Intimacy With God

     While young and searching for answers to my hunger to know God, I never would have dreamed of the deep love and intimacy that I now experience with Him.  The hardest thing for me to believe over the years was that God would actually want to be close with me.  But, I've come to know first hand that He not only desires intimate fellowship with me, but He made it possible by sending His Spirit to live in me. 

     The Apostle John writes: "That which we have seen and heard, we declare unto you so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and the Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3).  The Greek word translated "fellowship" in this text is koinonia. It means partnership, or communion.  When we believe in Jesus and partake of the heavenly calling, we are in a common union, or partnership with God the Father and Jesus Christ.  This union or partnership is not just one of heart and mind, having the same purposes and goals, but a SPIRITUAL UNION created by His Spirit coming to dwell in our spirit. 

One Spirit With God

      In John 14:16-17, Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit to dwell in us after He ascended into Heaven.  The Book of Acts records several instances where people believed in Jesus as their Savior, and there was visible, audible evidence they received the Holy Spirit dwelling in them.*  It's no different for someone who puts their faith in Jesus today. Any one who truly trusts in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins is one spirit with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17).  It really is an awesome reality to think that the One who created the Universe, who walks on water, heals incurable diseases, who died in our place taking all of our sins and misery, has actually come to live inside us. The blessings and promises available for us because of this reality are both exciting and sobering.

     For me, one of the most significant blessings of God's Spirit dwelling in me is the intimate, personal nature of the relationship I have with Him.  I now know the DEEP LOVE and ACCEPTANCE He has for me, and the ability to sense and experience His Presence.  God is no longer a far off, abstract concept, or intangible religious image in a painting.  He is a real Spirit being that I know and trust as companion, counselor, Father, friend, and so much more.


    I know it's God's desire that every one come to know Him and receive His Spirit. If you haven't already accepted His call and put faith in His Son Jesus Christ, I urge you to do so.  He wants you to know His love and acceptance, and experience the intimacy of His Spirit dwelling in you.  Do you know Him?  Let me know your thoughts or questions. 


* Acts chapter 2; ch. 8:14-17; ch. 10:44-47; ch. 19:1-6