Salvation the Pentecostal Way

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[I wrote]:
> Let us all recapture the spirit of our founders, the thrust for unity,
> the abhorrance for disunity.  But, if affirm the UPC preamble, then we
> ultimately reject the diversities of 'truth' outside of the Apostolic
> movement.

[Bro. Starcher]:
I enjoy discussing the Apostolic faith with you Brother Matthew, but we
have to have some standard for our discussion.  There is a written
history of the Apostolic movement and of the United Pentecostal Church
which are very explicit about the existence of Apostolics who do not
receive Acts 2:38 as the new birth and who acknowledge the reality of
the salvation of others.  I do not want to base our discussions on a
reinterpretation of Apostolic history. I believe that your efforts to
defend the Apostolic faith are sincere Brother Matthew.  For these
reasons I must insist that we both make every attempt to verify the
statements we are making before they are presented.  Our credibility is
at stake!

[I write]:
I am completely aware of the history of the United Pentecostal Church
and the fusion of brethren with various perspectives that formed the
UPC.  I also believe that the contemporary expression of the doctrinal
position of the UPCI intimates the New Birth experience of Acts 2.38.
I, with you, accept Apostolics whose views may not be in accordance with
the present regenerationalist views of the UPC.  I cannot extend that
fellowship outside of the Oneness/Apostolic revelation.

[I wrote]:
> Our rigid adherence to Acts 2.38 (in whatever form of spiritual
> reality)
> does *not* make us a cult. 

[Bro. Starcher]:
In your last post you said that it was better that my niece forsook any
form of Christianity than to  embrace a Christian faith that was
different from Apostolic Pentecostalism.  You are not a cultist Brother
Matthew, and the Apostolic movement is not a cult.  But statements like
this are very cultic and dangerous to make.  We are defined as a cult by
other Christians who listen, read, and observe our Apostolic faith.  The
proclamation of exclusive access to salvation based upon obedience to
Acts 2:38 is one of the reasons for their definition. Once again Brother
Matthew, please review some sources before making a statement.

[I write]:
Bro. Starcher, it is very likely that the Apostles would have been
branded cultists by contemporary Christians.  The label is relative,
pejorative and wielded by denominationalism against those who defy
'orthodoxy.'  Your desire is to integrate Apostolic Pentecostalism into
a context that has barred our participation and admission for literally
generations.  I think you will find that it will, in the end, not be
enough to simply rework certain definitions or apologise for more
conservative expressions of Apostolic faith.  If you are interested in
making us more user friendly to trinitarians and Evangelicals, you will
ultimately compromise your doctrine, your identity and your commitment
to the message.  There are plenty of examples out there of individuals
and churches who have, with this noble goal in mind, ended up in the
ranks of  those who define Apostolics as cultists.  I'm not really
interested in 'impressing' denominationalism if it requires compromising
my devotion to the truth of the Apostolic faith.

[I wrote]:
 We can see the hand of God at work outside
> of our movement without admitting false doctrine.  It is my belief
> that
> where the Holy Ghost is at work and moving, the Spirit will reveal
> truth.  It has happened before and is, no doubt, continuing as sincere
> believers encounter the power of the Apostolic message.

[Bro. Starcher]:
This is my position also.  I differ in calling the experience of the
moving of God salvation.  Full salvation? Not from an Apostolic
perspective but salvation nevertheless!

[I write]:
What is salvation if it is not full?  Is there a quarter or half
covenant that we can make with God???

[Bro. Starcher]:
I really don't know what else I can do.  I've signed the basic and
fundamental doctrine of the United Pentecostal Church as it was
originally formulated and interpreted.  I guess I just express the same
reality of our Apostolic Pentecostal salvation in a different way.

[I write]:
Again, there is room for diversity.  I accept you as a brother though I
don't agree with all of your perspectives.  If you feel that you are
affirming the reality of the Apostolic faith and are determined to hold
onto the truth that you possess, then I commend you.  If you are
attempting to use this forum as a platform for detaching Apostolics from
Acts 2.38 and our belief in One Lord, one faith and one baptism, I think
you'll ultimately be disappointed.  I'm happy to discontinue the thread
if you are.  I'm not sure that it is continuing to be edifying to the
body.

[Bro. Starcher]:
God Bless!

Steve

[I write]:
God Bless you as well, my brother and friend!

Bro. Matthew Shaw