The Doctrines of the Church

The scriptures (O.T. & N.T.) are given by inspiration of God to man as a revelation of His Word, will, and way, and are superior to conscience and reason. The Word of God is the infallible and authorative rule of doctrine and practice. II Peter 1:21; II Tim. 3:16; I Thess.2:13; II Pet. 1:19; Matt.24:35.

2. THE DIVINE GODHEAD:

There is only one true and living God, Creator of heaven and earth, etc., who has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is unchangeable, omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. He is perfect in love and holiness and all other virtues; and to Him is due our worship and obedience. Deut. 6:4; John 4:24; Isa. 45:18; Gen. 1:26; I John 5:7; Mal. 3:6; I Tim. 1:17.

3. THE GOSPEL:

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, the Messiah of Israel, and the only Savior of all mankind. John 3:16; John 1:41, 49 Acts 4:12; John 8:24.

4. SALVATION:

Man was created in innocence, fell by transgression, and is morally depraved. All men are sinners by nature and subject to eternal judgment. As a free agent to choose for himself, salvation is offered to all who will repent from sin, turning to God and exercising faith in Christ, being forgiven through the merits of Christ, and being born again or spiritually regenerated. A child of God knows he is saved, but he must endure to the end.

5. WATER BAPTISM:

New Converts must be baptized (immersed) in water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit by a divinely authorized minister of God as soon as practical. This is the believer’s identification with Christ (death, burial, and a resurrection) in their personal Christian covenant through the ordinance of water baptism.

6. THE BAPTISM INTO THE HOLY SPIRIT:

After salvation every child of God should receive the baptism into the Holy Spirit, accompanied by the manifestation of speaking with other tongues. A Christian cannot speak with other tongues until he receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit ; but after he has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit he can speak with other tongues.

7. THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT:

All the gifts of the Spirit are available for those who will use them for the glory of God and for spiritual edification. Rom 8:32; James 1:17; Rom. 12:6-8.

Signs follow believers today. Mark 16:17-20; I Cor.7:7; I Tim. 4:14; II Tim. 1:6.

Christ gave the church power. Matt. 19:26; Luke 10:19; John 14:12; Acts 6:8; rom. 15:19; I Cor. 2:4,5; Heb. 2:4.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit should operate in every church service. Rom. 11:29; I Cor. 12:4-11; I Cor 14:26; I Thess. 5:20.

8. DIVINE HEALING:

Apart from being a gift of the Spirit, divine healing is part of the atonement, as represented in the two elements of the Lord’s Supper, and is an intricate part of the whole Gospel and the heritage and privilege of every child of God. Mal. 4:2; Psa. 103:1-5; Matt. 8:16,17; I Peter 2:24; James 5:14-16.

9. SANCTIFICATION AND HOLINESS:

Christians are to be sanctified, set apart, and separated from sin, the Devil, and the world. It is a crisis act, and also a progressive experience.

It is God’s will. I Thess. 4:3; II Cor. 6:17.

We must be holy. I Pet. 1:15,16; Heb. 12:14; Matt. 5:8.

We are to be sanctified in our spirit, soul, and body. I thess. 5:23; Rom. 8:7; II Cor. 7:1.

Means of sanctification. I Cor. 1:30; Heb. 13:12; John 17:17 ; Eph. 5:26; II Tim. 2:21.

Worldliness forbidden. Rom. 12:2; John 17:15; I John 2:15-17; II Cor. 6:14; James 4:4.

Crucifixion of the flesh. Gal. 5:19; Gal. 5:20; Gal. 5:24; Rom 6:6; I Cor. 3:16; Rom 12:1.

10. THE CHURCH:

The church is the universal family of God’s people. I Tim. 3:15; Eph.2:22.

It is the bride of Christ. Rom 12:5.

Christ himself is the foundation. I Cor 3:11 and the builder thereof. Matt. 16:15-18.

Christ is the head of the church, which should be called by his Name. Eph. 5:23-25; Col. 1:18.

The church is made up of every born again believer. Rom. 12:4; I Cor. 12:12-27.

All earthly distinctions of race, class, etc. , are dissolved. Isa. 56:7; Gal.3:28; Rom.15:7; Acts 10:34.

The church is unified. John 17th chapter; Eph. 2:21,22.

As it is obviously impractical for all Christians of one large city to gather indoors or outdoors into one congregation, (as in the days of the early Apostles), God has led us to for "Local Churches" to regularly come together for public worship of God; and Christ honors with His presence every assembly where even two or three believers are gathered together in His Name. Matt. 18:20.

Attendance enjoined by example and precept. Luke 4:16; Acts 3:1; Acts 2:46; Psa. 84:4, 10; Heb 10:25.

Any day is suitable for meetings. Rom 14:5.

11. THE LORD’S SUPPER:

The Lord’s Supper, along with water baptism, is recognized as one of the two ordinances of the Protestant church. It is also called communion. I Cor. 10:16,17.

It was instituted by Christ Himself, and is a prophecy of His return. Matt. 26:26-30.

It is a sacred memorial to Christ, once sacrificed for us as a "Passover Lamb". I Cor. 11:20-34; I Peter 1:18,19.

The Body and Blood of Christ are represented by the elements of bread (preferably unleavened) and the fruit of the vine (unfermented). Luke 22:19,20.

It is an outward sign of inward grace conveyed to the partakers of his Divine Nature. John 6.33, 35, 51-56. I Cor.5:7, 8.

It is a means of receiving by faith the benefits of the Atonement—forgiveness and deliverance. Isa. 53:5; Matt. 15:26.

This should be celebrated often as the presence of Christ is especially in it, perhaps twice a month or so.

12. THE MINISTRY:

Throughout history God has always raised up spiritual leaders of his people, and called servants to do his will. Mark 3:13-15; Acts 26:17, 18; I Tim 2:7; John 15:15.

Christ has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for the church today. Eph. 4:10-13; I Cor.12:28.

Ministers are to preach, teach, warn, comfort, counsel, etc. II Tim.4:1,2; Matt. 28:20; I Thess.5:14; Rom. 14:19; Gal. 6:1.

Power, authority, and signs. I Thess. 1:5; Acts 4:33; II Cor. 3:6 ; Titus 2:5; I Tim. 4:11; Mark 16:17-20; Matt.10:1-8.

Ministers to receive respect and support. Matt. 10:40; I Tim.4:11-16; 5:17-19; I Cor.9:14; I Tim. 5:18; Gal. 6:6; Phil 4:14.

13. END TIME EVENTS:

Christ shall come again. Matt. 24:3; Rev.22:20.

At an uncertain time. Matt. 24:36; Luke 12:40.

This is the blessed hope. Titus 2:13; I Peter 1:3.

Resurrection of the saints. John 5:25-29.

The rapture of the elect. I Thess. 5:2-9; I Thess. 4:14-17.

We shall be changed. I Cor. 15:51-54; Phil 3:20,21.

The tribulation. Matt. 24:21, 29-31; Rev. 7:14; Rev. 3:10; Daniel 12:1; Acts 2:17-20.

The anti-Christ. I John 4:3; II Thess. 2:2-11; Daniel 11:36; Rev. 19:20.

The revelation of Christ visibly, in the clouds, with power and glory, and with His saints. Acts 1:11; Zech. 14:3-5; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:27-30; Jude 14, 15.

The millennium reign of Christ upon the earth. Rev. 0:27;Rev. 11:13; Isa. 11:6-9; Isa. 55:25; Micah 4:3, 4.

The final over throw of the Devil. Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:21.

The great White Throne Judgment of Almighty God. Matt.25:46; Mark 9:43-48; I Cor. 5:10; II Tim. 4:1; Rev. 19:20; Rev. 20:11-15.

The wicked cast into hell. Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 21:8.

Heaven and earth replaced. II Peter 3:12, 13; Rev. 21:1-4.