The Holy Spirit Explained - Part IISample

Worship in Spirit and Truth

When Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, He revealed a transformation in how we approach God. No longer confined to a temple or a specific place, worship has become an intimate, heart-centered experience. The presence of God once limited to the temple in Jerusalem, now resides within every believer through the Holy Spirit.

The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah prophesied this new covenant, where God’s law would be written on our hearts, not on tablets of stone kept in an ark. Similarly, the prophet Ezekiel echoed this, promising a new heart and spirit that would empower us to follow God’s statutes. These prophecies pointed to a day when the external rituals of the old covenant would give way to an internal transformation. These prophecies were fulfilled in Christ.

Through Christ’s sacrifice, the need for continual offerings in the temple was eliminated. The author of Hebrews describes how Jesus’ one sacrifice brought permanent forgiveness of sins. Now, we can draw near to God. By the blood of Jesus, as the Holy Spirit testifies, we can enter the Most Holy Place.

As believers, we are living temples, carrying God’s presence into every aspect of our lives. This changes how we view worship. It is not an activity confined to a church building, but a continual response of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice that enabled God’s Spirit to transform us.

It also changes how we view sin in our lives. We don’t have to go to a temple and make sacrifices to atone for our sins, for Christ was the ultimate sacrifice. Now, the Holy Spirit transforms us each day. He is ever cleansing us of our old selves and helping us to live as new creatures. The Scriptures remind us that what Christ started in us, He will finish. This is by the Spirit living in us.

Consider how you can live out worship in your daily life as an ongoing, heart-centered relationship with God. Let the Holy Spirit guide you, knowing that wherever you are, you are a living temple where God’s presence dwells. Rest in this and let it bring you confidence to live boldly for His kingdom.