Perspectives on Spirit Baptism presents in counterpoint form the basic common beliefs on spirit baptism which have developed over the course of church history with a view toward determining which is most faithful to Scripture. Each chapter will be written by a prominent person from within each tradition—with specific guidelines dealing with the biblical, historical, and theological issues within each tradition. In addition, each writer will have the opportunity to give a brief response to the other traditions.

This important study guide, which focuses on the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in other tongues, teaches believers how to draw from the ever-present source of power within them -- the Holy Spirit.

For the most part, the church has been silent about Jesus' role as baptiser in the Spirit, though John declared this to be the principal contribution of his Messianic ministry. Through exploration of the relevant scriptures of both Old and New Testaments, David Pawson describes eight essential elements in Spirit baptism.

Correcting many contemporary errors and misconceptions about Christian living, Merrill Unger traces the doctrine of the Holy Spirit through the New Testament, pointing out that true maturity is achieved only in day-to-day obedience, fellowship, Bible study, and prayer.

Up to now the teaching on baptism in the Holy Spirit has been based on a few scriptural texts, whose interpretation was disputed. This doubt cast its shadow on those who promote baptism in the Holy Spirit. Now new evidence has been found in early post-biblical authors (Tertullian, Hilary of Poitiers, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom, Philoxenus, and the Syrians) which demonstrates that what is called baptism in the Holy Spirit was integral to Christian initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist). Because it was part of initiation into the Church, it was not a matter of private piety, but of public worship. Therefore it was and remains normative. This is an intriguing ground-breaking study of value to RCIA teams, pastors, theology teachers and students, and Church offices.