Oneness Pentecostals (UPCI)
Oneness Pentecostals hold a non-Trinitarian understanding of God, teaching that God is absolutely one — not three persons — and that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not distinct divine persons but three titles or roles of the one God, fully revealed in Jesus Christ. The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI), the largest Oneness Pentecostal body, teaches that salvation requires repentance, water baptism specifically in the name of Jesus Christ (not the Trinitarian formula), and the baptism of the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues. The UPCI also maintains distinctive standards of holiness in lifestyle and dress.
Theology
Christology
Nature of Jesus
Nuanced
Jesus is the one God incarnate; both Father and Son; fully divine and human
Virgin Birth
Affirms
Jesus conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary; literally affirmed
Pre-existence of Christ
Nuanced
The eternal God pre-existed; the Son (human nature) began at the incarnation
Soteriology
Salvation
Nuanced
Acts 2:38 plan required: repentance, Jesus-name baptism, Holy Spirit with tongues
Atonement & Ransom
Affirms
Christ's death is the atoning sacrifice; substitutionary and redemptive in scope
Predestination
Nuanced
Arminian: God foreknew; free will is real; all can be saved who respond
Original Sin
Affirms
Adam's fall corrupted human nature; all people are sinners in need of the new birth
Eschatology
Soul & Afterlife
Affirms
Conscious existence after death; bodily resurrection to eternal states
Hell
Affirms
Eternal damnation for the unsaved; conscious separation from God forever
Heaven
Affirms
Eternal life with God for the saved; resurrection and glorification in his presence
Second Coming
Affirms
Christ returns bodily and imminently; rapture and tribulation anticipated
Millennium
Affirms
Premillennial; Christ reigns literally on earth for one thousand years
Ecclesiology
Church Authority
Nuanced
General Conference governs; local churches have autonomy within UPCI fellowship
Clergy & Priesthood
Nuanced
Ordained ministers lead; women may minister; senior roles typically male
Sacraments & Ordinances
Nuanced
Baptism in Jesus' name only required for salvation; Lord's Supper as memorial
Scripture
Biblical Canon
Affirms
66-book Protestant canon; Scripture alone is the supreme rule of faith
Biblical Inerrancy
Affirms
Bible fully inspired and without error; supreme authority in faith and practice
Extra-biblical Revelation
Nuanced
Canon closed; Spirit-gifts continue, including prophecy and tongues, under Scripture
Scripture Interpretation
John 1:1 — "The Word Was God"
Denies
Rejects separate divine persons; Word is God's self-manifestation in Jesus
Isaiah 7:14 — "Virgin or Young Woman"
Affirms
Isaiah 7:14 prophesies Jesus' miraculous birth; God incarnate in Mary
Matthew 16:18 — "Upon This Rock"
Nuanced
Peter's role affirmed; emphasis on pneumatic leadership via Holy Ghost
Romans 9:18-21 — "God's Sovereign Choice"
Nuanced
God's sovereignty emphasized; human faith response essential; corporate election focus
James 2:24 — "Justified by Works"
Denies
Justification by faith in Jesus Name; works are evidence of Spirit baptism
Matthew 28:19 — "Baptize in the Name"
Denies
Rejects Trinitarian formula; baptizes in Jesus' name only per Acts 2:38
Hebrews 1:8 — "Your Throne, O God"
Nuanced
Jesus addressed as God; consistent with God's self-manifestation in flesh
Revelation 20:1-6 — "The Thousand Years"
Nuanced
Millennial theories diverse; emphasis on Christ's return and judgment central
Genesis 1:1-2 — "In the Beginning"
Affirms
Genesis 1:1-2 affirmed as God's creation; God (singular) created all things
Mark 16:9-20 — "The Longer Ending"
Nuanced
Passage included; textual issues acknowledged; message of Jesus' mercy affirmed
John 7:53–8:11 — "The Woman Caught in Adultery"
Nuanced
Passage included; textual issues acknowledged; message of Jesus' mercy affirmed
1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"
Nuanced
Recognized as late addition; not appealed to for Trinitarian proof
Deuterocanonical Books — "Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, Maccabees"
Denies
Deuterocanonical books not canonical; 66-book Protestant canon followed
Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"
Denies
Shepherd of Hermas not canonical; post-apostolic; Scripture closed after apostles
Ethics & Practice
Sabbath
Nuanced
Sunday worship as Lord's Day; Sabbath law not binding; frequent midweek services
Blood Transfusions
Affirms
No prohibition; blood transfusions are medically permitted within UPCI teaching
Military Service
Affirms
Military service is permitted; individual conscience respected; no pacifist mandate
Holidays
Nuanced
Christmas and Easter observed; Pentecost emphasized; entertainment standards apply