BGEA: I have asked God to give me the Holy Spirit, but how can I be sure He has? Maybe I don't understand why God promised to give the Holy Spirit to us.

I have asked God to give me the Holy Spirit, but how can I be sure He has? Maybe I don't understand why God promised to give the Holy Spirit to us. — J.R.R.

One of the Bible's greatest truths is that when we come to Christ and commit our lives to Him, He comes to live within us by His Holy Spirit. In fact, the Bible warns, "If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ" (Romans 8:9). If you know Jesus, the Holy Spirit already lives within you -- whether you feel His presence or not.

Why has He been given? The Bible gives several reasons -- but behind them all is our need for God's help. The Holy Spirit, the Bible says, "helps us in our weakness" (Romans 8:26). He convicts us of sin, He opens our eyes to God's truth, He grants us spiritual gifts, He counsels and guides us -- all these and more would be impossible without His help.

Never forget that the Holy Spirit isn't an impersonal force or power (like electricity or gravity); He is God. Think of it: God Himself now dwells within you if you know Christ! Jesus said, "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16-17). Because He lives within us, we can ask God to help us in our times of need, and to give us the courage and strength to live as we should.

Don't try to live the Christian life in your own strength; if you do, you will only fail. Instead, trust the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom and strength you need.

4 Comments

Michael says 4.19.2013, 10:38 p.m.

I have a question, can one have the holy spirit and still commit sin consciously?

Brad says 3.30.2013, 10:05 a.m.

No way - if you can lay hands on the sick and they are healed, if you can be bold, if you can prophesy you have the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 but you will receive power (greek: miraculous power) when the Holy Spirit comes upon on you to be witnesses

Tanya says 4.25.2012, 4:00 p.m.

It is false and even dangerous to keep asking for the Holy Spirit. Like Graham said, we receive it when we come to Jesus. Never seek or ask for any special sensations. If you are uncertain, pray that God take away your doubt-you already have Spirit.

Hello says 1.8.2011, 11:47 p.m.

If you have been asking God for the Holy Spirit... make sure you don't fool yourself... and do not STOP asking until HE gives it... a few things you can do to make sure is to FAST a lot... and READ A LOT.. and refrain from all pleasures from the flesh... seek God and KNOW that HE SAID: HEAVEN is within you.. and Living Water shall burst forth from within and ALL THINGS will be made known.. so unless this happens... you keep at it! Do not quit, if you have quit in you, GOD will let you quit.. .no quit!