Skēnoó: The Art of Tabernacling – Part 6
Why Was the Holy Spirit Sent to Believers?
In the last part of this series, we met the Person of the Holy Spirit, God Himself dwelling within us, the enabler of our intimate walk with the Father. But now, we’ll delve into the pressing question: Why was the Holy Spirit sent? What is His divine purpose in the place of Skēnoó, the art of tabernacling with God?
Therefore, this part of the series will help us understand the reasons the Holy Spirit came, and how these reasons empower and deepen our ability to truly dwell with God. The reasons discussed here are not exhaustive, are taken in no particular order, and each reason relates directly to Skēnoó, the art of tabernacling with God.
1. To Help Us Through the Christian Journey
No man can scale though life without requiring one sort of help or another and I’ve come to realize that in this world, we all need assistance. You constantly need someone to speak on your behalf, to support you, and to guide you. As of this moment, Jesus is literally still speaking to the Father on your behalf. In Hebrews 7:25b, we see a perfect picture of the Man Jesus Christ described as: "...He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf."
The Bible is unequivocal about this, in Genesis 2:18: “It is not good for man to be alone.” King Solomon echoed this foundational truth in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 when he said, “Two are better than one,” and “Woe to anyone who is alone.” This principle goes beyond just marital relationships. Even within marriage, there are times your spouse may not fully understand you, how much more to be able to help you. That’s why we need the help of the Holy Spirit: our 2/4/7 Helper, our guide and our divine SatNav. Without His direction, how can we truly navigate this tough world?
Jesus called the Holy Spirit “the Helper” (John 14:26). Consider our Lord’s promise: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” - John 14:26. This scripture speaks of a divine Companion who comes alongside us to strengthen, teach, and guide us. Without Him, the Christian life and even life generally would be quite exhausting and burdensome. It would be like a climb up a steep mountain without a guide or support.
Most importantly, the process of Skēnoó is not a solo act; it’s a relationship sustained by the Helper who whispers God’s truth in our ears, who reminds us of God’s Word when our hearts grow weary. When you find yourself struggling to hear God in the secret place of prayer or understand His ways, remember the Helper is there, ready to lead you into all truth. Just like Christ is interceding for you before the Father in Heaven this same Helper also intercedes for us in prayer here on earth - Romans 8:26, expressing groanings too deep for words. When your body is weak, He strengthens your communion with God, making tabernacling possible even when you feel distant.
2. To Help Us Love God and Others
In His teaching, Jesus emphasized that the greatest commandment is love for God: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” And the second, is like unto it: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” - Matthew 22:37; 39. At the heart of God’s commandments is love and from a human perspective, these two commands may seem overwhelming, and impossible to fulfill fully by our own strength. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had moments where loving certain people felt nearly impossible. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, maintaining a clean heart, which is essential for effective tabernacling becomes a real struggle. This is where the Holy Spirit’s work becomes vital. We are not left to generate this love on our own. The Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit helps to shed the love of God abroad in our heart: “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” - Romans 5:5.
Beyond feelings of affection, which wanes off overtime, it is the Spirit of love that empowers us to tarry with God even when things are not going exactly the way we plan or when our prayers seem delayed, deepening our longing to spend time in His presence. Moreso, it would be extremely difficult to tabernacle or spend quality time with someone you don't love, this is why, when we truly love someone, we desire to be near them, to dwell with them. So, one of the powerful operations of the Holy Spirit is to manifest as the Spirit of love, He effortlessly releases divine affection in our heart for God, stirring a holy yearning within us which enables a lifestyle of Skēnoó, one anchored in deep love for God and not from mere obligations.
3. To Empower Us
Beyond the coming of the Holy Spirit to serve as your Helper, He is also primarily here to empower you. Jesus told the early disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses...” - Acts 1:8. This power is not reserved only for preaching or miracles. It’s the power to live victoriously, to overcome sin, to walk in love, to bear fruit that lasts and the power to tarry with God even when you don’t feel like it. The Holy Spirit is the one that separates our natural efforts unto supernatural impact. When David was anointed, he went from shepherd boy to the king. When Jesus was baptized and anointed by the Spirit, His public ministry began with power, healing, and authority. When the apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they transformed from fearful laymen into bold witnesses, shaking nations with the gospel.
Every believer that walks the face of this earth needs this empowerment. Even Jesus Himself was anointed by the Spirit: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good...” - Acts 10:38. Notice carefully: it wasn’t cooking oil, Vaseline or even engine oil that He was anointed with, but He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power. If Jesus needed the Holy Spirit, to complete His ministry, I tell you, you too cannot gain much traction in this life without the same Holy Spirit. His empowerment enables us to tabernacle with God as bold, empowered children of God, able to walk in holiness and love.
4. To Indwell Us Permanently
As I’ve emphasized since this series began, at the heart of Skēnoó is this truth: God no longer dwells in temples made with hands, but in us. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” - 1 Corinthians 3:16. This is the new covenant reality, whereas God once dwelt in the tabernacle and the temple, places made with human hands, now He pitches His tent inside us. This indwelling presence is the true essence of tabernacling, the constant habitation of God’s presence within you. It means that your body is the dwelling place, your heart the altar, and your daily life the temple service. Wherever you go, the Holy Spirit goes, carrying God’s presence with you. The biblical heroes of faith longed to see the day that we are in. For instance, Samson could only experience the infilling of the spirit seasonally, but not us, God has sent His Spirit to take permanent residency in us.
Brethren, by the help of that same Holy Spirit, Skēnoó can become a lifestyle, enabling you to walk in awareness that God is permanently with you. The Holy Spirit ensures that your tabernacling experience moves to a place of His presence, this is the core of Skēnoó.
5. To Transform Us in the Place of Skēnoó
The Bible says that God has not called us to seek Him (tabernacle with Him) in vain - Isaiah 45:19. Similarly, as we dwell with God, the Holy Spirit initiates an inner transformation, gradually changing us into the likeness of Christ: Paul describes this process in 2 Corinthians 3:18:“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” This transformative work does not happen in isolation, just as God the Father said, “Let us make man in our image” – (Genesis 1:26) a divine teamwork within the Trinity, the Holy Spirit works in conjunction with the Word, Jesus Christ, to change us. As we behold Jesus, listen to His Word, Skēnoó and tabernacle in His presence, the Holy Spirit works to conform us into the very image we behold, He molds us into the likeness of Christ, enabling us to live as reflections of God’s glory and to become exemplary Christians.
Thus, the Holy Spirit is both the power and the artist in the sacred work of cleansing, sanctification and consecration, performed in the intimate place of dwelling with God. Interestingly, Holy Spirit-led renewals are the most long lasting sort of renewals that can stand the test of time because he refines us from inside out.
6. To Give Us a New Prayer Language
Another beautiful gift of the Holy Spirit’s presence is the ability to pray in the Spirit, often expressed as praying in tongues. At Pentecost, the first believers received this divine gift: “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues...” - Acts 2:4. This spiritual language characterizes every infilling of the Holy Spirit and was never intended for the early disciples alone. Some have argued that the phenomenon of speaking in new tongues was meant only for that initial group, but nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, the change of language is one of the signs that should and must follow every believer. As Jesus said in Mark 16:17: “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;”
One benefit of the language is that praying in the Spirit connects us directly to God’s heart in a language beyond our natural understanding (1 Corinthians 14:2). It is a powerful tool for communion, worship, and intercession. In the art of tabernacling, it is not enough to just dwell with God; we must also communicate with Him. This gift is an intimate prayer language, allowing us to align with heaven’s purposes even when words fail us. It’s the Spirit praying through us, teaching us to depend fully on Him. Praying in tongues empower and train us to linger in the Holy of Holies, beyond words, beyond intellect and most especially when we run out of words to say, the Holy Spirit takes over and begins communing with God, Spirit to Spirit, in that place, the deep things within you begins calling unto the deep things of God.
Final Charge
Beloved, the Holy Spirit was sent to you for vital reasons, to help you, to empower you, to indwell you, to transform you, and to enable your communion through prayer. The above roles of the Holy Spirit discussed here are designed to enhance your Skēnoó experience and to sharpen your art of tabernacling with God as no one can dwell with God without the Spirit of God dwelling within them. Remember, you are not called to tabernacle in your own strength but to yield, for it is the Holy Spirit who makes the tent of your heart fit for the glory of God and He is not a distant force but your divine companion.
Weekly Activation:
- Meditation Verse: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” - 1 Corinthians 3:16.
- Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for coming to dwell in me. Help me to walk in Your power, to yield to Your leading, and to abide daily in Your presence. Teach me to live as Your true temple continually.
- Reflective Question: In which area of my life have I been trying to do it without the Helper?
Remain ever blessed!
Author: Loveth Okocha
Skēnoó: The Art of Tabernacling – Part 5
Introducing the Person of the Holy Spirit: The Indwelling Power
In the previous part of this series, we concluded with the liberating truth of Justification by Faith, on the one hand, the act of God declaring you righteous before Him, which is a foundational cornerstone in our Christian journey from salvation to intimacy with God. On the other hand, we touched on righteousness, the result of that declaration, which secures our right standing with God. At the end of that discussion, I mentioned that we would next be exploring the subject of Sanctification. However, as I sat to prepare, the Holy Spirit gently interrupted my flow with a firm yet loving reminder: “You cannot proceed to speak of Sanctification without first introducing Me to the scene.”
This reminder struck a deep chord of how often we, perhaps unknowingly, sideline the important person of the Holy Spirit? Many believers, in their sincere desire to live holy and sanctified lives, embark on this journey without the Person whose very presence enables it. What follows is a cycle of striving, failing, guilt, and eventual spiritual frustration. The truth is, we cannot Skēnoó, tabernacle, dwell, or abide in God's presence without the One who makes that habitation possible: the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, before we can fully embrace the process of Sanctification, we must first recognize and receive the One who brings the very presence and power of God into our daily walk. I hope that this part of the series will help us realize the important office of the Holy Spirit, He is not a distant force, a theological idea, or a moment of emotional high during worship. He is the Person of God, sent to Skēnoó, dwell in us, with us, and through us. As with every important doctrine, the Scripture recommends that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established” - Matthew 18:16. In this part, we will reference several passages to lay a sure foundation as we introduce the Person of the Holy Spirit.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, co-equal, co-eternal, and co-existent with the Father and the Son. He is not merely a wind, a fire, a dove, or a feeling. He is not simply tongues or goosebumps. He is God, not God’s house help or errand boy as some preachers have described Him. In 2 Corinthians 3:17, as Apostle Paul rightly concludes, the Holy Spirit is God, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” In other words, God Himself is the Holy Spirit. Some have mistakenly reduced Him to God’s errand boy or force of energy, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Holy Spirit is the full expression of God’s presence on earth today.
At the risk of sounding simplistic, I’ll attempt to unpack the person of the Holy Spirit with a relatable illustration. If you're familiar with a federal system of government, like the United States, you know it operates with three branches, Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Each is distinct in function but united under one sovereign state, USA. You wouldn’t say each branch is a separate country, the various arms may function differently, but they represent one nation. In the same way, God is One, but has revealed Himself in three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is the mystery of God’s description as the Trinity in One God. This split in office is not just for the purposes of mere division; rather, it’s designed for the purposes of divine (earthly and heavenly) administration.
1 John 5:7 underscores the above point thusly, “For there are three that bear record in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” This is further collaborated in 1 Corinthians 12:4–6, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” Thus, it’s the same God manifesting in different functions, the Father as the Sovereign, the Son as our Advocate and Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as the Indwelling Enabler.
That’s why the Scripture can boldly say: “He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.” Ephesians 4:10. When Jesus walked the earth, He was limited by His physical body. But after His ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit, He now dwells in every believer, simultaneously, through His Spirit. Beloved, that’s the true essence of Skēnoó.
The Holy Spirit: the Enforcer of God’s Will
To better understand the exalted office of the Holy Spirit, I’m inclined to take us back to the beginning, in Genesis, during creation, the Bible records an intimate conversation between the trinity: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26. Who was the “us”? It was God the Father, the Son (the Word), and the Holy Spirit.
In that moment of creation, we see their roles in action, God spoke, that’s the Father; the Word manifested, that’s the Son (John 1:1,14) and then the Spirit stepped into the scene, He hovered and brought it to life, that’s the Holy Ghost (Genesis 1:2). Again, during the immaculate conception, when Mary asked, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” The angel answered: “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” Luke 1:35. Do you see the pattern? The Holy Spirit is the Executor of divine intention, the Enabler. He brings into reality what the Father speaks and what the Son embodies.
The Misunderstood Presence
I’m laying this much emphasis because I’ve realized that it is very easy for people to confuse the Person and office of the Holy Spirit, perhaps, part of why the Holy Spirit is misunderstood is because, unlike the Father, who walked in Eden when he came down to commune with Adam before the fall (Genesis 3:8), and Jesus Christ, who physically walked the streets of Galilee (Matthew 4:23 and 1 Timothy 3:16), the Holy Spirit had previously not taken on permanent bodily form. Instead, He’s appeared as fire, wind, a dove, a still voice, and a rushing mighty sound.
But can I shock you? The Holy Spirit actually walks the earth more today than the Father or Son ever did! He’s been around the blocks for far too long beloved. Ask me how and I’ll tell you. In simple terms, after Jesus ascended, the promise of the Father was fulfilled: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1–4.
Since that day, He never left, He continues to Skēnoó, to dwell in every believer who receives Him. And who else could be more qualified to teach us the art of tabernacling better than the Holy Spirit, the very same One that Skēnoó, abides in and proceeds from the Father? As noted in John 15:26, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” Also reiterated in 1 Corinthians 2: 10-11, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”
Therefore, if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, the next time someone asks, “Where is the Holy Spirit?” just smile, look in the mirror, and say, “Right here.” But on a lighter note, if you feel that might sound like impersonation, feel free to just point me to them, as a true representative of His presence here on earth. Perhaps, 1 Corinthians 6:19 could help assuage your doubts, “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you?”
Final Charge
In sum, before we explore Sanctification, in the next part of this series, let’s first welcome and walk with the One who makes sanctification even possible, the Spirit of Holiness Himself. He is the very breath of God living within you. As we journey into the deeper layers of Skēnoó, remember, no one can dwell with God without the Spirit of God dwelling in them.
So, like Apostle Paul asked when he met certain disciples, I ask, Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? If not, or if you're unsure, now is the time to ask and receive just as they did in Acts 19:1-6 “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
As we conclude, please note that we’ll be giving the Holy Spirit more appearance on this series, in the next part, we’ll check out His role in our journey here on earth and particularly, how he can sharpen our art of tabernacling. We’ll then open the doors to the holy work of Sanctification, but this time, with the Holy Spirit leading the way.
Weekly Activation: Welcome the Holy Spirit
- Meditation Verse: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17.
- Prayer: Holy Spirit, I welcome You afresh into every part of my life. Dwell in me, fill me, empower me. Teach me to live daily in communion with You. I receive You, not just as a force, but as my divine companion. Amen.
- Reflective Question: Have I built a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, or have I been striving in the flesh?
Remain ever blessed.
Author: Loveth Okocha
Skēnoó: The Art of Tabernacling – Part 4
Justification by Faith: From Cleansed to Commissioned - Reflection
After celebrating the gift of salvation and our acceptance into the Beloved in Part 3, perhaps you, like many believers, are encountering a subtle but persistent struggle, a lingering sense of guilt from the past or a feeling of incomplete freedom. Despite receiving Jesus, remnants of legalism, unrealistic expectations, or fear of falling short can creep in, making us feel as though we must still earn God’s favor and acceptance by our works. Maybe it’s that nagging voice reminding you of yesterday’s mistake, or the pressure to perform spiritually. I’ve stood in that very place, aware of my identity in Christ, yet still feeling unclean, unfit, or unworthy.
These feelings clearly hinder our ability to Skēnoó, to dwell boldly in God’s presence. Yet Hebrews 4:16 calls us to, “Come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” It is here, in the tension between guilt and grace, that the beautiful doctrine of justification by faith lights the path forward for you and me.
The Choice: Law or Faith?
The Scripture presents two paths to justification: by the law or by faith.
- Galatians 2:16 says, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ... for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
- Romans 3:20 adds, “By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
This article focuses on the latter, justification by faith because it is the path made accessible through grace, following our acceptance into the Beloved. Although the law seemingly offers a path to justification, however, the law demands complete obedience, which no one could fully attain (James 2:10), but justification by faith is granted through faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
What Does “Justified by Faith” Mean?
Romans 5:1 declares, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” To be justified means to be legally declared righteous before God, not because of our own merit, but because of Christ’s finished work on the cross. This is the foundation upon which we gain access to the presence of God. Romans 3:28 affirms: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Therefore, righteousness, our right standing with God is received through faith, not earned by effort. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
The Blessedness of Justification
Paul, quoting David in Romans 4:6–8, writes: “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” He then explains how Abraham, even before the law, was “justified by faith” (Romans 4:1–3). This was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Abraham became the first example of someone declared righteous not by works, but by faith in God.
Understanding this mystery opens the door to a seamless communion with God, a tabernacling relationship available to every believer. Many believers stop at being accepted in the Beloved, but our walk is designed to be progressive as captured in Romans 8:30, “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Sadly, many never enter the fullness of glorification because they lack understanding or engagement in these steps. But each phase deepens our Skēnoó experience with God.
Justification, one of the bridges to Tabernacling
Before grace, the law governed access to God's presence. No wonder the Psalmist asked: Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” Psalm 24:3–5. Under the law, only those who upheld all commandments had the locus standi (the right to bring an action or appear in God’s court) before God. Such right standing that could only be obtained by total fulfillment of the law was also the grounds to receive a blessing from God and as you’d imagine, it was pretty difficult to fulfil all the law.
Then there came the sort of justification that can only be “conferred’ on us by faith. This justification emphasizes that a person is declared righteous before God not through their own works or merit, but solely through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. Titus 3:5 captures this beautifully, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." But Galatians 3:24 explains, “The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
The law exposed sin but could not save us. It pointed to our need for grace: “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.” – Hebrews 7:19. That “better hope” came through Jesus: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” – Hebrews 10:19-20. Now, our access to the tabernacle, our ability to Skēnoó with God, is not based on our perfection, but on faith in the finished work of Christ.
In sum, justification is the legal foundation for intimacy. Once we are declared righteous, we are invited beyond mere forgiveness into the actual dwelling place of God, His Tabernacle within us. We’ll no more stand at the door, but will have full access into the holiest of holies. This transforms us from passive recipients of grace into active carriers of His presence, ever-dwelling temples, continuously walking in communion as living tabernacles of God.
From Pressure to Peace
For clarity, it is important to understand that justification does not give us a license to sin. Rather, it empowers us to say “no” to condemnation and “yes” to righteousness. As Romans 8:1–2 states: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Grace does not ignore sin; it deals with it decisively by placing Christ’s righteousness on our account. As Romans 6:14 affirms: “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
To ensure this truth is not misunderstood and to emphasize that righteousness is a free gift, not a reward for effort, Paul explains in Romans 4:4–5: “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” In other words, justification is not earned; it is credited to those who believe, not to those who rely on their works. As we will see in the next part of this series, grace empowers sanctification and consecration. It moves us forward, not as rule-bound servants, but as free, fully accepted sons and daughters of God.
Action Point: Living in Justified Identity
- Meditation Verse: “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1.
- Prayer: Father, thank You for declaring me righteous through faith in Jesus. Help me live as one who has been justified not in my own strength, but in Christs. Fill me with Your peace and guide me in Your truth.
- Reflective Question: Do I live in fear of falling, or in the peace of being already accepted? Am I striving to earn favor, or walking confidently as Your justified child?
Up next: Part 5 – Sanctification, where we’ll explore how justified believers are called into deeper holiness, dedicated living, and continual surrender. We’ll discover how to cleanse the rooms of our hearts so the Lord may forever say, “this is My resting place.”
Remain ever blessed!
Author: Loveth Okocha
Skénoó: The Art of Tabernacling – Part 3
Acceptance into the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6)
As a recap, this series was birthed from a deep personal spiritual encounter that marked the beginning of a journey into Skēnoó, the Greek word meaning to dwell, tabernacle, or pitch one’s tent, the very essence of living from and in God’s presence. In Part 2, titled Domiciliation: Becoming God’s Registered Address, our focus shifted to the mystery of God’s desire to dwell within you and me. Just as legal domiciliation is required for institutions to have an official presence, so God seeks to make His home in yielded human vessels like you and me. We saw how we were designed to be mobile sanctuaries from the foundation of the world, living tabernacles, and carriers of His glory. The example of the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle in the wilderness, and ultimately Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, laid the foundation for understanding that God is no longer looking for tents built with hands but for our surrendered lives.
We will now journey into Part 3 of the series, “Acceptance into the Beloved”, the foundation upon which all tabernacling begins. This is because, before we could become temples or hosts of God's presence, we first, need to be made worthy and acceptable vessels of honor, fit for the master’s use and prepared unto every good work, including the good work of being His registered Address (2 Timothy 2:20-21). Thusly, in this third part of the Skénoó series, we will unpack what it truly means to be Accepted into the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), the divine doorway into Skēnoó, bearing in mind that before we can host His presence, we must be reconciled, redeemed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. This Acceptance moves our relationship with God from visitation to habitation, being no longer strangers but, His sons and daughters who are welcomed into His eternal family.
Born Into Sin, Disqualified by Nature
I’m often curious to know when people became accepted into the Beloved, perhaps because my own salvation story is so deeply personal and dear to my heart. But I’ve noticed that this question often makes people uncomfortable. While most don’t hesitate to share their natural birthdays, many get uneasy when asked about their spiritual birth, the moment they became born again. Some respond defensively, saying things like, “I’ve been a Christian since birth,” or “I was born into a Christian home,” or “I’ve been attending church all my life.” Others go as far as to say they were “born again from their mother’s womb.”
But why does this question matter? The answer is simple, David’s cry in Psalm 51:5 reveals the reality of our fallen human nature: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” From the moment Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, the original sin was introduced into the human bloodline. Their disobedience disconnected us from God, causing every person born after them to inherit a sinful nature, we were all born spiritually dead, separated from God, and unfit to carry His presence and glory. This same issue was at the heart of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus: “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:1-3.
Nicodemus, being a respected Pharisee and religious leader, didn’t understand this, he assumed that his heritage, position, and devotion were enough. “Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” John 3:4. But Jesus clarified: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:6.
God’s Redemption Plan: Accepted Through Christ
The words of Jesus in John 3:3 and 3:6 make it abundantly clear: being born into a Christian home is not the same as being born again. Regular church attendance, baptism, or even a life filled with good works cannot replace the supernatural rebirth that comes only by the Spirit of God through faith in Jesus Christ. As unsettling as this may sound to some, the natural man, no matter how well-intentioned lacks the spiritual capacity to please God apart from being born of the Spirit. Without this new birth, we are left to wrestle with an inner powerlessness, trying to live a righteous life with a nature that’s inherently fallen. It leads to a cycle of frustration, striving, and inevitable failure.
Apostle Paul, in Romans 7, openly shared this battle from personal experience which by the way I totally related with. He describes the agony of wanting to do good but being unable to carry it out because of the sin nature warring within him: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” “Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:18–20, 24.
Paul’s cry mirrors the internal conflict of many people who strive for righteousness without the enabling and indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. But thank God, Paul doesn’t leave us in despair. The very next verse delivers the answer: “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord...” — Romans 7:25a. The divine solution had already been prepared from the foundations of the world. It wasn’t a last-minute fix, but God’s perfect redemption plan, fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. As Jesus Himself proclaimed: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
This is the heart of the gospel, what the bible calls the mystery of godliness in 1 Timothy 3:16: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” Jesus Christ, the Second Adam came to undo what the first Adam did. He lived a sinless life and died a sinner’s death on the cross of calvary, in our place. Upon His death and resurrection after three days, we gained access to His blood, which cleanses, justifies, and brings us near to the Father, causing us to be accepted into the beloved as confirmed in Ephesians 1:6 - “To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”
That word “accepted” speaks of being highly favored, welcomed, and delighted in. It signifies that we are no longer strangers, but legitimate sons and daughters of God the Father. Through the redemptive work of the Jesus Christ, we are now made worthy to become tent bearers once again, living arks and carriers of God’s glory. “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” – Colossians 1:27. This is the miracle of salvation: the very God who once had to keep His distance because of our sin now Skénoó (tabernacles) within us. We are His mobile sanctuaries, and He no longer dwells in tents made by human hands, but He dwells in us. Wow, what a privilege!!!
Identity Before Intimacy
As mentioned, just like the Old Testament priests couldn’t enter the Tabernacle without purification, we could not experience God’s presence without first being accepted and justified. In other words, before we talk about daily communion or hearing God’s voice, we must first settle the matter of our identity. Are we His? Have we been sealed? “Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” – Ephesians 1:13. When you settle the issue of acceptance, it becomes easier for you to start living in the consciousness that you carry His presence confidently, not fearfully. That’s the true beginning of intimacy.
Religious rituals can give the appearance of connection, but only Jesus gives the reality of reconciliation. You may have attended church your whole life, or maybe this is your first time reading something like this, the truth remains the same: you must be born again. You were created to be a tent-bearer and a glory carrier. But you can’t do that without first being washed in the blood and sealed by the Spirit.
Weekly Activation: Secure Your Acceptance
- Meditation Verse: “To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” – Ephesians 1:6
- Reflective Question: Do you know with certainty that you have been accepted into the Beloved, are you a tent-bearer, a glory carrier, or just a spectator?
Note:
If you have never received Jesus, or if you’re unsure of your standing with Him, now is the time to be sure. Pray the first prayer sincerely to get in or the second one to rededicate your life to Christ:
- Prayer of Salvation: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I was born in sin and separated from You. I believe that You died for me and rose again to give me eternal life. Today, I confess You as my Lord and personal Savior. Wash me with Your blood, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Write my name in the Book of Life, from this day forward, I am accepted in the Beloved. Thank You for saving me. Amen.
- Prayer of Rededication: Heavenly Father, I may have strayed from You or become uncertain in my walk, but today, I return with my whole heart. Cleanse me again, renew my spirit. I rededicate my life to You. Let me walk daily in the joy and assurance of being Your beloved in Jesus name, Amen.
Final Charge
Congratulations if you said that prayer. Please know this, you were made for His presence, you were born to be God’s tabernacle and through Christ, that is no longer a far-off dream, it is your now reality. You are now saved, accepted, sealed and now the beloved of God. Next week, we’ll move deeper into the liberating truth of Justification by Faith, until then, walk boldly as the living ark that you are in God’s Presence always.
Remain ever blessed!
Author: Loveth Okocha
Skénoó: The Art of Tabernacling Part 2
God’s Heartbeat
Last week, we opened the Skénoó series with a raw moment of reflection where I shared a vulnerable spiritual dry spell that led me back to the feet of the Holy Spirit in desperation and hunger. It was in that place of renewed intimacy that I heard the invitation from the Holy Spirit again: “abide in Me (Skénoó in me), tabernacle, live deeply from My presence and I in you, for without Me, You can do nothing,” John 15:5. We also explored the word Skénoó, the Greek word meaning “to dwell” or “to tabernacle,” the very term used in John 1:14 to describe how the Word became flesh and dwelt (Skénoó ) among us. But more strikingly, as echoed in Revelation 21:3: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell (skénoó) with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.”
Domiciliation – Becoming God's Registered Address
Where I work in asset management, we always aim to establish investment fund entities in locations where we have branch offices, however, in some cases, we don’t have a physical office in some countries where we want to setup a fund. Therefore, to meet regulatory requirements, what we typically do is to appoint what’s called a domiciliation service agent, this is a third-party entity that acts as the fund’s registered address. All legal correspondence, notifications, and formal communications are then sent there, while the domiciliation provider in turn forwards them to us. Without that address, the fund is not considered legitimate. It may exist conceptually or even financially but not legally.
Similarly, in Isaiah 66:1–2, we see that while God's throne is in heaven, He has made the earth His footstool. Yet, despite His exalted position, He longs for a place of rest on the earth, a dwelling not made with hands, but formed in the hearts of men. One of His deepest desires is to dwell with and within humanity. But for God to operate legally in the earth, He requires a body. This is why, in order to fulfill His redemptive plan, He came into the world through the womb of a woman, fully God, yet fully man. Jesus came in the flesh, not just to redeem us, but to become the first of many dwelling places for the Father. Now, through Christ, God seeks to dwell in us both individually and corporately as His Church. We are called to be His mobile tabernacles, because He has chosen to establish His presence on the earth through people.
What this means is that when someone wants to find God on the earth, they should be able to come to your address, or mine and encounter Him. Why? Because we are called to be His legal habitation in the earthly realm. We are His chosen vessels, His visible representation in a physical world. This is what I mean by becoming God’s domiciliation agent, His registered address (presence) on earth. “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” - 2 Corinthians 6:16.
The Bible shows us that in the beginning, there was a regular rhythm of fellowship between the first Adam and God. At the time, Eden was a prototype of God’s heart, His desire to dwell with man. No wonder the Scripture says, “The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth He has given to the children of men.” Psalm 115:16. God entrusted the earth to humanity. But when Adam fell, he handed over dominion to Satan, and that sacred fellowship was broken. Thankfully, God immediately enacted a redemption plan, not just to save man from sin, but to restore relationship, so that He could once again dwell among us.
Rekindling the Mystery of His Dwelling
The revelation of God’s deep longing to dwell with and hang around man is one of the greatest mysteries of our faith. This is what moved King David to exclaim in awe: “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” - Psalm 8:4. Consider this: God, who reigns from the most glorious and majestic throne in the heavens, surrounded by twenty-four elders, living creatures, and countless angels who perpetually worship Him, casting their crowns at His feet (Revelation 4:4–11) still chooses to come down and dwell with you, little you!
Heaven itself, described as a city built with pure gold and adorned with every precious stone (Revelation 21:18–21), does not hold Him back from making time to seek fellowship with you and me. Even the angels marvel at this mystery that God would choose to leave His throne and dwell with dust. But not just any dust: redeemed, sanctified, Spirit-filled dust (you, me and the entire body of Christ). This affirms that from His daily walks with Adam in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8), to the fire-filled cloud over the tabernacle in the wilderness, and now to dwelling in us, God’s heart cry has remained unchanged: “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8.
Final Charge
As we journey deeper into this series, my prayer is for the eyes of mine and your understanding be enlightened that we may become fully aware of the One who tabernacles within us. May you rise in the authority of your new identity as God’s registered address on earth and when the heavens need to touch base with the earth, may God find you yielded, ready, and open in the mighty name of Jesus Christ!
Becoming More Aware
Here’s a simple activation for you this week:
- Meditation Verse: “I will dwell in them and walk among them.” - 2 Corinthians 6:16.
- Prayer: Lord, let my life become Your registered address on earth. Holy Spirit, please make me increasingly aware of Your dwelling within. Teach me not just to host You occasionally, but to live ever conscious of Your habitation within me. Amen.
- Reflective Question: If someone were to look for God today, would my life be a place where He could be found?
Next week, we will explore how to enter this company of tabernacle carriers by first being Accepted into the Beloved. Until then, remain in His presence and walk in His glory.
Enjoy grace and peace, In His Presence.
Author: Loveth Okocha
Skénoó: The Art of Tabernacling
A few months ago, I moved into a new home. As someone who thrives on spiritual rhythms, scheduled prayer hours, Word study-life, structured quiet time, etc, this transition almost threw me off balance. Between managing an intense work schedule and coordinating with my interior designer and handyman, my sacred communion time with the Holy Spirit became drastically shortened, my usual long catchup time with Him took the blow.
The effect was more than just physical fatigue. Spiritually, I felt flat. I told a friend, “the usual feeling of wanting to walk on water like Peter (which by the way was always borne out of long, intimate koinonia) was no longer there, instead, I felt quite mundane, … earthy.” The Holy Spirit gently reminded me of 1 Corinthians 15:47: “The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.”
From Earthy to Heavenly
I knew I had to shift realms. It wasn’t out of guilt or the need to maintain my routine, but hunger and the need to rekindle presence, I needed to find, feel and touch the Holy Spirit once and again. I declared a fast and what I called “spiritual state of emergency.” During the fast, the Holy Spirit whispered something profound to my spirit: “of your own, you can do nothing...” He reminded me of John 15:5: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
How quickly we forget! After enjoying seasons of divine presence, even a small attempt to move forward without Him can become spiritual suicide. I understood, once again, why Moses prayed: “If your presence does not go with us, don’t make us go up from here.” Exodus 33:15 (CSB).
Introducing: Skénoó: The Art of Tabernacling
This experience gave birth to a new series I believe the Holy Spirit has entrusted to me:
Skénoó: The Art of Tabernacling. The word skénoó is Greek for “to dwell,” “to tabernacle,” or “to pitch one’s tent.” It’s the same word used in John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt (skénoó) among us...” It means to live in intimate communion, to abide, to camp under divine covering, just as God did in the Tabernacle of old and among the Israelites when He led them out of Egypt, through the wilderness and into the promised land.
Depending on how the Holy Spirit releases utterance and the direction He intends to take this, I'm sensing that this series will come in many parts, integrating scriptural truths in exploring how to move from simply knowing God, to living in and with His presence continually. We’ll journey through foundational truths like:
- Skénoó: Domiciliation: Becoming God's Registered Address on Earth 2 (Corinthians 6:16).
- Acceptance into the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6).
- Justification by faith (Romans 5:1).
- The indwelling of the Spirit (Romans 8:11).
- Sanctification and consecration (1 Thessalonians 4:3–4).
- Glorification and the ever-deepening walk into His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
We’ll also explore how to tend the fire of His presence daily, and move from ankle-deep encounters to the rivers that cannot be crossed by foot (Ezekiel 47:5).
A Journey of Intimacy and Glory
If you’ve been hungry to get closer to God, to secure His manifest presence in your daily life, and to commune with the Holy Spirit like a friend, then this journey is for you. You’d learn about habitation and how to satisfy God’s greatest longing to dwell with and in you, not just to visit. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1.
In the weeks ahead, we will break down what it means to tabernacle and my prayer is that as we build this revelation together, the Holy Spirit will lead us all into deeper realms, where encounters become lifestyles and His glory becomes our daily atmosphere.
Final Charge & Blessing
I invite you to begin this journey with me. As we launch into the Skénoó series, expect divine stirrings, a renewed intimacy, and spiritual depth to break forth in your life. As you already know, you were made for more and designed to host God in this earth realm. May the Lord awaken your hunger, refuel your fire, and cause His face to shine upon you this season and beyond in the mighty name of Jesus. “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell (skénoó) with them, and they shall be His people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Revelation 21:3.
See you next week.
Grace and peace, in His Presence.
Author: Loveth Okocha