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Receiving the Holy Spirit

By Randy Salars·Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Receiving the Holy Spirit is a vital part of the Christian journey. The Holy Spirit is God’s living presence within us, bringing new life, guidance, and empowerment for faith and service. The Spirit is received as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ, openness of heart, and prayerful surrender. The experience of the Spirit is both deeply personal and meant for the building up of the whole Christian community.

What Does It Mean to Receive the Holy Spirit?

To receive the Holy Spirit is to welcome God’s presence into your life in a new and transformative way. The Spirit brings assurance of God’s love, a sense of belonging as God’s child, and the power to live out the teachings of Jesus. The Spirit is the source of spiritual gifts, inner guidance, and the fruit of a changed heart.

Indwelling Presence: The Spirit takes up residence in the believer, making the heart a temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Empowerment: The Spirit gives strength to overcome sin, witness to others, and serve with love and courage.

Transformation: The Spirit renews the mind, heals wounds, and produces Christlike character.

How to Receive the Holy Spirit

Faith in Christ: The Spirit is given to those who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior (Acts 2:38). Believing in Christ opens the door to the Spirit’s work.

Prayer and Asking: Jesus taught that God gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask with open hearts (Luke 11:13). Sincere prayer and desire for God’s presence are key.

Baptism: In many Christian traditions, baptism is a sign and means of receiving the Spirit, symbolizing new birth and cleansing.

Openness and Surrender: Welcoming the Spirit’s presence and work in your life, letting go of resistance, pride, or fear, and inviting God to fill you.

Repentance: Turning away from sin and toward God prepares the heart to receive the fullness of the Spirit.

Community and Laying on of Hands: In the New Testament, the Spirit is sometimes received through prayer and the laying on of hands by other believers (Acts 8:17).

What Happens When You Receive the Spirit?

Assurance of God’s love and belonging as a child of God

Empowerment for living, serving, and witnessing

Growth in spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Deeper intimacy with God and guidance in daily life

New joy, peace, and a sense of purpose

Ongoing Life in the Spirit

Receiving the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event, but the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Christians are encouraged to “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), continually seeking God’s presence, guidance, and renewal. The Spirit leads, convicts, comforts, and empowers believers every day.

Daily Surrender: Invite the Spirit to guide your thoughts, words, and actions each day.

Spiritual Practices: Prayer, worship, Scripture reading, and fellowship help nurture the Spirit’s presence.

Listening and Obedience: Pay attention to the Spirit’s promptings and respond with trust and action.

Scriptural Foundations

Acts 2:38: “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.”

Luke 11:13: “How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Romans 8:15-16: “The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship... The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

1 Corinthians 6:19: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”

Ephesians 5:18: “Be filled with the Spirit.”

Quotes and Reflections

“The Holy Spirit is not a reward for good behavior, but a gift for those who are open and willing.” — Anonymous

“The Spirit comes where He is wanted, where He is invited, where He is expected.” — A.W. Tozer

“The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God.” — A.W. Tozer

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