Romans 8:9

Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

This photo taken on the old Natchez Trace is a reminder of how the sinful nature of the flesh ruled the day in the 1800’s along this historic trail. Thieves and robbers thrived along this path that is sunken even to this day by the traffic of men and horses from over a century ago. Redemption from the flesh and sinful nature comes by regeneration to those who belong to Christ. They are redeemed by the blood of Christ and quickened to life by Holy Spirit. These and these only have the Spirit of God dwelling in them and they are Spiritually alive and no longer in the flesh. Saved sinners are in Christ and Christ is in them. Since believers are no longer in the flesh, they are no longer under the control of the flesh all day every day. Anyone who is under the control of the flesh does not have the Spirit and does not belong to Christ. In short they are not redeemed and are unsaved. This is yet another verse that leaves absolutely no possibility that a true Christian could reject following Christ in favor of worldly carnal living day in and day out. Christians sin and grieve the Holy Spirit, but they are convicted of sin by the Spirit, repent, pray, and are responsive to this grace which will win the day. In these first nine verses of Romans eight God through Paul has made it clear that a redeemed (saved) person has the Holy Spirit dwelling in them and they respond with a life, mind, and walk controlled by the Spirit.

Jesus is the light of the world and those that follow him are his. Those that don’t are not. This is sanctification and is a response to the justification that comes by faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Beware of false prophets that tell you that you can claim Christ but walk with the devil.