Books

Focus On The Fundamentals Of The Faith

By W. Douglass Harris

A Look at Pentecostalism

Pentecostalism is of comparatively recent origin. According to their own records, it does not date back further than 1886 (Minutes of the 42nd General Assembly of the Church of God held at Birmingham, Alabama, August 28-31, 1948). The Pentecostal Church, Inc. traces its origin back to 1899 (Religious Bodies, Statistics and Doctrines, Vol. II, pp. 1334-5). Both of these dates are far too late to be the church you read about in the New Testament.

There has been a revival of Pentecostalism in recent times which may be called “neo-Pentecostalism” (new Pentecostalism). All of it is completely new compared to the religion that dates back to the first century, and is revealed in the New Testament. There is a variety of groups calling themselves “Charismatics”, which are rooted in a mis-interpretation and mis-application of New Testament teaching.

One of the chief promoters of the movement has been the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International. It has been endorsed and advocated by business executives, movie stars, TV personalities, and college professors. Is this movement of divine origin? Is it endorsed by the Scriptures? We shall examine some of its claims in what follows.

Claim to Have Holy Spirit Baptism

Holy Spirit baptism was promised to the apostles only (Acts 1:8). This was fulfilled on the Pentecost of Acts 2 (Acts 2:1-4). Holy Spirit baptism that was promised only to the apostles made them infallible in their teaching and practice, guided them into all the truth, and brought to their remembrance all that Christ had said to them (John 14:26; 16:13). There are only two cases of Holy Spirit baptism in the divine record: 1) The apostles received it on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). 2) The house of Cornelius received it, as an exception to the rule that it was received by the apostles only (Acts 10:44-48; 11:15-17). If one had the baptism of the Holy Spirit today, he would not need the New Testament to preach (the apostles preached without a written New Testament).

If one had the baptism of the Holy Spirit today, he should remember all that Christ said without having to read it in the New Testament. (It is inconsistent to claim Holy Spirit baptism and then have to read from the New Testament what Jesus said. If one had the baptism of the Holy Spirit today, he could not make a mistake in his teaching or preaching John 14:26; 16:13). I have personally heard them preach while claiming to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and then cite a wrong reference in the Scriptures or misquote a passage. How could they do this, if they are baptized in the Holy Spirit? This is unmistakable evidence that they have not been baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Claim to Perform Miracles Today

Through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit, Pentecostals claim to be able to perform miracles of healing today. The baptismal measure of the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to perform all manner of miracles. On the day of Pentecost the Jews from fifteen or sixteen different nations heard the apostles speak in their own tongues (languages - Acts 2:4-12). The apostles healed the sick (Acts 5:12-16). The apostles could raise the dead (Acts 9:32-42; 20:8-10). These were the signs (credentials) of an apostle (2 Corinthians 12:12).

Those who claim to work miracles today cannot do all the apostles could do. (The truth is that they cannot perform any of the signs that the apostles could.) The same men that Jesus empowered to heal the sick could also drink deadly poison, take up serpents (and not be harmed by it), and raise the dead, etc. (Mark 16:17-20). Since those who claim to work miracles cannot do all these signs, that is undeniable evidence that their claims are false.

To claim to work miracles today is rooted in a misconception of the purpose of miracles. Miracles were never performed in the first century by the apostles, and those on whom they laid hands and imparted the gifts, except for the purpose of confirming the Word. The New Testament had not been written to use as confirmation, so the leaders of the church were empowered with miraculous signs to confirm that they were messengers of God and that their message was divine (Hebrews 2:3,4; John 20:30,31). Even the apostles did not perform miracles when it did not serve that purpose. Paul did not heal Epaphroditus when he was sick “nigh unto death” (Philippians 2:25-27). He left Trophimus sick at Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20). Instead of healing Timothy of a stomach ailment, he instructed him to take a little wine for his stomach’s sake (1 Timothy 5:23). The apostles performed miracles only when it confirmed their message.

God’s revelation is now full and complete (Jude 3; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16,17). It carries its own confirmation (Galatians 1:6-12). These confirmatory signs were for the purpose of producing faith in Christ as the Son of God (John 20:30,31). Miraculous signs are no longer needed for this purpose. If you are sick and need a doctor, call the doctor! Jesus advised the sick to call a doctor (Matthew 9:12). Paul advised Timothy to take medicine for his sickness (1 Timothy 5:23). So if you are seriously sick, see a doctor and pray for natural healing. God still heals, but through natural law (not contrary to, or apart from, natural law).

One of the most common claims of Pentecostals today is to speak in tongues. But Paul said tongues were to cease when revelation was completed (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). Among the three representative supernatural gifts mentioned by Paul here is tongues. That which was perfect which was to come was perfect (complete) revelation. It has come! (Jude 3; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16,17). When John laid down the pen of inspiration in 96 A.D., revelation was finished. Miraculous gifts might be compared to the scaffolding used to build a house. As long as the house is under construction the scaffolding is needed, but when completed the scaffolding is removed. Miraculous gifts have been removed because they are no longer needed. God’s word has been revealed and confirmed.

Claim Feelings as Authority

Pentecostals also advocate religion as a “romantic” encounter — that “the heart of man has reasons which his mind knows not of” — in making decisions in religious matters. To them truth is altogether subjective and that what you think as a result of your feelings becomes truth. With them revealed truth is not objective and does not necessarily reveal the mind of God, but feelings are the highest authority. As a result, they have regular testimonial services.

What saith the Scriptures? According to the New Testament, God’s word saves (John 8:32). We appeal to you, dear reader, if you are in error, throw off its shackles and return to the pristine light of God’s word, and God’s word only.