The Holy Spirit's Role in Salvation and Sanctification

Renewal Theology emphasized the important role of the Holy Spirit both in worship and

salvation. Without the Holy Spirit, a person cannot gain testimony of the truthfulness of God’s

word. Understanding God’s word is the first step to salvation. This understanding creates a link

for the Holy Spirit to sanctify the person according to his/her faith. The constant sanctification of

a person results in the eventual salvation. This process is what motivates believers to seek the

Holy Spirit’s companionship as much as possible. The idea of salvation and sanctification is

enough to drive them to work hard in achieving that companionship. It also helps them apply the

teachings in the Bible and do the necessary tasks to attain salvation.

Comparative Analysis with Other Theological Traditions

A number of theologians argued that Renewal Theology is needed to ease the tension

between several fields of theology. Renewal Theology has unique qualities to it, but it also works

hand in hand with other movements. These variations of movements are interrelated and

shouldn’t be practiced apart from each other. The gospel is complete only when all of its facets

are practiced together. Renewal Theology’s unique emphasis on the workings of the Holy Spirit

is significant in practicing other theological traditions.

The Trinity and Renewal Theology

The debate regarding the true nature of the Holy Trinity has been ongoing for centuries.

The Bible provided significant explanations, but those same verses can also be interpreted

differently to suit the other argument. The nature of the holy Trinity is one of the major

differences most Christian Churches share. The Holy Trinity’s relationship to each other has been

a constant theme of debate and it is important to understand what Renewal Theologians’ view is

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in this matter. Statements on the Trinity from many Christian faiths demonstrate a similar

underlying belief in a single, everlasting, and almighty God who lives in three separate

individuals; the Father, the Son (or Word), and the Spirit of God. Each sect stresses the three

persons' oneness in essence, power, and eternity while eliminating misunderstanding about their

separate identities. They acknowledge that the Son is born by the Father and that the Holy Spirit

originates from both, but all three are co-eternal and co-equal, uncreated and almighty. The

vocabulary used by various faiths differs slightly, with some recognizing the concepts of 'Trinity'

and 'persons' as coming from Scripture but not directly from it. Nonetheless, the biblical notion

of a triune Godhead stays important. Renewal Theology emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as

the messenger and comforter. Most sacred ordinances require the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Gifts of the Spirit are considered crucial to the building of the Church and the strengthening of

faith of the believers.

Renewal Theology's Impact on Worship

There has been a shift in the way worship is conducted in most Christian churches. An

emphasis on the gifts of the spirit, particularly speaking in tongues, is observed. The introduction

of Renewal Theology came with the focus on the effects of the Holy Spirit to the way worships

are conducted. Emotional and moving worship services are getting common. Some

denominations started conducting testimony and healing sessions to accommodate this new form

of theological perspective. Believers are flocking onto sects that offer a more emotional services.

Global Perspectives in Renewal Theology

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 Renewal theology swept the Christian world since it’s introduction. Believers from

different background and culture are recognizing its significance to salvation and peace in this

life. Christians from different sects and denominations are being bridged by this movement.

Critiques of Renewal Theology

Critics are pointing out that Renewal Theology put more emphasis in the Holy Spirit than

is needed. They argue that other important aspects of the gospel are being neglected because of

this over emphasis.

The Relationship between Experience and Doctrine

Renewal Theology affirms the relevance of subjective experience while also emphasizing

the need of strong theological knowledge. Subjective experience, according to Renewal

Theology, is a method of understanding God, walking out our faith, and sharing God's word with

others. Renewal Theology, on the other hand, argues that theology is essential for interpreting

our own experiences and protecting us against erroneous teaching.

The Church's Mission in Renewal Theology

Accepting Renewal Theology is accepting the importance of the influence of the Holy

Spirit. This helps the Church focus on the thing that helps in the salvation of believers. Renewal

Theology underscores the crucial part of sharing the gospel to others. Believers of this movement

believe that the Church should be involved in the dissemination of the good word. Renewal

Theologians adhere to the idea that the Church is supposed to be a testimony to God's love and

mercy in the world, which includes addressing social issues like poverty, hunger, and injustice.

Renewal Theology influences people's perceptions of the Church's purpose by emphasizing the

significance of evangelism, missions, and social involvement. Renewal Theologians feel that all

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three of these themes are critical to the Church's role of accomplishing Jesus Christ's Great

Mission.

The Significance of Spiritual Gifts

The Holy Spirit is the focus of the movement. Along the influence of the Spirit is the

outpouring of gifts and manifestations. Relying on the Holy Spirit should be a lifelong desire if

someone wants to be saved. Many are looking for signs to strengthen their faith and miracles like

speaking of tongues and prophecy fill up that longing. Believers are searching for a more

tangible way of learning and living the teachings in the Bible. Some believe that the Holy Spirit

plays a huge role in a person’s salvation, and one must act according to its promptings to receive

its fruits. A book by Maxam suggested that the movement was an attempt to find meaning amidst

the crisis people are experiencing in their lives. Sharing the Spirit's gifts is not simply a privilege,

but also a holy obligation in the vocation of Christians. Individuals help to the edifying and

development of the larger Christian community via acts of unselfish generosity. By using their

spiritual gifts to help others, Christians fulfill an important component of their spiritual calling,

promoting a culture of compassion and spiritual development within the community of Christ.

Future Directions and Developments in Renewal Theology

As the Church enters the new era of fast-paced world, Renewal Theology stands as one of

the aspects that may have a vital role in shaping theology and practice. Its enduring influence can

be felt for generations to come. The emphasis on the influence of one of the members of the Holy

Trinity will be beneficial to the development of the future generation’s journey towards

salvation. Renewal Theology offers a more active participation in one’s journey to salvation. It is

more than just feeling the influence of the Holy Spirit, but also acting on its promptings.

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Baylor University Press. “Book Details – Baylor University Press.” Baylor University Press.

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DeVries, Brian A. “Spiritual Gifts for Biblical Church Growth.” In Die Skriflig (March 18,

2016). https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v50i1.2090.

Dürr, Oliver M., and Christophe Chalamet. “Toward a Renewed Theological Culture:

Introduction.” International Journal of Systematic Theology (November 9, 2022).

https://doi.org/10.1111/ijst.12625.

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