Read: Romans 8:9-13
He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies. (v. 11)
Within the body of Christ, there’s a wide range of convictions about the work of the Holy Spirit. Some church traditions emphasize the most visible signs of the Spirit’s presence, such as speaking in tongues and prophecy. Other traditions mention the Holy Spirit so seldom, one might wonder if they had forgotten the third person of the Trinity altogether.
In Romans 8, the apostle Paul emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s quiet presence and supernatural power. The first subtle sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence is the conviction that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (v. 1). Saving faith in Jesus is the first sign that you have the Spirit. But Paul argues that the Spirit is able to do immeasurably more than merely inspire faith in us.
The Holy Spirit is the original animating force in creation, our true life-giver. Paul reminds us that it was the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead (v. 11). If you believe in Jesus, you’ve already received his eternal life. This means you have all the life-giving power you need to face the demands of each day and all the courage you need to face a world of potential danger, plus you’ve already begun a new life, through the Holy Spirit, that will not end. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will sustain you in this life and raise you for the next. —Ben Van Arragon
As you pray, thank God for the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit’s resurrection life.
About the Author
Ben Van Arragon is the Minister of Worship and Leadership at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He preaches and teaches the Bible in church, online, and anywhere else he has the opportunity.
