The Holy Spirit is God’s Guarantee in our hearts. Paul tells us that, “he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 1:22 RSV The Holy Spirit is our proof that the amazing tale of the Gospel is real and True. He leads, teaches, and guides us—teaching us about all things (as John writes in I John 2:27).
However, many Christians don’t even open the gift. Though it is true that when you repent and believe you do receive the Holy Spirit, for many it’s like the Spirit’s an app on your hard drive and you have never launched it. The book of Acts has several stories showing people who had repented and believed without ever receiving the power of the Holy Spirit.
Philip preached in Samaria and many were reborn. But they didn’t receive the Spirit in power until Peter and John came and laid hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 8: 12-17 Apollos preached and many were saved with John’s baptism. But then Paul arrived and asked about the Holy Spirit. So, Paul prayed for them to receive the baptism of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them. Acts 18:24-19:6
The Holy Spirit is God’s Guarantee within us
John the Baptist said, “I indeed baptize you with water. But One mightier than I is coming, the strings of whose shoes I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Luke 3:16 MEV Bear in mind that God: Father, Son, & Holy Spirit are loving, kind, and gentle. They will never force this upon you. This is one of the major differences between God and Satan. Satan will rape you in a heart beat.
But with God, you must ask. If you ask, He has given the Spirit to you in power. But it depends upon you to allow the manifestations of the Spirit. For some, it’s nearly instantaneous. For me, it was a process over nearly six months. So, if you ask, stand in faith and do what you can to cooperate with the Lord. He will manifest in you as you allow Him to.