How do I know if I have the Holy Spirit?

How do you know when seasons are changing? For example, how can you tell that the winter is ending and spring is on the way?

You know, because there are manifestations of change. The temperature gets warmer. Trees and shrubs begin to bud and put forth flowers. Animals and bird activity increase. All of these manifestations show that the season is changing.

It is the same when a person receives the Holy Spirit. You know that you have received the Holy Spirit because you will see the manifestation of the Spirit.

A manifestation is a sign and is proof positive that a change has occurred. This is what the scripture tells us will happen when we receive the Holy Spirit.

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

Note these words. It says that “each” is given “the manifestation” of the Spirit. That is, to every person who receives the Holy Spirit (“each”), the same manifestation is given.

There are many different manifestations of the Spirit discussed throughout 1 Corinthians 12. But what is interesting in this verse above is that every person is given “THE” manifestation of the Spirit. Not “A” manifestation, but “THE” manifestation. This suggests there is ONE manifestation common to all who receive the Holy Spirit.

The original Greek concurs with this, too. It is quite clear that it is talking about one specific manifestation. The word “the” in this sentence in Greek also means “one.” It is a definite article indicating that it refers to just one manifestation.

But what is this one manifestation of the Spirit that all receive?

The evidence from different accounts of people receiving the Holy Spirit mentions different manifestations. However, there is one thing that is common across all of the examples: speaking in tongues. (See Acts 2:1-4, Acts 19:6, Acts 10:44-47)

Jesus also said that those who are born of the Spirit would hear the “sound of the Spirit,” just as we hear the sound of the wind outside when it blows (John 3:6-8).

The final proof that tongues are the manifestation of the Spirit comes from Jesus when He said:

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues (Mark 16:16-17)

A person can only speak in tongues if they have received the Holy Spirit, and Jesus said this will be one of the signs of those who believe.

Call to Action

Speaking in tongues is not just a sign; it is a very necessary gift from God to help us achieve victory over the devil and the passions of the flesh in Jesus Christ. To receive this gift, if you do not have it already, seek to receive the Holy Spirit in accordance with the promises of God.