In a world filled with differing opinions, we first and foremost believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, the sole authority for faith, doctrine, and instruction in Christian living.
What We Believe About the Godhead and Jesus Christ
God is absolutely one, with no distinction of persons. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:8; 45:5-6, 21-23; 46:9 Romans 3:30; Galatians 3:20; James 2:19).
In order to save sinful humanity, God provided a sinless Man as a sacrifice of atonement — Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In begetting the Son and in relating to humanity, God is the Father. In working to transform and empower human lives, God is the Holy Spirit. Thus, for our salvation, God has revealed Himself as Father (in parental relationship to humanity), in His Son (in human flesh), and as the Holy Spirit (in spiritual action). (Malachi 2:10; Luke 1:35; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 1 Timothy 2:5)
Jesus Christ is the one God incarnate, the manifestation of God Himself in the flesh. He is the union of absolute deity and sinless humanity. (Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 9:6; 35:4-6; Matthew 1:23; John 1:1-14; 8:58; 10:30; 14:9-11; 20:28; 2 Corinthians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:13)
Jesus is our Savior; His name is the only name given for our salvation (Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:12).
What We Believe About Salvation
All humans have sinned and need salvation from eternal death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that He died in our stead for our sins, was buried, and rose again to provide eternal life for us (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, based on His redemptive work and not in our works (Romans 3:21-25; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Saving faith involves obedience to the gospel (Romans 1:5; 6:17; 10:16; 16:26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Hebrews 5:9; 11:6-8;). The proper response to the gospel message is to repent, be water baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit; in this way a person identifies with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:1-7; 8:1-11).
The experience and message of the New Testament church as presented on the Day of Pentecost is the norm for the church today. The UPCI has adopted the following statement regarding the experience of salvation: “The basic and fundamental doctrine of this organization shall be the Bible standard of full salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.” (Acts 2:4, 38-39; John 3:5; Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-48; 19:1-6; 1 Corinthians 6:11).
What We Believe About Christian Living
We affirm the creation of all things by God; a life of holiness both inward and outward including Christian conduct and dress; the operation of the spiritual gifts, including divine healing; the priesthood of believers; tithing; the existence of angels, demons, and the devil; the catching away of the church and the second coming of Jesus to earth; the future millennial kingdom of Jesus on earth; the resurrection; the final judgment; eternal punishment for the wicked; and eternal life for the righteous.
The forms of worship include congregational singing, special singing (including choirs), testifying, praying, Scripture reading, preaching, and altar calls. Worship is spontaneous, joyous, demonstrative, and free. In accordance with scriptural patterns, expressions of praise typically include raising of hands, clapping of hands, vocal prayer, dancing in the Spirit, and playing of musical instruments.
We observe the Lord’s Supper and foot washing.