Holy Spirit gifts continue; Spirit baptism is a normative experience
The defining conviction of the Charismatic Movement is that the gifts of the Holy Spirit described in Acts and the Pauline letters — tongues, prophecy, healing, words of knowledge, and others — are available and normative for Christians today. 'Baptism in the Holy Spirit' is an experience of empowerment, often subsequent to conversion, that activates these gifts in a believer's life.
Unlike classical Pentecostalism, most charismatic expressions do not require speaking in tongues as the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism. Tongues are regarded as one of many gifts, not a mandatory sign. This openness to all gifts without requiring one particular manifestation has allowed the movement to penetrate diverse traditions — Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and others — without demanding uniformity of expression.
Key Distinctions
- Personhood:
- third divine person, coequal with Father and Son
- Spiritual gifts view:
- continuationist — all gifts including tongues and prophecy continue today
- Spirit baptism:
- distinct experience subsequent to salvation; evidenced by spiritual gifts
Scripture References
Sources
- Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service (ICCRS)
- International Charismatic Consultation on World Evangelization statements