Statement of Faith

[See also Where Do We Stand?]

A. All that exists on the earth and in the Universe (His creation, Psalm l9:lf; Isaiah 6:3), and

B. His written revelation (the Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 29:29).

SOURCE OF DOCTRINAL BELIEF

The Holy Bible (i.e., the Scriptures, all 66 books) are the words of the Creator Himself (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21) and, therefore, is identified as the Word of God. Thus, all matters of belief and conduct are subject and accountable to this revealed will of God (Hebrews 4:12-13).

GOD

1. The one and only true God is eternally perfect (Psalm 90:2; Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 13:8). There is nothing in all wisdom, understanding or information that He does not know either in the past, present, or future (Psalm 139:1-6; 147:5), for He has declared it all before it ever existed (Isaiah 46:10). There is no limit to His power and ability (Jeremiah 32:17, 27). There is no time in which He did not, nor will not, exist (Habakkuk 1:12; Revelation 4:8).

2. God is eternally Holy (Isaiah 6:3), completely separate and distinct from His creation (Psalm 113:4-6; 1 Kings 8:27; Isaiah 57:15). All things are of Him, through Him, and to Him (Romans 11:36). He is the cause of all, even evil (Proverbs 16:4, 9; 20:24; Isaiah 26:12; 45:7 KJV; 63:17; Jeremiah 10:23; 17:9; Lamentations 3:37-38 KJV; Amos 3:6 KJV; Romans 11:32, 36). Yet, He is nonetheless righteous (Psalm 145:17) and set apart from all wickedness (Psalm 99:3, 5, 9; Habakkuk 1:13).

3. God has revealed Himself to be plural in personhood (Genesis 1:26-27; Matthew 28:19; Revelation 1:4-5), yet He is still one God (Isaiah 45:5, 14, 21-22; 46:9). He has manifested Himself to be:

a. God the Father (Titus 1:3-4), who is the supreme authority in all that exists (1 Corinthians 15:28), is the One who gave His only begotten Son to the world (John 3:16). He is the Father of all those who put their faith in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-5). And, He is a "man of war." (Exodus 15:3; see our article, "The Lord Is A Man")

b. The Son of God (Mark 1:1), who is the Lord Jesus Christ, whose Father is God, which makes Him equal with God (John 5:18), is both God (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9) and man (1 Timothy 2:5). He also is a man of war (Revelation 19:11).

c. The Holy Spirit, who is the Lord God (2 Corinthians 3:17), dwells within and is given to every true believer at salvation (Ephesians 1:13; Romans 8:9), and is active in the work of God both in heaven and on earth (John 16:7-11; Genesis 1:2; Revelation 4:5). There is one Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:4), but this one Holy Spirit is plural in who He is (as God is plural in who He is). Zechariah 4:1-10, Revelation 1:4-5, 4:5, and 5:6 describe this one Holy Spirit to be seven ("the seven Spirits of God").

4. God has also revealed Himself to be Jerusalem.

PURPOSE FOR ALL THAT EXISTS

The Lord Jesus Christ created all that exists (John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:2) for Himself (Colossians 1:16). He is the Almighty one and only true God (1 John 5:20; Hebrews 1; 1 Timothy 6:14-16; John 8:58; 20:27-29) and all exists for the express purpose of showing forth His glory (Psalm 147,148, and 150; Romans 9:22-23).

MAN

Man looks like God (1 Corinthians 11:7). The Lord God created man in His own image according to His own likeness (Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1-2). But, man rebelled against His Creator (Genesis 2:16-17 ; 3:1-19) and continues to rebel against His Creator to this day (refuses to honor Him and be thankful, Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 1:18-32; Psalm 14).

As a result of the initial rebellion, all men are consequently evil (Psalm 51:5). God made all people sinners (Proverbs 16:4; Romans 5:19), and not one is good (Psalm 143:2; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10-18, 23). Their hearts are sick with sin (Jeremiah 17:9) and God will hold every single person accountable for their actions (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

SALVATION

Man's present sinful state is utterly hopeless, and he is completely unable and unwilling to change his wicked condition (Romans 3:11). But God, in His great love towards all mankind (John 3:16), provided the one and only way (Acts 4:10-12) to be saved from such a horrible state (Romans 5:8), and the consequences thereof (Revelation 21:8; John 3:36).

The Son of God humbled Himself and became a man in the person of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-11). He was born of a virgin in the town of Bethlehem. He was (and is) a descendent of David, a King of Israel. He shed His blood and died on a cross suffering the punishment due to all mankind for their evil ways (1 Timothy 2:6). He was laid in a tomb, and on the third day after His death, He physically came back to life (I Corinthians 15:3-6; Luke 24:36-43), and has been alive ever since (Revelation 1:18).

Because the price for sin has been paid by the Lord Jesus Christ and He is now alive (never to die again, Hebrews 1:3; 9:27-28; 10:10, 14), all who repent and believe in Him have complete forgiveness of their sins and eternal life (Romans 8:1; John 3:16). Also, believing in Christ is believing in the entirety of the word of God, because Jesus Christ is the Scriptures (Matthew 4:4; John 1:1; Hebrews 4:12-13; Revelation 19:13)

Moreover, the work of salvation is completely the action of God on a person's life (John 6:65; Ephesians 2:8-10). No man can ever take credit for his repentant heart and resulting salvation. In addition, in this salvation, those who receive Christ and believe in His name (John 1:12) are born of God (John 1:13) being born again (John 3:3-6) to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).

This salvation is both a present reality and a hope for the future (Romans 5:9-11). Presently, if a person truly believes in Christ, it will be evident in the way they live because Jesus saves men from their sins. He saves men from living a sinful lifestyle (Romans 8:8-14; 1 John 2:3-4). This does not mean that the Christian will never sin (on the contrary, sin is a daily battle, Romans 7:14-25; 1 John 1:8,10). But, the characteristic pattern of the believer's life is one of righteousness, confessing and forsaking sin, fearing God (Luke 12:4-5), and seeking Christ and His ways (1 John 1:7, 9; 3:4-10).

It is a hope for the future, in that presently the bodies of believers are dead because of sin (Romans 8:10) and have not yet been redeemed. But, soon the believer's body will be redeemed (Romans 8:11) and will be given a perfect, sinless body (1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 John 3:1-3).

PREDESTINATION

Although it is true that God loves both the wicked and the righteous (Matthew 5:43-45; John 3:16), it is also true that before the world was created, God chose to love only a few people and destine them to eternal life in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:13-14; Romans 9:6-23; Ephesians 1:4). He chose to hate the rest of mankind and destine them to hell for eternity (Matthew 7:13-14; Romans 9:6-23). This choice was not based on any action on the part of those whom God chose (Romans 9:11, 16, 18), but rather it was based on God's own good pleasure and purpose (Ephesians 1:4-5). It was not based on works (Romans 9:11, 20-23; Ephesians 1:5; Philippians 2:13; Psalm 115:3).

In this sovereign choice of God choosing the few for eternal life and the rest for eternal condemnation, it should be understood that the "few" actually makes for an overall very large number (e.g. Revelation 7). The number of people who will be saved will be many (Romans 5:19), but it is few in comparison to the many who will be lost (Matthew 7:13-14). For more on this, see our report Believers of the Past.

JUDGMENT

All mankind presently experiences death because of sin (Romans 6:23). After death, all men, whether saved or not saved, believer or unbeliever, will be judged by God based upon how they lived. God,

will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness - indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 2:6-10)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8; see also Matthew 12:36-37; 25:31-46; 1 Peter 1:17)

Those who know Christ (1 John 2:3-5) will be justified and given eternal life, because their sins will have been washed away by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7), and their lives will have been righteous (Matthew 25:31-46; 1 John 3:5-10). Those who do not know God will be condemned and sent to hell, because they will have been condemned already (John 3:18), and their deeds will have been wicked (John 3:19-20; Revelation 21:8).

THE CHURCH

The church is the body of Christ (both on earth and in heaven, Ephesians 2:6) consisting of all who truly trust Christ for their salvation and life (2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). It is not one particular assembly or congregation, but all who follow Christ are members of this worldwide (and heaven-wide) church.

Therefore, in order to be a member (in a non-legal sense) of our church, one must love the Lord Jesus, have been baptized in His name, and must have a sincere desire to follow Him and obey His Word. There is no formal acknowledgment (ceremony or class, etc.) of membership for those who attend our gathering. All who love Christ are acknowledged as members (believers) and bring themselves under the loving care of those who rule in the church (i.e., the elders, Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5).

It is the elder's responsibility before God to oversee and care for all the members of the church (1 Peter 5:1-4). They are to pray for them and their needs on a consistent basis, lead all towards godly living by their exemplary lives, reprove, rebuke, exhort and teach with all patience and gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24-26; 4:2). They are to warn the flock of false teaching, false teachers, and anything else that is contrary to sound doctrine (Acts 20:29-31; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 3-4; 2 Timothy 2:14-4:5). They also are to be zealous for the purity of the church (1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Ephesians 5:3). Thus, they are to be watchful in all things (2 Timothy 4:5), not allowing sin to go unchecked in the assembly of believers.

The purpose of the church is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 10:31). In that purpose, the church is on earth to equip and build up those who follow Christ, that they may mature and honor the Lord progressively more and more in their lives (Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 5:13-14; 2 Corinthians 3:18), and, as a result of godly living, spread the good news of Christ to others (Matthew 5:16; 28:18-20).

THE FAMILY

The human family, consisting of two (husband and wife) or more members (children), is an institution created by God (Genesis 1:24). Children are an added blessing to this family (Psalm 127:3-5), and are therefore not to be regarded as an unwanted burden.

Because God says, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child" (Proverbs 22:15) and "He who is a companion of fools will suffer harm" (Proverbs 13:20), and we see a great need for the interaction of the ages (i.e., the older are usually wiser than the younger, Titus 2:1-6; Proverbs 16:31), we do not believe in nurseries, or the segregation or separation of the ages. We find no basis in Scripture for such a practice. In fact, just the opposite is indicated (Deuteronomy 31:9-13; Matthew 18:10; Luke 18:15-17).

We believe the family should worship God together (both privately and corporately), thus, parents are encouraged to have their children attend and participate in the worship and fellowship of the church.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The gifts of the Holy Spirit were (and still are) given by God for the building up of the body of Christ (Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11). Some gifts in the past (during the days of the apostles) were of the nature of "signs and wonders" (Acts 2:1-43) and some were (are) focused upon the mutual edification of the church (Romans 12:6-8).

The purpose of the "signs and wonders" gifts were to confirm the word of the apostles and those in the church (during those first years of the church) that the things proclaimed about Christ were true. God, via the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the miraculous signs of the apostles, was bearing testimony to the proclamation of His Word about Christ (Mark 16:17-20; Acts 14:3; Hebrews 2:4).

Scripture gives no specific time for when these "signs and wonders" ceased existing. 1 Corinthians 13:8 does say "tongues will cease," but it does not say when tongues will cease. Yet, we see in the Scriptures a diminishing, if not ceasing, role of these "signs and wonders" via the examples of Paul and James.

Paul had the God-given ability to do "signs and wonders" (Acts 19:12; Romans 15:19; 2 Corinthians 12:12) and to be able to heal people (Acts 28:8-9). Yet, near the end of his life, he did not heal Timothy of his stomach ailments and frequent infirmities. Instead of instructing him to get healed, he told him to drink a little wine (1 Timothy 6:23). Also, Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20). Furthermore, when James writes to the "twelve tribes which are scattered abroad," he does not tell them to call the one with the gift of healing to heal the sick. Instead, he says,

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick. (James 5:14-15).

We believe God may still do the miraculous (Jeremiah 32:27). But, we do not believe He is still "confirming the word through the accompanying signs" (Mark 16:20) and "bearing witness both by signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit" (Hebrews 2:4).

There are many today who claim He is "confirming the Word through the accompanying signs, by signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit", but their claim is idle. When one honestly compares this claim with the infallible Word, there is no comparison (see the four gospels and Acts). The signs and wonders of Christ and the apostles were undeniable works of God (miraculous), and evident to all (i.e., recognized to be true miracles by the masses), even their enemies could not deny their miraculous nature (e.g. Luke 23:35; John 11:47; Acts 4:16). But, such is not the case with those today who claim to be doing the same work.

Even if this was the case, in other words, even if they did perform "miracles" that were evident to all, we (believers) living in the last days (2 Timothy 3 and 4) should beware. Christ warned us in Matthew 7:22-23 that there would be false teachers who would prophesy, cast out demons, and do "many wonders" in His name that will be damned, because they are those "who practice lawlessness" (i.e., they are evil, similar to Matthew 23:27-28). He, likewise, warned in Matthew 24:24 that in the last days "false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, the elect."

Actually, if a man (or men) claims to be doing something great (miraculous like what Christ and the apostles were doing), from the warning above, such a claim and/or such an act should actually put the true believer on guard, like in Deuteronomy 13:1-4.

In any case, the message (i.e. doctrine) is to be tested according to the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21). If their prophecy ever errs, we know on this alone they are false (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

Also, the Lord has let us know who will come in the future (in truth) and of what kind of miracles they will perform (see Revelation 11).

ANGELS

There are beings called angels (or messengers) that are normally invisible to the human eye (but not always, Hebrews 13:2). Some (one-third, Revelation 12:3-4) have fallen in rebellion against God (Ephesians 6:12), and the rest (minus those in Genesis 6 and Jude 6 if they are not included in the one-third) have continued in holiness unto their Creator.

One of these fallen angels, named Satan (who is very powerful, Ezekiel 28:12-16; Isaiah 14:12-15), heads up this continued rebellion against the Almighty. He, along with his fellow fallen angels, constitute what is called the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13). The Devil is on the earth (1 Peter 5:8), yet has access to heaven (Job 1:6, 2:1; Revelation 12:10). He presently deceives the entire world (Revelation 12:9), and the only escape from his power and deception is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:13; 1 John 5:19). In the end, Satan will be eternally damned to the lake of fire where he will suffer non-stop torture (Revelation 20:10).

The angels who have not sinned are servants of the King of Kings, the Almighty Himself, and they honor and glorify their Creator rendering service to those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:13-14).

THE END (TIMES)

All people who have ever lived will be resurrected (brought back to physical life, John 5:28-29). Those who "have done good" will be resurrected unto eternal life (John 5:29). Those who "have done evil" will be resurrected unto eternal damnation (John 5:29; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10) .

There is yet to occur on this earth a certain seven year period known as the last week of the seventy weeks in the prophecy of the book of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). The latter half of this seven years is a time of wrath and judgment from God, described in detail in Revelation chapters 6-19.

The Scriptures indicate that the Lord will remove those who are faithful to Him prior to the time of wrath and judgment (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:3; Revelation 3:10), which occurs after the man of sin is revealed (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). During this time (Matthew 24:15-21), God will send upon the unbelieving world a great deception unlike anything this world has ever known (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12) through the means of the Devil himself (Revelation 13). Many will turn to Christ during this time (Revelation 7:9-17), but the rest will be deceived and follow after the lie.

At the end of this period, the Lord Jesus Christ will come down from heaven and take complete control and rule over the entire world (Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation 19). He will set up His kingdom and reward those who were faithful to Him, and judge those who were not (Matthew 25:31-46).

After a thousand year reign on the earth, a rebellion will break out against Christ the then ruling King, but the rebels will not prevail (Revelation 20:7-10). After this, the Lord will burn up the entire universe (2 Peter 3:7,10) and execute a final judgment on mankind (Revelation 20:11-15; 21:1).

He will then create a new universe and a new earth (in perfection) where righteousness and holiness reigns, and all those of all the ages who walked with God will forever enjoy His presence and blessing (Psalm 16:11; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21, 22).