The Holy Spirit

"But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all. . . And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you shall abide in Him" 1 John 2:20,27

Devotion #10 of 14

THE MINISTERING SPIRIT, #5 Transformation

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor 3:17-18). The subject of transformation is very sensitive in some theological circles. I have been exposed to a strain of thought that traces transformation to human effort alone. This is such an absurd position, that it can be easily discarded by those in whose heart the Word dwells. If a change of character could be accomplished by our diligence, the Law would have been able to justify us. The Law, however, was "weak through the flesh" (Rom 8:3); i.e., sin so impoverished us that we became spiritually impotent. We could no more change our nature than an Ethiopian can change the color of his skin or a leopard its spots (Jer 13:23). As we gaze full-face at the Lord Jesus Christ, contemplating His Person and vicarious work, the Holy Spirit goes to work. Gradually, "from glory to glory," He conforms us to the image of God's only begotten Son, just as God determined (Rom 8:29). This transformation finds us agreeing with Jesus in His assessment of the world, flesh, God, and Scripture. We are no longer content to be in disagreement with Christ, or to be unlike Him. We become more like Him in our thoughts and actions, as well as our choices and purposes. This is all "by the Spirit of the Lord." If, therefore, you are progressing in these areas, you are being influenced by the Holy Spirit of God. A most blessed contemplation, indeed! Waiting for the hope of righteousness "For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith" (Gal 5:5). A legalist, or one that is justified by the deeds of the Law, knows nothing of "the hope of righteousness." Such overestimate their own achievements, and underestimate the accomplishments of Christ. But it is not so with the one that lives by faith. He knows that in him, that is, in his "flesh," dwells "no good thing" (Rom 7:18). Righteousness is something for which those in Christ crave--complete and consistent righteousness. They are not content with setbacks, inadequate accomplishments, and frustrated efforts. They delight in being forgiven by a gracious God, but they deeply regret their need to ask for forgiveness. They are clothed with a humiliating frame that causes them to desire deliverance from that "body of death" (Rom 7:25). Those that are born again have an amazing resiliency. With confidence and steadfastness, they wait for the hope of righteousness; the realization of complete deliverance from spiritual deficiency. And how are they able to do this? It is through the power of the Holy Spirit. How little is said of this aspect of spiritual life today! Those, however, that are serious about dwelling in the house of the Lord forever know what great power is required to patiently wait for the "hope of righteousness."