The Spirit Bears Witness to Believers' Spirits, Not Their Senses

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.—Romans 8:16.

Let no believing soul be distressed or deluded by the deceiving of others, so as to expect a vision, manifestation, or revelation that may be seen, heard, or felt by the outward senses. No; the Spirit bears witness to our spirits, not to our senses! even as the law bears witness to the conscience that we are sinners, and works wrath there; so the blessed Spirit bears an inward witness to the mind, that we are the righteous children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus; that "he died for our sins and rose again for our justification;" that in him we are chosen, beloved, accepted, justified, pardoned, and shall be glorified with him. Thus saith Jesus, "He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."—John 16:14.

See, O believer, the riches of covenant-grace! Admire and adore the wonderful love of the trinity! Hast thou received the witness of the Spirit of Jesus in the word through faith? Happy, highly favored art thou among men. Art thou waiting and longing for the promise of the Father? the joyful testimony and assurance of the Spirit to thy heart that thou art his child? It is sure; not because of any good thing naturally found in thee, but because Jesus intercedes before the throne. Therefore thou mayest pray in the assurance of faith, having this promise to all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, "Your heavenly Father will give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him."—Luke 11:13.

- excerpt from William Mason's A Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God, Volume 1, July 29