THE OLD APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF AFRICA CONFESSION OF FAITH
“WE BELIEVE”
“…in one God, the Almighty Father, Creator of the heaven
and the earth and all things, visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus
Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father from eternity: God out
of God and Light out of Light, truly God and of the same being as the Father;
who for us as man and for our salvation, descended from heaven and became
flesh, truly God and truly man, conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the
Virgin Mary; who suffered, was crucified, died, descended into hades and was
resurrected on the third day; who ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right
hand of God the Father, from where He cometh again in glory to judge the living
and the dead; and of whose kingdom there shall be no end; and in the Holy Ghost
that speaketh through the prophets, whereby we bear the image of the Father,
and that dwelleth in us and is our teacher and guide in all truth; and that He
is one God...”
“WE BELIEVE”
“...in His holy Apostolic Church, the fellowship of the
saints and the Apostle sent to us as the anointed of Jesus Christ...”
“WE BELIEVE”
“...in the administering of the three holy sacraments,
namely: the Holy Baptism with water unto repentance in the Name of Jesus
Christ; the Holy Communion whereby we receive forgiveness of sins by the blood
of Jesus Christ; and the Holy Sealing by the laying on of the hands of an
Apostle of Jesus Christ, whereby we receive the Holy Ghost; and in the
administering, through the living for the dead, of the three holy sacraments
unto the souls in the realm of the dead…”
“WE BELIEVE”
“...in the Holy Scriptures, the Old and the New Testament,
and in the fulfilment of all the promises contained therein...”
“WE BELIEVE”
“...that our souls are sanctified and clothed in
righteousness in the body of Jesus Christ, in preparation for our membership of
the soul-bride; that as children of God we must love Him above all, serve Him
in submissiveness, honour the brotherhood and love our neighbour as ourselves;
that for the Lord’s sake, we must subject ourselves to every ordinance and
acknowledge and respect the legitimate rulers of the land in which we live,
even if we have to suffer anguish...”
OAC Confession of Faith: “…The Confession of Faith, which comprises of five tenets, will
serve as the basis for the HTC.
We believe in:
HTC = Home
Tuition Calendar
You can
click on the embedded hyperlinks above to see the details behind every tenet.
The tenets are not what they seem and are discussed elsewhere on this blog in
further detail.
John 3:16-21 For
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not
his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him
might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that
believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of
the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come
into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds
were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to
the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to
the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
1 Timothy 2:5-6 For
there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who
gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
...and where would this be unbiblical. You could only prove a difference between the OAC and your faith. You did not prove here that the OAC is wrong from a biblical standpoint.
ReplyDeleteThis specific post is to reveal the OAC confession of faith. See my other posts regarding biblical standpoints. Can you prove that the administering of sacraments unto souls in the realm of the dead is a biblical standpoint? I am working on follow up posts, watch this space.
DeleteAlready in the congregation of Corinth, the living were baptized on behalf of the dead (1Corinthians 15: 29).
Delete1 Corinthians 15: 29. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
A person might interpret it that way if they read that verse in isolation and out of context of the rest of the chapter. I explained this point in further detail here:
Deletehttp://oldapostolicchurchrevealed.blogspot.co.za/2016/12/doctrine-sacraments-for-dead.html
You’ll notice that Paul is referring to “they”, not “us” or “we”. From the context of the whole chapter it is clear that Paul does not condone baptizing a living person on behalf of someone else who is dead already. Baptism pictures being buried with Christ, we are buried with Christ so that we can be raised to life with Him (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12).
For other related posts:
DeleteThe realm of the dead
The Sealing
So now, what is the fate of those who never received the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of peace, or do you not believe in a compasionate God? Is God not perfectly loving and just? Does God not desire that all His children is to be saved? What happens to the billions that have never had the chance to be saved?
ReplyDeleteDo you believe what’s written in the Bible? Do you believe that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him will have everlasting life(John 3:16-18)? Do you believe that the real physical Jesus is the Christ (John 20:30-31, 1 John 2:22, 1 John 5:1)? Do you believe that He alone is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6)? Do you believe at the last trumpet the dead shall be raised incorruptible and the mortal must put on immortality (Isaiah 25:8-9, Luke 20:34-38, Romans 6:7-12, Romans 8:9-11, 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, Hebrews 2:13-15, Revelation 20:12-15, Revelation 21:1-4)?
DeleteHi Brother Willemsa, I'm also fortunate to be chosen by God to be an Old Apostolic ()Brother). It's our job to spread the word and on truth in the spirit as it states II Cor 3 v 6, the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life. I am also working my oul salvation to be best of my ability guided by my Priest and yes I have witnessed on numerous occasions where the Apostole has opened the dead region just before the end of the service for those that did not have an opportunity to hear and understand the word to inherit the crown of victory while living in the natural and finished the race.
DeleteOAC Brother Unknown, I recommend that you read your whole Bible, not just ”II Cor 3 v 6”. Reading single verses out of context will give you an incomplete understanding and interpretation (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Do you really understand your “job” as an “Old Apostolic ()Brother)”?
Delete”spread the word and on truth in the spirit”?
Do you understand what it means to be spiritual?
Spiritual vs Natural
OAC doctrine too vast?
You cannot work for soul salvation; you have been fed a lie! Nobody can earn or work for soul salvation”! Salvation is the gift of God by grace. Our sinfulness make our best efforts to earn salvation as filthy rags before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6). God’s standard is nothing less than perfection. Whoever keeps the whole law but offends in one point is guilty of all (James 2:10). There is therefore no way we could ever earn salvation. James 2:14-18 should also be read in context with the whole chapter. James is not saying we earn salvation by works! Real faith is demonstrated by good works as opposed to someone who claims to have faith but lives in wilful disobedience to Christ. One is expected to do good works because one is saved already. Good works are therefore evidence of having been saved already, you cannot earn salvation. Your “Priest” cannot guide you to earn soul salvation either, besides he may be more lost than you.
OAC’s “Emmanual Principal”
Rogue OAC priests
Be aware of any modern day person claiming to have the office of “Apostle”, especially if they claim to open the dead region. God is a God of the living, not the dead (Matthew 22:29-32)!
Is your “Apostle” really an apostle of Jesus Christ?
Sacraments for dead people
Has the OAC sealed your fate?
The crown of victory is an OAC invention, there is no such crown mentioned in the Bible (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, James 1:12-16, 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 2:10).
I urge you to get to know Jesus.
The REAL Jesus Christ
Jesus of Nazareth IS the Christ
A false Christ
Good day all.I am proud to say that I am a Brother in the Old Apostolic Church.I would like to agree that there is only ONE Messiah/One Jesus as revealed in our confession of faith. All around the world people(the flesh) are trying to break down Jerusalem(the mother of the free)/The bride of Jesus Christ/The Old Apostolic Church. The Bible declares that those who does not have His Spirit does not partake in His body,nor will one understand the mysteries behind this God of Israel unless one has his Spirit. The Old Apostolic has the Spirit of God ,as they received by the Laying on of hands of an Apostle that is sent by Jesus Christ(as revealed in the Scriptures on how one can receive the Holy Spirit/ACTS 8...read on what Simon saw from vers 17-19).And yes, we do believe in the administrating of the three holy sacraments unto the souls in the realm of the dead. This is also part of God's promise. As also revealed in the Scriptures that everyone shall hear HIS VOICE/HIS GOSPEL but not all will accept it..The SEALING is especially for those that did not have an opportunity to hear HIS Word-----Meaning that this is a sacrament of Grace! The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven is given unto thee Apostle...meaning on the day of Sealing the Apostle has authority to open up this door for those souls.
ReplyDeleteHello Mr Willemse, let’s be honest, your “Jesus” and the Jesus that other Christians believe in are not one and the same. You believe that you are saved through the OAC’s “anointed officers” who “sacrifice” themselves for you.
DeleteJerusalem which is above is free and the mother of the children of promise as Isaac was. In other words, the heavenly Jerusalem is the spiritual mother of those who truly believe in Jesus, the real Jesus way long before Klibbe and the OAC. The new Jerusalem comes down from God out of heaven after the first heaven and first earth are passed away. The wall of the city has twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Can you guess the names of these twelve apostles of the Lamb? Read Matthew 10:2-4 and see if the names Klibbe, Ninow, Campbell or Boshoff appear there.
Your comments regarding the Spirit are explained better in the Bible, I encourage you to go read John 16:4-7, 1 John 3:23-24 and 1 John 4:12-15.
There is confusion in the OAC regarding the laying on of hands. Some members like yourself believe that you receive the Holy Ghost when your “apostle” laid hands on you. Then there are “anointed officers” in the OAC who believe that the day of the sealing when the “apostle” lays his hands upon your head, he merely confirms the work already done by members of the church who are the “hands” of the “apostle” that opened your understanding. I encourage you to carefully compare these views with what’s written in Acts 8:14-17 and Acts 19:1-6. Also compare with the verses I gave in the previous paragraph.
Now regarding the realm of the dead, let’s read what the Bible has to say about dead people hearing your voice:
Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Psalm 146:3-4 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.
Sacraments cannot save you, only Jesus is the proxy for salvation (1 Timothy 2:5-6), and through His blood we are saved from death (Hebrews 7:24-27, Hebrews 10:4-14, 1 Peter 1:18-19).
Only Jesus has the key of David. There’s another key you need to be aware of, the key to the bottomless pit which is held by the star from heaven which had fallen to the earth (2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Revelation 9:1-11). Therefore I would be very wary if I were you of anyone on earth who claims to have any kind of key and the authority to open up “doors” for dead souls…
Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
DeleteA parable. The dead are those who are spiritually 'dead' not those who are out of flesh.
Those out of flesh are fully conscious. Some resting in joy, others in frustration.
Continue reading
DeleteEcclesiastes 9:6
Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished;
neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
Not a parable. Being spiritually 'dead' is a temporary condition while you're still physically alive, it is not for ever.
To EX OAC,
ReplyDeleteI think your soul still belong to the OAC, you are still one of body parts of Jesus. You might be correct when you say: let’s be honest, your “Jesus” and the Jesus that other Christians believe in are not one and the same. Jesus that the Apostles talk about is the one who says, He is the Head and the congregation is the body. So if you are part of this body, you can not separate yourself from us. You are permanently built into this body.
To Anonymous,
DeleteMy soul doesn’t belong to the OAC, my soul belongs to Jesus. The OAC is not Jesus or His body parts. I don’t think you understand the concept, but I’ll try to explain it to you. I’m going to assume you’re married.
You and your wife are one flesh (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5-6, Mark 10:8, 1 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 5:31). Two physically separate bodies but one flesh.
The husband is the head of the wife (Genesis 3:16, 1 Corinthians 7:4, 1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:23). Two physically separate heads but one head.
Now, Jesus’ own physical body was sacrificed and own physical blood was shed for us. He is the Bridegroom and His bridesmaid is the church, members in particular. Your “apostle” may consider himself the head of the OAC just like your wife’s head considers itself the head of her body. Do you get the picture?
The truth has set me free from the grip of the OAC, through the blood of Jesus I have been redeemed from my past.
To EX OAC.
ReplyDeleteYou might be correct when you say:Our “Jesus” and the Jesus that other Christians believe in are not one and the same. You must remember that you are born of the spirit by the Apostles and they are your spiritual parents. You cant change your original identity. Even though you feel like you are not the part of this body anymore, it is not the truth you are still member. That is why you spend some of your precious time chatting with Brothers and Sisters.
To Anonymous.
DeleteI know I am correct when I say that your “Jesus” is not the same biblical Jesus that Christians believe in.
It’s only you and your fellows that refer to your “apostle” with the capital letter “A”. The only instance in the Bible where the word “apostle” is written with a capital letter “A” is when it refers to Jesus Christ:
Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.
Your “apostle” is NOT Christ Jesus and your “apostle” is not my father:
Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
The truth has set me free. I wasn’t redeemed with corruptible things from vain conversation received by tradition from my OAC “fathers”, but with the precious blood of Christ. That is the good news! I therefore want to share this good news with you and your fellows because Jesus died on the cross for you too. Believe it and you will be saved.
How can god be GOD,JESUS, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT....please explain how you as oac members see the text wer it says that jesus wil go and sit on the right had of hes father......
ReplyDeleteIf jesus is god why not say hes gona go back to hes own seat wat eva u wana call it.... thanx
Thiѕ weЬsite really һas all the information and
ReplyDeletefacts I needeɗ aЬout this subject and didn't know wһo to ask.
You're welcome. If there are any other questions which are not answered by this blog, you're welcome to ask me (ExOldApostolic@gmail.com).
DeleteNobody said that you have to keep on believing or disbelieving in this. If one does not like custard, surely one will stop eating custard and not carry on eating custard while pulling faces the whole day long about it. When one does eat custard while disliking it and pulling your face in all funny and strange ways, you are just putting yourself through this discomfort. surely one would have been clever enough to start eating something much more tastier. don't worry. you to are forgiven for being a custard eater and pulling your face strangely. i just don't know how long you actually want to put yourself through that living hell. stop criticising and start living your own life. maybe you'll find much more enjoyment in that. i don't think you are going to win a noble price for being an old apostolic critic. i don't know if you get paid millions of rands or dollars for doing so, if not you are busy wasting your time.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is OA custard revealed ;-) I’m comparing the ingredients of OA custard with what’s written in the recipe book, Lindi. Do you know what’s yellow and dangerous? Shark-infested custard.
DeleteSeems like that was Custard's last stand... :-)
DeleteLove the Word of God - Can Ex-OAC critic explain 1 Peter 4 : 5-7 in context, please?
ReplyDeleteThe gospel WAS preached to them that are dead, i.e. before they died (1 Peter 3:18-22, Hebrews 11:7). God judges everyone, both dead and alive and everyone is judged in the same manner, and those who accept the gospel will live according to God in the spirit (Romans 1:18-23, Romans 2:1-11, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Galatians 6:7-8). You’ll notice that nowhere does it mention “fourfold officers” receiving sacraments for the dead. You might also like the following posts:
DeleteDoctrine – Sacraments for the dead: http://oldapostolicchurchrevealed.blogspot.co.za/2016/12/doctrine-sacraments-for-dead.html
Doctrine – Sealing your fate: http://oldapostolicchurchrevealed.blogspot.co.za/2016/12/doctrine-sealing-your-fate.html
How did u leave and why.... Ex oac
ReplyDeleteIt was difficult to leave because of friends and family still in the OAC. I started reading the whole Bible, not selected verses in isolation or out of context. The truth I was confronted with had me asking many difficult questions. The more I read the more I realized how wrong I was and the truth eventually set me free. Fortunately all my friends and family eventually also saw the truth and also left the OAC. Along the way I have made many new friends and by God’s grace the truth has also helped them to leave the OAC. If you read all my posts and comments you’ll better understand how I left and why.
DeleteWe are very grateful for your work. God has been good to us. Our whole family has left.
ReplyDeleteI am aware that the OAC are starting to clamp down on research and learning.
They used to encourage the reading and understanding of Hebrew and Greek words... unfortunately this has cost them many members as the members realise that the Bible is teaching something quite different to what they themselves teach.
I used to listen to people, who were rather judgmental and often miserable, say that they are Jesus today.
When one matches reality with what one is saying then it would soon be realised that the doctrine of the OAC is damaging to people and families.
Proper, original christianity made me more human, more loving, more forgiving and more compassionate to all people, not just the exclusive club of the OAC.
In the OAC i tried to be less human and more spiritual.
In the original Christian faith, one becomes more Spiritual by becoming more human, just as Jesus was fully human.
Good day
ReplyDeleteI believe that we are all raised to not criticize another person's belief. And you, "Ex OAC critic" know that debating about our church and it's belief's is prohibited. Why would you want to criticize the body that you have belonged to for so long?
Yes, I get that you saw the truth from "reading the Bible", but why won't you let others also decide for themselves?
If you feel so strongly about going against our beliefs, why still address yourself as an "ex OAC" member? Why don't you let go of the OAC name?
Why do you spend so much of your time trying to convince people otherwise. Coz you're not the first and definitely not the last person to leave the OAC, but never have I met anyone of them publicly criticizing our church.
For example, you get into a relationship with someone. Then only after some you find out that he/she is not the person you thought they were. In fact, you discover that they're not your type. So you end the relationship. Then later on, you go around telling everyone not to date that person, because of the things you learned about them. Instead of letting others decide for themselves. They might be your bad fit, but someone else's perfect match.
So please quit smearing our church's name. And let people decide what's good for themselves.
Good day,
DeleteI believe that we are all raised to ask questions and that people are always looking for answers to those questions. Tell me, which law prohibits me from debating about a church I belonged to and debating its beliefs? People have a right to know. By debating about it and comparing it to the Bible, people can still decide for themselves and make an informed choice.
Why still address myself as an “Ex-OAC”? Because that’s exactly who I am, it won’t make any sense to call myself “Ex-XYZ”.
Why do I spend so much of my time trying to convince people otherwise? It’s my passion for the truth and letting people know what I learned. People have a right to know. I am not the only person publicly sharing information about the OAC.
For your information, I’m not smearing your church’s name, you’re doing it all by yourself. I’m merely sharing what I learned from the OAC on my blog and comparing it to Scripture. A tree is known by its fruit.
Good day again Unknown, I shared your comment with a former OAC officer and beloved brother in Christ. This is his response verbatim:
Delete"...Let’s add some context here brother :
If I went on a date, and the person I just met tries to convince me that they are the Messiah, asks to see a copy of my banking details for tithing calculations and claims to save dead people , then I may want to warn other people from enduring the same horror that I did because I care.
Is a deluded, money grabbing, home wrecking fortune teller a good fit for someone? Perhaps. But in the event that they’re not, I’d rather warn others before they have one too many drinks with this “dream boat” and wake up with a spiritual hangover and a hat on their head 9 months later.
OAC are truly brainwashed and need help. A very unhealthy way of life and unhealthy worldview.
Jesus, thank you for calling me. Please help me let others know about you. Give me strength..."
Dear Unknown.
ReplyDeleteYou say “I believe we are all raised not to criticise someone else’s belief”.
You were raised wrong.
Christians stand up for the truth of the gospel and what is absolutely right and wrong.
If someone wants to murder an unborn child because they believe it doesn’t matter, then Christians would criticise that belief because it is wrong. It is wrong because God says it’s wrong.
Christians have been persecuted , murdered , tortured over 2000 years because they refuse to keep silent when mankind engages in evil.
Likewise, if someone teaches an incorrect teaching which harms a soul, then Christians oppose those teachings because they do not agree with the faith.
If you were raised a Christian then you would know that you should love all people, even your enemies. You would have been taught to help people and feed people even if you don’t know them.
You would also have been taught what is absolutely correct in the sight of Jesus the Lord and that teachings that contradict the Christian Faith should always be challenged.
God bless you. I pray for you and your organisation that it may return to the real Jesus, the Messiah, who is Lord and Saviour and is God’s unique and only begotten Son like no other.
In Christ.
Christians Kaiser.
5 Apr 2020
ReplyDelete[I] Confession of Faith: History: The first official confession of faith dates back to the Apostolate Council of 325 AD, held in the city of Nicea. There appeared to be confusion concerning the doctrine of Christ and it was decided to debate the matter and record the common understanding. The Confession of Faith of The Old Apostolic Church is based on this original document. [I JOH 4:13-15]
1 John 4:13-15
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
Interesting statement: “The first official confession of faith dates back to the Apostolate Council of 325 AD, held in the city of Nicea”.
Deletehttps://www.britannica.com/event/First-Council-of-Nicaea-325
http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/Ecumenical_Councils.htm
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11044a.htm
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/council-of-nicaea-concludes
Apostolate = the office or mission of an apostle, the position or authority of an apostle, a group of apostles
Emperor Constantine who converted to Christianity invited all 1800 bishops of the Christian church, but only 250 to 320 bishops actually participated in the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. No mention is made of any OAC “apostles” ever attending this event because the OAC did not exist back then.
Another interesting statement: “The Confession of Faith of The Old Apostolic Church is based on this original document”
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nicene-Creed
http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/Creed.htm
If you compare the Nicene Creed (“original document”) with the OAC’s Confession of Faith, you’ll notice the following differences:
1) “who has spoken through the prophets” CHANGED TO
“speaketh through the prophets, whereby we bear the image of the Father…”
- Thus emphasizing their belief in the words of their “prophets” and by being obedient to their “prophets” they themselves supposedly become like God
2) “one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church” CHANGED TO
“His holy Apostolic Church, the fellowship of the saints and the Apostle sent to us as the anointed of Jesus Christ”
- Thus trying to elevate the position of their “apostle” to the position of Jesus Christ
3) “one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins” CHANGED TO
“administering of the three holy sacraments… Holy Baptism… Holy Communion… Holy Sealing by the laying on of the hands of an Apostle”
- Thus elevating the importance of their “apostle”
4) “I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come” CHANGED TO
“the administering, through the living for the dead, of the three holy sacraments unto the souls in the realm of the dead”
- Thus elevating the position of their “officers” who supposedly have the keys to the kingdom, apparently even after death – this apparent “authority” keeps members “on their place”
5) The fourth and fifth tenets of the OAC’s Confession of Faith are not mentioned in the Nicene Creed, these have been added.
The OAC admits that they base their Confession of Faith on the Nicene Creed drawn up by Christian bishops in 325 AD. The OAC therefore acknowledge that they aren’t the original church; they modified the original Nicene Creed to suit their own doctrine some time after they formed in South Africa In 1927. The OAC doctrine has more in common with Gnosticism than with the first true apostolic church.
http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/St_Irenaeus.htm
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01634a.htm
http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/tradition.htm
Matthew 24:23-26
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there;
believe it not.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders;
insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert;
go not forth:
behold, he is in the secret chambers;
believe it not.
6 Apr 2020
ReplyDeleteConfession of Faith: History: Other confessions of faith came about during the period of Reformation, for example, “The Apostolic Confession of Faith”, written in 1562. This document is widely used and appears to be very similar to the original except for a few salient points. A third well-known confession of faith is called: “The confession of Athanasius” dedicated to the Trinity. [I JOH 5:7-8]
1 John 5:7-8
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
You’ll notice that both were written long before the OAC’s history even began. Why not read them for yourself and do a comparison with the OAC’s doctrine:
Deletehttp://apostles-creed.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/the-second-helvetic-confession.pdf
http://apostles-creed.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Athanasian-Creed.pdf
Reading through some of this blog and some of the responses are both amusing and rather sad. As I continue on this path as an OAC member I have encountered many, such as yourself Br Ex OAC and many have also tried to dissuade or tried to show me the "truth" and trust me in my 41 years , I have encountered many convincing arguments, but call me bling, call me indoctrinated or brainwashed , there is no way that i will leave this way of life. Even if i had to encounter an individual in the OAC who would try to do otherwise. I have taught my 4 children to make their own decisions and to go visit other christian beliefs. I have asked each of them to not think like an OAC when they are at those churches and come back to me...my youngest is 17 and my eldest son is 20 and he is one intelligent man who questions everything and he has also been staying on his own for about 3 years now, so he has experienced a lot out there and yet he still prefers the church, despite attending many other congregations. Nevertheless respect your opinion and I don't judge for it is not for me to judge and as far as I know it is not for any us, including our officers, Apostle, etc. to judge. Anyway have a blessed day
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughts, I appreciate your response and feedback. I’m glad that you encouraged your children to make up their own minds. They’re still very young and a lot can happen in the next ten years. At age 20 I was still an OAC member and at age 30 I was still very staunch in my OAC beliefs, and I too had visited several other Christian churches while growing up and as an adult. Nobody could convince me otherwise. I won’t call you bling, indoctrinated or brainwashed because I was there where you are right now. Looking back though, I would call myself stubborn and uninformed. I made a decision that would change the rest of my life; I decided to read the whole Bible from end to end as one book without jumping around from one individual text to another individual text in different parts of the Bible. I decided to forget everything I had been taught up until that point and started new as if I knew nothing. I decided that I would let the Bible speak to me and teach me as the inspired Word of God without it being filtered through flesh first. As I started reading I had many questions and I made notes. I also prayed and asked for answers in the Bible. Amazingly, as I continued reading, the Bible answered itself. My questions became less and less. It took me more than two years of dedicated reading to finish reading the whole Bible. I didn’t skip any parts; I even read through the entire generation lists in detail and made notes. In that time I also got hold of the Hebrew and Greek translations and these also clarified what I had been reading. I want to encourage you to compare what’s been written on the blog with what’s written in your Bible. And as you instructed your children, to “not think like an OAC” while reading.
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