Unveiling the Spiritual Transformation: Walking in the Spirit

Unveiling the Spiritual Transformation: Walking in the Spirit

November 7

In my reflections, I have encountered a profound paradox central to the spiritual journey for those who have acknowledged Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (born again believers). It is the recognition that, while there is a part of us that does not possess all-encompassing knowledge, there is a part of us that does. This paradox derives from the intricate interplay between our human souls, tainted by imperfections and susceptible to sin, and the divine spirit within us – a pure and sinless connection to God.

Within each Christian exists a spiritual essence, often referred to as the "spirit man" (also known as the new man). This spirit is a divine gift, unblemished and in perfect communion with God. It is accessible to all, to "whosoever will" through receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and even those who acknowledge this truth may not fully grasp its profound depth (I grapple to comprehend it). This divine paradox underscores the paramount significance of adhering to the biblical directive to "walk in the spirit," thereby refraining from living mostly out of the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). To genuinely live out our faith, we must learn to establish a profound connection with the sinless aspect of our being (the spirit) that was created when we embraced faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As children of God, we have been endowed with a new nature, inherently free from sin. Nevertheless, as we navigate the challenges of this world, we encounter persistent temptations. Our soul, the realm of our will, thoughts and emotions, remains susceptible to sin, while our spirit, reborn in purity, remains untarnished.

Our soul must acknowledge this newfound sinless nature within us and learn to draw from it through spiritual disciplines like prayer, studying and speaking the scriptures, worship, etc. In doing so, our soul can connect to the divine attributes of this godly nature. Should our soul falter and succumb to sin, we have an unwavering advocate in Jesus Christ, who purifies us from all transgressions (1 John 2:1-2) when we acknowledged our sin, ask for forgiveness, and repent. Now, concerning our physical bodies, they are an integral part of this temporal world. These earthly vessels are destined to return to dust for a time. Nevertheless, there is hope for the future. One day (when Jesus returns), we will exchange our current bodies for new, glorified ones. Just as Jesus' body did not succumb to corruption but was transformed into a glorified state, our bodies will undergo a similar metamorphosis. The bodies of those who have died will remain on Earth until the day of Christ's return, at that time their deceased bodies will be glorified and resurrected, and those still living will also have their bodies transfigured to resemble the glorified body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when he calls all of us up to meet him in the air (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).

The central theme of this musing underscores that every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ possesses a part of themselves that already dwells in the presence of God – sinless, all-knowing, and perfect. Our mission is to tap into this divine nature and allow it to start transforming our souls. As our souls undergo this transformation, our bodies can also experience healing. The Scriptural promise in 3 John 1:2 reassures us that as our souls prosper, our bodies will be healed, and our needs will be met. The knowledge that a part of us possesses all-encompassing wisdom with no sin, the "spirit man," is a profound truth (1 John 2:20). It is intricately connected to eternity, to God, to Jesus, and to the Holy Spirit in a manner that transcends our finite comprehension. Nonetheless, there exists another part of us (the soul) that is in need of continual transformation – a process that seemingly reaches fruition only when we depart from this earthly realm. Our journey on this earth constitutes an ongoing, earnest effort to work out our salvation, striving to live in profound alignment with our sinless spirit (Philippians 2:12). As we progress spiritually, we can diminish the divide between our earthly and spiritual selves significantly. Through fervent prayer, heartfelt praise, deep thanksgiving, soulful worship, studying scripture, etc., we bridge this gap. This transformation unfolds in the spirit realm, within our inner man, guiding us relentlessly toward a life in perfect harmony with God.

In conclusion, for those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, there exist a choice: to live out of our spirit or only from our soul which needs transformation, and that is why we should chose to live in the spirit. As we "walk in the spirit," we are beckoned to embrace our new, sinless nature and permit it to transform our souls and, eventually, our bodies. This lifelong voyage towards spiritual maturity should be marked by profound prayer, heartfelt worship, and a deep connection with God, orchestrated from our spirit man – the eternal conduit too God the father by the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.