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When does the Spirit come upon us?
Additional Comments:
You said the Holy Spirit comes to each of us. As baptism is only symbolic, when does it come upon us?
Answer:
The Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is an extraordinary gift. There are many ways in which the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of the believer is essential. But the question does not ask what the Holy Spirit’s function is, rather it asks when the Holy Spirit comes into the life of the believer. The initial answer is that the Holy Spirit indwells the believer at conversion. Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit is in us.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? --1Corinthians 6:19 NIV
So when we accept Christ by faith, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer and assists the believer in a variety of ways (guides, leads, convicts, comforts, etc). But it is often difficult to pinpoint the working of God on a timeline. And the work of the Holy Spirit cannot be limited to our belief. John, in speaking of the Holy Spirit, tells us that he is active in convicting the world of sin.
When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: --John 16:8 NIV
So the Holy Spirit is active in the world and perhaps is even active in your life (even if you are not yet a believer). Nevertheless, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is reserved for those who have exhibited faith in Christ.
Answered By: Wade
