John 20:22-23 says, “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit moved upon you! Too many are seeking for the version of the Holy Spirit under the old covenant rather than the new covenant! In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit was received as to be able to dwell within you. There is nothing you can do in yourself to deserve the Holy Spirit. He is freely received by being in close proximity to Jesus Christ, arranging yourself as a disciple of His Word! Jesus was not giving absolute authority to forgive the guilt of sins, for God alone has that right (Mark 2:7), and the apostles at no time assumed that authority. What he gives them, in the context of being his sent ones, is the authority to proclaim the gospel to the nations. If they refuse to go and preach the good news, then people will have no opportunity to believe it (TPT Commentary).

 

Acts 2:38-39 says, “38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” The promise of the Holy Spirit did not end with the book of Acts or the early church, but it is available to anyone who is willing repent and follow Jesus!The color line has been washed in the blood of Jesus so we can have this very same access to the throne of God!

 

Acts 5:32 says, “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” How do we position ourselves to receive the Holy Ghost? Obey Him. He resists disobedience, but He is available to those who love God by keeping His commandments! According to John 7:37-40, we can receive the Holy Spirit when we glorify Jesus Christ!