The Holy Spirit’s Work at Salvation – Indwelling Presence
Key Scriptures:
- John 3:5-6 (KJV) – “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
The Spirit gives you new birth—regeneration. - Romans 8:16 (KJV) – “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
The Spirit gives you assurance of salvation. - 1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV) – “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…?”
The Spirit makes His home inside of you. You are His temple.
What This Means Practically:
- You can hear God’s voice in your heart (John 10:27).
- You’ll experience conviction and correction—because the Holy Spirit teaches and trains.
- You’ll bear spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23).
- You don’t have to earn access to God—He dwells in you already.
This is foundational. It’s where every believer starts.
The Baptism With the Holy Ghost – Power from on High
Key Scriptures:
- Acts 2:4 (KJV) – “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues…”
This was the fulfillment of what Jesus promised in Acts 1:8—power to be witnesses. - Acts 10:44-46 (KJV) – “The Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word… For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.”
Gentiles also received this gift, showing it wasn’t limited to the original disciples. - Acts 19:6 (KJV) – “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
This happened after they believed. A clear example of a second experience.
What This Means Practically:
- You receive boldness to witness (Acts 1:8). Fear gets replaced with fire.
- Spiritual gifts become active—tongues, prophecy, discernment, healing (1 Corinthians 12).
- Prayer becomes powerful—you may begin to pray in the Spirit (Romans 8:26).
- Worship deepens. It’s not just songs—it becomes communion with the living God.
- You walk in greater authority and discernment in daily life and ministry.
How Do You Receive the Baptism With the Holy Ghost?
Here’s what Scripture shows:
- Ask in Faith – “Ask, and ye shall receive…” (Luke 11:13).
- Be Open and Yielded – Set aside fear, pride, or control. Let God move freely.
- Lay on of Hands (sometimes) – Like in Acts 8 and Acts 19, believers sometimes received the baptism through prayer and the laying on of hands.
- Expect to Speak, Not Force It – Tongues or other gifts may come naturally as you yield. You speak, but the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4).
Some people receive immediately. Others quietly, over time. It’s not about the outward signs—it’s about the inward fire and boldness that follow.
Summary Chart: Two Works of the Holy Spirit
| Work of the Spirit | Indwelling | Baptism With the Holy Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| When It Happens | At salvation | After salvation (can be immediate or later) |
| Purpose | New birth, inner transformation | Power for service and spiritual gifts |
| Scripture Example | John 20:22 | Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19 |
| Result | Fruit of the Spirit | Boldness, tongues, gifts, power |
| Who It’s For | All believers | All believers who ask and receive |
Here’s a simple, heartfelt prayer you can pray to receive the baptism with the Holy Ghost:
Heavenly Father,
I come to You in the name of Jesus. I thank You for saving me and making me Your child. I believe Your Word, and I believe the promise of the Holy Ghost is for me.
Right now, I ask You to fill me with the Holy Ghost—just like You did with the believers in the book of Acts. I open my heart fully to You and yield myself completely to the Holy Spirit. I desire all that You have for me.
By faith, I receive the baptism with the Holy Ghost. Fill me, empower me, and let rivers of living water flow out of me. I thank You for the boldness, gifts, and power that come with it. I give You all the praise and glory.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
After you pray, take a moment to be still and let your spirit respond. You may feel words forming that aren’t from your mind—if so, speak them by faith. That’s often how tongues begin. Even if you don’t feel anything right away, trust that the Holy Spirit is faithful to fill you, just like He promised.