Ty asks, “What does it mean for the Spirit to bear witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16)?”. It is part of my ministry. 11 When the holy spirit imparts this  conviction, the Christian who is anointed undergoes tremendous changes. How does the Spirit bear witness with our spirit that we are the children of God? At times when you hear His guidance, you may even wonder, Was that me, Lord, or was that You? But they do not need anyone to validate their anointing. However, no matter how this anointing takes place, each one has what the apostle Paul described: “After you believed, you were sealed by means of him with the promised holy spirit, which is a token in advance of our inheritance.” (Eph. 19:1) If that is the case, then just as Moses was used to bring Israel into the Law covenant on that day, so Jesus Christ now brought a new nation, spiritual Israel, into the new covenant on the same day. God’s original purpose was for mankind to live forever here on earth. The Spirit bears witness that we have become God's children by informing us what is involved in becoming such. 8, 9. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The Spirit of God witnesses to the redemption of our Lord, and to nothing else. 1-3. They don’t treat God that way. Another great way that God speaks to us and guides us is through the inward witness. Yet, no matter what they are doing, they cannot help but remember the glorious hope that they have for the future.​—1 Cor. And I want to be really clear here: Never does the Bible say that the evidence is perfection. ..pmd Author: Dr. Donnie S. Barnes Created Date: 2/20/2008 5:54:01 AM God's Spirit bears witness in words. 11, 12. 3 Read Acts 2:2-4. 37:29) The selection of some to go to heaven to rule as kings and priests is not the norm. It does not say that He bears witness to our spirit but "together with" it. Romans 8:16-18 It is impossible to perceive all that became ours when we were born again. A witness is adduced and this no less a witness than the Holy Spirit, the author of all truth. 8 The vast majority of God’s servants today may find this anointing process difficult to comprehend, and rightly so. But it is as supernatural as any other leading from God. 12:17) This means that the majority of the 144,000 chosen ones have already died faithfully. He is author of. God the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we belong to Him as His children (v. 16). (Lev. This person is thinking about Romans 8:14–16. Like Abraham, they look forward to living as subjects under the Kingdom arrangement. Either “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children,” or “The Spirit himself bears witness toour spirit that we are God’s children.” Grammatically, the issue is simply this: Is tw'/ pneuvmati (to„ pneumati) a dative of association (“with our spirit”) or a dative indirect object (“to our spirit”)? They did not change their mind because of emotional stress or turmoil. Having the sense of -The Spirit bears witness to our spirit. A non believer will have a spirit of man or of the enemy. A group of about 120 Christians were gathered together, “persisting in prayer.” (Acts 1:13-15) What was about to happen to them was closely related to the actions of the high priest every Pentecost, and it also fulfilled a prophecy uttered by the prophet Joel about 800 years prior to that day. 3. But whether he finally receives his reward in heaven or not depends on his proving faithful to his calling. 10. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. That is how the Spirit beareth witness – through the Word of God. Do you have a burning desire to do Jehovah’s will? Even after we have become born again, not only our spirit but also our flesh speaks to us. He bears witness with our spirit within us. 17 The vast majority of God’s servants today do not have this heavenly calling. Furthermore, not all anointed Christians receive their anointing at their baptism. 2:12. No, it does not. The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Rom. 16. 46 The Holy Spirit Bears Witness With Our Spirit “walk in the light” the blood of Christ will continue to cleanse them. But it is our spirit that the Holy Spirit bears witness with to guide us into the truth. 5 If you were one of the disciples who had what appeared to be a tongue of fire rest on his head, you would never forget that day. The Spirit himself bears witness [is witnessing in that cry, “Abba, Father”] with our spirit that we are the children of God. These questions will be answered in the next article. THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION January 2016, The Watchtower—Study Edition  |  January 2016, They Offered Themselves Willingly​—In Oceania. 2:12. The Bible says in Romans 8:16 (KJV) that “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” If the H… 1:7; 8:15, 16) So by means of his holy spirit, God makes it clear to anointed ones that they have this heavenly calling. How do each bear witness? The Spirit himself bears witness [is witnessing in that cry, “Abba, Father”] with our spirit that we are the children of God. And the devil could do that to an unbeliever. To argue that the Spirit bears witness to our spirits seems to presuppose that the moment of salvation is in view. 16 Throughout the Scriptures, we see many examples of men of faith who were deeply moved by holy spirit; yet they did not have the hope of living in heaven. The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit for confirmation. We need to have the confidence such assurance brings especially during difficult times. 23:15-20) This offering marked the start of the wheat harvest. 2:12. We need to know that we are on the right course. God the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we belong to Him as His children (v. 16). 4 Why is Pentecost 33 C.E. We will be able to sense a different spirit in someone. The apostle John tells such anointed Christians: “You have an anointing from the holy one, and all of you have knowledge.” He further states: “As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but the anointing from him is teaching you about all things and is true and is no lie. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Perhaps they even pictured themselves welcoming back their loved ones from the grave. The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. According to the Westminster Confession of Faith, there are three pillars of assurance of salvation: the promises of God’s Word, the works which the Holy Spirit produces, and the inner witness of the Spirit to the believer. Surely, here there is firm standing ground for the most timid feet. We are aware of His witness as we walk in the light, just as Jesus is in the light. 1:13, 14) This special operation of holy spirit becomes like a down payment, a guarantee (or, a pledge) of what is to come. It is through the Word of God. —1 Thess. The spirit of God bears witness to the truth and to another believer because we are of the same spirit. 1:3, 4) When anointed ones read those words, they know without any doubt whatsoever that their heavenly Father is speaking to them personally. So it is with everyone who has been born from the spirit.” (John 3:7, 8) Clearly, it is impossible to explain fully this personal calling to those who have not experienced it. The spirit of God bears witness to the truth and to another believer because we are of the same spirit. The Lord does offer such assurance, and does so through the Holy Spirit. 8:16. Some may have had a rather sudden realization of their calling, while others experienced a more gradual realization. (See endnote.). That means that God's directions come from inside, not outside, of you. They entertain the same hope as did David, John the Baptist, and other faithful men and women of old. (b) What other important event may have happened on the same day many years earlier? The source of assurance is not finally found by focusing on our hearts and ourselves. That means that God will embed light in your spirit man, leading and directing you on what to do. Acts 2:38 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. It is through the word of God! “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ) if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” I lean towards the second. We are told this entails being baptized to put on Christ (Galatians 3:26,27). (1) Witness is usually borne in words, but not always. What events made Pentecost a special day, and how did those events fulfill what the Scriptures had foretold? There would be no question in your mind that you were anointed by holy spirit, especially if you also received the miraculous gift of speaking in a foreign language. 1:18; 1 Pet. Right there in the context of Romans 8:16, the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we’re children of God. —1 Thess. 8. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” (Romans 8:14,16). See Heb 10:15. What it means is two things and these are in the text: It is the work of the Spirit. (1 Sam. To a multitude that soon gathered, the apostle Peter explained the significance of what had happened. 3:1; Rev. Its not at all mystical. They are too self-reliant. The Bible instructs believers to examine themselves, but does it tell us to what extent or how often we should question our salvation? This calling causes a profound change in the thinking, outlook, and hope of a person when he is anointed.​—Read Ephesians 1:18. 1:4; 1 John 3:2, 3; Rev. 1:7; 8:15, 16) Simply put, by means of his holy spirit, God makes it clear to that person that he is invited to become a future heir in the Kingdom arrangement.​—1 Thess. God’s holy spirit was poured out on that group of Christians who were gathered in the upper room. Ro 8:16 The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. He confirms to us what is true on some deep and unspoken level. And so, I really would like to help here if I can. (Romans 8:14,16). 1:7; 8:15, 16) So by means of his holy spirit, God makes it clear to anointed ones that they have this heavenly calling. 15 Perhaps you are wondering if you have received this wonderful invitation. That is external. They did not become dissatisfied with that hope. Those who have received this special invitation from God do not need another witness from any other source. The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Rom. Just as it has taught you, remain in union with him.” (1 John 2:20, 27) These ones need spiritual instruction just like everyone else. Guaranteed future in heaven or not know what you find if of above! Spiritual depth and was even inspired to write sections of the Spirit co-witness. Moment of salvation is in the ministry have how does the spirit bears witness with our spirit invited or not made! 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