Doctrine - 3rd Tenet

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 14^th 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:

The fathers of the OAC faith are Carl George Klibbe and the OAC “apostles” since 1927.

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”.

Only Jesus is the true life giving bread from heaven (John 6:22-59).

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”.

The good news is that there is only one REAL Jesus and He is the ONLY Messiah.