The Pathway to God and the Gift of the Holy Spirit: A Brief Look into Scripture
Having an Authentic Relationship with Jesus.
Welcome! I am genuinely happy you want to grow closer to Jesus. This desire shows that you’re responding to God and the unseen work He’s doing in you.
All roads do not lead to God. There are foundational truths in Christianity that serve as pillars for our faith. These truths, both profound and life-changing, guide us in our spiritual journey and relationship with the Creator of existence. Let’s explore two related concepts: salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Salvation Through Faith
The concept of salvation through Jesus Christ alone isn’t merely a theological idea; it’s a transformative encounter with the living God. You cannot be interested in Jesus without God’s invitation (John 6:44). So the fact that you’re here, means God is actively speaking to you and you are responding. We find throughout the Bible, overtly through the New Testament, that the path to salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. There is no other way.
Consider Paul’s words in Romans 10:9–10:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This belief is both intellectual, and heartfelt, a trust in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection.
John 3:16, perhaps one of the most cited verses, further highlights this truth: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
By admitting that you are not perfect and believing that Jesus lived a perfect life in your place — willingly suffering the consequences you deserved for your actions — and by confessing that Jesus is Lord, you receive the gift of eternal life. This is trustworthy because God affirmed Jesus’ authority and that He has provided you with eternal life as evidenced by God raising Him from the dead after three days. If you acknowledge, believe and confess this, you are saved! This is salvation.
Salvation is an unmerited gift from God, given freely, not earned by works but received only by faith (Ephesians 2:8 — 9).
Receiving the Holy Spirit
After accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, a miraculous event takes place: you receive the Holy Spirit. This is not just a mere symbolic act; the Holy Spirit literally takes residence in all believers, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live in obedience to Jesus. No longer relying on self and resources outside of God.
In Ephesians 1:13–14, Paul tells us that when we believe in Christ, we are “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” This seal signifies both a mark of ownership and a guarantee of our inheritance in Christ. We can never do anything to lose our relationship and union with God through Jesus Christ.
To truly welcome the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, we must repent, turning away from sin and towards God (Acts 2:38). Additionally, as believers, we are encouraged to ask for the Holy Spirit in faith, as Jesus himself pointed out in Luke 11:9–13.
Note: While every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit upon placing faith in Jesus Christ, the journey doesn’t end there. Through New Testament, God reveals layers to our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Beyond the initial indwelling, there’s the deepening experience of His power and guidance — a fuller manifestation of His presence. This deeper connection often requires our conscious desire, openness, and consistent yielding. Hence, even with the Holy Spirit within us, Jesus encourages a continual seeking for a more profound relationship and a richer experience with Him. This pursuit showcases our longing to be continually filled, led by, and immersed in the Holy Spirit’s transformative work in our lives.
One crucial aspect of our walk with God is obedience to His commandments. When we align our lives with God’s Word, we open ourselves up to the leading and blessings of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:32). This is how we’re able to obey God. We need God to help us obey Him. As humans, we naturally want to do things our own way — especially as adult humans. God knows this and is patient and compassionate. He will not force you, but He will put the choice in front of you. Ask Him to help you genuinely want His way and to say yes to Him.
What’s Next?
In this massive and sometimes lonely world, there exists a personal God who deeply desires an authentic and deeply intimate relationship with each one of us. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can experience redemption and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who guides and empowers us in our journey with God and people.
As I often share, the gospel is a message of hope and transformation. If you haven’t yet, I invite you today to embrace Jesus as your Lord and Savior, receive the gift of salvation, and step into a new journey with the Holy Spirit by your side.
May God bless and guide you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
I Want to be Saved: If, by faith, you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and invited Him and the Holy Spirit into your life because of what you have read here, please let me know in the comments with the following message “I have accepted Jesus today”. I will provide resources to help you get access to a church and other Christians in your local area.
Alternatively, you may also get resources and next steps from a Christian organization, Got Questions, here.
RESOURCES:
If you still have questions or want to know more, please check out the free sources below:
