by Pastor Daniel Tomberlin

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a sacramental encounter. It is often assumed that Pentecostal spirituality is essentially anti-sacramental. It is true that early Pentecostals were anti-liturgical, favoring spontaneous worship over the formal worship of traditional churches. However, it is a mistake to assume that Pentecostalism is anti-sacramental. The embodied spirituality of Pentecostalism, expressed in the doctrine of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, suggests that Pentecostalism is essentially sacramental. Sacraments are spiritual graces and those who participate in faith encounter the “real presence” of Christ through the Holy Spirit. As we approach the altar to participate in sacramental worship, we do so “in the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit makes us aware of heavenly realities, and we experience heavenly mysteries.