Our Beliefs
One God
At Okemah UPC (United Pentecostal Church), we believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God and the authority for our lives and salvation. (II Timothy 3:15-17.) It is our firm belief that there is one God, who has revealed Himself as our Father, in His Son Jesus Christ, and as the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ is God manifested in flesh, the visible image of the invisible God. He is both God and man. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16.)
Salvation
We believe that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and all are therefore in need of salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:23-25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9.)
We believe that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. We obey the gospel (II Thessalonians 1:8; I Peter 4:17) by repentance (death to sin), water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (burial), and the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial sign of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance (resurrection). (I Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 2:4, 37-39; Romans 6:3-4.)
Relationship
We believe that God, who is Holy, calls each of us into relationship with Him. I Peter 1:16 says, “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” God is holy and above sin, and therefore He is the only one that can help us to overcome sin. Thus we enter into a holy relationship with Him. This relationship with almighty God manifests itself in every aspect of our lives.
The Future
Jesus is coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle. In the end will be the final resurrection and the final judgment. The righteous will inherit eternal life, and the unrighteous eternal death. (See I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:11-15.)