The Bible paints a robust picture of the central role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It starts from the point of salvation. No one can truly claim to be born again or saved without the input of the Spirit. While explaining the concept of being born again to Nicodemus, Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:6 NKJV. The progressive work of the Spirit proceeds to that of sanctification, bringing us one step at a time closer to the very image of Christ. Paul spoke of this – “that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:16 NKJV. Peter equally spoke of the sanctification of the Spirit – “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” I Peter 1:2 NKJV

“No one can truly claim to be born again or saved without the input of the Spirit…the Christian life is only possible by the Spirit.”

Then, there is the commissioning. “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2 NKJV. Here, we noticed that the Holy Spirit did not only call but also determined association and partnership. Furthermore, we can speak of the power of God through the Spirit by which we can carry out any commission. All these point to one thing; the Christian life is only possible by the Spirit. It is here one must agree with C. H. Spurgeon when he said, “Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless.”