To Receive Salvation and the Holy Spirit’s Baptism
To receive salvation (become born again) is to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. Jesus saves you from your sins and gives you eternal life with God. When you die, you are no longer doomed to hell. Heaven is your new home. However, receiving salvation goes beyond merely “missing hell” when you die. Aside from making heaven your home, salvation is a means to receiving completeness in every aspect of your life. The word salvation comes from the Greek word “soteria” which means, “soundness, deliverance, health, and safety.” Thus, asking Jesus to be your Savior and Lord will not only make heaven your home, but will also give you the means to make your stay on earth, more heavenly.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
To receive salvation, pray simply:
“Father, I have sinned and fallen short of your glory. I believe that your Son, Jesus, has died for my sins and that you raised him from the dead. Thank you for this, Father. Now, Jesus I invite you to come into my heart, take away my sin, and be Lord over my life. I believe according to Romans 10:9-10, that I am saved. Thank you for saving me. Amen.”
In order to truly experience the abundant life, you will need God’s power. His power comes through being baptized by his Holy Spirit. This baptism will give you the power to live victoriously.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8
After receiving salvation, the next step is to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. You do not need to be filled with the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues in order to be saved. However, you do need it in order to live saved. The Holy Spirit’s baptism gave me power to witness about Jesus, and in time, built up my self-esteem and gave me the power to live victoriously. I pray that you will pray this simple prayer, so that you will receive power, also. Pray simply,
“Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, I believe that you will rise up within me as I praise God. I fully expect to receive you as the disciples did on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:4). I expect to speak with other tongues as you give me the utterance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Now begin to speak praises unto God. Soon the Holy Spirit will give you an utterance from your innermost being. Stop speaking in English (or your native tongue) and begin voicing the syllables and/or words which are coming from your spirit. Remember, God will not force you to speak. You will have to use your own voice. Get ready for the power!