The Holy Ghost and the New Birth Experience
The message of the New Testament is clear: you must be born again. Jesus declared it plainly in John 3:5:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
This new birth includes water baptism in Jesus’ name and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is not just a feeling or a symbolic gesture—it is God Himself dwelling within the believer. Receiving the Holy Ghost is essential, transformational, and biblically mandated.
The Promise of the Holy Ghost
In the Old Testament, the prophets foretold a day when God’s Spirit would be poured out:
- Joel 2:28 – “I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh…”
- Ezekiel 36:27 – “And I will put my spirit within you…”
This promise was fulfilled in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost was first given.
The New Birth Explained
Jesus explained to Nicodemus that being “born again” means being born of water (baptism) and of the Spirit (Holy Ghost).
- Water = baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38)
- Spirit = infilling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4)
This new birth experience is how one enters into the Kingdom of God—not by religion, tradition, or works, but by spiritual rebirth.
The Role of the Holy Ghost
When a person receives the Holy Ghost:
- They are sealed for salvation (Ephesians 1:13).
- They receive power to live a holy life (Acts 1:8).
- They experience divine adoption as children of God (Romans 8:15).
- They are transformed from the inside out (Titus 3:5).
It is not enough to simply believe intellectually—we must be born again spiritually.
The Pattern in Acts
In every major conversion account in the Book of Acts, the infilling of the Holy Ghost was expected and witnessed:
- Acts 2 – 120 received the Spirit with tongues.
- Acts 10 – Cornelius’ household spoke in tongues.
- Acts 19 – Disciples of John received the Holy Ghost.
This is not a one-time event in history—it is the New Testament standard.
A Personal Experience
The Holy Ghost is not limited to the early Church. It is a personal promise to all who believe and obey the Gospel.
“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off…” — Acts 2:39
Millions today continue to receive the Holy Ghost just as in the Book of Acts—with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Conclusion
The Holy Ghost is not optional—it is essential to salvation and the gateway to spiritual transformation. The new birth Jesus spoke of is still available today, and through it, we become new creatures in Christ.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?