And so, my dear friend, let’s take a look at your verse: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14). William Macdonald in his Bible commentary on the book of Romans says, “Now the question is: How is the Christian enabled to live a holy life?  We notice right away that the personal pronouns that were so prominent in chapter 7 largely disappear, and that the Holy Spirit becomes the dominant Person. This is an important key to understanding the passage. Victory is not in ourselves but in the Holy Spirit, who indwells us. Another way of describing true believers is to say that they are led by the Spirit of God. Paul is not referring here to spectacular instances of divine guidance in the lives of eminent Christians. Rather, he is speaking of what is true of all sons of God-namely, that they are led by the Spirit of God. It is not a question of the degree in which they are yielded to the Holy Spirit, but of a relationship which takes place at the time of conversion. Sonship implies reception into God’s family, with all the privileges and responsibilities of adult sons. A new convert does not have to wait a certain time before he enters into his spiritual inheritance; it is his the moment he is saved, and it applies to all believers, men and women, boys and girls.”

My dear friend, I believe that we must understand that Romans 8 is directed to Christians, and so verse 14 is a confirmation of the fact that those who believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ are in fact Christians, and the Holy Spirit does indeed dwell within their hearts in order to help Christians to walk a holy walk in this world. To back up what I have said, take a look at the verses that follow: “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:15-17).  If we believe, then we are Christians, and indeed, we do have the Spirit of God within us, this is clear from the verses above.

But then, what does this “feel” like? I do know that some might say that there is a feeling of exhilaration when we are indwelt by God’s Spirit in our lives, and that sometimes, this indwelling is accompanied by miraculous signs. However, I do not hold that this is necessarily true. The main thing, I believe, is that we have fully trusted upon the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross, that we are saved. And, when we have so believed, the Spirit of God does enter our hearts, and this is a fact of Scripture, whether we sense the change or feel any particular thing or not. The Bible says that we are the children of God, and being led of the Spirit of God is the sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word does not lie, and we should accept His truth whether we feel anything or not. Feelings can deceive, but the Word of God does not. Perhaps you have heard the cliché “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it for me!” If we are true believers on the Lord Jesus Christ, then we do in fact have the Spirit of God within us, and He will direct our steps, though we must be obedient to His Word. (SF)  (697.2)