The Information Age has revolutionized communication. In my lifetime, we’ve gone from snail mail to fax, email to DMs, and now Zoom. Yet, despite this unprecedented access to connection, relationships haven’t necessarily improved. In fact, sociologists report that loneliness has reached epidemic levels. A 2023 study found that 58 percent of Americans feel like no one truly knows them.
So, it’s clear: more access doesn’t equal deeper relationships. What truly strengthens relationships is intimate awareness and special attachment.
The Apostle Paul shows us this applies to God, too. Through Jesus, we gained access to God, but we were never meant to stop there. God desires an intimate awareness of who He is and a special attachment to Him—where we live in step with His Spirit every moment. Romans 8:9-11 explains this beautifully:
“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
This passage makes it clear: belonging brings blessings believing alone cannot. Why?
First, belonging to God is required by our new birth. As verse 9 states, attachment to the Spirit enables us to live in the realm of the Spirit. Paul draws a definitive line—if anyone does not have Christ’s Spirit, they do not belong to Him. This may sound exclusive, but Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Believing introduces us to God, but belonging secures our place in Him.
Second, belonging to God is vital to experiencing blessing. When we remain in Him, He gives us the ability to fulfill His purposes. In John 15:5, Jesus declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” True blessing flows from staying connected to Christ.
Third, belonging to God is necessary for battle. The enemy is real, and we cannot fight in our own strength. Verse 11 reminds us that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us. That’s not just help—that’s resurrection power at work!
Believing is a great start—it opens the door to life with God. But belonging brings us into blessing, purpose, and power. Let’s not settle for access when God invites us into intimacy. Belong to Christ, and experience the life only He can give!
