My Journey to Life, Step 23—The Church

11. What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the church?

Early Christians thought of their community of faith as the Temple of God. Rather than merely a physical structure, they believed God had established His people as a sanctuary by choosing to dwell among them (2 Corinthians 6:16). This “people edifice” was not static, but continually growing through the agency of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22). JTL23 13.1

Just as Jesus had divine assistance in His earthly ministry, so the church would have the strengthening, empowering presence of the Spirit for its witness, help in selecting leaders, guidance, and sanctification. Every aspect of the life of the church comes within the sphere of the Spirit’s influence. As the church becomes visibly united by the enabling power of the Spirit working in willing hearts, it finds oneness in Christ (Ephesians 5:2-15). Then the Good News of the gospel can be carried to the entire earth and Jesus can come. JTL23 13.2