Pentecost: God Gives
His Holy Spirit

“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.”

Acts 2:1-4

Old Testament

The Feast of Weeks, as it is called in Deuteronomy 16:10, occurs on the 50th day, counting from the Sunday during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. God commanded that His people give an offering, according to their blessings, from the firstfruits of their grain harvest and observe this day as a “holy convocation” (Leviticus 23:15-21).

New Testament

The New Testament refers to this day as Pentecost (Greek for “count 50”). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the founding of the New Testament Church took place on this festival. The Church continued to keep this festival, understanding how the agricultural firstfruit harvest symbolized God’s spiritual firstfruits, the Church.

Today

The Church of God continues to assemble on this day, to worship God and consider what this day reveals about His plan. Sermons often focus on the Holy Spirit, the Church and how the spiritual firstfruit harvest fits into God’s overall plan. As on all holy days, Christians give an offering to God according to their blessings.

What Is a Firstfruit?

Physical

In the agricultural seasons of the Middle East, firstfruits were the first-ripened produce of the spring harvest, which began with barley and wheat. Before the Israelites could eat the spring harvest, they were to make an offering to God of the firstfruits of the land. The spring harvest was the smaller harvest and preceded the larger fall harvest.

Spiritual

In God’s holy day plan, He is calling a small group of people today and giving them the power of His Holy Spirit. The people in this group are called “firstfruits” because they are the smaller spiritual harvest that precedes the larger harvest that will be called later (1 Corinthians 15:22-23; James 1:18).

What Is The Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit can be simply defined as the power of God. It is given to those who have repented of their sins, have been baptized and have committed to striving to live according to God’s commands.

No one can receive eternal life without having the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit changes us, helping us to live more according to Christ’s perfect example, bearing the spiritual fruit of:

  • Love
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Longsuffering (patience)
  • Kindness
  • Goodness
  • Faithfulness
  • Gentleness
  • Self-control

(Galatians 5:22-23).

Is There A Trinity?

Learn About It

How Can We Receive the Holy Spirit?

Belief:

A person must believe in God and His Word and strive to obey Him.

Repentance:

A person must ask God, through prayer and fasting, for forgiveness of sin and then commit to overcoming those sins.

Baptism:

A person must be baptized by the biblical method—complete immersion. This symbolizes the burial of past sins and rising as a new person.

Laying on of Hands:

Immediately after baptism, a minister lays hands on the believer and asks God to give him or her the power of the Holy Spirit.

Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. -- 1 Corinthians 5:7

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

What Is the Church?

It is no coincidence that the Church of God was founded on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Acts 2:42 describes some major characteristics of the original Church:

1. “Continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.”

These were the doctrines taught by Jesus Christ, including the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath and holy days.

2. “Fellowship.”

The early Church was characterized by love and togetherness.

3. “Breaking of Bread.”

This does not describe a religious ceremony, but simply enjoying fellowshipping over meals.

4. “Prayers.”

They regularly prayed earnestly for their needs, for repentance from sins, for each other and for the coming of God’s Kingdom.

Throughout the Bible, the Church is called “the Church of God.” To find more about the continuation of the Church founded on Pentecost in A.D. 31, read: “The Church: What Is It?”

A Greater Spiritual Harvest to Come!

God is only working with a small group today by calling and giving His Spirit to those who repent. But God is not exclusive! These are just the firstfruits of God’s spiritual harvest. There is a greater harvest to come because God has a plan for all of mankind—not just the firstfruits!

This leads us to the Feast of Trumpets, the first holy day of the fall festival season, which represents Jesus Christ’s return and the firstfruits being raised to eternal life to assist in an even larger spiritual harvest!