Disciples had the Spirit before the crucifixion

During His earthly ministry Jesus spoke of "another Comforter" pointing to the Spirit of Truth or the Holy Spirit. Even though the Grace dispensation had not yet started nor had the Church been birthed - Jesus stated these disciples "knew" the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit "dwelled" with them.

John 14:16-17...And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Moreover Jesus stated the Holy Spirit would be "in" them making another reference to the future power of the Indwelling Spirit. The New Testament records (after the death of Christ) define the work of the Indwelling Spirit as the Baptism with the Holy Spirit relative to the experience of the day of Pentecost. This event being suggested by Jesus when He told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem where they would be "endued with power from on high".

Luke 24:44...And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit

 

In the Grace Covenant (now) that we live under, the power of the Gospel that flows into the human soul is performed by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. When Christ is preached from the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms the Holy Spirit testifies and touches the heart of man. Man can see himself in light of the person of Jesus whose Holy Spirit ministers to man’s inward makeup. the inward part of man longing to reach out for his personal need of a Savior and Redeemer.

·        The goodness of God leads sinful man to repentance.

·        The first work of the Holy Spirit convicts the sinner.

·        The Holy Spirit gives man a willingness to believe.

·        The Holy Spirit regenerates the heart in the new birth.

·        After the new birth the Holy Spirit gives man a desire to quit sin.

·        After Salvation the Holy Spirit helps the believer to realize what the adamic nature is

·        Crucifixion of the old man is revealed and becomes path to sanctification.

·        The Sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire destroys the Adamic Nature

·        After the believer is sanctified and filled renewal takes place

·        Being preserved in the Spirit is the final result of an entirely sanctified man.

 

About Church members

In relation to the Church: I'm illustrating the big picture: the entire Spiritual body of believers; It's origin; and how it stays into play at this present hour. The bible says Christ purchased the Church with His own blood. That body is God's holy and eternal body offered to all believers in Christ. As possible members we who believe, can be adopted into that spiritual body through faith in Christ and connection to God's Salvation through the forgiveness of sins. Salvation being present tense with the promise of a future Eternal Life "if" one continues with faith and connection to Christ, a living Savior - until the point of death. This is the purpose of God's Church and predestinated will of God for anyone that latches on to Christ our Savior and Redeemer - in the present tense. The ultimate goal afterwards is to stay connected all the way through life into Eternity where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Forgiveness of sins

When a man receives forgiveness of sins it does not mean he has blanket coverage to sin - for life. Forgiveness of sins is and actual experience where condemnation is lifted and man comes into right-standing with Christ to be walked out - daily. It's called redemption as the redemptive work of the cross of Calvary flows into the human soul. Redemption is an "inner work" of the Spirit of God's Mercy and Grace that forgives and brings righteousness into the believing heart. Redemption and forgiveness of sins are based primarily on the blessing found in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. A forgiven man knows how, why, and when forgiveness was found in Christ the Savior and redeemer.

• Colossians 1:14...In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
• Acts 13:38...Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

Forgiveness of sins qualifies a believer in Christ to be Justified and regenerated in the Spirit. Forgiveness is maintained by belief in Christ and faithfulness to Him. An unfaithful man does not have blanket coverage over the acts of sin.