Receive the Spirit

Much like later baptism, being anointed with oil symbolized a person was empowered and admitted into a new station in life. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. - 1 Sam. 16:13 (ESV) Yes, much like baptism with many people to witness and celebrate what God was doing, David was given the Holy Spirit with a power described as 'like a rush.' There are many examples in the Old Testament when the Holy Spirit would come on people for a short time in order to accomplish a task God wanted done. These people were usually leaders or prophets who could be seen and would be able to offer praise to God; it was temporary. Such an example of the Holy Spirit rushing on servants of God forever would not be seen again until the Pentecost after Jesus’ crucifixion. Since that Pentecost, those who accept Jesus are admitted into God's Kingdom and given this same gift. They are indwelled and empowered to do the things God prepared beforehand, those things that offer praise to Him. In order to be successful, the indwelling Holy Spirit guides us, intercedes for us, convicts us, empowers us to walk a spiritual journey towards eternity. This journey is a pathway to transformation into what God wants us to become. At the end of this journey, we are ready for an eternity with God.