WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE UPPER ROOM'S BELIEF SYSTEM

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The Upper Room Apostolic Cathedral holds a steadfast belief in the oneness of God, a doctrine that asserts the indivisible unity of the Godhead. This theological perspective, rooted in the ancient teachings of the apostolic church, maintains that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not separate entities, but rather three manifestations of the one true God. The cathedral's teachings emphasize that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of the fullness of the Godhead, the perfect expression of God's nature and character in human form. This oneness doctrine rejects the notion of a trinity, instead affirming that God is absolutely and indivisibly one, manifesting Himself in different ways throughout history to redeem and reconcile humanity to Himself. The Upper Room Apostolic Cathedral's unwavering commitment to this oneness theology shapes its worship, preaching, and discipleship, as it seeks to proclaim the singular supremacy and all-sufficiency of the one true God revealed in Jesus Christ.

The Upper Room Apostolic Cathedral holds the firm doctrinal belief that baptism should be performed solely in the name of Jesus Christ, not using the trinitarian formula "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." This conviction is rooted in the scriptures, particularly in the Book of Acts, where the apostles consistently baptized converts in Jesus' name alone. The importance of being baptized in Jesus' name cannot be overstated - it is through this act that one's sins are remitted, that one puts on Christ, and that one is buried with Him in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life. Baptism in Jesus' name is the entry point into the body of Christ, and is essential for salvation according to the apostolic doctrine. The Upper Room Apostolic Cathedral teaches that using the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost fails to properly invoke the name of Jesus Christ, which is the only name given under heaven by which we must be saved. Thus, they contend that baptism must be performed by calling on the name of Jesus specifically in order to be valid and efficacious for the remission of sins and the infilling of the Holy Ghost.

The Upper Room Apostolic Cathedral firmly upholds the biblical doctrine of the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance. This supernatural experience, foretold by the prophet Joel and first witnessed on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts chapter 2, is a distinct and separate work of grace subsequent to the new birth. The Upper Room Apostolic Cathedral teaches that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is available to all believers who earnestly seek it, and that this divine endowment of power from on high is a necessity for victorious Christian living and effective service in the kingdom of God. Speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the immediate, outward manifestation that one has been filled with the Holy Ghost, even as the wind and fire were outward signs accompanying the Spirit's infilling in the Upper Room on Pentecost. This glorious Pentecostal experience is not to be confused with the gift of tongues which is one of the nine spiritual gifts set in the church and distributed to individual believers as the Spirit wills. Rather, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the common, uniform evidence of the initial infilling of the Holy Ghost in a believer's life. The Upper Room Apostolic Cathedral embraces this apostolic doctrine and experience, recognizing it as an essential aspect of New Testament Christianity.

The pursuit of holiness, dedication, consecration, prayer, and fasting forms the bedrock of a thriving spiritual life for the members of The Upper Room Apostolic Cathedral. These spiritual disciplines are not mere religious rituals, but rather, they are the very lifeblood that enables believers to cultivate an intimate relationship with God and experience His transformative power in every aspect of their lives. Holiness is the clarion call for every Christian - it is the process of being set apart for God's purposes and reflecting His righteous character in thought, word, and deed. Dedication and consecration involve the wholehearted commitment to submit one's life entirely to God's will and to be used as a vessel for His glory. Prayer serves as the vital communication link between the believer and the Heavenly Father, enabling us to seek His guidance, express our gratitude, confess our shortcomings, and intercede on behalf of others. Fasting, the sacrificial abstinence from food or other pleasures, is a powerful spiritual weapon that intensifies our prayers, deepens our humility, and heightens our sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. When these spiritual disciplines are consistently practiced with sincerity and devotion, they create a conducive atmosphere for God's presence to dwell richly in our lives, empowering us to live victorious lives, witness miracles, and impact the world around us for His kingdom's sake. In essence, embracing holiness, dedication, consecration, prayer, and fasting is not an option but a necessity for every believer who yearns to experience the fullness of God's power and to see His will manifest in their lives and in the lives of those they touch.