Basic Theology: Indwelling - No Promise of Indwelling

No Promise of Indwelling

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There is no promise in the Old Testament to the believer that he will be indwelt with the Holy Spirit.

Only certain individuals were indwelt with the Holy Spirit is held is based upon an understanding of a statement made by Jesus.

John 14:17, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

This verse is interpreted to mean that the Holy Spirit was only with believers during Old Testament times but now dwells within each believer in the New Testament age.

It seems impossible for them to be able to do so without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told Nicodemus:

John 3:5, Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

According to Jesus, everyone has to have a spiritual rebirth to enter Gods kingdom. Furthermore, no one can serve God in his own strength. It seems more consistent to say that the Holy Spirit indwelt everyone who believed in the promises of God.

Next: Indwelling in the New Testament

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