When you grasp how you have been created, it helps you to better navigate your relationship with God. The dynamics of the inward battle and how you can fully commit yourself to the purposes of God are easier once you understand that you are a new creation.
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
When we look at the language of Paul, or even from the angle of a Hebraic mindset, we can see that there is a clear understanding of how God has created us – spirit, soul and body. Just like an apple has skin, pulp and then seeds, so we are created with a spirit, soul and body.
An unsaved person will live their entire lives for the gratification of their flesh, fulfilling worldly appetites. For those who know God, this type of living must change. We no longer live to please our natural senses but actually live to please God – who is spirit. What we once used to live for (the flesh), we now offer as a sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). In Christ, our spirits have been made alive to God. We are now new creations in Christ. God has awakened our spirits to a living communion with His Spirit.
"But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.' But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God." (1 Corinthians 2:9-12)
We are no longer alienated from a life of revelation, insight and understanding into the realities of the Kingdom of God. Rather, we have full access by the Blood of Christ to gain heavenly wisdom, grace and leading through His Holy Spirit.
Communion with God Restored - We Have Been Given Full Access
In simplicity, God has restored the communion that was lost in the Garden of Eden, where man walked with God in the cool of the day. As we are created in the image of God, His plan has been to completely restore us into that reality of walking with Him – also allowing us to see firsthand the demonstration of His love in Christ. (Photo via Piqsels)
We can see pictures of how God had been calling His people closer throughout the Old Testament. Just as Moses would see His glory, God also invited others to come closer; yet because of fear, they would not. Jesus went into the Presence as the forerunner for us so that we would also enter into the presence of God. Full access has been made available to us.
When we look at the tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament times, we see that same picture of spirit, soul and body. The outer court being a picture of the body; the inner court, a picture of the soul; and then the holiest of all (the Holy of Holies) – a picture of our spirit man. The most holy worship took place in the Holy of Holies. Just as we can come boldly before the throne of God – even the Holiest in the heavens – so His Spirit comes to dwell and commune with us in the holiest part of our spirit man.
From Renewal to Transformation
In the new creation, truly, ALL things have become new, as it is created after the image of God. It is where we have been "born again." However, the soul is in need of renovation and transformation. Then the body is to be a living sacrifice to God. It is only as we yield to fueling our communion with God that transformation can take place. If we continue to live after the flesh and worldly appetites, there will be no transformation of the soul.
It is the Word of God, the Spirit and a yielded life – a life that follows His commands and leadings – that brings forth real transformation. To whom much is given, much is required. We've all been given much in the new creation.
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation." (Galatians 6:15)
We have to choose to live after the Spirit, discovering the reality of His presence to the transformation of our desires...the place where there is nothing we would rather have than our lives found in Him.
The measure that we sow is also the measure that we reap. That is why Paul encourages us to sow to the Spirit (see Galatians 6:8). If we sow to the Spirit, we will also reap from the Spirit the fullness of His life. If we sow to the flesh, we reap destruction, forfeiting the most glorious transformed life. There is nothing worse than someone who wears the badge of a Christian but lives just like the world. God calls us to leave it all when we make Him Lord of all.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
This is where the rubber meets the road. When you gave your life to Christ, was it just for a stamped ticket to Heaven, or was it you saying, "I will follow You, hear Your voice and do what you say"? Do you want your desires changed? Can you lay down everything that you 'think' you know? Do you always have to be in control? Do you always have to be right?
Paul counted all things loss – for what? For knowing Jesus in the most intimate way. It is all about the relationship with Him. If anything gets between you and your relationship with God, you should willingly sacrifice it. God is patient, as He gives us many opportunities to take the path of transformation. (Photo via Pixabay)
So many times people will squander these opportunities to venture into deeper relationship with God for temporal gratification – even losing ground in what they have attained with God. Our world is filled with examples that try to make their own flesh and bad choices look spiritual.
How to Find Your Identity in the Secret Place
Find your identity in the secret place with God tending to the depths of your spirit. How can you do this?
1. Offer You Body as a Living Sacrifice
What does this mean? It means that you count yourself "crucified with Christ." It is no longer about what you want but what He wants. You don't try to make God come and fulfill your dreams, but you fulfill His.
2. Commit to Communion
Give your heart and spirit over to God in a life of worship, prayer and communion. Let the communion of the Holy Spirit be in your life. Welcome the Holy Spirit to come and fill you with His presence. Simply continue to ask Him to come every day. Throughout your days, welcome the Holy Spirit. Jesus told us He would send us "The Helper." Do you need help? We all do. Learn to be dependent on the Holy Spirit.
3. Get a New Language and Library
The Word of God is our standard for life and truth. Meditate on the Word of God. Get that language and library in your heart. His words are inspired by the Author – the Holy Spirit. Weigh every thought you have by what God's Word says is the truth. You do this and you will be heading in the right direction!
"and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:23-24)
4. Get in Community with Believers
Find those who will lead you in the right direction. Those who have a heart after God are in pursuit of Him. Find those who are covenant-hearted people, where you can commit to a community and grow. Don't live like an orphan that just wanders around; this will lead you into spiritual poverty. God wants you to prosper in a community of people that are committed to seeing Heaven on Earth and your success as a Believer.
God has amazing plans for your life. Trust in Him and He will direct your steps.
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John and Brandi Belt
Overflow Global Ministries
Email:Â hello@overflowglobal.com
Website:Â www.overflowglobal.com
John and Brandi Belt are the leaders of Overflow Global Ministries. The heart of their message is that God's greatest desire is to indwell His people with His presence. They believe that man was created to be inhabited by God through His Spirit. With a sincere devotion to God through the Holy Spirit, people can live in a place of overflow in His presence. This overflow translates into touching the lives of others through living encounters with God. When John and Brandi minister, the intimate presence of God is manifest – being accompanied with demonstrations of God's power to heal, revive, and restore.
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Knowing our identity in Christ is vitally important for us to be able to walk out His plans and purposes on the earth.
Now that's rich...read the rest of John's word in which you'll also discover 4 ways to find your identity in the secret place. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List 
