Jesus invited people to Himself so that they may be cleansed of their sins. One of the aspects of belief is repentance from sin. Whoever came did so by seeking forgiveness of their sins.
In Acts 3, the apostles preached to an eager crowd that wanted to not only understand but also experience the power of God. These multitudes had witnessed a crippled man leap after a command by Peter and John. The apostles exhorted the quizzical crowds in Acts 3:19, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
These people were very religious, and strict in their practice of Judaism. But God’s refreshment hadn’t reached their hearts. The answer was given to them: a true encounter with God goes deeper than mere ceremonial washings and mundane religious practice; it begins at the point of repentance, which deals with the heart.
Is it possible to be in Christ and yet miss out on spiritual revival? Absolutely! Consider a believer who knowingly lives in sin. Would the Holy Spirit, who is grieved by sin [Eph. 4:30] enjoy a dwelling in them? Sin impedes experiencing God.
We unblock the Way for the rivers of the Holy Spirit by eliminating any kind of impurity from our lives and pursuing holiness with all our hearts.