Life, spiritual

Life embraces more than physical existence; it includes humanity's relationship with God. Human beings come to life spiritually only through faith in the redeeming work of God in Jesus Christ. This spiritual life is a foretaste of the life which believers will finally enjoy to the full in the new heaven and earth. Life in the Spirit means keeping in step with the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and always being open to his gifts and empowerment.

The nature of spiritual life

It is new life

Acts 5:20 See also Acts 11:18; 2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 3:14

“Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”

It is true life

1 Timothy 6:19

treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

It is eternal life

Romans 5:21 See also Daniel 12:2; Matthew 19:29; John 6:27; 1 John 5:11, 1 John 5:20

so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

It is abundant life

Psalm 16:11; Jeremiah 17:8 See also Psalm 1:3; John 10:10

You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.

The origins and nature of spiritual life

Spiritual life is the work of the Holy Spirit

John 3:6, John 3:8 See also Ezekiel 36:26; John 3:3, John 3:5–7; Romans 8:11; Titus 3:5–7

Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit.

The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Spiritual life unites believers to Jesus Christ

Ephesians 2:4–5 See also Romans 6:3–5, Romans 8:10; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 2:13; 1 John 5:12

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!

Spiritual life makes believers the children of God

John 1:12–13 See also Deuteronomy 30:20; Matthew 6:9; Romans 8:15; James 1:18; 1 John 4:7, 1 John 5:1

But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God — children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.

Spiritual life brings people to know God

John 17:3 See also Matthew 11:27

Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

Spiritual life brings about faith

John 3:15, John 20:31 See also John 3:16, John 3:36, John 5:24, John 6:40, John 11:25

that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.

But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

Keeping in step with the Spirit

A new way of life is made possible

Galatians 5:25 See also Romans 8:5–6, Romans 8:9–16; Galatians 5:16–18, Galatians 5:22–24

Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.

Bondage to the written law is ended

Romans 2:29 See also Romans 7:6, Romans 8:2; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 5:17–18

No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

Obedience to God is made possible

Romans 8:4 See also Ezekiel 36:27; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:7–8

so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Deepening unity is encouraged

Ephesians 4:3 See also Colossians 2:13; Philippians 2:1–4

and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Strength and encouragement are received

Acts 9:31

Gifts for those living in the Spirit

Gifts are given for building up the church

1 Corinthians 12:4–11 See also Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:27–30

There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.

Visions are given

Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28; Revelation 1:10, Revelation 1:12–13, Revelation 4:2, Revelation 17:3, Revelation 21:10

Miracles are worked

Matthew 12:28 See also Acts 10:38; Romans 15:19; Galatians 3:5

But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Ministry is enhanced

2 Corinthians 3:6 See also 2 Corinthians 3:7–9

And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Those living in the Spirit receive revelation and guidance

God is revealed as Father

Galatians 4:6 See also Romans 8:14–16

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

God's purposes are revealed

1 Corinthians 2:9–10 See also Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 5:2–5; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:17–18

Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Guidance is given to believers

Acts 8:29 See also Acts 10:19, Acts 11:12, Acts 13:2, Acts 16:6–7, Acts 20:22–23

The Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to that chariot and stay by it.”

Help is given to pray

Romans 8:26–27; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20

The Holy Spirit sanctifies those in whom he lives

Through the Spirit, Jesus Christ lives in believers

Ephesians 3:16–17

The Spirit transforms believers

2 Corinthians 3:18 See also Romans 15:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit is seen in believers' lives

Acts 13:52; Romans 5:5, Romans 8:6, Romans 14:17, Romans 15:30; Galatians 5:22–23; Colossians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Examples of life in the Holy Spirit