McClister’s essay is centered around Ephesians 1:13. This passage is about the truth. It focuses on Jesus as our salvation. And that the Holy Spirit gives us the promise of salvation. These three facts are outlined and then expanded upon in the essay. Many Christians stress the importance God’s Father and Son. But few Christians mention the important role of the Holy Ghost. Although this verse only mentions briefly the Holy Ghost’s role, it is full of significant meaning. While the Holy Ghost is God’s way to dwell in us, and to receive His blessings today, the denominations have used it to make the unexplainable seem mysterious by using this excuse. To understand the Bible’s entirety, this used to combine God’s truth with Man’s words. While it is healthy for us to seek answers in scripture, we should not misuse the Holy Spirit’s existence to find them.
The Ephesians verse that states, “You were sealed in Him by the Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:3) is a confusing part. McClister provides examples that Paul refers to Christians as those who possess God’s Spirit. McClister uses Bible passages such Romans 8-14 and Galatians 4.:6 to prove his point. These passages are about being sealed in God’s Holy Spirit and linked to baptism. 1 Peter 3:21 states that baptism is a pledge to God. Romans 6:1 explains that this pledge connects God’s children with Jesus’s death, resurrection. Holy Spirit salvation is not mentioned in any Bible statement. Only Jesus’s death and resurrection can save us. The Holy Spirit is intimate with us because of his relationship with us. Paul describes our spirit as our inner man. Romans 9 explains the terminology around the Holy Spirit. McClister describes the terms in the text to help understand Paul’s teachings about the Spirit. Romans 8.9 mentions in verse nine the phrases “the Spirit”, God’s Spirit, and Christ’s Spirit. These verses provide details about how the Holy Spirit lives among God’s children. However, it is also one with God the Father as well as Jesus Christ. As Paul mentions in verses 4, 5, and 9, we must live in accordance with the Spirit, both in our thoughts and our actions. This passage talks a lot about the Holy Spirit’s presence and the Spirit in us. According to the Greek translation, the term “dwell in” means to be like God. This is very similar the marital union between husbands and wives. It’s almost as if Paul is linking Man to God through the Holy Spirit, a spiritual union stronger than marriage.
It is vital for Christians to believe in God and live in His image. God made Man in His own image. We are to imitate Him from the very beginning. God breathed life into Adam and gave him purpose through His grace, mercy, love. While people can learn all they wish about God’s teachings and his ways, none of it is worthwhile unless they make the commitment to build a relationship with Him and follow His leading. Jesus’s atoning sacrifice and the presence Holy Spirit make it possible to walk in His ways today. The Father and Jesus are all well-known, but the Holy Spirit is the only way to walk with God. Christians’ main goal is to live forever with God. These Christians can be with God and follow His paths. This opportunity has been granted by God’s Holy Spirit. It is not something to take lightly. All who take up the Lord’s work can receive the Spirit as a special gift. It’s a gift that puts the flesh to waste and allows us all to reach our full potential. This Spirit is our relationship with God right now and will allow us to live with Him forever.
