We received the Holy Spirit in this present time not by observing the Law nor because we were righteous and clean in God’s eyes; rather because we believed in Jesus Christ and relied on His merits. Thus, God deemed our faith as righteous and regarded us clean that He sent His Holy Spirit into us. Therefore, when grace is poured upon us, what we have to do is sincerely give thanks, rejoice, and obey God’s will.

The Holy Spirit was called the Law of the Spirit of life. The Law of the Spirit of life. If the Holy Spirit came into us, this means the fountain of life came into us. Life has come in. Even when God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, it was because the Holy Spirit resided in Him that God raised Him to life by the Holy Spirit. This same Holy Spirit abides in us also, hence we will also be raised from the dead likewise. If the Holy Spirit of God who can raise us from the dead abides in us so that we can rise even from the dead, what disease would not we be healed from when the Holy Spirit comes into us? When the Holy Spirit manifests, He can heal any disease, weakness, and uncleanness.

What does it mean to have a disease or weakness in us? It indicates that we do not have the light of God shining into us wholly and is being hindered at some point. In other words, we are deprived of life that much. We must not have any walls blocking us from God in order to be filled with life. Hence, what we ought to seek is the fullness of the Holy Spirit, so that when we are filled with life, any uncleanness within us can be removed. If we have any weakness or disease, the most effective solution is to have the Holy Spirit manifest within us.

In verse 9 says, “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.” Since the Holy Spirit is with you, you can fulfil even the requirements of the Law through the Holy Spirit. In the past people were forced to obey the Law out of fear, but when the Holy Spirit comes into a person, he would know what to do before he is told to do this or that. He would know what he needs to do and will have the power to do them.

The Law taught those who were unable, to do something. The instructions on how to do it were right. Even Jesus said to the people to listen to what the Pharisees said but not take after their deeds. This is true. Yet, they did not have the power to do it. For example, you are told to run 100m in 10 seconds to be saved. You were told how you can be saved, but you cannot possibly run that distance in 10 seconds. Meaning everyone will perish. Likewise, the Law taught the way to go but there it was impossible to achieve it.

Yet, when the Holy Spirit comes, He enables us to do it. This comparison of the Law and the Holy Spirit is a lot like what dad says compared to mom. Dad tells the kid to get it done in 10 seconds. If the kid cannot do it, he gets the smack. On the other hand, mom goes to help the kid. She teaches, guides and helps the kid. That is the difference between paternal love and maternal love. The Holy Spirit enables us to do it. He does not only suggest the way to do it but gives us the power to. Thus, whoever believes this will not only do the things he is able to do but also that which he is unable to do himself. People under the gospel can do that. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. In the past, we weighed between what we could and could not do, but now we try to do what we cannot do.

The Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. In verse 9 says, “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” The Spirit of Christ. In other words, if one does not have the word given through Christ, He is not of Christ. The Spirit of Christ does not refer to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Christ are different. The Spirit of Sonship also is not the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of Sonship. Is the Holy Spirit the Son of God? No, the Holy Spirit is not the Son of God. Therefore, we cannot say that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Sonship. The word given through the Son of God is called the Spirit of Sonship. Also, as it says here, the Spirit of Christ is the word given through Christ. One must have it to be a man of Christ.

Thus, Jesus said to the disciples who had not yet received the Holy Spirit, “My Father, your Father. My God, your God.” Also, it says, “And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin.” So Christ is in us. Jesus is in us. We received the word, the Truth. Then, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is life because of righteousness.” The spirit is alive. But the body is dead. But verse 11 is not a repetition of verse 10. In the beginning of verse 11, it says “But.” So, verse 11 is speaking in contrast to verse 10. It says, “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” So, verse 10 says that if you believe in Jesus, though your body dies your spirit will live. But, if the Holy Spirit dwells in you, even your mortal bodies will live. That is what it is saying.

When Jesus returns, those who will partake in the First Resurrection, that is, those who will have the same body as Jesus are those who have received the Holy Spirit only. Those who have not will not be able to partake in the resurrection to have the body that will share in the same glory as Jesus. Of course, every man will resurrect. Every single person will resurrect. Even the unbelievers will resurrect. But, that will not be the glorious resurrection which Jesus is speaking of here. Their resurrection will be for judgment. Those who were under the Law will also resurrect. But, their resurrection will not be the glorious resurrection which is only for the sons of God to partake in – the First Resurrection.

So, it is not as simple as black and white that people will either go to heaven or hell. On this earth, there are many different classes of people. In India, there is a caste system with four classes. But apart from the classes, there is a hierarchy within the system. Even Korea used to have a hierarchical system. Hence, what about in heaven? It will be much more complex. The classification is more diverse and there will be a more glorious resurrection. The reason we are urged to work harder is for us to attain the more beautiful resurrection; so that we may be glorified even more.

When people go to heaven and see the differences in the glory each one receives, they will weep and gnash their teeth for they never imagined that there will be such a great difference in heaven. Why would anyone who is in heaven weep and gnash their teeth? Because they could not attain the glory of eating and drinking with Jesus, they will be in the dark, weeping and gnashing their teeth. Then, what more could we say of those who have not received the Holy Spirit? What work can such people do if they have not even received the Holy Spirit? Receiving the Holy Spirit is the bare minimum standard.

And if anyone has received the Holy Spirit, the Lord says, “Now keep My commandments.” In John 14:21 Jesus said, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me…I manifest Myself to him.” Even if the Holy Spirit has come in, what is the use if one does not let Him manifest? The Lord says one must keep and obey His commandments, in order for Him to manifest Himself. What is that manifestation? 1 Corinthians 12 says the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. It speaks of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Every gift, miracles and power will be manifested.

Hence, it is foolish for anyone to despise and reject spiritual gifts. If the Holy Spirit is within us, we must let Him manifest Himself from us. Yet, if we hinder the spiritual gifts altogether, it would be the same as telling the Lord not to reveal Himself within us. Such a person is not letting the Holy Spirit work even if he received Him, so how great is the loss? How much would he beat himself in regret when he goes to heaven?

Thus, we have to be those who keep and obey His commandments. As He commanded us to love one another, we ought to testify Jesus and prioritize the work of leading souls to believe in Jesus. When we do so, spiritual gifts will manifest. What is the sign that the Lord is with us if these gifts are not manifested in us? Gifts are wisdom, knowledge, power, healing, discerning spirits, ministry and so on. Our work of writing and translating books absolutely needs the gifts of God. We absolutely need power. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to manifest Himself within us.

Father God, for we want to obey the Lord’s commandment to love one another, Holy Spirit manifest Yourself within us. Display miracles, signs and great gifts through us abundantly. When the Lord Jesus finally returns, let us truly witness the consummation of His manifestation. Help us to stand before the Lord through a more glorious resurrection. In Jesus’ name. Amen.