The Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation is based on the teachings of the apostles in the early Christian Church and is rooted in the teachings of the Bible. The core of the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation is the belief in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about spiritual rebirth and to empower believers for effective service in the kingdom of God.
The History of the Apostolic Pentecostal Movement
The Apostolic Pentecostal movement has its roots in the early 20th century when a group of believers sought to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit as described in the Book of Acts. These individuals believed that the Holy Spirit was being poured out upon all flesh, just as the apostles had experienced on the day of Pentecost. As a result of this belief, the Apostolic Pentecostal movement was born, and it has continued to grow and thrive over the years.
The Importance of the Holy Spirit in the Apostolic Pentecostal Doctrine of Salvation
According to the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an experience that occurs after a person has received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This experience is marked by speaking in tongues, as described in Acts 2:4 (New International Version, 1984): "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
The significance of speaking in tongues is that it serves as evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in a person's life and serves as a means of empowering a person to live a victorious Christian life. The ability to speak in tongues is also seen as a way of offering up spiritual prayers to God, as described in 1 Corinthians 14:2 (New International Version, 1984): "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit."
The Role of Water Baptism in the Apostolic Pentecostal Doctrine of Salvation
In addition to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation also emphasizes the importance of water baptism. This full-body submersion in the name of Jesus is seen as a public declaration of a person's faith in Jesus Christ and their commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God; also, it is necessary for salvation. According to Acts 2:38 (New International Version, 1984), "Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
The act of water baptism serves as a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the believer's identification with Him. This is how our sins are washed away, being buried with Christ and coming up under a new name; we are born into a new family. Peter was given the keys to the Kingdom and laid out the plan for salvation on the day of Pentecost. The importance of water baptism is further emphasized in Romans 6:3-5 (New International Version, 1984), which states, "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
The Importance of Speaking in Tongues in the Apostolic Pentecostal Doctrine of Salvation
Speaking in tongues is a central aspect of the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation. Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in an individual's life, and it is through speaking in tongues that individuals can access the power of the Holy Spirit. This is supported by verses such as Acts 2:4 (New International Version, 1984), which states, "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Speaking in tongues is seen as a means of accessing the power of the Holy Spirit and is used to build up the individual, to bring forth revelation, and to pray and worship in the Spirit. This is reflected in 1 Corinthians 14:2 (New International Version, 1984), which states, "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit."
The Importance of Holiness in the Apostolic Pentecostal Doctrine of Salvation
The Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation also places a strong emphasis on holiness and righteousness. This involves living a life that is pleasing to God and being set apart from the ways of the world. This is reflected in 1 Peter 1:16 (New International Version, 1984), which states, "For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy."
The importance of living a life of holiness and righteousness is central to the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation, as it demonstrates the reality of one's faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their life. In addition, living a life that is pleasing to God is seen as a way of preparing oneself for the return of Jesus Christ, as described in 1 John 3:2-3 (New International Version, 1984), which states, "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure."
Furthermore, the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation also emphasizes the importance of good works in the life of a believer. This is seen as a demonstration of one's faith and as a way of glorifying God. In James 2:14-26 (New International Version, 1984), the importance of faith being accompanied by good works is emphasized, with the verse stating, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
In conclusion, the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation places a strong emphasis on the importance of holiness, righteousness, and good works in the life of a believer. These elements are seen as essential in demonstrating the reality of one's faith and preparing oneself for the return of Jesus Christ. Living a life pleasing to God is a key component of this doctrine, and it is through this lifestyle that one can truly experience the transformative power of salvation.
FAQs
What is the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation? The Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation is a belief system based on the teachings of the apostles in the early Christian Church and the teachings of the Bible. It emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing about spiritual rebirth and empowering believers for service in the kingdom of God.
What is the history of the Apostolic Pentecostal movement? The Apostolic Pentecostal movement has its roots in the early 20th century when a group of believers sought to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit as described in the Book of Acts. The movement was born out of this pursuit and has continued to grow and thrive over the years.
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation? The Holy Spirit plays a central role in the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation. It is necessary for salvation as it is through the Holy Spirit that individuals can experience spiritual rebirth and receive the gifts of the Spirit.
Why is water baptism important in the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation? Water baptism is important in the Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine of salvation because it is seen as a public declaration of faith and the death of the old self. It symbolizes the individual's identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the washing away of their sins. This is reflected in Romans 6:4 (New International Version, 1984), which states, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
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