Theology Terms Explained: “Indwelling of the Holy Spirit”

Theology Explained
Written By Costi Hinn

In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:

  1. The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced or synonymous terms.

  2. The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.

  3. The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.

  4. Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.

The Term

Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
(in-DWELL-ing of the Holy Spirit)

The Definition

Merriam-Webster: Indwell — to inhabit or reside within.

FTG Expanded Explanation: The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the permanent presence of the Holy Spirit within every believer from the moment of salvation. Unlike the Old Testament, when the Spirit came upon certain individuals for specific purposes, the New Testament teaches that the Holy Spirit permanently lives in all who belong to Christ. His presence assures believers of their salvation, enables spiritual growth, convicts of sin, illuminates God's Word, and empowers obedience. Every Christian possesses the Holy Spirit, making the believer's body His temple.

The Biblical Connection

Romans 8:9 – "However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him."

1 Corinthians 6:19 – "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God?"

John 14:16–17 – "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper... He abides with you and will be in you."

Used in an Everyday Conversation

“Every Christian has the Holy Spirit living within them from the moment they trust in Christ.”

“The indwelling Spirit comforts, convicts, teaches, and strengthens believers as they grow in holiness.”

“Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, Christians should seek to honor God with both their bodies and their daily lives.”

Costi Hinn

Costi W. Hinn serves as the Teaching Pastor of The Shepherd’s House Bible Church in Chandler, Arizona and is the Founder and President of For The Gospel, an online ministry dedicated to providing sound biblical doctrine for everyday people. He is the author of several books, including Knowing the Spirit, God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, More Than a Healer, and his latest title, Walking in God’s Will. Alongside his wife, Christyne, Costi has co-authored multiple children’s books, including In Jesus’ Name I Pray, The King Who Found His Self-Control, The Farmer Who Chose to Plant Kindness, and a Bible study for kids titled, Earth’s Epic Start: A Bible Study About God’s Creation, our Fall, and His Promises.

Costi is currently completing his doctorate at The Master’s Seminary. He and Christyne are the joyful parents of six children.

See more posts from this author here: https://www.forthegospel.org/costi-hinn

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Why Christians Should Never Use The Passion Translation (TPT)