When Does Somebody Receive the Holy Spirit?

Hey Andy, when does somebody receive the Holy Spirit? I did some research on this, and in Acts 8:12-19, it says, “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. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles, which were at Jerusalem, heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they had come down, prayed for them so that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet He was fallen upon none of them, for they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost’.” (KJV)

After reading this scripture, one can conclude that:

1. You do not receive God’s Holy Spirit at the moment you are baptized;
2. You do not receive God’s Holy Spirit at the exact moment you believe.

These scriptures prove that believing in Jesus and being baptized are not linked with receiving his Holy Spirit. Scripture states that unless you have God’s Spirit, then you are none of His. Are you absolutely sure you have God’s Spirit residing in you?

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Hey, great research there! You know, it’s interesting how many people I continue to come across who think that there’s a system that God keeps to in terms of when He gives somebody the Holy Spirit. It’s also interesting how many think that you receive Him (“Him”, not “it”)either only when you accept Christ, or only when you’re baptized. But like you just showed, there’s also when one lays hands on others for them to receive Him. But if you look at the Scriptures, you’ll see that there are also many other means by which somebody received the Holy Spirit, some of which many probably never even thought of:

John 20:22: The Apostles received the Holy Spirit (before Pentecost Sunday):

1. Some were baptized first under John the Baptist
2. They believed
3. The Gospel was proclaimed
4. (Could Jesus’ washing of their feet symbolize Him baptizing them?)
5. Jesus breathed on them, and they received the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:1-4: The Holy Spirit came upon other believers (not the 11) who were praying in upper room during Pentecost:

1. No mention of them being baptized
2. They believed
3. As they were praying, they received the Holy Spirit when tongues of fire landed on them

Acts 2:37-38: 3000 experienced those speaking in tongues on Pentecost Sunday:

1. They heard the Gospel
2. They Believed and repented
3. They were baptized
4. They received the Holy Spirit

Acts 8:14-17: Simon & John sent to lay hands on believers who’d believed Philip’s message:

1. Heard the Gospel
2. Believed
3. Were baptized (but the Holy Spirit didn’t come upon them)
4. Apostles came, prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit, and laid hands upon them
5. They received the Holy Spirit

Acts 9:17-18: Saul/Paul’s conversion:

1. Saul experienced Jesus Christ
2. Saul prayed
3. Saul believed and repented
4. Ananias laid hands on him
5. Saul received the Holy Spirit
6. Saul was then baptized
7. THEN Saul heard the Gospel

Acts 10:44-48: Cornelius’ whole (Gentile) household:

1. Gospel was proclaimed
2. Whole household received the Holy Spirit (“While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon those who heard the Word of God.”)
3. Whole household was baptized
4. Ministry (Peter stayed with them several days)

Acts 19:1-6: Believers baptized only by John the Baptist:

1. John the Baptist’s message was heard and received
2. They were baptized by John the Baptist for the forgiveness of sins (yet never received the Holy Spirit)
3. They later heard about the Holy Spirit
4. They were then baptized AGAIN (but this time, in the name of the Lord Jesus)
5. Paul laid hands on them
6. They received the Holy Spirit

So, as you can see, the Bible shows that there really is no sequence as to when the Holy Spirit rests upon somebody. Also, as some denominations today will continue to argue, not everybody who received the Holy Spirit ended up speaking in tongues — even the Apostle Paul said that tongues is just one of the many gifts, and that not everybody has it (though he desired that we all did). Many also believe that the Holy Spirit is the One who brings us to the Lord in the first place.

Either way, my point again is that God does a great job of reminding us that HE is in charge, not us, and that He is not bound to our rules nor expectations.

As to your question, though I can’t recall when I received the Holy Spirit (although I think it may have been when I fully accepted Him and asked for Him to dwell in me), I am Absolutely, 100% positive that God’s Holy Spirit resides in me today.