Question

In a significant article, what emphasis did J. Roswell Flower place on the baptism in the Holy Spirit?

a) He reaffirmed that tongues was and is the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism.
b) He proposed that the baptism in the Holy Spirit makes us more willing to serve as missionaries.
c) He agreed that the gift of tongues would make it possible to communicate in foreign languages.
d) He urged the acceptance of the doctrine on Spirit Baptism that was included in the Statement of Fundamental Truths.

Answer 1

J. Roswell Flower emphasized that speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism, reflecting the traditional Pentecostal doctrine. This experiential sign of the Holy Spirit's presence is seen as a central aspect of the believer's spiritual life and a marker of Christian identity within the Pentecostal movement.

Step-by-step explanation:

Emphasis on Baptism in the Holy Spirit by J. Roswell Flower

J. Roswell Flower placed significant emphasis on the baptism in the Holy Spirit in a historical context. He particularly reaffirmed the importance of speaking in tongues as the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism. This articulation is anchored in a Pentecostal perspective, underscoring the manifestation of the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire and the enablement of the Apostles to preach in various languages, as recounted in the book of Acts. Flower's view aligns with the broader Pentecostal doctrine that places a strong emphasis on the experiential aspect of spirituality, especially as it pertains to the signs and wonders following the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

The belief in speaking in tongues as evidence of Spirit baptism is also an integral part of Pentecostal movement foundations, which finds resonance with the transformative experiences recorded in the early Church's history. While not necessarily framing it as a means for missionary work or direct communication in foreign languages, the Pentecostal tradition, as highlighted by Flower, perceives speaking in tongues as an inward, spiritual indicator of the Holy Spirit's indwelling.

In line with Flower's insights, the baptism in the Holy Spirit also plays a role in defining one's identity within the Christian community, akin to the ways in which ancient rites signified initiation and commitment. The term symbolon, once used for ritual passwords in mystery religions, evolved into the Christian context as a declaration of faith, typically professed before the watershed of baptism. Thus, Flower's emphasis is not only an affirmation of a specific theological stance but reflects a larger narrative of religious experience and identity.