Perspectives On Spirit Baptism

Perspectives on Spirit Baptism presents in counterpoint form the basic common beliefs on spirit baptism which have developed over the course of church history with a view toward determining which is most faithful to Scripture. Each chapter will be written by a prominent person from within each tradition—with specific guidelines dealing with the biblical, historical, and theological issues within each tradition. In addition, each writer will have the opportunity to give a brief response to the other traditions.

"This book represents a substantial accomplishment, one that provides a useful resource for those wanting to deepen their understanding of the sacraments, particularly baptism. Reflecting a massive amount of research, against the background of an in-depth survey of various views of baptism in church history, Fesko provides an extensive exegetical and biblical-theological study of the covenantal and eschatological significance of baptism followed by systematic theological reflections on key issues like baptism as a means of grace, the efficacy of baptism, the biblical warrant for infant baptism (and against paedocommunion) and the importance of baptism for the church. One need not agree with his reflections at every point to benefit from his considerable labors." - Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary

The Christian church confesses "one baptism." But the church's answers to how, whom and when to baptize, and even what it means or does, are famously varied. This book provides a forum for thoughtful proponents of three principal evangelical views to state their case, respond to the others, and then provide a summary response and statement. Sinclair Ferguson sets out the case for infant baptism, Bruce Ware presents the case for believers' baptism, and Anthony Lane argues for a mixed practice. As with any good conversation on a controversial topic, this book raises critical issues, challenges preconceptions and discloses the soft points in each view. Evangelicals who wish to understand better their own church's practice or that of their neighbor, or who perhaps are uncertain of their own views, will value this incisive book.

Baptized in the Spirit creatively examines the most recent trends in Pentecostal and charismatic theology, especially with regard to the displacement of Spirit baptism as Pentecostalism’s central distinctive. The author begins by focusing on the significance of the Holy Spirit in reciprocal and mutual work with the Son in fulfilling the will of the Father. He also shows how the pneumatological emphases in Pentecostal and charismatic theology can help to correct the tendency in Western Christianity to subordinate the Spirit to the Word.

Gain an understanding of baptism from four main traditional perspectives. Of all the sacraments, the practice of baptism is often the most disputed. Christians hold different views of its exact significance, who should receive baptism and how old they need to be, the practice of rebaptism, and baptism as a requirement for church membership. In Understanding Four Views on Baptism, four historic views on baptism are considered in depth: Baptist view: baptism of the professing regenerate by immersion (presented by Thomas J. Nettles) Reformed view: infant baptism of children of the covenant (presented by Richard Pratt Jr.) Lutheran view: infant baptism by sprinkling as a regenerative act (presented by Robert Kolb) Church of Christ view: believers' baptism on the occasion of regeneration by immersion (presented by John Castelein) Each view is presented by its proponent, then critiqued and defended in dialogue with the book's other contributors. Here is an ideal setting in which you can consider the strengths and weaknesses of each stance and arrive at your own informed conclusion. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

In Spirit Baptism: The Pentecostal Experience in Theological Focus David Perry demonstrates the enduring value of the experience of Spirit baptism to the Pentecostal community by focusing on its importance as a powerful and transformative encounter with the Holy Spirit.

Baptized with the Holy Ghost has been designed to briefly explain the Pentecostal perspective on the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Pentecostals are dedicated to a belief in a post-conversion work of the Spirit, a belief that is convincingly articulated in this important book. Pentecostals also maintain that speaking in tongues is the initial, physical evidence of this glorious experience. While many might shy away from the biblical teaching on speaking with tongues, we gladly affirm its existence and agree that it is the initial indicator that a believer has received the Holy Ghost, although it is not the only sign. There are many reasons why it is advantageous for Christians to be filled with the Holy Ghost that are presented. God has established certain conditions that must be met in order for the gift of the Holy Ghost to be received. We endeavor to answer questions and issues closely connected to this topic, such as if tongues ceased and whether every believer speaks in tongues. Baptized with the Holy Ghost will not only inform you about this precious experience available to every child of God, but it will also create within you a desire to enjoy for yourself the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

"This is a superb collection of articles on the central issue of Pentecostalism--speaking in tongues as the initial evidence for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The articles, written by both Pentecostals and non-Pentecostals, are historically informative, scholarly, irenic in spirit, ecumenical in treatment, and wide-ranging in interest. Here is an opportunity for both Pentecostals and non-Pentecostals to become better informed about Pentecostalism. While offering a solid defense of traditional Pentecostalism, the book also offers candid assessments that take a different view. This book should become a must for those who want to understand both historic and present-day Pentecostalism." --Gordon D. Fee, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Regent College "The most complete and scholarly analytical treatment of glossolalia as 'initial evidence' of the baptism in the Holy Spirit that has yet appeared. Both the historical and theological sections support and challenge the distinctive Pentecostal teaching on the subject of tongues." --Vinson Synan, Former Chairman, North American Renewal Service Committee ". . . a remarkably diverse collection of essays that thoughtfully probe the distinctive which has come to characterize the Pentecostal Movement, namely: speaking in an unknown tongue. . . . Irenic in tone, the volume is a must for scholars, pastors, and lay persons of all theological perspectives who desire to enter into dialogue in this area of debate." --D. William Faupel, Professor of the History of Christianity, Wesley Theological Seminary "Initial Evidence, edited by Gary McGee, is a substantive contribution to the study of American Pentecostalism. The historical overviews in it are of tremendous value, particularly for newcomers to Pentecostalism, who may lack a historical grounding in the movement. Exegetical essays, such as that by Donald Johns, will challenge readers who are comfortable with current hermeneutical models to rethink the biblical text, and it offers great promise for more contributions to Pentecostal exegesis." --Howard M. Ervin, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Graduate School of Theology, Oral Roberts University