"He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
Titus 3:5b,6.7 (NIV)
Only the Spirit can save. We can say all the prayers we want, do all the good things we want, hang around church as much as we want, even read the Bible from cover to cover as much as we want, and yet we are only saved when the Holy Spirit enters us and brings our spirits alive.
New birth/ born again/ renewal/ new creation – these are all biblical words and terms that describe the miracle that happens each time the Holy Spirit enters a person and brings their spirit to life. Ephesians 1:13 tells us that this miracle occurs in those who hear the word of truth, and then believe it. Ezekiel 37 teaches the same order: “prophesy to these bones” – “prophesy to the breath”. This breath that comes from the four winds (this Spirit who hovers over the earth) comes and enters the dead bones and they come to life. The Word is spoken and then the Spirit enters. You could say that this means “physical first, spiritual second”, but that is only true if by “physical” you mean bones, tendons, flesh and skin walking around; dead yet walking, going through the motions. That is what every person has been ever since Adam and Eve sinned - dead people walking. Praise God that His grace appeared to us – the walking dead - that we heard the Word and we believed and His Holy Spirit entered into us and brought us to life!
No comments:
Post a Comment