“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” – Romans 8:9
Few words in Scripture are more sobering than “he is not His” (Romans 8:9). They remind us that apart from Christ, we are not just distant from God—we are at war with Him. The unsaved person may live morally or even religiously, but without the indwelling Holy Spirit, they do not belong to God. And yet, the way of escape has been made through Jesus Christ. When we are born again, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13–14). We enter a new realm of life—one not sustained by fleshly desires, but by the Spirit of God. Just as a fish lives in water and man breathes air, the believer’s life breathes in the Spirit. We don’t just live in Him—He lives in us.
But how can we be sure we are His? How do we know we’ve truly been born again? The answer isn’t found in outward signs or religious checklists. Many people can display love, joy, and kindness without knowing Christ. And some believers, in seasons of struggle, may show very little of those fruits. The true assurance comes from within. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). This inward witness is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He confirms our adoption, aligns our hearts with God’s Word, and reminds us of our standing even when we stumble. Christianity isn’t defined by what we no longer do—it’s defined by who we now love. Our passion is to be near the Lord, and even in failure, we long for His presence.
Don’t settle for surface signs—seek the inward witness. If you’ve heard God’s Word and responded in faith, the Holy Spirit now dwells in you. He is your comfort in doubt, your strength in weakness, your reminder in the battle. He will convict you when you sin, and point you back to Jesus, your Advocate and Redeemer. You are no longer at war with God—you are at peace with Him. And that peace is not fragile. It is sealed, secured, and sustained by the Spirit of God Himself. Are you born again? If so, rest in the witness within. And if not, hear His Word today and respond. The invitation is open, and the Spirit is ready to dwell in you.
“The impact of this light and power is itself the Spirit’s witness “by and with the Word in our heart.” Argument, testimony from others, and our own particular experiences may prepare us to receive this witness, but the imparting of it, like the imparting of faith in Christ’s divine Saviorhood, is the prerogative of the sovereign Holy Spirit alone.” – J.I. Packer
surrendered devotions 