In the book of Acts, we witness an extraordinary moment that would forever change the course of Christian history. The Apostle Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, addresses a crowd of people who have just witnessed the miraculous outpouring of God’s power. In response to their question about what they should do, Peter gives them a powerful answer:
“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, NIV)
But what exactly is this “gift of the Holy Spirit” that Peter speaks of? How does it relate to our lives as believers today? In this article, we’ll explore the profound implications of this divine gift and how it can transform our walk with God.
Understanding the Gift of the Holy Spirit
The Promise Fulfilled
To truly grasp the significance of the gift of the Holy Spirit, we need to understand that it was a fulfilment of God’s promise. In the Old Testament, the prophet Joel declared:
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” (Joel 2:28, NIV)
Jesus Himself reaffirmed this promise to His disciples before His ascension:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NIV)
The gift of the Holy Spirit, therefore, is not just a theological concept but the very power of God made available to every believer.
More Than Just Salvation
It’s crucial to understand that while salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our relationship with God, the gift of the Holy Spirit goes beyond initial salvation. It’s an empowerment for Christian living and service.
The Apostle Paul makes this distinction clear in his letter to the Ephesians:
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14, NIV)
This passage shows us that the Holy Spirit is both a seal of our salvation and a deposit of the fuller inheritance to come.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
A Distinct Experience
One of the key aspects of the gift of the Holy Spirit, as understood in Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions, is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This is often seen as a distinct experience from salvation, where believers are filled with the Holy Spirit in a powerful and often tangible way.
We see this pattern in the book of Acts. For instance, in Acts 8, we read about believers in Samaria who had accepted Christ but had not yet received the Holy Spirit:
“When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:15-17, NIV)
Evidence of the Baptism
In Pentecostal and Charismatic circles, speaking in tongues is sometimes considered the initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This is based on several accounts in the book of Acts where speaking in tongues accompanied the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6).
However, it’s important to note that the gift of the Holy Spirit encompasses much more than just speaking in tongues. It’s about being empowered to live a life that glorifies God and effectively serves His kingdom.
The Ongoing Work of the Holy Spirit
Spiritual Gifts
The gift of the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event but an ongoing reality in the believer’s life. One of the ways this manifests is through the operation of spiritual gifts. The Apostle Paul provides a comprehensive list of these gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:
“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:8-10, NIV)
These gifts are not just for the early church but are meant to be active in the lives of believers today, edifying the church and demonstrating God’s power to the world.
Fruit of the Spirit
Along with the gifts, the Holy Spirit also produces fruit in our lives. This fruit represents the character of Christ being formed in us:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)
As we yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, we should see a growing manifestation of these qualities.
Divine Healing
Another aspect of the Holy Spirit’s work is divine healing. James encourages believers to pray for healing:
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.” (James 5:14-15, NIV)
While we acknowledge that healing doesn’t always happen in the way or timing we expect, we believe that God still heals today and that the gift of healing is one way the Holy Spirit manifests His power.
Practical Application: Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit
1. Seek the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
If you haven’t experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit, seek it earnestly. Jesus encourages us to ask for the Holy Spirit:
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13, NIV)
Don’t be afraid to ask other Spirit-filled believers to pray with you for this empowerment.
2. Cultivate a Spirit-Led Life
Make it a daily practice to yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Start your day by inviting the Holy Spirit to lead you, and practice listening for His voice throughout the day.
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25, NIV)
3. Exercise Spiritual Gifts
Don’t let the gifts God has given you lie dormant. Look for opportunities to use your spiritual gifts to serve others and glorify God. Remember, these gifts are not for our own benefit but for the edification of the body of Christ.
4. Pursue Holiness
The Holy Spirit is, well, holy. As we walk in step with Him, we should be growing in holiness:
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15, NIV)
Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you of sin and empower you to live a life that pleases God.
5. Engage in Spirit-Empowered Evangelism
The gift of the Holy Spirit is intimately connected with our call to be witnesses for Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to embolden you to share your faith with others.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NIV)
6. Pray in the Spirit
Develop a rich prayer life that includes praying in tongues. Paul encourages us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions” (Ephesians 6:18, NIV).
7. Expect Supernatural Intervention
Live with an expectation that God can and will move supernaturally in your life and the lives of those around you. Whether it’s healing, provision, or divine guidance, trust that the Holy Spirit is actively working.
Conclusion: Embracing the Gift
The gift of the Holy Spirit that Peter spoke about on the day of Pentecost is not a relic of the past or a mere theological concept. It’s a vibrant, powerful reality available to every believer today. This gift empowers us to live victoriously, serve effectively, and witness boldly.
As we embrace this gift and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, we’ll see a transformation not only in our own lives but in the world around us. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11), and through the Holy Spirit, we can impact our world for God’s kingdom.
So I challenge you today: Don’t settle for a powerless Christianity. Seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Yield to His work in your life. Step out in faith to use the gifts He’s given you. As you do, you’ll experience the abundant life Jesus promised and be a catalyst for revival in your sphere of influence.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the incredible gift of Your Holy Spirit. We ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit in our lives. Empower us to live boldly for You, to manifest the gifts of the Spirit, and to bear much fruit. May we be vessels through which Your power flows, bringing healing, hope, and transformation to our world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
