The Pentecostal Movement from 30,000 Feet - ReformedForum.org

The Pentecostal Movement had two main roots: a Wesleyan and a non-Wesleyan root. In the Wesleyan tradition, Phoebe Palmer represents the movement well. She picked up on the doctrine of perfectionism – that it is possible to be freed from sin in this life. Palmer taught a “second blessing” which was an extraordinary work of the Spirit which would accomplish this perfection. Palmer was highly influential through various publications and had many opportunities to teach her perfectionism.

The other root is perhaps best illustrated in Dwight L. Moody. This root should be distinguished from the Phoebe Palmer brand of Pentecostalism since Moody did not see the Spirit as a second blessing and agent of perfectionism. Rather Moody saw the work of the Holy Spirit empowering him particularly for extraordinary evangelism. Moody did not seem to develop much of a distinct theology, but used his views of the Spirit’s work and moved forward in evangelistic work. This non-Wesleyan tradition did not emphasize baptism of the Holy Spirit but focused on the Spirit’s role in producing holy living. This was not perfectionism. Holy living was accomplished through sanctification which for this brand of Pentecostalism was best understood as an act of faith accomplished through the Spirit. The Moody style of Pentecostalism did not engender the perfectionist bent, but placed a premium on holy living in conjunction with evangelism.

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The Pentecostal Movement from 30,000 Feet - ReformedForum.org