When Does the Holy Spirit Come Into Us?

Now that we know what the Holy Spirit does, when does he enter a believer? Christians have quarreled over this matter down through the centuries but here's what the Bible, the final and ultimate authority, says.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Angel of the Lord came upon select individuals. This selective indwelling changed at the first Pentecost feast after Christ's resurrection.

Some Christians have become fixated on speaking in tongues but that isn't what Peter urged people to do on that awesome day. Luke wrote in Acts 2:38 (KJV) about the real question, namely what must people do to be forgiven and follow Christ. "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.'"

But does this happen immediately? Some Christians argue that the infilling of the Holy Spirit comes separately from the surrender we make to Christ's rule in our lives. They cite Acts 8:15 (KJV) which says, "Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:"

Additionally, the "second blessing" proponents point to Acts 9:17 (KJV) which states, "And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.'"

In actual fact, it's belief which saves people and they receive the Holy Spirit at that time. Look what Luke wrote in Acts 10:44-47 (Bible in Basic English). "While Peter was saying these words, the Holy Spirit came on all those who were hearing the word. And the Jews of the faith, who had come with Peter, were full of wonder, because the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles, And they were talking in tongues, and giving glory to God. Then Peter said, 'Will any man say that these may not have baptism who have been given the Holy Spirit as we have?'"

This is a deep subject and one which I intend to expand upon in my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? Since so many people teach error regarding the Holy Spirit, I feel compelled to present the Bible truth of the matter. I was a victim of faith preachers and now I want to save naive believers from the fate I suffered.