God's Dwelling with Man: Prophecies Fulfilled Give Rich Meaning to the Festival of Pentecost

Abstract

Is there a simple two sentence explanation that captures the importance of Pentecost? This paper focuses on the question “How do we preach and teach about Pentecost in a way that is meaningful to God’s people?” The methodology employed to answer this question is first exploring reformed and evangelical teachings on the Spirit as well as Lutheran views. The second portion of the paper explores God’s presence with his people from Eden to today, specifically whether ordinary pre-Pentecost believers were indwelt with the Holy Spirit like Christians are today. This study has led the author to believe that pre-Pentecost believers were not indwelt with the Holy Spirit like Christians are today, even as the Holy Spirit was still doing his work of bringing believers to saving faith in the promise of the coming Messiah.