How Do You Receive the Holy Spirit According to the Bible?


Ever felt like you were trying to run a marathon while holding your breath? In the Christian life, trying to follow Jesus without the power of the Holy Spirit can feel exactly like that, exhausting and unsustainable.

You receive the Holy Spirit by first placing your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, at which point the Spirit dwells within you. According to the Bible and Assemblies of God doctrine, you then receive the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit" as a distinct experience by asking God in faith, surrendering your heart, and yielding to His power, often evidenced by speaking in tongues.

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the "how," let’s clear up some terms. Theology can sometimes feel like a different language, but at its heart, it’s about a relationship.

Term	Biblical Definition	Simple Meaning
Repentance	A change of mind that leads to a change of direction (Acts 3:19).	Turning away from doing things your way and turning toward God.
Salvation	Deliverance from sin and its consequences through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).	Being rescued by Jesus and starting a new life with Him.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit	An enduement of power for life and service, distinct from the new birth (Acts 1:8).	Being "filled to overflowing" with God's power to share your faith.
Sanctification	The process of being set apart for God and becoming more like Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).	God working in you to help you grow in holiness and character.

Step 1: The Foundation of Salvation

You cannot receive the fullness of the Spirit until you have a relationship with the Person of the Spirit. In the Assemblies of God (AG) 16 Fundamental Truths, we believe that the Holy Spirit is active the moment you say "yes" to Jesus.

When you repent and put your trust in Christ, the Holy Spirit "regenerates" you. He moves into your heart, marks you as God’s child, and begins the work of changing you from the inside out. This is the "new birth." You already have the Spirit at this stage, but there is more that God wants to give you.

Step 2: Desiring the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit"

In the book of Acts, we see a recurring pattern. People would believe in Jesus, and then they would receive a powerful, second experience called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were "clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). They were already followers of Jesus, but they needed this specific empowering to be effective witnesses to the world.

This baptism isn't about being "more saved." It’s about being more empowered. It is a gift available to every believer.

Step 3: How to Receive, The Biblical Path

If you are sitting in Memphis, Tennessee, or watching online from halfway across the globe, the process is the same. It isn't a magic formula; it's a posture of the heart.

1. Be Born Again: Ensure your foundation is solid. Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior?

2. Believe the Promise: Acts 2:39 says, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off." That includes you! Believe that God wants to fill you.

3. Ask in Faith: Jesus said the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13). Simply pray: "Father, I ask You to baptize me in Your Holy Spirit. I want Your power in my life."

4. Yield and Surrender: This is where many people get stuck. Receiving the Spirit requires letting go of control. In the AG tradition, we believe the initial physical evidence of this baptism is speaking in tongues, as seen in Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, and 19:6.

5. Receive by Faith: Just like salvation, you don't earn this. You receive it. Stop "trying" and start "trusting."

What Should You Expect?

When the Holy Spirit fills a person, the result isn't just a "feeling", it's fruit. The Bible tells us that the evidence of a Spirit-filled life is found in Acts 1:8 (power to witness) and Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).

You might experience an overwhelming sense of God’s love, a sudden boldness to share the Gospel, or a deeper desire to study the Word. The "tongues" mentioned in the Bible serve as the entry point into a deeper, Spirit-led prayer life.

Common Misconceptions

• "Is it only for 'super-Christians'?" No. It was given to a group of ordinary fishermen, tax collectors, and everyday people. It's for you.

• "Do I have to be perfect first?" No. Sanctification is a process. The Holy Spirit is actually the one who helps you become more like Jesus. You don't get clean to take a bath; you take a bath to get clean.

• "Is it a one-time event?" While the Baptism is a distinct start, the Bible encourages us to "be being filled" (Ephesians 5:18). It’s a daily walk.

Your Next Step

Whether you are exploring faith for the first time or you’ve been in church for decades, God has more for you. The Holy Spirit is a Comforter, a Counselor, and a Source of Power.

Are you ready to take that step? You don't have to do it alone. We would love to walk with you, pray with you, and help you discover the incredible life God has planned for you.

Want to go deeper?

If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person to explore these truths together: 🌐 www.famemphis.org

If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global online church community for live services and digital discipleship: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)

We are here for you. You are not alone.