Topical Encyclopedia
In the Holy Scriptures, the concept of life is intricately connected with the Spirit of God, often depicted as the divine breath that animates and sustains all living beings. The Spirit of God is portrayed as the source of life, imbuing creation with vitality and purpose.
Creation and the Breath of LifeThe association between life and the Spirit of God is first evident in the creation narrative. In
Genesis 2:7 , it is written, "Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Here, the breath of life is synonymous with the Spirit of God, indicating that life itself is a divine gift bestowed upon humanity.
The Spirit as Sustainer of LifeThe Spirit of God is not only the initiator of life but also its sustainer.
Job 33:4 declares, "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." This verse underscores the belief that life is continuously upheld by the Spirit, emphasizing the ongoing dependence of all living creatures on God's sustaining power.
The Spirit and RenewalThe Spirit of God is also associated with the renewal and restoration of life. In
Ezekiel 37:5-6 , the prophet speaks to the dry bones, saying, "This is what the Lord GOD says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh grow upon you and cover you with skin. I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD." This passage illustrates the transformative power of the Spirit, capable of reviving and rejuvenating even that which seems lifeless.
The Spirit in the New TestamentIn the New Testament, the Spirit of God continues to be associated with life, particularly in the context of spiritual rebirth and eternal life. In
John 6:63 , Jesus states, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." Here, the Spirit is depicted as the source of spiritual vitality, offering a life that transcends the physical realm.
The Spirit and Eternal LifeThe Spirit of God is also linked to the promise of eternal life.
Romans 8:11 affirms, "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you." This verse highlights the role of the Spirit in the resurrection and the hope of eternal life for believers.
ConclusionThroughout the Bible, the Spirit of God is intimately connected with the concept of life, from the initial act of creation to the promise of eternal life through Christ. The Spirit is portrayed as the divine force that animates, sustains, and renews, offering both physical and spiritual life to all who are touched by its presence.
Nave's Topical Index
Job 27:3All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Work and the Life
... apostle says, "Let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide ... is done and reveal
to men the spirit of Christ ... who toiled in the lowly walks of life among the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 9 the work and.htm
The victory of Faith.
... and all those things which have formed thy life for years ... those called the
Spirit-born, and those called the World ... which is to be overcome by the Spirit-born, ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/ii the victory of faith.htm
The Deity of the Holy Spirit.
... thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son ... We read in Job 33:4, "The
Spirit of God hath ... the breath of the Almighty hath given me life." We read ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter ii the deity of.htm
The Water of Life (Preached at Westminster Abbey)
... far as it flows, Life; a Water of Life to plant ... like thoughts, though not like images,
may be called up in ... fulfils the letter as well as the spirit of Scripture ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon i the water of.htm
Prayer Incidents in the Life of Our Lord
... so many storms and so much loss of life until it ... from earth into the sea of eternity
called death. ... The spirit of Jesus was diverted, relieved and refreshed by ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/viii prayer incidents in the.htm
The Word as a Means of Grace
... Lord preached His own Gospel, the words of spirit and life ... They "went everywhere
preaching the Word." The Church called and sent others, whose life-work it ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xvii the word as.htm
The Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ...
... of their danger, reject the Word of life; other, though ... show forth the praises of
Him who has called them out ... under and discern the things of the Spirit of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/the corruption of man his.htm
The Self Life.
... Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit came, and in the Holy Spirit Christ with ... He said:
"I can do nothing of myself." We are called upon to live the life of Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/ii the self life.htm
"Having Begun in the Spirit"
... go into the homes of Christians, and if we think of the life to which God has called
His children, and which He enables them to live by the Holy Spirit, and if ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/having begun in the spirit.htm
His Military Life --He is Wounded at the Siege of Pampeluna --His ...
... by Rudolph, the Carthusian, and another book called the "Flowers ... While perusing the
life of Our Lord and the saints ... by which he was moved, one, the spirit of God ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter i his military lifehe.htm
Resources
What did Jesus mean when He promised an abundant life? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of life? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a difference between the book of life and the Lamb's book of life? | GotQuestions.orgLife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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