How does the Assemblies of God describe the experience of baptism in the Holy Spirit?

The Assemblies of God describes the experience of baptism in the Holy Spirit as one that is often accompanied by speaking in tongues. This understanding is rooted in the Pentecostal tradition, which emphasizes a direct and transformative encounter with the Holy Spirit that empowers believers for service and enhances their spiritual life.

Speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, is seen as a sign of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and can be considered a means of prayer and worship that transcends human language. This feature distinguishes the baptism in the Holy Spirit from other spiritual experiences and highlights its significance within the context of personal relationship with God and the active work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. Thus, the experience is not merely a private meditation or a communal ritual, nor is it solely tied to church membership, but rather an empowering milestone in a believer’s spiritual journey marked by the evidence of speaking in tongues.