But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Romans 8:11
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Hetty Green was known in the late 1800s as one of the wealthiest women in America. Despite her vast fortune, she was extremely frugal. When her son, Ned Green, suffered a serious leg injury, she delayed proper medical treatment while trying to find free care. By the time help was finally secured, it was too late, and his leg had to be amputated. Though the resources were available, they were never fully used.
In a far greater sense, many Christians live the same way spiritually. As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. The empty tomb is the greatest demonstration of God’s power the world has ever seen. Yet Romans 8:11 reveals something even more remarkable: this same power is at work within every believer.
At salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our hearts. This is the very Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. Every Christian has the presence of God living within them. Yet many believers live as though they are powerless. The Holy Spirit gives strength for daily living, victory over sin, and wisdom for every decision. Too often, however, we live beneath these privileges. The Christian life was never meant to be lived in our own ability; it is meant to be lived through the power of the Spirit who dwells within us.
The Holy Spirit within us gives us everything we need to serve God today. But His presence is also a future promise. Just as Jesus was raised from the grave by the power of the Spirit, so one day we will be raised also. The same Spirit who gives us life today will one day quicken our mortal bodies, and we will be with Christ forever. Because He lives, we will live also.
