The Witness of the Spirit - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Romans 8:16

The Witness of the Spirit
One of the greatest tools of the enemy of our souls is doubt. If the devil is so bold as to accuse believers in the presence of God, then he will surely accuse us to our own consciences as well. For this reason it is important to be established in the truth as the Bible reveals it to us. As Christians, our sins were forever forgiven through the work of the Savior Jesus Christ on the cross; and further, our present weaknesses are continually addressed by His work in heaven as our Great High Priest. Yet someone who is uncertain about the value of that work might say, "I can only hope that I am a child of God."

This uncertainty is misplaced. It sets the point of reference within our own analysis of the situation. Has not Christ died and risen again? Has not God declared that He justifies the ungodly on the basis of faith? Boasting in our own righteousness is excluded; but, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God and can boast in the hope He provides (Rom. 5:1-2).

One aspect of the work of the Spirit of God is to confirm these facts to every true believer: "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Rom. 8:16). It is not presumptuous to say, "I know I am saved." No, it is glorious! It honors God when we take our stand on His own promises. It shows reverence to the Holy Spirit when we believe the message He declares to us as those in Christ.

If you do not enjoy this confidence, perhaps God's Spirit has not confirmed it to you because you have never trusted Jesus as your own Savior. In that case, the Spirit is presenting a different message: The sins which weigh so heavily on your conscience must be dealt with. Don't delay! Confident, joyful peace and rest is the birthright of every true child of God.

Stephen Campbell