What does it mean that a believer is not in the flesh but in the Spirit?
A believer is not in the flesh but in the Spirit means their position has changed: they are no longer under the control of old Adam, but are in the Spirit and in Christ. This is true if genuinely saved, proven by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which is the proof of eternal life.
Les explains that the believer’s position has changed: you’re not in the flesh, you’re not under control of old Adam, but you’re in the Spirit and in Christ. He then gives the condition: if so be you have genuinely experienced salvation, if the Spirit of God dwells in you. The indwelling Holy Spirit is the proof of the pudding and the proof that you have eternal life. Even while still in the body, the believer is in Christ.
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
More Questions
What does it mean to be in the Spirit and not in the flesh in Romans 8:9?
To be 'not in the flesh' means you are not under old Adam, but are in the Spirit, under His control instead of old Adam.
What does Romans 8:9 mean when it says you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit?
In Romans 8:9, being in the Spirit rather than in the flesh or under old Adam means being under the Holy Spirit's control, and this applies only if the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you.
What is the condition for being in the Spirit rather than in the flesh?
Being in the Spirit rather than in the flesh is conditioned on the Spirit of God dwelling in you, which is the same as having genuinely experienced salvation.