Lesson 17 - God the Holy Spirit: His Indwelling and Sealing

The Holy Spirit was with and in a few believers in the Old Testament (1 Sam. 10:6; 16:13; Ezek. 2:2). However, His indwelling of every believer is a new activity of the church age. Jesus announced the Spirit’s indwelling during the Upper Room discourse, where He said of the Holy Spirit, “He abides with you and will be in you” (John 14:17).

A New Feature of the Present Age

There were instances in the book of Acts in which believers received the Holy Spirit after conversion (Acts 8:14-17; 19:1-6; cf. 2:1-4; 11:15-16). However, these were unique situations that reflected a transition from the dispensation of Israel to the dispensation of the Church. 

The Universal Indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Believers

God the Holy Spirit indwells every Christian from the moment of salvation onward. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is evident in several passages in the New Testament (Rom. 8:9-11; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19).

Problems in the Doctrine of Indwelling

Some have protested the doctrine of the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit on a few biblical passages (1 Sam. 16:14; Ps. 51:11; Luke 11:13).

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit Contrasted With Other Ministries

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19) seems to be the same as His sealing (2 Cor. 1:21-22; Eph. 1:13; 4:30); however, it is distinct from His regenerating work (John 3:3-6; 1 Pet. 1:3, 23), as well as His baptizing (1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27).

The Sealing of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is given as a seal (σφραγίζω sphragizo), which is a pledge (ἀρραβών arrabon) of future blessing (Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30).