Sacramental
tenet anyone?
OAC
Confession of Faith:
“…WE BELIEVE in the administering of the three Holy sacraments
namely, the #Holy_Baptism with water unto repentance in the name of Jesus
Christ, whereby we grafted into Christ and participate in the Covenant of
grace; the #Holy_Communion whereby we recieve forgiveness of sins by the blood
of Jesus Christ; the #Holy_Sealing by the laying of hands by an Apostle of
Jesus Christ whereby we recieve the holy ghost; and in the administering
through the living for the dead the three Holy sacraments unto the souls in the
realm of the dead…”
To the author of this tenet:
Baptism as commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20) is not to be confused with
John’s baptism of repentance (Acts 18:24-26, Acts 19:1-7). Baptism is an
outward testimony of the inward change, an act of obedience after salvation (Acts 2:41,
Acts 8:35-38,
Acts
16:14-15). The physical act of baptism does not impart grace, apart
from the faith of the one being baptized. It’s believing in Jesus that saves you, not the observance of
rituals (John
1:12, John 3:14-16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:19-26, Romans 10:9-13
etc). The apostle Paul wasn’t sent by Christ to baptize, but to preach the gospel
and the cross.
1 Corinthians
1:14-18 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest
any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the
household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For
Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of
words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the
preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which
are saved it is the power of God.
Regarding Holy Communion (aka
“avondmaal”), Holy Communion in itself does not effect forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:26-29 And as they were
eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the
disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave
thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood
of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I
say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that
day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
The holiday of Passover begins during
the full moon in the first month of the year, which is on the 14th
day of Nisan. Passover celebrates the deliverance of the Israelites from
bondage in Egypt and memorializes the night when the faithful were protected by
the blood of the lamb.
The Passover lamb (Exodus 12:1-28, Leviticus
23:4-8, Numbers 9:1-14, Deuteronomy 16:1-8, Joshua 5:10-12)
was a clear foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the
sins of the world (John 1:29).
Jesus’ last Passover meal (the last supper or the Lord’s
supper) was therefore instituted on the basis of His own sacrifice (Matthew 26:1-5, Matthew 26:17-29, Mark 14:1-2,
Mark
14:12-25, Luke 22:1-2, Luke 22:7-22, John 13:1-30,
John 19:5-14,
1
Corinthians 5:7-8, Hebrews 11:24-28).
This meal is a commemoration by Christians
in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19,
1 Corinthians
11:24-25).
1 Corinthians
11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew
the Lord's death till he come.
Sacraments or rituals can’t forgive
your sins and it’s only by grace through believing that Jesus is the Christ (the Son of God) that was raised from
the dead that we’ll be saved and have life through his name (Luke 23:39-43,
John
20:30-31, Acts 10:42-43, Romans 10:8-10, Ephesians 2:8-9,
Hebrews
10:10-14).
Regarding the belief that you can receive
the Holy Spirit only by the laying on of hands of the “apostle”, this statement is misleading
and contradictory to actual OAC practice .
The OAC Sealing document states the following:
“...The day of sealing the apostle lay’s his hands
upon your head saying “Receive the Holy Ghost” In doing so he merely confirms
the work already done by the faithful members of the church who are the hands
of the Apostle that were laid upon your head at the time of the testimony and
who opened your understanding...”
When Samaria had received the word of
God, Peter and John didn’t go and confirm the word of God that Samaria had
already received. They received the Holy Ghost only after Peter and John had
laid their own physical hands on them (Acts 8:14-17).
When Paul laid his own physical hands on
the disciples at Ephesus it wasn’t a confirmation of anything done by Apollos.
After laying his own physical hands on them the Holy Ghost came on them and
they spoke in tongues and prophesied (Acts 19:1-6).
Notice that the Bible says Peter, John
and Paul had laid hands on them, not an “apostle” or the members of their
congregation. The Holy Spirit is the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts with
which we are sealed unto the day of redemption (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 2 Corinthians
5:5, Ephesians
1:13-14, Ephesians 4:30).
The “spirit” that OAC members receive is so-called spiritual understanding which isn’t
spiritual at all, but learning to
interpret the whole Bible allegorically in a way that suits human
accomplishments. God and Jesus are “spiritualized” into non-existence
so that the emphasis is placed on the OAC and the words of their officers. If you
believe that Jesus literally performed miracles, walked on
water, came back from the dead and ascended into heaven then you’ll be mocked
and considered to be carnally minded by members of the OAC.
Regarding the administering of sacraments to souls in the realm of the dead, this
practice is totally un-Biblical.
OAC
Confession of Faith: “…We Believe in the Administering of the
Three Holy Sacraments – Holy Baptism; Holy Communion; and Holy Sealing Just as
a natural body is comprised of three basic elements – water, blood and spirit –
so too the Body of Christ, the Church. [I
JOH 5 v 7-8]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Ephesians 5:23-24 For the husband is
the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he
is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ,
so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
The body of Christ (i.e. the church with Christ as its head) is not comprised of three
basic elements but of many members (Romans 12:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Ephesians 4:1-16,
Ephesians
5:22-33). Each individual member is comprised of a natural body
(flesh) plus spirit (God’s breath of life) which makes them a living soul (Genesis 2:7,
John 3:5-6,
Romans
12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, 1 Corinthians 15:42-49, 2 Corinthians
3:17-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12). Each member in
the body of Christ loves the Lord their God with all their
heart, all their soul, all their strength, and all their mind (Matthew
22:37-39, Mark 12:30-31, Luke 10:27).
Almost 99% of the mass of the natural human body is made up of six elements:
oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. Only about 0.85%
is composed of another five elements: potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and
magnesium. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood – a protein-salt solution in
which red and white blood cells and platelets are suspended. Plasma, which is
92% water, constitutes 55% of blood volume.
Jesus Christ came by water and blood, and it is the
Spirit that bears witness (1 John 5:6). OAC members therefore can’t
deny that Jesus ever existed as a
physical person here on earth: “...a
natural body is comprised of three basic elements – water, blood and spirit...”
There are three that bear record in heaven (1 John 5:7):
- The Father
- The Word
- The Holy Ghost
These three are one.
There are three that bear witness in earth (1 John 5:8):
- The Spirit
- The water
- The blood
These three agree in one.
1 John 5:9-12 If we receive the
witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness
of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the
Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made
him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And
this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this
life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not
the Son of God hath not life.
OAC
Confession of Faith: The Holy Sacraments “…We Believe in the Administering of the
Three Holy Sacraments We refer to the sacraments as being “holy” because they
originate from God and are applicable to the soul. God is holy and therefore
His children should also be holy. [LEV
20:26 & I JOH 5:7&8; I PET 1:15]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Nowhere in the Bible do we read of
“Three Holy Sacraments”, not even in the verses between brackets. They
therefore do not originate from God. To be holy means to be morally sacred.
According to Leviticus 20:22-27, the LORD
spoke to Moses and commanded the children of Israel to do and keep all His
statutes and judgments. They were not to walk in the manners of the nation
driven out before them. They had to differentiate between clean and unclean
beasts and fowl. They were not to make their souls abominable by unclean
beasts, fowl and any manner of living thing that creeps on the ground. The LORD
severed them from other people to be His and therefore holy. Any man or woman
that was a wizard or had a familiar spirit was to be stoned to death. This does
not compare very favourably with the OAC’s practice of sacraments for those in the realm of the dead.
1 Peter 1:13-25 Wherefore gird up
the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is
to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient
children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in
your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in
all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I
am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth
according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch
as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver
and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But
with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without
spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but
was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that
raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope
might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth
through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one
another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of
corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and
abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as
the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But
the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the
gospel is preached unto you.
None of the OAC sacraments are mentioned in these verses. We are
redeemed by the precious blood of Christ who died only once for our sins (Romans 6:10, Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 9:12,
Hebrews 9:28,
Hebrews
10:10, 1 Peter 3:18).
Only a physical body could:
- be born of a woman when her water breaks (Matthew 1:16-25, Luke 1:26-38, Romans 1:3, 2 Timothy 2:8),
- be baptized by John (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22)
- or bleed (Hebrews 9:11-28, Hebrews 13:10-12, Revelation 1:5, Revelation 7:14).
Jesus came by blood and water from beginning
to end, physically and spiritually. Blood can only be shed when it leaves the
physical body and it’s usually as a result of a wound or an injury (Isaiah 53:5,
1 Peter 2:24).
It was blood and water that poured out of Jesus’ side on the cross (John 19:33-34).
Hard physical work can cause you to
sweat, not bleed, unless there’s an injury. Going to church gatherings can hardly be
construed as work, much less as shedding of blood unless the gathering gets
really very violent.
OAC
Confession of Faith: The Holy Sacraments “…What is a sacrament? The origin of the
word: “sacrament” is the English word: “sacred”, implying a holy action or
deed. A sacrament is therefore an external, visible and symbolic administering
to man, with an inner, spiritual purpose and meaning. [ROM 8 v 5-8]…”
To the author of this tenet:
A sacrament is a religious ceremony and the Bible
doesn’t use that word. Abstinence from fleshly desires isn’t determined by any rituals
or religious ceremonies just as a wedding ring, which is an outward sign or
symbol, won’t stop a cheating spouse from actually watching porn and committing
adultery (Matthew
5:27-28, Matthew 23:24-28, Luke 11:37-39, James 1:26-27).
Or as more crudely put by someone I knew years ago: “a ring doesn’t close a
hole.”
OAC
Confession of Faith: Three Sacraments: Holy: “…The sacraments are regarded as holy because God introduced them into the
Church and they pertain to the soul. For this reason, the partakers of the
sacraments have to be holy by leading clean and pure lives. [1 PET 1:15-16]…”
To the author of this tenet:
If you read those verses in their proper
context, you won’t read anything about sacraments being introduced into any church by God (1 Peter 1:13-25). Christ’s call is a call to active service (Luke 12:35-40)
with a sober mind and as children of obedience (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
1 Peter 1:13-25 Wherefore gird up
the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to
be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children,
not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your
ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner
of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call
on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every
man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know
that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,
from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with
the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was
manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised
him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in
God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the
Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another
with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible
seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and
abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as
the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But
the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the
gospel is preached unto you.
When we allow God by His Holy Spirit to
guide us, only then can we be holy. We were redeemed with the precious blood of
Christ which was shed only once (Hebrews
10:10-14).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Three Sacraments: “…Everyone Must Receive It. During a
sealing service, the Apostle serves the three sacraments to a Fourfold Office
and his wife, whom stand in the stead of the souls in the dead region who have
accepted the Church as their faith. [I
COR 15:29 & REV 7:9-17]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Nowhere in the Bible is this stated and
the verses between brackets are being twisted out of context to suit OAC doctrine. The malefactor that was
crucified alongside Jesus believed that Jesus is the Lord (Luke 23:39-43). Jesus didn’t tell him he must first receive three holy sacraments or go searching for a “fourfold office” after he died! Through
his belief in Jesus as the Lord he became assured of a
place in paradise. It had absolutely nothing to do with his acceptance of some church as his faith.
1 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?
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 “fourfold officer” or any living person on behalf of someone else who is
dead already.
OAC
Confession of Faith: First Sacrament: Holy Baptism with Water:
“…Revision Review the role that water plays in the history recorded in the
Bible:
Creation;
Flood;
Moses
(taken from the water); &
Trek
through the Red sea. [I COR 10:1-4]…”
To the author of this tenet:
This is a very interesting statement
since many OAC members don’t believe the Bible is a
historic record. It is commonly believed by many OAC members that the Biblical accounts of
the Creation, the Flood and Moses are all allegorical accounts (so-called “spiritual”) and not to be
interpreted as historical events.
OAC
Confession of Faith: First Sacrament: Holy Baptism with Water:
“…Revision This sacrament represents the “water” in the spiritual body /
the Church [I JOH 5:7-8 & MAT 3:11]…”
To the author of this tenet:
In a spiritual sense, the water that Jesus gives us will spring up into
everlasting life (John 4:14). When Jesus spoke of the rivers of living water, He
was referring to the Holy Ghost (John 7:37-39). The river of water of life
proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Revelation 22:1).
OAC
Confession of Faith: First Sacrament: Holy Baptism “…The baptism is the fulfillment of the
Prophecy of the Old Testament in which God said that He will gather His people
out of all the nations and write His commandments in their hearts. He will
first cleanse them with the water, the living word. [JER 31:31-36 & EZE 36:24-28]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Even though the word baptism doesn’t
appear anywhere in the Old Testament, the ritual of washing by water was
practiced as an act of purification and initiation long before the New
Testament. Levite priests performed symbolic cleansing in water before and
after their priestly duties (Exodus 29:4, Exodus 30:17-21, Exodus 40:12,
Exodus 40:30-32,
Leviticus 8:5-6,
Leviticus
16:4, Leviticus 16:23-24).
John’s baptism of repentance followed
the same example for cleansing (Luke 3:3-4, Acts 19:3-4). John fulfilled the
prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3-5).
The prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel
refer to Jesus’ sacrifice, the Holy Ghost and the new
covenant (John
5:21, 2 Corinthians 1:9, 2 Corinthians 3:3, Hebrews 10:1-22, Revelation
21:1-8).
OAC
Confession of Faith: First Sacrament: Holy Baptism: Water as Symbol “…The baptism with water truly has a deep meaning. The Fathers of our
Faith were all baptised in Moses (the Law / Scriptures); in the cloud (water /
Words from above); and in the sea (dry-foot through the Red Sea, leaving the
former life behind after which the sea will close up).
[I COR 10:1-6]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Jesus is greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6),
and Jesus is the mediator of a new and better
covenant (Jeremiah
31:31-33, Hebrews 8:1-13, Hebrews 12:22-24).
The water that Jesus gives us will spring up into
everlasting life (John 4:14). When Jesus spoke of the rivers of living water, He
was referring to the Holy Ghost (John 7:37-39). The river of water of life
proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Revelation 22:1).
Paul referred to the children of Israel
as “our fathers” because according to the
flesh he was an Israelite, a Hebrew, a Jew and a Pharisee (Acts 21:39-40, Acts 23:6,
Romans 11:1,
Philippians
3:4-5). By faith are we as wild olive trees graffed in to partake of
the root and fatness of the olive tree (Isaiah 11:10, Romans 11:11-24, Romans 15:8-13).
Israel was led out of Egypt and the LORD
went before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22).
The children of Israel crossed the sea on dry ground (Exodus 14:1-31).
But God was not pleased with many of
them and those things were our examples so that we don’t lust after evil things
(1
Corinthians 10:5-6). The rest of the verses warn against idolatory,
fornication, temptation and murmurings (1 Corinthians 10:7-11).
OAC
Confession of Faith: First Sacrament: Holy Baptism with Water:
“…Revision This sacrament represents the “water” in the spiritual body /
the Church [I JOH 5: 7 For there are
three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit;
and these three are one. 8 And there
are three that bear witness on earth:[a] the Spirit, the water, and the blood;
and these three agree as one.& MAT
3: 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming
after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will
baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.[a]]…”
To the author of this tenet:
John the baptist prepared the way for Jesus as prophesied in the Old Testament (Isaiah 40:3-5,
Luke 3:3-4).
The baptism of John unto repentance is not the same as that commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 18:24-26, Acts 19:1-7).
OAC
Confession of Faith: First Sacrament: Holy Baptism:
“…How do Children Repent? Children are led to repentance (are baptised)
through continued moulding and growth in the Church through the words of
teaching; at home and in the Sunday school. [JOH 7: 38 & EPH 5: 26]…”
To the author of this tenet:
The verses in parentheses don’t mention
anything about children or repentance or baptism.
Repentance means to have true remorse
and to turn away from doing wrong again. As a child I would be punished if I
was disobedient to my parents. As a boy I enjoyed playing with matches despite
being told not to do so. My only remorse was for being caught and punished, not
for playing with matches. Whenever I said sorry, my mom would wisely tell me
not to say sorry because saying sorry means I wouldn’t do it again. True
repentance would’ve meant me never wanting to play with matches again, even if
I knew my parents would never find out. How many adults truly understand the
concept of repentance?
Parents should take personal
responsibility for their children’s spiritual education. Children in loving Christian
homes usually accept Christ earlier than children in non-Christian
homes and the reason is fairly obvious. A loving family that is truly Christian
believe in Jesus and children are taught the precepts
from the Bible. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
In some homes the parents’ lifestyle will be the only Bible their children will
ever get to read.
Matthew 18:1-6 At the same time
came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of
them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as
little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever
therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in
the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name
receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in
me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and
that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Often it is easier for a child to
perceive and receive spiritual truth than an adult. The Bible is shallow enough
for a child to understand, yet deep enough for an adult to drown in. Samuel was
called at such an early age that even Eli was doubtful at first (1 Samuel 3:1-21).
Jesus welcomed children during His ministry (Mark 10:13-16).
While some of those children may have been too young to understand any type of
religious significance, they would’ve felt and remembered His love and kindness
and therefore be favourably disposed towards Him as they grew older.
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a
child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise
unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
In first century Israel, children were
ready for study of the Scripture from the age of five. One should realize
however that at whatever age children are capable of learning simple Biblical
truths, at that age they become accountable for acting on those truths.
And a here’s a kind reminder to all the fathers,
do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and
instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
OAC
Confession of Faith: First Sacrament: Holy Baptism:
“…How do Adults Repent? By acknowledging their prior sins; changing (for
the better) their former way of life by participating in the activities of the
resurrected body of Christ; and conforming to and practicing (living) the
commandments of God. [ROM 6:1-6 &
18]…”
To the author of this tenet:
It all starts with believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God with all your heart otherwise
it will all be in vain (Mark 16:16-18, John 3:16-18, John 3:35-36,
John 8:23-24,
Acts 4:10-12).
OAC members believe that the
water you get baptised with is the spoken word (Ephesians 5:25-27). Nowhere in
the Bible is the speaking of words or the hearing of words referred to as
baptism. Let’s take the Ethiopian eunuch as an example. The eunuch was busy
reading from the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 53:7-8) when Philip joined him on his
chariot (Acts
8:27-34). Then Philip used that same piece of Scripture and preached
Jesus to him (Acts 8:35).
Only after hearing the preaching of the
word of God did the eunuch ask to get baptized when they got to water (Acts 8:36).
If words are to be understood as baptism, Philip would’ve told him that his
baptism had already begun. But that’s not what happened, Philip first asked the
eunuch if he believed with all his heart and the eunuch confirmed that he
believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:37). Only after this
confirmation did they both get into the water so that Philip could baptize him
(Acts 8:38).
One first has to be a penitent believer
to be ready for baptism. The act of baptism is a public display of faith and a confession
that Jesus Christ is Saviour and Lord.
The Greek word for baptize
was used if a ship had sunk or if a man had drowned. Baptize in the Biblical
context means immersion in water and it was the original practice of the early
church. Immersion in water during baptism symbolizes the death and burial of
the old self or your old way of life. This immersion also symbolizes being
buried with Christ. Coming back up out of the water
symbolizes rebirth, so we should walk in newness of life as Christ was raised up from the dead.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Second Sacrament: Holy Communion
“…This sacrament reminds us of the body (members in the Church); and the
blood (the good works that are to be done unto the members in the Church) of
Jesus Christ, the Church. [I COR
11:23-25]…”
To the author of this tenet:
This is totally wrong on so many levels!
The members in the church cannot save you, nowhere in the Bible
is the blood of Jesus construed as good works done by members
of some church.
Ephesians 5:23-24 For the husband is
the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he
is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto
Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
The body
of Christ is the church with Christ as its head. The OAC claim to be Jesus Christ which means they
deny the real Christ because they’re their own head. The “wife” wannabe is claiming to be
her own husband and the saviour of her own body. No wonder the OAC hand cannot wear a wedding
ring.
The OAC therefore rejects the one
sacrifice that Jesus made for ever. Only the
precious blood of the Lamb can redeem us (1 Peter 1:18-19). We are all as an unclean
thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). The rags are
filthy because our own works are stained by our own sins. By grace are we saved
through faith which is the gift of God, nobody can boast about their own works
(Ephesians
2:8-9).
We are redeemed by the precious
blood of Christ who died only once for our sins (Romans 6:10, Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 9:12,
Hebrews 9:28,
Hebrews
10:10, 1 Peter 3:18).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Second Sacrament: Holy Communion
“…Holy communion is administered on the first Sunday and on some other
special occasions. Every member – adult and child – takes part in the
sacrament. Do you know the symbols of this sacrament? [I COR 12:27]…”
To the author of this tenet:
1 Corinthians
11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew
the Lord's death till he come.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Second Sacrament: Symbols: Bread
“…The members of the Church are the body of Christ. Unleavened bread is
broken into pieces in the plate and represents the different members of the
body of Christ. [I COR 12:27 You are
Christ’s body and each of you is an individual part of it. & LUK 22:
The Passover
7
The day came during the Festival of Unleavened Bread when the Passover lamb had
to be killed.]…”
To the author of this tenet:
The bread that Jesus broke does not represent the members of
the church, but Jesus’ own physical body which was broken for
us (Matthew
26:26, Mark 14:22, 1 Corinthians 11:23-24). When
you read the verses between brackets you will notice that it was Jesus that broke the bread, gave it to His
disciples and said “Take, eat; this is my
body”. At no point did Jesus ever say “this is our body” or
“this is your body”.
OAC members appear to be confused regarding
the body of Jesus and the body of Christ. The bride is not the Bridegroom (Matthew 9:14-15,
Mark 2:18-20,
Luke 5:33-35,
John 3:27-29,
Ephesians
5:23-32, Colossians 1:18).
We were redeemed by the blood of only
one Passover Lamb without blemish and without spot (Isaiah 53:7, John 1:29,
John 1:36,
Acts 8:32-35,
1
Corinthians 5:7-8, Hebrews 9:12-14, 1 Peter 1:18-19), not by the works
of goats and wolves thousands of years later full of sin and spots.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Second Sacrament: Symbols: Plate
“…Keeps all the pieces of bread (members) together in an orderly fashion.
The plate therefore represents the different parts of the Church (Priestships,
congregations, families, etc.). [I COR
12:27 You are Christ’s body and each of you is an individual part of it. & EPH 4:16 He makes the whole body
fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and
every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in
love.]…”
To the author of this tenet:
In the KJV a plate is only mentioned
three times in the Old Testament. In the New Testament there is absolutely no
mention of a plate. A word that does appear is platter and not once is it used in
reference to the body of Christ (Matthew 23:25-26, Luke 11:39). It’s the bread and
what it represents that’s important, not some plate.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Second Sacrament: Symbols: Grape Juice
“…The “fruit of the vine” is grapes from which grape juice / wine is made.
The (red) grape juice symbolises the blood that we must shed by doing good
works unto God and His children. [LUK
22:18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the
vine until the kingdom of God comes.”]…”
To the author of this tenet:
The cup (fruit of the vine) that Jesus gave to His disciples does not
represent the good deeds or works of the church, but Jesus’ own blood which was shed for many for
the remission of sins (Matthew 26:27-29, Mark 14:23-25, 1 Corinthians
11:25). When you read the verses between brackets you will notice
that it was Jesus that gave the cup to His disciples and
said “this is my blood”. At no point
did Jesus ever say “this is our works” or
“this is your works”.
This tenet denies the blood sacrifice of
Jesus and all who believe this tenet are
still dead in their sins (1 Peter 1:18-19).
There is no need for any other “blood”
to be shed today for the remission of sins (Hebrews 7:24-27, Hebrews
10:10-14).
Hard physical work can cause you to
sweat, not bleed, unless there’s an injury. Going to church gatherings can hardly be construed as
work, much less as shedding of blood unless the gathering gets really very
violent.
Jesus was not referring to the works of His
bride as the cup that He would be drinking from.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Second Sacrament: Holy Communion:
“…Serving Members are served with communion by approaching the officer
(server). They exert an effort / do work to approach the officer and thereby
display their willingness to partake of the sacrament. [I COR 11:27-29]
Every
family is encouraged to discuss the procedure of the serving of the sacrament
of the Holy Communion, with specific emphasis on what the members do and say,
and also what the Priests do and say. Also consider the meaning and
implications of these deeds and words. [JOH
6:32-35]
The
sacraments have symbols that represent reality. The sacraments are called
“holy” because they have a bearing on our souls and were instituted by God who
is holy. Sacraments were instituted in the New Testament with the intention
that they shall refer to the spiritual, having an inner significance or
meaning. [HEB 9:1, 9-15]
The
sacrament of the Holy Communion therefore serves to remind us of the spiritual
and true holy communion, for the eating and drinking of the symbols in itself
have no spiritual / eternal value. We should remember that we are no longer living
after the flesh, but after the spirit. [ROM
8:5-9]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Exerting an effort to approach the
officer and calling it work does not mean you’re worthy (1 Corinthians 27-34). In the
early church each brought their own supply of food which was then put into a
common stock and then shared out equally. At Corinth there were cliques who
brought their own provisions causing distinctions to be made between the rich
and poor.
Nowhere in the Bible do we read of “holy
sacraments”, not even in the verses between brackets. They were therefore not
instituted by God. The verses in brackets need to be read in context, they
refer to the first covenant and the tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1-10) and the
redemption through the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:11-28).
1 Corinthians
10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the
blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body
of Christ?
According to Strong’s,
the word “communion” is translated from the Greek word koinōnia and is defined as:
partnership, that is, (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction: - (to) communicate
(-ation), communion, (contri-), distribution, fellowship.
This means we acknowledge and appreciate
what the Lord has done for us all and we are united in his body.
According to the Bible
it is the flesh (carnal) which is the opposite of
the Spirit (Romans
8:5-7, Galatians 5:16).
The communion of the
blood and body of Christ is not living after the flesh by any stretch of the imagination (Matthew 22:29,
Mark 12:24,
Acts
17:10-12, Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:15-17).
Living after the flesh
refers to adultery, fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, lasciviousness,
idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, greediness, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings and such like (Matthew
15:18-20, Mark 7:20-23, Romans 1:25-32, 1 Corinthians
5:9-11, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, Galatians 5:19-21,
Ephesians
4:17-31, Ephesians 5:3-7, Colossians 3:5-9, 1 Thessalonians
4:3-8, Hebrews 13:4-5, 2 Peter 2:4-10, Revelation 21:8,
Revelation
22:15). It is the fleshly
lusts (carnal mindedness) which war
against the soul (1 Peter 2:11), not the communion of the blood
and body of Christ.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Third Sacrament: “…Holy Sealing, in accordance with the
three essential elements for a natural body to be alive (water, blood, spirit)
we believe that the spiritual body of Jesus Christ (the Church) also requires
these three elements. [1 JOH 5:7v8]
The Holy Sealing is the third of three sacraments in the Church [JOH 14:16,17v26]…”
To the author of this tenet:
The Holy Ghost is one with the Father
and the Word (the Divine Expression that is Christ) that bear record in heaven,
the Spirit (the Comforter, Spirit of
truth) agrees with the water and blood that bear witness in earth (John 14:16-17,
1 John 5:7-8).
These verses do not refer to sacraments.
There’s a common view held within the OAC that the word preached by an OAC officer is the “father”. When you’re
obedient to their word then you’re the “son” of deeds. The result of this
“word” and “deed” is the “holy spirit”, which is supposedly that warm feeling
of satisfaction from a clear conscience for being obedient. OAC members believe they need to be
obedient to the spoken words of their officers to “receive” the Holy Ghost, not
just once, but over and over again.
An OAC “priest” wrote the following: “...The word must always become "was" in my life because if it
still "is", then it hasn't become a deed yet. We must not remain at
the beginning as we need to grow and bear fruit...”
An OAC member wrote: “...God is the Word....so there is always the Speaker who is speaking....He
is speaking to someone the hearer, who is listening....then there is the one
who is spoken of.....The Father speaks ...the Son listens and they speak of the
Holy Ghost..the result ...thus the unity between the Speaker the Father and the
Son reveals the product the Holy Ghost...a perfect Trinity...”
“...The
Father our God, the spoken word, the Son our church and the Holy Ghost. to
promote our deeds - but the three are one and by practicing them, everlasting
life...”
“...of
bread alone we can not live, only from every spoken WORD, out of the MOUTH of
GOD, have YOU found the MOUTH of GOD, thats the ONLY way we can LIVE, the MOUTH
of GOD is the one send for you and me, if you are a child, it's your MOTHER, if
you are a Brother or Sister it's the Priest, are you a MOUTH of GOD, yes you
are and God is also Listening to you through the ears of other's and beholding
you through the eyes your fellow brother and sister and those in other kraals...”
The Holy Spirit isn’t dispensed or
sealed via sacraments. Those who trust and believe in Christ after hearing the truth which is the
gospel of their salvation, are sealed with the holy Spirit of promise.
Ephesians 1:10-14 That in the
dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things
in Christ,
both which are in heaven,
and which are on earth;
even in him:
In whom also we have
obtained an inheritance,
being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his
own will:
That we should be to the
praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
In whom ye also trusted, after
that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:
in whom also after that
ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Which is the earnest of
our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the
praise of his glory.
The Holy Spirit is God’s seal in the
hearts of His people.
2 Corinthians
1:21-22 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us,
is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our
hearts.
According to Strong’s,
the word “earnest” is translated from the Greek word arrhabōn and is defined as:
a pledge,
that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest: - earnest.
The Spirit in our hearts is like a down payment
of our inheritance and the evidence of the Spirit is revealed as fruit of the
Spirit (Galatians
5:16-26). No man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed and no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians
12:3).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Third Sacrament: Holy Sealing
“…The holy Sealing is the third of three sacraments in the Church; it is
the process through which all the souls that were added to the Church during
the year receive the Holy Spirit through the laying-on of hands. [ACT 8:14-17] It is also the final step
in the process of the rebirth [MAT 3:11]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Before His ascension, Jesus commanded His apostles
not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father, and they
would be baptized with the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:1-5).
The apostles were all gathered together
in one accord on the day of Pentecost (Exodus 23:16, Exodus 34:22, Leviticus
23:15-22, Numbers 28:26-31, Deuteronomy 16:9-12, Acts 2:1).
Pentecost (Feast of Weeks) is regarded as the time that God gave the Torah
to Israel at Mount Sinai, seven weeks after Israel's miraculous exodus from
Egypt. The name Pentecost comes from the Bible's command that a 50-day
countdown to the Feast of Weeks begin on the second day of Passover. Hellenist
Jews called the holiday Pentecost, from the Greek word pente, meaning fifty.
Then the prophecy of Joel was fulfilled (Joel 2:28-32)
as the apostles were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with
other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:2-21). The priests in the
Temple were offering the first loaves of the new harvest, in celebration of the
feast of Pentecost, and at the same time the Holy Spirit came as the first
fruits of our inheritance.
Peter preached to the men of Israel about
Jesus of Nazareth as a man approved of God
who performed miracles and wonders and signs. Jesus who was crucified and slain by cruel
hands. Jesus who was resurrected by God so that His
soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh see corruption. God had made that
same Jesus, who was crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:22-36). You’ll notice
that Peter didn’t refer to himself and the other eleven apostles as Christ or Jesus. Peter didn’t preach a church to them, he preached Jesus Christ.
When the men of Israel heard Peter’s
sermon they were pricked in the heart and wanted to know what to do (Acts 2:37).
Peter did not tell them they needed three sacraments to complete their rebirth.
Acts 2:38 Peter said to them Repent,
and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission
of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Then they that gladly received his word
were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand
souls (Acts
2:41). The church continued to grow as the Lord added to the church
daily those that were saved (Acts 2:47).
That which is born of the Spirit is
spirit (John
3:5-6). One is born again by the incorruptible word of God that
lives forever (1
Peter 1:23-25). God wants us to know His Ways and be empowered by
His Spirit to live holy lives, bearing much fruit in Him.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 A new heart also
will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away
the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I
will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye
shall keep my judgments, and do them.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Third Sacrament: Holy Sealing
“…This is the third (of three) sacraments served in the Church – the
receipt of the Holy Ghost / Spirit – and is also referred to as the Comforter and
the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot receive this Spirit, because they do not
know it. [JOH 14:16-17]…”
To the author of this tenet:
The receipt of the Holy Ghost / Spirit
is not a sacrament (John 14:15-26, John 16:7-15). OAC members also view all other churches as
the “world”.
