I have realised that one of the greatest privileges of our salvation is not just forgiveness of sins or the hope of heaven; it is the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Sadly, many believers are living like heirs who have refused to open their inheritance envelope.
Acts 2:38–39 makes it unmistakably clear:
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
There is no ambiguity here. The promise is the Holy Spirit. Not a metaphor. Not a feeling. Not a church doctrine. A Person. A Gift. A Promise; to you, to your children, and to those far off (that includes us reading this today).
God did not tease us with a promise He never intended to fulfill. If He promised it, He expects us to ask for it; and to receive it.
There is a tragedy of living Spirit-Less
To live without the Holy Spirit is like owning a smartphone and using it only as a torchlight.
You are saved, yes; but you are underpowered.
Jesus Himself treated the Holy Spirit as essential equipment, not optional accessories. In fact, in His teaching on prayer, He singled out the Holy Spirit as a specific request:
Luke 11:11–13 says:
“If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? … If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Notice this: Jesus did not say, “How much more will your Father give cars, houses, or breakthrough.” He said the Holy Spirit. Because without Him, every other blessing becomes hard to manage.
I know you may be asking, “But Didn’t I Receive the Spirit When I Got Saved?”
This is where many believers get stuck.
Yes, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us at salvation (Romans 8:9). But Scripture also shows subsequent experiences and empowerments of the Spirit.
The disciples were already believers in John 20:22, yet they were told to wait in Acts 1:8.
The Samaritan believers were saved in Acts 8, yet Peter and John prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.
Paul met believers in Acts 19 who had believed; but had not yet received the Holy Spirit in power.
Salvation gives you life. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you power.
Do you have the fear of the Supernatural? Jesus Already Addressed That!
Another reason many believers hesitate is fear. Fear of tongues. Fear of manifestations. Fear of “what people will say.” Fear of losing control.
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus deliberately used this analogy—egg vs scorpion?
Who asks his father for an egg and expects a scorpion? Jesus was saying, “Relax. God is not a trickster.”
The supernatural gifts of the Spirit are good gifts:
Tongues build you up (1 Corinthians 14:4)
Healing reveals God’s compassion (Acts 3:6–8)
Prophecy edifies the church (1 Corinthians 14:3)
Casting out demons enforces Christ’s victory (Mark 16:17)
Fire may look dangerous, but in the right hands, it cooks food and gives warmth. The Holy Spirit’s power is not destructive; it is redemptive.
Faith, Not Feelings
One final key: Do not base your faith on feelings.
If you prayed for healing and symptoms lingered, you wouldn’t immediately conclude God failed. You would stand on His Word (Mark 11:24). In the same way, when you ask the Father for the Holy Spirit, believe you receive.
Some people speak in tongues instantly (Acts 10:44–46).
Others experience manifestations later (Acts 8:14–17).
Both are biblical. Neither is inferior.
Don’t let delay make you doubt. Don’t let doubt cancel your receipt.
Don’t Miss What Was Promised
Esau lost his birthright because he undervalued it. Don’t make the same mistake spiritually. The Holy Spirit is not a luxury for “special Christians.” He is the promise for every child of God.
Don’t allow fear, ignorance, or doubt to rob you of what heaven has already approved.
Ask. Believe. Receive.
Because Christianity without the Holy Spirit is information.
Christianity with the Holy Spirit is transformation.
shalom!
#pstnath
Jesus is Lord
