Alright… let’s get real about something that drives me crazy—and should drive you crazy too: this toxic idea floating around Christian circles that there are two kinds of believers out there…
The “regular Christians” (you know… just your average saved sinner)
and the “next-level Christians” who supposedly have a deeper connection, more spiritual power, or some exclusive inside track with God.
You know the drill.
A hurting believer—genuinely saved, genuinely trusting Jesus—comes for help and what do they hear?
“Well… maybe you just don’t have the Holy Spirit yet.”
What an insult to the work of Christ!
Romans 8:9 spells this out with zero wiggle room:
“Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him.”
In other words: if you belong to Jesus, you already have the Spirit.
No secret formula. No special club. No checklist of spiritual experiences required.
But here we are—in a church culture where feelings have replaced truth—turning the Christian life into some kind of ladder:
First rung: get saved.
Second rung: prove you’re “really spiritual” by meeting someone else’s emotional standard.
It’s garbage theology—and it’s dangerous.
Why? Because it wrecks believers who are sincerely struggling but who have already been sealed by the Spirit at the moment of salvation. Instead of encouraging them to stand on the promises of God, it burdens them with doubt:
“Maybe I’m defective. Maybe I’m not good enough. Maybe God’s holding back on me. Maybe I’m not really saved. Maybe I shouldn’t be in church at all.“
That’s not just a bad idea—that’s spiritual poison.
Here’s the reality:
You can have the Holy Spirit and still struggle.
You can have the Holy Spirit and still hurt.
You can have the Holy Spirit and still wrestle with doubt, fear, and sin—because we’re all still walking this out in a broken world.
But what you don’t need—ever—is some self-appointed “super Christian” standing over you implying that you’re missing something God has already given.
If you have put your trust in Christ, you have everything you need for life and godliness. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3).
You are sealed, secured, and indwelt by the Spirit of God—not half-filled, not pending approval, not waiting for an upgrade.
So here’s the warning:
If you encounter a ministry, preacher, or teacher suggesting there’s a higher class of Christian, some extra tier of spirituality beyond salvation—get out. Fast.
Because that’s not how the Holy Spirit works.
The Spirit isn’t dished out by preachers. He’s not withheld until you impress Him.
You are complete in Christ.
Not because of your experiences… but because of what He accomplished.
That’s the truth.
And the truth doesn’t need a consensus—it just needs to be proclaimed.
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.‘” (Romans 10:9–13)