Haven’t we already received everything we needed in Christ when we were saved?
Our text in this study is: Acts 19:1-7
Pastor Gene Pensiero
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We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do. We’ve Got Spirit, How ‘Bout You? (Acts 19:1-7)
Join us for a focused Bible study from a Calvary Chapel perspective as we delve into the essential Christian doctrine of the baptism with the Holy Spirit, examining the foundational passage in Acts 19:1-7. This message addresses a crucial, often confusing question for believers and those new to the Christian faith: Is the Holy Spirit received at salvation (simultaneous view), or is there a necessary “second work” or special baptism with subsequent evidence like speaking in tongues (subsequent view)?
Pastor shares a personal, humble testimony of conversion, experiencing the immediate forgiveness of sin, the removal of deep-seated addictions, and the healing of a mental illness (Antisocial Personality Disorder). He explains how the false teaching of a “Spirit-flawed” existence led to confusion and discouragement, a common struggle among Christians who feel their initial faith experience is incomplete.
The Simultaneous vs. Subsequent Debate
We carefully unpack the difference between the simultaneous and subsequent views of receiving the Holy Spirit. The Calvary Chapel teaching, rooted in a conservative, evangelical understanding of Scripture, aligns with the truth found in Romans 8:9: believing in Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit are one event in the Church Age. To be a Christian is to have the Spirit.
Paul’s Question and Old Testament Context
Why did Paul ask the disciples of John, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” We explore the salvation history of the Old Testament saints who were saved by faith (Genesis 15:6) but could not receive the permanent indwelling of the Spirit, as this was a future promise (New Covenant) made to Israel (Jeremiah 31:31-33, Ezekiel 36:24-28). The disciples in Ephesus were Old Covenant believers who were brought into the New Covenant fullness when Paul laid hands on them, demonstrating the transition point in Acts.
Understanding Tongues and the Promise of the Father
This study also brings clarity to the controversial issue of speaking in tongues. We distinguish between the known human languages of Acts chapter 2 (Pentecost) and the unintelligible praise to God described in 1 Corinthians 14:2. We affirm that the gift of the Holy Spirit is a promise received by faith (Acts 2:38-39; John 7:38-39), not a reward for a period of waiting or earnest prayer. We challenge the notion that Christians are ever “lacking” the fullness of God when they are saved. Let’s focus on walking in the Spirit and avoiding the temptation to be “made perfect by the flesh” (Galatians 3:3).