What We Believe … About Pentecost

Doctrinal Statement:

The Day of Pentecost is celebrated fifty days from the wave sheaf day—hence the terms “Feast of Weeks” in the Old Testament and “Pentecost” (Greek for “fiftieth”) in the New. It is the “birthday” of the Church of God, commemorating the sending of the Holy Spirit; and foreshadows the resurrection of the “firstfruits.”  Jesus Christ, the apostles, and the New Testament Church continued the practice of observing this ancient festival of God.

The GREAT thing about a crisp doctrinal Statement … is our ability to “unpack it” to glean some of the rich meaning.

For many years the Church of God has understood that God’s “ancient festivals” listed in (Leviticus 23) are not “random” harvest festivals — rather — they are prophetic –to picture the key elements of God’s Plan of Salvation for mankind.

Pentecost … which will be observed on Sunday June 5th this year (2022), tells us that mankind (as created in Genesis) is NOT COMPLETE.   As Paul teaches:
1Cor 2:11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

The Pentecost Holy Day reminds us of the NEED for God to provide His Holy Spirit to make us “complete” — able to understand the “things of God”.  Pentecost also looks forward to the Resurrection of the dead.  Pentecost helps us see that ALL mankind are not resurrected at the same time.  There will be a firstfruit harvest … and afterward a greater harvest of everyone else:
1Co 15:22-24 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.

The birthday of the New Testament Church occurs at Pentecost … and the church learned obedience by observing the Holy Days and seeing the miracles that God reserved for these days!
Act 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.   And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

If you would like to learn even more about the rich meaning and symbols involved .. Click here for our Bible lesson: Understanding The Day of Pentecost …