Initial evidence
A view held among orthodox Christians
The classical Pentecostal teaching that speaking in tongues is the first outward sign that a believer has received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Also called: tongues as initial evidence, initial physical evidence, initial evidence doctrine
What it means
The initial evidence doctrine is the defining belief of classical Pentecostalism. It teaches that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience after conversion, which empowers the believer for service, and that its first physical sign is speaking in tongues. Its holders point to Acts, where on several occasions believers received the Spirit and spoke in tongues.
Pentecostal churches that hold this doctrine also affirm the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and salvation by grace through faith. Many have been zealous in prayer, evangelism, and missions. The doctrine concerns the Christian life after salvation, not salvation itself.
Other Christians, including many continuationists, do not accept it. They note that Paul asks, expecting the answer no, whether all speak in tongues, and that he says all believers were baptised by one Spirit into one body. Reformed churches read the events in Acts as unique moments when the gospel crossed new boundaries, and teach that every believer receives the Spirit at conversion. A teaching that some Christians lack the Spirit's baptism can create two classes of believers in a congregation, which is a real pastoral concern. This site records it as a view.
In Scripture
At Pentecost the disciples were filled with the Spirit and spoke in other tongues.
The Spirit fell on Cornelius' household and they spoke in tongues and praised God.
When Paul laid hands on the Ephesian disciples, the Spirit came and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
All believers were baptised by one Spirit into one body.
Paul asks whether all speak in tongues, expecting the answer no.
Where it comes up
On this site: Spiritual gifts
Related terms
ContinuationismA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that all the spiritual gifts in the New Testament, including prophecy and tongues, continue in the church until Christ returns.
CessationismA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that the revelatory and sign gifts, such as prophecy, tongues, and gifts of healing, ceased with the apostles once Scripture was complete.
Second blessingA view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching that, after conversion, believers should seek a distinct experience of the Holy Spirit that brings a new level of holiness or spiritual power.