Official United Pentecostal Church (UPC) Position on Preterism

By Official Resolution from the 2005 Conference

"We reject preterist notions"

Position Papers

THE COMING OF THE LORD

In this increasingly post-denominational world there is decreasing emphasis on doctrinal teaching. In such a climate, mention of the second coming of the Lord is often absent from songs, teaching, and preaching. Even in the Oneness Pentecostal church, there has sometimes been a de-emphasis on this important doctrine, leading to apathy and in some cases acceptance of erroneous teaching. One false teaching, generally termed preterism, alleges that the coming of the Lord was fulfilled in the first century. Preterists teach that most, if not all, of the scriptural prophecies of the coming of the Lord addressed judgment upon the Jews, which culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

While the UPCI allows diversity in views regarding the timing of the second coming of the Lord, particularly with reference to the Tribulation, the expectation of the soon return of the Lord is integral to our identity as a movement. In fact, the modern Pentecostal movement was reborn at the beginning of the twentieth century out of the anticipation that the Lord wanted to prepare His bride for His soon return. We believe that when the New Testament speaks of the "soon" return of the Lord, it gives this promise to assure the church of its future hope. Paul expressed this anticipation, for although he expected martyrdom, he promised that a crown was not merely waiting for him alone, but for all those who love His appearing. (See II Timothy 4:8)

We reject preterist notions that the prophecies of Revelation 4-19 were fulfilled prior to A.D. 70, that Satan is bound, and that we are now living during the thousand years described in Revelation 20. As Oneness Pentecostals, we believe that Revelation 4-19 refers to events that are yet future and that New Testament prophecies of the return of Christ are literal, still to be fulfilled. Further, while Israel has been blinded in part, there will come a time when they will be grafted in again (Romans 11: 17-26). We look forward to a time when the church will reign with Christ in the Millennium, a time when Christ will reign supreme and will restore peace on the earth.

The early church universally believed the prophecies of Revelation and the promise of the return of Christ to be future and not past. It was the medieval church that formally did away with a futurist reading of the Book of Revelation and taught that the church was living in the Millennium. As Oneness Pentecostals, we reject any new "revelation" which suggests that the consistent teaching of the ancient and modern Oneness Pentecostal church is in error and that the medieval teaching is in fact correct. We are looking for the catching away of the saints, the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth, the establishing of Christ's millennial kingdom, and ultimately the institution of the new heaven, the new earth, and the New Jerusalem.


Resolutions:

WHEREAS the close of the New Testament canon contains Christ's threefold assurance, "I come quickly" (Revelation 22:7,12, 20); and

WHEREAS the hope of His soon return served to fuel the expansion and evangelical urgency of both the early Church and succeeding generations of true believers; and

WHEREAS the anticipation of His second coming was partly responsible for the resurgence of the apostles' doctrine in modern times and was integrated into the Articles of Faith of most Pentecostal organizations including that of the United Pentecostal Church International; and

WHEREAS the teaching of preterism seeks to shift attention from the soon coming of the Lord and of His establishment of a future Kingdom on the earth; and

WHEREAS the General Board of the United Pentecostal Church International along with the Unity of the Faith Commission have examined this doctrine and found that it conflicts with several of the Articles of Faith including, but not limited to, the Translation of Saints, the Second Coming, The Millennium, and Eternal Judgment;

Therefore be it RESOLVED that Article VII, Section 2, Paragraph 7 be modified to read as follows:

"License or Certificate of Ordination shall not be issued to anyone who teaches the doctrine of unconditional eternal security, and/or annihilation of the wicked dead, and/or the divine or heavenly flesh of Christ, (defined as that the flesh of Jesus Christ had no biological or genetic relationship to other human beings), and/or all forms of preterism. (Please see the pertinent position paper for a more detailed definition)."
 

Date: 05 Mar 2007
Time: 18:19:10

Comments0:

Books by Preston Taylor (This not-so-young pastor says, “Blessings!” You will be very pleased with these books, or your money back, and you keep the books!)

The 13 Apostles (226 pp, 14 chapters, $13.95; Tate Publishing 888-361-9473)
Dr. Samuel Escobar “ Good writing!” Background of apostles and messages.

Jesus: King of Kings (Revelation, 296 pp. 36 chs. $19.95 - - Tate 888-361-9473). “A much-needed volume,” Dr. Wayne Ward, emeritus NT professor, SBTS, Louisville.

102 Fascinating Bible Topics for Group Discussions. Xulon Press, $13.95 (866-909-2665). 225 pages. Topics like angels, cross, forgiveness, friends, love, salvation, temptations, worship. 10 lively questions on each topic. Leads each person to use his-her Bible. CALL XULON PRESS…NIGHT OR DAY (Sample chapter below; This book causes church groups to keep going, growing, and glowing because each person becomes “addicted” to God’s Book.)

Ezekiel: God’s Prophet and His Puzzling Book (“Dry Bones Will Live Again”). 288 pages. 24 chapters. Dr. Marvin Tate, OT professor, SBTS, Louisville, supervised this writing, Dr. Joe Hale, emeritus General Secretary, Methodist World Council, states, “comprehensive…illuminating…fresh.” Xulon Press $15.95 (866-909-2665).

Ecclesiastes: Life Beneath the Blazing Sun. 12 chapters, 176 pp. Dr. Ergun Mehmet Caner, Dean, Liberty Baptist Seminary, Lynchburg, VA, “unimaginable…biblically sound and intellectually engaging…fresh.” Xulon Press $13.95 (866-909-2665).

The Eleven Commandments: . (Love: the supreme commandment). 118 pages. Xulon Press $10.99… (866-909-2665). Reviewers say this book on the commandments rates at the top of the list. The 10 Commandments coupled with John 13:34-35 is the Document that the entire world needs. AMAZON.COM with author’s name offers this book for $8.79! (Barnes & Noble) This book: timely and timeless. New Release (Make a note of the telephone numbers so you may call a little later?)

Order through Barnes & Noble or type in Preston Taylor in author space in BarnesNoble & see the book pictures in English & Spanish….; Also, Abe’s Books worldwide; Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, and Religious Bookstores; Publishers give 28% discount. All books with fresh illustrations, solid exposition, and warm application. Share with friends, please.)

Books in Spanish
Exodo y Los 11 Mandamientos, 250 pp. Kregel’s Portavoz@Portavoz.com (800) 733-2607. All reprinted four and five times…..Editorial Unilit of Miami published four of Taylor’s books. (Out of print) Spanish World Publishers has published eight books by Taylor on Ephesians, 1 Peter, Numbers, Ezekiel, 52, 66, and 99 Mensajes Biblicos, and Los 13 Apostoles. 800-755-5958; 7000 Alabama St. El Paso, TX 79904 Epena@CasaBautista.org

About the author. Preston Taylor grew up on a small cotton farm. Graduate of Naval Radio School, San Diego. Member of Navigators a few years where he learned Scripture memorization. B.A. literature-history. 3 diplomas Southwestern Seminary. D. Min, LRS. Further studies: Baylor, MBI, and N.C. Baptist Hospital. Argentine missionary 9 years. Pastor. Published by Moody Press and 3 Spanish publishers.

102 Fascinating Bible Topics for Group Discussion (Xulon Press, $13..95) 224 pages
(This book provides small groups and churches a way for renewal and growth - - a spiritual Rx with everyone participating. Amazing tool for Church Planting.)
Topics like: angels, cross, fasting, singing, praying, reconciliation, trials, worship.
(Each topic has 10 Scripture references with thought-provoking questions; a dream come true for any group, any where, any time. One seminary professor wrote, “I have never seen anything like this book…should have an enthusiastic reception.”)

JOY

Everyone wants to be happy and joyful. We spend money on houses, cars, vacations, etc. because we think that things give us joy. God wants us to have His joy. Heaven will be a place of joy. As Christians, we should let the joy of the Lord fill us. Hundreds of verses of Scripture tell of joy. Let’s consider ten of those references.

1. Nehemiah 8:10. After rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah told the Hebrews to celebrate with food and drink. What gave them strength? How does joy help us?

2. Psalm 51:12. Why did David ask God to restore the joy of his salvation? How does a person lose joy? What’s the route to restore joy? How does salvation give joy?


3. Proverbs 23:24-25. What happens in the life of a man who has a righteous son? How does a father feel about a wise son? How do parents of a godly person feel?

4. Isaiah 61:10. What kind of joy does a believer have in God? What are some benefits that a person has who trusts in the Lord? Why should we always rejoice in the Lord?

5. Jeremiah 15:16. What did the prophet do with God’s Word? What does eating God’s Word mean? What blessing does a person have who fills life with the Bible?

6. Habakkuk 3:18. What kind of tough times did Habakkuk and others face in their day? What reaction did he have? What’s our response to difficulties?

7. Zephaniah 3:17. According to Zephaniah, what is God able to do for His people? What action does God take over His people? Why does God rejoice over us?

8. Luke 24:50-53. What did Jesus do about 40 days after His resurrection? Who was with Him? How did the disciples feel and what did they do?

9. 1 Peter 1:8. What specific action do believers take in relation to Jesus, even though we have not seen Him? How is a Christian’s joy described? Do you have this joy?

10. Jude 1:24. What did Jude say that Jesus would do for believers when He
returns? What will be Christ’s attitude toward His people when He comes again?