-
Historical Background: Part 1
Answer these questions in your own words:
- Although John Wesley rejected the idea that Spirit baptism is a subsequent event to salvation, do you believe he should be credited with fundamentally laying the foundation for the development of the Pentecostal view of Spirit baptism? Why or why not?
- Do your own views on Spirit baptism and sanctification more closely resemble Wesley himself, his intended successor John Fletcher, or the subsequent Holiness movement of the 19th century?
-
2 Replies
-
- Yes I do believe that Wesley should be credited. The revival that Wesley was a part of is absolutely incredible to read. He was quite strong in his gatherings and teachings that the Spirit is so so key to the life of a disciple of Jesus. Much more so than many of his peers outside the revival movement.
- My own view is either undecided or both. What I mean by that is, depending on what you define as “Spirit Baptism” changes who’s view you more closely align with. In my own life I’ve seen the Pentecostal type “Spirit Baptism” occur at, and after salvation. Though I also know less Pentecostal type Christians who are undoubtingly filled with the Spirit but does not operate in the Spirit in the same way that is common among Pentecostals, and that filling of the spirit was also sometimes seen at, or after salvation.
-
Yes, I do believe that he should be credited with laying the foundation for the development of the Pentecostal view of Spirit baptism. While he may not have embraced the entire, current Pentecostal view of Spirit baptism, he did emphasize the need for personal encounter with God, which is an essential pillar of the Pentecostal experience. His emphasis on the full surrender of the heart and the subsequent work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers opened the doorway for us to seek a deeper experience with the Spirit. I don't think that it would be fair to discredit Wesley's influence on Pentecostalism just because of a single point of contention.
My viewpoint seems to most closely align with Wesley. I disagree with Fletcher's views on entire sanctification, as well as much of the subsequent Holiness movement's views. As much as I would like to believe that we as Christians can be free from all sin, intentional or unintentional, I simply do not find evidence for this in the Bible. We are all fundamentally flawed creatures, and though we may turn away from conscious sin and become more holy through the work of the Spirit, it will always be a battle. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us – 1 John 1:8.
Log in to reply.