God the Holy Spirit, Mentor's Guide, MG14

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G O D T H E H O L Y S P I R I T

(c) How is the “fullness of the Spirit” received?

i) “The only condition for receiving the promise of the Father is repentance and faith” (Stanley M. Horton). However, Pentecostals stress that the faith they are describing is “active, obedient faith” (William Menzies, Bible Doctrines , by Menzies and Horton, p. 130). ii) Earnest seeking in prayer accompanied by an attitude of surrender and willingness to be baptized by Christ into his Spirit, and faith that he will do so. This prayer is normally done in the presence of other believers who lay hands on the seeker and agree in prayer. (d) What is the evidence or confirmation that the “fullness of the Spirit” was received?

The primary purpose of the baptism is to give greater power for witnessing (Acts 1.8). ~ www.ag.org/top/ beliefs/baptism_hs/ baptmhs_01_distinct.cfm (Assemblies of God website)

Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence. Spiritual power is the continuing evidence.

(e) What does the “fullness of the Holy Spirit” accomplish?

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Gives increased power for ministry, mission, and holy living, including but not limited to, an increased ability to exercise spiritual gifts.

c. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: the Pentecostal-Holiness view

(1) There are some churches which combine these views and are known as Pentecostal-Holiness churches. This includes denominations like the Church of God in Christ [5 million USA, 8 million world], Church of God (Cleveland, TN), Apostolic Faith churches, and the Pentecostal Holiness Church. (2) These churches teach three distinct experiences with the Holy Spirit. (a) First, salvation where the Holy Spirit unites a person to Christ (what the Reformed view would call baptism in the Holy Spirit).