Foundations of Pentecostal Theology

Foundations of Pentecostal Theology by Guy P. Duffield and Nathaniel M. Van Cleave offer a thorough explanation of Spirit filled religion, its history, and the demands it places upon our lives. The authors rightly claim that “Pentecostalism” is “a living movement which depends on an ongoing process of translating revelation into everyday life.” The book has been received with praise by scholars and is highly recommended to all seekers. It provides an easy-read exposition of current topical issues concerning Pentecostalism.

This book critically examines several basic concepts underlying the distinctive theories and presentations of the modern pentecostal movement, including the view that salvation is achieved through a process of personal predestination and divine election. It also examines the various distinctions among the traditional theological views, and shows how these have become blurred in recent years. The authors also examine the distinctive features of the modern formulations of fundamental doctrines, including the concept of an authoritative statement by God as instituted andifiers, the doctrine of predestination, and the view that salvation is accomplished through grace.

The main thrust of this study is the identification and explanation of three fundamental doctrines underlying the distinctive practice and beliefs of Pentecostals. The first of these doctrines is the doctrine of predestination or election. This doctrine maintains that God decides what events will occur in the lives of men. According to this view, God does not interfere with the choices of men, but He enables those chosen by His provision with special spiritual gifts. The authors expound the implications of this principle and the necessity for Pentecostals to understand it clearly and boldly.

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Another important feature of this volume is the discussion of the issue of free will, and the authors present several views concerning this subject, which they examine and comment upon. They conclude that most modern Christians have adopted a dualistic attitude regarding this issue, and they identify two contrasting and often contradictory definitions of free will, one based on the authority of God, the other based on human responsibility. In order to avoid confusion and to provide a more accurate definition of the essence of the Christian faith, it is necessary to recognize and accurately describe the nature of man, and the freedom he has to choose.

The third fundamental doctrine taught in Pentecostalism is the doctrine of predestination or God's decree that all men shall be saved. Pentecostals believe that God has absolute power and authority over all matter of thought and action, including our actions in this life. They further maintain that man's free will is conditioned upon man's acceptance of the realities of his existence and of God's omniscience and omnipotence. A number of developments in early medieval period Europe led to a development of systematic theology. These developments included the emergence of many writings on theologies and the development of several councils.

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A variety of definitions of systematic theology have been applied to the movement, and the true sense of its meaning may vary from one author to another. Still, some basic characteristics are apparent. All believers in the Christian church accept the basic doctrines as revealed by the Bible, but they differ on how these are defined. Some hold to a literal sense, holding that what the Bible says is true, while others believe in figurative or eschatological sense, holding that certain phrases of the Bible refer to future events while they actually speak of past events.

Theologies and expository preaching are used to present basic ideas and to explain basic doctrine. Expository preaching is used to teach the truth about God and to convince people of the reality and significance of the Christian faith. This is often compared to the work of an expository teacher. Theology and expository teaching are used to promote the Kingdom of God and to develop an individual's relationship with Jesus through praise and worship.

One major component of foundations of Pentecostal theology is the thought of logos. Logos is the idea of an unbroken path that leads from the creator of the universe to the creature made in the image of that creator. Through theosis (or enlightenment) a person comes to see the logos of God. The expository teaching of the early church fathers set the stage for the flowering of the Reformation movement by teaching that the Christian worship of Jesus was perfect and that man could walk without needing any instrument or apparel. In other words, all men were created in the image and likeness of God.