WHAT DO THE AME CHURCH BELIEVE ABOUT THE FILLING AND BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST?

Fedrick Allen Wilson

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2003

Answers

Brother Wilson,

I will not presume to speak for the A.M.E. Church, however, being a 5th generation A.M.E. I will try and relate the teaching I have received. First, I have interpreted your question as one relating to the rebirth and to the manifestation of the Spirit in the way of gifts. Let me say unequivocally that A.M.Es believe the Holy Scripture and all that is therein, including that concerning the Holy Spirit. That said, I offer the following...

This great gift of God, the salvation of our souls, is no other than the image of God fresh stamped on our hearts. It is a 'renewal of believers in the spirit of their minds, after the likeness of Him that created them.' God has now laid 'the axe unto the root of the tree, purifying their hearts by faith,' and 'cleansing all the thoughts of their hearts by the inspiration of his Holy Spirit.' Having this hope, that we shall see God as he is, we 'purify ourselves even as he is pure,' and are 'holy, as he that has called us is holy, in all manner of conversation.' Not that we have already attained all that we will attain, either are already in this sense perfect. But we daily 'go on from strength to strength; beholding' now, 'as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord.'

...Does this answer your question?

Sincerely, In Love, In Christ, Yours Truly --- Ron.

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2004