Beliefs

THE SCRIPTURES INSPIRED

 

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to man; the  infallible rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason (2 Timothy 3:15-16; 1 Peter 2:2).

 

THE ONE TRUE GOD

 

The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent, self-revealed “I AM”;  and has further revealed Himself as embodying the  principals of relationship and association, i. e. as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29; Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 28:19)

 

MAN, HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION

 

Man was created good and upright- for God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness”. “But man, voluntary transgression fell and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21).

 

THE SALVATION OF MAN

 

(a)  Conditions to salvation.

 

The Grace of God, which bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, through the  preaching of repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ; Man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing through the Holy Ghost and, being justified by grace through faith becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 2:11; Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:47; Titus 3:5-7).

 

(b)  The evidence of salvation

 

The inward evidence, to the believer of his salvation, is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16); the outward to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness.

 

BAPTISM IN WATER

 

The ordinance of baptism by burial with Christ should be observed as commanded in the Scriptures, by all who have really repented, and in their hearts, they have truly believed in Christ as Saviour and Lord. In so doing, they have the body washed in pure water as an outward symbol of cleaning, while their heart has already been sprinkled with the blood of Christ as an inner cleaning; thus they declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and that they have also been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 10:22).

 

THE LORD’S SUPPER

 

The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements, bread, and fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of  His suffering and death. (1 Corinthians 11:26); and a prophecy of His coming and is enjoined on all believers “until He comes”.

 

THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER

 

All believers are entitled to, and should ardently expect, and earnestly seek, the promise of the Father, the Baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of the  Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church. With it comes the enduement of power for  life and service, the bestowment of the Gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry. (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). This wonderful experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 10:44-46; Acts11:14-16; Acts 15:7-9).

 

THE EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST

 

The Baptism of the believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance. (Acts 2:4). The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues. ( 1 Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 12:28). but different in purpose and use.

 

ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION

 

The Scriptures teach a life of Holiness without no man shall see the Lord. By the power of the Holy Ghost we are able to obey the command, “Be ye Holy, for I am Holy,” Entire Sanctification is the will of God for all believers, and should be earnestly pursued by walking in obedience to God’s Word. (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 John 2:6).

 

THE CHURCH

 

The Church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven. (Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 2:22; Hebrews 12:23).

 

THE MINISTRY AND EVANGELISM

 

A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for a twofold purpose: (1) The evangelization of the world and (2) The edifying of the body of Christ. (Mark 16:15-20; Ephesians 4:11-13).

 

DIVINE HEALING

 

Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers. (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 8:16-17; 1 Peter 2:24).

 

THE SECOND COMING OR BLESSED HOPE

 

The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the blessed hope of the Church. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corintians 15:51-52; Revelation 11:15).

 

THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF JESUS

 

The revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, the salvation of national Israel, and the millennial reign of Christ on the earth is scriptural promise and the world’s hope. (2 Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 19:11-14; Romans 11:26-27; Revelation 20:1-7).

 

THE LAKE OF FIRE

 

The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and whoso-ever is not found written in the Book of  Life, shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Revelation 19:20Revelation 20:10-15).

 

THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH

 

We,  “according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness”  (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:22).