Q: What is the difference between a pentecostal church & a charismatic church? What is baptism by the Holy Spirit?

A: There is one major difference between the terms Pentecostal and charismatic. Typically, Pentecostal relates to the belief that speaking in tongues is the sign of true conversion. Charismatic usually just refers to the belief that all of the spiritual gifts (including tongues, prophecy, etc.) are in effect today.

Baptism by the Holy Spirit, predicted by John the Baptist in Matt. 3:11 (cf. Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33) and again by Jesus in Acts 1:5 began at Pentecost in a very dramatic manner (Acts 2:1-4). It means the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at conversion (Acts 2:4; cf. John 14:17; 1 Cor. 6:19). Although speaking in tongues accompanied baptism of the Holy Spirit several times in the early church, this was to visibly demonstrate the application of the gospel beyond Jews. Scripture does not teach tongues as the sign of conversion. Both speaking in tongues and baptism by water must be separated from conversion and baptism of the Holy Spirit, although water baptism is a commandment from our Lord (Matt. 28:19).

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