I found that there were at least two ways we can grieve the Holy Spirit. One is by not being, in our inner life, good company for Him ... and the second is by neglect. The relation is like a friendship, in that it must be cultivated, exercised, and enjoyed, if it is to last and grow.
Most Christians understand that God forgives their sins at the point of salvation, but they fail to understand the ongoing nature of forgiveness. God has not only forgiven our past sins, but he has forgiven our future sins as well. Some people push back hard on this point, but in doing so, they reveal the works-based nature connected to their view of salvation. Yes, I am called to repent of my sins. However, this is more about keeping my relationship with God fresh and pure than transactionally receiving the forgiveness of sin necessary for salvation. It’s an acknowledgment before God that I am both saint and sinner. When we fail to understand the ongoing nature of God’s forgiveness rightly, we cannot enter into the other promises of God. Likewise, we’ll never be able to forgive ourselves or those who have sinned against us.
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