What Do Pentecostals Believe About Mary and Jesus?

Pentecostals, as a vital subset of Protestant Christianity, share many of the same beliefs and practices with other Protestants. However, their emphasis on the speaking in tongues uniquely characterizes their adherence and spiritual experiences. While the core beliefs about Jesus and Mary are widely similar across the Protestant spectrum, significant nuances arise with respect to how they interpret and venerate these figures.

Beliefs About Jesus

Pentecostals believe that Jesus is the divine Son of God. They affirm that He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived for 33 and a half years, performed miracles, died on the cross, and rose again to offer salvation to all people. They also believe that Jesus will return to reclaim His Church.

Beliefs About Mary

While sharing many core Protestant beliefs, Pentecostals view Mary differently. They do not consider her to be a divine or supernatural being. Here are some key beliefs about Mary among Pentecostals:

Humanity: They see Mary as a human being, merely the mother of Jesus, just like all other Christians. She is not regarded as being divine or possessing any supernatural gifts beyond being receptive to the Holy Spirit. Not Mediator: Pentecostals believe Mary is not a mediator between God and humanity. Unlike Catholic teachings, Pentecostals do not believe in praying to Mary for intercession. Not a Queen or New Ark: Mary is not seen as the queen of heaven or the new ark of the covenant. She is not considered to be a second Eve or the woman in Revelation 12. No Special Grace: Pentecostals view Mary as a sinner like any other human being who needs the Saviour. They do not consider her to have received any special grace beyond what is available to all believers. Inspiration: Mary can be seen as an inspiration, similar to many Bible characters, for her faith and obedience. However, she is not considered to be a special figure with unique spiritual abilities.

The Importance of Speaking in Tongues

Speaking in tongues is a significant focus for many Pentecostals. While the traditional understanding of tongues as a spiritual gift emphasized less in mainstream Protestantism has now gained more traction among non-denominational churches and even some Catholic groups, like the charismatic Catholics, Pentecostals have historically placed a strong emphasis on this practice.

In the Pentecostal tradition, speaking in tongues is often seen as evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence and baptism. It is both a means of communing with God and sharing the Spirit's message. However, not all Pentecostals agree on the necessity of speaking in tongues for salvation. Some believe that speaking in tongues is a vital experience, while others see it as a distinct and special act of spiritual gift.

Conclusion

In essence, while Pentecostals share many core beliefs about Jesus and Mary with other Protestants, their understanding is nuanced due to their emphasis on speaking in tongues. Their interpretation of Mary as a human like any other and not a mediator or a figure of special grace reflects a commitment to biblical literalism and a focus on individual spiritual experiences.