Ferris Bueller
Well-Known Member
Pentecost is about more than just receiving the Spirit in salvation. It's about receiving the Holy Spirit in POWER. For the disciples had already received the Holy Spirit before Pentecost...Again, the New Testament started at Pentecost. Without the Holy Ghost, nobody is in the New Testament church. The death of the testator already happened. But the Holy Ghost was yet to be poured out until Acts 2.
"Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:21-22
The church can only understand receiving the Spirit in terms of salvation, not a separate empowering of the Spirit. I know it can be kind of confusing trying to nail down the movement and activities and the agenda of the Holy Spirit, but it's clear that the move of the Spirit at Pentecost is about more than just getting saved. The disciples already had the Holy Spirit when Jesus said this to them...
"He commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5
"...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
They just didn't have it in power. The church has separated itself from this aspect of baptism and salvation. Which I think partly explains why the church is where it's at today.