CHRIST DWELLING IN YOUR HEART

" That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith . . . " (Ephesians 3:15)

How simplistic is it for Christ to dwell in your heart? Religious men speak glibly about this extraordinary gift as though it were a small thing. Some even dare to approach it academically, as though it was the result of learning disciplines. Our text informs us that we must be "strengthened with power in the inner man by the Holy Spirit" before this can take place. That is an arresting consideration! It is stated precisely, and to the point!
Sin has so debilitated our race that Christ cannot live within us unless we are made strong enough, as it were, to contain Him. It has weakened the fabric of our soul--our rational and emotional powers. Those who inordinately extol logic and human disciplines must be reminded of this fact! Unless God, through the Holy Spirit, strengthens our inner man with Divine power, Christ cannot dwell within us! If "Christ in us" is our only "hope of glory" (Col 1:27),  an effective way must be provided for Him to live within us. Praise be to God, that a way is provided!
Can Jesus dwell within a weakened person--one that is not strengthened with power, by God's Holy Spirit in the inner man? It is foolish to ask such a question! God does not do meaningless things! If He makes us strong within in order for Christ to dwell in our hearts, it is because there is no other way for this necessity to be accomplished!
Jesus said He would come into the person that retained His Word, savoring it with an unquenchable appetite (John 14:21,23). He takes up residence in the believer to make Himself known; i.e., "I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him." By disclosing Himself to us, Jesus has also made the Father perceptible to us. The will of God is thus clarified to our souls, as well as the inheritance He has reserved for them that love Him. Everything of eternal value depends upon Christ dwelling with you. If  He is not in you, you cannot be in Him! The marvel of salvation is that the saved and the Savior joined together, forming "one spirit" (1 Cor 6:17). Such an assignment is too difficult for the fallen nature! To experience the indwelling Christ without being strengthened is like attempting to cross the Red Sea without God parting the waters. It is like Noah and his family attempting to survive the flood without building the appointed ark. It simply cannot be done! God be thanked for the strengthening Spirit!