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

[Wansvic]

Acts chapter 8 provides insight on the topic. Notice the group believed the gospel message presented by Philip, and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. It was only after Peter and John came and laid hands on them that they actually received the Holy Ghost.

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."

 

[HatedForNoReason]

Acts chapter 8 provides insight on the topic. Notice the group believed the gospel message presented by Philip, and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. It was only after Peter and John came and laid hands on them that they actually received the Holy Ghost.

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."

God wrote all of God's elects names in his book of life before the world was created. The nonelects are not in the book of life. God only gives the Holy Spirit to God's elects, some point in there lives. It's supernatural that now you have the power to reject the temptation to sin continually.

Romans 8:30
King James Version

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

It’s only by the grace of God that he leads you to pray to him to destroy all your evil desires of watching TV or any sinful desires. When you pray to God to destroy all your evil desires of watching TV or sinful desires (Romans 6:6-7 and Galatians 5:24), Satan will intervene and extremely tempt you in watching the TV. But if it’s God’s will and if you are one of God’s elects, you will overcome it and God will destroy all your evil desires of watching TV. After God has destroyed all your evil desires of watching TV and if you are one of God’s elects, you receive the joy of the Holy Spirit for a short amount of time. After the joy wears off, all existence of boredom no longer exists and you no longer burn out (psychology) anymore. That is when you have received the Holy Spirit.

https://christianchat.com/bible-dis...games-and-computer-games-are-all-sins.199859/

 

[Evmur]

Acts chapter 8 provides insight on the topic. Notice the group believed the gospel message presented by Philip, and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. It was only after Peter and John came and laid hands on them that they actually received the Holy Ghost.

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."

Clearly the baptism in the Holy Ghost is a different and subsequent experience from the initial work of regeneration which the Holy Ghost works in our hearts when we are saved.

.... some of us believe the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts first and then we believe.

 

[Nehemiah6]

... some of us believe the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts first and then we believe.

That's putting the cart before the horse. And since God wants everyone to believe, they would all receive the Holy Spirit "just like that". But that is not biblical.

 

[HatedForNoReason]

That's putting the cart before the horse. And since God wants everyone to believe, they would all receive the Holy Spirit "just like that". But that is not biblical.

James 2:19
New King James Version

19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!

Believing is not enough. You have to be one of God's elect and sinful nature will always be removed when you are born again. There is always a radical change happen. You can't remove your sinful nature on your own, that everyone got from first Adam. Only God can remove it and replace it with Jesus holy nature=natural not to sin and has the power to reject temptation.

I found proof that TV, movies, watching sports (violence like football, covet their lives and they are idols), novels, music, video games and computer games are all sins, except Christian stuff that don’t have sins like sermons. Read 10 commandments.

https://christianchat.com/bible-dis...games-and-computer-games-are-all-sins.199859/

 

[Nehemiah6]

Believing is not enough. You have to be one of God's elect and sinful nature will always be removed when you are born again.

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.

 

[SophieT]

that poor horse has run this race so many times it has no legs left

not to mention Calvinism having another go

 

[Richard1970]

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.

Nehemiah6

Do you conduct bible study? Or, books to read? 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.

 

[Evmur]

That's putting the cart before the horse. And since God wants everyone to believe, they would all receive the Holy Spirit "just like that". But that is not biblical.

And yet we read the Lord saying to Ananias to go and minister to Paul "... behold he prayeth ..." interesting case Paul for he heard the preaching of Stephen, speaking wisdom which nobody was able to withstand, performing miracles, yet all that made Paul gnash his teeth in hatred.

God's ways are past finding out.

Ephesians 2. vs.1 & 5.
And you He made ALIVE when you were dead in trespasses and sins ..... even when we were dead in trespasses and sins [He] made us alive together with Christ.

 

[p_rehbein]

Regarding the Title of the OP question:

No.

belief, confession, repentance occur.

When a new believer invites Jesus into their hearts to be their Lord and Master, they are cleansed of their sins by the baptism of the Holy Spirit through the precious blood of Jesus........

The infilling presence of the Holy Spirit comes when a believer has Sanctified Elders of the Church lay hands on them and pray over them.......that is when a "saved" believer becomes a "sanctified" believer.

 

[HatedForNoReason]

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.

1 John 3:1-10
King James Version

3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

 

[Nehemiah6]

Nehemiah6 Do you conduct bible study? Or, books to read? 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.

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.

 

[Aidan1]

Acts chapter 8 provides insight on the topic. Notice the group believed the gospel message presented by Philip, and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. It was only after Peter and John came and laid hands on them that they actually received the Holy Ghost.

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."

A clear YES, to the OP question!

 

[mailmandan]

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.

 

[JaumeJ]

1 John 3:1-10
King James Version

3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

It is very refreshing to hear somone teaching directly what Jesus Yeshua has taught us.

 

[Wansvic]

Clearly the baptism in the Holy Ghost is a different and subsequent experience from the initial work of regeneration which the Holy Ghost works in our hearts when we are saved.

.... some of us believe the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts first and then we believe.

As the scripture reference shows, the Samaritans actually received the Holy Ghost when Peter and John laid hands on them, not before. This point is seen in Paul's interaction with the Ephesus disciples too. Paul's question to them made it clear that receiving the Holy Ghost did not always occur when people believed the gospel message. That experience also verified that receiving the Holy Ghost was confirmed by outward evidence. (Acts 19:1-6) Numerous scriptures point to this truth. I am unaware of scripture confirming what many believe to the contrary. I know there is one occasion where Jesus breathed on the apostles and said receive the Holy Ghost just prior to His ascension back into Heaven. But many scholars believe it was for a specific apostolic purpose prior to the outpouring on the Day of Pentecost. Consider that Jesus told the apostles to wait to be endued with power before beginning their ministries. Why wait to be endued with power if in fact they already had the Holy Spirit dwelling within them?

 

[Wansvic]

A clear YES, to the OP question!

Interesting comment considering the presented scripture.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Acts chapter 8 provides insight on the topic. Notice the group believed the gospel message presented by Philip, and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. It was only after Peter and John came and laid hands on them that they actually received the Holy Ghost.

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."

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.

 

[Wansvic]

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;

 

[lamad]

Clearly the baptism in the Holy Ghost is a different and subsequent experience from the initial work of regeneration which the Holy Ghost works in our hearts when we are saved.

Well said! It could not have been said better.