1 Corinthians 2:10,14. But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.
Many believers seek external changes in their lives as evidence of salvation. They are fooled by the things they can see without being able to see what God has freely given to them (1 Corinthians 2:12). But the spiritual blessings should come first: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2, NKJV).
They do not understand “the things that came from the Spirit of God.” They do not see real changes God has brought to their lives through Christ. As a result, they place condition before identity, doing before being, fruit before enjoyment, and evidence before promise. What are, then, the real changes we must see? What has been revealed to us by the Spirit of God? The gospel.
God did not spare His own Son to save us. He became man, shed His blood on the cross, rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now lives in us, leading and empowering us through the Holy Spirit. This is the gospel.
However, most people do not understand what salvation means. They believe they can be saved just by being religious (John 3:1-10). Religion, however, is not the gospel because it is made by man. Even though people intend to do good works, their good deeds are not considered good at all in the sight of God, as “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).
Some believe that by going to church, they can be saved. Simply attending church is worthless and only piles up more burdens and makes things worse (Matthew 12:43-45). Some believe that by being devout and zealous, they can meet the standard of salvation. Many people hold onto strong convictions or philosophies. But this leads to only emptiness and failures in life.
Some people even believe they can be saved by memorizing and reciting Bible verses and religious chants or praying earnestly. All of these only produce temporary, external changes. In the end, they become weary and heavy-laden (Matthew 11:28-30).
What is then the state of being saved? This is an inner spiritual transformation. The Holy Spirit lives in you and governs your life. And there is life in the Holy Spirit: “Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).
You cannot enter the kingdom of God unless you are born again by water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5). The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, will not leave you nor can be cast out from you: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17).
When you understand the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, you will confirm your salvation (Romans 8:2), fully meet the righteous requirement of the law (Romans 8:4), and belong to Christ (Romans 8:9). You will also be able to discover God’s will, blessings, and grace (1 Corinthians 2:10-14).
You will realize that you are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). Nothing can destroy you. The Holy Spirit will correct you (Galatians 5:16-18), guide you through the Word (John 14:26), give you peace (John 14:27), answer your prayer (Romans 8:26), work out all things for your good according to His will (Romans 8:28).
Four fundamental changes happened to you who possess life, the Holy Spirit. Your identity has been changed from a child of Satan to a child of God (John 8:44, 1 John 3:2, John 5:24). Nothing can change who you are in Christ.
You have also changed from a slave to sin to a servant of God, completely set free from the power of sin (Romans 6:17, Romans 6:22). Let nothing fool you any longer. Live for the glory of God.
You have passed from death to life (Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5). God changed your permanent address from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. You have been set from the oppression of Satan to the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:2, Galatians 5:18). The Holy Spirit will never abandon you, but He will guide and sanctify you (John 14:16, 26; Galatians 5:16-18).
Remember, no one can destroy you who are in Christ. No one can snatch you from the hand of God. Let’s confirm this marvelous truth:
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31-39)
Abide in the love of God that is unconditional, infinite, constant, and irresistible. You will then see the fruit of the Spirit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23): love, joy, peace (toward God); patience, kindness, goodness (toward others); faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (toward yourself).
When the people see you bringing good things out of the good stored up in your heart, they will see the light of the gospel and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Ask God to fill your mind with the mind of Christ. Always speak faith, hope, and love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayer. Father, open my eyes to see the things that came from Your Spirit. Help me understand the true changes since Jesus came into my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.