October 25

"A new spirit will I put within you ... And I will put my Spirit within you." Ezekiel 36:26, 27

Note here how after the promise of a "new spirit" there immediately follows the allusion to "my Spirit." The first statement signifies the renewal of the dead spirit by an incoming of life in one who believes. The second goes further and points to the indwelling Holy Spirit of God resident withing the man's renewed spirit.

But the two are one experience. Christians do not live for many years after new birth in a first phase of Christian life and then suddenly wake up and, seeking the Holy Spirit, enter on a second phase. They have his entire personality abiding in them—not just visiting them—the moment they are saved.

The apostle exhorted us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. By using the word "grieve" and not "anger," he reveals the Holy Spirit's love. Moreover, he certainly never says, "Do not cause him to depart." It may be the plight of the Spirit to be either grieved or gladdened, but he abides within us forever. There is no question of his leaving.