Outline

Faith Healing a) Faith or prayer b) Missionary in India

Salvation through Grace

Baptism a) Immersion b) Baptism of infants

The Origination of Pentecostals

Speaking In Tongues a) Necessity for salvation b) Proof for presence of the Holy Spirit i) Paul ii) Baptized disciples

Sacrament of the Altar a) Four elements b) Forgiveness c) Frequent participation

Unpardonable sin

Angels

End Times a) Millenium b) Christ�s rule afterwards

Holy Trinity a) Existence of Trinity b) The Father and Holy Spirit are separate

Is the Pentecostal Church really a cult?

Pentecostals

There are many different denominations within the Christian church today. Some groups are very conservative while others tend to appear more liberal. The appearances of some of the groups also raise the question as to if they are really Christian or not. One religious group that some individuals keep in mind is labeled Pentecostals. They are labeled as a Christian denomination, but are they? Most of their beliefs are the same as, let us say, those of the Lutheran Church � Missouri Synod. But a few key issues separate the two. These important issues may even mean the difference between salvation and damnation. As of now we label Pentecostals as a Christian denomination. But that may not be the truth.

Many of the beliefs of the Pentecostal denomination do not differ from those of the Lutheran Church. For instance, we both believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Man alone did not come up with the words contained within the Bible. God gave the words to man and then they were inscribed within its covers. Another point in which we are in agreement on is that Jesus did die, descend into hell, and then rise again on the third day. Jesus died, was lowered to death in order to save us from our sins. Then He rose, showing His power over death and Satan, and giving us a place with Him in heaven (1 Corinthians 15: 56-57). He gave us new life as it is recorded in Romans 6: 4. So as you can see, to those who briefly skim over these beliefs may not recognize a difference.

In order to discover the different teachings an individual must dig deeper into the Word and into the teachings of Pentecostals. I thought that the best way to find answers was to experience things for myself. I attended a service, sang the songs amidst the few members, and I was asked to give a testimony. If I would have known what Pastor Hathaway had required I would have done so. But as a Lutheran I am definitely not used to that practice. Many Pentecostal congregations tend to be small, as was the Christian Life Church that I attended. About 6.3% of all religiously affiliated people today are Pentecostals. The charisma draws people in.

One teaching that differs from Lutherans or other Christian denominations is the belief in faith healing. First of all, faith is not �a leap in the dark,� but the standing firm in the Word of God (Becker 26, 1973). When it comes to healing, these miraculous works may or may not happen. It�s almost impossible to tell. Lutherans cannot deny that miracles do happen. But are they because of faith or by prayer. Pentecostals look at James 5:13 and say that it is by faith. A sermon given by a Pentecostal missionary spoke of several miracles. One incident of a faith healing took place when a cripple from birth was able to walk again just because he heard the Word from the missionary. A big crusade was being held in India. In the midst of thousands a commotion started. What was actually happening was that the cripple was making his way up to the stage. He reached it and began to dance. Then he told his story. Was it by faith because he had just heard the Word? Or was it because of prayer? James says healing comes by prayer offered in faith. A similar healing took place with a deaf and mute boy. He was up front by the stage and began to walk away. The missionaries asked why he was leaving. Immediately he came to the stage, took the microphone, and he said �Alleluia.� That was the boy�s first word since the day he had been born. But is it a faith relying completely on Jesus, or is it a work of Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:9)? Lutherans look at the same verse from James to say healing comes through prayer. A prayer must be offered in faith. The Bible is not too clear on this subject. We cannot deny that it happens. It may happen by faith, but always through prayer.

Another miracle that happened was during one of the crusades held in India. Rain was coming towards the area. So everyone in the group, thousands of people, prayed for the rain not to disturb their service. The rain came, but it fell in a circle around the group. It was raining all around, but not one drop touched those worshipping in the crusade. People were also walking on the road, and because it was raining on one side and not the other they stepped on over to the dry side. Then they realized that the crusade was in session and they began to participate. These are amazing stories. Are they real occurrences? They may very well be. We can�t say for sure unless we happen to witness a miracle ourselves. Remember that with God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).

Now the biggest difference in doctrine, when it comes to Pentecostals, is the teaching on salvation. Lutherans believe that salvation comes by grace through faith as it is recorded in Ephesians 2:8-9. It is a gift of God. Pentecostals do not believe that they are saved by grace alone. One description of salvation is that it equates faith. It is like salvation, and also healing, are traveling through a tunnel, the tunnel of faith. We both believe that faith comes through hearing the Word as it is recorded in Romans 10:17. Lutherans believe that we�re saved by grace alone (faith alone, scripture alone, and grace alone). But Pentecostals do not agree. According to them it is not grace through faith. It must also include obedience through the Word of God as it says in Acts 5:32. They claim that this is not works righteousness. Pastor Ed Hathaway agreed with me that good works come as a result of one�s faith. But he still insisted that the good deeds must be present. That is really a major difference between the two denominations. But there�s more to come.

Another issue is on baptism, usually done by immersion, which they deem necessary for salvation. Also, whether baptism is performed by immersion or not, does not determine salvation. That is just how they practice it. But it seems that most cases of baptism in the Bible occur where there is much water (John 3:23; Acts 8:38,39), which may imply immersion. Their church goes as far as to say that sprinkling is a preaching other than that of the gospel and so must be accursed as found in Galatians 1:8,9 (Manuwal 1, ---). But from reading Mark 7:4 and Matthew 3:11 we know that to baptize means to apply water in any manner. In the passage from Matthew we understand that we are baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire. In Mark we read how the Pharisees washed (baptized) before their meals. Also, some of their churches baptize in the name of Jesus Christ alone because it seemed to be the custom of the early church (Acts 2:37; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:3-5). Jesus commands us in Matthew 28:19 to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That�s the Great Commission and the Lutheran Church abides by that. Pentecostals say that this verse speaks of, ��in the name of�� the name they say is Jesus alone, not all three persons (Pamphlet entitled �Father, Son, and Holy Ghost�). But Lutherans say that it refers to the name of God, all three persons included in that name. Where the doctrine of the Trinity is denied, there is no baptism (Riess 64, 1985). Everyone must repent and be baptized as it is recorded in Acts 2:38. Mark 16:16 says that those who are baptized and believe will be saved (as does John 3:5; and 1 Peter 3:21), if not they will be condemned. Matthew 28:19 declares that all nations must be baptized. Baptism, one of the two sacraments, is a mean by which the Holy Spirit produces faith. But is baptism necessary for salvation? Look at Jesus� crucifixion. Jesus promised the criminal next to him that he would surely be saved (Luke 23:43), and he hadn�t been baptized.

Pentecostals also do not baptize infants. They believe that there is an age of accountability. Again Mark 16:16 says ��believes and is baptized�� So people are not baptized until they can understand the Word. We baptize infants. Baptism brings upon us the Holy Spirit as well as forgiveness. From reading Psalm 51:5 we know that we are born sinful and in need of forgiveness. Baptism does this. According to Acts 2:38,39 we read that the promise of baptism is for adults and their children. In Mark 10:13-16 we read that unless someone willingly receives the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. As a result we find that Holy Baptism is the means by which infants enter the kingdom of God, are regenerated, and brought to faith (Riess 65, 1985). But the Lutheran church also does not believe that a child is condemned if it is not baptized. The Bible is not too clear and so we leave the decision to God.

Now where did Pentecostals originate? They are a more charismatic group that formed around the mid-19th century. Pentecost churches were established during a Holiness movement. The movement included American Protestants. People mainly became interested in glossolalia (Collier�s Encyclopedia 568, 1987). The first person to speak in tongues was a woman on January 1, 1900 (Becker 44, 1973). Some consider that the birth date of the religious group. This is also the main reason why women are allowed to become ministers in the church, even though 1 Corinthians 14:34 speaks against this. But obviously this is not a saving factor. Several different Pentecostal groups formed, a famous one known as the Assemblies of God. In 1911 a group of people were in disagreement over the issues of the Trinity and Baptism. This group splintered off from Assembly of God and around 1945 a couple different movements produced the United Pentecostal Church. Pentecostals use a hymnal containing more charismatic songs and at least some of their churches use the New American Translation of the Bible. Pastor Hathaway described this version as more contemporary.

Now the one practice of the Pentecostal Church, which grabs the interest of all people, is that of speaking in tongues. It is obviously a gift of God, delivered to us by the Holy Spirit, as Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 12:10. Now they don�t deny that the church as a whole is not edified if an interpreter is not present. But the belief of most Pentecostals is that speaking in tongues are necessary for salvation. It is part of the new birth experience. If you can perform glossolalia, the ability to speak in tongues, then it is proof that you have the Holy Spirit. If not, you don�t have the Holy Ghost within you and you therefore are not saved. Not all groups of Pentecostals believe this, but most do especially the United Pentecostal Church.

Why is this a belief of their church? In Acts 2 the disciples spoke in tongues. But in that occurrence, they were speaking in a language of the people. They spoke in an earthly, not heavenly, language. The evidence they give for the heavenly language comes from Acts 19: 6. Paul baptized the disciples again, and they then received the Holy Spirit, instead of just repentance and forgiveness, and they spoke in tongues. We also look to the account of Peter baptizing Cornelius in Acts 10. In verse 46 it speaks again of the heavenly tongue. That is how people knew that the Holy Spirit had come. In these instances, how did those around know that the Holy Spirit had come upon the believers? In Acts 8, how did Peter and John know that the Holy Spirit had not entered the disciples? According to the Pentecostal Church, they were not speaking in tongues. If one does not have the Holy Spirit they cannot be saved (1 Corinthians 2:14-15). Lutherans believe that last statement, but not in the need of glossolalia. Paul himself spoke in tongues as recorded in 1 Corinthians 14:18. But Paul never mentioned that glossolalia is necessary for salvation. It is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. Pentecostals take the Bible literally. But where is it mentioned that one must speak in tongues in order to be saved? I don�t deny that it is evidence. But it is a gift of God. Not everyone receives every gift, but to each is given his own as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:11. This is one teaching which differs much from other Christian denominations. We must not take the Bible out of context or add to it (Revelation 22:18-19). If evidence of the Holy Spirit through glossolalia were proof of salvation, it most likely would have been mentioned within the covers of the Bible.

All of the beliefs that have been mentioned and are yet to be are all of great interest to me. The practices of the church are different from that of traditional Lutherans. The song and dance are enjoyable, and as long as I do it to praise God and not to have fun, it is all right in my mind. But there are yet even more practices that I do not quite agree with. One other disagreement is presented in the other sacrament, that of the alter. Both churches do not believe in transubstantiation. But while Lutherans believe that the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ are present in the bread and wine, they do not. To them they are eating only bread and wine. Also they are not receiving forgiveness of sins, but they perform the sacrament only in remembrance of Him. First of all, the body and blood of Christ is present. From reading Luke 22:19ff, Matthew 26:26ff, and Mark 14:22ff we know that Jesus took the bread and said that it is His body. �In, with, and under� the bread we receive Christ�s body through a sacramental reunion (Riess 78, 1985). Paul also speaks of the four elements included in the sacrament as recorded in 1 Corinthians 10:16 and 11:29. As to the receiving of forgiveness, we know that it is given because of Matthew 26:28 which exclaims, �This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for the many for the forgiveness of sins� (Riess 79, 1985). Another point is that Pentecostals only partake in the sacrament once every six months, or at least not too often. But the Bible tells us that it should be frequent. 1 Corinthians 11:25 says �Do this, whenever�� Do this is a verb form which means again and again. Members of the early church also practiced it. In Acts 2:42 we read, �The devoted themselves to the to the apostles� teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.� It seems to me that the Pentecostal church is not taking the Bible literally here. One reason for the few practices of the sacrament is so that it means more when they take it. That proves a good point. To some Lutherans I am sure that it is just habit to receive the sacrament and they don�t actually think of the meaning. But Jesus commanded the frequent use and so Lutherans practice it in this manner.

Hopefully those points seemed interesting. We cannot put judgement on anyone just because of a different practice or belief of the sacrament of the altar. It is not a matter that really determines salvation. But I hope that my arguments are interesting and that they are helpful for someone else�s use. A few other small issues deal with the unpardonable sin, angels, the end times, and Jesus� role in heaven after the end. I will just mention their view on these certain issues instead of comparing and contrasting their beliefs with those of Lutherans.

Pentecostals do believe in an unpardonable sin. To them it would be blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. First of all, one must experience the Holy Spirit. Once an individual has known, but then denies it, then they have committed the sin. Look at the reign of Emperor Constantine. It was unlawful for one to believe in Christ before Constantine�s reign. People denied Him. But when the emperor came to power, it was popular to be a Christian. They ask, �How can one believe, deny, then claim to believe again?� It is not possible. To deny means to die.

Pentecostals view Christ�s atonement the same as Lutherans. His death is a substitute for us. It is essential for our salvation. It still applies to our lives today. It was the fulfillment of the scriptures and the conquering of Satan. Now this is where they look at Catholics and see a problem. Even Lutherans can look and say the same as I am going to mention. If Christ�s atonement fulfilled everything to give us salvation, then why does the Catholic Church require visible marks and acts during Lent and throughout the rest of the church year? Pentecostals are quiet to say it but they do consider the Catholic Church to be a cult (Pastor Hathaway, interview).

One issue that the charismatic church doesn�t speak much about is that concerning angels. They believe that they are ministering spirits as we read in Hebrews 1:14. They protect us and they test us according to the will of the Almighty God. Not all Pentecostals believe this, but some consider angels to be, not necessarily above man, but at least more understanding. To add as a side note, they do believe in the existence of a heaven and a hell. It is spoken of in the Bible and so they acknowledge their existence.

Another interesting topic is the end times of the world. They believe that Christ will return in all of His glory and He will rule the earth for a millenium. There will be rapture and He will return. Then after the 1,000 years have past and in the midst of much tribulation He will take the saints to heaven. A few believe that we are currently in the millenium. But for most, and earthquake, or some other great disturbance, will signify the end to the church. Satan will bring much destruction until finally God brings an end to it all.

One final belief of some Pentecostals is that there will be no function for Jesus in heaven after the end has come. 1 Corinthians 15:28 seems to say, as they interpret, that the trinity may even be dissolved. Christ will submit all �to him who put everything under him.� God will even find a �body�; remember the body of Jesus. The trinity will become �all-in-all� as the passage states. Really that means that the trinity will be shown to be sovereign and supreme over all. Colossians 2:8-10, as they interpret, says that the fullness of the godhead is shown as being in Jesus, his body. Some say that there was never a trinity. The trinity is in manifestation of the Father. The belief of some is that the Father and the Holy Spirit are indeed the same. The Father created the entire universe. Then the Holy Spirit is the father of Jesus. So there is no difference between them. But Lutherans believe that there are three separate persons in the one God.

So the final issue that needs to be discussed in detail is that of the Trinity. We both believe that all three persons of the Holy Trinity are equal in both deity and in dignity. Now there are those, as I mentioned earlier, that do not accept the trinity. In John 4:24 we read that the Father, or God, is a spirit. That is His true nature. But there�s also the Holy Spirit. Why would there be two spirits? Lutherans believe again that all are equal. The Father is supreme in the trinity, the Son carries out the Father�s will in creation and redemption, and the Spirit is sent by the other two to minister God�s truth to the world, to supply the means of grace, and to enable people to obey God�s Word. According to both Colossians 1:15 and Hebrews 1:3 Jesus is the visible image of God, which we both believe. All the radiance of God is shown in Him. Jesus also sits on the right hand of the Father just as a position, not by place of authority. Christ is shown to be actively ruling over all. Although the word trinity is not specifically used in the Bible, we know from context that God does exist as so.

After several studies and an extensive interview I discovered the truth about many Pentecostal beliefs. Not all of there beliefs are wrong just because they differ from Lutheran practice. But a few really differ. The biggest difference in doctrine shows in their belief that it is not grace alone, and that speaking of tongues is necessary for salvation. Lutherans and other Christian denominations do not agree. As a side note, I thought that it would be interesting to mention that most converts to the Pentecostal belief come from the Lutheran denomination (Pastor Hathaway, interview). Pastor Ratcliffe from Peace Lutheran Church in Kansas City admitted that while growing up he participated in Pentecostal services. He could sing and dance, but he never had the ability to speak in tongues. The charisma must attract many Lutherans who do not appreciate the traditional service. This was one statistic that surprised me. In conclusion, those few beliefs make a big difference in our lives. From a Lutheran standpoint, if obedience is necessary along with glossolalia, then maybe the many Pentecostal churches, which believe that, are really not Christian. If you look straight at the facts, then perhaps they may be labeled as a cult. As of now the Lutheran Church accepts them as a Christian denomination. I am not one with the authority to say otherwise. But the evidence is present if needed to make a case against that belief.

Bibliography

Pastor Edwin Hathaway. Christian Life Church (7005 E 102 64134) April 8, 1998.

Personal Interview.

Becker, Siegbert. 1973. The Holy Ghost and His Work. Milwaukee: Northwestern Publishing House.

Manuwal, Lewis. ----. Water Baptism According To The Bible. Hazelwood: Home Missions.

�Pentecostals.� Collier�s Encyclopedia, 1987 ed. Riess, Oswald. 1985. What Does The Bible Say? International Bible Society.

All information contained within this report was taken directly from an interview with Pastor Hathaway unless noted. Pastor Hathaway is a minister at Christian Life Church, a United Pentecostal Church.