Table of Contents

We believe when the Holy Spirit came upon the whole body of believers on the Day of Pentecost, it was the fulfillment of the announcement made by John the Baptist and the promises of Christ to His own during His earthly ministry, and that then, the disciples were individually endued with power to witness concerning Christ and collectively baptized into one body, which was the formation of the Church, which is His body. Matt 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; 14:16, 17, 26; 16:7‑15; Luke 24:46‑49; Acts 1:1, 5, 8; 2:1‑4, 47; John 15:26, 27.

We further believe since the time the Gospel went to the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius and the believing Gentiles received the Holy Spirit without delay, tarrying, praying, laying on of hands, or any other conditions save faith, all who believe in Christ are born of the Spirit, sealed by the Spirit, anointed by the Spirit, indwelt by the Spirit, and by (in) the Holy Spirit baptized into the body of Christ. Acts 10:44; 11:18; John 3:3‑6; I John 5:1; Eph. 1:13; 4:30; II Cor. 1:21, 22; I John 2:20, 27; I Cor. 3:16; 6:19, 20; Rom. 8:9‑15; Gal. 4:6; I Cor. 12:12, 13.

And we also believe that the New Testament distinguishes between being indwelt by the Spirit, which is true of all believers, and being filled with the Spirit, which is the believer's privilege and duty. Compare Acts 2:4 with 4:8, 31; Eph. 1:13, 14 with 5:18. There is one baptism with (in) the Spirit, and it is into the body of Christ, but there are many fillings. Pentecost is an historical event and is not repeated.