from Jerusalem to all the nations; There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me. You have seen these prophecies come true. And now I will send the holy spirit upon you, just as my Father promised. Don't begin telling others yet—stay here in the city until the holy spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven" (Lk.24:46-49 LBP).

"If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will petition the Father, and he will give you another comforter that it may remain with you forever the spirit of truth, which the world cannot receive because it does not see it, nor know it. But you know it, for it abides with you, and shall be in you" (Jn.14:15-17 Para.). See also Jn.16: 13-14; Acts 1:4-8.

Luke records that Jesus said that he would send the spirit and John records that Jesus said he would ask the Father to send the holy spirit. Although this is a seemingly small point, it needs to be explained in order to eliminate confusion and to again confirm that Jesus is the administrator of the Father's spirit-power to his children.

THOSE AGAINST CHRIST

At the close of the first age of the New Covenant Church, the apostle John was inspired to speak of many things concerning the relationship between the Father, Jesus Christ, the children of God, and those who oppose and reject the truth concerning Christ and his relationship to the Father and his children.

One of the things that John stresses in his writings is that the spirit of God residing within the children of God separates them from the world, makes them sinless, and reveals to them those who oppose and reject Christ and the Father.

"Young ones, it is the last hour and as you heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have risen up; from which you know that it is a last hour. They went out from us, but were not of us. For if they were of us, they would have remained with us; but they left so that it might be revealed that they were not of us" (1.Jn.2: 18-19 Para).

John repeats a known prophecy to those whom he was writing and tells them that its fulfillment was in progress at that time. He goes on to say that those who were against Christ at that time were never true sons of God and by leaving the true body of Christ, they had revealed their true nature and purpose.

John confirms that those who have the spirit of God have the knowledge and ability to discern truth from error in spiritual matters:

"And you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I did not write to you because you did not know the truth, but because you know it, and because every lie is not of the truth" (1.Jn.2:20-21 Para.).

People who lie about spiritual matters will be known by people who have the spirit of God within them, because the spirit of God reveals truth. See Jn.14:17; 15:26; 16:12-13; 1.Cor.2:12-13.

Who is a Liar?

Those who are against Christ, do not teach the truth concerning Jesus as the Creator God and Savior of humanity. They also deny the individuality of the Father and the Son:

"Who is the liar, except the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? The one who denies the Father and the Son is the antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father. The one who confesses the Son truly has the Father" (1.Jn.2:22-23 Para.).

Only those who believe the truth concerning the Father and the Son have the spirit of God; all others are liars in God's eyes.

"What you heard from the beginning, let it abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you will abide both in the Father and in the Son" (1.Jn.2:24 Para.).

The truly converted people of the first age of the church understood exactly what John was saying concerning the Father, Christ, and the spirit of God, because they were taught the mysteries about the plan of God by the apostles. However, this knowledge was lost when the organized church disappeared shortly after the apostle John's death. Now, in the last age of the church, this knowledge is again necessary and is being revealed to those whom the Father is calling to salvation. See Dan.12: 1-10; Matt.13:10-12; 1.Cor.4:1; Rom.16:24-26.

The Sinless

John speaks of the purity and sinlessness of those who practice righteousness and have the spirit of God:

"Everyone who remains in him does not sin. Everyone who continues to sin has not seen him, nor known him" (1.Jn.3:6 Para.).

The English word seen is translated from the Greek horao, which means to stare at, to discern, or to perceive.

The children of God who reside in Christ remain sinless because they understand the things pertaining to Christ, whereas sinners cannot understand or know God:

"Little children, let no one lead you astray; the one practicing righteousness, is righteous, even as the One is righteous. The one practicing sin is of the Devil, because the Devil sins from the beginning. For this the Son of God was revealed, that he undo [destroy] the devil's works" (1.Jn.3:7-8 Para.).

The works of the Devil refers to the deception of Eve, which resulted in humanity being placed under the death sentence for the violation of God's righteous law. Christ has destroyed the Devil's work through his righteousness, his life, and his perfect sacrifice. Thereby, he removed the death sentence for those who obey God.

The Seed

"Everyone being begotten of God does not sin, because his seed [spirit of God] abides in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God" (1.Jn.3:9 Para.).

It is impossible to understand what John is saying here, unless one understands that the spirit of God the Father that resides within his children keeps them in a sinless condition before him. As long as a child of God seeks to live a righteous life and does not willfully and habitually practice sin, no sin is imputed to them. This is because Christ lives in the children of God through the spirit of God; therefore, his righteous qualifications are also imputed to those who possess the Father's holy spirit. See Rom.8:33-34; 1.Jn.1:1-7; 2:1-2; 5:18.

"By this the children of God and the children of the Devil are revealed: Everyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God; neither is the one who does not love his brother" (1.Jn.3:10 Para.).

Good and Evil Spirits

In the first three verses of John, chapter four, John speaks of testing for evil influence and he shows that a major key in this testing process is the understanding that Christ's spirit resides within the children of God:

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, to see if they are from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world" (1.Jn.4:1 Para.). See Matt.24:4-5; 1.Thes.5:21-22; 2.Cor. 11:3-15.

It is important to remember that John spoke about spiritual influence from spirit-beings who inhabit the spirit dimension of existence of which the children of God are also a part. See Jn.15:18-19; 17:14.

Almost all opposition to the Father, Christ, and the children of God comes from the evil influence of these spirit-beings; therefore, it is extremely important for God's children to be able to discern the difference between a good and an evil influence. See 1.Cor.2:11-16.

Jesus Christ is Come in the Flesh

"By this know the spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. And every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God; and is the antichrist which you heard is coming and now is already in the world" (1.Jn.4:2-3 Para.).

John says that a child of God can determine if a spirit (i.e., a spiritbeing or spiritual influence) is from God if it acknowledges that Christ has come in the flesh. If this acknowledgment is not made, this spirit or spiritual influence is evil and against Christ.

On the surface, it seems that the formula John gives for determining the character of a spirit-being or spiritual influence is simple and direct, which it is. However, the key to understanding John's instructions is understanding what he means when he says, "Jesus Christ has come in the flesh."

Most people will admit that Jesus Christ lived and was a religious leader. Some will acknowledge that he was a prophet and some will acknowledge him as the prophetic Savior of humanity. However, very few truly understand or will acknowledge him as the Creator God who became the Savior, died, was resurrected, and now lives in the flesh of the children of God.

THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST IN YOU

In speaking to the Ephesians, Galatians, and Colossians, Paul reminds them of the importance of Christ, who resides within them.

To the Ephesians

"Whereby when you read, You may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit" (Eph.3:4-5 KJV).

To the Galatians:

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal.2:20 KJV).

Paul says that his past life is dead through the application of Christ's sacrifice. The old Paul died at baptism, and a new Paul was born with Christ living in him:

"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you. I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you" (Gal.4:19-20 KJV).

In speaking to the Galatians about his concern for their spiritual growth, Paul uses the Greek word morphoo, which means to form, to fashion, and to take on form (especially in the womb).

This is the only place in the New Testament where this Greek word is used in the context of growth. Paul's concern for the Galatians’ deteriorating spiritual condition reached the point that he had serious doubts that Christ's spirit was ever within them.

To the Colossians

"Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; Even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but is now made manifest to the Saints; To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col.1:25-27 KJV).

The mystery of how Jesus Christ lives in the flesh of every child of God was understood by those of the first age of the church and this important knowledge can also be understood today by those who have the spirit of God residing within them.

HE THAT IS IN YOU

"Little children, you are of God and have overcome them, because he in you is greater than he in the world" (1.Jn.4:4 Para.).

John says the children of God have overcome those who were against Christ through Christ who lives within them.

"They are of the world; therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God; the one knowing God hears us. Whosoever is not of God does not hear us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" (1.Jn.4:5-6 Para.)

Only those who have the spirit of God dwelling within them are truly able to understand and discern spiritual matters. See 1.Cor.2:9-13.

The Indwelling of the Father

"No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and his love having been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him, and he in us, because of his spirit he has given to us" (1.Jn.4:12-13 Para.). See Lk.24:46-49; Acts 5:32.

The Father also resides within his children, his love is perfected in his children, and his spirit is evidence of sonship in the Family of God.

John Speaks of the Father

"And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God" (1.Jn.4:14-15 Para.).

The Father sent the Creator God to earth to become his Son and the Savior of humanity. Only those who truly understand and acknowledge this fact will have the Father residing within them and they will reside within the Father.

"And we have known and have believed the love which God has in us. God is love, and the one abiding in love abides in God, and God in him" (1.Jn.4:16 Para).

The Day of Judgment

"Love has been perfected in us by this, that we have confidence in the day of judgment, that as he is, we also are in this world" (1.Jn. 4:17 Para.).

John speaks of the perfection of the Father's love through the confidence one can have of obtaining salvation through the knowledge that, as they are living in this world, the spirit of God is living in them.

THE PROPHETIC SALVATION

"Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you, searching what, or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow" (1.Pet.1:10-11 KJV).

The apostle Peter says that the salvation which the sons of God now have was searched for by the prophets who had the spirit of Christ. They only had the spirit of Christ, because the Father's spirit is only given to those of the New Creation under the terms and conditions of the New Covenant.

The Promise of a New Covenant

"Behold the days come, says the Lord, that I will cut a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah, not according to the covenant that I cut with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—which covenant of mine they broke, although I was a husband to them, says the Lord. But this shall be the covenant that I will cut with the house of Israel: After those days, declares the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (Jer.31:31-33 Para.). See also Heb.8:8-11.

As the administrator of the holy spirit, the Creator God foretells the time when the Father, through the power of his spirit, would place his righteous law within those he has chosen to be his sons.

UNDER THE NEW COVENANT

"But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, having come out of a woman, having come under the law, that he might redeem the ones under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba! Father!" (Gal.4: 4-6 Para.).

Under the New Covenant, the Father not only cancels our death sentence but also makes us his sons and places the holy spirit (his personal spirit) and the spirit of Christ into our very being.

The Indwelling of the Spirits

"And those being in the flesh are not able to please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the spirit, since the spirit of God dwells in you" (Rom.8:9 Para.).

"But if the spirit of the One [the Father] having raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the One [the Father] having raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies live through the indwelling of the spirit [the spirit of God] in you" (Rom.8:11Para.).

"Jesus answered and said to him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our abode with him" (Jn.14:21; 15:1-7 KJV). See also Gal.6: 18; Phm.1:25.

The following are facts that we have learned about the holy spirit of God and the indwelling of the spirit:

• The holy spirit and the spirit of God are the same thing.
• The holy spirit is a thing and not a living being.
• The holy spirit is the Father's energy, power, and force through which he creates, animates, controls, sustains, and influences all that exists. This same spirit-energy and power has many different attributes, functions, and qualities.
• The Father is the Sovereign of the holy spirit and he administers its various powers, attributes, functions, and qualities through Jesus Christ.
• The Father, Jesus Christ, and the children of God are separate and individual beings, and each has their own unique personality and spirit.
• The Father has placed his holy spirit within Jesus Christ and those called to salvation.
• The Father and Jesus Christ dwell within those called to salvation, and those called to salvation dwell in the Father and Jesus Christ.
• The mystery of the holy spirit, the spirit of the Father, and the spirit of Christ was understood by those of the early church and will be understood by the church just before Christ returns.

TWO QUESTIONS TO ANSWER

1. How can the holy spirit, the spirit of the Father, and the spirit of Christ dwell in those called to salvation?
2. How can those called to salvation dwell in the Father and Christ?

The solution to these questions is extremely simple once we understand the following:

• God the Father is the Sovereign of all that exists; he is an immortal spirit-being and the source of all energy and power.
• The energy and power that emanates from the Father is called the holy spirit, the spirit of God, or the spirit.
• The Father has absolute control over his limitless energy and power and can use it for anything he desires.
• It is through the Father's power (the holy spirit) that he transforms humans into his children and imparts various spirit-powers, attributes, and qualities to them.

CONCLUSIONS:

Genetics

Remember that Jesus says, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as you Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me. And the glory which you gave me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and you in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them, as you have loved me" (Jn.17:20-23 KJV).

Just as humans inherit genetic material from their parents, all who are of the Family of God, including Jesus Christ, inherit the Father's genetics. It is the Father who conceives us and gives us birth into the spirit-realm of existence through his creative power.

Because the children of God and Jesus Christ have the Father's genetic imprint, they are truly sons of the Father and brothers of Jesus Christ; they are of the same genesis and family. See 1.Jn.4:12-15.

Differences

Although humans are of the same genesis, they are each unique (e.g., physical appearance, life experiences, mannerisms, skills, talents, and personality). Although the Father and Jesus Christ are of the same genesis, they are also unique. They are unique in power, glory, appearance, experiences, mannerisms, skills, talents, and personality.

At Spirit Birth

When a person is transformed into a child of God through the Father's spirit-power, they are not only given the holy spirit, which dwells within them and empowers them as sons of God, but also they are given some personal and individual spiritual qualities that are unique to the Father and Jesus Christ, which become a part of their character and personality.

Moreover, the Father imparts his laws, love, and other personal attributes and qualities that he wants a child of his to have and mature in as they grow toward spiritual perfection.

Once the Father has placed his holy spirit with its various attributes, functions, qualities and powers within each new son, the Father and Christ become one with the new son, and the new son is one with them, because they all partake of the same spirit-energy, power, and genetic make-up. Therefore, all are truly in each other to the extent that they all have things they share in common with one another.

By B.L. Cocherell b6w8