What does having the Holy Spirit mean?

Originally Posted by stmatthew

I do not negate the work that is done at repentance. I believe there is a work of the Holy Ghost that takes place at repentance. But I do not believe it is a reception of the holy ghost. If it is, why did the Samaritans not receive it?

I cannot take away from the feeling a person gets when they have repented of their sins, and made a decision to follow Christ. There is a feeling of weights being taken off. There is no doubt that God has lifted them, and that you now have a feeling of being clean. It is called forgiveness.

The Samaritans had Joy in the city. They had that clean feeling. I am sure there was some dancing and leaping going on. But they still had yet to receive the Holy Ghost.

Exactly, look at the eunuch.

Ac 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

I recall my own experience likewise, but nothing matched the baptism of the Holy Ghost that took place a while after. Cleansed and empowered, I was complete and on my way.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Theophilus

Exactly, look at the eunuch.

Ac 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

I recall my own experience likewise, but nothing matched the baptism of the Holy Ghost that took place a while after. Cleansed and empowered, I was complete and on my way.

I totally agree that what happens with Holy Spirit empowerment ushers you into a realm and position that doesn't come with repentance and baptism. I know personally the difference it made in my life. I had gifts and anointing that I hadn't previous. No doubt about it.

[J-Roc]

Originally Posted by Theophilus

I recall my own experience likewise, but nothing matched the baptism of the Holy Ghost that took place a while after. Cleansed and empowered, I was complete and on my way.

We love it because it's a euphoric feeling and some of us have experienced an immense down pouring of this experience initially (that was my experience...it lasted over 90 minutes non-stop and I recall even when I would try to utter praises to God in english, He still had dominion over my tongue and so I was unable to speak my language but it was a glorious experience...as if a touch of heaven and a momentary departure from earth). And who wouldn't want to see others experiencing this...having said that, this experience is not required for reaching heaven.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by J-Roc

We love it because it's a euphoric feeling and some of us have experienced an immense down pouring of this experience initially (that was my experience...it lasted over 90 minutes non-stop and I recall even when I would try to utter praises to God in english, He still had dominion over my tongue and so I was unable to speak my language but it was a glorious experience...as if a touch of heaven and a momentary departure from earth). And who wouldn't want to see others experiencing this...having said that, this experience is not required for reaching heaven.

God blessed you mightily when you received His Spirit. How were you saved without his Spirit within you before this experience? Rom 8:9

[J-Roc]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

God blessed you mightily when you received His Spirit. How were you saved without his Spirit within you before this experience? Rom 8:9

Simple...just the way you described in your reply above to Felicity about your experience at repentance...after all, you said your life changed and you described how you were no longer controlled by your sinful nature. Also, see Rom 8:9

BTW, I did have his Spirit once I placed my faith and fully trusted the LORD is sufficient...at repentance.