Many Christians judge matters according to doctrines and rituals; very few judge according to the spirit. It is difficult for us to stay away from doctrines and rituals and live in the spirit all the time. Nevertheless, if we live in the spirit, the church will be different. Our living and service should be according to the spirit, not according to doctrines, rituals, or ordinances. Everything we do should be in newness of spirit and not in oldness of letter (Rom. 7:6). How we need to be delivered out of religion, doctrine, rituals, and ordinances so that we may live in spirit to experience the living Christ!

The Word of God tells us clearly that “God is Spirit” (John 4:24). Moreover, it says, “It is the Spirit who gives life” (6:63); “the last Adam became a life-giving Spirit (1 Cor. 15:45); “the letter [including doctrines and rituals] kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor. 3:6); “the Lord is the Spirit” (v. 17); and “the Lord be with your spirit” (2 Tim. 4:22). We need to let go of religion, doctrines, and rituals. We should care only to be in spirit and should care only for the living Lord.

In Turning the Age and Living in the Spirit Witness Lee draws a stark contrast between the prevailing thought in Christianity and God’s intention revealed in the Scriptures. Many see only teachings in the Bible about being holy, righteous, loving, and dependent on God. Although these are not wrong, God’s intention is not focused on such matters. God does not desire that we do these things by ourselves. God’s desire is that He would come into us to be our life, our content, and our element. Thus, the age has changed from formal religion to the living Spirit. Today we have been joined to Christ, the Spirit, in our spirit, and we need to experience and enjoy Him by exercising our spirit. It is in this way that we can live in the Spirit and fulfill God’s purpose for man.