Col. 3:17 KJV

Misinterpretation: This Scripture is used to teach that baptism in the Name of Jesus is necessary. The logic is that we are supposed to do everything in the Name of Jesus, and everything includes baptism. UPC preachers often go on to say that Trinitarian preachers will pray in the Name of Jesus, marry in the Name of Jesus, and do many other things in the Name of Jesus, but that they will not baptize in the Name of Jesus.

Facts: First, this Scripture has nothing to do with baptism. Paul is writing about living a godly life, and he is reminding people that they need to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus…”

1 Tim. 3:16 KJV

Misinterpretation: The UPC uses this Scripture as one of their major proofs for the doctrine of the Oneness of God. They claim that the mystery of the Godhead is revealed in 1 Tim. 3:16, because God was manifest in the flesh (as Jesus), justified in the Spirit (as the Holy Ghost), and received up into glory (where He steps back into His role as the Father).

Facts: This Scripture says that the mystery of godliness is great, not the mystery of the Godhead…

Romans 12:1-2

Misinterpretation: Used to promote holiness standards, by saying that we are told to present our bodies “a living sacrifice,” etc…

Facts: “Bodies” is not “clothing.” This Scripture has nothing to do with apparel. Paul is telling people to present themselves–ALL of them, not just the clothes that they wear–to God as a living sacrifice. It’s noble to die for someone, but God already did that for us! Now He wants us to live for Him.

2 Peter 1:20

Misinterpretation: Used to say that there is only one proper interpretation of Scripture, because no “scripture is of any private interpretation.”

Facts: Peter wrote that “no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation”, “not that no scripture is of any private interpretation. Please read on before you accuse me of splitting hairs and trying to get around the Scripture! There is a reason I make that distinction…

James 2:19 KJV

Misinterpretation: Used to say 1) that Trinitiarian doctrine is wrong, because there is only one God, and 2) that belief is not sufficient for salvation, because if it were then the devils would be saved.

Facts: Trinitarianism (belief in One Being—God–Who exists in three Persons) is not the same as tritheism (belief in three supreme beings or gods). In other words, Trinitarians read James 2:19 and agree with the UPC–there is only one God…

When I first started to examine my beliefs in 2006 I came to realize something that really shocked me: I didn’t know what Scriptures backed up many of the doctrines that I had been raised to believe and to not question! Oh, I understood the Scriptural backing for the major doctrines, such as Jesus’ Name baptism and Oneness. But when it came to many of the other doctrines (especially ones relating to holiness standards) I honestly did not know which Scriptures supported the views that the UPC took…

Is Holiness necessary? The answer is a resounding “YES”!

The problem lies in the UPC view of holiness. For those who are unfamiliar with the UPC view, let me explain.

The UPC (again, I am using the word UPC as a general term for any holiness Oneness Pentecostal organization or church) believes that there are specific “holiness standards” that we must adhere to. Some churches debate whether or not adhering to these standards is required for salvation, but–in my experience–people who do not adhere to the “standards” are considered rebellious. Many Oneness Pentecostals view these people as unsaved. Also, people who initially adhere to the standards and then begin to doubt their validity are viewed as being “backslidden.”

So, once again, the problem lies in the UPC view of holiness.

The question we must ask is, “What does the Bible say about holiness?”…

The UPC, along with many other holiness groups, teaches against wearing jewelry. I know that when I was in the movement I took the teaching for granted. I think that many others did as well. If new converts asked questions then the general answer went something like this: “It’s an inward change of the heart that is reflected by an outward change of appearance; as Christians we are called to be separate from the world.” Alternatively, the new convert might be given a well-meaning lesson on respecting pastoral authority even if we do not “see it for ourselves.” If the person questioning is not a new convert then they are often judged as being “cold on God” or “lukewarm.” I am ashamed to admit that I was often guilty of judging people that way…

Anyone who is familiar with the UPC knows that the majority of UPC churches and their affiliates teach against women wearing make-up. The official position of the UPC on make-up is this: “Since the primary effect of makeup is to highlight sex appeal, we reject makeup as immodest…”

The first thing that we must understand when asking this question is that no one in the Bible wore pants. They did not exist back then. Because of this, the Bible never dealt with the subject of women wearing pants. The Mosaic Law does, however, deal with the subject of cross-dressing. The Mosaic Law says, “A woman shall not wear man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God” (Deut. 22:5 NASB)…

I was very surprised about a year ago to find out that at least some UPC churches teach against people dying their hair. I do not recall ever hearing anyone preach against people dying their hair until about a year ago, but since then I have come into contact with other people who have heard the same thing preached. It seems to be a fairly common doctrine in UPC churches, even though I cannot find any official UPC position about it. Since it does seem to be such a common doctrine, I have decided to write a brief article on it…

Many churches in the UPC teach that men should not wear shorts. In my experience the only Scriptural backing that is given for this doctrine is this Scripture passage: Isa 47:1-3 (KJV). I have already discussed this passage in my article on Misinterpreted Scriptures, so in this article I am simply going to repeat the material that I have already written in that article…

Here are a few books that I highly recommend reading. I do not necessarily agree with everything that is said in all of these books–I don’t think anyone ever agrees completely with an author–but these books will challenge your mind. Let me say that again: These books will challenge your mind! If they do not challenge you to draw closer to God and/or to examine your beliefs then you must already have everything figured out! For the rest of us mere mortals…I recommend these books…

Which Bible translation is the best to use? The answer is, “Several.” In my opinion, it is good to read from several different Bible translations. It is amazing how easy it is to skim past things once a person has read through the same material several times from the same translation. Many times, reading from a different translation will bring new insights. Even though they often say the same thing, the simple fact that it is worded differently will cast the information in a new light.

However, it is also good to remember that some translations are better than others. Not all Bible translations are translated equally well! In this article I will give a brief list of a couple of translations that I recommend, followed by a couple of translations that I do not recommend. Then I will give links to a couple of Web sites that offer excellent information on choosing a Bible translation…

In a previous post I recommended a free Bible study suite. In this article I am going to recommend a few more Bible study aids that must be purchased but that I feel are well worth the money…

Many churches in the UPC teach against having beards or mustaches. I do not know if that position is officially endorsed by the UPC, but I do know that every UPC church I have been in taught against facial hair for one reason or another. The question is, “What does the Bible say about having facial hair?”…

Why pay for something when you can have it for free? I put together this list of free Bible study aids when I realized that there are many Christians (and non-Christians) who desire to know more about the Word of God, but think that they have to spend a lot of money or have a formal education before they can properly interpret the Bible. The resources that I have provided here will allow both the casual student and the serious one (and everyone in between) to study the Bible. Best of all, these resources are all free!…