Impact of the Doctrine of Eschatology on Pentecostal Movement in the Past and Present

Looking back to the early years of Pentecostalism, it was not surprised to see the impact and impassion in their strong belief in the doctrine of eschatology that was influenced strongly by the Holiness Movement and Fundamentalism. There were already strong gravitation to living holy life and having strong expectation of fulfillment of the book of Joel before the returns of Christ. One of the few key factors in their expectations were firstly before the end time is to come there will be a great out-pouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church (Joel 2:28) it was meant to enable saints to live a sanctified life (Rom.8; Gal.5:16; 1 The.4:7, 8; Jn.16:8). Secondly, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit will empower the saints to fulfill God’s purpose to reach the world before the returns of Christ (Acts 1:8; Matt.24:14). It was God’s purpose to fulfill His plan through the Church (Matt.28:18-20; Mk16:15, 16). The return of Christ was imminent. Two key reasons in their urgency in reaching out to lost-souls; concerned for their eternal condemnation and speeding up of Christ’s return through global evangelism. The interpretations of the crisis events example bad economy; unstable political conditions also affect the Pentecostal movement in the belief of eschatology.
In our present time; the teaching of eschatology has taken a back-seat. Globally the economic and political conditions generally have improved with many people affordable of luxury in life. Different philosophical mindsets e.g. influence of post-modern culture also played key role in influencing churches today. Pentecostal churches in general hardly touch on the subject unless certain unpleasant events took place – example recent tsunami (on boxing-day); September 11th event etc. There is a lack of urgency in soul-winning; holy living as been compromised with approval tolerance from churches. Hopefully the recent global economic slump might once again helps to wake believers to realization that the coming of Christ is even more imminent than 100 years ago.

Major Spirituality Differences in Comparison of Different Generations within Pentecostals

The major spirituality differences in comparison of different generations within Pentecostals can be seen in the decree of commitment to their spiritual values of their Christian-faith. The spiritual-values as to a Pentecostal can be considered in their urgency to reach the world for Christ as to the belief of eschatology; the beliefs in speaking in tongues as evident of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; the practicality in the manifestation of the gifts of the Hoy Spirit in healing, prophecy etc; the dedicated life to a holy living and the called to totality sacrificial of self at the altar.
From the observation of the passing on of 1st Pentecostal Christians; the subsequent generations instead of progressing evidently in the spiritual-values, seemed to decline or deteriorate in which is much of concerned. Today, many self-proclaimed Pentecostal or even charismatic churches spiritual activities or behaviors are gravitated toward ‘self-centered’ social-club entertainment oriented. Firstly, the urgency of reaching lost-souls among the Pentecostal-Christians was not felt as before if they were to be honest about it. Secondly, the term ‘Pentecostal’ may not be much understood in our generation (NECF survey shown 75% churches considered they as charismatic). Speaking in tongue as evident of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not emphasized and not surprise that many ‘Pentecostal’ Christians hardly speak in tongues in ‘Pentecostal’ churches today. Some churches even discourage the practice during services as not to cause fear to visitors or new believers. Healings and prophetic ‘ministry’ belongs to selected or ‘anointed’ few that God used for ‘selected’ mass evangelistic or crusades. Lastly but not the least, arise of emergent churches are evidently that many core spiritual-values of the past has been comprised in the name of ‘secularism’.
Is there hope yet for our generations? The answer ‘Yes’ and the responses are mainly two. The true Pentecostals need to arise and rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit through our earnest seeking through prayers and preaching of the spiritual heritage to our generations and secondly allow the Holy Spirit to intervene in His special ways through our sincere desires.

What is it to be a Pentecostal

The root of Pentecostalism begins in Acts 2 in the upper-room with the gathering of the 120 disciples waiting in anticipation of the promised Gift from the Father; as what Jesus said the Holy Spirit will be sent in His Name (John 14:26). The disciples experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit as commended of the Lord (Acts 1:5)and recieved power to become witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). They were filled in the Holy Spirit and began to speak in unknown tongues 'gossalia' (Acts 2:4).
In 1906 the revival at Azusa Street, which was acknowledged by many scholars as the birth-place of Pentecosatlism; shared the similar experience of the early Church. The event at Azusa Street and the later series of separate revivals, led the Pentecostals to believe that it was the realization in the fulfillments of the last days predicaments; the outpouring of the Hoy Spirit (Joel 2:28, 29; empowerment to evangelize the world for Christ before the Judgment Day (Matt.24:14); and to prepare the Bride (Church) in holiness for the Wedding Day (Rev.19:7, 8).
Therefore, to be a Pentecostal is to hold on to the beliefs stated above. The Pentecostals emphasized greatly the 3rd Person of the trinity-the Holy Spirit. Baptism of the Holy Spirit allow the Spirit-filled Pentecostal to experience a spiritual purification and empowering for Christian witness. It is evidence by utterance in unknown tongues (gossalia). The Spirit-filled believers experienced the obvious manifestation of the Holy Spirit in their everyday life; including divine healing, prophecy, and tongues (gossalia).