Is the Holy Spirit our Substitute?
(Luke 2:52; Romans 12:2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 10:31; 1 John 3:1-3) Blog 11-17 Dec. 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Adan chose death for the human race, but Jesus came as the new Representative of humanity and opened the door to eternal life for all who believe in him. This hope will be realized when he comes again. Since immortality is only given to the righteous, the wicked will not burn in hell forever, but rather be consumed, both root and branch.
The Body
1. What is the place of the body in Christian living? If we follow Greek or Gnostic thinking, then the body is only a hindrance to true spirituality & godly living. But the Bible gives great importance to the body & how we use it (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20, 10:31; 3 John 2).
2. What did Jesus have to say about the body? Jesus warned about our bodies being cast into hell & he compared his body to the temple, saying that he would restore it in three days (Matt. 5:29-30; John 2:21).
3. How does Luke show the importance of the body in Jesus’ childhood? Luke says that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man, showing that the body, like the mind and soul, are all important (Luke 2:52).
4. During what portion of life does Paul say that the health of the body is important? Paul writes that it is important to preserve our bodies until Christ’s second coming for that is part of our sanctification (2 Thes. 5:23).
5. What must we recognize about our bodies? We must recognize that it is appointed unto humans to die once & that despite all our good health habits, our bodies are continually deteriorating and will end in death unless Jesus returns first (2 Cor. 4:16; Heb. 9:27).
6. What is one reason why the church on earth is so important? The church on earth is very important for it is the body of Christ that he feeds, nourishes, & washes with his Word (Eph. 5:23-30).
The Mind
7. What role does the mind play in living the Christian life? To do good it is necessary for the mind to first know what is good. Therefore, the mind must be educated in the things of God to live a proper Christian life (Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 1:23).
8. How does Jesus show the importance of the mind? When asked about the great commandment, Jesus included the mind as part of the way we are to love God (Matt. 22:37; Luke 24:25-27).
9. What kind of mind should the Christian have? Christians should have the mind of Christ, his understanding of righteousness & truth (1 Cor. 2:16; Phil. 2:5).
10. What would “the mind of Christ” be called today? Today “the mind of Christ” would be called a Christian or Biblical Worldview.
11. What should a Biblical Worldview include? A Biblical Worldview would include a correct understanding of origins, destiny, & how we should live in this world (Gen. 1:1; Psa. 119:133; Heb. 9:27-28; 34; 1 Pet. 2:21).
12. What does God promise to write in the mind of a believer? God promises to write his Law in the mind of a believer (Heb. 8:10).
13. What does God’s Law in our hearts help us to do? The Law of God written in our hearts helps us to live godly lives & overcome sin (Psa. 37:31; 119:11, 105).
The Spirit
14. In order to do God’s will, what else does the Christian need besides a functioning body and an informed mind? In order to do God’s will we need the aide of the Holy Spirit who places love in our hearts, guides us in the right way, & teaches us the truth (Psa. 32:8; John 16:13; Rom. 5:5; 1 John 2:27).
15. Who alone receive God’s indwelling Holy Spirit? Those who believe in Jesus are the only ones who receive God’s indwelling Holy Spirit. This truth eliminates all pantheistic ideas that God dwells in everyone or everything (John 7:39; 14:17; Rom. 5:1, 5).
16. Is the Holy Spirit given to Christians as a substitute who lives the godly life in them? No, Jesus is our only Substitute. The Holy Spirit is given to come alongside Christians & help them live godly lives (John 14:16-17, 26; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Rom. 8:14).
17. How does living a godly life prepare us for eternity? Only those who are living a godly life will receive the final outpouring (latter rain) of God’s Spirit & be glorified in preparation for eternity. A mere profession of Christianity does not bring the perfecting Holy Spirit to anyone (Matt. 7:21; Acts 3:19; Rom. 2:10; 8:17; 1 John 3:3).
19. What can we do to keep from losing the salvation we have in Jesus? If we are striving to grow in grace by climbing the ladder of sanctification, we will not lose our salvation but will receive the prize of perfection given at glorification (Phil. 3:12-14; Heb. 10:26-27, 36; 2 Pet. 1:5-11).