THE HOLY SPIRIT AND CHRIST'S INDWELLING

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Devotion 13 of 16

THE GLORIOUS RESULT-- COMPREHENSION

The Spirit strengthens us so Christ can dwell in our hearts through faith. That indwelling is in order that we might be rooted and grounded. Still, this is not the end of the matter. The goal has not yet been reached even when we are rooted and grounded. Stability in the faith is in order that we "May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height." There is a greatness to salvation that must be perceived. Its vastness far transcends the conceptions entertained by the average Christian. Many cannot think beyond their family and circumstance. Their minds, like Sisera's head, is nailed to the earth, and they cannot rise above it.

Christ has wrought a "great salvation." It is not merely adequate, but is laden with abundant provision, blessing, and satisfaction. All of this has been procured for us at great expense. If, prior to Jesus' death and resurrection, David could say God "daily loadeth us with benefits" (Psa 68:19), what can be said now that Satan has been "destroyed" (Heb 2:14), principalities and powers plundered (Col 2:15), and we have been reconciled to God (Col 1:21)?

It is revealed in Scripture that men cannot escape the consequences of neglecting this salvation. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation" (Heb 2:3). Is there any who thinks they can escape Divine recompense if they neglect this salvation? The question is an oratorical one. It does not mean escape is possible, but that it is NOT possible. The question stops the mouths of the vain philosopher and religious pretender.

Herein is the secret to spiritual growth: comprehending "the breadth, and length, and depth, and height." No person will devote himself to a small and inconsequential salvation. A salvation that does not challenge our abilities of comprehension will not require the involvement of all of our persons. And, if our persons are not involved--"heart, soul, mind, and strength"--there is no promise of forever being with the Lord.

This is something that is for "all saints." That is, this is a provision of salvation itself. Most people associate salvation with deliverance from sin alone. But that is just the beginning. The same salvation that washed away your sins and purges your conscience from dead works, enables you to see the extent of that salvation- "the breadth, and length, and depth, and height."

Holy men of old knew something of the greatness of Divine provision. David said, "Thou hast set my feet in a large room" (Psa 31:8). Again he said, "He brought me forth also into a large place" (Psa 18:19). Paul spoke of "the exceeding greatness of His power toward us" (Eph 1:19), the "exceeding riches of His grace" (Eph 2:7), and "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor 4:17). In Christ, God has graciously made provision for our vision and comprehension of this vastness to be perceived, explored, and enjoyed.

If a person is unable to perceive the greatness of this salvation, it is because Christ is not dwelling in their hearts by faith. If Christ is not dwelling in their hearts by faith, it is because they have not been strengthened with might in the inner man. If they have not been strengthened with might in the inner man, it is because the Holy Spirit has not done so. If He has not done so, it is because of some hindrance found within the person, for that is what the Spirit was given to do.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ I thank You for an abundant salvation. Grant me grace to comport my life in keeping with that rich abundance.

-- Tomorrow: THE GLORIOUS RESULT--KNOWING THE LOVE OF CHRIST --