Perspectives on Spirit Baptism: Comparative Analysis Paper
Nupur James
Pentecostal Theology
Pent 0505
Instructor: Peter Neumann
Date: October 21, 2016
Spirit baptism has been an important topic in the Church for a really long time and while we discuss this topic we always have several questions rising about this issue. Churches have different perspective about the way they address the issue. The common question which arises with this topic are that, some of the Churches claim that spirit baptism is demonstrated after receiving the gifts of tongues and the other issues which often raises is that its relation with the word. This paper will aim to analyse the different perspective on spirit baptism and will focus on the summary of different authors and their views. It will also analyse and evaluate the Macchia’s view on spirit baptism and will also give us perspective on how reformed and Roman Catholic churches sees the spirit baptism. It will help us understand the different models of spirit baptism. Firstly we will be focusing on the reformed perspective by Walter C. Kaiser Jr. as we read more about it we will understand more. A reformed perspective is that the Baptism in the Holy spirit as the promise of the father. Kaiser writes about the changed point of view; a Protestant view which combines the baptism of the Holy Spirit with redemption, being changed over as a follower, or decided to become a Christian. Dr. Kaiser 's article puts the absolution
The importance of the said topic this week requires fervent prayer and humbleness to hear the Holy Spirit. Recall every person who makes a statement or speaks any word it is written down every jot and twiddle in which one will be held accountable for before Christ. I pray that the words digressed here are from Him only and only Him alone. So much as been read and digressed about Church history and forefathers and how the impact of one man can influence the entire church in the direction of power and authority that a bold statement must be made to shock one back into reality of who God is.
Ultimately, when an individual responds to their baptismal call, a community of Christian believers are united under the goal of guiding the initiated. Thus, this attained unity allows the faith to prosper like a living religion. Furthermore, re-birth from sin is intrinsically connected to the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is a fundamental belief throughout Christianity, though it is practiced differently. “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (CCC, 1213). Regardless of the denomination, all baptism rituals symbolise beliefs in the Christian faith, all involves water. Some denominations, like Lutheran practice the sprinkling of water over the head of an initiate, while Pentecostals, practice immersing the head of the initiate in the water. Thus a reminder that, “Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”, for individuals who have been initiated that they made a commitment to the teachings, practices and life of of the community. The baptised should live a life of faith as modelled on the example of Jesus, who forgave their sin. The last belief derived from Baptism, is the believed in the Trinity. Through the guidance and support of the Holy Spirit, an individual's is able to carry out God’s word, and evangelise and spread the message of Jesus. “One will come more powerful that I, and he
Although Pentecostals and Charismatics have similarities and do agree on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, they are not the same and can be distinguished theologically. One distinctive mark between the Pentecostals and Charismatics is their perspectives on Spirit- baptism. While Pentecostals see it as subsequent to our new birth, Charismatics tend to view Spirit-baptism as
We believe that we are not baptized with the Holy Ghost in order to be saved, but that we are baptized with the Holy Ghost because we are saved, (Acts 19:1-6; John 3:5). To be filled with the spirit means to be spirit-controlled as expressed by Paul in Ephesians 5:18-19. Since the charismatic demonstrations were necessary to help the early church to be successful in implementing the command of Christ, we therefore, believe that a Holy Ghost experience is mandatory for all men today.”
The gift of Tongues has been becoming more and more popular over the past 10 years. Christians appear to have differing views on the matter. Some think it is a sign of the HOLY SPIRIT, other think it is a manifestation of demonic forces. There are Bible verses to
Often held as a rite of passage and entrance into the Christian church, baptism is much more than just symbolic ritual. Baptism was commanded by Jesus Christ in the Great Commission recounted in the book of Matthew. Even though we are simplistically called to be obedient by being baptized the Christian church has long debated the aspects of this ordinance. Denominations are divided on the basic meaning, types and modes of baptism even two thousand years after the founding of the Christian church. Just as the other ordinance, the Lord’s Supper, congregations find themselves at odd with tradition, biblical interpretation and even individual understanding. However, the simple message of this awe inspiring act can be explained out of the
The elements of this practice equip the individual to perform this ritual in a successful manner and allow adherents to be disciples of the Lord in the Christian community. The use of water signifies the spiritual cleansing of the individual and reflects the discussion of rebirth through water in the Gospel of John - “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water” (3:5). The use of water also unifies the individual with the ministry of Christ as we take part in the same ceremony as him. The bible highlights the eternal connection established with the Christian community as the word stresses the importance of this practice. Furthermore, the white garment symbolises the pure and virtuous nature of this ritual and signifies the releasing from the chains of sin and being reborn into a new life with Christ. Pope Francis’ statement that the “people of God have become missionary disciples” highlights the communal aspect of baptism and its contribution to Christianity as a living tradition as it is the individuals moral duty to baptise non-believers and unite them with the Christian community. The Gospel of John reinforces this obligation and the importance of baptism for the individual and the community as a whole in “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mttw
Many Pentecostals believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an event that occurs after salvation and is always accompanied by the gift of tongues. This belief leads to a separation of the Body of Christ into spirit-filled and non sprit-filled believers.
Andreae believes that the Holy Spirit works through the water to produce regeneration. Beza objects this teaching and suggests that there is a hidden power in the water. Beza defends his position that baptism is an external and internal cleansing by Christ for the elect. The elect is those who truly believe and are elected to eternal life. Andreae perceives this as two baptisms, resulting in the separation of the visible and invisible in baptism. The Lutheran Confessions ensure that the Holy Spirit is given to those who are baptized. This is further expanded on in Luther’s Large Catechism. It is through Gods Word that the Holy Spirt comes and lives in us. Andreae argued that infants have the ability to believe. He proves his point by referring to John leaping in Elizabeth’s womb. The Lutheran Confessions align with Andreae. Baptism is necessary for salvation. Acts 2:28-29 states that everyone is to repent and be baptized. The promise of salvation is for all people, including infants. God commands us to baptize all nations. This article added to my understanding of the Lutheran doctrine and the Lutheran Confession by arguing about baptism from a Lutheran point of view. The in depth argument on the Lutheran theology of baptism in comparison to the Reformed, helped me to fully understand why I believe what I believe. This allowed me to see the clear difference between the Lutheran Confessions Theology of baptism and the Reformed Calvinist. The Lutheran Confessions are filled with God’s Word and commands that we are to abide
The baptism of the Holy Spirit. What is it and how do I get it? A teaching from Pat Robertson. The first of two parts.
Baptism in (or with) the Holy Spirit is a very important, distinctive Christian experience in the life of the believer. The basis is found in the book of Acts, specifically the event of Pentecost.
Throughout the course of organized religion both present and past, ritualistic acts of praise and worship have been practiced as a sign of both love and honor to God. Catholicism refers to these rituals as sacraments. As Christians and members of this faith, the first sacrament received by each member is Baptism. This sacrament has not only been practiced since the beginning of our faith, but has deep meaning and symbolic ties to the start of creation with Adam and Eve. I hope to prove through both illustration and published works how Baptism as a sacrament is both a sign and symbol of humanities desire to become closer to God by cleansing them of original sin through this ritual and rite of passage.
The various gifts of the Holy Spirit as listed in Scripture are conveyed according to the will of the Holy Spirit to every man for the eventual purpose of the edification and building up the church body.
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: OUR FRIEND, COMFORTER, TEACHER, AND PART OF THE TRINITY
The purpose of this thesis is to provide an understanding of the meaning of Soteriology and the relation to the Doctrine of Salvation and Grace (Free Grace). Soteriology is “the study of the doctrine of salvation.” Basically, the teaching of Soteriology is part of Systematic Theology.