W. A. Criswell said,"Without the presence of the Spirit there is no conviction, no regeneration, no sanctification, no cleansing, no acceptable works. ... Life is in the quickening Spirit."
The Holy Spirit brings new life from God the Father, through the Son. Such a new life is for every believer in Christ. The Holy Spirit works in you and through you to the glory of God. Dr. Criswell understood that the new life is indeed life in the Holy Spirit.
Life in the Spirit begins with conviction and regeneration. Only the Holy Spirit can convict you of the need to know Jesus Christ as our Lord (John 16:7-11). Only the Holy Spirit can make you alive to new life through new birth (John 3:5-8).
Life in the Spirit includes sanctification. He is our growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). The Holy Spirit teaches us, guides us, comforts us, and sustains us in walking with the Lord. He enables our new life with fellowship or communion with God in Christ (2 Corinthians 13:14).
Life in the Spirit is an eternal relationship with the Lord Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Life in the Spirit begins and sustains our new life. Our perseverance in Christ is dependent upon the seal of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). The Holy Spirit gives us new life eternal through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).
