Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said . . . “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”1
Similarly, to the Ephesians, Paul explained that at the instance one hears the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation, and believed in him, he or she is sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.2 It is similar to when God formed man from dust and breathed into him, and the man became a living creature.3 We are spirit, soul, and body. Without the Spirit we are dead. The Holy Spirit’s presence is what empowers.4 We are given a new heart.5 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.6 Literally and figuratively, born again!7
Yes, our spirit is brought to life; yet, our soul (mind, emotions, will—our inner being) is not renewed. It has to go through a sanctification process—a transformation, an ongoing daily washing or cleansing. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.8 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. . . . I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.10 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.11 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit [there is a distinction between soul and spirit] . . . . And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.12
Upon physical death, our bodies return to dust from where we were formed; our soul will be judged13; but for a disciple of Jesus, his spirit will be reconciled with God. He saves us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.14
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole sprit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.15 Amen!
Notes:
1. Acts 2:36-39
2. Ephesians 1:13-14
3. Genesis 2:7
4. Acts 1:8
5. Ezekiel 36:26-27
6. 2 Corinthians 5:17
7. John 3:3
8. John 17:17
9. Romans 12:2
10. Psalm 119:9-11
11. John 15:3
12. Hebrews 4:12-13
13. Hebrews 9:27-28
14. Titus 3:3-7
15. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
