Is Speaking in Tongues Necessary for Salvation? (Part 1)
Jul 12, 2021
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Dr. Bernard, a scholar specializing in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, delves into the belief that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit. He references the Book of Acts to discuss whether this practice is essential for salvation. The conversation highlights the transformative journey of salvation from a Pentecostal viewpoint, emphasizing the role of repentance and baptism. Dr. Bernard makes a compelling case for why all believers should anticipate experiencing this gift alongside speaking in tongues.
Speaking in tongues is regarded by Pentecostals as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit, as supported by the Book of Acts.
The podcast explores the complexity of salvation as an ongoing process that begins with conversion and continues throughout a believer's life.
Deep dives
Understanding Salvation as a Process
Salvation is described as a multifaceted process that encompasses past, present, and future dimensions. It begins with an individual’s initial conversion, where they repent from sin and are reborn as a child of God. However, this process does not conclude at conversion; believers continue to be transformed and perfected throughout their lives, thus remaining 'in the process' of salvation. This ongoing journey emphasizes that while assurance of salvation is present, full salvation will ultimately be realized in the future.
The Role of the Holy Spirit and Speaking in Tongues
Receiving the Holy Spirit is considered essential to salvation, with different Christian denominations acknowledging its importance in various ways. Pentecostals specifically emphasize that initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues, as described in Acts 2. This experience is viewed as a miraculous sign that signifies the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence, contrasting with other signs that might manifest externally. The act of speaking in tongues is seen as God taking control of the believer's tongue, demonstrating His transformative power from the inside out, rather than being a learned behavior or imitation.
Pentecostals believe and teach that speaking in tongues is the initial sign or evidence that a person has received the gift of the Holy Spirit. But does the Bible support this claim? Furthermore, is the baptism of the Holy Spirit a requirement for salvation?
In this first episode of a two-part series, Dr. Bernard reviews what the Book of Acts has to say about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and he explains why all believers should expect to receive this gift, along with the accompanying sign of speaking in tongues. Next week, Dr. Bernard will continue exploring the biblical accounts of Holy Spirit baptism.
Dr. Bernard covers this subject in greater detail in his book The New Birth, which is available for purchase at PentecostalPublishing.com.
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