What Makes Our Doctrines Distinctive?

by C. Ray Miller and Paul R. Fetters

Now we will discuss what distinguishes us from other evangelical churches.

Predestination and Free Will

The Reformation of the 16th Century resulted in the Lutheran, Reformed, and Anabaptist churches. Lutherans followed the teachings of Martin Luther, Reformed churches followed John Calvin, and Anabaptists followed Menno Simmons (from whose name "Mennonite" comes).

John Calvin, a reformer from Geneva, Switzerland, taught that nothing happens unless God allows it. This includes whether or not someone goes to heaven. This is the "Predestination" view.

Jacob Arminius, a Dutch theologian who had received strict Reformed training, began doubting the Calvinistic teaching concerning predestination and salvation. In its place, he developed a view which combines the sovereignty of God with the free will of man. His followers are called Arminians.

The United Brethren church, as an evangelical denomination, is Arminian in theology rather than Calvinist. We believe that God and man cooperate in the conversion experience. God offers salvation to us, but we can either accept it or reject it. This power to choose is known as free will.

Communion: Zwingli vs. Luther

While Martin Luther led the Reformation within Germany, Huldreich Zwingli's voice arose in Zurich, Switzerland.

Martin Luther taught that Christ was physically present in the bread and wine served during communion (the Lord's Supper). After all, at the Last Supper, Christ said, "This is my body" and "This is my blood." Zwingli reached a different conclusion. He believed that Christ's words actually meant, "This signifies my body...blood."

We follow Zwingli's view, remembering Christ's suffering and death through the symbols of bread and wine (or grapejuice, which is commonly used in our churches).

Sanctification: Crisis or Process?

Another Arminian doctrine concerns sanctification, which involves the believer becoming like Christ.

Wesleyanism (which emerged from John Wesley's teachings) has traditionally taught that a person is sanctified instantly through an experience which occurs sometime after salvation. This "second work of grace" enables a person to resist sinning and live a more victorious Christian life. The Wesleyan, Free Methodist, and Nazarene churches hold this view.

The United Brethren church has predominantly taught that sanctification is progressive--that we gradually become more like Christ through a life-long process of growth which begins at conversion. We become perfect and complete only after we die and see Christ.

Spiritual Gifts

Pentecostalism is often associated with speaking in tongues. Churches such as the Assemblies of God and Four-Square Gospel have taught this gift. In some cases, speaking in tongues is regarded as proof of the Holy Spirit's fullness. We don't hold that view. We believe that all spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible are available today, but that people who never speak in tongues may still have the Spirit's fullness and power.

Mode of Baptism

Another distinctive concerns baptism. We appreciate the emphasis our Baptist brethren place on baptism. However, we do not agree with them in accepting only one method of baptism: immersion (the whole body being submerged in water).

Most Baptist groups insist that baptism by immersion must precede membership, and the Lord's Supper is open only to persons who have been baptized by immersion. We, on the other hand, permit Christians to be baptized any way they choose--by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion.

Next: How does the UB Church Function?