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What does the Bible say about receiving the holy ghost?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is God’s promised gift, given through Christ to those who repent, believe the gospel, and are united to him. At Pentecost, the disciples were filled with the Spirit as Jesus had promised, empowering them to witness to him (Acts 1:5, 1:8; Acts 2:1-4). Peter therefore called hearers to repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name, trusting God’s promise of the Spirit (Acts 2:38). Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit when they hear and believe the gospel (Ephesians 1:13). The Spirit also gives new birth, helps Christians pray in weakness, and supplies strength for faithful service (John 3:5; Romans 8:26; Acts 19:6).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Acts 2:38

    Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

  • Acts 1:8

    But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth."

  • Luke 11:13

    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?"

  • Ephesians 1:13

    in whom you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Gospel of your salvation,--in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

  • Acts 19:6

    When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.

  • Romans 8:26

    In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered.

  • John 3:5

    Jesus answered, "Most assuredly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can't enter into the Kingdom of God!

  • Acts 1:5

    For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

  • Acts 2:4

    They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.

  • Acts 2:1-4

    [1] Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. [3] Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them. [4] They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.

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