Why Do We Need the Holy Ghost?
“According as he has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” Ephesians 1:4
We need the Holy Ghost to live holy. Why should we live holy? How does the Holy Ghost help us to live holy?
God intended man to live holy before He created the world. Man was created in God’s image and likeness. Genesis 1:26 God is holy. (Leviticus 11:44) Therefore man was created in the image and likeness of a holy God. God also commanded that men live holy. “For I am the Lord your God; ye shall be holy; for I am holy…” Leviticus 11:44
To live holy means to be consecrated to God. This implies a deep personal commitment to God. Our personal commitment is evidenced by the lifestyle we live. Although God intended that we live holy, He does not force us to live a life of commitment to Him. In order to live a holy life we must choose to do so. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, be ye holy for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15,16
The Holy Ghost is the means by which we live holy. When we are saved, our sins are forgiven, yet we still need some power to remain in the state called “sin free”. The Holy Ghost is that power that we need. He seals the work done in us when we were saved.
“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession; unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13,14
Many people believe it is impossible to live free from sin. All men were born in sin. Therefore, it is necessary to be born again. As we continuously follow the leadership of the indwelling Holy Ghost, we live a life of consecration to God.
When the Holy Ghost comes, he lives within us. He is constantly performing a purifying work in our lives. He tells us when we please God. He also tells us of things about us that are not pleasing to God. The Holy Ghost also warns us of God’s judgment. (John 16:8)
The Holy Ghost helps us pray. Sometimes we do not know what to pray for. He then makes intercession on our behalf. (Romans 8:26)
Helping us understand the scripture is another function of the Holy Ghost. This is important because temptation is always around us. The Holy Ghost helps us remember scriptures to resist the devil. He also provides the power we so desperately need to withstand temptation.
Having the Holy Ghost does not mean we cannot sin. For we still have a free will to choose God and His way or not. We can grieve the Holy Ghost by being disobedient to His leading. However, if we choose to live a holy life the Holy Ghost equips us with everything we need to do so.
How do we receive the Holy Ghost?
After receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, ask to receive the Holy Ghost. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" Luke 11:13. When asking, we must ask in faith, believing God will give us what we ask for (James 1:6,7).
Prayer: "Father in the name of Jesus, Your Word says 'If you then, being evil, know how to give godd gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him'. I ask you now to fill me with the Holy Ghost. As I continue to praise and thank You for this precious gift, I fully expect to speak in tongues as He, the Holy Ghost, gives me utterance."
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