One of the most important questions of all is: “Did you receive the power of the Holy Spirit?” Water baptism cannot give it to you. Walking the aisle to pray a prayer cannot give it to you. Yet, as Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:5-6). Simon Magus was a prime example of this very fact. He prophesied that he believed. Furthermore, he was baptized by Philipp the preacher in the name of Jesus into the earliest Samaritan church. However, when Peter and John came to Samaria to join the Samaritan church with that of Jerusalem as one body in Christ, it was evident Simon was not truly saved.
Indeed, Simon was fascinated by the idea of the church; but, believed it all to be some form of magic. Being a renowned magician himself, he was enamored with the miracles. Never did he truly believe in Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord. He was never in love with Jesus Christ. Neither did he believe himself to be a sinner in need of a Savior. In fact, he believed himself to be endowed with power from on high. Historians speak of Simon Magus as a heretic who formed a large gnostic sect-the Simonians. His heretic teachings were said to be a thorn in the side of the true church.
The Holy Spirit’s Filling
The coming of the Holy Spirit to the Samaritan believers needs to be viewed in its disposition of time. The day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit came as promised by Jesus on the 50th day fulfilling prophecy. This was discussed in greater detail in an earlier post entitled “What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?”
In the case of the Samaritan church, scripture reads, “ Who, when they (the apostles Peter and John) were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus)” Acts 8:15-16. In the case of the Samaritans, there was a laying on of hands by Peter and John. Remember, the Samaritans had been considered unclean, half-breeds by the Jewish people. The fact that Peter and John would touch a Samaritan was necessary so that the Jerusalem church could accept them as brothers and sisters in Christ.
When these new believers were filled with the Holy Spirit there must have been an overflowing outward expression of their great joy and hope. Undoubtedly, they were given the gift of speaking in foreign languages (tongues). And they must have shone with a blazing glow like the fire seen in Jerusalem. Whatever, this was spectacular, and Simon Magus wanted this power. Ah, indicating he was a by-stander and did not himself receive the Holy Spirit; because he had never been a true believer in Jesus Christ. Even the demons believe in Him and know He is the Son of God.
Did You Receive the Power of the Holy Spirit?
In Acts 10:44, the Holy Spirit fell upon the gentiles as they listened to Peter preach. They also displayed the evidence of that power with praise and the ability to speak in various languages (tongues). The Jewish believers were astonished that God would do the same for the Gentiles, uniting all the true believers into one church. All true believers are immediately at the time of salvation, baptized into the true church at the point of salvation. There were only the two times in which this was delayed: the day of Pentecost and with the Samaritan believers. Both were with purpose.
Then, in Chapter 19, we see Paul present this question to a group of supposed believers, “Did you receive the power of the Holy Spirit?” The were perplexed because they had never heard of the Holy Spirit. In fact, they said they were followers of John the Baptist and had been baptized under him. Indeed, they were among those who wanted to know the truth; but, still lacked the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Paul explained to them that Jesus was the one to whom John the Baptist pointed. After providing them with the true gospel message, they were saved. Immediately, they received the Holy Spirit. After this they were baptized anew.
The Bible says, “the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Romans 8:9). If you have never felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit in you, then you need to ask yourself this question, “Am I truly saved?”
What is the Power of the Holy Spirit?
It is the power of Christ in you. The fruit of the Spirit “is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23). Do you have any of these fruits abiding within your heart?
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10
The Holy Spirit speaks power and truth into the heart of the believer. Are there times that a true believer squelches the Holy Spirit? Yes, certainly. However, a true believer cannot remain there. He will ever and always be about the business of perfecting you in Jesus Christ, if you are one of His.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:13). All who know Jesus Christ as their Savior has the Holy Spirit indwelling them, having been sealed unto the day of Promise by the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 4:30). We may each be in differing stages of spiritual growth; but all true believers have the Holy Spirit. If you don’t, then you are not one of His. It is as simple as that.
So, once more I ask you, “Did You Receive the Power of the Holy Spirit?”
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
PREVIOUSLY
Is there a Faith that Cannot Save?
But for God, the Sorrows that Abound
How can Relentless Persecution Really Bring About Good?
One of the Greatest Sermons Ever
7 Characteristics of Stephen Everyone Should Know
A Child’s Woeful Cry and God’s Reply
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
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