The Baptism in the Holy Spirit - those who experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit spoke in tongues, gave prophecies, prayed for the sick with miraculous results, and began a new surge of missionary ministry. They believed that all believers are entitled to, should ardently expect, and earnestly seek this "promise of the Father." This experience, distinct from and following salvation, brings the believer into the richness of the Spirit-filled life

The baptism in the Holy Spirit: what is it and who can experience it?

Few church doctrines have generated more questions and controversy. 

The debate started at the miracle at Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2. 

Observers of that premier event asked questions and the apostle Peter preached a sermon to supply answers. 

He directed his listeners back to the Old Testament prophets for enlightenment about the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the history of the Church, the wind of the Spirit was never still. 

From Tertullian in the 2nd century to Symeon in the 10th, John Wesley in the 18th, and American revivalists in the 19th, the people of God experienced mighty manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

But one of the greatest outpourings of the Spirit began early in the 20th century. 

Several small holiness groups whose members were seeking a fuller experience with God witnessed a renewal of the Holy Spirit's gifts. 

In their meetings they saw miracles similar to those recorded in the Book of Acts.

Those who experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit spoke in tongues, gave prophecies, prayed for the sick with miraculous results, and began a new surge of missionary ministry that soon reached around the world.

These 20th-century Pentecostals understood their spiritual experiences to be a fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Acts 1:4, 5. 

They believed that this "promise of the Father" was an experience that "all believers are entitled to, should ardently expect, and earnestly seek."  

Their emphasis on the ministry of the Holy Spirit sparked controversy with nearly all established religious groups. 

The Pentecostals were ridiculed and cast out of established churches.

Yet the revival grew. 

These "holy rollers" built brush arbors and rented store-front buildings for their services. 

Miracles of healing and deliverance drew crowds. 

The curious who came to scoff often stayed to pray. 

At first the crowds were largely poor and dispossessed, but as the miracles continued, their ranks were swelled by business and professional people.

During the next 50 years Pentecostals worked to build churches and establish colleges to train their ministers. 

They organized Sunday schools and sent missionaries. Yet they never lost their emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit in people's lives.

Then in the 1960's another wave of revival spread the blessings of Pentecost. 

Many Lutherans began speaking in tongues and praying for the sick. 

Many Roman Catholics raised their hands in worship and prayed in the Spirit. 

Upon Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists, Brethren, Disciples of Christ -- the wind of the Spirit was blowing across the entire spectrum of the Church.

Today believers from all fellowships who are serious about their faith are looking again at the "promise of the Father." 

This experience, distinct from and following salvation, brings the believer into the richness of the Spirit-filled life.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article originally appeared in AG Our Distinctive Doctrine, available from My Healthy Church.

ag.org

Related Links:

Benefits of Speaking in Tongues - he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the Spirit he speaks mysteries

The Spirit Reveals the Deep Things of God - "Eye hath not seen," in the natural state. The Holy Spirit lets us down into the deep things, even the deep things of God. This is what we preach, what we practice, and what we stand on

William J. Seymour and the Azusa Street Revival - the Azusa Street revival contributed to a new diaspora of missionaries who anticipated that global evangelization would be achieved by gospel preaching accompanied by miraculous signs and wonders