Christ Dwelling In Your Heart

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." (1)

Jesus paid the price for the salvation of every soul who will accept His claim as the Savior of all mankind. He claims the throne in the heart of every believer. The minds and bodies of His followers are subordinated to Him, and the natural habits and appetites are made subservient to the higher values of the soul. We can place no dependence on ourselves in this work. We cannot safely follow our own guidance. The Holy Spirit will renew and sanctify us, if we are willing.

"When the heart is cleansed from sin, Christ is placed on the throne that self-indulgence and love of earthly treasure once occupied. The image of Christ is seen in the expression of the countenance. The work of sanctification is carried forward in the soul. Self-righteousness is banished. There is seen the putting on of the new man, which after Christ is created in righteousness and true holiness.

" 'But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.' (2) Beholding Christ means studying His life as given in His Word. We are to dig for truth as for hidden treasure. We are to fix our eyes upon Christ. When we take Him as our personal Saviour, this gives us boldness to approach the throne of grace. By beholding we become changed, morally assimilated to the One who is perfect in character. By receiving His imputed righteousness, through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we become like Him. The image of Christ is cherished, and it captivates the whole being.

"The upward progress of the soul indicates that Jesus bears rule in the heart. That heart through which He diffuses His peace and joy, and the blessed fruits of His love, becomes His temple and His throne. 'You are my friends,' says Christ, 'if you do whatever I command you.' (3)

"Give to God the most precious offering that it is possible for you to make; give Him your heart." (4)

1. Ephesians 3:16, 17.
2. 2 Corinthians 3:18.
3. John 15:14.
4. God's Amazing Grace, p. 96.