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Romans 8:9–11
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you (Rom. 8:9a).
Paul is continuing to show the practical outworkings of “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus,” which sets believers free from “the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2) and thereby delivers them from condemnation (Rom. 8:1). He has powerfully illustrated the contrast between the saved and the unsaved, and he has showed that unbelievers are in a state of enmity with God. However, with the words “But you . . . ,” he focuses in on Christians, revealing more of the essential aspects of those who are in Christ Jesus.
Speaking to those who are members of the visible church in Rome, Paul offers assurance that “you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.” The condition marked by the word if—the presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer—is a crucial distinction, for only those who are truly born again have the Spirit. Paul could hardly say it more plainly. “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” Simply put, all those who truly believe in Jesus Christ and trust Him for salvation “receive” the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 12:13). The Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, comes alongside the believer and works intensively with him, guiding him toward greater holiness. With the Spirit alongside, the believer is no longer subject to the law of sin and death. He is no longer at enmity with God. He is saved most truly.
The coming of the Spirit produces a profound change in believers’ spirits. Whereas they were spiritually dead, they are now spiritually alive. But their bodies remain unredeemed, subject to the demands of their sinful natures and still under the condemnation of death. This is the source of the struggle for holiness all Christians encounter. As believers, we are called to “present ourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and our members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Rom. 6:13b). Our living spirits must rule our dying bodies.
In time, however, believers will be delivered from this battle. God the Father, “He who raised Christ from the dead,” will also redeem the bodies of those in whom His Spirit resides. This work of physical regeneration will be accomplished through the Spirit, as well. This is the glorious future that awaits believers, when all struggles will end and we will know the sweetest life and peace of all.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Take time today to contemplate an existence free from sinful impulses. This is what awaits us when God completes our salvation. At last our sinful natures will be expunged and our members will be instruments of righteousness. Praise God that this glorious outcome is certain and ask His help as you strive toward holiness in the present.
For Further Study
- John 6:40
- Acts 24:15
- 1 Corinthians 6:14
- Philippians 3:10–11