A Pentecostal Theology Of Baptism

Although the various Pentecostal denominations that have flourished since the beginning of the twentieth century emphasize the experience of sanctification by the inward baptism of the Holy Spirit, they have consistently retained the practice of water baptism. Water baptism, according to Pentecostals, has no saving efficacy but is enjoined on believers as a way of obeying Christ's example. Infants are not baptized. Baptism is normally, but not exclusively, by immersion and in the name of the Trinity. Rebaptism of those baptized in other Christian communions who later join Pentecostal groups is common. Repeated baptism as a mark of renewed commitment to Christ is not unknown. "I'm saved, sanctified, filled with the Holy Spirit, and on my way to heaven. " For decades, this statement has served adherents of Pentecostal churches as both a personal testimony and a short doctrinal statement. Since it never was intended as a theological summary, the lack of any reference to water baptism sh…