two problems two solutions

We have two sin problems: 

·        Legal

·        Practical

Christ fully addressed our legal sin problem i.e. taking on and fully satisfying the rightful condemnation and wrath of God due to our rebellious distrust of Him.

The Spirit sent by Christ and his Father addresses our practical (ongoing) sin problem i.e. our ongoing tendency to still distrust God and continue in unfaithfulness to him even after coming to Christ. 

This distrust is an expression of alienation and opposition to God. It is based in a deep seated conviction (belief) that we can make life work without God and is nothing less than an attempt to be our own god. It is saying we know better than God what is best for us; that we can be and are our own god, he is not. It is declaring our opposition to him as our rightful King and the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things. In so doing, we declare ourselves an enemy of God. 

The problem of our opposition to Christ was settled by a past act that addressed our legal standing/status with God. This is done, complete, finished! There is nothing more for him to do or us to do. We can not add to this or take away from it. Our sins are gone i.e. the legal consequences for them -- our condemnation and God's rejection -- are removed as soon as we accept His free offer of forgiveness.

The problem the Spirit addresses is an ongoing solution. This is necessary due to our ongoing and deeply buried distrust of God -- even for us who are his redeemed and reconciled children. The Spirit continually helps us to see and experience the immense love of God demonstrated by Christ's rescuing us and resolving our legal sin problem. He did this in order to not only make us righteous before God, our Divine Judge, but to reveal to us God's infinite love. 

Once we accept God's offer of perfect righteousness (legally) through Christ's work for us, the Spirit increasingly reveals the full extent of that work and the love demonstrated in it, stirring in us an increasing love and trust for God. This moves us to follow his loving directions given through his commands and corrections. The more we see that love the more we are moved to trust and follow Him.

The ongoing solution grounded in the legal solution

The ongoing solution of the Spirit revealing God's ongoing love and obedience — and our ongoing need for that love — would not be possible if Christ had not addressed our legal problem of being under the wrath of God's wrath for our rebellious distrust i.e. if Christ hadn't done what he did, the Spirit could and would not have been sent to do what he does.

Joh_16:17  Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.

Joh_14:17  even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Joh_14:26  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Joh_15:26  "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 

Joh_16:13  When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

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For a further discussion of our legal standing and the practical outcome click here. 

For a further discussion on operating in the Spirit click here.