I would like to begin by saying I am not here to debate, but would like to share some verses and insight with those that have the so called "Truth" (as the UPC declare they have).
You cannot be saved unless you are water baptized only in the Name of Jesus. (UPC)
1. I will ask what Paul asked, "was Abraham justified in circumcision or in uncircumcision. Answer: In uncircumcision. (Col 2:12) Paul declared that Abraham was justified (declared not guilty) without any religious acts. (Rms 4:10)
2. Paul said, "I thank my God that I baptized none of you...for I was called to preach the good news not to baptize." Does that sound like Paul teaching that water baptism is essential for salvation? No. (Can you imagine a UPC preacher saying I baptized no one, I am not called to baptize?)
3. The letter "J" did not exist until the 15th century. Thus no name of "Jesus" to say at water baptism prior to the 15th century. Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus an spoke to Him in the Hebrew tongue..."my name is Yeshua" (Acts 26:14). Now we have a problem, the Lord says His name is Yeshua and UPC say unless you say "Jesus" you are lost. The UPC say: I must use a name "Jesus" to be saved, but that name as origin of less then 500 yrs. Now we have a problem.
Does the Letter “J” exist in Hebrew, Latin or Greek?
The answer to this question is no. In fact, there was no letter ‘J’ in any language prior to the 14th century in England. The letter did not become widely used until the 17th century.
The Encyclopedia Americana contains the following quote on the J: “The form of ‘J’ was unknown in any alphabet until the 14th century. Either symbol (J,I) used initially generally had the consonantal sound of Y as in year. Gradually, the two symbols (J,l) were differentiated, the J usually acquiring consonantal force and thus becoming regarded as a consonant, and the I becoming a vowel.
It was not until 1630 that the differentiation became general in England.” Note in the original 1611 version of the King James Version of the Bible there was no “J” letter in this Bible for because it did not exist. James was spelled Iames. Jesus was spelled Iesous. (So much for Jesus name only).
4. Does water baptism save us? John indeed baptized with water, saying that they should believe on Him that would baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire. Water baptism does not save, only Spiritual Baptism saves. John was not saving anyone, only call men to repentance.
5. You must speak in tongues to be saved. Paul asked, "Do all speak in tongues?" With the obvious answer being "NO!" Paul went on to say I wish you all spoke in tongues, but better yet, that you all preached! So does one conclude from that statement that Paul puts greater emphasis upon preaching than speaking in tongues for salvation? Yes, Paul admitted all do not speak in tongues, and it would be better than speaking in tongues that all preached. Now how can you preach if you don't speak in tongues (i.e. being saved)? You mean in the church meeting we can have preachers that aren't saved, because they don't speak in tongues (according to the UPC). Paul's answer yes...better to preach than to speak in tongues.
6. The Law of the Tithe ended. See Truth about Tithes in this blog.
7. Is the Pastor the man of God and are we to submit as he lord's over us?
Matt 20:25-26
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
(NIV)
A pastor, elder, sheperd, over seer, bishop (all the same office) was to be several of the members of the local church that desired the office and met the qualifications. They were appointed by men for the position, and were not paid hirelings or professional preachers. They were to be plural in number. The Head of the Church is Christ not the pastor. Begin "called" by God to pastor a church is not one of the Bible qualification for an overseer. I Tim 3:1 The qualification were listed to a man could be measured to whether or not he could serve as an elder in the local assembly.
A "Holiness Standard" (list of church rules) is powerless to save anyone. We do not measure ourselves among ourselves, and those that do are unwise. Holiness means sanctified, which means set apart for the use of God. Has nothing to do with right or wrong, good or bad. It only means set apart. Our holiness to God is not rules, touch not, taste not, handle not, but is righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. We serve the Lord by the still small voice and not by the rules of the church which only make a show of the flesh. The Bible calls it will worship. It is not what we wear, or eat, or own or go or do that makes us holy. It is being lead by the Spirit, set apart for the Master's use that makes us sanctified. Holiness was never about good or bad, but about separation. If I have any righteousness, it has been applied to me by Him and not of any good that I have done, lest I should boast. I don't go there, have one of those, look at that, taste or drink this..etc. boasting of my holiness, justifying myself by my own good deeds.
Comments often associated with the UPC:
We have the Truth.
If you are not baptized in Jesus name you are not saved
Unless you speak in tongues you cannot be saved
We have a holiness standard. (i.e. dress code)
We must obey our pastor in all things, for he is the Man of God.
Women can't wear men's clothes (no New Testament witness)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
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