Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Philippines Inc.
Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Philippines Inc.
Pastor Bob Villaver
President and Founder of Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Philippines Inc.
Historical Perspective
The Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Philippines Inc. traces its origins to key events and movements in Church History. The events of the Day of Pentecost and the doctrines and practices of the Apostles are intricately woven into the fabric of the United Church. Thus, we have our Pentecostal roots in the Early Church established in Jerusalem in A.D. 33 as recorded in the Book of Acts when the one hundred and twenty disciples of Jesus Christ experienced the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel 2:28. Further, according to Ephesians 2:20, the United Church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.”
The Apostles of Jesus Christ were great contenders of the faith, and all the Apostles, except John, were martyred for the cause of Christ. Other post-Apostolic Church Fathers, such as Clement of Rome, Justin Martyr, Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp of Smyrna, preached and taught within two generations of the Apostles.
Religious men of the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries from Europe, such as Martin Luther, George Whitefield, John Wesley and Edward Irving, came to the forefront of the Protestant Church Movement and influenced American spirituality.
The American Methodist and Holiness Movements of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century had a significant influence on and helped usher in the Pentecostal Movement which began in Topeka, Kansas in 1900 by Charles F. Parham. The United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) traces its theological and spiritual roots to the Pentecostal Revival Movement.
The Pentecostal Movement gained momentum in 1906 when 312 Azusa Street in Los Angeles, California became the spiritual headquarters of American Pentecostalism under the leadership of African-American preacher William J. Seymour. The Azusa Street Revival spread throughout the United States and abroad, and the baptism in the Holy Spirit (with the evidence of speaking in tongues) and the gifts of the Spirit were freely manifested in persons of all races, ethnicities, and social classes.
The Oneness Movement, which originated in 1913 from a camp meeting held at Arroyo Seco, California, further defined us as Apostolic. At the heart of the Oneness Movement was the belief in the Jesus Name baptismal formula and the oneness of God in Christ Jesus. Rev. R. E. McAlister, a Canadian Pentecostal, proclaimed at a baptismal service that the Apostles of Jesus Christ never invoked the titles of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost when they baptized converts but rather baptized in the name, Lord Jesus Christ.
The Church of God in Christ (Bishop Charles L. Mason), Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (Bishop Garfield T. Haywood), Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Bishop Robert C. Lawson), The Way of the Cross Church of Christ (Bishop Henry C. Brooks), The Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ World-Wide (Bishop Smallwood E. Williams), and the United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic), and many other Pentecostal/Apostolic churches are the offspring of the twentieth century revival.
In 1934, the Church of God in Christ #6 was established in Baltimore where Monroe R. Saunders became an elder. Out of this church, the Rehoboth Church of God in Christ Jesus (Apostolic) was established in 1947 by the late bishop Randolph A. Carr, to whom God had revealed baptism in the name, Lord Jesus Christ. In 1957, Elder Saunders was consecrated as Bishop Monroe R. Saunders, Sr. and was a member of the Board of Bishops until 1965.
By-Laws of the Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Philippines Inc.
Local Church Government of the Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ , Philippines Inc. of Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Philippines
PREAMBLE
In order to establish our work on a more efficient and permanent basis, we, the members of the local assembly at Maragusan, Davao de Oro, affirm our belief that God’s people should be scrupulously set in order, that it is needful for them to be efficiently organized to successfully carry on the gospel work and properly handle their business affairs.
PURPOSE
A house divided against itself cannot stand. The main purpose of this constitution is to provide rules to govern the assembly, according to the scriptures, so that we may advance in the will of God. (Titus 1:5; I Cor. 12:28).
ARTICLE 1
THE ASSEMBLY
SECTION 1, THE NAME:
The Name of this assembly shall be known as: THE BLESS APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, PHILIPPINES INC.
SECTION 2, THE PURPOSE
1. To establish and maintain a place of worship.
2. To unite a people of like faith in the bonds of brotherly love and fellowship. (Heb. 13:1)
3. To meet together to truly worship God in spirit and in truth and to receive spiritual teaching. (John 4:24, Eph. 4:11-15)
4. To point the lost to the way of life by publishing at home and abroad the true plan of salvation, exhorting believers to be filled with the Holy Ghost. (John 1:29; Luke 11:13; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:38,39)
5. To provide rules of Christian conduct, based upon the word of God. (Titus 2)
ARTICLE 2
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1, ELIGIBILITY:
1. Anyone believing and accepting the Apostolic Doctrine of the Oneness of the Godhead, having thoroughly repented, been baptized in Jesus Name, received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues (Acts 2:4, 38; Galatians 2:8,9) and manifesting a consistent Christian life according to Gal. 5:22,23 is eligible to become a member.
(a) To be accepted into full membership, one must be sixteen (16) years of age or older, unless married.
2. Associate Membership
(a) Anyone believing and accepting the Apostolic Doctrine of the oneness of the Godhead, having thoroughly repented, been baptized in Jesus Name and earnestly seeking the Holy Ghost and living a consistent Christian life, is eligible to become a member (associate). They shall have all the privileges of the church except voting in the business affairs of the church, or holding office.
(b) Ages twelve (12) through seventeen (17) must have their applications signed by at least one of their parents or guardian’s.
SECTION 2, OBLIGATIONS:
As a member of this assembly, each one must accept the following obligations in the fear of God.
1. To cleanse one’s self from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (II Cor. 7:1). (Tobacco, Drugs and Alcoholic beverages in any form is considered filthy).
2. To conduct one’s self everywhere as becometh a Christian. (Matt. 5:16)
(a) They must refrain from using make-up at all times.
(b) They must wear their hair as taught in I Cor. 11:14,15.
3. To endeavor to manifest a spirit of brotherly love and fellowship toward all of God’s people. (I Tim. 4:2; I Thess. 5:22; Rom. 14:21; Matt. 5:16)
4. To forsake not attending services, as the manner of some is. (Heb. 10:25)
(a) Any member failing to attend services after a period of two months without proper reason, or failing to manifest a reasonable amount of interest may be automatically suspended, and their name dropped from the membership roll unless signs of true repentance are presented.
5. Every member shall be required to support the Pastor and the work of the assembly with their prayers and financial aid ( offerings) as God prospers. ( I Cor. 16:2)
6. To maintain family and secret devotion whenever permissible. (Matt. 6:5,6)
7. To avoid all ungodly and worldly amusements (all amusements and recreations are not harmful), that one may be blameless and harmless amidst an evil generation and thus bring no reproach on the name of Jesus. (James 4:4; I John 2:15,16)
8. To abide by the by-laws of the assembly, to respect and obey the pastor. (Titus 2:1-8)
9. Any member teaching, or advancing any doctrine or theory publicly or privately contrary to the Pastor or church board may be automatically suspended and their name dropped from the church roll unless said member truly repents and makes public confessions of their sin. (Titus 2:1; I Tim. 4:6; Rom. 16:17,18; and I Tim. 1:10,11)
SECTION 3, ADMISSION TO THE ASSEMBLY:
1. Anyone who is eligible and accepts the foregoing obligations may become a member of the assembly by completing the application, with his (or her) name and address, and receiving the right hand of fellowship from the church.
2. No person being a member of another church of our faith in good standing shall be received as a member into this assembly without a letter of recommendation from former assembly of which they were a member.
3. No person desiring to withdraw their membership shall be refused a letter of recommendation unless proven guilty of misconduct by confession or conviction.
4. Anyone believing in and accepting the Apostolic Doctrine as defined in these by-laws, is eligible to membership in this Corporation, but this Corporation reserves the right to reject or refuse membership to anyone.
SECTION 4, CHURCH DISCIPLINE:
1. Any member failing or refusing after the first and second admonitions to keep the obligations and abide by the rules of the assembly may be automatically suspended (II Thess. 3:6), or dealt with according to the following methods.
(a) If any member of this church be overtaken in a fault, he or she shall be dealt with according to Gal. 6:1; I John 5:16,17; and James 5:19,20.
(b) Any grievance arising between individual members of the assembly shall be dealt with according to Matt. 18:15-18. Should the accused be found guilty by the church, he may be disfellowshipped from the assembly and his name dropped from the membership roll unless he truly repents and makes public confession.
(c) A member, having fallen into sin and desiring to return, repent, make confession and be restored, may do so, being put on probation by the pastor for a time to prove his sincerity.
(d) No member shall discuss or cause to be discussed the repented sins of another member. Should one be found guilty of such he shall be sharply reproved and dealt with as the pastor deems best.
ARTICLE 3
OFFICERS
SECTION 1, NAMES OF THE OFFICERS:
The officers of the church shall be as follows: A Pastor, who is also the president, as assistant pastor when such is needed, deacons or members of a church board, at least three and not more than seven (the member of each board shall be left to the discretion of the pastor) and a Secretary-Treasurer.
SECTION 2, ELIGIBILITY:
1. Pastor: Must have a recommendation from the Head Pastor (President) duly approved by the Board of Trustees of the Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ , Philippines Inc.
2. Others who hold office must have been members in good standing at least six months, having been working in full co-operation with the Pastor. They must be twenty-one years of age unless married.
SECTION 3, PASTOR:
1. The pastor shall be chosen by the church board, whose decision shall be endorsed by the church.
2. In case of misconduct (a proven sin) same must be reported to the church board (and/or) the President of Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ , Philippines Inc. who shall take action as he deems best.
(a) The Pastor shall have the oversight of the church until said pastor of the church and congregation jointly agree to change. The pastor desiring to leave may give the church board thirty day’s notice. By mutual agreement the time may be changed.
(b) After the pastor duly notifies the church that he desires to change pastorates, there shall be no changes made in the by-laws, membership roll, or officers.
3. The support shall be as follows:
(a) He shall receive offerings designated for him, per week. The other will remain in the church treasury.
4. The duties of the pastor shall be as follows:
(a) To preach and teach the word of God as God gives him the ability.
(b) To visit and pray for the sick when called for and able.
(c) To encourage the weak.
(d) To reprove and warn the unruly.
(e) To give advice as needed, and be ready to every good work. (I Thess. 5:14; II Tim. 4:1,2)
5. The Pastor’s authority shall be as follows:
(a) He shall have the oversight and superintendence of all interests of the church and of all departments of it’s work, both spiritual and temporal, not as Lord over God’s heritage, but as feeder of the flock of God, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind (I Peter 5:2,3), inasmuch as he is responsible for the guardianship and watch-care of all who are committed to his trust.
(b) He shall be consulted in regard to all business of any importance pertaining to the spiritual, moral, and material affairs of the church.
(c) The Pastor (with the church board) shall have authority to make decisions as to the distribution of church money. All church monies expended by any officer or committee shall be under the delegated authority and approval of the pastor.
(d) He shall call for and preside over business and church board meetings.
(e) He shall be president of the church and of the board.
SECTION 4, ASSISTANT PASTOR
1. The assistant pastor shall be appointed by the pastor and endorsed by the church for a term of 5 years, or until his successor fills the vacancy.
(a) Financial support shall be determined by the church board and with the approval of the church membership.
2. His duty shall be to assist the pastor in all matters as directed by the pastor.
SECTION 5, DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:
1. The director of Christian education shall be appointed by the pastor and endorsed by the church for a term of 3 years, or until his successor fills the vacancy.
2. The duties of the Director of Christian education shall be those prescribed by the pastor in counsel with the church board.
3. Financial support for this officer shall be determined by the membership of the church.
SECTION 6, THE CHURCH BOARD:
1. The deacons or members of the church board shall be appointed by the pastor and endorsed by the church for a term of 3 years, or until their successors fill the vacancy.
2. They, together with the pastor, shall care for the business affairs of the assembly, submitting all major transactions, including the sale of any property and the borrowing of any money, to the assembly for it’s approval or disapproval.
3. In case of a vacancy in the pastorate, the church board may call a business meeting to choose a pastor or transact other necessary business. (Acts 6:2,3; Rom. 12:11)
SECTION 7, THE TRUSTEES:
1. The Board of Trustees shall be elected by a majority vote of the assembly for the term of 5 years or until their successors are elected.
SECTION 8, SECRETARY-TREASURER:
1. The secretary/treasurer may be one or two persons and shall be appointed by the pastor and endorsed by the church for a term of 3 years or until his successors fill the vacancy.
2. The duties of the secretary shall be:
(a) To take minutes and to preserve records of business proceedings and other papers belonging to the assembly.
3. The duties of the treasurer shall be:
(a) To receive and care for all funds belonging to the assembly, and make all disbursements.
(b) To keep an accurate record of all such transactions.
(c) To hold the books open for inspection by members of the assembly.
4. The treasurer shall, in the company of at least one other member in good standing, count all offerings . The amount shall be certified by the initials of those making the account.
5. The treasurer shall release no money except by check, expect in cases where such cannot be done.
6. The assembly may call for monthly, quarterly, or annual reports from the treasurer, and may audit the books once each year, or at anytime the pastor deems best.
SECTION 9, DISMISSAL OF OFFICERS:
Any officer manifesting a lack of interest, failing to attend services for a reasonable amount of time or failing to abide by the qualification of the office he holds must be removed by the pastor.
SECTION 10, SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
1. The Sunday School Superintendent shall be appointed by the pastor and endorsed by the church for a term of 3 years or until his successor is chosen.
SECTION 11, YOUNG PEOPLE’S PRESIDENT:
1. The Young People’s president shall be appointed by the pastor and endorsed by the church for a term expiring when the next Young People’s president is appointed and endorsed by the church.
(a) He, (or she) must carry a full membership card and be in good standing with the church.
(b) He, together with the pastor, shall select a qualified secretary/treasurer (one or two persons). Said selection shall be ratified by the young people (13 to 35 years of age inclusive) who are members of the local young people’s group.
ARTICLE 4
BUSINESS MEETINGS
1. The regular business meetings of the assembly shall be held annually during the month of January on a convenient night.
2. Ten members constitutes a quorum to act at any called or regular business meeting.
3. Voting on all matters must be done by secret ballot.
4. A business meeting of the church must be announced publicly in at least (3) three services, the first announcement being (10) ten days prior to the meeting date.
5. A three fourths (3/4) vote of the members present at any business session shall be the deciding factor.
6. In case of an emergency or special occasion a business meeting may be called at once by the pastor with the approval of the church board.
Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Philippines Inc.
Articles of Faith and Doctrine
Preamble
The following Articles of Faith and Doctrine of the of Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Philippines Inc.
comprise lists of beliefs that define the fundamental theology of our
church. The Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Philippines Inc. accepts the full and final authority
of Holy Scriptures as the basis for all that it believes. As such we are
followers of the Apostles’ Doctrine. “And they continued stedfastly in
the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in
prayers” (Acts 2:42). All members of the Bless Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Philippines Inc. are
expected to adhere to these Articles of Faith and Doctrine because they
are based upon the Bible. These Articles of Faith and Doctrine do not
exhaust the content of our beliefs.
Article I The Bible
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God . . .,”
and that it is the “God-breathed” words of the Bible that are “useful
for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”
Consequently, every word and every sentence, in both the Old and
New Testaments, in their original autographs, were written in complete
agreement with God’s purpose and divine will (2 Pet. 1:21; Matt. 5:18;
2 Tim. 3:16-17).
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE that the true understanding of Scripture cannot be achieved
without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Only a born-again Christian
can truly understand Scripture and believe that Scripture is the actual
Word of God. The Bible, the breathed Word of God, is given directly
to His Elect—His chosen people (Rom. 10:17). The Bible has a
transforming, guiding power, which leads us to a personal encounter with
the living God (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:20-24; Heb. 4:12).
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE the words of the Bible are the guiding principles by which our
souls are nourished and led into holiness, bringing us closer to God. The
Word of God—the Bible—reveals to us God Himself: God’s attributes,
God’s will, and God’s plan for salvation. Through the illumination of the
Holy Spirit, God reveals what we are to believe and how we are to live as
children of God (1 John 3:1-3).
SECTION 4
WE BELIEVE the Bible is inerrant in the original autographs. The Bible
is fully truthful in all that it affirms; it is infallible, God-breathed, and
the complete and final authority for faith and salvation (2 Tim. 3:16-
17; Matt. 5:17-18; John 10:35). Nothing can be added to or subtracted
from God’s words, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command
you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the
commandments of the LORD your God which I command you”
(Deut. 4:2).
SECTION 5
WE BELIEVE the Holy Spirit is the divine Author of Scripture (2 Pet.
1:21). In the Old Testament, we find the expression “The LORD spake
unto Moses” (e.g., Ex. 14:1). Similarly, in the New Testament, we find
in 1 Cor. 2:13 that the writer’s words were “not in the words which
man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing
spiritual things with spiritual.” The Old Testament Prophets and the New
Testament Apostles declared the whole will of God. They did not speak
(write) from their own will but from God’s will; they “spake as they
were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pet. 1:21). The Holy Spirit, which
is the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13), was the source of inspiration, who
directed and carried the Word of God to the writers who wrote under the
will and unction of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit ensured that they
wrote precisely what God wanted written, without error or omission.
The Bible clearly teaches that God cannot lie or speak falsely (2 Sam.
7:28; Titus 1:2). Therefore, every word in Scripture is completely true
and without error in any part (Num. 23:19; Ps. 12:6, 119:89, 96; Prov.
30:5; Matt. 24:35). We serve a trustworthy God. His words are the
definition of truth and the ultimate standard of truth (John 17:17). To
disobey the Word of God is to disobey God.
Article II The Godhead
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and
in truth.
John 4:24
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE that in the Godhead there is one Triune God, who is Creator
of all (Deut. 6:4; John 1:1-3; Col.1:16), eternally existing in three distinct
manifestations, or modes, of being. We do not believe in the Orthodox
Trinitarian perspective of the Godhead. Orthodox Trinitarians believe
in the one Triune God, but they also believe that in the Godhead there
are three eternal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost—one
in substance but three in subsistence. We believe that the Triune God
consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and each is fully
God, perfect in intellect, emotion, love, and will (2 Cor. 13:14). The
Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, and the Holy Ghost is eternal;
however, there are not three eternals but One Eternal. These three are
One in being, essence, power, and glory, having the same attributes and
perfections (John 10:30).
The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. The
Father is immutable (He does not change), the Son is immutable, and
the Holy Ghost is immutable. There are not three immutables but One
Immutable, unchangeable in His nature, perfections, purposes/will,
promises/sovereignty, and gifts/grace (Mal. 3:6; Jer. 33:3; James 1:17).
God does not change. There are not three Gods but One God (Deut. 6:4;
1 Kings 8:60; Is. 44:6–8, 45:5–6, 21–22; 1 Tim. 3:16). God does not
change; however, He does act and feel differently in response to different
conditions.
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE that “God is a Spirit” (John 4:24). God’s mode of existence
is different from everything that He has created. Everything about God
is perfect; He is the excellence of being. Neither the heavens nor earth
can contain Him (1 Kings 8:27). God is infinite and has no boundaries—
without measure.
God is wise—He always chooses the best possible means for the
realization of His purpose or will. “To God only wise, be glory through
Jesus Christ for ever. Amen” (Rom. 16:27). “With him is wisdom and
strength, he hath counsel and understanding” (Job 12:13). God, who is
omniscient, uses His knowledge to achieve His purpose or will in a way
that glorifies Him (Rom. 11:33; Eph. 1:11; Col. 1:16). God’s wisdom is
seen in His creation (Ps.104:24), and in His plan of salvation through
Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:24, 30). “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of
wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments:
his praise endureth for ever” (Ps. 111:10). “The fear of the LORD is the
beginning of wisdom…” (Prov. 9:10).
God is truthful, and the God revealed in Bible is the true God. “But the
LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at
his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to
abide his indignation” (Jer. 10:10).
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE in the justice and righteousness of God. “He is the Rock, his
work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without
iniquity, just and right is he” (Deut. 32:4). Since God is just, He must
punish sinners because sin deserves punishment. God always does what
is right, and God’s righteousness is the standard for righteousness.
SECTION 4
WE BELIEVE in the omniscience of God. Omniscience means that God
knows everything tangible and achievable, things past, things present,
and things in the future, in one eternal act. The past, present, and future
are the same with God (Rom. 4:17; Is. 46:10; Acts 15:18). God “is
perfect in knowledge” (Job 37:16), and He “knows everything” (1 John
3:20; 1 Cor. 2:10-11).
SECTION 5
WE BELIEVE in the omnipresence of God. Scripture teaches us that God
is omnipresent, meaning that He is everywhere present, or everywhere
at the same time. There is no point in time when God is not present. God
has no beginning, ending, or succession of moments in His Being—He
distinguishes all time equally. Yet, God sees actions in time and acts in
time. God is limitless with respect to time and space, whereas all things
that are known to humanity are restricted to one place and time. This
means that when they are here they are not there. It is not so with God
(1 Kings 8:27; Ps. 139:7-12). God is present at every point of space
with His whole Being, but through His might, God is capable of acting
differently in different places concurrently.
SECTION 6
WE BELIEVE in the omnipotence, or sovereignty, of God. God has the
power to do or obtain His holy will. God is in absolute authority, or
control, to do whatever He decides to do. He is that by definition. He is
the Creator of the universe and is free to dispose of it at His will (1 Sam.
2:6-8; 1 Chr. 29:11-13; Matt. 6:13). There are no constraints on God; He
is not limited (Ps. 24:8). To the rhetorical question raised in Scripture
“Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Gen. 18:14; Jer. 32:27), we can
respond with a resounding no! Nothing is too hard for the Lord (Jer.
32:17).
Article III The Person and Work of our Lord Jesus Christ
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall
be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor,
The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ
is God manifested in flesh. Although He became man, He never ceased
being God. He is Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matt. 1: 23). He is fully
God, the manifested image of God in flesh, who became man in order
that He, as the Son of God, might redeem sinful humanity. He is the
Savior of the world (Matt. 1:21; John 1:18; Col. 1:15). Jesus Christ was
totally God and totally man in one being, and He will be so eternally
(Luke 1:26-35; 1 Tim. 3:16).
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE in the humanity of Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ came
in the flesh, He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin
Mary. The virgin birth made possible the uniting of full deity and full
humanity in one person (Col. 2:9-10). “But when the fulness of the time
was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the
law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the
adoption of sons” (Gal. 4:4–5). This was the method God used to send
His Son into the world as a man (John 3:16). God sent His own Son “in
the likeness of sinful flesh (Rom. 8:3). His Son“knew no sin” (2 Cor.
5:21), “and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh” (Rom. 8:3). Thus, Jesus’
virgin birth demonstrates that salvation can only come from the Lord.
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE that Jesus Christ came into the world to die on the cross for
all humanity (1 John 2:2) as a substitutionary sacrifice (Is. 53:5-6) for
all who would believe in Him (John 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:3-4 ; 1 John 4:2–3).
Jesus’ substitutionary death paid the full penalty for all of our sins. We
hold that Jesus Christ’s death is efficacious for all who believe (John
1:12; Acts 16:31), that our justification is grounded in the shedding of
His blood (Rom. 5:9; Heb 9:22), and that it is confirmed by His bodily
resurrection from the dead (Matt. 28:6; 1 Pet. 1:3).
Jesus Christ is the suffering servant whom God Himself elects, “Behold
my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I
have put my spirit upon him… (Is. 42:1-4). “This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased; hear ye him…” (Matt. 17:5). “But we see Jesus,
who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death,
crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should
taste death for every man” (Heb. 2:9). “Behold, my servant shall deal
prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high” (Is. 52:13).
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was “despised” and “rejected” (Is.
53:3-5). Jesus Himself “bare our sins in his own body on the tree” (1
Pet. 2:24).
SECTION 4
WE BELIEVE that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was raised from the dead
by God, and, after spending forty days with His disciples, ascended into
heaven in His glorified body (1 Cor. 15:1-7; Luke 24:45-50; Acts 1:9-
10). The Lord Jesus Christ is now seated at the right hand of God, as our
High Priest and Advocate (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25). When Jesus rose from
the dead, He became the “first fruits” (1 Cor. 15:20, 23 ) of a new type
of human existence, an existence in which His body was made perfect,
no longer subject to weakness, aging, or death—able to live eternally.
Christ died as a propitiation for our sins (Rom. 3:25). Propitiation is a
covering—not in the sense that it hides our sins but in the sense that it
blots them out and destroys them. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we
have the surety that we will also receive perfect, resurrection bodies
(1Cor. 6:14). In Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself (2 Cor.
5:18–19). Christ’s resurrection ensures our regeneration (1 Pet. 1:3), and
it assures our justification (Rom. 4:25).
SECTION 5
WE BELIEVE that in God’s own time, Jesus Christ will return, those who
died in Christ will be resurrected, and the children of God who are alive
at that time will be changed and be caught up with them in the air (1 Cor.15:52; 1 Thess. 4:13-17). Christ’s ascension into heaven foreshadows
our future ascension into heaven. As children of God, we are united with
Christ and our final home will be in heaven with Him (John 14:2–3).
Christ’s return is the completion of God’s process of redemption—the
gathering of God’s people, which is the Church (Luke 21:28, John 11:50-
52), in new spiritual bodies adapted to an eternal existence in heaven (1
Cor. 15:44; 1 Cor. 15:52-53). To each of the gathered Christians, Jesus
will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter
thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matt. 25:21).
Article IV The Holy Ghost
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea,
and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE in the deity of the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, who is also
called the Comforter (John 14:26). He came to teach us all things by
illuminating the hearts and minds of Believers, as they study the Word of
God (John 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:9-11). The Holy Spirit is the One who guides
Believers into all truth (John 16:13), the knowledge of all truth, which
is only found in Jesus Christ (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit also reproves
the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8-11; Acts
7:51); and He produces righteousness, which is the “fruit of the Spirit,”
in Believers (Gal. 5:22–23).
The Holy Spirit causes Believers to grow in holiness and righteousness
by enabling us through the Spirit to “put to death the deeds of the body”
and grow in personal holiness (Rom. 7:6, 8:13; Phil. 1:19). He also
empowers Believers to be Christ’s witnesses (Acts 1:8).
The Holy Spirit baptizes all into one community, the Church. The
community of Believers is marked by unity: “And all that believed
were together…” (Acts 2:44–47). The Holy Spirit is the One who
sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts (Rom. 5:5; Gal. 5:22; Col.
1:8). “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness” (Col. 3:14). “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one
body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and
have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13).
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE that the Holy Spirit is not a second work of grace. There
are no New Testament texts that encourage us to seek for a second
experience of “baptism in the Holy Spirit” that comes after conversion.
Through conversion all Believers have experienced the “baptism of
the Holy Spirit.” “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” refers to Spirit
baptism, which every Believer has received at conversion (Eph. 4:5).
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE in speaking in tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance
(Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6). Speaking in tongues is prayer or praise from a
Saint of God that is directed to God. The experience of being filled with
the Holy Spirit may or may not result in speaking in tongues. Many
Christians throughout history have experienced powerful infillings of the
Holy Spirit that have not been accompanied by speaking in tongues. The
changed life of a Believer is the true evidence of being filled with the
Holy Spirit (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 3:18, 5:17; 1 John 3:14-15).
SECTION 4
WE BELIEVE the Holy Spirit “beareth witness with our spirit, that we are
children of God” (Rom. 8:16), and gives evidence of the work of God
within us (1 John 3:24, 4:13). The Holy Spirit witnesses to us not only
that we are God’s children, but also He witnesses that God abides in us
and that we are abiding in Him. God uses the Holy Spirit to convince His
children of the truth of His will, which cannot be understood without the
divine help of the Holy Spirit.
SECTION 5
WE BELIEVE the Holy Spirit is the active presence of God in the world
and does the work of God. After Jesus’ ascension, the Holy Spirit is the
primary manifestation of God in the world. He completes and sustains
what God the Father has designed and what God the Son has created
(Gen. 1:2; John 1:3). Jesus Christ baptizes all Believers into His body
through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:12-14), and the Holy Spirit is the One
who seals all Believers unto the day of redemption—the guarantee, or
surety, that every Believer will reap the benefits of salvation (Eph. 1:13-
14). As such, the Holy Spirit is the source of new life; He regenerates
sinners (Titus 3:5), and He permanently indwells every Believer (Rom.
8:9), continually revealing God to us as we grow in righteousness
through the grace of God.
Article V The Personality of Satan
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art
thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou
hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne
above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation,
in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I
will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the
sides of the pit.
Isaiah 14:12-15
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE that Satan is a personality who is called the devil, the old
serpent (Rev. 12:9), Lucifer (Is. 14:12), the Accuser (Zech. 3:1; Rev
12:10), Apollyon (Rev. 9:7–11), the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4), the
prince and power of the air (Eph. 2:2). Satan was originally a great
and good angel; yet, he rebelled against God, and as chief of the fallen
angels, he took a host of angels with him. He was cast out of God’s
presence and, as a usurper of God’s law, established a counter-kingdom
of darkness and evil on the earth and declared, “I will exalt my throne
above the stars of God” (Is. 14:12-17).
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE Satan is the author of sin (1 John 3:8), and the source of
temptation and humanity’s consequent fall. Satan is the adversary of God
and humanity (Matt. 4:1); his final doom, along with his hosts, shall be
eternal punishment in the lake of fire, which God created for Satan and
his fallen angels (Matt. 25:41, Rev. 12:9-10, 20:1-2, 7-10). Satan was a
“[...] from the beginning” and is “a liar and the father of it” (John
8:44). Satan and his demons will use everything at their disposal, such
as lies (John 8:44), deception (Rev. 12:9), and [...] (Ps. 106:37), to
tempt the Elect to turn from God and remain trapped in his kingdom
of darkness. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of
them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ,
who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Cor. 4:4). Satan is
responsible for sin and misery, in this world and in the coming damnation
of the reprobate.
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE Satan is a distinct person who was created without sin.
Satan, as a created being, is limited to actions allowed by God, God’s
permissive will (Job 1:10-12, 2:5-7). As a created being, Satan is not
omniscient, omnipresent, or omnipotent. He will be defeated by God who
is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. He is “Beelzebub the prince of the devils” (Matt. 12:24). He is the constant enemy of God, of Christ,
of the kingdom of God, and of the Body of Christ—the Church. Satan
is the father of lies and wickedness, he is the embodiment of evil, and
he is like a “roaring lion … seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).
Christians are called to resist Satan so that he will flee from them (James
4:7).
Revelation 12:9 reveals Satan’s plan for undermining God’s plan
of salvation. Satan seeks to deceive “the whole world.” His main
motivation seems to be to destroy the Elect–those set apart by God for
salvation. Satan is an incredibly clever being, and to fight against him
we must be covered with the “whole armour of God, that ye may be able
to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11; 2 Cor. 4:4). Our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ is greater than Satan!
Article VI Man
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let
them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing
that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the
image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 1:26-27
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE that humanity is the special creation of God and not a result
of evolution. Men and women are created in God’s image (after His
own likeness) as rational, moral, and spiritual beings to fellowship with
Him and give Him glory. “Even every one that is called by my name: for
I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made
him” (Is. 43:7). Humanity is the crowning work of God’s creation, “For
thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him
with glory and honour” (Ps. 8:4-5). In the creation, Adam and Eve were
innocent of sin and were endowed by God with freedom of choice. As
the highest form of earthly life, man was commanded to rule over God’s
creation (Gen.1:26; Ps. 8:6).
By Adam’s voluntary transgression, man sinned against God and brought
sin into the human race (Rom. 5:12). As a result, all of humanity became
separated from God, the image of God in humanity was distorted, and the
sin nature passed on to all their descendants—universal sin (Rom. 3:23,
5:14). By the actions of one man, Adam, all of humanity is now in a
sinful state, a state of total depravity, not by constraint but by choice, and
therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse. “All have
sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE that sinful humanity—unregenerate sinners—lives under the
domination of sin and Satan. At enmity with God, humanity became the
subject of divine wrath—sentenced to both physical and spiritual death.
Humanity is utterly unable to cure its lost estate (Eph. 2:1-5, 12). Only
the grace of God can bring men and women back into holy fellowship
with God and enable them to fulfill the creative purpose of God: “And
you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph.
2:1).
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE that humanity is lost and without hope apart from salvation
in Christ. Unregenerate humanity does not seek “after God … they are
together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not
one” (Rom. 3:10-18). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested
to destroy the works of the devil; He gave His life and shed His blood
to redeem and restore humanity back to God—atoning for our sins.
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the
beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he
might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).
Article VII Total Depravity
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that
understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out
of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth
good, no, not one.
Romans 3:10-12
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE in the total depravity of humanity. We believe that all
humanity, as a consequence of Adam’s fall (Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9; Rom.
5:12), has inherited a sinful nature—enslaved (John 8:34) to the service
of sin (Ecc. 7:20; Rom. 3:23). The human spirit will inevitably sin from
birth and lack any spiritual good; every part of our being is affected by
sin (Ps. 58:3; Rom. 7:18; Titus 1:15). Humanity is inherently wicked (Jer.
17:9; Gen. 6:5).
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE that sin is universal in humanity, “[f]or all have sinned, and
come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), and that sin is extremely
offensive to God. This does not mean that all people are equally bad, as
bad as any given person can be, or that humanity has been stripped of
all virtue. It does mean, however, that by the Fall, humanity is in a state
of sin, and has lost all ability or will to do anything to save itself (Eph.
2:1-3, 12; 1 Cor. 2:14; Jer. 13:23). The human will is not free; it is in
bondage to its evil nature. Humanity will not seek God (Rom. 3:10-11)
because they love darkness rather than light (John 3:19). Also, humanity
apart from Christ does not even understand the things of God (1 Cor.
2:14), much less their need for Christ. Without the work of Christ in our
lives, we would be like all other unbelievers, “having the understanding
darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that
is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Eph. 4:18). Being
born-again, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, makes sinners alive and
gives them a new nature and the victory over the sinful nature. “For as in
Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22).
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE that humanity is guilty and in a lost condition apart from
Christ (Rom. 2:1). Not only do we as sinners lack any spiritual good,
but also we lack the ability to do anything that will glorify God—the
ability to draw closer to God through our own might (Heb. 11:6). Men
and women are born dead in transgression, which implies that humanity,
before Christ, is incapable of raising itself to spiritual life (Ps. 51:5; Jer.
13:23; Eph. 2:1, 5). Humanity is utterly unable to remedy its lost state
(Eph. 2:1-5, 12). But in this state, humanity is totally unable to accept
Jesus Christ and the salvation He freely offers (Rom. 3:10-11). The only
remedy for humanity’s lost condition is belief in the Gospel—the death,
burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (1 Cor.
15:1-4; John 14:6).
Article VIII Salvation
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe
in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.… For whosoever shall call upon the
name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:9-10, 13
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE that salvation is the deliverance from the habit and
domination of sin in this life (Gal. 2:19-20) and of its eternal
consequences. Salvation delivers us “from the bondage of corruption
into the glorious liberty of the children of God…” (Rom. 8:18-23).
Salvation is the sovereign act of God, bringing us from spiritual death
to spiritual life—regenerated, born-again. Salvation means being saved
from “wrath,” or God’s judgment of sin (Rom. 5:9; 1 Thess. 5:9). Due to
the fall of Adam, we entered a sinful state—separated from God—and
the consequence of being in a sinful state is death, spiritual death (Rom.
6:23). Salvation removes sin and restores us to our original state, being in
communion with God, which is eternal life.
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE that we are saved by God’s grace. Our salvation is of divine
origin. “By grace are ye saved” (Eph. 2:8). God’s grace, rather than
human merit, is the source of salvation. It is a gift from God through
our personal faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Eph.
2:8-9). It is by faith that sinners have received the benefit of Christ’s
death and resurrection—saved from the guilt and penalty of sin. We are
made alive with Christ—an eternal, spiritual deliverance (Eph. 2:4-5, .
It is a deliverance by which God brings humanity into a glorified state,
a state that is reserved for all who have received Christ as their personal
Savior. “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs
according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7). Through the finished
work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as sinners we are reconciled
(2 Cor. 5:19), justified (Rom. 3:28; 5:9), redeemed (1 Pet. 1:18-19),
cleansed (Acts 22:16), and adopted as children of God and joint heirs
with Christ (Rom. 8:17; Eph. 1:5).
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE that salvation is only available through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). We must hear the Good News of Jesus’ death, burial, and
resurrection—the Gospel (Eph. 1:13; 1 Cor 15:1-4). It was Jesus’ death
on the cross and His subsequent resurrection—the finished, redemptive
work of Christ alone—that achieved our salvation (Rom. 5:10; Eph. 1:7).
Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8-9), and He bore our sins in His own body
(1 Pet. 2:24). We must believe and fully trust the Lord Jesus (Rom. 1:16,
10:9). “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according
to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing
of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus
Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made
heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7). This involves
repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19), and
calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9-10, 13).
Article IX Grace
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is
the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE in the efficacious grace of God. Efficacious grace is the
grace by which God redeems, sanctifies, and glorifies those whom He
elects to eternal life through faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Humanity, in a state of “total depravity,” is so corrupt that it cannot
accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ; thus, God must powerfully intervene.
God makes the unwilling sinner willing by the internal, efficacious call
of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God. Under the unction of the Holy
Spirit, the sinner obeys the call of the Gospel and accepts saving faith in
Jesus Christ. “[G]race and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE efficacious grace is God’s unmerited favor, at Jesus’
expense, toward those who deserve only punishment. God says He “will
be gracious” to whom He will be gracious “…and will shew mercy on
whom…” He will show mercy (Ex. 33:19; Rom. 9:15). “That as sin hath
reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness
unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 5:21). It is through the
shed blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary that we, as sinners, by the grace
of God were born again unto eternal life by our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. Grace removes the guilt and penalty of sin, affects a change in
the inner life of a person, and gradually cleanses him or her from the
pollution of sin by the supernatural operation of the Holy Spirit.
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE that in grace we see the love of God transforming us into
the Christians we are and into the saints we will become. “[B]y the grace
of God I am what I am” (1 Cor. 15:10). Through grace we can see the
goodness God. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of
God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is
in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:23–24). It is by the grace of God that we are
justified and not by works of our own. “And if by grace, then is it no
more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works,
then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work” (Rom. 11:6).
As sinners, we do not deserve the unmerited favor (or grace of God), but
without the grace of God, humanity would be lost forever.
SECTION 4
WE BELIEVE that salvation is an example of God’s efficacious grace
(Eph. 2:5, . As sinners, we received the Gospel—the revealing of Jesus
Christ in our hearts (Gal. 1:6), and we are “called” by grace (Gal. 1:15).
We are justified—our sins forgiven—by grace, “Being justified freely by
his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:24)
“That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according
to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7). By grace, we may come boldly to
the throne of grace and receive mercy (Heb. 4:16). God’s grace is greater
than all the sins of the world (James 4:6). “By whom also we have access
by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory
of God” (Rom. 5:2). “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.
Amen” (2 Pet. 3:18).
Article X Eternal Security and the Final Perseverance of the Saints of God
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall
any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:28
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE that a person who has been truly born again—that is,
indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God and cleansed by the blood of
Christ—will not lose his or her salvation by any subsequent act of his or
hers. No Christian will ever be separated from God and His love (Rom.
8:33-39). All those who have a genuine faith in Christ will be kept by
God forever and will persevere to the end.
God is able to complete the good work of eternal life that He has
begun in every Believer (Phil. 1:6). Eternal life it totally contingent
on the promises of God and one of God’s greatest attributes is His
trustworthiness (Heb. 6:17). The Scriptures clearly teach “[f]or by grace
are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God” (Eph. 2:8). The Scriptures conclude, “if by grace, then is it no
more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace…” (Rom. 11:6). “Who
hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts” (2
Cor. 1:22). The words sealed and earnest indicate that if a Believer is
indwelt by the Holy Spirit, then the promise of salvation is irrevocable—
once in grace, always in grace!
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE for the child of God, no greater assurance can be found in
the Bible than the unconditional statement made by our Lord Jesus Christ
in John 10:27-29: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave
them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my
Father’s hand.” Concerning His sheep, Jesus made six unconditional,
unqualified statements (no ifs, ands, or buts): (1) My sheep hear my
voice, (2) I know them, (3) They follow me, (4) I give them eternal life,
(5) They shall never perish, and (6) Neither shall any man pluck them out
of my hand. A person is eternally secure because God, by His power, will
not lose even one of those whom He has predestined to save because He faithfully keeps Believers, giving them the grace to persevere to the end
of their lives.
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE that, because God is in complete control, every Believer’s
security is assured. Eternal security means that God is in control of
a Believer’s salvation. Romans 8:30 reads, “Moreover whom he did
predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also
justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” All who are
predestined are guaranteed glorification; they will persevere until the
Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
reads, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a
good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Since
God is in control, for a Believer to lose his or her salvation would mean
that God has lost his or her salvation; but, God is omnipotent, and
everything He wills will come to pass. Jesus Christ says that “all that the
Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in
no wise cast out … and this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that
of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up
again at the last day” (John 6:37-39).
Article XI Unconditional Election: Predestination
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did
foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,
that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he
did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also
justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Romans 8:28-30
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE in unconditional election. Unconditional election is God’s
sovereign choice unto salvation, the initial step in His plan for salvation.
God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, before the foundation of the world,
chose a limited number of people—the Elect—to be recipients of His
saving grace. The remaining population—the reprobate—will be left in
their totally depraved state (Eph. 1:4; Rom. 9:11-13; 1 Pet. 2:8; 1 Thess.
1:4–5; Rev. 13:8). There was nothing essentially superior or unusual about
the Elect that caused God to choose them. God was absolutely free in His
choice to show grace and mercy to some sinners, who deserved nothing
but His wrath (Deut. 7:6-10). God only elects people unto salvation.
By the unmerited favor of God, the Elect were foreordained, or predestined,
to salvation (Eph. 1:5; Acts 13:48), to be adopted as children (Eph. 1:5),
and to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). To elect means to
choose; to predestine means to decide the outcome before the foundation
of the world. God made His choice (election), and the all-powerful
God, through His omnipotence, has the power to carry out that choice
(predestination). All embracing predestination places our final destiny not
in the hands of man, or the hands of blind fate, but in the hands of Almighty
God, our Sovereign Creator. The unconditional and eternal purposes of
an omniscient and omnipotent God cannot be frustrated by sinful man or
by satanic forces (Eph. 1:5, 11; Rom. 8:29-30; Acts 13:48). The Elect are
given to Jesus Christ by the Father for salvation and will be kept by God’s
grace and omnipotence (John 6:37-39). “As thou hast given him power
over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given
him” (John 17:2).
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE that faith and good works are fruits and proof of
unconditional election but not the basis for it (Eph. 1:4; 2 Thess. 2:13;
Rom. 8:33; Titus 1:1; Acts 13:48). If man, by his works, provides
anything for his salvation, then he has a case for taking glory (1 Cor. 1:29; Eph. 2:9). But God alone will be glorified in the end. According to
John 1:13, the saved are “born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.” Salvation is determined by the will
of God, not by the will or works of humanity.
The foundation of election is God’s good pleasure. The final determining
factor in whether we will be saved or not is not our own decision
to accept the Gospel, but it is by the unconditional, unmerited, and
sovereign election of God. It is by the mercy and grace of God, given to
the totally depraved sinner, who deserved nothing but The Wrath of God,
that we are saved. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of
darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of
the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6).
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE that God has also determined the means by which a sinner
will be saved. The Elect, whom the Father calls to Himself, will come in
faith, and all who come in faith the Father receives, justifies, regenerates,
and sanctifies (John 6:44, 65, 15:16; Acts 2:39; Mark 13:2). The
regenerate Elect of God are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). “So
then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom.
10:17). The Gospel “is the power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth...” (Rom. 1:16-17). It is the means by which God saves His
Elect and we, as Believers, are commanded by God to be witnesses of the
Gospel (Acts 1:8).
Article XII The Church
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of
that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one
Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles,
whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one
Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE that the invisible and universal Church is a congregation of
baptized Believers who continue “steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine
and fellowship … all that believed were together, and had things
common,… [p]raising God.… And the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved” (Acts 2:41-47). All Believers are immediately
placed by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual body, the Church (the
bride of Christ), of which Christ is the head and sovereign Lord (Eph.
1:22-23, 4:15-16; Col. 1:18; Heb. 12:23). The Church is not a religious
institution or denomination; it is the Body of Christ—a living organism.
It is made up of those who have become genuine followers of Jesus
Christ (the Son of God), have personally accepted the Gospel, and are
obedient to the Word of God (1 John 4:2, 5:1-5).
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE that the visible Church, which is sanctified in Christ Jesus
and called to be saints, congregates together to be “witnesses unto
[Jesus Christ].” The Church is called to spread the Gospel, exhort
(edify) one another, worship God, and give praises to God (1 Cor. 1:2;
Acts 1:8; Heb. 10:25). Regulated by the Word of God, the Church—the
Body of Christ—observes the ordinances of Christ (baptism and Holy
Communion), and exercises the benefits and privileges that the Lord
Jesus Christ has invested in it. The Church can discipline its members,
exercise prayer, and participate in public worship and evangelism (Matt.
18:15-17; Acts 2:42, 46, 47 and 20:7; 1 Cor. 5:1-4, 16:2).
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE as the Body of Christ that we are to present our “bodies a
living sacrifice” in honor and praise to God (Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 1:6),
to reflect the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in our lives, to
evangelize the world by the preaching and sharing of the Gospel (Acts
1:8), and to equip Believers with God’s Word to face the struggles of this world. Jesus Christ has given ministerial gifts to the Church: “And
he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for
the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…”, for
the equipping of the Body of Christ, for spiritual growth, and for the
work of ministry (Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Pet. 4:11; Jude 20-21). The ultimate
mission of the Church is winning souls to Christ through the preaching
of the Gospel. The Church administers the “gospel call” to invite sinful
humanity into fellowship with Christ’s Body (Matt. 28:18-20; Eph 4:12).
Article XIII Homosexuality
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women
did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise
also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust
one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and
receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”
Romans 1:26-27
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE that God’s plan for marriage consists of one man and one
woman, and that any other understanding is unbiblical (Gen. 1:27,
2:18-25; Eph. 5:22-31; Matt. 19:4-6; 1 Cor. 3:18-19, 11:3). Scripture
teaches that homosexuality is unacceptable, and therefore, a homosexual
relationship cannot represent the foundation for a biblical marriage or
family (Rom. 1:24-28; Lev. 18:22, 20:13). To sanction a homosexual
marriage would be sanctioning sin. Christians should stand decisively
against the idea of homosexuality, a perversion of the institution of
marriage, and an offense to the Creator God who created the institution
of marriage. God forbids and condemns homosexuality; so, He clearly is
opposed to homosexual marriage, and His Church must be as well.
Article XIVa The Ordinace: Baptism
Then Peter said unto 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.
Acts 2:38
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE in the church ordinance of baptism, which is to be
administered by total immersion in water, using the baptismal formula
found in Acts 2:38. In a discussion of salvation, it must be remembered
that water baptism is an essential element. However, water baptism alone
saves no one; it is an important step of obedience for a Christian, just
as repentance alone saves no one. Clearly, New Testament Scriptures
inform us that water baptism is one of the essential components of
salvation (Acts 2:38,19:5). “He that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved; but he that believeth not shall be [...]” (Mark 16:16). Faith
in Jesus Christ is the basis of salvation. Jesus’ payment for our sins is
applied to our “account” by faith alone (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Eph.
2:8-9). Baptism conveys the realities of the new life to the Believer, who
is born-again.
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE a Christian should be water baptized by immersion. Baptism
symbolically demonstrates a born-again Christian’s identification with
Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. “Know ye not, that so many
of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as
Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so
we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:3-4). “Buried with him
in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the
operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Col. 2:12).
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE that the commissions in Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:19,
and Luke 24:47 are three forms of the same command because, in the
New Testament, baptism and the remission of sins are inseparable.
Consequently, the first Christian baptism was administered by Peter and
the apostles in the “name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...”
(Acts 2:38). Furthermore, the Samaritans who were converted by Philip,
the evangelist, “were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts
8:16). Peter, at Caesarea, commanded Cornelius “to be baptized in the
name of the Lord…” (Acts 10:48). When the Believers in Ephesus were
convinced by Paul of the insufficiency of John’s baptism, they were
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. “When they heard this, they were
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5).
SECTION 4
WE BELIEVE that water baptism in the name of Jesus is the authentic
baptism. According to the Acts of the Apostles, baptism should be
administered in the name of Jesus Christ, “Then Peter said unto 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”
(Acts 2:38). There is no mention in the New Testament of anyone
being baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost” (Matt. 28:19). It is also clear from Scripture that the
Apostles interpreted Matthews 28:19 as the baptism in Jesus’ name.
Baptism administered using the Trinitarian formula of Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost is a product of second generation Christianity, reflecting
a theology characteristic of the end of that generation, rather than its
beginning. “Baptized into Christ” as the Apostle Paul states in Romans is
more in line with the formula in Acts, “Know ye not, that so many of us
as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Rom.
6:3). Similarly, Paul states in Galatians 3:27, “For as many of you as
have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
In the formula in the gospel of Matthew, “Baptizing in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,” no name is mentioned.
Father is not a name; it is a title of relationship—of a male parent to
a child. Likewise, Son is not a name; it is a title of a male child in
relationship to his father. Holy Ghost is not a name; holy is an adjective
modifying the noun ghost. Since no name is mentioned in Matthew
28:19, we believe the final words of Jesus, before His ascension, as
found in Luke 24:45-47, explains the Matthean text. “Then opened he
their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. And said
unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and
to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission
of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at
Jerusalem.
Article XIVb The Ordinance: The Lord Supper
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is
my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After
the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This
cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in
remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup,
ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
1 Corinthians 11:24-26
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE that the Lord’s Supper is a symbol of Christian worship
instituted by the Lord on the eve of His death and the most intimate
time of worship for the Body of Christ (Lk. 22:14). The partaking of
bread and the fruits of the vine are symbolic of Christ’s sacrifice and
should be taken in fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in
remembrance of His atoning death, anticipating His Second Coming. The
bread represents the broken body of Christ; the cup represents His shed
blood—the New Covenant (1 Cor. 11:24-26). When the bread is broken,
it symbolizes the breaking of Christ’s body, and when the cup is poured
out it symbolizes the pouring out of Christ’s blood for us. “For as often
as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till
he come” (1 Cor. 11:26). As we partake of the communion elements, we
are called to remember Jesus: His suffering, His death, His triumph over
the grave, and His promised Second Coming.
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE, as members of the Body of Christ, that we must participate
in the Lord’s Supper—to acknowledge the benefits of Christ’s death—
just as the Apostles were commanded to do. “Take, eat; this is my body”
(Matt. 26:26). In partaking of the Lord’s Supper, we are participating in
the benefits earned for us by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The
Christian’s participation in the Lord’s Supper is spiritual nourishment—
our souls are being refreshed in Christ.
When Christians participate in the Lord’s Supper, it is a clear mark of our
unity with one another as the Body of Christ Jesus, “For we being many
are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread”
(1 Cor. 10:17). The Lord’s Supper is a foretaste of the great banquet
table of the King. I am a member of His eternal family, and I will be at
the marriage supper of the Lamb, “for as often as ye eat this bread, and
drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Cor. 11:26).
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can feel the spiritual presence of Jesus Christ as we partake of the elements, bread and wine. “For
where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the
midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).
Article XV The Second Coming of the Lord
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice
of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall
rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together
with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be
with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will precede the
tribulation and the millennial reign of Christ. Christ will come again
(John 14:1-3), and “the dead in Christ shall rise first” and the Believers
“which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in
the clouds … so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:16-18; 1
Cor.15:42-44, 51-54). The “same Jesus” who was “taken up … into
heaven, shall so come in like manner” as He ascended “into heaven”
(Acts 1:11).
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE that the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is our
“blessed hope” for which we should be constantly looking (Titus
2:11-14). At the Second Coming, the dead in Christ shall be raised in
incorruptible, glorified bodies, and those alive in Christ shall be given
immortal, glorified bodies, without ever tasting death (1 Cor. 15:42-44,
51-54; Phil. 3:20-21).
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE that Christians should love and long for Christ’s appearing.
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8). Christians
should watch and pray always to “be accounted worthy … to stand
before the Son of man” (Lk. 21:36), and to pray for His coming (Matt
6:10). “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20). Moreover, we should
faithfully “occupy” until He comes (Lk. 19:13). At that time, the whole
earth shall proclaim the glory of God!
Article XVI Judgment
For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give
account of himself to God.
Romans 14:11-12
SECTION 1
WE BELIEVE there will be future judgments for all humanity. A final
judgment of humanity is definite (Eccl. 11:9), universal (2 Cor. 5:10),
righteous (Rom. 2:5), decisive (1 Cor. 15:52), and eternal as to its
consequences (Heb. 6:2). Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the judge,
and “every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory
of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11).
SECTION 2
WE BELIEVE that Believers will stand at the bema seat—the judgment
seat of Christ—to give an account of our lives to Christ and be rewarded
based on the life we have lived. The judgment seat of Christ does not
determine whether a Believer will go to heaven or hell. The Judgment
Seat of Christ determines the rewards or loss of rewards of the Believer.
“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive
a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he
himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Cor. 3:11-15). The Believer’s
salvation and eternal estate have been determined by Christ’s sacrifice on
our behalf (1 John 2:2). All of our sins are forgiven, and we will never be
condemned to hell for them. “There is therefore now no condemnation
to them which are in Christ Jesus…” (Rom. 8:1). Believers’ names were
written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world (Rev. 17:8).
Believers will forever be in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, the One who died for us—this is heaven!
SECTION 3
WE BELIEVE heaven is a place where Believers will dwell forever with
God in a glorified physical body (1 Cor. 15:35-58; John 14:2, 3:10-15;
Rev. 7:15-17, 22:5). “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have
entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for
them that love him” (1 Cor. 2:9). We are also told by Jesus Himself that
there are many rooms in God’s house, and that He has gone before us to prepare a place for us. We have the assurance that Christ “will come
again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be
also” (John 14:1-4). Our belief in an eternal home in heaven is based on
an explicit promise of Jesus. “And God shall wipe away all tears from
their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed
away” (Rev. 21:4).
SECTION 4
WE BELIEVE that all unbelievers will be judged at the Great White
Throne—the Last Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). All unbelievers will be
judged and banished forever from the presence of God. We believe
the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious misery until
the second resurrection when, with soul and body reunited, they shall
Appear at the Great White Throne for their final judgment and shall be
cast into the lake of fire, not to be annihilated but to suffer forever. “And
I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were
opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the
dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books,
according to their works” (Rev. 20:12).
SECTION 5
WE BELIEVE that hell is an actual place of never-ending fire (Matt.
25:41), “unquenchable fire” (Matt. 3:12), “torments” and “flame” (Lk.
16:23-24), “everlasting destruction” (2 Thess. 1:9), reserved forever for
the devil and his angels and all whose names are not written in Christ’s
Book of Life (Rev. 14:10-11, 20:10-15, 21:7-8). Let us praise the name
our Lord because through His grace we will not suffer this fate! We will
be with Him in the new heaven.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of
God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe
away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither
sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former
things are passed away.
Revelation 21:3-4