Taken from the following site:
http://www.bereanresearchinstitute.c...spel_True.html
"1. The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) adds to the simplicity of the Gospel of Salvation that is taught by Jesus Christ - and that is in Jesus Christ (
II Cor 11:2-4) - by teaching that, to be born again, a person must do certain physical acts, namely:
a. Be baptized in water (which they claim is burial in Christ), and
b. Speak in tongues (which they claim is proof of resurrection in the Spirit)
2. Note that
Eph 2:8,9 refutes this doctrine of 'works' salvation. (There is nothing that a person can 'do' physically to be saved. One must only 'do' non-physical things - i.e. repent from sin and surrender the heart to God. Salvation pertains to the state of the heart; not to that of the body. That is one reason why we cannot be saved by our works.)
3. Therefore, these doctrines taught by UPCI can become an offence to those who might otherwise be interested in Salvation, but who are offended by the "additional requirements" - namely water baptism and tongues-speaking - (Matt 18:6;
Mark 9:42;
I Cor 10:32), which the UPCI consider to be essential and integral parts of Salvation and not mere "additions" to it at all.
4. It is important that we don't change the word of God (
Deut 4:2;
Prov 30:6;
Rev 22:18,
Acts 15:5), that we don't receive another spirit (
I John 4:1;
II Cor 11:4), and that we don't offend others away from the truth (in this case by adding extra requirements to the true gospel.) (Matt 18:6)
5. One of the passages that the UPCI often uses to support its teaching that water baptism is necessary for salvation is John chapter 3. So, let's examine whether the UPCI interpretation of this passage is valid.
6.
John 3: 3-7 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."
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