Pentecostalism arose as a movement of renewal under Protestant Christianity, which emphasized a personal and direct experience of God made possible by baptism with the Holy Spirit. The word Pentecostal has its origin in the Greek term Pentecost which refers to the Jewish holiday of the weeks. For Christians, this occasion takes place in honor of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the followers of the biblical Jesus Christ, as outlined in 2 ndchapter of the book of Acts. Pentecostalism observes the inertia of the Bible, and emphasizes the meaning of accepting Jesus as one’s lord and personal savior, beliefs that are also present in other types of evangelical Protestantism.
Pentecostalism is differentiated by the recognition of baptism in the Holy Spirit which authorizes a Christian to live a life full of the Spirit. Pentecostalism developed at the beginning of the 20th century, and was promoted by radical observers of the holiness movement who were enthusiastic about revivalism and waiting for the imminent second coming of Christ. The movement pioneered Charles Parham and later advanced from Azusa Street Revival, which lasted for three years and was organized by William J, Seymour. The movement now has more than 700 denominations and many independent churches. The convictions of Pentecostalism are discussed below.
Salvation
The main belief in classical Pentecostalism is that sins can be forgiven through death, burial, as well as the resurrection of Jesus Christ and that humanity, therefore, is eventually reconciled with God. This belief is defined as the Gospel or “good news”. The main requirement of the movement is that a person is reborn. This new birth is acquired by the grace of God through faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Once an individual is reborn, he is regenerated, justified and accepted in the family of God and the work of sanctification of the Holy Spirit begins. Pentecostals support the doctrine of the safety of the believer, although this security depends on continued faith and repentance. The adherents of Pentecostalism further accept the idea of a literal paradise and hell. Most Pentecostals do not observe any other requirement to achieve salvation and speaking in tongues and baptism by the Holy Spirit are not required. Pentecostal converts are normally encouraged to seek out such experiences, however.
Baptism with the Holy Spirit
Observers of Pentecostalism refer to three different uses of the term “baptism”, as indicated in the New Testament. Baptism in the body of Christ denotes salvation. Every believer in Christ is made a part of his body which is the Church through baptism. The Holy Spirit is therefore recognized as the means of the body of Christ. Water baptism means the work that has already been accomplished by the Holy Spirit who is baptism in the body of Christ. Water baptism represents death for the world to live in Christ. In Baptism with the Holy Spirit, Christ becomes the agent while the Holy Spirit acts as a medium. Most Pentecostals adhere to the belief that once an individual is reborn, the default Holy Spirit resides in him or her. While it is believed that the Holy Spirit dwells in every Christian, a believer should try to be filled with the holy spirit. The Spirit “poured out on” Christians is what is referred to as baptism with the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals describe it as a definite experience that takes place after Salvation and where the Holy Spirit fills the believer to empower him for a particular service.
The main importance of this event is to abandon power for Christian service. Pentecostals expect temporary and permanent results after this experience, including speaking in tongues, greater enthusiasm to witness unbelievers, manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and more intuition than the Bible. The Spirit “poured out on” Christians is what is referred to as baptism with the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals describe it as a definite experience that takes place after Salvation and where the Holy Spirit fills the believer to empower him for a particular service. The main importance of this event is to abandon power for Christian service. Pentecostals expect temporary and permanent results after this experience, including speaking in tongues, greater enthusiasm to witness unbelievers, manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and more intuition than the Bible.
The Spirit “poured out on” Christians is what is referred to as baptism with the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals describe it as a definite experience that takes place after Salvation and where the Holy Spirit fills the believer to empower him for a particular service. The main importance of this event is to abandon power for Christian service. Pentecostals expect temporary and permanent results after this experience, including speaking in tongues, greater enthusiasm to witness unbelievers, manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and more intuition than the Bible. definite experience that takes place after Salvation and where the Holy Spirit fills the believer to strengthen it for a particular service. The main importance of this event is to abandon power for Christian service. Pentecostals expect temporary and permanent results after this experience, including speaking in tongues, greater enthusiasm to witness unbelievers, manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and more intuition than the Bible. definite experience that takes place after Salvation and where the Holy Spirit fills the believer to strengthen it for a particular service. The main importance of this event is to abandon power for Christian service. Pentecostals expect temporary and permanent results after this experience, including speaking in tongues, greater enthusiasm to witness unbelievers, manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and more intuition than the Bible.
Divine healing
Pentecostalism is recognized as a holistic faith in which adepts believe that Christ is the Healer. This belief represents 1/4 of the full gospel. The adherents of Pentecostalism identify four main reasons for believing in divine healing. One reason is that the concept is included in the Bible and also Jesus’ healing ministry is part of his atonement. Thirdly, “the whole gospel is for the whole person” which is the spirit, the soul and the body. Fourthly, illness is the result of the Fall of Man and salvation remains the only means by which the fallen world will be restored. Physical and spiritual healing for Pentecostals is a testimony of Jesus’ future return when his followers will be freed from all the repercussions of the fall. However, not all are physically restored when they pray, and the Pentecostals believe that God in his wisdom decides who to grant healing or not. Reasons, because an individual cannot be granted healing, includes an inadequate faith of the sick individual, God instructs through the healing of personal sin and healing is not always immediate. The Pentecostals also believe that prayer is central to the acquisition of healing. The scriptures teach that a person can pray for healing, for healing others, or through congregational healing prayer. The first Pentecostals considered the act of taking medicine or receiving medical treatment from doctors sinful. Although believers have moderated this vision,
Eschatology
According to Pentecostal beliefs, the second coming of Crist is soon and imminent, and therefore every moment for Pentecostals is eschatological as Jesus could return at any time. This conviction drives Pentecostals to live a Christian life in a way that is faithful to Christian service, coming together for worship, personal holiness and personal and international evangelization.
Spiritual gifts
Pentecostals believe that spiritual gifts are still operational in the Church today. While spiritual gifts are acquired after baptism with the Holy Spirit, the fruits of the spirit are possessed after the new birth and continued fidelity to Christ. Spiritual gifts are freely granted by the Spirit and are not an appropriate basis on which a person’s spiritual life or maturity can be ascertained. Observers of Pentecostalism believe that every Christian full of the Spirit has a certain ability to express the Spirit. Pentecostals also believe that a single gift often manifests itself in association with another gift. These gifts include vocal gifts, prophecies and gifts of power.
Unity and Trinitarians
Most Pentecostal congregations attest to the doctrine of the Trinity. Oneness Pentecostals, on the other hand, proclaim a theology of “uniqueness” concerning God. The doctrine of Unity can be considered a kind of modalism: a medieval teaching considered heresy by the majority of Christians. The conviction of Unity establishes that God reveals himself in three distinct ways. Oneness Pentecostals sometimes blame those who believe in the trinitarianism of practicing polytheism.
