The concept of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as the means of quickening is a profound theological tenet within Christian doctrine, emphasizing the transformative and life-giving power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. This doctrine is rooted in the understanding that the Holy Spirit, as the third person of the Trinity, resides within believers, imparting spiritual life and vitality.

Biblical Foundation

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a promise fulfilled through the New Covenant, as prophesied in the Old Testament and realized in the New Testament. Ezekiel 36:27 states, "And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances." This promise is echoed in the New Testament, where the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is a defining characteristic of the believer's relationship with God.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit as a source of life and truth. In John 14:16-17 , Jesus assures His disciples, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you."

Quickening Power

The term "quickening" refers to the act of making alive or revitalizing. In the context of the Holy Spirit, quickening is the process by which the Spirit imparts spiritual life to the believer, transforming them from a state of spiritual death to one of vibrant life in Christ. This is vividly described in Romans 8:11 : "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells within you."

The quickening work of the Holy Spirit is not limited to initial regeneration but continues throughout the believer's life, empowering them to live in accordance with God's will. Galatians 5:25 exhorts believers, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit." This ongoing quickening enables believers to bear the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, and to grow in holiness and obedience.

Theological Implications

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit as the means of quickening underscores the transformative nature of salvation. It is not merely a change in status but a profound transformation of the believer's inner being. This indwelling presence assures believers of their adoption as children of God, as stated in Romans 8:15-16 : "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children."

Furthermore, the quickening work of the Holy Spirit is essential for sanctification, the process by which believers are conformed to the image of Christ. The Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin and to live in righteousness, as seen in Romans 8:13 : "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

Practical Application

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit calls believers to a life of dependence on and cooperation with the Spirit's work. This involves yielding to the Spirit's leading, engaging in regular prayer and study of Scripture, and participating in the life of the church. Ephesians 5:18 instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."

In summary, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as the means of quickening is a central aspect of the Christian life, providing believers with the power and presence of God to live out their faith in a fallen world. Through the Spirit's indwelling, believers are assured of their identity in Christ and equipped for a life of holiness and service.Romans 8:11
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 dwells in you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. "
... All the law is fulfilled in one word, (he means the whole law of the ... and joy of God
should dwell in them, which is by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/edwards/treatise on grace/shewing how a principle of.htm

The Covenant Promise of the Spirit
... Glory be to God, who gives to sinners the indwelling of His ... of God, who are worried,
remember that worry and the Holy Ghost are ... "I will put my spirit within you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the covenant promise of the.htm

Twenty-Second Day. In Christ Our Sanctification.
... no longer in the flesh, but in the spirit (Romans 8 ... The living Christ is around him
by His holy Presence ... The promise of the indwelling and the quickening of the ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-second day in christ our.htm

The Principle of Life in the Creature.
... be wrought in them only by His indwelling in their ... the original creation and by these
means of grace ... which in thought we never associate with the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/v the principle of life.htm

Twenty-Third Day. Holiness and the Body.
... the mighty power of Jesus and the indwelling of the ... of obedience and fellowship,
but a means of grace ... it not be thought strange that the Holy Spirit should now ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-third day holiness and the.htm

The Withering Work of the Spirit
... new life into us, as the result of the indwelling of the ... is not quenched." May God,
the ever-blessed Spirit, visit you ... Trifle not with any holy thought you have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the withering work of the.htm

The Dove of God
... Ye have an unction from the Holy One,' and ... If any man have not the Spirit of holiness
he is ... honours as inspiration, is the power of the indwelling Spirit to be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the dove of god.htm

The Mystical Union with Immanuel.
... 4); but, according to all sound expositors, this means only that ... much more wonderful
the union with the Holy Spirit, established by His indwelling. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvi the mystical union with.htm

The Soul Winner
... The Life Of The Believer Is Full Of Soul Blessing: this fact we shall consider by
means of a few ... Under the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit a regenerate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the soul winner.htm

Awake, Thou that Sleepest
... fasts twice in a week," uses all the means of grace ... he is Antichrist whosoever denies
the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, or that the indwelling Spirit of God ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 3 awake thou that.htm

How do you know if you have the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Can you lose the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about the Holy Spirit (All) | GotQuestions.org

Spirit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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