What is the Reformed pneumatology of Pentecost?

[JAL]

I already started this thread [font=&quot]here [/font]in General Theology. I hope you don’t mind responding at the original thread instead of here. That way I can keep it all on the first thread. (But that's okay if you choose to respond here. I just want the info, wherever I get it is fine). Anyway, here’s the topic:

I want information about the Reformed view of Pentecost, specifically how they define that outpouring. What I mean is this. Although I am not Reformed, I agree with the Reformed view, as stated in all the major Reformed creeds, that a permanent indwelling Spirit within every OT and NT saint was necessary to initiate, and sustain, their regeneration and saving faith. On Reformed assumptions, it seems pretty clear that the Twelve already had saving faith, and thus the indwelling Spirit of regeneration, prior to Pentecost. So what happened on Pentecost? Did they receive a second outpouring of the Holy Spirit, or was this the first? I personally believe in multiple outpourings, which I call revivals, and I regard John 20:22 as yet another outpouring upon the Twelve. Does Reformed theology view Pentecost as I do, that is, as one of infinitely many possible revivals? And when answering this question, please also take into consideration the following issue. Considerable evangelical scholarship sees the outpouring at Caesarea (Acts 10:44) as a possible repetition of Pentecost based on Peter’s recount at Acts 11:15. Did the classic Reformed theologians believe in repetitions of Pentecost? If so, in what sense?

Let me emphasize. I'm not interested in the cessationist debate specifically, but rather in how Reformed theology associates or dissociates Pentencost and regeneration. If you need to mention cessationism, fine, as long as the real issue is dealt with. Thanks for the info in advance.

 

[JAL]

I also forgot to ask, given that the tongues of Fire on Pentecost seemed to have descended only on those in the upper room, 120 people, does Reformed theology apply this outpouring to others as well? And if so, why did the tongues of Fire only seem to fall on those 120 people?

 

[GrinningDwarf]

Just as with many other things, there are those holding the Reformed position that are cessationist (including important voices in current Reformed circles like RC Sproul and Erwin Lutzer), and then thare are also Reformed charismatics. Wayne Grudem has an excellent sytematic theology (oddly enough, titled Sytematic Theology! ) that is definitely Reformed in every aspect but is also charismatic.

 

[JAL]

Just as with many other things, there are those holding the Reformed position that are cessationist (including important voices in current Reformed circles like RC Sproul and Erwin Lutzer), and then thare are also Reformed charismatics. Wayne Grudem has an excellent sytematic theology (oddly enough, titled Sytematic Theology! ) that is definitely Reformed in every aspect but is also charismatic.

Thanks, but what does this have to do with my question? I said that I was NOT specifically interested in the cessationist question except insofar as it happens to arise in the regeneration question.

 

[tigersnare]

John Stott (Reformed Anglican) says this on the subject if I remeber correctly.


The 12 had not recieved the promised coming of the spirit before his death, therefore their regeneration and indwelling of the Spirit happend at two different times. This phenomina only happens a couple of times in scripture and each has a very unique circumstance. He maintains that the typical conversion then and now results in conversion and imediate indwelling of the Spirit. But he does attest to the constant "filling" of the Spirit which happens in a Christians life, also attributed to things like revials.

 

[JAL]

John Stott (Reformed Anglican) says this on the subject if I remeber correctly. The 12 had not recieved the promised coming of the spirit before his death, therefore their regeneration and indwelling of the Spirit happend at two different times. This phenomina only happens a couple of times in scripture and each has a very unique circumstance. He maintains that the typical conversion then and now results in conversion and imediate indwelling of the Spirit. But he does attest to the constant "filling" of the Spirit which happens in a Christians life, also attributed to things like revials.

The Reformed creeds seem to say that all the OT elect were both regenerated and sanctified by the Holy Spirit given to them. So I guess what you are saying is that the Spirit did this work in OT saints and then immediately withdrew/departed? And thus the Spirit only became a permanently indwelling presence as of Pentecost?

 

[GrinningDwarf]

Thanks, but what does this have to do with my question? I said that I was NOT specifically interested in the cessationist question except insofar as it happens to arise in the regeneration question.

Well...your question was "What is the Reformed pneumatology of Pentecost?" I was simply trying to say I don't think there is a unified 'Reformed pneumatology of Pentecost'...at least, not like there is on soteriology or God's sovereignty. You're going to find variety in this family on this topic. And I think it will boil down to whether the person you ask is a cessationist or not.

 

[tigersnare]

The Reformed creeds seem to say that all the OT elect were both regenerated and sanctified by the Holy Spirit given to them. So I guess what you are saying is that the Spirit did this work in OT saints and then immediately withdrew/departed? And thus the Spirit only became a permanently indwelling presence as of Pentecost?

Well i think he was doing was distinguishing from the O.T. work of the Spirit and the promised "outpouring" that the Prophets and Jesus made reference too. Remeber Jesus talking about "the one who will come", it seems he was refering to a unique act of the Spirit in people that had not happened before.