The Holy Spirit and Eschatology – with Implications for Ministry and the Doctrine of Spirit Baptism

The coming of the Spirit at Pentecost represents both fulfillment and anticipation of eschatological expectations in as much as Pentecost both fulfills previous expectations regarding the coming of the Spirit and represents a promise of the future consummation of the work of God. This already/not yet reality of the eschaton is evident throughout pneumatology and carries implications for ministry and Christian living and for the doctrine of Spirit baptism. Believers should minister in the power of the Spirit with the aim of the kingdom of God that is already present while longing with Spirit-inspired hope for the future eschatological work of the Spirit that has not yet taken place. Furthermore, Spirit baptism is eschatological in as much as Pentecost fulfills and anticipates numerous eschatological expectations regarding the coming of the Spirit, including not only power for witness, but also a new heart, obedience, new life, and eventually resurrection.