The Psychology of Salvation, Part 5: The Spirit and Me

Found at: http://hischarisisenough.wordpress.com/2012/05/31/does-the-holy-spirit-actually-convict-you-of-sins-4/

Paul wrote several passages that hint at the work of the Holy Place. In Galatians 5:22-25 he lists the fruits of the Spirit “against such there is no law. Anyone who belongs to Christ Jesus has crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

There are two important points here. First, just as Christ’s sacrifice was symbolized in the courtyard at the altar, so we are reminded to sacrifice our sinful nature. We are to walk away from the passions and desires that made so much sense before we were converted. Elsewhere Paul says, “Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2.

In this passage we see the courtyard where we sacrifice the things our unconverted selves crave. Then we enter the Holy Place to have our minds taken apart, cleaned, and carefully reassembled in the light of the Spirit. Then we are able to discern the will of God! What a gift. It’s all about growing along a trellis that He has built.

But the second point is that the fruit of the Spirit is not fruit for just us to bear; it is also a picture of the Spirit Himself. So Paul simply tells us to “keep in step with the Spirit.” One could think that God does His own thing as Master of the Universe, and we do something quite different as tiny creatures in the universe. But Paul hints that displaying “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” is what the Spirit already does, and if we are to keep in step with Him, we will too. In the Holy Place we see by the light of the Spirit. We take on His worldview, and we learn to act as He does... which is, of course, the way all of God acts.

In one last precious promise, Paul writes, “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:15-16. The capital “S” in “Spirit of sonship” is no mistake. It is through God’s Spirit that we find intimacy with God. Enough so that we can call out “Daddy!” to Him and He is not offended. But have you ever noticed that the Spirit testifies that we are God’s children? More interestingly, He joins our spirit in making that statement.

I don’t think we need to dissect this too much; it apparently means that what our spirit does in response to God’s Spirit shows that we are on the same team. We’re trying on His letterman’s jacket and dreaming of the day that we will be stronger and bigger and better. Together His Spirit and our spirit make the statement. He illumines and empowers; we observe and respond.

It’s all about the work of the Holy Place. It’s all about living in the glow of God, drawing a curtain against the things that used to distract and delight, and taking the time to grow aright.

PS If you go to the website where today's art was found, you will see that they ask the question, "Does the Holy Spirit convict us of sin?" and they answer with a resounding "No!" based on the passages that talk about the love and comfort of the Holy Spirit. I answer a resounding "Yes!" based on the very same passages. What a wonderful thing to have a trusted Comforter and Counselor opening your eyes to the things that could destroy you. The same God who sustains the Law that orders the universe, who loves us so deeply that He sent His Son to atone for our Lawbreaking, that same God sends His Spirit to open our eyes, to draw our hearts to God, to show us the reality of who we are and where we are, and to companion us as we attempt to "walk the walk." Only agape love can be blindingly frank (as Jesus was to Saul on the road to Damascus) and healingly present in our times of struggle. As Tenth Avenue North sings, "It's not love any other way."