The Gospel of Measurements

[Charnock]

Historically, AFF has beeen a place to discuss the role standards play in the life of Pentecostals with specific emphasis directed to their influence upon our eternal destinations.

The Wesleyan Holiness movement, from which we emerged, has always been big on visible measurements. Everyone knows someone who believes we will be saved or damned based upon the clothes we wear. Other damnable actions extend to visuals like makeup and hairstyles.

But the Apostolic movement is separate from the large majority of Wesleyans in that its soteriology is based upon measurements, too.

It is rare to hear a sermon that mentions the need to call on the Lord or believe on Him for salvation. Rarer still to hear a Oneness speaker rejoice at anyone's initial expression of faith.

When I point this out all Apostolic preachers and saints state "Of course we believe faith is essential." While this may be true, the movement emphasizes everything else but faith.

Baptisms are trumpeted. Those who speak in tongues are congratulated. So why don't we rejoice when someone moves from doubt to belief?

I believe its because the movement preaches a gospel of measurements. Baptisms are visible, as is tongue-talking, but you and I can not measure a person's faith. And if we can't somehow prove it, it's not worthy of mention.

This is the classic battle of works vs. faith. Relying on our own actons rather than trusting God. Unfortunately, those who dismiss the faith experience are guilty of pulling up good wheat with tares.