If you really want to be sure of your salvation you need to be able to reopen the question.

 
The Holy Bible clearly instructs us…

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
– 2 Peter 1:10-11 (NKJV)

You trust that you have received the free gift of eternal life as a believer in Jesus Christ
but do you keep God’s commandments?

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
– 1 John 2:3-6 (NKJV)

In the Old Testament, salvation appears quite secure by the promise of God given to Abraham. Yet, God gave a number of instructions to the Israelites in the wilderness through Moses which shows salvation as not so secure, after all. So, does God refute Himself through Moses after speaking to Abraham?
 

Perhaps now YOU are “not so sure” if you are sure about your salvation after reading these verses. If you habitually and unrepentantly continue in sin, then be sure that you should not be certain about your salvation. If you are now uncertain of your salvation, then you need to ask this question, “How can I be sure of my salvation?” The key to this is not to base your salvation upon false pretenses.
 

CALVINISM
Do you believe you can’t lose your salvation? Have you never read this in the Bible?…

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. – Colossians 1:21-23 (NKJV)

There is a conditional “if” about salvation that exists. How many more such Bible verses do you need to see to prove this to you?
Stop ducking the issue. Deal with it. The Bible teaches this so do not avoid this with excuses.

Do you trust that it is impossible to fall away from the faith when the Bible says it is possible?

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. – Hebrews 6:4-6 (NKJV)

ARMINIANISM
Do you believe you can lose your salvation? Have you never read this in the Bible?…

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. – Ephesians 1:3-6 (NKJV)

We are “predestined” by God. It is fixed and unchangeable. How many more such Bible verses do you need to see to prove this to you? Stop ducking the issue. Deal with it. The Bible teaches this so do not avoid this with excuses.

Do you trust that since it possible to fall way from the faith that God cannot keep you saved when the Bible says He can?

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
– Jude 24-25 (NKJV)

The fact of the matter is that the Bible says neither that you CAN nor that you CAN’T lose your salvation. The Bible uses other words to describe the conditional and unconditional aspects of salvation.
 

It is called a “dichotomy” when two matters, seeming contradictory as these, are both true at the same time. It is not that we are simultaneously capable of both “losing” and “not losing” salvation. It is that salvation has both its conditional and unconditional characteristics. Certainly, the expression “Once saved, always saved” does not speak on the whole matter. Since the Holy Bible does not literally use the terms saying that you “can lose” or “can’t lose” salvation, it is best not to use the terms since they lead to confusion and lobsiding the gospel.
 

A great majority of Christians, once told about this, are able to perceive this truth. However, those Christians who feel that they must be the “darlings” of their denomination will commonly only believe a hard-line stance from one camp or the other on this subject. They may, perhaps, be either Hyper-Calvinist or Hyper-Arminian. Polaric or extreme beliefs on such man-made doctrines does not constitute nor result in declaring the fullness of the Word of God. It is not a sin to be convicted on many (not saying all) Calvinist or Arminian doctrines since both are actually taught by the Holy Scriptures. However, denying what the word God speaks fully on these topics will result in error and may even lead to a false gospel.
 

The Calvinist–Arminian debate is not unresolvable. It is already resolved by the fullness of the Holy Scriptures. Molinism, an attempt to resolve the controversy is but merely and simply that. It does not recognize that someone’s salvation is already determined by God. The fact of the matter is that people cannot choose otherwise or resist God’s grace or condemnation established already in eternity. This is while it is also true, that in this lifetime, people have a free-will choice for either. God chooses us while we also choose Him.

The gospel of Jesus Christ was established long before John Calvin (1509-1564) and Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609). It even existed before the Roman Catholic Church denomination did, which came into existence in the late 4th century. Christ’s universal (or “catholic”) church, founded by Christ and the apostles which consists of all those who trust solely in Jesus Christ for the free gift of eternal life, did not teach these later invented doctrines. They were developed subsequently over time.
 

Do you say it cannot be both ways? The Scriptures that Calvinists and Arminians quote are ALL in the Holy Bible. The Bible speaks on both the Heavenly and Earthly perspectives regarding salvation. The eternal and temporal perspectives are discussed regarding the free gift of eternal life which is received by trusting faith in Jesus Christ.

A prerequisite to salvation is neither believing that you can or can’t lose your salvation. Salvation is based upon whether you have placed your trusting faith solely through Jesus. It is this simple…

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved,” – Acts 16:31b (NKJV)

Salvation is by trusting faith in God solely through His Son Jesus Christ. It is not as though someone else can save you such as yourself through your works (such as baptism or acts of charity), or someone else through their works, nor through Church saints, nor through any church denomination (whether or not they call themselves one) nor yet by paying money to a church denomination. If salvation was also through another then someone else would be your Savior and Jesus a mere Co-Savior. What blasphemy!

Keeping the commandments of God is the result of saving faith in Jesus Christ.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV)

Is it possible to reject the salvation you originally accepted?

From an heavenly eternal persective, salvation is unchangable. It has been set already who is going to forever enjoy the bliss of Heaven or to eternally be tormented in the Lake of Fire. However, from an earthly temporal perspective, we have a choice in this lifetime whether or not we are going to continue in the faith in Jesus Christ to be saved.

Holy Scripture has made clear that a “tasting” or “testing” faith does not guarantee salvation.

Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. – Isaiah 59:1-2 (NIV)

We are saved by a true faith in Jesus Christ, which is an abiding one. Therefore…

 
If your faith in Jesus Christ is an abiding one, then it is not one you will reject later otherwise it would not be an abiding faith. “Eternal Security” has both its conditional and unconditional aspects. Once you receive Jesus as your Savior by trusting faith, it does not show you as saved by continuing in sin nor does it show you as saved by attempting to earn or work for salvation.

Trusting faith in none other than God through His Son Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved. We are not saved by your denomination’s, nor any other denomination’s, theology. Trusting in man-made inventions about God’s word may deceive you. Rather, trust the testimony of God given through His own Holy Word, the Holy Bible.

CATHOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. – John 8:36
 

For the Roman Catholic Church to prove its claim, what must be demonstrated is…

1. St. Peter is the rock on which Christ’s church is built upon instead of Christ.
(Please note that only some early church writers claim this, but others deny.)

2. Based upon the above, that St. Peter had successors to his apostolic authority.
(Testimonies of succession merely to St. Peter’s bishopric are insufficient to prove this.)

3. Based upon the above, Roman Popes alone are successors to St. Peter.
(There are also other church denominations with claims of being Christ’s “Catholic” Church, and being successors to St. Peter, which are NOT in submission to the Vatican nor the Pope.)

What historical writings are there that prove all three of these points mentioned above?
This is altogether necessary to make the case for universal authority of the Church of Rome if this is to be established as true.
What is evident is that these claims for the Roman Catholic Church denomination came much later than apostolic times.

The first pope to claim universal authority over all the churches was Pope Siricius. This was when the east/west split also began to develop which was during the late 4th century. Therefore, it is evident that this is the date of the true beginnings of the Roman Catholic Church. Its claims of universal authority are later inventions after Christianity’s true beginning. The Roman Catholic Church is NOT the one true and only Christian Church.

Christ’s true universal (or catholic) church began 33 A.D. (or 29 A.D. really) which was not and is not the Roman church. Christ’s church are all those who place trusting faith in God solely through His Son Jesus Christ for the free gift of eternal life and the forgiveness of all sins. Christ’s universal church is not any one denomination like Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox, nor Protestant denominations, nor any other. In fact, Christ’s church is not all denominations either nor is it any combination of them. His Church are those who trust in Him alone (not a church, self, nor others) for salvation.

 

What we can see instead, though, is that the Roman Catholic Church teaches an entirely different gospel than Christ and the Apostles taught as demonstrated in the New Testament.

For example… The New Testament does not teach paying indulgences, nor about scapulars, nor prayers to St. Mary.

Galatians 1:6-9 (NKJV)
6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

There are many other matters where the Roman Catholic Church contradicts the teachings of Christ and the Apostles recorded in the Holy Scriptures. Be sure to visit our link to “Fascinating Reading of the Holy Bible for Roman Catholics” to find out more.

So, not only is the Roman Catholic Church NOT the one true and only Christian church. It does not even qualify as a Christian church at all due to its false teachings. It is a major false religion.

Are Roman Catholics showing you early church quotes to try to prove their faith to you?
Ask these questions…

• Did these quotes prove all three of the points mentioned above or are they lacking?

• Are the quotes earlier than the late 4th century?

• Were these were quoted accurately, not mistranslated?

• Do these quotes hold to the same meaning those citing them say about them within their own passage contexts?

• Did the authors of the quotes make other statements that go against how Roman Catholics choose to interpret them?

• Does what was quoted match with objective sources on the documentation?

• Were the writings actually from the date cited about them?

• Are the documents cited proven not to be forgeries?

Rome did have a powerful place in history but you will find that Papal Primacy is a later development, not what was taught earlier.

History has also held the question, “Who was St. Peter’s successor to his bishopric?” Was it Linus or Clement?
A wider view of history is required when examining such subjects.
 

If you have solid proof, contrary to what has been said here, we would like to know.
If you do not have such solid proof, why then maintain the myth?

Read proof from the Holy Bible that Peter the Apostle was never in Rome.
 

Related links…

The Church Fathers’ Interpretation of the Rock of Matthew 16:18
An Historical Refutation of the Claims of Roman Catholicism
Includes a Critique of Jesus, Peter and the Keys
By William Webster
 

Linus of Rome
Who was Linus? Did he know the Apostle Paul? Was he the first pope?
Was he the second bishop of Rome after the Apostle Peter? Was he even a bishop?
By Bob Thiel, Ph. D.

VISIT OUR PAGES OF
Fascinating Reading of the Holy Bible For Roman Catholics…

 

SEE OUR LINKS AT
Bible Challenge For Catholics Links Index…

 
Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.
– Acts 17:30-31 (NKJV)
 

How do you know what you believe is true? I didn’t. So, when I was about 15 years old I left the “dead as a doorknob” church which I used to attend and became an atheist. When I was 18 years old I was a passenger in a car while another car ran a red light, hit my side of the car, and flipped the car upside-down. I thought that I was certainly going to die. Amazed that I was still alive and unhurt I said to myself, “If there is a God out there, I had better find Him.” This began my searching years as an agnostic. I wasn’t, however, going to accept just any faith as true because it seemed nice or convenient. I wanted proven truth. Therefore, I came up with a question to test the many religious people who came to me during my college days. The question I asked was: “How do you know what you believe is true?” I thought this would be a good and fair test.
 

I spoke with people of various beliefs who approached me: Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, New Age Practitioners, Roman Catholics, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Born-Again Christians and a number of others of different religions. So, I would politely ask them, “How do you know what you believe is true?” I would hear them out and then thank them for telling me why they believed what they did. Still, none of whom could answer my question adequately about how they knew what they believed was true. So I would tell them and then they still couldn’t answer my question. I came to call this the “stumper question”.
 

No one could answer the question until finally one day there were these two tall Born-Again Christian guys sharing the gospel in my college’s student center. After they spoke, I asked them the stumper question, “So tell me guys, how do you know what you believe is true?” This time the answer was different. They looked at each other, then looked at me, smiled broadly then said, “Because Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.” Believing this to be a fiction, for already chosen reasons of mine, I decided to ask them, “O.K., prove that!” They said to me, “Don’t feel you have to believe it because it’s religious but don’t feel you have to deny it because it’s religious. Find out the facts for yourself. Did Jesus Christ rise from the dead or did he not?” I thought they asked a fair question but I was used to looking into people’s religions and clearing up potential misconceptions. This time it was Christianity that was under my investigation, after having already decimated the faiths of those I spoke to about other religious beliefs.
 

I searched for material that discussed the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I found a book titled “The Resurrection Factor” by Josh McDowell. At first, I only looked up what questions I had. Yet, I found that this book not only answered me well but answered a whole number of my other questions. I also found out that there were in excess of 500 witnesses that saw Jesus as risen from the dead and was testified by both Christian and even non-Christian ancient authors. Jesus had actually walked and interacted upon the earth after His resurrection for 40 days before He ascended to Heaven! It turns out to be a well-testified fact of history that Jesus Christ is bodily risen from the dead!
 

Did I then become a Christian at that time? No, I didn’t. Although it was that I wanted to become a Christian, since I had found the proof for Christianity. I was still unconverted because my belief in Jesus was not a personal trusting faith. It was only a mere intellectual ascent to facts. I did not know, as yet, what a real faith in Jesus was.
 

I had a Christian friend in college, who was older than me, named Steve. I used to think that this guy knew things about my past because he was a gossip but he seemed to know a bit more than I thought readily plausible. Eventually, I heard him say something which was deep in my heart which I never spoke out loud nor ever wrote down. Yet, Steve did not know that this was something deeply personal to me. Having seen a number of things that the devil had done in the past, I had rightly concluded that only God could have known this and had given this for Steve to speak to me. This freaked me out a bit, giving me matters to consider.
 

At the end of the second to last semester of college, Steve asked me, “So, Ted, how about Jesus?” He was asking me about committing my life to Jesus to which I honestly, but sadly replied, “It sounds like a great idea, Steve, but I don”t see how the Christian life can be lived.” During the summer, I lost many friends and experienced rejection due to my excessive lifestyle.
 

When I was 21 years old, I was home alone. I looked up and said, “I am going to drink my way out of this!” Knowing the futility of that, I said, “No, that’s not going to work.” In my brokenness, I bowed my head down in front of my desk and called out to Jesus, “Lord, I can’t do anything right.” I heard a voice speak to me. This surprised me but I was more surprised by what I heard the voice say. I believed that if God was actually going to speak to me I thought that He would have said like, “That’s O.K., you’ll get out of it.” That, however, was not what I heard. What I heard was, “That’s right. You can’t do anything right. You have to let Me do it for you.” It completely stunned me, but I was desperate, so I called out, “God don’t let me drink myself crazy!” I felt a change happen inside of me and knew that I would never want to get drunk like the way I used to ever again.
 

Immediately, I realized I needed to find a new church. So I phoned a girl named Patty who previously gave me a New Testament from which I read the four Gospels. I was certain she could name a good church because I knew she had experienced a radically changed life in Jesus. I asked her where her church was so that I could attend it the next Sunday. Then I read the next chapter of the Bible in the same slow but consecutive order I had, Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1. On Sunday, an hour before church, I had a little extra time so I read the next chapter of the Bible, Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2. Attending the church, I found out it was a Pentecostal church and it was Pentecost Sunday. I heard the speaking of tongues for the first time in my life. God was moving and I was not alone in my experience with the living God and His Son.
 

As you can see, my coming to faith in Jesus Christ is based on the historical evidence of the fact of His resurrection. When Jesus spoke to me, He actually changed my life. There was no other explanation that satisfactorily holds up to this. The evidence is there. Death is defeated! This gave me something to talk about. When I got back to college, I shared the gospel. Christians were surprised at my conversion. I still ask people the “stumper question” but now I know the answer to it. So, please let me ask you now, if I may. You may believe what you practice is the truth but how do you KNOW what you believe is true?
 

Consequently, that “dead as a doorknob” church later received a new minister who preached the gospel there. Long time church members, who were even 70 and 80 years old, received Jesus as their Savior for the first time ever in their lives. A mere acknowledgement of the facts is not sufficient for a transformed life in Christ. You must be born again in order to see the Kingdom of God. To be born again, you need to personally trust in God solely through the person and work of His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross for our sins to pay the full price for our salvation.
 

Reader, please know that true faith is built, not on feeling or fiction, but is built on fact. As the Holy Bible says in Acts 16:31, most simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” However, if you are still searching and would like to see a list of some non-Biblical historical sources on Jesus, please visit our webpage on MaverickChristians.com. Again, the book The Resurrection Factor by Josh McDowell is very useful. The Holy Bible itself, you will find, is very good at presenting its own evidence. Be exhorted to repent and, by trusting faith, receive God’s Son, the risen Lord Jesus Christ, as your own Lord and personal Savior. The forgiveness of all your sins and free gift of eternal life await you.

 
 
If you want to know more about how I re-examined the facts,
read about my consideration of What really happened when I called upon Jesus.

Jewish and Roman (Pagan) Sources on the historicity of Jesus
 

JEWISH SOURCES ON JESUS

Flavius Josephus, Antiquties of the Jews
written about 94 A.D.

He (Annas the Younger) convened a judicial session of the Sanhedrin and brought before it the brother of Jesus the so-called Christ — James by name — and some others, whom he charged with breaking the law and handed over to be stoned to death.
– Antiquities 20.200

Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He was the Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those who loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again at the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and 10,000 other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, is not extinct at this day.
– Antiquities 18.63-64 (Greek)

Epitome from Church History of Agapius (Arabic)

At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus. And his conduct was good and he was known to be virtuous. And many from among the Jews and other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. And those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Accordingly he was perhaps the Messiah concerning who the prophets have recounted wonders.

Babylonian Talmud

On the eve of Passover Yeshua was hanged. For forty days before the execution a herald went forth and cried, “He is going to be stoned because he has practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostasy. Anyone who can say anything in his favor, let him come forward and plead on his behalf.” But since nothing was brought forward in his favor he was hanged on the eve of Passover.
– Sanhedrin 43a

ROMAN (PAGAN) SOURCES ON JESUS

Gaius Suetonius, Lives of the Twelve Caesars
written about 100-125 A.D.

He expelled the Jews from Rome, on account of riots in which they were constantly indulging, at the instigation of Chrestus.
– Claudius 25.4

Punishment was inflicted on the Christians, a body of people addicted to a novel and mischievous superstition.
– Nero 16.2

Cornelius Tacitus, Annals
written in the 2nd century A.D.

But neither the aid of men, nor the emperor’s bounty, nor propitiatory offerings to the gods, could remove the grim suspicion that the fire had been started by Nero’s order. To put an end to this rumor, he shifted the charge on to others, and inflicted the most cruel tortures upon a group of people detested for their abominations, and popularly known as “Christians”. Their name came from one Christus, who was put to death in the principate of Tiberius by the Procurator Pontius Pilate. Though checked for a time, the destructive superstition broke out again, not in Judaea only, where its mischief began, but even in Rome, where every abominable and shameful iniquity, from all the world, pours in and finds a welcome.
– Annals 15.44

Mara bar Serapion, Letter to Son Serapion

What advantage did the Athenians gain from putting Socrates to death? Famine and plague came upon them as a judgment for their crime. What advantage did the men of Samos gain from burning Pythagoras? In a moment their land was covered with sand. What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise king? It was just after that their kingdom was abolished. God justly avenged these three wise men: the Jews, ruined and driven from their land, live in complete dispersion. But Socrates did not die for good; he lived on in the teaching of Plato. Pythagoras did not die for good; he lived on in the statue of Hera. Nor did the wise king die for good; he lived on in the teaching which he had given.

Pliny the Younger, Letters to Trajan

It is my rule, Sire, to refer to you in matters where I am uncertain. For who can better direct my hesitation or instruct my ignorance? I was never present at any trial of Christians; therefore I do not know what are the customary penalties or investigations, and what limits are observed. I have hesitated a great deal on the question whether there should be any distinction of ages; whether the weak should have the same treatment as the most robust; whether those who recant should be pardoned, or whether a man who has ever been a Christian should gain nothing by ceasing to be such; whether the name itself, even if innocent of crime, should be punished, or only the crimes attaching to that name.

Meanwhile, this is the course that I have adopted in the case of those brought before me as Christians. I ask them if they are Christians. If they admit it I repeat the question a second and a third time, threatening capital punishment; if they persist I sentence them to death …

All who denied that they were or had been Christians I considered should be discharged, because they called upon the gods at my dictation and did reverence, with incense and wine, to your image … and especially because they cursed Christ, a thing which, it is said, genuine Christians cannot be induced to do. Others named by the informer first said they were Christians and then denied it, declaring that they had been but were no longer, some having recanted three years or more before and one or two as long ago as twenty years. They all worshipped your image and the statues of the gods and cursed Christ. But they declared that the sum of their guilt or error had amounted only to this, that on an appointed day they had been accustomed to meet before daybreak, and to recite a hymn antiphonally to Christ, as to a god, and to bind themselves by an oath, not for the commission of any crime but to abstain from theft, robbery, adultery and breach of faith and not to deny a deposit when it was claimed. After the conclusion of this ceremony it was their custom to depart and meet again to take food: but it was ordinary and harmless food, and they had ceased this practice after my edict in which, in accordance with your orders, I had forbidden secret societies. I though it more necessary, therefore, to find out what truth there was in this by applying torture to two maidservants, who were called deaconesses. But I found nothing but a depraved and extravagant superstition, and I therefore postponed my examination and had recourse to you for consultation. – Letters 10.96
 

ibid., Trajan’s Reply

The method you have pursued, my dear Pliny, in sifting the cases of those denounced to you as Christians is extremely proper. It is not possible to lay down any general rule which can be applied as the fixed standard in all cases of this nature. No search should be made for these people; when they are denounced and found guilty they must be punished; with the restriction, however, that when the party denies himself to be a Christian, and shall give proof that he is not, that is by adoring our gods, he shall be pardoned on the ground of repentance, even though he may have formerly incurred suspicion. Information without the accuser’s name subscribed must not be admitted in evidence against anyone, as it is introducing a very dangerous precedent, and by no means agreeable to the spirit of the age. – Letters 10.97

Holy Trinity passages from the Old and New Testaments are presented here.
Page originally posted September 9, 2001. Latest update was May 25, 2018.

The apostasy of the so-called Apostolic Church exposed…

For they who affirm that the Son is the Father, are proved neither to have become acquainted with the Father,
nor to know that the Father of the universe has a Son; who also, being the first-begotten Word of God, is even God.
– from The First Apology of Justin Martyr, chapter LXIII.

The so-called Apostolic churches, also called “United Pentecostal” churches (not to be confused with other Pentecostal churches) together with their independent church break-offs form the cult known as “Jesus Only”. This “Jesus Only Movement”, which is in fact not of Jesus, has been making its move to infiltrate and lead astray and away the flocks of other churches with a false spirit renewal, legalistic teaching and a call to pseudo-holiness.

This is a religion which denies the Scriptural doctrine of the Holy Trinity by claiming that the three persons of the one true God are merely one person. In essence, these so-called Apostolics adhere to a false belief that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are Jesus. They profess a false formula about the “oneness” of God. God truly is one, however, He is eternally expressed in three persons, namely speaking, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The true essential doctrine of God’s triune nature is departed from in their beliefs, resulting in their worship of a false god.

I therefore, yet not I, but the love of Jesus Christ, “entreat you that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment.” For there are some vain talkers and deceivers, not Christians, but Christ-betrayers, bearing about the name of Christ in deceit, and “corrupting the word” of the Gospel; while they intermix the poison of their deceit with their persuasive talk, as if they mingled aconite with sweet wine, that so he who drinks, being deceived in his taste by the very great sweetness of the draught, may incautiously meet with his death. One of the ancients gives us this advice, “Let no man be called good who mixes good with evil.”

For they speak of Christ, not that they may preach Christ, but that they may reject Christ; and the speak of the law, not that they may establish the law, but that they may proclaim things contrary to it. For they alienate Christ from the Father and the law from Christ. They also calumniate his being born of the Virgin; they are ashamed of His cross, they deny His passion; and they do not believe His resurrection. They introduce God as a Being unknown; they suppose Christ to be unbegotten; and as to the Spirit, they do not admit that He exists. Some of them say that the Son is a mere man, and that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are but the same person, and that the creation is the work of God, not by Christ, but by some other strange power.

– Epistle of Ignatius to the Trallians, chapter VI.

It is nothing short of being a damnable doctrine which they believe. This apostate doctrine of a oneness of God, as if He were only but one person, was actually present during the days of the early church. It was denounced as false doctrine and those who professed it were exposed as deceivers, not just by one, but by two prominent early church writers: Ignatius (A.D. 30-107) and Justin Martyr (A.D. 110-165).

There are not then either three Fathers, or three Sons, or three Paracles, but one Father, and one Son, and one Paraclete. Wherefore also the Lord, when He sent forth the apostles to make disciples of all nations, commanded them to “baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,” not unto one [person] having three names, nor into three [persons] who became incarnate, but into three possessed of equal honor. For there is but One that became incarnate and that neither the father nor the Paraclete, but the Son only, [who became so] not in appearance or imagination, but in reality. For “the Word became flesh.”
– from the Epistle of Ignatius to the Philippians, chapters II & III.

You can see for yourself that although the word “Trinity” was not coined until a time later than these early writings, the doctrine of the Holy Trinity was nevertheless present in the early church. This was the belief of Christians in apostolic times as it is has been the doctrinal faith of Christians throughout the centuries and today.

True, the word “Trinity” is not present in the Bible but the doctrine is there, just as the doctrine of “Monotheism” is in the Scriptures without the actual word being present in the text.

The accusation made by these cultists, that the doctrine of the Holy Trinity is of pagan origin, lacks merit. Doctrines of divine incarnation, virgin birth, blood atonement, and resurrection of the dead also have been doctrines among pagans as well as that of a trinity. Nevertheless, United Pentecostals believe these other doctrines and will not assert that these teachings are of pagan origin.
 

 
The apostasy of the United Pentecostals is heightened by their insistence that water baptism is more than an act of obedience by declaring the act as a salvation requirement. Please see our article…

Water baptism is NOT a requirement for salvation
http://maverickchristians.com/water-baptism

We are baptized because we have received remission of sins, which is, forgiveness of our sins. God forgives us of our sins before we are water baptized. He does NOT withhold his forgiveness until we are baptized. The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7b). The United Pentecostals frequently perverse the meaning of this passage…

Acts 2:38 (KJV): Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Moreover, United Pentecostals will insist that, to be saved, water baptism must be done exclusively with the words “in the name of Jesus” only, to the exclusion of God the Father and Holy Spirit. A water baptism performed spoken with the words “in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” would be esteemed as invalid by them despite that this is commanded by our Lord in Scripture.

In the name, hence authority, of Jesus Christ, Peter commanded those who heard to be baptized. Peter was not saying for them to baptized with a spoken formula of “in the name of Jesus”. When we read about baptism in the name of Jesus from the book of Acts it is to be understood that the Holy Spirit, not water, is the element of immersion. The only instances this is not the case is when the words “in the name of Jesus” are used to present authority for a command. These words were never used for a verbal baptism formula.

In furtherance of their errors, United Pentecostals believe that when salvation is received one must demonstrate the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the speaking of other tongues. Mainstream Pentecostal churches which hold to evangelical doctrine do not teach such as they view Spirit baptism as potentially occurring subsequent to salvation.

For more information on Spirit baptism, as taught from the book of Acts and other Scriptures, we refer to our own article…

Holy Spirit Baptism into Christ and the Spirit-filled life
http://maverickchristians.com/holy-spirit-baptism

 
Christian doctrine is set forth by God’s word as covenant, the Holy Scriptures. Scripture expresses God as three persons, yet one God. The three persons are namely, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 6:4 (KJV): Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

The Hebrew word for “God” is “Elohim” (אֱלֹהִים) which is plural. This is indicated by its “-im” ending. It is not that God is a plurality of gods. It is that there is a plurality in the nature of the One True God. Hence, the understanding of the Holy Trinity is evident.

The Biblical Hebrew word for “one” in the above passage is “echad” (אֶחָד) which is translated to mean a corporate oneness. This word is not always to be understood as simply a numeric count, just as true in the English language. God is a plural number of persons yet one. The word one as “echad” is continually used in reference to the one true God throughout the Holy Scriptures.
 

A clear example of the meaning of the Hebrew word “echad” may be also found in the celebration of the Jewish Passover. The three-pocketed matza holder used during Passover is referred to as an “echad”. Consequently, it is the middle of the three matzas that is broken during the ceremony. The Holy Trinity of God and the brokenness of the Second Person of the Trinity are undoubtedly revealed in this ancient tradition. The “echad”, the one true God, is the Holy Trinity.

The United Pentecostals deny the true Biblical doctrine of the oneness of God that expresses His corporate unity. Jesus is one God with His Father. This is what Jesus meant when He said, “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30).

John 17:20-22 (KJV): Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

John 8:17-18 (KJV): It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

If God the Father and His Son Jesus are not two persons, neither can they be two witnesses. It is distinctly seen from the above words of God’s Son Jesus that He and the Father are two persons. Together with the Holy Spirit the three are one.

1 John 5:7 (KJV): For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

Genesis 1:26 (KJV): And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Who is the “us” here? God did not create the world with assistance. Neither does God have a pronoun problem. The “us” is the Godhead, the Holy Trinity, of whom the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all were responsible for creation. Someone does not refer to Himself as “us” unless other persons are there also, hence, first person plural. Here is another passage where you see the same speech from our Lord…

Genesis 11:6-7 (KJV): And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.

Isaiah 6:8 (KJV): Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Isaiah was not volunteering to go for anyone besides the Lord who is mentioned in first person plural.

Isaiah 6:3 (KJV): And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

Notice the repetition, it was not in vain. It was to glorify the Father, Son and Spirit.
 

 
The Holy Trinity is revealed in the Old Testament Scriptures even in other ways as well…

Exodus 3:15 (KJV): And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

God of Abraham = revelation of God, the Father
God of Isaac = revelation of God, the Son
God of Jacob = revelation of God, the Holy Spirit
The three are one God.

The same is seen in Exodus 3:16, Exodus 4:5, Matthew 22:32, Mark 12:26, Luke 20:37 and other places in Holy Scripture.

 
Now let us observe the Holy Trinity revealed in the New Testament…

Matthew 3:16-17 (KJV): And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Jesus = God, the Son
saw
Spirit of God = God, the Spirit
and heard
a voice saying “my” = God, the Father
All Deity, three persons, not one person.
 

Let us not forget this passage…

Matthew 28:18-19 (KJV): And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

It does not say here that the “name” is Jesus.

If you are to understand a “name” here it will be that of the LORD.

However, what the word “name” here is communicating, by the context of the words of God’s Son Jesus, is the power of “authority”. We are to baptize the people of the nations and to teach them in the power or authority of the entire triune Godhead. God the Father gave the authority to His Son. Therefore, we baptize in the authority given to the Son as He tells us to do so. It cannot be correctly concluded from these verses that Jesus is His own Father nor that He is the entirety of the Godhead.
 

Luke 1:35 (KJV): And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Highest = God, the Father
Son of God = God, the Son (Jesus)
Holy Ghost = God, the Holy Spirit
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

John 3:34 (KJV): For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

God = God, the Father
he, him = God, the Son
Spirit = God, the Holy Spirit
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

John 14:26 (KJV): But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Father = God, the Father
my, I = God, the Son
Comforter, Holy Ghost = God, the Holy Spirit
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

The Comforter was sent in the name, meaning sent in the authority, of Jesus. Jesus was not saying that this Comforter was Him, as Jesus Himself said…

John 14:16-17a (KJV): And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth;

Father, he = God, the Father
I = God, the Son
another Comforter, he, Spirit of truth = God, the Holy Spirit
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

Acts 2:32-33 (KJV): This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

God, Father = God, the Father
Jesus, he = God, the Son
Holy Ghost = God, the Holy Spirit
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

Romans 8:11 (KJV): But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

him, he, his = God, the Father
Jesus, Christ = God, the Son
Spirit = God, the Holy Spirit
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

1 Corinthians 12:3 (KJV): Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

God = God, the Father
Jesus, Lord = God, the Son
Holy Ghost = God, the Holy Spirit
“Lord” here shows that Jesus is master and that he is God, but not that he is Godhead.
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (KJV): Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

God = God, the Father
Lord = God, the Son
Spirit = God, the Holy Spirit
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

2 Corinthians 13:14 (KJV): The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

God = God, the Father
Lord Jesus Christ = God, the Son
Holy Ghost = God, the Holy Spirit
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

Galatians 4:6 (KJV): And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

God = God, the Father
Son = God, the Son
Spirit = God, the Holy Spirit
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

Ephesians 4:5 below is a favorite quote among U.P.s which says “One Lord, one faith, one baptism”. United Pentecostals take these words completely out of context and meaning when saying that the “One Lord” is the Godhead. Let us read it in its proper context…

Ephesians 4:4-6 (KJV): There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

One God and Father = God, the Father
One Lord = God, the Son
one Spirit = God, the Holy Spirit
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

1 Peter 1:2 (KJV): Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

God the Father = God, the Father
Jesus Christ = God, the Son
Spirit = God, the Holy Spirit
One God, yet Three Divine Persons

Revelation 4:8 (KJV): And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

 
The following Bible passages demonstrate that Jesus is God and that He is One with the Father as God. These verses do not teach the absurdity taught by apostates that Jesus Christ is His own Father as the same person. One person can be both a father and a son but never is anyone his own father.

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV): For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Jesus Christ is the “everlasting Father” which means that He is the “father of eternity” or “source of eternity”. No matter whoever or whatever else you may say Jesus Christ is the father of, you couldn’t say, in any reasonable rationale, that He is the father of Himself. Though Jesus is God incarnate, He did not beget Himself. Jesus is the only-begotten of God the Father.

1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV): And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Nowhere does the Bible teach that God the Father was manifest in the flesh. The Bible does teach that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (1 John 4:2,3 & 2 John 1:7). Jesus Christ Himself is Deity together with His Father and the Holy Spirit. The three are one. Again to say, although in Jesus dwells the fullness of the Godhead, He Himself is not the Godhead.

Colossians 2:9 (KJV): For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Has God been seen or hasn’t He?…

John 1:18 (KJV): No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

If Jesus were the entire Godhead and that the Father is the Son, as these cultists claim, then God has been seen and a contradiction is evident in UPC theology. However, the fact is that no one has seen the Divine Person of God the Father but the Divine Person of God the Son has been seen. We understand, therefore, that John 1:18 is referring to only God the Father and not the entirety of the Godhead.
Jesus is not a part of God. Nor is He another god. The Father is fully God, the Son is fully God, the Holy Spirit is fully God. Together they are one God, not three gods.

Isaiah 43:10-11 (KJV): Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

Titus 1:3-4 (KJV): But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

God the Father is mentioned as Savior. Jesus Christ, who is God the Son, is mentioned as Savior. There are not two saviors. The two divine persons mentioned are together as One God and being together divinely as One Savior.

1 John 2:23 (KJV): Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
Since Jesus Christ is Deity, then to deny Him would be to deny His Father also as they two together are One God.

Learn to be discerning and see through the disguises of the counterfeits.

It is not the general practice for these so-called Apostolics to make as if all churches, excluding their own, are apostate. Howbeit, this is the obvious conclusion to draw from what they have clung to as doctrine. Slowly, they do come around to eventually mention it when they believe others are ready. Other cults present true Christian churches as if false ones more readily.

The tactic of a United Pentecostal’s pretentious acceptance of other Christians has been an effective method of recruitment for them. A number of Christians have been deceived to think that they are but another Christian denomination, which they are not.

Pentecostal churches of evangelical faith, which profess the Holy Trinity, have all denounced these peculiar doctrines of the United Pentecostal church as false. The denomination of the United Pentecostal church is declared to be a cult. Sadly, this denouncement by Pentecostal denominations has not stopped the Jesus-onlyists from creeping into Pentecostal churches to spread their doctrine, gain for themselves position of authority as elders or deacons, then finally recruit others to leave and go to the cult U.P. church. This problem has spread to churches besides Pentecostal ones also.
 

United Pentecostal young adults, in order to expand their pool of choices for dates beyond their isolated church group, may look for undiscerning young people of the opposite sex from a non U.P. church. A frequent choice of theirs is to seek members of evangelical Pentecostal churches. Although this activity is not openly condoned by U.P. churches, it does not prevent them from being willing to having more young people brought to their own churches and swayed to their own religion. Beware of young U.P.s conducting their flirty fishing.

The many reports of wives abused by their UPC husbands appears to be only the tip of the iceberg, revealing a widespread practice. UPC’s cultic religious pride and exaggerated sense of authority, which has resulted in abuse within many families, is not uncommon as other fanatical cults also have secretly harbored the same. Cults generally do not consider themselves obligated to discuss such matters outside their own religious institutions.
 

If you are Trinitarian you might ask, “How do I stop these people from spreading their apostasy in my church? You do this by showing their doctrine as false, revealing true Biblical teaching from the Bible, and exposing United Pentecostalism as a cult just like any other which denies essential doctrines of Christendom.

Remember that many of these people do not realize that they are in a cult. If they have been with a U.P. church for any length of time they will, however, realize the isolation the have been led into. For some reason, they frequently believe that their doctrinal difference between them and others makes them God’s special people above all others in spite of God’s revealed word. Many analogies, based in human reasoning, have been forged by them in an attempt to sustain their mutual belief in an unbiblical and absurd formula of the nature of God.

 
Giveaways that someone may be a Jesus-onlyist may be from their speech. If they say statements such as…

“I don’t believe in a Trinity, per se.”

Ask them what “per se” means. Be pointed with questions about the nature of God as Trinity. If they don’t really believe in the Trinity, then realize that they are not really true Christians, per se, either.

“There is a need for a greater emphasis on baptism in the church.”

Sounds good, but ask them why they believe this. Do they believe that water baptism is a salvation requirement and that it must be done in the name of “Jesus” only and not spoken also in the name of the Father and Holy Spirit? If so, you just found a wolf among the sheep.

“Well, my church believes in holiness. I don’t see this taught in other churches.”

Ask them what they believe holiness is. If they speak of a bunch of legalistic rules rather than a faith conformance to a real Christ-like lifestyle, then you’ve discovered a counterfeit.

Watch out also for other speech implying as if saved people must speak in tongues. As the Apostle Paul asks in Scripture to expect a “no” for an answer… “Do all speak with tongues?” (1 Corinthians 12:30). Also, cautiously look out for those worried about believers’ salvation if they have not yet been water baptized. These cultists believe that God damns the unbaptized.

Beware! For the bolder of the Apostolics are not ashamed to publicly denounce every other church group besides their own as corporately “The False Church”. The less bold declare this privately as they don’t want to offend people by their unholy religious exclusiveness.

Jude 4b (KJV): For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation,

Often these cultists will not openly declare their doctrines which they know Trinitarians don’t believe. They do this in order to gain acceptance long enough in order to sneak in to gain recruits for their cult.

Some of these cultists may acclaim that they do believe in the Trinity. But the trinity they believe in is not God in Three Persons but as one in three modes or manifestations. If asked about the word “persons” they might say they merely don’t like using the word about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit when in reality they don’t believe God is in Three Persons at all. They may use well practiced speech such as this to deceive even those careful about doctrine.

Even when an educated Trinitarian asks pointed questions about doctrine they might use carefully formed phrased answers in order to feign being like-minded in faith with others. If you ask them if they believe in God in Three Persons, they might answer, “We believe that God is Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”, which, although is a true statement of itself, really doesn’t answer the question but sidesteps it. Do they believe the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are God in Three Persons or are one person? By their lack of acclaiming the Lord, they deny him.

2 John 7 (KJV): For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

 

Salvation is a free gift received by all who place their complete and undivided trusting faith solely in God’s true and only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. As His Father was in heaven, Jesus came in person to the earth to pay the full penalty for our sins with His own precious blood so that we might believe in Him and receive the forgiveness of all of our sins. Neither tongue-speaking nor water baptism under any formula are salvation requirements.
 

If you have been guilty of denying the true nature of God, then repent by placing your faith in Him as the Triune God. This is how He has revealed Himself in the Scriptures, in nature and through the ages. Renounce Him no more and stop clinging to the false and peculiar doctrine of this one United Pentecostal church which exalts itself over all other churches by teaching their own formula of God, twisting the message of who He truly is.

 
In conclusion, let no man accuse any of us for not being in the love of God to profess which has been said in this article. For it is the love of God which constrains us to speak the truth about who He is in love. It is those who distort who God has revealed Himself as that deny the love of God. If we are esteemed by you to be in error for what has been said here, then you need to ask yourself what it is that you esteem as the truth.

Be encouraged to hold in value God’s true Holy nature. Declare God’s disapproval of those who lie about Him, His Holy Spirit and His Son Jesus. God’s only-begotten Son Jesus Christ is the truth. Love God supreme!

Below are some helpful links concerning the spiritual abuse of UPC. You will find testimonials of Oneness Pentecostals and Ex-UPCs. Please note that some of these links to sites that expose the difficulties of UPC may or may not represent Christian Evangelicalism and perhaps might not even be of Christian faith at all. We present these links to demonstrate the existing and prevalent widespread abuses caused by United Pentecostalism. The links below are provided here for informative purposes, not necessarily as an endorsement…

VISIT THESE LINKS!

SpiritualAbuse.org

 
This site deals with the issue of spiritual abuse in Bible-based churches, with a secondary focus on the United Pentecostal Church (UPC).

Sexual Abuse Cases In United Pentecostal Churches
by Sterling Hammett & Lois E. Gibson
from SpiritualAbuse.org
 

whyileft.org ARCHIVED
Thoughts from the mind of Josh Spiers; formerly apostolic Pentecostal, always Christian

UPCI’s Sixty Questions On The Godhead refuted!
from The Interactive Bible

The Gospel According to Oneness Pentecostalism
by Mike Barden
from Gospel Outreach Ministries Online
(See also their additional articles exposing the United Pentecostal Church.)

Oneness Versus Trinity
from SpiritualAbuse.org

Oneness Pentecostalism and the Trinity
by Robert M. Bowman, Jr.
from Believer’s Web

Sabellianism: Third and Twentieth Century Heresy
by Rick Branch
from Believer’s Web

Yes, smile! Things are worse than they look!

Whether being near or from further off, life can become really difficult. However, there is some very good news! Not only could things be worse than they look. Things actually are worse than they look!

What does this mean? It means that the worse things become, the brighter they will shine as our Lord Jesus Christ will return quickly! Jesus will take those who believe in Him up to meet with Him in the air. Matters may be harsh certain places that are local yet Jesus is returning very soon!   So, SMILE since this is good news for or to people from anywhere in the world.
 

( ͡°͜ʖ ͡°) Luke 21:25-28 (NLT)
“And there will be strange events in the skies – signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And down here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. The courage of many people will falter because of the fearful fate they see coming upon the earth, because the stability of the very heavens will be broken up. Then everyone will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand straight and look up, for your salvation is near!”

( ͡°͜ʖ ͡°) 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:11 (NLT)
And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died.

I can tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not rise to meet him ahead of those who are in their graves. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever. So comfort and encourage each other with these words.

I really don’t need to write to you about how and when all this will happen, for you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “All is well; everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall upon them as suddenly as a woman’s birth pains begin when her child is about to be born. And there will be no escape.

But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be sober.

Night is the time for sleep and the time when people get drunk. But let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God decided to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. He died for us so that we can live with him forever, whether we are dead or alive at the time of his return. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

( ͡°͜ʖ ͡°) 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, we always thank God for you, as is right, for we are thankful that your faith is flourishing and you are all growing in love for each other. We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.

But God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering, and in his justice he will punish those who persecute you. And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven.

He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power when he comes to receive glory and praise from his holy people. And you will be among those praising him on that day, for you believed what we testified about him.

And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you. And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds. Then everyone will give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.

( ͡°͜ʖ ͡°) Hebrews 10:32-39 (NLT)
Don’t ever forget those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail. When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity.

Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

“For in just a little while,
the Coming One will come and not delay.
And a righteous person will live by faith.
But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”

But we are not like those who turn their backs on God and seal their fate. We have faith that assures our salvation.

( ͡°͜ʖ ͡°) 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (NLT)
All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Chrst.

So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God’s comfort.

I think you ought to know, dear friends, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead.

And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us. He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us. As a result, many will give thanks to God because so many people’s prayers for our safety have been answered.

( ͡°͜ʖ ͡°) 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (NLT)
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!

( ͡°͜ʖ ͡°) Never, Never, Give Up Hope
by Lita Kurtzer

Never, Never give up Hope, our GOD is tried and true
The Victory, HE’S given others, HE will give to you
HE delights to hear our voices, Praising HIM in prayer
And when two or more are gathered,
in our midst HE’s there

Never, never, give up Hope trust GOD, and cling to HIM
HE’S at work behind the scenes,
Cheer up, and don’t be grim
HE is laying out the ground work, for HIS perfect plan
When things just seem impossible,
GOD says “I can, I can, I can”

Never, never give up Hope, trust GOD to do what’s best
And you will know HIS Perfect Peace,
as in HIS arms you rest
HE came to give us “Life Abundant”, to live day by day
Trusting all to GOD, who is “The Life, the Truth, the Way:

Never, never give up Hope, there’s Victory round the bend
This beloved know for sure, on GOD, we can depend
We are the object of HIS Love, the “Apple of HIS Eye”
When the battle rages fiercest …… on GOD we can rely

Never, never, give up Hope, for GOD is on our side
When our body is tired and weak,
HIS arms are opened wide
To draw us very close to HIM, to clothe us with HIS Grace
Reminding us, one blessed day,
We’ll see HIM “Face to Face”

( ͡°͜ʖ ͡°) I Refuse To Be Discouraged
by Lita Kurtzer

I Refuse to be discouraged, to be sad or to cry
I Refuse to be down-hearted and here’s the reason why
I have a GOD who’s Mighty, who’s Sovereign and Supreme
I have a GOD who loves me, and I am on HIS team

HE is all Wise and Powerful, JEHOVAH IS HIS name
Though everything is changeable, my GOD remains the same
My GOD knows all that’s happening, beginning to the end
HIS Presence is my comfort, HE is my “DEAREST FRIEND”

When sickness comes to weaken me,
to bring my head down low
I call upon my Mighty GOD, into HIS arms I go
When circumstances threaten, to rob me of my peace
HE draws me close unto HIS breast, where all my strivings cease

When my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control
HE gathers me into HIS arms, HE soothes my heart and soul
The great “I AM” is with me, my life is in HIS hand
The “GOD OF JACOB” is my Hope, it’s in HIS strength I stand

I Refuse to be defeated, my eyes are on my GOD
HE has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod
I’m looking past all circumstance, to Heaven’s throne above
My prayers have reached the heart of GOD,
I’m resting in HIS love
I give GOD thanks in everything, my eyes are on HIS face
The Battle’s HIS, the Victory mine, HE’LL help me win life’s race.

( ͡°͜ʖ ͡°) Heaven Is My Home
by Lita Kurtzer

If life on earth, was filled with joy, and all life’s pleasures mine
If all I touched, prospered and grew, and everything was fine
I wouldn’t long for Heaven, I’d be content right here
I’d have no need to call on GOD, and have HIM draw me near

If everything I longed for, were mine to keep and hold
If death and sorrow never came, and I had wealth untold
I wouldn’t long for Heaven, to see my Savior’s face
I wouldn’t know GOD’S Faithfulness, or HIS “Amazing Grace:

If this world were a paradise, and all were pure and clean
If there was no pollution, to cloud and fill the scene
I wouldn’t long for Heaven, to breathe “New Air Divine”
To walk the streets of purest gold, if life down here were fine

This earth is slowly dying, it’s sin cursed through and through
Dear friend please turn to JESUS CHRIST, in HIM, be “Born Anew”
I’m glad that I have problems, that draw me close to GOD
My LORD alone can solve them, for me they’re much too hard

I glory in my weaknesses, it’s then, GOD’S Power is strong
I’m thankful that HE’S my defense, though I might suffer long
I’m thankful that this life on earth, contains much woe and pain
Or else I’d get attached to it, and might want to remain

I long to see my Savior’s face, to hold my lover ones near
I long to have GOD’S nail pierced hand, dry my every tear
This life down here’s preparing me, for Heaven’s courts above
Where I will reign with JESUS CHRIST, and know first hand HIS Love.

( ͡°͜ʖ ͡°) Home In Glory
by Lita Kurtzer

As your loved one entered Heaven,
JESUS took him by the hand
“Well done, MY faithful servant, welcome into Glory Land,
Your mansion has been waiting, and now at last you’re home,
Come walk the streets of gold with ME,
Come worship at MY throne”

I am home in Heaven’s glory, far above the blue
Where all is joy and gladness and pleasures ever new
Though I’m not walking with you, to smile and hold your hand
And your sweet touch, I do not feel, in CHRIST, my darling stand

Though there be times of loneliness, when you feel sad and blue
Remember that one “precious day”, I shall be seeing you
CHRIST is your strength, HE is your hope, HE is your peace and rest
And knowing that HE holds your hand, be comforted and blest

For surely you are not alone, the LORD is at your side
In CHRIST our Savior, you’re complete, in HIM my love abide
There are so many things to do, that need your special touch
Our family, and our friends my sweet, love you very much

I am content and happy, beyond what words can say
I’m with my “Precious JESUS”, so darling don’t dismay
GOD has work prepared for you, that no one else can do
And when each task has been completed, HE will call you too

No longer will you miss me, or ever feel alone
For we will be united, and you’ll be “safely home”
 

Poems copyright © 1991-1992 Lita Kurtzer.
All rights reserved. Published by permission.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

 
So don’t look so glum. Smile! (͡• ͜໒ ͡• )

Things are worse than they look.

Even worse than …

Read about the “Forthcoming PreTribulation Rapture” to find out more!

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Fascinating Reading of the Holy Bible For Roman Catholics…

 
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. – Exodus 20:4-6 (KJV)
 

According to the commandment of God, we are not only told not to make any graven image, we are not to make any likeness either, of anything that exists anywhere. We are told this because we are not to use such for our worship of God. We also are not to set this up for worship of anything or anyone else. Twenty-first century technology and love of its use has facilitated a new form of worship by reviving an old one, namely, icon worship. These people who are modern advocates for use of icons in worship, referred to as iconadules, are present now in Protestant, Evangelical, Charismatic, Pentecostal, non-denominational and in other churches. Display of icons by means of Powerpoint slides and video during church worship services is growing more and more popular.  The intent is said to be to enhance and add to the worship experience. However, icons do not add to worship of the Lord. It is a sensual form of worship and not one that brings us closer to God. Israel, during its times of loyalty to God, destroyed such images knowing that it is worthless worship. Those who were icon busters in New Testament times came to be known as the iconoclasts.
 

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. – John 4:24 (KJV)

 

Worshiping before fleshly pictures of Christ is the same sin as worshiping before statues whether of Jesus or other things or people.
 

In addition, pictures of nature may result in a false worship of nature.  This problem was symptomatic of the Israel and Judah in ancient days during times of its apostasy.
 

Ezekiel 8:7-18 (KJV): 7 And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall.
8 Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door.
9 And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here. 10 So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about.
 
Above we see Israel worship before images of creatures in nature and animals.
 

11 And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up. 12 Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the Lord seeth us not; the Lord hath forsaken the earth.

 
Yes, the Lord sees and is disturbed by what people do from the imagination of their heart to worship before images.
 

13 He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do. 14 Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord’s house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz.

 
We also see here imitation of pagan practices of worship.  This was done in the temple.  God’s people worshiping other gods made Him angry but mixing worship of other gods with the worship of Him made him furious, calling it an abomination.
 

15 Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these. 16 And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord’s house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they worshiped the sun toward the east.

This is worship of and before the sun. If Christians worship before mere pictures of the sun instead, does it make it right?
 

17 Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. 18 Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.

 
While we do not see spiritual problems about use of multimedia in a church service during announcements or sermon, it has no place for use in worship. Some Christians who advocate use of icons in worship may say that they do not worship the images nor what they represent if they are not God or Christ. However, this type of thinking did not justify the children of Israel.
 

Romans 11:3-5 (KJV): Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

 
Apparently a majority of followers of the Lord participated in worship services of Baal and bowed their knee, not because they desired to worship Baal, but only to suffice the king’s command. However, 7000 remained loyal to God and would not do such motions to imitate this. These 7000 were those who God reserved for Himself.  God did not count those who followed the crowd to bow their knee to Baal despite what necessity or motivation they had or did not have.
 

Exodus 32:1-4 (KJV): And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

 
Aaron thus claimed that these images he built were the God (Hebrew: Elohim) that brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Did God accept participating in this form of worship? No. All those who participated were held guilty of idolotry.  It does not matter whether images are two-dimensional or three-dimensional. It is still idolatry. Likewise, we also cannot know Christ by fleshly pictures.
 

2 Corinthians 5:16 (KJV): Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

 
When did such inventions worship enter into the mind of God for His people to do this?

The command of God says not to make any graven image nor any likeness.  Therefore, we know that the use of icons in worship is sin.  So, stay loyal to God and do not worship before iconic images of God, Christ, or anything else for any reason. Simply believing God sees your heart as pure is a deception when you willfully disobey Him. The presence of symbols are not idolatrous of themselves but could be. A cross is a symbol and a reminder, not a fleshly image. However, if there is an idol of Christ on such a cross, that would be idolatrous. The golden calves were made to be symbols of God but this God rejected.

Do not be mislead into a false worship.  If you have been guilty of setting a stumbling block for others by using iconic pictures in worship of the Lord in your church, or been guilty of participating in such worship, then repent.  Set the example of faith loyalty to the Lord.  Make the stand. Resist icon worship. If the church you attend uses icons during worship, tell them the sin of this. If they will not change, leave that church and find one that is faithful to God.

Avoid counterfeits and learn why Watching a service is not attending a church.

1 Corinthians 1:17 (KJV): For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

If water baptism was a requirement for salvation Christ would have sent Paul the apostle to baptize. However, Paul was not sent to water baptize but to preach the gospel of which water baptism is not an essential element.

Romans 1:16-17 (KJV): For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Works, including that of water baptism, do not save. We are saved by grace through FAITH in Jesus Christ.

John 3:3-7 (KJV): Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The meaning of the words “born of water” is only understood within its own passage context.

Being “born of water” refers to natural birth, as Jesus mentioned being “born of the flesh”. Water baptism was not spoken of here and was not the topic of discussion. Jesus was answering Nicodemus’ question “can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?”.

 
Examine the context of words…

born of water  =  born of flesh is flesh  =  (first) time in mother’s womb

born of the Spirit  =  born of the Spirit is spirit  =  born again

Natural birth is obviously the first birth as the first time we were born was not when we were water baptized. The Spiritual rebirth is being born again.

 
To assert that water baptism is being born of water has theological difficulties. Christians do not experience three births: natural birth, water baptism and Spirit baptism. Christ said a man must be born again but He did not say we must be born again and again.

Also, as seen from passages of Scripture elsewhere, Spirit and water baptisms are neither synonymous nor simultaneous.

1 Peter 3:21 (KJV): The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Belief in the completed work of Jesus Christ produces a clean conscience and saves (see Hebrews 9:8-14). Therefore, it is the faith in regard to baptism, not the water, that saves us.

Acts 22:16 (KJV): And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Three things are commanded here: 1. arise, 2. be baptized, 3. wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Sins are washed away calling on the name of the Lord and not by water baptism.

Acts 2:38 (KJV): Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We repent “for the remission of sins” to receive the forgiveness of sins. The blood of Jesus was shed for the forgiveness of sins to pay the price for our forgiveness.

We are baptized because we have received remission, which is, the forgiveness of our sins. We do not need to be baptized TO BE forgiven of  sins. We show our faith in Jesus by being water baptized. God forgives us when we repent of our sins before we are water baptized. God  does NOT withhold his forgiveness until we are baptized.

In the Scriptures, there are many works that are not requirements for salvation which have been mentioned together with the preaching of  the gospel. Water baptism is one of many of such works.

1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV): For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Acts 8:14-16 (KJV): Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Romans 6:3-4 (KJV): Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Galatians 3:27 (KJV): For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

All of these passages refer to SPIRIT baptism, not water baptism.

Mark 16:16 (KJV): He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

We are not damned for not being water baptized. Unbelievers are damned. Those who are saved are water baptized consequential to their belief in Jesus Christ.

Acts 10:47-48 (KJV): Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

In this passage is seen that the Holy Spirit is given to believers BEFORE water baptism. Hence, water baptism is a resulting act of obedience from faith. It cannot be a salvation requirement.

Conclusion,

Put your complete trusting faith in Jesus Christ to save you from your sins. After you believe in Him with all your heart, be water baptized as a testimony that you do put your complete trust in Him.

Learn about Denominationalism erroneously expressed through water baptism

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  God’s Most Holy Word will delightfully surprise you!

  Find out what you may not have been told!

  Open your Bibles and search the Scriptures!

 

so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written,
– 1 Corinthians 4:6b NAB

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God.
– 1 Corinthians 2:12 NAB

He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive.
– John 7:39a NAB

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
– 2 Timothy 2:15

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
– 2 Timothy 3:16-17

…they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
– Acts 17:11b

Fascinating Reading of the Holy Bible for Roman Catholics is presented here to be just that. These pages are not intended to be a point-for-point refute to Roman Catholic catechism nor to dogma and canon, as such. Rather, the purpose here is to answer, from the Scriptures, frequent misconceptions about Christian doctrine commonly held by many Roman Catholic people. It is our desire that the readers of these homepages will receive the free gift of eternal life and the forgiveness of all sins which comes solely by faith in none other than God’s Son Jesus Christ.

JUSTIFIED BY FAITH IN CHRIST

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
– ROMANS 5:1

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
– ROMANS 3:25-26

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
– GALATIANS 2:16

THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE IS GIVEN FREELY BY GOD AND CANNOT BE BOUGHT FROM GOD BY PEOPLE

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
– ROMANS 6:23

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
– ROMANS 11:6

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
– ROMANS 4:4-5

RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
– PHILIPPIANS 3:9

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
– ROMANS 3:21-24

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
– 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
– MARK 10:18

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
– ISAIAH 64:6

THERE IS NO PURGATORY, JESUS PURGED OUR SINS ALREADY

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
– HEBREWS 1:1-3

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
– HEBREWS 9:14

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
– 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
– TITUS 3:5-6

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
– 1 JOHN 1:7

MONEY CANNOT PAY FOR A WAY TO HEAVEN, GOD IS NOT BRIBED

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
– 1 PETER 1:18-19

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
– MATTHEW 19:23-24

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
– ACTS 8:20

They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.
– PSALMS 49:6-9

WATER BAPTISM IS NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR SALVATION OTHERWISE PAUL WOULD HAVE BEEN SENT TO BAPTIZE

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
– ROMANS 1:16-17

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
– 1 CORINTHIANS 1:17

WATER BAPTISM DOES NOT CLEANSE US FROM ORIGINAL SIN

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
– 1 JOHN 1:7

WATER BAPTISM IS A BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE WHICH INFANTS ARE NOT OF AGE TO DO

When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
– ACTS 13:24

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
– ACTS 2:41

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
– ACTS 19:4

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
– ACTS 8:36-37

WATER BAPTISM IS TO BE DONE BY FULL IMMERSION

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
– ACTS 8:38-39

EVERY PERSON (OTHER THAN JESUS CHRIST) HAS SINNED

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
– ROMANS 3:10

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
– ROMANS 3:23

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
– ROMANS 5:12

ALTHOUGH JESUS WAS NOT A SINNER, HE WAS FULLY IMMERSED IN WATER BAPTISM TO ASSOCIATE HIMSELF WITH US IN OUR SINFUL NATURE

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
– 1 JOHN 3:5

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
– MATTHEW 3:16

And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
– MARK 15:28

MARY BRINGS A SIN OFFERING TO GOD, THEREFORE, HER OWN CONCEPTION IS NOT IMMACULATE

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
– LUKE 2:22-24

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
– LEVITICUS 12:2

And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female. And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.
– LEVITICUS 12:6-8

MARY IS NOT A CO-REDEMPTRIX

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
– 1 PETER 3:18

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
– HEBREWS 9:22

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
– 1 PETER 1:18-19

JESUS IS NOT THE ONLY SON OF MARY, THEREFORE, MARY WAS NOT A VIRGIN HER ENTIRE LIFE

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
– MATTHEW 1:24-25

While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
– MATTHEW 12:46-50

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
– MARK 6:3

But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
– GALATIANS 1:19

I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children. For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
– PSALMS 69:8-9

MARY WAS NOT THE MOTHER OF GOD

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
– HEBREWS 7:1-3

Although Mary was the mother of Jesus Christ in His humanity, she was not the mother of His Deity.

MARY IS NOT THE MOTHER OF THE CHURCH

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
– GALATIANS 4:26

MARY WAS NOT THE ONLY WOMAN WHO WAS BLESSED AMONG WOMEN

Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent.
– JUDGES 5:24

MARY IS NOT THE MOTHER OF GRACE

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
– JOHN 1:17

MARY IS NOT THE ARK OF THE NEW COVENANT

But he spake of the temple of his body.
– JOHN 2:21

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
– HEBREWS 12:24

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
– MATTHEW 26:26-28

GOD’S WORD IS TO BE ADORED, NOT MARY

And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
– LUKE 11:27-28

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.  His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
– JOHN 2:1-5

GOD HATES WORSHIP OF THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN

Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger. Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces? Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.
– JEREMIAH 7:17-20

MARY IS NEVER MENTIONED AS EVER HAVING AN ASSUMPTION INTO HEAVEN

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
– 1 CORINTHIANS 15:21-23

PARTAKING OF HOLY COMMUNION IS NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR SALVATION

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
– ROMANS 14:17

But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
– 1 CORINTHIANS 8:8

HOLY COMMUNION IS A REMEMBRANCE OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST BUT IS NOT THE ACTUAL BODY AND BLOOD

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
– JOHN 6:35

Compare with…

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
– JOHN 6:40

Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
– JOHN 6:54

Notice what Jesus comments after that…

When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
– JOHN 6:61-64

Also…

These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father.
– JOHN 16:25

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
– 1 CORINTHIANS 10:14-17

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
– MATTHEW 26:26-29

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
– 1 CORINTHIANS 11:28

COMMUNION IS NOT THE UNBLOODY ONGOING SACRIFICE AT CALVARY

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
– HEBREWS 9:12

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
– HEBREWS 9:22

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
– JOHN 19:30

CHRIST SACRIFICED HIMSELF ONCE FOR ALL, THEREFORE, HE DOES NOT SACRIFICE HIMSELF REPEATEDLY IN MASSES

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
– HEBREWS 10:10-14

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
– ROMANS 6:10

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
– 1 PETER 3:18

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
– HEBREWS 7:27

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
– HEBREWS 9:12

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
– HEBREWS 9:26-28

MEN, INCLUDING SAINTS, ARE NOT TO BE WORSHIPPED

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
– ACTS 10:25-26

GOD WILL NOT SHARE HIS GLORY WITH STATUES SO DON’T BOW DOWN TO THEM

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
– ISAIAH 42:8

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
– EXODUS 20:4-5

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
– 1 JOHN 5:21

WE CANNOT KNOW CHRIST BY FLESHLY IMAGES

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
– 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16

ONLY GOD IS TO BE CALLED FATHER

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
– MATTHEW 23:9

APOSTASY TO FORBID MARRIAGE AND MEATS

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
– 1 TIMOTHY 4:1-5

TRADITIONS OF MEN CREATE PROBLEMS FOR US WITH GOD

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
– COLOSSIANS 2:8

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
– 1 PETER 1:18

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
– MARK 7:13

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
– PROVERBS 30:5-6

COMMANDMENTS OF MEN ARE WORTHLESS WORSHIP

And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
– MATTHEW 15:6

But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
– MATTHEW 15:9

THE LORD’S PRAYER AND ALL PRAYER TO GOD IS MEANT TO BE MEANINGFUL NOT EMPTY REPETITION

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
– MATTHEW 6:7-13

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
– MATTHEW 23:14

OBSERVING SPECIAL HOLY DAYS IS NOT MANDATED FOR US IN CHRIST

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
– COLOSSIANS 2:16-17

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
– GALATIANS 4:9-11

ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE DEAD TO BE A SAINT

But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
– PSALMS 16:3

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
– EPHESIANS 1:1

THE CHRISTIAN’S HOME IS WITH THE SAINTS

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
– EPHESIANS 2:19

EVERY CHRISTIAN MAY READ TO UNDERSTAND THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
– JOHN 5:39

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
– ACTS 17:11-12

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
– ROMANS 15:4

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
– 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
– 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9-16

THE APOCRYPHA DOES NOT BELONG IN THE HOLY BIBLE

That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
– LUKE 11:50-51

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.
– LUKE 24:44-45

The Old Testament canon is closed with Chronicles as the last book in the Hebrew Bible wherein is written of the murder of Zechariah. The books of the Apocrypha were written afterwards in the Greek language before Messiah opened the Kingdom of God to the gentiles.

BISHOPS ARE ALLOWED TO MARRY

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
– 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-5

PETER THE APOSTLE HAD A WIFE

And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.
– MATTHEW 8:14

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
– 1 CORINTHIANS 9:5

[And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
– JOHN 1:42]

JESUS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF HIS CHURCH, NOT POPES, NOR PETER

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
– EPHESIANS 5:23

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
– EPHESIANS 4:15-16

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
– COLOSSIANS 1:18

JESUS IS THE ROCK ON WHICH GOD’S CHURCH IS BUILT, NOT PETER

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
– EPHESIANS 2:20

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
– MATTHEW 16:13-18

For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
– PSALMS 18:31

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
– 1 CORINTHIANS 3:11

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
– 1 PETER 2:4-8

And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
– 1 CORINTHIANS 10:4

KEYS OF THE KINGDOM SOLELY GIVEN TO PETER WITH NO MENTION OF SUCCESSORS

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
– MATTHEW 16:19

AUTHORITY TO BIND AND LOOSE GIVEN TO ALL BELIEVERS

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
– MATTHEW 18:18-20

PETER CALLED HIMSELF A SERVANT, AN APOSTLE, AND AN ELDER, BUT NOT A POPE

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
– 1 PETER 1:1

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
– 1 PETER 5:1

PETER WAS NOT ABOVE OTHER APOSTLES

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians:

I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
– 2 CORINTHIANS 12:11

PETER THE APOSTLE WAS NOT INFALLIBLE

Paul writes in Galatians:

But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
– GALATIANS 2:11

But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
– GALATIANS 2:14

And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
– JOHN 18:15-18

And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
– JOHN 18:25-27

From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. – MATTHEW 16:21-23

CHRIST IS THE ONLY MEDIATOR THROUGH WHOM WE CAN PRAY TO GOD

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
– 1 TIMOTHY 2:5

CHRIST FULFILLS PRIESTHOOD

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
– HEBREWS 4:14-16

CHRIST IS THE INTERCESSOR

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
– ROMANS 8:34

THE DEAD CANNOT INTERCEDE AND NO ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO CONTACT THEM

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
– HEBREWS 7:23-25

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
– ISAIAH 8:19-20

PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD AVAIL NOTHING

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
– HEBREWS 9:27

CHRIST IS THE ONLY ADVOCATE TO WHOM WE ARE TO CONFESS OUR SINS

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
– 1 JOHN 1:9-2:2

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
– PSALMS 32:5

CONFESS AND FORSAKE SIN

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
– PROVERBS 28:13

JESUS GIVES THE AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS TO ALL BELIEVERS

And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
– MATTHEW 9:1-8

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
– JOHN 20:22-23

So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
– 2 CORINTHINANS 2:7-10

If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
– 1 JOHN 5:16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
– JAMES 5:16

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
– COLOSSIANS 3:13

WE ARE FORGIVEN OF ALL OF OUR SINS THROUGH CHRIST

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
– PSALM 103:2-3

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
– 1 JOHN 1:7 – 2:2

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
– COLOSSIANS 2:13-14

WE BECOME A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
– 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17

MUST REPENT TO BE SAVED

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
– ACTS 3:19

ONLY GOD CAN SAVE, WHO SAVED US THROUGH HIS DIVINE SON JESUS CHRIST. NO OTHER NAME CAN SAVE

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
– ISAIAH 43:11

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
– LUKE 19:10

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
– JOHN 14:6

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
– ACTS 4:12

WE CAN BE SURE THAT WE ARE GOING TO HEAVEN

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
– JOHN 6:47

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
– JOHN 10:28-29

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
– 1 JOHN 5:13

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
– 1 PETER 1:3-5

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IS NOT A SALVATION REQUIREMENT

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
– ROMANS 10:9

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
– ROMANS 10:13

UNITY OF A MAJORITY DOES NOT PROVE A CAUSE IS RIGHT

And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
– GENESIS 11:5-9

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
– ROMANS 11:2-5

GOD’S PEOPLE SHOULD NOT FELLOWSHIP WITH UNBELIEVERS

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
– 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-18

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
– REVELATION 18:4

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Acts 2:46 (KJV): And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
 

Acts 5:42 (KJV): And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Whenever two or more gathered in the Lord’s name, Jesus is there in the midst.  Believers were gathered as church wherever they did and that was, and still in fact is, church. The greek word for church is έκκλησία (ekklesia) meaning “called out ones”. Therefore, the church is not the institution, nor the building, nor a denomination of any sort, but is the believers in Jesus.
 

To the surprise of many, Christians traveling between fellowships, known in modern times as church hoppers or church floaters, was what the early church did in the earliest of New Testament times as demonstrated in the Holy Bible. These passages from Acts have often been looked to as a model for church and ministry. Christ’s church is organic in nature. Being so, church floating not only helped unite the body of Christ but also furthered the sharing of the gospel. There was also the meeting of needs which could be regular in distribution or could be some unexpected financial blessing. An excellent and very personal way for the flock to be fed.
 

Despite what objections have been raised, those who have hopped or floated between churches have benefited these local fellowships with their giving, encouragement, teaching, and other support. With believers visiting different home fellowships and other church gatherings, this demonstrates a regular dependability of ministers who would come to be recognized amongst believers in Jesus.
 

The larger church gathering was the Church in Jerusalem which was at the temple which could not always be done due to persecution such as that of Saul of Tarsus. This required home fellowship to be relied upon further and also necessitated changes in location of gatherings. Church floating is not a justification for those who will not abide by the doctrines of Christ, nor for those who live in rebellion, nor yet for those who do not commit to the body of Christ. The reputation of translocal believers would indeed follow them where it would lead to whether or not they would be received or not in bodies of believers.
 

The Lord Jesus tells us that traveling ministers, who receive lodging and support from a home, should not be floating from home to home…
 

Luke 10:5-7 (KJV): And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Many institutional Christians may find this model of church difficult to accept since they have been urged to embrace a different model of church based upon denominational segregation. Floating from church to church also does not generally gain favor with such institutional churches that frequently raise high expectations from those they wish to recruit as exclusive members. Nonetheless, it is the call for believers not to follow these reinvented doctrines of men according to their own desires but to follow the teachings of the Holy Bible rightfully discerned within their context.