Does One Receive the Holy Ghost the Moment they Believe in Jesus?

[lamad]

The bible will always confirm its truth with at least 2-3 other scriptures. Notice the Ephesus disciples also received the Holy Ghost with the laying on of hands by the Apostle Paul.

Acts 19:2
He (Paul) said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?

Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them;

Luke was VERY careful in Acts to show us the difference: the mighty baptism in the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit "ON" or "UPON."
Salvation, on the other hand, or regeneration, is the Holy Spirit WITHIN.

 

[lamad]

Acts 11:17 - If therefore God gave them the same gift (Holy Spirit) as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

Ephesians 1:13 - In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise.

In regards to Acts 8:17, the delaying of receiving the Holy Spirit for these Samaritan believers until the apostles laid hands on them was the exception, not the rule. The Jews were hostile towards the Samaritans and the laying on of hands by the apostles would authenticate God's purpose and bring church unity.

This is a good sidestep of human reasoning. The same experience as the OP stated with the 120 in the upper room: they were born again when Jesus breathed on them and said "Receive the Holy Spirit." They received the baptism in the Holy Spirit on Pentecost: as John Wesley used to say, "as a second, definite work of Grace."

 

[lamad]

And may the Lord bless you richly also. Remember that there was rejoicing in Heaven when you turned to the Savior about a year ago. To answer your questions:

(a) I have conducted Bible studies for many years and also preached and taught in various churches;
(b) as a new believer it will be safest for you to study the Word of God diligently without resorting to any books, and begin with the Gospel of John;
(c) there are many study tools on Bible Hub (www.biblehub.com), but avoid commentaries (which can lead to confusion);
(d) Also stick with the King James Bible or go to the updated King James 2000 Bible;
(e) Check out the meaning of words which may not be clear through Strong's Concordance and Thayer's Lexicon on Bible Hub;
(f) Also invest in a hard copy of Nave's Topical Bible (KJV), since it groups all relevant passages under subject headings. This will make it very easy for you to study any Bible doctrine and get a good grasp on what the doctrine is. (Amazon has a Kindle edition for only $2.21, but a hard copy is better).

But above all simply ask God to teach you from His Word (James 1:5) each time you open the Bible.

It is critical that if you have not already been baptized by immersion as a believer, that you do so as soon as possible. You may already be attending a Bible-believing church, but if not find one and be baptized (not for church membership but in obedience to Christ).

As to doing anything for your salvation, you will see that the Lord Jesus Christ has already done everything for you. So focus on sanctification (growing as a Christian and doing good works).

TITUS 3: WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY DONE FOR YOU
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

In other words, you are teaching new believers to IGNORE the instructions in Acts 1.

 

[Wansvic]

In the book of Acts the Holy Spirit sometimes fell under special circumstances. For example the Day of Pentecost, the Samaritans, and the Gentiles.

I believe ordinarily we receive the Holy Spirit and are sealed when we're baptized. Of course baptism must be accompanied by faith (Mark 16:16).

Through faith in Christ and repentance we're forgiven and justified before God. Through baptism we receive the Holy Spirit and are empowered to live the new life in Christ.

The truth of water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost as distinct experiences is witnessed throughout the word. See Acts 2:38-41, 8:12-18, 9:17-18, 10:44-48, 19:1-6, 22:16.

Paul's own experience as well his interaction with the Ephesus disciples shows that water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost are separate and distinct experiences. (Acts 9:17-18, 22:16, and 19:1-6)

 

[lamad]

No. The sinful nature is NOT eradicated. Kindly read the epistles again. And believing is indeed enough. See the words of Christ in John 11:25,26. As to "the elect" God wants the whole world to be saved (John 3:17). So everyone could be among the elect, if all would believe.

I believe "the sinful nature" is the old Spirit man that is put to death at regeneration when one is born again. People sin because we still live in a flesh and blood body that enjoys sin. Our new nature is to follow Jesus by walking in the Spirit.

 

[ResidentAlien]

The bible will always confirm its truth with at least 2-3 other scriptures. Notice the Ephesus disciples also received the Holy Ghost with the laying on of hands by the Apostle Paul.

Acts 19:2
He (Paul) said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?

Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them;

Why did you leave out the part between 19:2 and 19:6 which says they were first baptized before Paul laid his hands on them?

 

[ResidentAlien]

The truth of water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost as distinct experiences is witnessed throughout the word. See Acts 2:38-41, 8:12-18, 9:17-18, 10:44-48, 19:1-6, 22:16.

Paul's own experience as well his interaction with the Ephesus disciples shows that water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost are separate and distinct experiences. (Acts 9:17-18, 22:16, and 19:1-6)

I agree. They're separate experiences.

 

[Blain]

I have heard of experiences where one only recieved the spirit when they were laid upon by hands but me personally I recieved him the moment I accepted him into me heart I wouldn't knmow for sure if that is how it happens for everyone perhaps the laying of hands is like a spirit enhancement

 

[Wansvic]

Luke was VERY careful in Acts to show us the difference: the mighty baptism in the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit "ON" or "UPON."
Salvation, on the other hand, or regeneration, is the Holy Spirit WITHIN.

Notice that the biblical records actually express that the Holy Spirit is being received not just coming upon individuals. Paul asked the Ephesus disciples if they had received the Holy Ghost SINCE they believed. (Acts 19:1-6) Peter stated that what the people were seeing and hearing on the Day of Pentecost was the promise of the Holy Ghost which was shed forth by Jesus. (Acts 2:33) The scripture states that the Samaritans received the Holy Ghost when Peter and John laid hands on them. (Acts 8:17) And, Peter stated that Cornelius and the Gentiles received the Holy Ghost just as the Jews had on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 10:47)

 

[Wansvic]

This is a good sidestep of human reasoning. The same experience as the OP stated with the 120 in the upper room: they were born again when Jesus breathed on them and said "Receive the Holy Spirit." They received the baptism in the Holy Spirit on Pentecost: as John Wesley used to say, "as a second, definite work of Grace."

It is my understanding that Jesus only breathed the Holy Ghost into His disciples with the exception of Thomas. This occurred in John chapter 20. Notice in John 21:1-2 it says after these things Jesus again appears to His disciples at the sea of Tiberias. The scripture is precise about who was there. Seven disciples were there. See John 21:2. It is only after Jesus ascended into Heaven the final time that the Holy Ghost was poured out on 120 people in the upper room. This happened on the Day of Pentecost. See Acts 1:10-2:4)

John 20:18-24
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

 

[Nehemiah6]

In other words, you are teaching new believers to IGNORE the instructions in Acts 1.

Why are you making such a nonsensical statement? So back it up. In Acts 1 we have a description of the day of Pentecost in AD 30. The instructions were given to the apostles and disciples at that time.

 

[Wansvic]

Why did you leave out the part between 19:2 and 19:6 which says they were first baptized before Paul laid his hands on them?

The point I was making was relevant to those two scripture references.
1. The Holy Ghost is not received immediately upon belief.
2. Someone stated that Peter and John's laying on of hands in reference to the Samaritans was for a specific unique reason. It was not. Paul's interaction recorded in Acts 19 confirms this point.

In all detailed biblical records concerning the rebirth experience. People are presented with the gospel message, and given instructions that include both required obedience to water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus and the need to receive the Holy Ghost.

 

[ResidentAlien]

In all detailed biblical records concerning the rebirth experience. People are presented with the gospel message, and given instructions that include both required obedience to water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus and the need to receive the Holy Ghost.

And receiving the Holy Spirit requires the laying on of hands?

 

[Nehemiah6]

The Holy Ghost is not received immediately upon belief.

You are contradicting Scripture. So what does Ephesians 1:13 teach us?

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise

This verse is clearly stating that:

1. The Gospel is the Word of Truth

2. The Gospel is the Gospel of our salvation

3. Sinners trust in the Lord Jesus Christ after they hear the Gospel

4. Sinners believe on the Lord Jesus Christ after they hear the Gospel

5. After they believe, they are immediately sealed with the Holy Spirit

6. The gift of the Holy Spirit is promised to those who believe

7. The sealing with the Holy Spirit guarantees the eternal security of the believer (see the next verse)

Do we see any mention of water baptism? Absolutely not. Why? Because that comes AFTER the Holy Spirit is given.

Do we see any mention of the laying on of hands? Absolutely not. Why? Because that was for specific purposes in Acts. When 3,000 souls in Jerusalem received the gift of the Holy Spirit, there was no laying on of hands. When those gathered in the house of Cornelius received the Holy Spirit, there was no laying on of hands.

So you need to go back to square one.

 

[Magenta]

You are contradicting Scripture. So what does Ephesians 1:13 teach us?

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise

This verse is clearly stating that:

1. The Gospel is the Word of Truth

2. The Gospel is the Gospel of our salvation

3. Sinners trust in the Lord Jesus Christ after they hear the Gospel

4. Sinners believe on the Lord Jesus Christ after they hear the Gospel

5. After they believe, they are immediately sealed with the Holy Spirit

6. The gift of the Holy Spirit is promised to those who believe

7. The sealing with the Holy Spirit guarantees the eternal security of the believer (see the next verse)

Do we see any mention of water baptism? Absolutely not. Why? Because that comes AFTER the Holy Spirit is given.

Do we see any mention of the laying on of hands? Absolutely not. Why? Because that was for specific purposes in Acts. When 3,000 souls in Jerusalem received the gift of the Holy Spirit, there was no laying on of hands. When those gathered in the house of Cornelius received the Holy Spirit, there was no laying on of hands.

So you need to go back to square one.

Ephesians 1:13-14

 

[mailmandan]

This is a good sidestep of human reasoning. The same experience as the OP stated with the 120 in the upper room: they were born again when Jesus breathed on them and said "Receive the Holy Spirit." They received the baptism in the Holy Spirit on Pentecost: as John Wesley used to say, "as a second, definite work of Grace."

No side step at all. Just pointing out that having the apostles lay hands on these Samaritans in Acts 8 before they received the Holy Spirit is the exception and is not the rule/standard for all.

 

[GRACE_ambassador]

Any suggestions for a new believer? I began my walk on 10/28/20 and wish to better understand scripture and all that I must do for salvation. God Bless you.

Precious friend, A Very Warm Welcome To the family Of God. I borrowed
This Excellent Bible "study" from Nehemiah6:

Christ's FULL Sacrifice!

My other "studies" are in my signature below - hope some will be helpful
In your GROWTH In The Amazing GRACE Of God! Starting with:
God's Simple Will!

Sincerely yours,
Chris Endrizzi

PS. This "book" changed a lot for me AFTER 11 years as a denominational "christian" = "Things That Differ" online

 

[GRACE_ambassador]

op: Does the believer receive The Holy Spirit The Moment they believe in Jesus?
Yesterday = No.
Today = Yes, when they trust Him, His Death, Precious BLOOD, And His
Resurrection, According To The Scriptures!

 

[Richard1970]

And may the Lord bless you richly also. Remember that there was rejoicing in Heaven when you turned to the Savior about a year ago. To answer your questions:

(a) I have conducted Bible studies for many years and also preached and taught in various churches;
(b) as a new believer it will be safest for you to study the Word of God diligently without resorting to any books, and begin with the Gospel of John;
(c) there are many study tools on Bible Hub (www.biblehub.com), but avoid commentaries (which can lead to confusion);
(d) Also stick with the King James Bible or go to the updated King James 2000 Bible;
(e) Check out the meaning of words which may not be clear through Strong's Concordance and Thayer's Lexicon on Bible Hub;
(f) Also invest in a hard copy of Nave's Topical Bible (KJV), since it groups all relevant passages under subject headings. This will make it very easy for you to study any Bible doctrine and get a good grasp on what the doctrine is. (Amazon has a Kindle edition for only $2.21, but a hard copy is better).

But above all simply ask God to teach you from His Word (James 1:5) each time you open the Bible.

It is critical that if you have not already been baptized by immersion as a believer, that you do so as soon as possible. You may already be attending a Bible-believing church, but if not find one and be baptized (not for church membership but in obedience to Christ).

As to doing anything for your salvation, you will see that the Lord Jesus Christ has already done everything for you. So focus on sanctification (growing as a Christian and doing good works).

TITUS 3: WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY DONE FOR YOU
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

I am very Thankful for this. God Bless you.

 

[Richard1970]

Precious friend, A Very Warm Welcome To the family Of God. I borrowed
This Excellent Bible "study" from Nehemiah6:

Christ's FULL Sacrifice!

My other "studies" are in my signature below - hope some will be helpful
In your GROWTH In The Amazing GRACE Of God! Starting with:
God's Simple Will!

Sincerely yours,
Chris Endrizzi

PS. This "book" changed a lot for me AFTER 11 years as a denominational "christian" = "Things That Differ" online

Thank you so very much. God Bless you.