What makes you Apostolic?

Calling yourself Apostolic doesn’t make you Apostolic. Membership in a particular organization (PAW, PCAF, UPC, UPCI, etc.) that call themselves Apostolic doesn’t make you Apostolic.

When asked, “What makes us Apostolic,” We tell them that we are only Apostolic when we practice and preach that which was given us from the Apostles of Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ himself being the Apostle and High Priest of our profession (from which the word apostolic originates) (Ephesians 2:20; Hebrews 3:1)

Although our teachings may be similar to other apostolic groups, we do not identify with any other doctrine or gospel that was created AFTER the timeline period of Christ as identified in the New Testament (Gal 1:8-9) or proclaims Christ to be someone other than who Jesus said he was, “a man,” “the Son of Man,” and “the Son of God.” (Ref: Jesus Then and Now)

“Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 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. 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.” Galatians 1:7-9 (NKJV)

The reason many today find it difficult to fully identify with the teachings of our forefathers is greatly attributed to various man-made terminologies which do not line up with the vocabulary of the New Testament writers. They did not use the word “Incarnation” to describe the Spirit of the Almighty God that dwelt within Christ. Because many incorporated this false teaching, almost all of our Apostolic Church forefathers and associated groups are entirely silent and invisible to one of the most important questions validating their teachings on the Oneness of God and the Humanity of Christ: What happened to the “Human” Soul and Spirit of Christ? (Ref: The Oneness of God & The Humanity Of Christ)

Simply put, it’s neither apostolic or biblical to adapt to man-made establishments whose definitions are contrary to Scripture itself.

Just because we can find other apostolic groups in history holding the same views of incarnation it certainly does not confirm that it lines up with the beliefs of the original apostolic church leaders.

More specifically, it doesn’t mean that Modalism has been the standard line of doctrine throughout time. (See Also: Decoding Precepts of Oneness Theology )

The Doctrine of the Apostles (Acts 2:42) was the Doctrine of Christ (Ephesians 2:20; Hebrews 3:1) and is the Doctrine of God that was given to Christ (John 7:16, 8:28, 2Jn 1:9) to implement.

(John 8:28) Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

(2Ti 3:16)  All scripture is given (originates) by inspiration of God (not Jesus), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

If you are preaching and teaching some other gospel, or some other doctrine, different than that which was given us from Christ himself you cannot be a true follower of Christ, which all Christians of the Apostolic Faith attempt to adhere.

(Acts 17:29-31) Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: 31 Because he [God] hath appointed a day, in the which he [God] will judge the world in righteousness by that man [Jesus] whom he [God] hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he [God] hath raised him [Jesus] from the dead.

I need to make one other point perfectly clear about our Apostolic Oneness forefathers and what they taught us then. They were, without question, God fearing and loving men and women of God who “honestly” believed that what they were preaching and teaching was correct. Likewise, there are many other non-apostolic religious organizations that are also honest in their beliefs, so we ought not to condemn others for their lack of “understanding” because at some point in each of our lives we were all lacking understanding. But God knows those who were “honestly” mistaken in their understanding of the identity of Christ and God’s plan of salvation, myself included. Thankfully, I know that an “honest” mistake is NOT a sin. A mistake is an error that is committed accidentally. A sin is a willful act of disobeying God.

Understandably, it would be an even greater challenge, for many Apostolic Oneness pastors to admit to, let alone try to correct, our teaching mistakes especially if that meant having to admit to our congregation that up to this point in time many things we may have been teaching, especially pursuant to the identity of Christ, had been in error. Of course, that is only because Satan dangles our pride before us.

It is this gospel of Christ that separates us from false prophets and continuing to further promote false teachings (Mat 7:15, 24:24; 2Peter 2:1; 1John 4:1).

(2Tim 4:3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

(Tit 1:9)  Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

(Tit 2:1)  But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

Note:

Jesus warned that we must have the courage to openly confess Him. If we do not have this courage, Jesus will not confess our name as brethren (Mat 10:32-33). People in the New Testament times confessed Jesus’ name (Acts 4:10-12; 8:37). Our confession, of who Jesus is, is to be with our mouth, an oral confession (Rom 10:10).

Any denomination that follows a doctrine other than that established by Christ cannot be the Lord’s church.

*This Section Is Under Construction, We Will Be Back Soon. Thanks