Pentecostal or Charismatic

[ByronArn]

I am trying to decide which label to use here on CF as well as other places. So I was wondering if someone could summarize the beliefs of both groups, so I can decide which one fits me. Thanks!

 

[Faulty]

As defined by CF, here are the statements of faith for both.

Char: http://www.christianforums.com/t7447985/
Pent: http://www.christianforums.com/t7396063/

 

[ByronArn]

As defined by CF, here are the statements of faith for both.

Char: http://www.christianforums.com/t7447985/
Pent: http://www.christianforums.com/t7396063/

I guess I'd be Charismatic. The Charismatic Statement of faith:

• Spirit-Filled, Pentecostal and/or Charismatic believers can be from any denomination.
• They are those who believe that all the various spiritual gifts (or charisms) listed in the New Testament (including but not limited to the manifestations gifts found in I Corinthians 12:8-10) are active in the Church today and desirable in the life of the individual believer, for the edification of the Body of Christ.
• It is not required that the individual exercises/exhibits any specific spiritual gift(s).

I can agree with that! The Pentecostal statement of faith, however, states:

1. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a special experience following salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times. The initial physical evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is ‘Speaking in Tongues,’ as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles.
2. The gifts of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in the New Testament, are for today as then.
3. Divine healing is provided for all in the atonement.
4. Water Baptism is by Immersion after repenting of one's sins and receiving Christ's gift of salvation.

I agree with numbers 2, 3, & 4. I must disagree with the terminology of #1. What the Pentecostals call the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, I call the initial filling of the Holy Spirit. I do believe this is a special experience that happens after salvation, however. Based upon 1 Corinthians 12:13, I believe the Baptism of the Holy Spirit happens at Salvation, and happened to all born again believers, whether Baptist, Presbyterian, Anglican, or Pentecostal.

I must also disagree that tongues is the initial evidence. I believe it is only an initial evidence.

Anyways, thanks! I appreciate your response!