This document represents a simple but sincere effort to put into writing what I believe and why I believe it. These foundational beliefs have been formed over years of study, prayer, and walking with the Lord. I do not claim to have all the answers, nor do I present this as a final word on every topic. But I do offer it as a clear and biblical statement of faith for those who may wonder where I stand.
I identify as a Oneness Apostolic Pentecostal believer, though I am not affiliated with any denomination. My desire is to hold to the Word of God above all else, not to man-made traditions or popular trends. This framework reflects my convictions about God, salvation, holiness, the Spirit-filled life, and the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
With the times we’re living in, I believe it’s more important than ever to know what we believe and to stand firm in it with humility and grace. My goal is not to debate or divide, but to encourage others to think deeply, study Scripture faithfully, and pursue God wholeheartedly.
If anything in this framework strengthens or challenges you, to God be the glory. We’re all still growing. Let’s keep walking in truth and love — together.
1. Who Is God?
We believe in one God, eternal and indivisible, the Creator of heaven and earth, and the Father of all. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4, ESV). God is not a committee of persons, but one holy, sovereign Being who has revealed Himself in different ways and roles throughout time.
In the Old Testament, He revealed Himself as the Father, the invisible Spirit who created all things and ruled in glory. In the New Testament, that same God took on flesh and revealed Himself as Jesus Christ, the Son. He is not the second person in a trinity—He is the fullness of God revealed bodily. “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9, ESV).
Jesus is both fully God and fully man. As God, He forgave sin, calmed storms, and received worship. As man, He prayed, grew weary, and suffered. This mystery — God manifest in the flesh — is at the heart of our faith (1 Timothy 3:16). The Son is not a separate being from the Father, but the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).
We believe the Holy Spirit is not a separate divine person, but the Spirit of God Himself, actively working in the world and in the hearts of believers. It was the Holy Spirit that overshadowed Mary, anointed Jesus, raised Him from the dead, and now dwells in us. God is one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4), and that Spirit is holy.
Throughout Scripture, God revealed Himself through various titles and roles — Father, Son, Shepherd, King, Redeemer, and more — but His name is what unifies all these revelations: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21, ESV). Jesus is the saving name of God revealed to us in the New Covenant. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, ESV).
We reject the idea of a co-equal, co-eternal trinity of persons, as this is not taught in Scripture. Instead, we affirm that God is one and has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. “God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19). He is not three in one — He is One who has made Himself known in many ways, but especially through the incarnation.
This understanding of God is not a doctrine of division—it is the truth that brings unity to all of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, the message is clear: there is only one God, and His name is Jesus.
2. The Bible
We believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It was written by holy men of old as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21). Every word of Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). It is not just a book—it is the living voice of God to His people.
The Bible is our final rule for faith and practice. It is not subject to modern culture, tradition, or private interpretation. “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89, ESV). What God has spoken through His Word is settled and unchanging.
We affirm that the Bible is complete and sufficient. From Genesis to Revelation, it reveals God’s plan of redemption, the identity of Jesus Christ, the call to holiness, and the hope of eternal life. No other book, vision, or prophecy can add to or take away from what God has already revealed in Scripture (Revelation 22:18–19).
We read the Bible with reverence and expectation, trusting that the Spirit of God will illuminate His Word and lead us into truth (John 16:13). We believe the Bible interprets itself—Scripture must be rightly divided and understood in harmony with the whole counsel of God (2 Timothy 2:15). The truth is not found in isolated verses, but in the unified witness of the Word.
We also hold that obedience to the Word is essential. We are not called merely to study the Bible, but to live it. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22, ESV). The written Word reveals the living Word—Jesus Christ—and calls us into covenant, transformation, and mission.
We believe in the authority and purity of the Bible in its original writings — the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts inspired by the Holy Spirit. While no English version is perfect, we believe the English Standard Version (ESV) is the most faithful and accurate translation available today. It preserves both the clarity and depth of Scripture and is the version we use in teaching, study, and ministry. We are not KJV-only, though we honor the role the King James Version has played in preserving the Word through centuries. However, we reject the idea that any one English version is itself divinely inspired. The truth is found in the original Word of God and faithfully carried forward through careful translation and Spirit-led understanding.
The Bible is more than history. It is more than instruction. It is the very breath of God — powerful, pure, eternal, and alive. Through it, we learn who God is, who we are, and how we are to live as His people in this present world.
3. Apostolic Identity
We identify as Apostolic because we believe in continuing steadfastly in the doctrine, practices, and power of the early church. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42, ESV). The apostolic identity is not rooted in denomination, but in the Word of God. It is not about man-made labels—it is about walking in the same truth, Spirit, and purpose as the first-century church.
We believe that the Church Jesus built was Spirit-filled, water-baptized, and bold in doctrine and witness. The apostles preached repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). They laid hands on the sick, cast out devils, endured persecution, and turned the world upside down. We are called to carry that same gospel with the same authority today.
Apostolic identity means embracing both the message and the mission of the early Church. It means holding fast to sound doctrine, living holy and separate from the world, and walking in the gifts and power of the Holy Ghost. The apostolic way is not just truth in word—it is truth in lifestyle, relationships, worship, and service.
We are not affiliated with any denomination or religious organization, but we walk in full agreement with the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). Our allegiance is to Jesus Christ, not to titles or traditions. We believe the body of Christ is bigger than any one group or movement and that true Apostolic identity is found in obedience to the gospel, not a name on a sign.
We also recognize that the word “Apostolic” has been misused by some groups to promote legalism, elitism, or exclusion, often elevating man-made standards above biblical truth. That is not our way. To be Apostolic is not to be harsh or superior—it is to be faithful, humble, Spirit-led, and grounded in the Word. We aim to restore the heart of the Apostolic faith: bold preaching, holy living, compassionate ministry, and Spirit-filled unity.
We reject the idea that doctrine is flexible or evolving. The gospel has not changed, and it does not need to be updated to suit culture. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, ESV). The same Spirit who moved in the upper room still moves today. The same gospel that saved in Acts still saves now.
To be Apostolic is to be submitted to the authority of Scripture, not tradition or trends. It is to love the name of Jesus, to preach the cross without compromise, and to be led by the Spirit in everything we do. We are not trying to recreate the early church—we are continuing in it. What began at Pentecost has never stopped.
4. The New Birth and Salvation
The new birth is at the heart of the gospel. It is the doorway into the Kingdom of God and the beginning of a transformed life. Jesus declared, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, ESV). This new birth is not just a religious experience—it is a spiritual transformation that involves the whole person: heart, mind, and will.
We believe that salvation begins with genuine repentance, a turning away from sin and self, and a surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Repentance is more than sorrow; it is a change of direction that leads to life (Acts 3:19). It prepares the heart for the inward work of the Spirit.
The next step in the new birth is water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. This is the biblical pattern given to the apostles and carried out in the book of Acts. Baptism is not a mere symbol—it is an act of obedience that unites us with Christ in His death and resurrection. As Paul wrote, “We were buried…with him by baptism into death, in order that…we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4, ESV). We baptize in the name of Jesus because it is the name that carries the authority of salvation (Acts 4:12). Every baptism in the book of Acts was performed in Jesus’ name, and we continue in that same apostolic pattern.
We also hold that baptism is done by full immersion in water, as the Greek word baptizō means to plunge, dip, or submerge. This mode best reflects the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We do not practice infant baptism, as Scripture shows baptism following personal faith and repentance. Instead, we dedicate infants to the Lord and trust in God’s grace as they grow into understanding.
We believe in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as the promised gift to all who obey the gospel. Jesus said the Spirit would be like living water flowing from within (John 7:38–39). The Spirit is our comforter, our guide, and our power for holy living. As Paul wrote, “Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him” (Romans 8:9, ESV). The Holy Spirit is not a bonus—it is essential.
We affirm that speaking in tongues is a biblical and edifying gift of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:2; Acts 10:46). However, we do not hold that speaking in tongues is the only or universal sign of receiving the Spirit. The New Testament does not teach that every believer must speak in tongues to prove they have been filled. Instead, the primary evidence of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling is a changed life marked by holiness, spiritual fruit, and a desire to walk in obedience to God (Galatians 5:22–23; Romans 8:14). Some may speak in tongues at the moment they receive the Spirit, while others may never receive that specific gift—and both are fully Spirit-filled believers.
We also believe that believers can have assurance of salvation — not based on emotion or perfection, but on the promises of God. When we obey the gospel, trust in Christ, and continue in faith, we can rest in His grace. “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16, ESV). We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), and we walk daily in that same grace, growing in maturity and love.
The work of salvation is a divine partnership — God does the saving, and we respond in faith and obedience. By His mercy, we are born again—not just forgiven, but made new. The gospel is not only the message of redemption—it is the power to live a new life, here and now.
5. The Life of Holiness
Holiness is not a man-made standard—it is the very nature of God. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s people are called to reflect His character in every area of life. “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16, ESV). Holiness is not about appearance alone. It begins in the heart, flows through the mind, and touches how we live, speak, and love.
We believe that true holiness is an inward work of the Holy Spirit. When a person is born again, the Spirit begins to change their desires, their thinking, and their priorities. This transformation is not forced by rules—it is birthed by relationship. The closer we walk with Jesus, the more we reflect His purity, compassion, and integrity.
Holiness is not a destination; it’s a daily walk of consecration. We are called to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). We no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but are transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation touches every part of our lives—our words, habits, relationships, and goals.
We reject the idea that holiness can be reduced to a list of external standards or enforced traditions. Modesty, separation, and self-control are all biblical, but they must be the result of a Spirit-led life, not a checklist. True holiness is motivated by love for God, not fear of man.
As holiness grows on the inside, it begins to show on the outside. This includes how we dress, speak, and carry ourselves—but always with grace and humility. We dress modestly not to draw attention to ourselves, but to honor God and respect others. “Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control” (1 Timothy 2:9, ESV). This principle extends to men as well—we are called to carry ourselves with purity, restraint, and dignity in all things.
We believe in biblical separation from the world, not as isolation, but as distinction. God calls us to be a “peculiar people,” set apart for His purposes (1 Peter 2:9, KJV). Paul wrote, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing” (2 Corinthians 6:17, ESV). This doesn’t mean rejecting people, but rather refusing to be shaped by the world’s values, entertainment, or priorities. Our music, media, clothing, and lifestyle should reflect the light—not mimic the darkness.
There is often confusion and even division surrounding the subject of holiness — especially in Apostolic circles. Some elevate tradition to the level of doctrine, while others reject all outward expressions of holiness as legalism. We believe the answer is not in compromise or extremism, but in spirit-led obedience to the Word of God. Each believer is called to seek the Lord, study the Scriptures, and be led by the Holy Spirit in matters of conscience and conviction. Holiness should never be wielded as a weapon or proof of superiority — it is the humble pursuit of being like Jesus.
The fruit of holiness is joy — not bondage. We are not trying to earn God’s favor; we’re responding to it. Holiness is not about legalism or pride. It is about walking with the Lord in sincerity, offering every part of our lives to Him. We want to be vessels fit for the Master’s use, prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21). As we abide in Christ, His holiness becomes our desire—not by pressure, but by His power.
6. The Spirit-Filled Walk
The Spirit-filled life is not reserved for a few—it is the inheritance of every believer. Jesus promised that the Spirit would not only be with us, but dwell within us: “He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:17, ESV). The Holy Spirit is not a separate person in the Godhead, but the Spirit of God Himself — the very presence and power of Jesus Christ living within His people (Romans 8:9–10; 2 Corinthians 3:17). The Holy Spirit is how God now works in and through the Church.
We believe the Christian life was never meant to be lived in human strength. We are called to walk by the Spirit so that we do not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit equips us to overcome temptation, to love our enemies, to endure suffering, and to live with joy in the midst of sorrow. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in us and gives life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11).
The Spirit-filled walk is a life of continual surrender and sensitivity. It means yielding to the Spirit’s leading, responding to conviction, and being open to correction. “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14, ESV). Being led by the Spirit is not limited to moments of worship—it includes daily decisions: how we treat others, where we set our focus, and how we handle hardship.
We believe the Spirit works both internally and externally. Internally, the Spirit produces the fruit of godly character—love, joy, peace, patience, and more (Galatians 5:22–23). Externally, the Spirit empowers us with spiritual gifts for ministry, witness, and encouragement (1 Corinthians 12:7–11). The same Spirit who sanctifies us also equips us to serve. The Spirit does not simply purify us—He sends us.
A Spirit-filled believer walks in humility, not pride. The goal is not to appear spiritual or seek emotional highs, but to abide in the presence of God, drawing strength, guidance, and boldness from Him. The more we yield, the more His nature is formed in us. The Spirit leads us into truth, not confusion. Into freedom, not bondage. Into unity, not division.
7. The Church
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all those who have been born again by the gospel—repented, baptized in the name of Jesus, and filled with the Holy Spirit. The Church is not a building or a denomination. It is a living, Spirit-filled people called out from the world and joined together in Christ. “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27, ESV).
The Church is God’s chosen vessel in the earth, called to preach the gospel, make disciples, demonstrate love, and live in holiness and power. Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18, ESV). His Church is victorious—not because of numbers or influence, but because of His presence and truth.
We believe in the unity of the body of Christ. There may be many gatherings, fellowships, and ministries, but there is only one true Church, made up of all who are in covenant with Jesus through the new birth. We are joined not by a denomination, but by the name, Spirit, and Word of Christ. “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13, ESV).
The Church is called to worship in Spirit and in truth, to fellowship in love, to grow in the Word, and to serve the world with the gospel. The early church continued daily in doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers (Acts 2:42–47), and we are called to walk in that same rhythm today.
We believe in the ongoing operation of the fivefold ministry — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers — for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the body (Ephesians 4:11–13). We also affirm the use of spiritual gifts for edification, healing, discernment, and proclamation, as directed by the Spirit and grounded in the Word.
The Church is also a witnessing body, called to shine the light of Jesus in a dark world. We are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, declaring His mercy, truth, and power to every generation. We are not called to blend in with the world, but to stand out with grace, truth, and Spirit-led boldness.
We believe that every Spirit-filled believer should be connected to a local body of believers whenever possible. God calls us into fellowship, not isolation. We are built up, corrected, encouraged, and strengthened through community. “Let us not neglect meeting together…but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:25, ESV). While online ministries can be a blessing, they are no substitute for in-person accountability and shared life in the body.
We also affirm that the Church may take many forms — from large congregations to small house churches, and even underground fellowships in places of persecution. What matters is not the structure, but the presence of the Spirit, the truth of the Word, and the fruit of godly fellowship. Whether gathered in buildings, homes, or digital spaces, the true Church walks in unity, humility, and power.
The Church is not perfect, but it is being perfected. We are growing together into a holy temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2:21), built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. We are the bride of Christ, preparing for His soon return.
8. Sanctification and Growth
We believe that sanctification is the process by which God sets His people apart and shapes them into the image of Jesus Christ. It is both a moment and a journey — we are sanctified at salvation, and we continue to be sanctified as we walk in obedience and surrender. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3, ESV).
Sanctification is not about trying harder — it is about yielding more fully to the Spirit of God. As we present our bodies as a living sacrifice and renew our minds through the Word, we are transformed from the inside out (Romans 12:1–2). It is not a one-time event, but a daily call to follow Jesus with clean hands and a pure heart.
Growth in Christ is a lifelong pursuit. We are called to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:18). This growth is seen in our character, our love for others, our hunger for truth, and our faithfulness in trial. God is not looking for perfection, but for progress in the right direction.
We believe that spiritual growth happens through discipline and devotion — prayer, fasting, worship, study, and fellowship. These are not religious duties; they are means of grace that draw us closer to the Lord and open us to His transforming power. As we walk with Him, we are changed into His image from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Sanctification also involves correction and pruning. God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Sometimes growth requires letting go of old habits, thought patterns, and even relationships that hinder our walk. Holiness is not just about saying yes to God—it’s also about saying no to sin, compromise, and the desires of the flesh.
We believe that every believer is called to mature in faith, walking in deeper trust, greater obedience, and stronger love. Spiritual maturity is not about title, age, or experience—it is about becoming more like Jesus every day. The goal is not knowledge alone, but Christlikeness in word, deed, and heart.
9. The Hope of the Church
Our hope is not in this world but in the soon return of Jesus Christ. We believe that the Lord Himself will come again, just as He promised, to gather His people, judge the world, and establish His eternal Kingdom. “Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13, ESV). This hope is our anchor, our comfort, and our motivation to live ready.
We believe in the resurrection of the dead — both the righteous and the unrighteous. At His coming, those who have died in Christ will rise first, and those who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). This is not a myth or a metaphor—it is the living promise of Scripture.
The return of Jesus will be followed by a time of judgment. Everyone will stand before God to give an account (2 Corinthians 5:10). The righteous will enter into everlasting life, and those who rejected the truth will face eternal separation from God. We do not rejoice in judgment—but we do stand firm in the justice of God and the righteousness of His ways.
Our hope is not just about escape—it is about transformation and fulfillment. We long to see Jesus face to face, to be made like Him, and to reign with Him forever. “Beloved, we are God’s children now… but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2, ESV).
Until that day, we live with urgency and expectation. We are called to be faithful, to walk in holiness, to share the gospel, and to endure hardship with hope. The coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed (Romans 13:11). We do not set dates or chase signs — we simply live ready.
The hope of the Church is not a fantasy — it is the promise of a faithful God. Jesus is coming again, and His reward is with Him (Revelation 22:12). We live, work, and worship in light of that glorious return.
10. A Note on Prophecy and the End Times
We believe in the return of Jesus Christ and the final judgment of all things. However, we also believe that many prophecies — particularly those in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) and much of the book of Revelation—were fulfilled in the first century, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
This view is known as partial preterism. It teaches that while Jesus is still coming again in the future, many of the signs He gave — wars, earthquakes, false prophets, and the abomination of desolation—were fulfilled in the lifetime of His apostles, just as He said: “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matthew 24:34, ESV).
As a Oneness Apostolic believer, I hold this view with humility and conviction, knowing it is not the traditional position within our movement. However, I believe it allows us to read Scripture in context, trust in the faithfulness of God’s prophetic word, and avoid unnecessary fear or sensationalism about current events.
Partial preterism does not deny the future return of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, or the final judgment. These remain central to our hope. But it does affirm that many of the warnings and judgments spoken by Jesus and the apostles were fulfilled when God brought judgment on the generation that rejected the Messiah and persecuted the early Church.
This perspective shapes how we interpret current events: not through the lens of fear, but through the lens of faith and mission. We are not waiting for the antichrist—we are looking for Christ. We are not paralyzed by predictions—we are empowered by purpose.
Closing Thoughts
These foundational beliefs have been written with prayer and care, not as a creed to bind others, but as a record of conviction and clarity for those who walk alongside me in faith. I hold these truths with a spirit of humility, knowing that we all continue to grow in understanding as the Spirit leads us deeper into God’s Word.
I do not claim perfection in doctrine or in life. But I do strive to be faithful—to rightly divide the Word of truth, to live it out with integrity, and to reflect the character of Christ in all I do. My hope is that this framework serves not only as a declaration of belief but also as an invitation: to think biblically, to live boldly, and to walk humbly before our God.
Let everything we believe be rooted in love, anchored in truth, and lived out in the power of the Holy Spirit. May we stand firm in the faith, watchful and ready, with hearts full of grace and eyes fixed on Jesus.
If you would like to discuss any of these or anything else, just use the contact page to get in touch with me.