Page 140 - God's Church through the Ages - Student Textbook

humanity that much closer to the final judgment.

Emergence of Evangelicalism, c. 1900 117

Evangelicalism is a somewhat broad term used to describe a movement within Protestantism that is
characterized by an emphasis on having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship begins when
a person receives Christ's forgiveness and is spiritually reborn. Those who ascribe to this belief are called
Evangelicals.

The word evangelicalism is derived from the Greek words euangelion, which means "good news,"
and euangelizomai, which means "to proclaim as good news." This good news is that "Christ died for our sins
according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve" (1 Corinthians 15:3b-5). This good news, which is the
Gospel of Christ, and the preaching of it are what Evangelicalism was based upon.

The roots of Evangelicalism go back to the Protestant Reformation, during which time the Bible was brought to
the masses. Formerly neglected biblical truths were rediscovered and taught. It wasn't until the great revivals of
the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe and America, though, that Evangelicalism truly began as a movement. As
happened during the Reformation, the Evangelical movement and its focus on having a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ brought a renewed vigor in accurately interpreting and applying God's Word. This has carried
through to this day, though the term has come to be misused and misapplied.

Notable Theologians of the evangelical movement include Carl F. H. Henry (b. 1913), James I. Packer (b. 1926),
and Clark Pinnock (b. 1939)

Traditionally, Evangelicalism has been theologically conservative. This has become less and less distinctive,
however. Its current use is no longer limited to actual born-again Christians, nor to those considered to be
conservatives or fundamentalists. In fact, some simply equate Evangelicalism with Protestantism itself, liberal or
otherwise. Sadly, Evangelicalism is now most often equated with conservative politics. While an Evangelical
Christian worldview will result in conservative political views, politics is definitely not the focus of true
Evangelicalism.

So, the definition of Evangelicalism varies in the eyes of the world. The true heart of Evangelicalism, though, is in
proclaiming the Gospel message in both word and deed. To an Evangelical Christian, there is no higher calling
than to live out and share this message and the truth of God's love.

Emergence of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement, 1906-8 118

Pentecostalism is a fairly modern movement within Christianity that can
be traced back to the Holiness movement in the Methodist Church. A
major focus of Pentecostal churches is Holy Spirit baptism as evidenced
by speaking in tongues. There are approximately 170 different
denominations that identify themselves as Pentecostal.

Toward the end of the 19th century, there was a dramatic rise in
religious fervor as various groups anticipated the end of history and the return of Christ in 1900. Much of this

117 https://www.gotquestions.org/evangelicalism.html
118 https://www.gotquestions.org/Pentecostals.html
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