Baptism with the Holy Spirit in Youngsan Teaching, Today and Tomorrow

Abstract

The paper begins with a brief overview of Youngsan’s contribution to Korean christianity and of how his view of Spirit-baptism is significant as a set of minor (but significant) modifications and contextualisations of the traditional Pentecostal position, based in Luke-Acts, and with a remarkable new focus on “fellowship with the Spirit” as “partner.” Part 1 then proceeds to examine Youngsan’s understanding of Spirit- baptism, looking first at the interpretation of Luke-Acts. Does Luke support the view that Spirit-baptism is just about empowering for mission, or is it more broadly about the invigorating transformational presence of God’s “salvation” in the new people of God? From fourth-century “Pseudo-Macarius” through Wesley to today, I argue, Spirit-baptism was about “salvation” in its broadest and most holistic, and interiorly explosive aspects. Part 2 explores Youngsan’s teaching on the Spirit as one’s ‘Intimate Partner,’ particularly his interpretation of “fellowship of the Spirit” in 2 Corinthians 13:13. I explain exegetical and theological demurrals, while maintaining his search for “intimacy” with God is cardinal.