Page 122 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT

The commandment of Luke 24:49 was given only through their struggles step by step. They didn’t need to
one time in Scripture and that was to the disciples that leap by means of a “miracle”; they needed to walk
met in the upper room and waited for the coming of the humbly by faith.
Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Their tarrying did not bring The Bible warns that there are false spirits that
the Holy Spirit and nothing they did while tarrying imitate the Holy Spirit, and we need to be very careful
brought the Holy Spirit. He came in fulfillment of Bible about seeking something that the Bible does not say we
prophecy. The Old Testament feasts described in should seek. Paul was afraid for the church at Corinth
Leviticus 23 typified New Testament doctrine. The because of this danger. “But I fear, lest by any means, as
passover signified the cross of Christ (Lev. 23:4); the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your
firstfruits signified Christ’s resurrection (Lev. 23:10); minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in
Pentecost signified the coming of the Holy Spirit (Lev. Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus,
23:15-16). It occurred exactly 50 days after the feast of whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another
firstfruits, and the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel,
occurred exactly 50 days after Christ rose from the which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with
dead. him. ... For such are false apostles, deceitful workers,
There is simply no command or example in the New transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And
Testament for believers to seek the Holy Spirit or to seek no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel
the Holy Spirit baptism or to seek a second baptism or a of light” (2 Co. 11:3-4, 13, 14).
second blessing of any sort. I am convinced that the doctrine that the baptism of
It is the filling of the Spirit that is commanded. See the Holy Spirit is part of salvation and is not an
Ephesians 5:18-21. experience to be sought subsequent to salvation refutes
Every believer has the Holy Spirit and has been the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.
baptized by the Holy Spirit and is thus instructed to be 7. WE REJECT THE PENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATIC
filled with the Spirit. This means to yield to the Spirit’s MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF THE WAY THAT IT EXALTS
control. THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The marks associated with the filling of the Holy The Pentecostal-Charismatic movement could be
Spirit in Ephesians are singing spiritual songs to the called a “movement of the Holy Spirit.” There is a focus
Lord, giving thanks unto God, and submission to one on the Holy Spirit rather than upon the Lord Jesus
another. There is no mention of tongues or of emotional Christ. It is common for Charismatic leaders to invite
experiences such as “inner healing” or shaking or falling the Holy Spirit to come when they are seeking
or laughing. manifestations. The Airport Christian Church in Toronto
If the baptism of the Holy Spirit were something that has a “Come Holy Spirit” service on Friday nights.
the believer needed in addition to his salvation, if he One of the prominent individuals in the modern
needed it for power and effectiveness and sanctification, Pentecostal-Charismatic movement is Benny Hinn. His
the Scripture would clearly state this and would clearly unscriptural doctrine of the Holy Spirit is described in
describe how to receive it. If Pentecostal doctrine were his book Good Morning, Holy Spirit. Hinn prays to the
true, the apostles would have instructed the churches Holy Spirit, seeks the Holy Spirit, invites the Holy Spirit,
along this line. In writing to the carnal church at throws the Holy Spirit upon people, etc. None of this is
Corinth, for example, Paul would have explained to based upon the testimony of Scripture.
them that they needed a baptism in the Spirit or a The true Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity.
baptism in fire or a second touch of the Spirit or He is not merely an emanation of God but is very God
something of that sort and he would have described Himself. He came upon the church at Jerusalem on the
how they could have this experience. Instead, Paul said day of Pentecost and empowered the believers for the
these believers were already enriched by God in work of the Great Commission (Acts 1:8). The Lord
everything (1 Co. 1:5), were baptized by the Holy Spirit Jesus Christ plainly foretold what role the Holy Spirit
(1 Co. 12:13), and were sealed by the Spirit (2 Co. would have in this age-long program:
1:22). Rather than instructing them about a “second “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will
baptism” or a “second blessing,” Paul instructed them guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of
about holy living. They didn’t need to receive the Holy himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he
Spirit; they needed to walk in obedience to the Holy speak: and he will show you things to come. HE SHALL
Spirit they already had. They didn’t need more of the GLORIFY ME: for he shall receive of mine, and shall
Holy Spirit; He needed more of them. They didn’t need show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are
to leap above their spiritual struggles by means of a new mine: therefore said I, that HE SHALL TAKE OF MINE,
experience; they needed to faithfully walk in victory AND SHALL SHOW IT UNTO YOU” (John 16:13-15).

122 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity