Pentecostal (Assemblies of God)
The Assemblies of God (AG) is the world's largest Pentecostal denomination, founded in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, out of the early 20th-century Pentecostal revival. AG theology combines evangelical Protestant orthodoxy with a distinctive emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues, and the continuing operation of all spiritual gifts. The denomination maintains a strong commitment to biblical inerrancy, personal salvation through faith in Christ, and world evangelism.
Theology
Christology
Soteriology
Salvation
Affirms
Salvation by grace through faith; four-fold gospel: salvation, Spirit, healing, return
Atonement & Ransom
Affirms
Substitutionary atonement; Christ's death defeats sin, death, and the devil
Predestination
Nuanced
Arminian: God foreknew who would believe; human free will is genuine
Original Sin
Affirms
Adam's fall corrupted all humanity; all are sinners needing redemption
Eschatology
Soul & Afterlife
Affirms
Immortal soul; conscious existence after death; bodily resurrection awaited
Hell
Affirms
Eternal conscious punishment; the lake of fire for those who reject Christ
Heaven
Affirms
Eternal life in God's presence; resurrected believers reign with Christ forever
Second Coming
Affirms
Imminent pre-tribulation rapture; Christ returns visibly to establish his kingdom
Millennium
Affirms
Premillennial: Christ returns before a literal 1,000-year earthly reign
Ecclesiology
Church Authority
Nuanced
Scripture supreme; presbyterian-style district oversight with congregational roots
Clergy & Priesthood
Affirms
Ordained ministers lead; all believers empowered by Spirit for witness
Sacraments & Ordinances
Affirms
Two ordinances: believer's baptism by immersion; Lord's Supper as memorial
Scripture
Biblical Canon
Affirms
66-book Protestant canon; Scripture alone the inspired and complete Word of God
Biblical Inerrancy
Affirms
Bible fully inspired and inerrant in original manuscripts; supreme authority
Extra-biblical Revelation
Nuanced
Canon closed; Spirit-gifts like prophecy continue but cannot contradict Scripture
Scripture Interpretation
John 1:1 — "The Word Was God"
Affirms
Jesus is eternal God; affirms traditional reading of Logos divinity
Isaiah 7:14 — "Virgin or Young Woman"
Affirms
Isaiah prophesies virgin birth; 'almah' fulfilled in Mary's virginal conception
Matthew 16:18 — "Upon This Rock"
Nuanced
Rock refers to Jesus or Peter's faith; not papal primacy or ecclesiastical foundation
Romans 9:18-21 — "God's Sovereign Choice"
Affirms
God's sovereignty over creation and salvation affirmed; election biblically sound
James 2:24 — "Justified by Works"
Nuanced
Works demonstrate living faith; James complements Paul's sola fide without contradiction
Matthew 28:19 — "Baptize in the Name"
Affirms
Trinitarian baptismal formula affirmed; 'name' of Father, Son, Holy Spirit
Hebrews 1:8 — "Your Throne, O God"
Affirms
Jesus addressed as 'God'; Hebrews affirms Christ's full deity and eternal rule
Revelation 20:1-6 — "The Thousand Years"
Affirms
Premillennial interpretation; Christ returns before 1,000-year reign on earth
Genesis 1:1-2 — "In the Beginning"
Affirms
God created all things; rejects evolution in favor of divine creation account
Mark 16:9-20 — "The Longer Ending"
Affirms
Mark 16:9-20 included in canon; affirmed as Scripture and authoritative
John 7:53–8:11 — "The Woman Caught in Adultery"
Nuanced
Story's doctrine aligns with Scripture though textually uncertain; often included in preaching
1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"
Nuanced
The Comma affirms Trinity but is late textual addition; theological content still valued
Deuterocanonical Books — "Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, Maccabees"
Denies
Deuterocanonical books not part of Scripture; apocryphal, not authoritative
Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"
Denies
Shepherd of Hermas not canonical; early Christian document but not Scripture
Ethics & Practice
Sabbath
Nuanced
Sunday worship as Lord's Day; no Sabbatarian requirement; Spirit shapes practice
Blood Transfusions
Affirms
No prohibition; divine healing affirmed but medical care not forbidden
Military Service
Affirms
Military service is permitted; the AG supports chaplains and servicemembers
Holidays
Affirms
Christmas and Easter celebrated with special emphasis on evangelism