Have you ever doubted your salvation? Wondered if you’re really a child of God? If so, you’re not alone. Many Christians struggle with these questions. Did you know that God loves you so much that He doesn’t want you to live in fear about your eternal security? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore today as we dive into the incredible ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Unshakeable Promise
From the very beginning, God has been gathering a family for Himself. As Deuteronomy 7:6 tells us, ” For you are a holy people belonging to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be his own possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth (CSB).” This isn’t just ancient history – it’s a promise that extends to us today.
Here’s the amazing thing: if you’re God’s people, you’re God’s possession! And if you’re God’s possession, He cannot “unpossess” you. Why? Because He didn’t choose you based on your success, personality, or . As I often say, “God doesn’t love you based on how you act. He loves you based on a promise.”
The Holy Spirit’s Role in Our Security
So, how does the Holy Spirit fit into all this? Let’s look at two key truths:
1. A Christian is God’s possession due to His sovereign dominion
In Ephesians 1:11, Paul writes, “ In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will (CSB).” God has a driving agenda, and that agenda includes creating a people for Himself. If you’re in Christ, you’re part of that plan.
2. A Christian has proof of purchase through the inner communion of the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:16 tells us, “The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children (CSB).” This is like having a constant, two-way conversation with God. It’s an inner testimony that can’t be removed or changed.
The Chocolate Milk Analogy
Imagine a glass of milk – that’s you before knowing Christ. Now, add chocolate syrup – that’s the Holy Spirit. Once you mix them together, you can’t separate the chocolate from the milk. It’s now part of the milk’s very nature.
That’s exactly what happens when the Holy Spirit enters your life. You can’t remove Him, and He can’t be separated from you. No matter how far you might wander, that “chocolate” (the Holy Spirit) is still there, waiting to be stirred up again.
How the Holy Spirit Works in Us
1. He leads us into holiness
The very fact that you desire any form of righteous living is proof that the Holy Spirit is working in you. We don’t naturally drift towards holiness – we drift away from it. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to “put to death the deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13).
2. He replaces fear with freedom
Many of us have walked around worried if we’re really Christians. But if you’ve genuinely repented of your sins, you can have confidence in your salvation. As 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love (CSB).”
Putting It Into Practice
So how do we live in light of this amazing truth? Here are some practical steps:
1. Stir up the gift: Just like you need to stir chocolate milk to fully mix it, we need to actively engage with the Holy Spirit. Spend time in prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word.
2. Listen to the inner conversation: Pay attention to those promptings towards holiness and away from sin. That’s the Holy Spirit at work!
3. Rest in God’s love: When doubts creep in, remember that your salvation is based on God’s promise, not your performance.
4. Let God’s love “marinate”: Sometimes we need to sit under God’s love and let it soak into our wounded areas. Give yourself time to experience His perfect love.
Remember, once the Holy Spirit is in you, you can’t get Him out. That inner conversation you’re having – those promptings towards trust, obedience, and love – that’s not just a conversation. It’s inner confirmation that you are a child of God. So bask in that truth, walk in it, and be free in it!
This blog post was adapted by Molly Atkins from ClearView Baptist Church’s sermon by Senior Pastor Jason Cruise on October 13, 2024. To watch the full sermon, click HERE.