Romans 8:1 English Standard Version (ESV)
Life in the Spirit
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.[a]
Footnotes:
- Some manuscripts add who walk not according to the flesh (but according to the Spirit)
Some believe being in Christ means to know Christ, others feel the need to explain how we follow Christ. For a new Christian the sound of “no condemnation” is all they hear. Words that comfort the weary soul often take first place in the mind of the novice. They give little thought in how or why the Word gives comfort.
Romans 8:9 English Standard Version (ESV) You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
Those words “if in fact” will be used by Satan to challenge us because of our behavior. Being instantly changed does not mean we understand what it means to be changed. This new creation in Christ has no experience with being “in the Spirit”. A lack of experience leaves room for Satan to cast doubt and fear. This is why it is necessary for the mature in Christ to disciple the novice. They have no experience in being “in the Spirit.” It sounds mystical but it is not.
John 3:8 English Standard Version (ESV) The windblows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
What does the Spirit sound like? That is not a question I can answer for you. God makes Himself known to each of us in a way we will accept. The Spirit directs disciples to passages within the bible so the Holy Spirit can speak to them and be heard.
Romans 10:17 English Standard Version (ESV) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.