Calvin’s sacramental theology: A fresh paradigm for a pentecostal theology of water baptism?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although few Pentecostals would perceive their tradition as ‘sacramental’, in contrast to high church contexts, the movement’s consistent emphasis on the importance of water baptism since its earliest days is well-documented. While there might exist an incipient sacramentalism in Pentecostalism, it has nevertheless remained underdeveloped, perhaps due in part to the influence of low church evangelicalism which repudiates any hint of the sacraments as a means of grace. Yet, one wonders if the sacramental assumptions in a Pentecostal understanding of baptism might be drawn out through sustained engagement with the historic Christian tradition. This paper engages the sacramental theology of John Calvin, suggesting that his unwavering emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s work, the relationship between sign and thing signified in his thought, and the crucial role of faith in his doctrines of baptism and the Supper make him a prime dialogue partner to encourage the further development of Pentecostal sacramentality.