THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

now like to present an overview of what the church has taught about the Baptism

in the Holy Spirit. In fact, I believe the history of the teaching of the church

concerning the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the history of the development of the

church.

There are three major doctrines--SALVATION , SANCTIFICATION , and the

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT--that have shaped the church, and each of them, at

some period of time, has been thought to be the experience which the Bible calls

the BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. A renewed emphasis upon one of these

doctrines has produced a major revival at some period of the history of the church.

I have summarized these teachings into five doctrinal positions as they relate to

the concept of the BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

SALVATION: The doctrine of SALVATION may include such concepts as the new

birth, baptism into Christ, regeneration, justification, conversion, initiation into

Christ, or forgiveness of sins.

SANCTIFICATION: The teaching of SANCTIFICATION may include such teachings

as pure love, holiness, purification of affections, dying daily, eradication of original

sin, eradication of the Adamic nature, or sinless perfection.

THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT: The doctrine of the BAPTISM IN THE HOLY

SPIRIT, which has been taught as being either of the other two experiences, also

has been taught as a separate experience which includes such ideas as enduement

of power, power in ministry, power for witnessing, or charismata (gifts of the

Spirit).

A renewed emphasis upon each of these doctrines, at some period of the

church's history, has produced a revival and has given birth to new churches that

have espoused and promoted each particular doctrine. In considering these

doctrines, there are two primary questions that we must answer: 1) Is there a

spiritual experience which is SUBSEQUENT to SALVATION or some other spiritual

experience? and 2) What is the scriptural EVIDENCE that you have

received any one of these spiritual experiences? How one answers these ques-

tions usually will determine one's doctrinal position.