© Copyright November 22, 2002, Bernie L. Gillespie. All rights Reserved.

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Part One 

Rejection of Salvation by Faith Alone 

        The Apostle Paul reminded the Ephesians of the way their salvation came to them with these words: 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 KJV) 

        The vast majority of Christians understand this verse to mean that one is saved by faith alone. They understand this to mean that no other requirements, obligations or steps can be required of one to enter the Kingdom of God than trust in what Jesus Christ has done for one’s salvation. A significant exception to this consensus is the position held by the United Pentecostal Church, International (UPCI). The UPCI rejects simple trust in Christ alone for salvation. They denounce this as “easy believism.” They would see faith, as traditional churches understand it, as only the precursor or entry level stage of the New Birth “process.” This means that those who believe in Jesus Christ as their only Savior (with all that that means biblically), are not essentially saved by trusting faith in Christ alone. Instead, they must be saved by faith (trusting in Jesus) plus something else. In the case of the UPCI the something is the other elements of Acts 2:38¹, as well as UPCI holiness standards. Those claiming salvation by faith (trust) alone would not be classified² by the UPCI as possessors of salvation, but as merely candidates for salvation. In the language of the UPCI, they are “on the road,” “at the door,” “making a good start,” or in the “process³ of salvation.” Unless they continue in the “process,” which includes obeying the other elements, that faith alone will not save them. Also, being in the “process” does not mean one is saved. The UPCI has no classification for one who has only repented, or only been baptized, or only been Spirit-baptized. Only those who complete all three are saved. All others are in left in salvation limbo.

 The rest of this chapter can be purchased in the book Faith is the Essential Response to Acts 2:38