According to church beliefs, what is considered the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost?

The belief that speaking with other tongues is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost is rooted in the Pentecostal tradition, which emphasizes a personal and transformative experience with the Holy Spirit. This concept is supported by several passages in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts, where the apostles and early believers are described as speaking in tongues when they received the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, which served as clear evidence of their baptism in the Holy Spirit. This dramatic event highlighted the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives and initiated a movement that significantly shaped the early church.

The emphasis on speaking in tongues serves as a manifestation of spiritual empowerment and signifies a deeper relationship with God. This perspective aligns with the Church of God (COG) beliefs, where speaking in tongues is seen not just as a sign, but as a crucial aspect of the believer's experience following the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Other options like water baptism, confirmation by the church, and first communion do not align with the specific belief that tongues are the definitive evidence of this spiritual baptism.