Beliefs and Practices of UPCI United Pentecostal Church International

The UPCI, or United Pentecostal Church International, sets itself apart from other Christian denominations by its belief in the oneness of God, a doctrine which rejects the Trinity. And while the UPCI professes salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and not works, this church commands baptism and obedience as requirements for reconciliation to God (salvation).

UPCI Beliefs

Baptism - The UPCI does not baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but rather in the name of Jesus Christ. Oneness Pentecostals cite Acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5, and 22:16 as their proof for this doctrine.

Bible - The Bible is "the Word of God and is therefore inerrant and infallible." UPCI holds that all extrabiblical writings, revelations, creeds, and articles of faith are to be rejected, as the opinions of men.

Communion - UPCI churches practice the Lord's Supper and foot washing as ordinances.

Divine Healing - The UPCI believes the healing ministry of Christ continues on earth today. Doctors and medicine play a vital role, but God is the ultimate source of all healing. God still heals miraculously today.

Heaven, Hell - Both the just and unjust will be resurrected, and all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ. A just God will determine the eternal destiny of every soul: The unjust will go to everlasting fire and punishment, while the righteous will receive eternal life.

Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, the manifestation of the one God in the New Testament. Christ's shed blood was offered for the redemption of mankind.

Modesty - "Holiness involves both the inner man and the outer man." Accordingly, the United Pentecostal Church says that for women, modesty requires that they not wear slacks, not cut their hair, not wear jewelry, not wear makeup, and not swim in mixed company. Dress hemlines should be below the knee and sleeves below the elbow. Men are advised that hair should not cover the tops of the ears or touch the shirt collar. Movies, dancing, and worldly sports are also to be avoided.

Oneness of God - God is one, manifested in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He manifested himself as Jehovah in the Old Testament; as Jesus Christ, God and man, in the New Testament; and as the Holy Spirit, God with us and in us in our regeneration. This doctrine opposes the Tri-unity of God or three distinct persons within one God.

Salvation - According to United Pentecostal Church belief, salvation requires repentance from sin, water baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and baptism in the Holy Ghost, then living a godly life.

Sin - Sin is breaking the commandments of God. Every human being from Adam to the present is guilty of sin.

Tongues - "Speaking in tongues means speaking miraculously in a language unknown to the speaker." Initial speaking in tongues indicates baptism in the Holy Spirit. Subsequent speaking in tongues in church meetings is a public message which must be interpreted.

Trinity - The word "Trinity" does not appear in the Bible. UPCI says that doctrine is invalid. God, according to United Pentecostals, is not three distinct persons, as in the Trinity doctrine, but three "manifestations" of the one God. This doctrine is called Oneness of God or Jesus Only. Disagreement over the Trinity vs. Oneness of God and water baptism caused the original split of Oneness Pentecostals from the Assemblies of God in 1916.

UPCI Practices

Sacraments - The United Pentecostal Church requires water baptism as a condition for salvation, and the formula is "... in the name of Jesus," not in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as other Protestant denominations observe. Baptism is by immersion only, ruling out pouring, sprinkling, and infant baptism.

United Pentecostals observe the Lord's Supper in their worship service, along with foot washing.

Worship Service - UPCI services are spirit-filled and lively, with members shouting, singing, raising their hands in praise, clapping, dancing, testifying, and speaking in tongues. Instrumental music also plays a key role, based on 2 Samuel 6:5. People are also anointed with oil for divine healing.

To learn more about United Pentecostal Church International beliefs, visit the official UPCI Website.

Source: upci.org)