Jesus Came that the Spirit of God Might Dwell in Us

Jesus came that the Spirit of God might dwell in us.

In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory. –Ephesians 1:13-14

Our Heavenly Father desires to be close to us.

Our Heavenly Father desires for us to be with him forever.

Through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and the present work of the Holy Spirit in us, our Heavenly Father is accomplishing both of these desires for us.

Living amongst a people that have a faith different than ours, I’ve seen how unique these ideas truly are. For them, the idea that God would desire to be close to us is not only strange, but should invoke a strong rebuke. For them, the idea that God would dwell in us, ensuring we gain entrance into His eternal presence, is something beyond their wildest dreams. Yet these things are what our Father tells us are true – through Jesus.

Read the next two sentences out loud with me: My Heavenly Father desires to be close to me. My Heavenly Father desires that I be with him forever.

Yes, dear brothers and sisters. Our Father surely does.

Take a few minutes and offer this prayer in gratitude to our God.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for taking for granted your Spirit in us. Forgive us for the times we ignore your prompting to obey and for the times we dismiss your conviction to turn from sin. Guide us to live out of the love, joy, peace, and abundance that come through your Holy Spirit in us. Thank you so much for sending Jesus. Amen.