Pentecostals and Charismatics believe that being ‘Baptized in the Holy Spirit’ results in a higher level of being a Christian. In particular, they believe that Baptism in the Holy Spirit means to be specially endued with the power of the Holy Spirit to enable signs and wonders. However, signs and wonders ceased when the New Testament was completed in the apostolic age. Usually, Pentecostals and Charismatics teach that speaking in tongues is the ‘initial evidence’ of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. However, Baptism in the Holy Spirit is actually a reference to the work of the Holy Spirit in God’s people for salvation and sanctification. Additionally, signs and All of God’s people, once saved are ‘Baptized in the Holy Spirit’. This results in being raised to newness of life (Ro 6:1-4). They are washed symbolically of sins and set apart (i.e., made holy) for God’s service. There is only one true baptism of which, by definition, all Christians are partakers (Eph 4:4-5). Water baptism is only a symbol for the true baptism in the Holy Spirit. Click on You Tube video link below to watch a video on this topic. Or, please consider viewing the Baptism in the Holy Spirit page on this website.
