Repentance and the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Nehemiah 9-10; Acts 2 

“Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear…Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:33, 38, 39

Have we experienced both the baptism of repentance and the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

Just as the baptism of repentance is a deliberate choice with public testimony, so also receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit is a deliberate choice with a public witness. The empowerment to share the Gospel, sell possessions and give generously, hunger for God’s Word, pray and fellowship with others - these and other signs are evidence that we have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. No one is unclear on whether they have been baptized, neither should we be unclear on whether we have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the author of the events in Acts and he is still writing new mission chapters today through those who have received him.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit and your empowerment to live on mission, for your glory.”