Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  0  »  4015 life  »  4018 life, spiritual

Life embraces more than physical existence; it includes humanity's relationship with God. Human beings come to life spiritually only through faith in the redeeming work of God in Jesus Christ. This spiritual life is a foretaste of the life which believers will finally enjoy to the full in the new heaven and earth. Life in the Spirit means keeping in step with the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and always being open to his gifts and empowerment.

The nature of spiritual life

It is new life

Acts 5:20 See also Acts 11:18; 2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 3:14

It is true life

1 Timothy 6:19

It is eternal life

Romans 5:21 See also Daniel 12:2; Matthew 19:29; John 6:27; 1 John 5:11,20

It is abundant life

Psalm 16:11; Jeremiah 17:8 See also Psalm 1:3; John 10:10

The origins and nature of spiritual life

Spiritual life is the work of the Holy Spirit

John 3:6,8 See also Ezekiel 36:26; John 3:3,5-7; Romans 8:11; Titus 3:5-7

Spiritual life unites believers to Jesus Christ

Ephesians 2:4-5 See also Romans 6:3-5; Romans 8:10; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 2:13; 1 John 5:12

Spiritual life makes believers the children of God

John 1:12-13 See also Deuteronomy 30:20; Matthew 6:9; Romans 8:15; James 1:18; 1 John 4:7; John 5:1

Spiritual life brings people to know God

John 17:3 See also Matthew 11:27

Spiritual life brings about faith

John 3:15; John 20:31 See also John 3:16,36; John 5:24; John 6:40; John 11:25

Keeping in step with the Spirit

A new way of life is made possible

Galatians 5:25 See also Romans 8:5-6,9-16; Galatians 5:16-18,22-24

Bondage to the written law is ended

Romans 2:29 See also Romans 7:6; Romans 8:2; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 5:17-18

Obedience to God is made possible

Romans 8:4 See also Ezekiel 36:27; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8

Deepening unity is encouraged

Ephesians 4:3 See also Colossians 2:13; Philippians 2:1-4

Strength and encouragement are received

Acts 9:31

Gifts for those living in the Spirit

Gifts are given for building up the church

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 See also Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:27-30

Visions are given

Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28; Revelation 1:10,12-13; Revelation 4:2; Revelation 17:3; Revelation 21:10

Miracles are worked

Matthew 12:28 See also Acts 10:38; Romans 15:19; Galatians 3:5

Ministry is enhanced

2 Corinthians 3:6 See also 2 Corinthians 3:7-9

Those living in the Spirit receive revelation and guidance

God is revealed as Father

Galatians 4:6 See also Romans 8:14-16

God's purposes are revealed

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 See also Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 5:2-5; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:17-18

Guidance is given to believers

Acts 8:29 See also Acts 10:19; Acts 11:12; Acts 13:2; Acts 16:6-7; Acts 20:22-23

Help is given to pray

Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20

The Holy Spirit sanctifies those in whom he lives

Through the Spirit, Jesus Christ lives in believers

Ephesians 3:16-17

The Spirit transforms believers

2 Corinthians 3:18 See also Romans 15:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2

The fruit of the Spirit is seen in believers' lives

Acts 13:52; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:6; Romans 14:17; Romans 15:30; Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Examples of life in the Holy Spirit

Jesus Christ

Matthew 4:1 pp Mark 1:12 pp Luke 4:1; Matthew 12:18,28; Luke 4:14,18; Luke 10:21; Acts 10:38

Simeon

Luke 2:25-27

Peter

Acts 4:8; Acts 10:19,44

Stephen

Acts 6:5,10; Acts 7:55

The first Christians

Acts 4:31; Acts 6:3-5; Acts 11:24,27-29; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 15:28

See also

2354  Christ, mission
3230  Holy Spirit & regeneration
3233  Holy Spirit & sanctification
3254  Holy Spirit, fruit of
3263  Holy Spirit, guidance
3269  Holy Spirit in Christ
3275  Holy Spirit in the church
3278  Holy Spirit, indwelling
3290  Holy Spirit, life-giver
5197  walking
5442  pilgrimage
6644  eternal life
6728  regeneration
7030  unity
7966  spiritual gifts
8134  knowing God
8162  spiritual vitality
8164  spirituality
8453  obedience
9310  resurrection