Romans 8:9

"But if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ is in you, the body indeed is dead because of sin, but the spirit is life because of justification. But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Jesus Christ from the dead shall quicken also your mortal bodies because of his Spirit that dwells in you." That the apostle Paul employs firm syllogisms drawn together by the dialectical art, whether in this place or in others of his Epistles, does not seem to me a thing to be set forth now, lest perhaps we appear to be advocates not so much of his knowledge as of his speech — in which he does not wish to be called skilled; and therefore we shall hasten rather to examine the sense of the chapter set before us. In what went before, where he said: "But you are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you," we explained in a twofold manner what it is to be in the Spirit: that is, either to understand the law not according to the letter but according to the spiritual sense; or else, with the body mortified, to live by the laws of the spirit and not of the flesh. And now, therefore, as to what he says, "But if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his," and then adds, "But if Christ is in you," it must be asked whether it is a different thing for the Spirit of God to be in someone, or the Spirit of Christ, or even Christ himself, or the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead. […]

"But they who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the spirit: if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you." The same understanding holds throughout. "They who are in the flesh," he says — that is, they who follow the law according to the letter — "cannot please God." For this was long ago declared by God through Isaiah, when he says: "Your fasts and holidays and your great day I do not endure: my soul hates your new moons and your Sabbaths." But "you," he says, in whom the Spirit of God dwells — if indeed it does dwell — "are not in the flesh, but in the spirit"; that is, you do not follow the carnal understanding of the law, but the spiritual, through which you have come to the life-giving Spirit — if indeed your deeds and manner of life are such that you deserve to have the Spirit of God in you. Therefore, dividing the law of Moses, as we have said, into two parts, that is, into spirit and flesh, he has handed over to us the things that are of the spirit, which he also called the spiritual law; but the things that are of the flesh he has left to the carnal Jews. So, finally, he interpreted also that passage concerning Abraham when he said: "But he indeed who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh; but he who was of the freewoman, by promise. And as then he that was born according to the flesh persecuted him that was born according to the spirit, so also now." For it is certain that those who are Jews according to the flesh persecute us who are Jews not outwardly but inwardly, and who keep the law according to the spirit, not according to the flesh. Those, therefore, who are wise according to the flesh consequently also hope for the promises of the law in a carnal way. […]

It is possible also, according to another exposition — if we take it up again from the beginning — that "What was impossible to the law, in that it was weakened through the flesh," be understood also of the law of the mind, which he said above wills to do good but cannot fulfill it through the infirmity and frailty of the flesh; and that on this account God sent his Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and of sin — that is, by a victim offered for sin — condemned sin. For when remission of sins was given us, sin was put to flight and driven out of our flesh, and the justification of the law began to be fulfilled in us — of that law, at least, which delights together with the law of God, which is quickly fulfilled when the law of sin that was in our members no longer resists it, if indeed we walk not according to the flesh but according to the spirit. For so long as anyone is in the flesh and lives according to the flesh, he is wise in the things of the flesh; but when he has turned himself to the spirit, and has died to the law of sin and of the flesh, he is wise in the things that are of the spirit. For to be wise according to the flesh is the death of the soul; but to be wise according to the spirit is life and peace: because "the wisdom of the flesh is enmity against God" — that is, so long as the flesh resists the spirit and is not subject to the law of the mind, which is the law of God, it is at enmity with God; and therefore they who live carnally cannot please God. But "you," he says, "are not in the flesh" — that is, you do not live according to the flesh, but according to the spirit — "if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you." These things can also, as we have said, be fitted to this place according to another exposition. But let the one who reads choose, and let him follow whichever he judges the more fitting — if indeed he does judge it so.

Since, however he has declared of men which are yet alive in the flesh, that they "are not in the flesh," meaning that they are not living in the works of the flesh, you ought not to subvert its form nor its substance, but only the works done in the substance (of the flesh), alienating us from the kingdom of God.

For, if a man be only in name called holy, he is not holy; but he must be holy in everything: in his body and in his spirit. And those who are virgins rejoice at all times in becoming like God and His Christ, and …

"You are not in the flesh" not because you are not clad in flesh but because in spite of being clad in flesh you rise above the thinking of the flesh.

Here again, he does not mean flesh absolutely, but such sort of flesh, that which was in a whirl and thraldom of passions. Why then, it may be said, does he not say so, nor state any difference? It is to rouse the hearer, and to show that he that liveth aright is not even in the body. For inasmuch as it was in a manner clear to every one that the spiritual man was not in sin, he states the greater truth that it was not in sin alone, that the spiritual man was not, but not even in the flesh was he henceforward, having become from that very moment an Angel, and ascended into heaven, and henceforward barely carrying the body about. Now if this be thy reason for disparaging the flesh, because it is by its name that he calls the fleshly life, at this rate you are also for disparaging the world, because wickedness is often called after it, as Christ also said to His disciples, "Ye are not of this world;" and again to His brethren, He says, "The world cannot hate you, but me it hateth." And the soul too Paul must afterwards be calling estranged from God, since to those that live in error, he gives the name of men of the soul. But this is not so, indeed it is not so. For we are not to look to the bare words, but always to the sentiment of the speaker, and so come to a perfectly distinct knowledge of what is said. For some things are good, some bad, and some indifferent. Thus the soul and the flesh belong to things indifferent, since each may become either the one or the other. But the spirit belongs to things good, and at no time becometh any other thing. Again, the mind of the flesh, that is, ill-doing, belongs to things always bad. "For it is not subject to the law of God." If then thou yieldest thy soul and body to the better, thou wilt have become of its part. […]

"For now we see as through a glass," the same apostle says, "but then face to face." Wherefore also he has added, "neither yet are ye now able, for ye are still carnal," minding the things of the flesh,-desiring, loving, feeling jealousy, wrath, envy. "For we are no more in the flesh," as some suppose. For with it [they say], having the face which is like an angel's, we shall see the promise face to face.

Furthermore, "you are not living according to the flesh," that is, you do not serve the fleshly life, but the spiritual. Why then did he not say: you do not live in sins? So that you would know that Christ not only extinguished the tyranny …

Then when he says, "but you are not in the flesh," he shows that those to whom he is speaking are immune from the prudence of the flesh. In regard to this he does three things. First, he describes the state of believers, saying, "but …

In Holy Writ flesh is named in one way according to nature, and in another way according to sin or corruption. For there is flesh according to nature, as where it is written, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh." And, "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." But there is flesh according to sin, as where it is written, "My Spirit shall not always abide in those men, for that they are flesh." And as the Psalmist saith; "For He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again." Whence too Paul said to the disciples; "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit." For it was not that these persons were not in the flesh, to whom he was sending letters, but for that they had subdued the motions of carnal passions, henceforth, free through the efficacy of the Spirit, they 'were not in the flesh.' Therefore in respect to what Paul says, that "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God," he would have flesh to be understood as applied to sin, not flesh as applied to nature. Hence directly afterwards that he was speaking of flesh after sin he makes plain, by adding; "Neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." Therefore in that glory of the heavenly kingdom there will be flesh according to nature, but not flesh according to the desire of the passions; in that the sting of death being overcome, it will reign in eternal incorruptibility.

In the Spirit - Under his government. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ - Dwelling and governing in him. He is none of his - He is not a member of Christ; not a Christian; not in a state of salvation.

The Believer's Privileges. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

quarantine:scripture (2026-07-29) — scripture-overlap:95%@v9-11

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit,....

Now--"But." if any man have not the Spirit of Christ--Again, this does not mean "the disposition or mind of Christ," but the Holy Ghost; here called "the Spirit of Christ," just as He is called "the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" (see on Ro 8:2).

THIS is one of the most solemn texts in the whole Bible. It is so sweeping—it deals with all of us. "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." And it deals with the most important point about us, for to belong to Christ is the most essential thing for time and eternity. But we are not Christ's unless we have His Spirit. The text does not treat of external rites and ceremonies. It does not discuss a vexed question in doctrine.

THIS is one of the most solemn texts in the whole Bible. It is so sweeping—it deals with all of us. "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." And it deals with the most important point about us, for to belong to Christ is the most essential thing for time and eternity. But we are not Christ's unless we have His Spirit. The text does not treat of external rites and ceremonies. It does not discuss a vexed question in doctrine. It does not speak of rare attainments and unusual virtues—but it lays its axe at the root of the tree—it points its sword at a vital part. The text probes to the quick—it pierces to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow—dealing with the thoughts and intents of the heart. It speaks to the soul and though it is the voice of the Gospel, yet is its sound as terrible as the thunderclaps of Sinai. "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." Since the subject leads us to think upon the Spirit of Christ, let us entreat Him to help us at this hour, so that our thoughts shall be honest, heart-searching, and therefore profitable to us. The preacher has prayed that he may be helped to discourse upon the text. Let each hearer pray that what shall be rightly said may also rightly affect his heart and conscience. Do we not all earnestly desire to belong to Christ? Do we not tremble at the bare idea of its being said of us that we are "none of His"? With such desires and fears, I trust we shall come with the greater readiness under the influence of the heart-searching text before us. I shall, at the outset, try to lead you to consider the remarkable title which is here given to the Holy Spirit. When we have considered that point, we will next observe the absolute necessity of possessing the Spirit. And, thirdly, meditate upon the evidences which may help us to discover whether we have the Spirit.

But ye are not in the flesh - Ye Christians, who have believed in Christ Jesus as the sin offering which has condemned sin in the flesh; and, having been justified by faith and made partakers of the Holy Spirit, are enabled to walk in newness of life. If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you - Or seeing that, ειπερ, the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. The flesh, the sinful principle, dwelt in them before; and its motions were the proofs of its indwelling; but now the Spirit dwells in them; and its testimony in their conscience, and its powerful operations in their hearts, are the proofs of its indwelling. God made man in union with himself, and his heart was his temple. Sin being committed, the temple was defiled, and God abandoned it. Jesus Christ is come by his sacrifice and Spirit to cleanse the temple, and make man again a habitation of God through the Spirit. And when this almighty Spirit again makes the heart his residence, then the soul is delivered from the moral effects of the fall. And that this is absolutely necessary to our present peace and final salvation is proved from this: that if any man have not the Spirit of Christ - the mind that was in him, produced there by the power of the Holy Ghost - he is none of his; he does not belong to the kingdom, flock, or family of God. This is an awful conclusion! Reader, lay it to heart.

But ye - You who are Christians. This is the opposite character to what he had been describing, and shows the power of the gospel. Not in the flesh - Not under the full influence of corrupt desires and passions. But in the Spirit - That is, you are spiritually minded; you are under the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God - The Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit of God is totally incapable of doing anything that is small. The world in which we live is beautiful, carpeted with flowers and everything. It was a ball of mud shut up in the womb of the universe.