Cultivating a Deeper Connection with God
To share a profound bond with someone is to experience mutual delight in something that brings joy and benefit to both parties. This concept is at the heart of communion, which theologian John Owen defines as “the sharing of good things between persons who are mutually delighted, being cemented together by some union.” In essence, communion is not just about shared pleasure, but about the lasting impact that shared pleasure has on two individuals.
The Power of Shared Delight
We’ve all experienced this kind of connection with close friends. What makes a friend truly close? It’s not just about physical proximity, but about sharing common interests, values, and passions. When we share these things with someone, it creates a strong bond that cements our relationship. Prayer can have the same effect on our relationship with God, fostering a deep and lasting connection through our shared delight in the gospel of grace.
The Forgotten Person of the Trinity
All too often, we neglect the Holy Spirit in our communion with God. We tend to focus on the Father and the Son, forgetting that the Spirit is also an integral part of the Trinity. To truly experience the Spirit’s power, we need to get to know Him as a person and begin a relationship with Him through prayer.
Practical Steps to Deeper Communion
So how can we start cultivating a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit today? Here are a few practical steps:
- Take time to reflect on your shared delight with God
- Begin a conversation with the Holy Spirit through prayer
- Seek to understand the Spirit’s role in your life and in the Trinity
The Trinity’s Role in Our Salvation
The Trinity plays a harmonious role in our salvation, with each person working together in perfect unity. The Father, Son, and Spirit each contribute to the symphony of our salvation, with different movements and roles. Understanding the Trinity’s work in our salvation can help us appreciate the beauty and complexity of God’s plan.
Differentiating the Work of the Son and Spirit
The Son and Spirit have distinct roles in our salvation, with the Son accomplishing redemption and the Spirit applying that redemption to our lives. Understanding this distinction can help us appreciate the unique contributions of each person of the Trinity.
Resisting Sin and Embracing Redemption
Finally, as we seek to deepen our connection with God, we must also learn to resist sin and embrace redemption. This requires more than just saying “no” to temptation – it requires a profound understanding of the Trinity’s work in our salvation and a willingness to surrender to God’s plan.
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