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. Paperback. 288 pages. $14.95 plus postage.
REVIEWS
“This is the most academically sound and instructive work in popular theology I have ever read… Daniel Tomberlin encourages pentecostal ministers to forsake their frequently minimalist sacramental devotion and adopt a comprehensive theology of the sacraments—specifically, water baptism, Lord’s supper, footwashing, and anointing with oil/laying on of hands. He exposes non-specialists to some major theoretical questions surrounding sacraments, just as he raises some important practical questions that professional theologians should also consider. His investigations are historically informed, balanced with numerous accounts from thinkers in early Christianity and early pentecostalism… In light of its potential to transform worship in local churches when critically appropriated, it will have been worth his effort if only ten pentecostal pastors read it and learn from it. May 10,000 do so.”
Christopher Stephenson, Lee University
Pneuma: The Journal for the Society for Pentecostal Studies (33:3)
“Historically Pentecostals have understood water baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and foot washing to be ordinances rather than sacraments. That is, they are rituals instituted by Christ, but not designed to mediate grace in any way. In his new book, Pentecostal Sacraments, Daniel Tomberlin seeks to challenge this idea by claiming that Pentecostal spirituality actually operates within a sacramental framework that stands in tension with the claim that such ritual practices are simply ordinances. This sacramental framework is best understood in terms of the Pentecostal (and Holiness I might add) desire to see the worship service as centered upon an encounter with God at the altar… Tomberlin is calling on Pentecostals to see practices such as water baptism as sacraments that transmit God’s grace precisely because believers encounter God through them. This is because the invitation to come to the altar within Pentecostalism has always been an invitation to meet God and be changed… This is a thought-provoking book that is both rich and practical.”
Dale Coulter, Regents University
Renewal Dynamics
“The book is addressed primarily to the Pentecostal reader, but his argument, biblical exegesis, and ritual suggestions will be of much wider ecumenical interest. He makes a strong case for the sacramental character of the five rites explored in detail here, as means of grace instituted by Christ. His argument rests on a Pentecostal theology of encounter and the experience of the Holy Spirit rather than a more familiar scholastic concern about causality, validity and ministerial succession. He does, however, deal with the Baptismal formula, a contested issue among Pentecostals, and makes a strong case for a robust Trinitarian theology, and a higher ecclesiology than one often finds in evangelical Protestant preaching and practice. Because of his audience, his biblical arguments are extended with arguments, especially for sacramentality from Pentecostal sources; and new to many Pentecostal readers, patristic sources with their strong pneumatology…”
Brother Jeffrey Gros, FSC
Lewis University, Romeoville, IL
“…a book that takes a new direction in commending the sacraments to a Pentecostal audience. …It is hard to covey the richness of the tapestry that Tomberlin brings together, that inspires both the mind and heart, the scholar and the practitioner, the teacher and the worshipper. Deeply rooted in the Church of God tradition and yet ecumenical in engagement. From my charismatic-catholic-evangelical Anglican background I found it quite a wonderful stimulus to prayer and further thought.”
Rev. Andy Lord, Church of England
Nottingham, United Kingdom
…a compelling work, …clearly written and highly applicable to [the] Pentecostal context.
The Late Dr. Robert E. Webber
Institute For Worship Studies
Pastor Daniel Tomberlin’s new work is a refreshing addition to Pentecostal scholarship. In this text, Tomberlin has crafted an enriching blend of biblical and historical material that provides a practical model for sacramental practices in Pentecostal and Charismatic congregations. Throughout the text, Tomberlin reveals the heart of a pastor who is passionate about the sacraments and the grace they can bring into the life of a congregation as they encounter God at their altars.
Thomas J. Doolittle, Ph.D
Lee University