Righteous will live by faith to receive the promise of the Spirit:
“For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” Galatians 3:10-14 (NIV)
The promise Father God gave to give, which the Lord Jesus also mentioned to the disciples to tarry and receive is the Spirit of God coming on each and everyone to enable everyone to receive the power from heaven by faith. Our total life in Christ Jesus is spiritual and we receive all that to have by faith alone and not by keeping laws and living a moral life. No one is justified or made righteous by keeping law. We are all made righteous by faith in Jesus Christ and righteous should continue to walk in faith and not by works. By faith we should also receive the Holy Spirit anointing without doubting and delaying because without Holy Spirit it is impossible to become holy and be a good witness. Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Promises of God spoken to Abraham is to his seed – JESUS:
“Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.” Galatians 3:15-16 (NIV)
The verses further explains that the promises which were given to Abraham is to the seed, in singular, meaning to our Lord Jesus Christ only. And only if you are in Christ Jesus you will be able to receive and that too is the promise of receiving the Holy Spirit by faith. Faith is from the heart and not just understanding with the brain knowledge of things written. We have to meditate on the Word of Christ day and night and bring the person, Jesus to come alive in our lives, so that we can have fellowship with Him all the time. John 10:25-30 (NIV)
Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?
“While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.” Acts 19:1-2, 4-7 (NIV)
Many are born again and stuck in their spiritual life, not able to go further; because they have only agreed to start a spiritual life, but did not have the power to grow further in that life. So the passage above where Paul confronted the disciples to check in their spiritual life asking the second question, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit?” after the first question which would have been, “Are you saved?” If you are saved then, “Have you taken water baptism in the name of Jesus?” So the early church leaders were very clear about their doctrines. And see the result of receiving the Holy Spirit by laying of hands is speaking in tongues and prophesying. So it is very clear the evidence of having the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues and prophesying. Acts 10:44-48 (NIV)