Salvation The Pentecostal Way 1

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 Dear Bro. Starcher,

My dear friend, you are so prolific.  For those of us who have full-time
jobs and a life outside of Higher-Fire, could you cut to the chase in a
single post and straightforwardly state your position?  I'm not asking
you to discontinue the lengthier ones, but please provide an abridge
version=)

I realise that our Oneness Pentecostal history represents a diversity of
ideas concerning salvation.  Acts 2.38 has, however, become the full
revelation of the New Birth experience, and, not to sound too creedal,
it has been embraced universally in the United Pentecostal Church.

I don't wish to be disagreeable and accuse you of having some hidden
agenda; but as this thread (and related threads) are progressing, it is
becoming apparent that your attempts to communicate concepts of
'moderation' do indeed involve compromise of some of the weightier
issues and expressions of Apostolic faith.  

I will agree with you that there is, outside of the Oneness movement,
many expressions of partial Christianity.  There are many sincere and
God-loving people who do not walk in the fullness of the truth.  I also
believe that the truth must be effectively communicated in love to the
same without offense.  However, if we are willing to admit that there is
some sort of common salvation between ourselves and our trinitarian
comrades, then we have nullified the entire revelation of Apostolic
faith.  Why, indeed, would anyone even want to be an Apostolic if they
can find salvation in a less-demanding way?

Ultimately, I think you are violating the 'One Lord, one Faith, one
baptism' clause of the Ephesian epistle!  You are asking us to maintain
a distinction that is not a reality if we admit all other 'Christians'
into the body.  If our baptism is the putting on of Christ (Rm. 6), then
what of those who are not Jesus-name baptised?  Are they without the
body and yet part of Christianity.

I understand that you're not outright saying:  'let's throw everything
overboard and assimilate', but this attitude is the root of ecumenical
incorporation.  

Yes, communicate the faith.  Yes, do it without malice, elitism,
isolation, etc.  But, no, we cannot afford in these last days to reduce
the central tenets of our faith to a matter of 'greater truth' and
ultimately 'personal preference.'

I'm sure I'm rambling now, but I wish to heaven that you would, my dear
brother, state you ultimate point in this lengthy diatribes.  Are you
trying to reform Pentecostalism at its core?

All Honour to Christ Jesus.

Matthew Shaw