Why receive the Holy Spirit?

One of the most important things we should do is to understand why something happens. We may understand what and how something occurs, but only knowing “why” gives it a purpose and context.

Consider doing Bible study. Some Christians wish they had more time to study the Bible. Many start studying to read the Bible in a year, but not everyone finishes, and often, they fall back into old ways. They fail because they don’t have a strong enough purpose to make study a priority. Understanding “why” you need to study provides that purpose.

It’s the same with receiving the Holy Spirit. Understanding “why” you need the Holy Spirit with the attending gifts provides the purpose for seeking these gifts.

The scripture explains why we need the Holy Spirit.

• John 3:1-8 tells us that unless we are born again of water and the Spirit, we cannot enter the kingdom of God. If you want to enter God’s kingdom, you need to receive the Holy Spirit.
• John 4:21-24 says that God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. To do so, a person must receive the Holy Spirit to worship in spirit.
• John 6:63 shows that it is the spirit that gives life, and the flesh is of no importance. We need to receive the Holy Spirit to seek life, especially eternal life.
• 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 it is only by the Holy Spirit that we are able to understand the things of God. God’s truth is spiritual in nature and can only be understood by those who receive His spirit.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16 shows that we are God’s temple because His Holy Spirit dwells within us. Without the Spirit, we are not part of God’s temple.
• Ephesians 2:17-22 says that it is through the Holy Spirit that we have access to the Father, and through the Spirit, we are built into God’s temple as a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.

All of these points define the purpose and the reason “why” we need to receive the Holy Spirit. Without it, none of these things are possible.

There is one more point that goes to the heart of the reason why we need to receive the Holy Spirit.

The primary work of the Holy Spirit is to transform us into the likeness of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). That transformation process cannot begin and certainly cannot be completed until we receive the Holy Spirit.

Call to Action

If you are unsure whether you have received the Holy Spirit, these are compelling reasons behind the purpose for which God gives this gift and are strong reasons to search out and seek this gift from God.