Our Doctrinal Statement of Faith

I. CONCERNING THE SCRIPTURES

We believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of the Scriptures (Old and New Testaments). By verbal, we mean that the original writers were guided by the Holy Spirit in the exact choice of words, yet respecting and using the personality characteristics, style and vocabulary of each writer. We believe that this divine verbal inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the original manuscripts -- historical, poetical, doctrinal, and prophetical -- so that every word is both infallible as to truth and final as to divine authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 10:35; 2 Peter 1:21; 3:16).

We believe in the literal method of interpretation, which gives to each word the same exact meaning it would have in normal, ordinary, customary usage, whether employed in writing, speaking or thinking. We believe that the greater part of the Bible makes sense when interpreted literally; that it is the only sane and safe check on the imaginations of man; that it grounds interpretation in fact; that it delivers us from both reason and mysticism; and that this approach does not blindly rule out figures of speech, symbols, allegories and types. However, if the nature of the sentence so demands, it readily yields to the second sense. We should seek no other sense. We must take every word at its primary, ordinary, literal, and usual meaning unless the context indicates clearly otherwise.

We believe that the following principles are prerequisites to a proper interpretation of the Scriptures:

• One must be born again and have an utter dependence upon the Holy Spirit to guide and direct (John 16:7-14; 1 Corinthians 2:7-16).

• One must interpret according to the immediate context; according to the larger context, such as the scope or the design of the book itself, and by comparing Scripture with Scripture.

The eastern Greek Byzantine Church has preserved more than 5,000 Greek copies of our Bible. The Old Testament was translated from Hebrew to Greek and is called the Septuagint. The New Testament scriptures were originally written in Greek and required no translation. They are referred to as the Byzantine Text. There are a few slight differences among these 5,000 copies. Desiderius Erasmus used approximately six copies of the Greek Byzantine manuscripts as his source for a new Bible and rejected copies of the Alexandrian text available in the Roman Catholic Church. The first printing of the new Greek Bible was in February 1516 and contained Greek text parallel to his own Latin version. This Bible became known as the Textus Receptus, meaning Received Text.

The Authorized King James Version of the Bible published in 1611 was prepared from the Textus Receptus as well as many of the other 5,000 Greek manuscripts. We believe the New Kings James Version is equally sound, having been translated from the same source text. We believe all other versions are less reliable due to the source of their text near Alexandria, Egypt. See the following page for further information:

The History of the New Testament Scriptures

II. CONCERNING THE GODHEAD

We believe in one God who is a personal and eternal Spirit, perfect and unchangeable in all His attributes. This one God eternally exists in three persons, impossible of division but capable of distinction as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All have precisely the same nature, attributes and perfections and are worthy of precisely the same homage, faith and obedience. (1 John 5:7 [The Trinity described in the KJV & NKJV but left out of all other versions]; 1 Timothy 3:16; Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Kings 8:60; Psalms 90:1-2; Isaiah 45:5-6; Matthew 3:16-17; 16:16; 28:18-19; Mark 12:29; Luke 22:70; 11:13; John 1:1-14 10:30; 14:10-11, 16-17; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:13; Revelation 1:4-6).

God The Father: We believe in God the Father as Creator of Heaven and Earth, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, and measureless in power. We marvel and rejoice that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin, its power over our life, and from spiritual death. He also removes the fear of physical death from all who come to Him through faith in the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ upon the Cross (Genesis 1:1; 1:11; 1:24-28; Deuteronomy 4:35; Psalms 5:4-6; 14:1; 23:1-4; 47:2-3; 47:8-9; 96:11-13; 145:18; 147:5; Isaiah 40:28; 43-10-13, 44:6; John 1:1-3, 3:36; 5:18; 6:27; Romans 1:20; 6:1-13; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Colossians 1:15-17; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 1:5, 2:1-2; Revelation 3:20, 19:6).

Jesus Christ: We believe that Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh (John 1:1-3, 14; 1 Timothy 3:16), conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35), born of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:23), led a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross and is very God and very Man. We believe that Jesus Christ possessed all of the attributes of God. Jesus could manifest all of God's attributes according to the will of the Father. We believe that His death on the cross was substitutionary, representative, and sufficient to make amends for the guilt of all men. We believe that He was raised from the dead bodily and ascended to the right hand of the Father where He now carries on a ministry as Advocate and Intercessor for the saints (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-14; 5:17-18; 8:58; 10:30-33; 11:25; 14:6-7; 20:27-29; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:15-16; 2:8-9; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:15-17; 3:16).

Jesus Christ Possesses the Attributes of God.

We believe in the personal, bodily, and pretribulational return of our Lord Jesus Christ for His Church (the Rapture), and that after the Tribulation He will return with His saints to the Earth to establish His Kingdom of righteousness, thus bringing to fruition all the unconditional promises made to the nation Israel (Luke 1:30-35; 1 Timothy 2:6; Romans 3:25-26, 2 Corinthians 5:14; Hebrews 10:5-14; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; 1 John 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:9-10; Revelation 19:1-21; 20:1-15).

The Holy Spirit: We believe in the deity and the personality of the Holy Spirit and that He is said to be eternally "proceeding" from the Father and the Son. We believe that the Holy Spirit was God's agent in the revelation and the inspiration of His Word. We believe that it is the Holy Spirit who performs the work of salvation in the heart of the individual believer, indwells believers, and bestows spiritual gifts upon them (1 Corinthians 2:11; 3:16; 6:19-20;12:1-13; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:30; 5:18; John 15:26; 16:7-8; 16:13-14; Genesis 1:2; 2 Peter 1:21; Acts 5:3-4, 13:2; Hebrews 3:7-9, 9:14; Matthew 28:19; Titus 3:5; Romans 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:22).

For a more detailed study see:

A Bible Summary

III. CONCERNING MAN

His Original Nature: Man was directly and immediately created in the image of God, free from sin. He was created with a rational nature, great intelligence and moral responsibility to God (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; James 3:9).

His Original Purpose: He was originally created with the divine intention that he should glorify God, enjoy His fellowship, and fulfill His will and purposes in the Earth (Genesis 1:26-30; Isaiah 43:7).

His Subsequent Sin: Man subsequently fell into sin by a voluntary act of personal disobedience to the revealed will of God (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-19; 1 Timothy 2:13-14).

His Present Condition: Romans 5:12 "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned-- 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.)"

Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

As a consequence of Adam's sin, man became a sinner unacceptable to God. Thus, he is hopelessly lost apart from the salvation which is in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:36; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 John 1:8).

The fall of man was an historical and non-repeatable act, the effects of which are transmitted to all men of all ages, Jesus Christ excepted. All men thus are sinners by divine pronouncement, nature, and deed, and thus face God's wrath and judgment (Psalms 14:1-3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23; 5:12-19; James 2:10).

IV. CONCERNING SALVATION

We believe that salvation is by grace through faith based upon the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus took upon Himself the sins of all mankind by His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the grave provides salvation to all who believe. His resurrection gives us eternal life. All who receive the Lord Jesus Christ through faith are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become the children of God by the divine baptism of the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (resurrection).

Romans 10:9-10 If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.

1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.

Galatians 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. 11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught [it], but [it] [came] through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

John 3:16-18 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; Titus 2:11; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:2; John 3:5; John 1:12-13; Romans 3:24).

The purpose of salvation is that the believer might glorify God in his body through a life of fellowship and service for the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 6:13; 12:1-2; Colossians 3:17; Revelation 4:11).

The consummation of salvation will occur at the Rapture when the believer will be delivered from the presence of sin, at which time he will also be glorified and conformed to the image of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:1-3).

Jesus guarantees that His sheep (believers) will have eternal life. They shall never perish and neither shall anyone snatch them out of His hand. Those who do not believe that Jesus was God manifested in the flesh, was crucified for the sins of the whole world, and rose from the grave are not His sheep. They will not receive eternal life.

John 10:24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. 26 "But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 "My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of My Father's hand. 30 "I and [My] Father are one." 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.

Loss of Salvation and Falling Away

We believe that a person who once believed in the full redemption made possible by Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection can turn away from God, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit to embrace a false god or to totally deny God. The doctrine commonly called "once saved, always saved" or "eternal security" is not supported by Scripture. Jesus said in Matthew 10:33, "But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." Immediately after this warning, Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 10:34, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." Later Peter did deny Him three time before men. At that time Peter lost his salvation which he later secured in seeing and believing in the resurrected Christ. Peter was allowed to return to Christ because Jesus had not yet been crucified when Peter denied Him. Hebrews 6:4 below states that since the cross, people who deny Christ cannot be renewed again to repentance.

Jesus also prayed to the Father that He was able to keep all of His disciples except one, Judas Iscariot. John 17:12 "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition (Judas Iscariot), that the Scripture might be fulfilled." In John 17:15 Jesus prayed to the Father for his disciples saying, "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one." This indicates that Jesus could certainly have lost others. None of the disciples was eternally secure. They could have walked away from Jesus by their free will just as Judas did.

Other Scriptures strongly encourage the believer to keep the faith, meaning that a person could turn away from the faith. We are to "keep yourselves in the love of God." (Jude 21). The following verses pertain to a person who was saved because Jesus said he was a branch in Him. These verses and others indicate that a believer can fall away from faith by his own free will. People who were once saved can and do deny God and Jesus Christ the Lord. The Apostle Paul encourage the believer to "hold fast" to sound words, faith, and love. This verse indicates that the believers could have certainly fallen away. It is the responsibility of the believer to "hold fast."

2 Timothy 1:13-14 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, We shall also reign with [Him]. If we deny [Him], He also will deny us.

John 15:2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every [branch] that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 "I am the vine, you [are] the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

2 Timothy 2:12 above certainly refutes the false doctrine of "unconditional love" that we hear preached often in churches throughout the English-speaking countries. Unconditional love is a false doctrine. The Bible says the opposite. The doctrine of unconditional love is blasphemy because it indicates that Jesus' death on the cross was unnecessary. Unconditional love forgives sin without anyone paying the penalty. God did not do that. God required that His Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the whole world.

The Apostle John said in 1 John 2:17, "And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." This statement indicates that a believer who stops doing the will of God does not abide forever.

The Apostle Paul had companions and fellow believers who turned away from the faith.

1 Timothy 1:15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, [and] [commanding] to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

Galatians 1:6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

The Apostle Paul and the writer of Hebrews strongly warned the believers that those who turn back to Jewish "fables" and the Law were at high risk of loosing their salvation. Paul said that some people will turn away from the truth.

2 Timothy 4:4 and they will turn [their] ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God [is] evident, for "the just shall live by faith." 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed [is] everyone who hangs on a tree"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor [to] [bring] [us] to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Colossians 2:20  Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, {rudiments: or, elements}  21  (Touch not; taste not; handle not;  22  Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? (KJV)

Web author's note: The word "which" in verse 22 should have been translated as "who" from the Greek word hos. "Who all are to perish with the using."

The Apostle Paul tells the Galatians that the believer will "reap everlasting life" if he sows to the Spirit "if we do not lose heart." Paul indicates that growing weary (or walking away from the faith) will result in a loss of salvation.

Galatians 6:8 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. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Jesus Christ has provided a "Sabbath rest" for all those who believe in His finished works -- taking upon Himself the sins of the whole world and rising on the third day to provide eternal life to all who believe. Those who insist upon keeping the Torah Sabbath commandment have rejected the Sabbath rest provided by Jesus. They will "fall according to the example of disobedience."

Hebrews 4:1-11 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard [it]. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: "So I swore in My wrath, `They shall not enter My rest,' " although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh [day] in this way: "And God rested on the seventh day from all His works"; 5 and again in this [place]: "They shall not enter My rest." 6 Since therefore it remains that some [must] enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, 7 again He designates a certain day, saying in David, "Today," after such a long time, as it has been said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts." 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God [did] from His. 11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

Using circumcision as an example, Paul warns that those who place themselves back under the bondage of the Torah Law are obliged to "keep the whole Law," meaning they will be judged by the Law which they cannot keep perfectly. Therefore, they are doomed to spend eternity in Hell for their dependence on the Law for righteousness instead of the grace offered by Jesus' death and resurrection.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.

Paul also warns that those who place themselves back under the Torah Law have "fallen from grace," meaning Jesus' death and resurrection are of no value to them. They have become "estranged" or separated from Christ. They have lost their salvation.

Galatians 5:4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who [attempt] [to] be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

The Apostle Paul told the Colossians in chapter 1, verse 23, that they had to "continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel." Paul implied that the salvation described in verses 21 and 22 was in jeopardy if they lost faith and moved away from the gospel.

Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled {in...: or, by your mind in} 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.

The writer of Hebrews proclaims a very strong warning that those who were once enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, and became partakers of the Holy Spirit could "fall away." The warning goes on to says that such a person cannot be restored because that would require Jesus to be crucified again. This verse clearly states that a saved person can "fall away" to be lost forever. The Apostle Peter also repeats the same warning. To deny Jesus is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit which is call the "unpardonable sin."

Hebrews 6:4 For [it] [is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put [Him] to an open shame.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

2 Peter 2:20-21 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.

V. CONCERNING SANCTIFICATION

We believe that sanctification, which is a setting-apart unto God, is threefold:

1) Sanctification is already complete for every saved person because his position toward God is the same as Christ's position. Since the believer is in Christ, he is set apart unto God in the measure in which Christ is set apart unto God.

2) We believe the regenerated man has been declared righteous from sin, acquitted and perfect in Christ. He is no longer a slave to sin but a slave to righteousness. There is consequently a progressive sanctification wherein the Christian is to "grow in grace," and to be changed by the unhindered power of the Spirit.

3) We also believe that the child of God will yet be fully sanctified in his state as he is now sanctified in his standing in Christ when he will see his Lord and will be "like Him" (1 Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 10:10-14; Romans 6:1-5; John 17:17-19; Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 4:24; 5:25-27; Hebrews 12:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18).

VI. CONCERNING SATAN AND ANGELS

Their Origin: The angels were all created by God as a great host of sinless spirit beings, most of whom kept their first estate of holiness and presently worship God and serve His purposes (Psalms 148:2-5; Matthew 26:53; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:14).

The Fall of Some: One of the angels, Lucifer, fell through the sin of pride, become Satan, and influenced a large company of angels to follow him. These fallen angels became demons (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:12-15; Luke 10:18; James 2:19; 2 Peter 2:4; 1 John 3:18; Revelation 12:7-9).

Satan's Work: The work of Satan and the demons is the attempted subversion and supplanting of the work of God. By a subtle suggestion, Satan accomplished the moral fall of the progenitors of the human race, subjecting them and their posterity to his own power (Genesis 3:1-7; Job 1:12; 2:6; Zechariah 3:1-2; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Ephesians 2:2).

Satan continues as the enemy of God and the accuser of God's people and persistently seeks to counterfeit the works and truth of God (2 Corinthians 2:10-11; 11:13-15; Ephesians 6:12-16; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:10).

We believe that Satan was judged at the cross, and that at the second coming of Christ, Satan will be bound and cast into the abyss for a thousand years. After the thousand years, he will be loosed for a little season and judgment will be executed by his being "cast into the Lake of Fire," where he will be tormented day and night for ever and ever (John 12:31; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 20:1-3, 10).

VII. CONCERNING THE CHURCH

Its Nature: All who have placed their faith in Christ are united together immediately by the Holy Spirit in one spiritual body, the Church, of which Christ is the Head. We believe that the present Church Age or Dispensation of Grace began when Christ revealed the mystery of the gospel of grace to Paul in Arabia (Ephesians 3:1-12 and Galatians 1:15-24). This were three years or more before Paul went to Jerusalem to meet with the other disciples, where it was agreed that God has given the gospel of grace to the Gentiles who are not required to keep the Law of Moses or become circumcised (Acts 14:25-15:14). The Church Age or Dispensation of Grace will be completed at the coming of Christ for His own at the Rapture. We accept that many in the Body of Christ feel the Church began on the day of Pentecost, at the resurrection of Christ, or at some other time referenced in Scripture. In addition to the spiritual union and communion which extends to the entirety of the Body of Christ, the members of this one spiritual body are directed to associate themselves together in local assemblies (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:46-47; 11:15; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:1-13; 5:25-29; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:25). See our study below for additional information.

The Great Bible Mystery

Its Mission: We believe the church as the Body of Christ has a four-fold mission:

1) Worship - The highest privilege and responsibility of the church both gathered and scattered is worship and adoration of our great God, the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ the Lord through the eternal Holy Spirit (John 4:23-24; 16:13-14; Acts 2:42; Revelation 4:11; 5:12-13).

2) Instruction - The central life line of the church is the Word of God. Therefore, one of the prime responsibilities is the nurture of the believer through the instruction and admonition from our Father's Word (Colossians 1:28; Acts 20:28-32; 2 Timothy 2:2; 3:16).

3) Fellowship - Since the believer is a part of a body and not simply an isolated individual, one of the primary responsibilities of the church is to so order its corporate life that genuine fellowship is precipitated among believers (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25; Philippians 2:1-4; 1 John 1:3).

4) Evangelism - The last command of the risen Christ was for His followers to make disciples and permeate the entire world in a continuous effort to disciple men (Matthew 20:28; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15-16; Colossians 1:28).

Its Authority: These local assemblies have been given the needed authority for administering that order, discipline, and worship which Christ the sovereign Head has appointed. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assemblies are elders and deacons (Matthew 18:15-20; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Corinthians 14:40; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5).

Its Spiritual Gifts: We believe that every member of the Body of Christ has been given at least one spiritual gift at his conversion according to the sovereign will of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are to be developed and used in the local assembly to the end that every believer will become completely mature in Christ. Their specific purpose is the mutual edification of the saints.

Remembrances: The Church, the Body of Christ, has no ordinances that must be obeyed. However, many churches practice baptism and the Lord's Supper in remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the [same] night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner [He] also [took] the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink [it], in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. (NKJV)

1) The Lord's Supper - We believe the Lord's Supper is a commemoration of the Lord's body which was broken for us and of His blood that was shed for our sins. There are two requirements that must be met before a person can partake of the Supper. First a person must be born again, for one who is not saved cannot show forth the Lord's death when he is unwilling to confess the Savior and His reconciling death on the cross where He took upon Himself the sins of the whole world. Secondly, a Christian must examine himself to determine if he is in right relationship with the Lord. We are warned of the consequences of partaking unworthily. When these two requirements are met the believer is free to participate. We believe it is the Lord's table and as such is open to all believers who are in right relationship with God, regardless of denomination. Not only is the Lord's Supper a memorial of what Christ has done on the Cross, but it shows our faith in that past work and faith in His resurrection and anticipated return (Mark 16:4-11; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-30).

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

2) Baptism - We believe that baptism is an outward sign and confession of identification with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. We do not believe that salvation is obtained by baptism, nor is baptism required for salvation. Baptism is not an act of removing sins (Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:4-6; Acts 2:38-41; 10:48). Many people falsely quote the Apostle Peter about water baptism, claiming baptism applies to us in this Dispensation of Grace. All Scripture does not apply to us. It may be useful to us but not written to us. Peter was an Apostle to the Jews. His writing was addressed to saved Jews who were still under the Dispensation of the Law. Jesus also lived during the Dispensation of the Law. Jesus was under the Law and kept the Law. Peter and his followers still obeyed the Law, circumcision and water baptism. We are not under the Law in the Dispensation of the Law. We are in the Dispensation of Grace. The Apostle Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles and ushered in the Dispensation of Grace from which we in the Church, the Body of Christ, take our doctrines. We should not apply doctrines from previous dispensations to this Dispensation of Grace.

Jesus took upon himself the sins of the whole world. You are not saved if you are basing the remission of your sins upon water baptism.  Those who believe water baptism provides the remission of sins have thereby rejected Jesus Christ's death on the cross for the remission of the sins of all mankind. Given all that, water baptism can still be an outward expression of one's faith in Jesus' resurrection to give us eternal life. Water baptism is symbolic of Christ's resurrection. Being placed down in the water and raised up again is in remembrance of the blessed resurrection of Christ.

Some people who are categorized as "Hyper Dispensationalists" have rejected the Lord's Supper and/or baptism as acts that do not apply in this Dispensation of Grace.  The Apostle Paul stopped baptizing people because they were prideful and bragged they had been "baptized in my own name." Being baptized in Paul's name or the name of any person other then Jesus Christ is heresy and blasphemous. Paul did not proclaim that baptism was to cease. He did not suggest that others not practice baptism as an act of remembrance just as he once did. Those who have added a new law, "Thou Shall Not Baptize," have added false doctrines to Scripture. Jesus died to free us from the curse of the Law. We certainly should not start writing new laws. No commands exist in Scripture that forbid baptism as an act of remembrance. The Apostle Paul discontinued baptism only because some unbelievers disrupted the practice.

1 Corinthians 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Many pastors corrupt baptism today by falsely teaching that baptism removes sins and/or is required for salvation. Therefore, we recommend that people avoid baptism in the same manner as the Apostle Paul discontinued baptism. Those who confess faith in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection are baptized with the Holy Spirit and are saved.

VIII. CONCERNING LAST THINGS

The Intermediate State: At death, the souls of the redeemed pass immediately into the presence of Christ and there remain in joyful fellowship until the first resurrection, that is their bodily resurrection unto life. The souls of the unsaved at death descend immediately into Hades where they are kept under punishment until the second resurrection, that is their bodily resurrection unto damnation (Luke 16:22-23; 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23).

Theological Seminaries Are Centers for Higher Brainwashing.

The Rapture of the Church: The next great event in the fulfillment of prophecy will be the personal, bodily coming of the Lord in the air to receive to Himself into Heaven both His own who are alive and remain unto His coming, and also all who have fallen asleep in Jesus. At that exact moment, every believer will be conformed unto His image. This event is the blessed hope set before us in Scripture, and we are encouraged to be constantly looking for it (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Philippians 3:20; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 3:2; John 14:1-3).

Harlot, Great City, and Babylon

Much debate and assumptions have been made about the Tribulation and Great Tribulation in the Book of Revelation to identify the "Harlot," "Great City," and "Babylon."  These all refer to the same city that is most likely the actual city of Jerusalem, Israel. The key to this understanding concerns the "two witnesses" that were killed and left in the streets of Jerusalem for three days in the city were also our Lord was crucified.

Revelation 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months. {leave out: Gr. cast out} 3 And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. {I will give...: or, I will give unto my two witnesses that they may prophesy} 4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

Revelation 11:8 And their dead bodies [shall lie] in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Revelation 16:19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Revelation 17:5 And on her forehead a name [was] written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

"Zionism and Christianity: Unholy Alliance" full-length film by Ted Pike
This video explains why the Bible says Jerusalem is the Whore and Babylon

The Tribulation Period: After this removal of believers from the Earth, the righteous judgments of God will be poured out upon the unbelieving world. These judgments will be climaxed by the return of Christ in glory to the Earth, at which time the Old Testament and tribulation saints will also be raised and the living judged (Revelation 6:1-9; 22:12-13; Daniel 9:27; Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 24:15-31; 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12). Two-thirds of Israel's people will die during the Tribulation but one-third will be spared. They will be refined and call upon the Lord (Zechariah 13:8-9).

The Millennium: After this judgment Christ will establish His Messianic Kingdom in which the resurrection saints will reign with Him over Israel and all the nations of the Earth for one thousand years (Deuteronomy 30:1-10; Isaiah 11:1-16; 65:15-17; Ezekiel 37:21-28; Revelation 19:11-14; 1:1-8).

The Eternal State: At the close of the millennial reign, the unsaved dead will be raised and judged and committed to eternal punishment and the saved will enter the eternal state of glory with God. Having fulfilled His redemptive and Kingdom missions as the Son of Abraham and the Son of David, Christ will deliver up the Kingdom to God the Father that the Triune God may reign forever in all spheres (Mark 9:43-48; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:1-4; 22:5).

2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

SUMMARY: Every person will someday stand before the judgment seat of God (Hebrews 9:27). He will stand either condemned or pardoned having believed God's plan of salvation that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was resurrected by God from the grave again according to the scriptures, and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

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