What does it mean to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?

When we put our faith in Jesus by asking Him to the the forgiver of our sins and leader of our lives, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence in the life of every follower of Christ. Below are some important things the Holy Spirit does in and through us beginning with our new walk with Jesus.

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. Acts 2:38

 

Indwelling and Empowerment

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a manifestation of God's presence in your life. The Spirit empowers and enables you to live according to God's will, guiding you, convicting you of sin, and empowering you to live a life that honors God.

Sanctification and Transformation

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the ongoing process of something called sanctification, which involves your growth in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ. The Spirit works within you, convicting you of areas that need transformation, empowering you to resist temptation, and producing godly character and virtues in your life.

Guidance and Illumination

The Holy Spirit guides you into truth, helping you understand and apply God's Word. The Spirit reveals God's will, provides wisdom, and brings clarity to you as you seek to live according to biblical principles. The Spirit also helps you discern between right and wrong, guiding their decisions and actions.

Unity and Fellowship

The Holy Spirit unites all followers of Jesus into the body of Christ, the Church. Through the Spirit's work, we are connected to one another and to Christ, fostering a sense of community, love, and fellowship. The Spirit empowers us to serve one another, exercise spiritual gifts, and build up the body of Christ.

The Holy Spirit…

  • Creates new life called the new birth. (Titus 3:5, John 3:1–8)

  • Confirms to every Christ-follower that he or she belongs to God and is an heir of God and fellow-heir with Christ. (Romans 8:15–17)

  • Establishes the new Christ-follower as a member of Christ’s universal church. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

  • Gives us spiritual gifts (God-given abilities for service) to edify the church and serve God effectively. (1 Corinthians 12:11)

  • Helps Christ-followers understand and apply Scripture to daily life. (1 Corinthians 2:12)

  • Enriches our prayer life and intercedes for us in prayer. (Romans 8:26–27).

  • Empowers us to live for Jesus and to do His will (Galatians 5:16).

  • Leads us in paths of righteousness (Romans 8:14).

  • Displays evidence of our new life by producing the fruit of the Spirit in the our lives (Galatians 5:22–23).

  • Convicts us to confess our sin to God so that we can be purified from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

  • Seals us permanently and confirms us as child of God, complete and free from the corruption of sin and the grave. (Ephesians 1:13–14).

For further study on this topic, check out:
The Book "The Holy Spirit: Activating God’s Power in Your Life” by Billy Graham

Questions?

If you have any questions, email us at newfaith@relevantcommunity.org.