The Reception of the Holy Spirit: Insights from the New Testament

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the lives of God's people. While the anointing of the Holy Spirit differs between the two Testaments, the significance of the Holy Spirit's presence remains central to Christian faith. This article delves into the significance of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, examining key passages and events that demonstrate how people received and walked in the Spirit.

Introduction to the Holy Spirit in the New Testament

Unlike in the Old Testament, where the anointing of the Holy Spirit was received through specific events and circumstances, the New Testament emphasizes a unique experience of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. In the Old Testament, “filled with”, “rested upon”, and “came upon” describe how the Spirit was active, but these expressions are not the same as the experience of receiving the Holy Spirit in its fullness as in the New Testament.

Understanding John 7:37-39

John 7:37-39 highlights Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit to those who believe in Him. According to Jesus, those who believe in Him will receive rivers of living water from their bellies:

‘In the last day that great day of the feast Jesus stood and cried saying, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38, KJV)

However, this promise was not fulfilled until the Holy Ghost was given after Jesus was glorified.

The Holy Spirit is necessary for salvation, as described in Romans 8:9: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his.” (Romans 8:9, KJV)

The New Testament Anointing and Pentecost

To truly understand the experience of receiving the Holy Spirit, we must look at the events surrounding Pentecost. The initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit occurred on the Day of Pentecost, as noted in Acts 1:4-5:

“And being assembled together with them, he commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” (Acts 1:4-5, KJV)

On the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2:1-4, the Holy Spirit filled the believers and they began to speak in languages they had not learned (“cloven tongues like as of fire” – a reference to the division of languages, not flames on their heads). This was a significant event for the early Church, indicating the reception and empowering of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:36-38 further emphasizes the significance of this event:

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-38, KJV)

This passage indicates that receiving the Holy Spirit is not automatic even after baptism, and it is evident through speaking in tongues, as observed in other early Church accounts (Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:5-6; Mark 16:17).

Therefore, the reception of the Holy Spirit is directly linked with salvation, emphasizing the importance of this event.

Integrating the Holy Spirit into Daily Life

Once filled with the Holy Spirit, believers are encouraged to “walk in the Spirit” (Romans 8:4) and overcome difficulties in their lives through this divine empowerment. The Holy Spirit encourages believers to gather and edify each other, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25:

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25, KJV)

Other passages also highlight the positive influences of the Holy Spirit as believers walk in faith and together in the "church" (1 John 4:4; 1 Corinthians 12:4; Ephesians 4:4).

Conclusion

The experience of receiving the Holy Spirit, as described in the New Testament, is a foundational aspect of Christian faith. It is not simply a one-time event but a continual walk in the Spirit that encourages believers in their salvation and daily lives. The Holy Spirit is the empowerment and the means by which believers are able to fulfill their purpose in God's kingdom.