Ask almost anyone who identifies as a Christian if they have received the Holy Spirit. They will answer firmly yes almost every time. However, go further and ask how they know for sure and the answers will become less solid. Many will say that the Holy Ghost is something given when you put your faith and trust in Christ. Others will say they are not sure but just believe they have been.
If it was true that the Holy Spirit is poured out at the moment someone believes, then some accounts in scripture would read a little different than they actually do. Take those who Phillip preached to in Samaria. We know they believed in Jesus as the messiah because scripture tells us they did. They were even baptized in the name of Jesus, but they did not receive God’s spirit right then. It was not until the Apostles came later and laid hands on them that they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14–17 (ESV)
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
This account does not describe the only way people receive the infilling of the Spirit. Scripture shows that some receive it before baptism or right after being baptized. What it does show is that believing alone does not automatically result in being filled with the Holy Spirit. This account also shows that there was a way for those around to know when the group received the Holy Ghost. There was a noticeable change took place.
God does not simply pour out His spirit on people in secret. Leaving it up to us to guess if we have received His spirit or not. Instead, He makes it abundantly clear by always providing a sign that accompanies the outpouring. A point that is made very clear throughout the book of Acts. When the Holy Spirit was first poured out on the day of Pentecost the event drew a crowd. When the Apostle Peter addressed the crowd he clearly stated that the outpouring of the spirit was something that could be seen and heard.
Acts 2:33 (ESV)
33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.
When God pours out His spirit on His people He does not do it in a way that causes us to question if we truly received it. There are visual and audible signs that prove to the one receiving the spirit. As well as to those witnessing that God has truly filled that person with the Holy Ghost. This is not just a belief held to by a certain church denomination. But the story scripture tells time and time again.
The first gentiles to receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized in Jesus name were those in the house of Cornelius. As Peter was sharing the Gospel with them God moved and filled them all with His Spirit. The Jews that saw this were amazed that God gave the gentiles what He had already given them. But they knew it to be true because the Bible says they heard them speak with tongues. A sign that always accompanies the infilling of the spirit in scripture.
Acts 10:44–46 (ESV)
44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
Paul once encountered a group of people who had been disciples of John the Baptist. When he asked if they had received the Holy Ghost they did not even know what he was talking about. Paul taught them and then proceeded to baptize them in the name of Jesus. When he laid hands on the group they received the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Acts 19:5–6 (ESV)
5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
Christians must understand what it is like to receive the Holy Spirit. If we could ask those who were a part of the accounts above how they knew they received the Holy Ghost the answer would be simple. They knew for sure because of the evidence that could be seen and heard when it happened. Not because they believed or felt a little better all the sudden but because when God filled them, they spoke in new tongues. Experiencing something they had never experienced before and that could only come from God.
Please understand that a major part of receiving the Holy Ghost. Only with faith can you ever receive it. Scripture is clear that God pours out His Spirit on those who obey Him. Which means living according to His inspired word and following the Biblical plan of salvation. Which says if you truly repent and get baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of your sins you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 5:32 (ESV)
32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Acts 2:38 (ESV)
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
If you have yet to receive the Holy Ghost and would like to submit to the Lord. Be purposeful in obeying His word. Be sure that you have followed the plan of salvation just as it is described in scripture. Then seek God in prayer and worship. Asking to be filled and thanking Him for all He has done for you. Find a spirit-filled church and ask them to pray for you and to lay hands on you. If you have any questions about this please reach out to us at [email protected].
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