In the book of Joel the Lord called the people into repentance: “Even now, declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity” (Joel 2:12-13). On the day of Pentecost, Peter told the crowd, “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” (Acts 2:38). Thus repentance is a necessary condition for reconciliation with God.
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 2:39)
The Holy Spirit does not fill unbelievers. No! His dwelling is in those who have reconciled with God. As we saw in the previous blog, He convict the world of sin. But, when we are restored to the Lord, this is what happens: “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28-29). Peter said on the day of Pentecost that “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 2:39). The Holy Spirit is for you, He is for me and for everyone who return to the Lord and accepts Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
The understanding that believers have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in us should affect our attitudes and lifestyles. First we have to understand that the Holy Spirit is Holy and He requires us to be Holy. Second, we need to develop a fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Third, the overflow of the Holy Spirit leads us to declare the wonders of God. Again, the Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus and so as we commune with Him, we become the testimony bearers. The Holy Spirit is constantly working in us to present us as a blameless church to the Father. Paul told the Corinthian church: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
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