Infilling of the Holy Ghost

The Doctrine of the Infilling of the Holy Ghost

We believe that the infilling of the Holy Ghost is the spiritual birth of the Spirit, promised by Jesus Christ to all believers. It is the active presence of God dwelling within the human heart, providing the power to live a holy life and serves as the seal of our inheritance.

The Promise of the Father

The gift of the Holy Ghost is not reserved for a select few, but is a promise extended to every person who hears the call of the Gospel. It is the "Comforter" that Jesus promised would abide with His followers forever.

Acts 2:39: "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
John 14:16: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever."

The Initial Evidence

In accordance with the New Testament pattern established on the Day of Pentecost, we believe that the initial, physical sign of the infilling of the Holy Ghost is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.

Acts 2:4 "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

This phenomenon was the consistent indicator of the Spirit's arrival throughout the early Church:

Acts 10:45-46: "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished... for they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God."
Acts 19:6: "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."

The Purpose of the Spirit

The Holy Ghost is given to empower the believer for service, to guide the soul into all truth, and to produce spiritual fruit. It is the power that enables us to be witnesses for Christ and to overcome the world.

Acts 1:8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me..."
John 16:13: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth..."

A Necessary Birth

We believe that being born of the Spirit is an essential part of the New birth experience. Without the Spirit of Christ, we cannot belong to Him.

Romans 8:9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

Walking in the Spirit