INDWELT BY DEITY

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him" (John 14:23, NKJV).

Devotion 2 of 9

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

First, God made man to be an extension of His own Person. His intention was to exercise dominion and rule through mankind. This is the reason for man being created "in the image of God." God already had a host of spirits that did His bidding meticulously and faithfully. But they only did what they were told--nothing more. So far as we know, no angel ever received a commission that allowed for creativity and ingenuity--like dressing and keeping a garden (Gen. 2:15). Second, angels are instructed by God's involvements with mankind. This is brought to its highest level within the body of Christ. The thing that is being seen is God's wisdom. Salvation is an expression of divine wisdom--even more than of divine power. Creation witnesses to the power of God (Rom. 1:20), but the church witnesses to His wisdom. Once perceived, this radically alters our concept of salvation. God's intent is to show principalities and powers in heavenly places His manifold wisdom through the church (Eph 23:10). Third, we are being readied for the world to come, which will be given into our charge. The new heavens and the new earth, wherein dwells righteousness (2 Pet. 3:13) will be ruled by the saints of the most High God (Dan. 7:18, 22, 25). The saved will "reign with" Christ (2 Tim. 2:12). This is why they have been washed. This is why they have been justified. This is why they have been sanctified. We have been made utilitarian in Jesus. But our utility is not primarily in or for this world. It begins here, but it is not consummated here. This is where we are tried and tested. Now is when we lay up our treasures. Here and now is where we develop an appetite for the glories of the world to come.

THIS IS THE BACKGROUND FOR THE INDWELLING

The background for the indwelling of men by Deity is found in the truth just stated. It is imperative that this be seen. There are religious bodies that emphasize the indwelling of the Spirit. Very few mention being indwelt by Christ, and fewer still make reference to being indwelt by the Father. Most of the representations we hear concerning this matter have to do with men being superior to circumstance, etc. That this is involved cannot be denied. That it is primary is emphatically denied! Whatever our view of this subject, it must revolve around Divine purpose, not feeling. It must result in the unity of the individual with God through Christ and by the Spirit. This unity will bring men more into conformity to the image of God's Son; God's revealed objective in redemption (Rom. 8:29). When people are united with the Lord, things often occur that are transcendent to nature. But this is not the fundamental reason for the union. We must be careful not to play games with our association with God. It is possible to spend your life trying to do or be something without ever fellowshiping with God's dear Son ( 1 Cor. 1:9). PRAYER POINT: Father, Your purpose is too large for my present capacities. Yet, because I want to be part of it, I ask that you enlarge my heart, and strengthen me with might by your Spirit in the inner man. Prepare me for extensive involvement in your will, world without end.

-- TOMORROW: SPECIAL ARTICLE BY FRED O. BLAKELY --