29. What has the Father done to enable us to abide in God’s presence?
The Father lovingly chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4-6; 1 Pet 1:2), and so will never condemn us (Ro 8:34) or forsake us (Heb 13:5; Jo 10:27-29), but has adopted us into His family (Eph 1:5) and reserved our inheritance (1 Pet 1:4). This love prompts us to worship in His presence.
30. What has the Son done to enable us to abide in God’s presence?
The Son’s perfect life, death, resurrection, ascension and High Priestly work has propitiated God’s wrath (1 Jo 2:2), forgiven our sins (Col 2:13-14; Eph 1:7), justified us (Rom 5:1, 2 Cor 5:21), reconciled us with God (Rom 5:10; Col 1:21; 2 Cor 5:18), regenerated and given us eternal life (Col 2:13, Jo 1:12), sanctified us (1 Corinthians 6:11), and seated us with Christ in the heavenlies (Philippians 3:20, Ephesians 2:6) through our union with Him (Ro 6:4-10). Being thus accepted (Eph 1:6) and completed (Col 2:9-10), we have every permission to worship in His presence (Heb 10:19-22)
31. What has the Spirit done to enable us to abide in God’s presence?
The Spirit regenerates us (Titus 3:5; Jo 3:3-9), and then indwells us (1 Cor 6:19, Ro 8:9-10) thereby imparting the very life of Christ and divine nature to us (Gal 2:20; 1 Jo 3:24), being the seal and down-payment of our future glorification (2 Co 1:22; Eph 1:13-14; 4:30). Being God’s Spirit indwelling our Spirit, He reveals the things of God (1 Cor 2:10-13) using the Word of God, and illuminates Christ’s beauty to the seeking heart (Jo 15:26, 16:14), giving us both desires and enablement to love God (Phil 2:13). We thus have the power to worship in His presence.
32. What takes place as we abide?
Abiding is a three-fold cycle of communing and conviction, confession and consecration, cleansing and conformity.
About David de Bruyn
David de Bruyn pastors New Covenant Baptist Church in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a graduate of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Minnesota and the University of South Africa (D.Th.). Since 1999, he has presented a weekly radio program that is heard throughout much of central South Africa. He also blogs at Churches Without Chests.
