The Indwelling Spirit as God's Mark Upon the Believer

If the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus dwell in you—the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit is the common mark of all believers in Christ. It is the shepherd's mark distinguishing the flock of the Lord Jesus from the rest of the world. It is the goldsmith's stamp upon the genuine sons of God, separating them from dross and false professors. It is the King's own seal upon those who are His peculiar people, proving them His property. It is the earnest—the arrhabon, pledge—which the Redeemer gives to His believing disciples while in the body, as security of full redemption at resurrection morning.

The indwelling Spirit dwells in us as Sanctifier, Guide, and Comforter. He sanctifies and renews us; He guides us in the ways of holiness; He comforts us with the sense of God's fatherly love and our eternal inheritance. Why does this inhabitation ground a blessed resurrection? Because the Holy Ghost is the operative love of God, working from the Father's power and the Son's grace. We are united to Christ through the same Spirit He possessed; therefore He works like effects in us and in Him. If the Head rises, the members will follow. The Spirit of sanctification works in us that grace which gives us right and title to this glorious estate. The Spirit abides in us as earnest, and respects His dwelling-place—our very bodies, the temple of the Living God.