Good grief! Stanford University has really done a number on you!
Romans 8:9 does not back up your argument (just the opposite). We are
sealed with the Holy Spirit the moment we
believe the gospel. (Ephesians 1:13) You should
never underestimate the Word of God.
John 15:3 - You are
already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as
Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might
sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.
James 1:21 - Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the
implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
1 Peter 1:23 - having been
born again, not of corruptible seed
but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the
word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Praise God!