Is Speaking in Tongues Necessary for Salvation? (Part 2)
Jul 19, 2021
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Dr. David K. Bernard, an expert on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, dives deep into the pivotal moments in Acts, particularly focusing on Cornelius receiving the Holy Spirit. He discusses the critical role of speaking in tongues as a sign of this baptism and its significance in early Christianity. Bernard clarifies that while tongues are vital, they aren't a measure of salvation. Instead, he emphasizes genuine faith in Jesus and encourages listeners to seek a deeper relationship with God, navigating the nuances of early Christian experiences.
The podcast emphasizes that speaking in tongues serves as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit, supported by biblical accounts from Acts.
It also highlights the importance of preaching in facilitating the reception of the Holy Spirit, showcasing that faith alone isn't sufficient for salvation.
Deep dives
Understanding Initial Evidence of Holy Spirit Baptism
The discussion centers on the belief that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as outlined in the Book of Acts. Acts 2:38, featuring the Apostle Peter's proclamation, serves as a foundational scripture for this teaching, emphasizing that water baptism in Jesus' name and repentance are prerequisites to receiving the Holy Spirit. The podcast highlights instances from Acts 10 and Acts 19, illustrating how individuals and groups, previously considered outside the faith, received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues, reinforcing the idea that this experience is not exclusive to the Jews. These events affirm the belief that speaking in tongues acts as a divine confirmation of one's salvation experience.
The Role of Faith and Preaching
Another key point is the role of faith and the act of preaching in facilitating the reception of the Holy Spirit. The podcast shares the story of Cornelius and his household, who exhibited faith and good works but were described as being in a state of waiting for salvation until Peter preached to them. This emphasizes the belief that while one may have a relationship with God through prayer and good deeds, the transformative experience of receiving the Holy Spirit often occurs through the preaching of the word. This suggests that believers should actively pursue preaching as a vital means of communicating and confirming their faith in Jesus.
Expectations and Signs of Receiving the Holy Spirit
The importance of expectations regarding the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in believers is highlighted, specifically the anticipation of speaking in tongues as a sign of that experience. While the podcast clarifies that salvation is ultimately through Jesus Christ and not solely dependent on speaking in tongues, it expresses an expectation that God will confirm His presence through this initial sign. Furthermore, it underscores that the lasting evidence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life is not merely the act of speaking in tongues, but the cultivation of the fruit of the Spirit, reinforcing a change in character and holiness. This duality of immediate signs and ongoing evidence encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, rather than settling for an isolated experience.
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?
This episode is the continuation of the answer to last week's question. Picking up the story in Acts 10, Dr. David K. Bernard completes his review of what Acts says about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Bernard explains why everyone who puts their faith in Jesus should expect to receive the Holy Spirit with the accompanying sign of speaking in tongues.
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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