What We Believe and Teach
The following are the core beliefs of Grace Bible Church based on the foundational truths taught in the Bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
Grace Bible Church is about people rather than programs.
Our theme is to "walk in Him" and our ministries aim to train, care for, and serve the people within the fellowship.
It is our desire to know God and to make Him known. Our prayer is that men and women from every walk of life might see our Lord clearly and vividly in all that we do, and learn the richness and joy of a life lived by His grace and power through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We welcome you to our services and the ministries of our fellowship.
Recognizing that the Bible is the very word of the Living God to man, and understanding the priority of knowing and obeying its truths, the leadership team here at Grace Bible Church is deeply committed to studying and teaching Scripture with diligence and authority.
Thus, the central ministry of Grace Bible Church is the continuous imparting of biblical truth to the people of God that they may know God and serve Him in worship and ministry.
This publication presents the elders' convictions regarding the major theological truths of the Bible, built on years of study and teaching. These are the primary doctrines of the Christian faith, and they reflect the heart of the teaching here at Grace Bible Church.
Grace Bible Church is about people rather than programs.
Our theme is to "walk in Him" and our ministries aim to train, care for, and serve the people within the fellowship.
It is our desire to know God and to make Him known. Our prayer is that men and women from every walk of life might see our Lord clearly and vividly in all that we do, and learn the richness and joy of a life lived by His grace and power through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We welcome you to our services and the ministries of our fellowship.
Recognizing that the Bible is the very word of the Living God to man, and understanding the priority of knowing and obeying its truths, the leadership team here at Grace Bible Church is deeply committed to studying and teaching Scripture with diligence and authority.
Thus, the central ministry of Grace Bible Church is the continuous imparting of biblical truth to the people of God that they may know God and serve Him in worship and ministry.
This publication presents the elders' convictions regarding the major theological truths of the Bible, built on years of study and teaching. These are the primary doctrines of the Christian faith, and they reflect the heart of the teaching here at Grace Bible Church.
THE SCRIPTURES
We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be verbally inspired by GOD and inerrant in the original writings, and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life.
We teach that the Word of God is an objective, propositional revelation (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13), verbally inspired in every word (2 Timothy 3:16), absolutely inerrant in the original documents, infallible, and God-breathed. We teach the literal, grammatical-historical interpretation of Scripture which affirms the belief that the opening chapters of Genesis present creation in six literal days (Genesis 1:31; Exodus 31:17). We teach that the Bible constitutes the only infallible rule of faith and practice (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; 16:12-13; 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
We teach that the Word of God is an objective, propositional revelation (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13), verbally inspired in every word (2 Timothy 3:16), absolutely inerrant in the original documents, infallible, and God-breathed. We teach the literal, grammatical-historical interpretation of Scripture which affirms the belief that the opening chapters of Genesis present creation in six literal days (Genesis 1:31; Exodus 31:17). We teach that the Bible constitutes the only infallible rule of faith and practice (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; 16:12-13; 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
THE GODHEAD
We believe in one God who eternally exists as three persons — the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit — and whose attributes include love, truth, eternality, omnipotence, infallibility, omniscience, omnipresence, immutability, justice and holiness (Matt. 28:19,20; Mark 11:29; John 1:1,14; 10:10; Acts 5:1,4; II Cor. 13:14).
1. THE FATHER
We believe in GOD the Father, the only true GOD, who created all things and in whom we live and move and have our being (Matt. 28:19; John 17:3; Acts 17:28; Rev. 4:11). The Father so loved the world that He purposed in eternity to send His Son to save fallen mankind (John 1:16; Eph. 1:3,4; I Tim. 2:3,4).
2. THE SON
We believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of GOD, the Eternal Word manifested in flesh. We believe that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and that He is true GOD and true man (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:30; John 1:1,2,14,18; 3:16; Phil. 2:5—8).
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person who is co-equal with GOD the Father and GOD the Son; that He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment; that He is the agent of the new birth; and that He seals, empowers, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and comforts the believer (Matt. 28:19; John 14:15,16,17,26; 16:7—11; Rom. 8:14—16,26,27; Eph. 1:13, 14; Heb. 9:14; I Pet. 1:2)
1. THE FATHER
We believe in GOD the Father, the only true GOD, who created all things and in whom we live and move and have our being (Matt. 28:19; John 17:3; Acts 17:28; Rev. 4:11). The Father so loved the world that He purposed in eternity to send His Son to save fallen mankind (John 1:16; Eph. 1:3,4; I Tim. 2:3,4).
2. THE SON
We believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of GOD, the Eternal Word manifested in flesh. We believe that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and that He is true GOD and true man (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:30; John 1:1,2,14,18; 3:16; Phil. 2:5—8).
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person who is co-equal with GOD the Father and GOD the Son; that He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment; that He is the agent of the new birth; and that He seals, empowers, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and comforts the believer (Matt. 28:19; John 14:15,16,17,26; 16:7—11; Rom. 8:14—16,26,27; Eph. 1:13, 14; Heb. 9:14; I Pet. 1:2)
ANGELS AND SATAN
1. We believe that the angels are ministering spirits of GOD on behalf of all believers (Heb. 1:6, 7, 14).
2. We believe in the personality of Satan, the archenemy of GOD and the leader of fallen angels. He deceives the world and is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire. We believe that he can exercise vast power, but only so far as God allows him to do so (Job 1:12; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2—11; 25:41; John 8:44; I Pet. 5:8,9; Rev. 12:9,10; 20:10).
2. We believe in the personality of Satan, the archenemy of GOD and the leader of fallen angels. He deceives the world and is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire. We believe that he can exercise vast power, but only so far as God allows him to do so (Job 1:12; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2—11; 25:41; John 8:44; I Pet. 5:8,9; Rev. 12:9,10; 20:10).
MAN
We believe that man was created in the image of God and that, by voluntary transgression, fell from his sinless state, in consequence of which all men are now sinners and guilty before God and under the just condemnation of God (Gen. 1:27; 2:7; 3:1—24; Rom. 5:8,12). We believe that because of the total depravity of man, the new birth is necessary and can only he obtained through being born of the Spirit and exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Gen. 2:17; John 3:3,5,7; Rom. 3:10—18; Eph. 2:8,9; Titus 3:5,6). All men, until they accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, are lost, darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, hardened in heart, and morally and spiritually dead through their trespasses and sins (Luke 19:10; Rom. 1:21; 5:12;
Eph. 2:11; 4:18). We believe in the privilege of the individual soul to approach GOD directly through the Holy Spirit (John 14:6; 16:13; Acts 4:12; Eph. 1:13; I Tim. 2:5).
Eph. 2:11; 4:18). We believe in the privilege of the individual soul to approach GOD directly through the Holy Spirit (John 14:6; 16:13; Acts 4:12; Eph. 1:13; I Tim. 2:5).
SALVATION
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, to satisfy divine justice, and that all who trust In him are justified on the ground of His shed blood and are born again by the quickening, renewing and cleansing work of the holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Sword of God. All those, who by faith receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, become children of God and receive eternal life (Isa. 53:5—11; John 1:12; 3:3—7,16,17,18,36; Rom. 3:23,24; 10:9,10,17; I Cor. 15:3,4). We believe that our Lord was raised from the dead because of our justification, according to the Scriptures, and in the same body, though glorified, in which he lived and died, and that his resurrection body is the pattern of that body which, at the return of Christ, will be given to all resurrected believers (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:20; Acts 2:32; Rom. 4:25; I Cor. 15:20—23,42—45; Phil. 3:20,21). We believe that our Lord ascended to heaven, was seated at his Father’s right hand, assuring us of the perfection of his work of redemption, and that he now, as head over all things to the Church, is engaged on behalf of the saved as Intercessor and Advocate (Eph. 1:22,23; I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 1:2,3,13; 7:25; I John 2:1). We believe that all who have received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are kept by the power of God through faith (I Pet. 1:5). however, God cannot overlook sin in his children and will, therefore, chasten and correct then in love (John 12:27-29; II Tim. 1:12; Heb. 7:25; 12:4—11; I John 1:8—10; Jude 24).
THE CHURCH
We teach that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual Body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:7-8), of which Christ is the Head (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 1:18).
We teach that the formation of the church, the Body of Christ, began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21, 38-47) and will be completed at the coming of Christ for His own at the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
We teach that the church is thus a unique spiritual organism designed by Christ, made up of all born-again believers in this present age (Ephesians 2:11-3:6).
The church is distinct from Israel (1 Corinthians 10:32), a mystery not revealed until this age (Ephesians 3:1-6; 5:32).
We teach that the establishment and continuity of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:23, 27; 20:17, 28; Galatians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1) and that the members of the one spiritual Body are directed to associate themselves together in local assemblies (1 Corinthians 11:18-20; Hebrews 10:25).
We teach that the one supreme authority for the church is Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18) and that church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (also called bishops, pastors, and pastorteachers; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11) and deacons, both of whom must meet biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
We teach that these leaders lead or rule as servants of Christ (1 Timothy 5:17-22) and have His authority in directing the church. The congregation is to submit to their loving rule and leadership (Hebrews 13:7, 17).
We teach the importance of discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2), mutual accountability of all believers to each other (Matthew 18:5-14), as well as the need for discipline of sinning members of the congregation in accord with the standards of Scripture (Matthew 18:15-22; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Timothy 1:19-20; Titus 1:10-16).
We teach the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5). We teach that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other for the presentation and propagation of the faith. Each local church, however, through its elders and their interpretation and application of Scripture, should be the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. The elders should determine all other matters of membership, policy, discipline, benevolence, and government as well (Acts 15:19-31; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 5:4-7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
We teach that the purpose of the church is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21) by building itself up in the faith (Ephesians 4:13-16), by instruction of the Word (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16-17), by fellowship (Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3), by keeping the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42) and by advancing and communicating the gospel to the entire world (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42).
We teach the calling of all saints to the work of service (1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 4:12; Revelation 22:12).
We teach the need of the church to cooperate with God as He accomplishes His purpose in the world. To that end, He gives the church spiritual gifts. He gives men chosen for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:7-12), and He also gives unique and special spiritual abilities to each member of the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
We teach that there were two kinds of gifts given the early church: miraculous gifts of divine revelation and healing, given temporarily in the apostolic era for the purpose of confirming the authenticity of the apostles’ message (Hebrews 2:3-4; 2 Corinthians 12:12); and ministering gifts, given to equip believers for edifying one another. With the New Testament revelation now complete, Scripture becomes the sole test of the authenticity of a man’s message, and confirming gifts of a miraculous nature are no longer necessary to validate a man or his message (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). Miraculous gifts can even be counterfeited by Satan so as to deceive even believers (1 Corinthians 13:13-14:12; Revelation 13:13-14). The only gifts in operation today are those nonrevelatory equipping gifts given for edification (Romans 12:6-8).
We teach that no one possesses the gift of healing today, but that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith and will answer in accordance with His own perfect will for the sick, suffering, and afflicted (Luke 18:1-6; John 5:7-9; 2 Corinthians 12:6-10; James 5:13-16; 1 John 5:14-15).
We teach that two ordinances have been committed to the local church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:38-42). Christian baptism by immersion (Acts 8:36-39) is the solemn and beautiful testimony of a believer showing forth his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and his union with Him in death to sin and resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:1-11). It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible Body of Christ (Acts 2:41-42).
We teach that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of His death until He comes, and should be always preceded by solemn self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28-32). We also teach that, whereas the elements of Communion are only representative of the flesh and blood of Christ, participation in the Lord’s Supper is nevertheless an actual communion with the risen Christ, who indwells every believer, and so is present, fellowshipping with His people (1 Corinthians 10:16).
We teach that the formation of the church, the Body of Christ, began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21, 38-47) and will be completed at the coming of Christ for His own at the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
We teach that the church is thus a unique spiritual organism designed by Christ, made up of all born-again believers in this present age (Ephesians 2:11-3:6).
The church is distinct from Israel (1 Corinthians 10:32), a mystery not revealed until this age (Ephesians 3:1-6; 5:32).
We teach that the establishment and continuity of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:23, 27; 20:17, 28; Galatians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1) and that the members of the one spiritual Body are directed to associate themselves together in local assemblies (1 Corinthians 11:18-20; Hebrews 10:25).
We teach that the one supreme authority for the church is Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18) and that church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (also called bishops, pastors, and pastorteachers; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11) and deacons, both of whom must meet biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
We teach that these leaders lead or rule as servants of Christ (1 Timothy 5:17-22) and have His authority in directing the church. The congregation is to submit to their loving rule and leadership (Hebrews 13:7, 17).
We teach the importance of discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2), mutual accountability of all believers to each other (Matthew 18:5-14), as well as the need for discipline of sinning members of the congregation in accord with the standards of Scripture (Matthew 18:15-22; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Timothy 1:19-20; Titus 1:10-16).
We teach the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5). We teach that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other for the presentation and propagation of the faith. Each local church, however, through its elders and their interpretation and application of Scripture, should be the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. The elders should determine all other matters of membership, policy, discipline, benevolence, and government as well (Acts 15:19-31; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 5:4-7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
We teach that the purpose of the church is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21) by building itself up in the faith (Ephesians 4:13-16), by instruction of the Word (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16-17), by fellowship (Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3), by keeping the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42) and by advancing and communicating the gospel to the entire world (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42).
We teach the calling of all saints to the work of service (1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 4:12; Revelation 22:12).
We teach the need of the church to cooperate with God as He accomplishes His purpose in the world. To that end, He gives the church spiritual gifts. He gives men chosen for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:7-12), and He also gives unique and special spiritual abilities to each member of the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
We teach that there were two kinds of gifts given the early church: miraculous gifts of divine revelation and healing, given temporarily in the apostolic era for the purpose of confirming the authenticity of the apostles’ message (Hebrews 2:3-4; 2 Corinthians 12:12); and ministering gifts, given to equip believers for edifying one another. With the New Testament revelation now complete, Scripture becomes the sole test of the authenticity of a man’s message, and confirming gifts of a miraculous nature are no longer necessary to validate a man or his message (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). Miraculous gifts can even be counterfeited by Satan so as to deceive even believers (1 Corinthians 13:13-14:12; Revelation 13:13-14). The only gifts in operation today are those nonrevelatory equipping gifts given for edification (Romans 12:6-8).
We teach that no one possesses the gift of healing today, but that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith and will answer in accordance with His own perfect will for the sick, suffering, and afflicted (Luke 18:1-6; John 5:7-9; 2 Corinthians 12:6-10; James 5:13-16; 1 John 5:14-15).
We teach that two ordinances have been committed to the local church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:38-42). Christian baptism by immersion (Acts 8:36-39) is the solemn and beautiful testimony of a believer showing forth his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and his union with Him in death to sin and resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:1-11). It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible Body of Christ (Acts 2:41-42).
We teach that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of His death until He comes, and should be always preceded by solemn self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28-32). We also teach that, whereas the elements of Communion are only representative of the flesh and blood of Christ, participation in the Lord’s Supper is nevertheless an actual communion with the risen Christ, who indwells every believer, and so is present, fellowshipping with His people (1 Corinthians 10:16).
THE ORDINANCES
We believe in the beautifully symbolic ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 28:19; Luke 22:19, 20).
1. BAPTISM
We believe that those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are instructed to be baptized (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 8:36—39). We believe, further, that water baptism symbolizes the baptism of the Holy Spirit, our union and identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Rom. 8:3— 8); and that it is a step of obedience in the process of discipleship (Matt. 28:19,20). Immersion shall be the practice of this church.
2. THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ to be observed till He comes (I Cor. 11:23-26). The broken bread and the wine symbolize the Lord’s broken body and shed blood, and the eating and drinking is our appropriation of His sacrifice by faith (Matt. 26:26, 27). This communion commemorates His death and proclaims it to all (I Cor. 10:16; 11:24—26). Only believers should participate. Children should refrain until they understand its spiritual significance. Believers should participate only after self-examination and assurance of God’s forgiveness (I Cor. 5:8; 11:28—32; I John 1:9).
1. BAPTISM
We believe that those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are instructed to be baptized (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 8:36—39). We believe, further, that water baptism symbolizes the baptism of the Holy Spirit, our union and identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Rom. 8:3— 8); and that it is a step of obedience in the process of discipleship (Matt. 28:19,20). Immersion shall be the practice of this church.
2. THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ to be observed till He comes (I Cor. 11:23-26). The broken bread and the wine symbolize the Lord’s broken body and shed blood, and the eating and drinking is our appropriation of His sacrifice by faith (Matt. 26:26, 27). This communion commemorates His death and proclaims it to all (I Cor. 10:16; 11:24—26). Only believers should participate. Children should refrain until they understand its spiritual significance. Believers should participate only after self-examination and assurance of God’s forgiveness (I Cor. 5:8; 11:28—32; I John 1:9).
LAST THINGS
Death. We teach that physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness (Revelation 6:9-11), that the soul of the redeemed passes immediately into the presence of Christ (Luke 23:43; Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:8), that there is a separation of soul and body (Philippians 1:21-24), and that, for the redeemed, such separation will continue until the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17), which initiates the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6), when our soul and body will be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord (Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:35-44, 50-54). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8).
We teach the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life (John 6:39; Romans 8:10-11, 19-23; 2 Corinthians 4:14), and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Revelation 20:13-15).
We teach that the souls of the unsaved at death are kept under punishment until the second resurrection (Luke 16:19-26; Revelation 20:13-15), when the soul and the resurrection body will be united (John 5:28-29). They shall then appear at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) and shall be cast into hell, the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41-46), cut off from the life of God forever (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:41-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
The Rapture of the Church. We teach the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ before the seven-year tribulation (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Titus 2:13) to translate His church from this earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-5:11) and, between this event and His glorious return with His saints, to reward believers according to their works (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
The Tribulation Period. We teach that immediately following the removal of the church from the earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) the righteous judgments of God will be poured out upon an unbelieving world (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:27; 12:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelation 16), and that these judgments will be climaxed by the return of Christ in glory to the earth (Matthew 24:27-31; 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12). At that time the Old Testament and tribulation saints will be raised and the living will be judged (Daniel 12:2-3; Revelation 20:4-6). This period includes the seventieth week of Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27; Matthew 24:15-31; 25:31-46).
The Second Coming and the Millennial Reign. We teach that, after the tribulation period, Christ will come to earth to occupy the throne of David (Matthew 25:31; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 1:10-11; 2:29-30) and establish His messianic kingdom for 1,000 years on the earth (Revelation 20:1-7). During this time the resurrected saints will reign with Him over Israel and all the nations of the earth (Ezekiel 37:21-28; Daniel 7:17-22; Revelation 19:11-16). This reign will be preceded by the overthrow of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and by the removal of Satan from the world (Daniel 7:17-27; Revelation 20:1-7).
We teach that the kingdom itself will be the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel (Isaiah 65:17-25; Ezekiel 37:21-28; Zechariah 8:1-17) to restore them to the land that they forfeited through their disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). The result of their disobedience was that Israel was temporarily set aside (Matthew 21:43; Romans 11:1-26), but will again be awakened through repentance to enter into the land of blessing (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:22-32; Romans 11:25-29).
We teach that this time of our Lord’s reign will be characterized by harmony, justice, peace, righteousness, and long life (Isaiah 11; 65:17-25; Ezekiel 36:33-38), and will be brought to an end with the release of Satan (Revelation 20:7).
The Judgment of the Lost. We teach that following the release of Satan after the 1,000-year reign of Christ (Revelation 20:7), Satan will deceive the nations of the earth and gather them to battle against the saints and the beloved city, at which time Satan and his army will be devoured by fire from heaven (Revelation 20:9). Following this, Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10), whereupon Christ, who is the Judge of all men (John 5:22), will resurrect and judge the great and small at the Great White Throne Judgment.
We teach that this resurrection of the unsaved dead to judgment will be a physical resurrection, whereupon receiving their judgment (John 5:28-29), they will be committed to an eternal conscious punishment in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:11-15).
Eternity. We teach that after the closing of the millennium, the temporary release of Satan, and the judgment of unbelievers (2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:7-15), the saved will enter the eternal state of glory with God, after which the elements of this earth are to be dissolved (2 Peter 3:10) and replaced with a new earth, wherein only righteousness dwells (Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 20:15; 21:1-27; 22:1-21). Following this, the heavenly city will come down out of heaven (Revelation 21:2) and will be the dwelling place of the saints, where they will enjoy forever fellowship with God and one another (John 17:3; Revelation 21-22). Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-28), that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever and ever (1 Corinthians 15:28).
We teach the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life (John 6:39; Romans 8:10-11, 19-23; 2 Corinthians 4:14), and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Revelation 20:13-15).
We teach that the souls of the unsaved at death are kept under punishment until the second resurrection (Luke 16:19-26; Revelation 20:13-15), when the soul and the resurrection body will be united (John 5:28-29). They shall then appear at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) and shall be cast into hell, the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41-46), cut off from the life of God forever (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:41-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
The Rapture of the Church. We teach the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ before the seven-year tribulation (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Titus 2:13) to translate His church from this earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-5:11) and, between this event and His glorious return with His saints, to reward believers according to their works (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
The Tribulation Period. We teach that immediately following the removal of the church from the earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) the righteous judgments of God will be poured out upon an unbelieving world (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:27; 12:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelation 16), and that these judgments will be climaxed by the return of Christ in glory to the earth (Matthew 24:27-31; 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12). At that time the Old Testament and tribulation saints will be raised and the living will be judged (Daniel 12:2-3; Revelation 20:4-6). This period includes the seventieth week of Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27; Matthew 24:15-31; 25:31-46).
The Second Coming and the Millennial Reign. We teach that, after the tribulation period, Christ will come to earth to occupy the throne of David (Matthew 25:31; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 1:10-11; 2:29-30) and establish His messianic kingdom for 1,000 years on the earth (Revelation 20:1-7). During this time the resurrected saints will reign with Him over Israel and all the nations of the earth (Ezekiel 37:21-28; Daniel 7:17-22; Revelation 19:11-16). This reign will be preceded by the overthrow of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and by the removal of Satan from the world (Daniel 7:17-27; Revelation 20:1-7).
We teach that the kingdom itself will be the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel (Isaiah 65:17-25; Ezekiel 37:21-28; Zechariah 8:1-17) to restore them to the land that they forfeited through their disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). The result of their disobedience was that Israel was temporarily set aside (Matthew 21:43; Romans 11:1-26), but will again be awakened through repentance to enter into the land of blessing (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:22-32; Romans 11:25-29).
We teach that this time of our Lord’s reign will be characterized by harmony, justice, peace, righteousness, and long life (Isaiah 11; 65:17-25; Ezekiel 36:33-38), and will be brought to an end with the release of Satan (Revelation 20:7).
The Judgment of the Lost. We teach that following the release of Satan after the 1,000-year reign of Christ (Revelation 20:7), Satan will deceive the nations of the earth and gather them to battle against the saints and the beloved city, at which time Satan and his army will be devoured by fire from heaven (Revelation 20:9). Following this, Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10), whereupon Christ, who is the Judge of all men (John 5:22), will resurrect and judge the great and small at the Great White Throne Judgment.
We teach that this resurrection of the unsaved dead to judgment will be a physical resurrection, whereupon receiving their judgment (John 5:28-29), they will be committed to an eternal conscious punishment in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:11-15).
Eternity. We teach that after the closing of the millennium, the temporary release of Satan, and the judgment of unbelievers (2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:7-15), the saved will enter the eternal state of glory with God, after which the elements of this earth are to be dissolved (2 Peter 3:10) and replaced with a new earth, wherein only righteousness dwells (Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 20:15; 21:1-27; 22:1-21). Following this, the heavenly city will come down out of heaven (Revelation 21:2) and will be the dwelling place of the saints, where they will enjoy forever fellowship with God and one another (John 17:3; Revelation 21-22). Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-28), that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever and ever (1 Corinthians 15:28).
LIFE AND CONDUCT
1. SEPARATION UNTO GOD FOR VICTORIOUS LIVING
We believe that it seems good to call the attention of believers to the Scriptural teaching which requires of them separation unto God for His service and ministry (Rom. 12:1, 2). Certain simple practices are commended for the experiencing and maintaining of such a life of victory, namely: (1) daily study of the Word (John 8:31,32; Acts 17:11; Rom. 15:4); (2) a consistent prayer life (Luke 18:1; John 14:13,14; 15:7; Phil. 4:6; Heb. 4:16; James 1:5,6); (3) regular assembling together with other believers (Heb. 10:25); (4) consistent witnessing to others to the end that they might be saved (Matt. 10:32; Mark 1:17; Luke 8:39; John 20:21; Acts 1:8); (5) generous, Spirit— directed giving, proportionate to God’s blessing (Matt. 10:8; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 9:7); (6) some real part in going, praying and giving for the preaching of the gospel in all the world (Luke 24:46—48).
2. SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD, APOSTASY AND UNBELIEVERS
In view of the prevalent apostasy and worldliness among professing Christians, it seems good to call the attention of believers to the plain teaching of God’s Word concerning worldly practices or entangling alliances with unbelievers as is contained in Rom. 12:2; II Cor. 6:14—7:1; I John 2:15,16. We believe that the child of God should refrain from the carnal pleasures of the world and from questionable practices which could be harmful to his influence or a stumbling block to weaker brethren. We believe that the Scriptures for bid the marriage of Christians with unbelievers (Deut. 7:3, 4; I Cor. 7:39).
We believe that it seems good to call the attention of believers to the Scriptural teaching which requires of them separation unto God for His service and ministry (Rom. 12:1, 2). Certain simple practices are commended for the experiencing and maintaining of such a life of victory, namely: (1) daily study of the Word (John 8:31,32; Acts 17:11; Rom. 15:4); (2) a consistent prayer life (Luke 18:1; John 14:13,14; 15:7; Phil. 4:6; Heb. 4:16; James 1:5,6); (3) regular assembling together with other believers (Heb. 10:25); (4) consistent witnessing to others to the end that they might be saved (Matt. 10:32; Mark 1:17; Luke 8:39; John 20:21; Acts 1:8); (5) generous, Spirit— directed giving, proportionate to God’s blessing (Matt. 10:8; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 9:7); (6) some real part in going, praying and giving for the preaching of the gospel in all the world (Luke 24:46—48).
2. SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD, APOSTASY AND UNBELIEVERS
In view of the prevalent apostasy and worldliness among professing Christians, it seems good to call the attention of believers to the plain teaching of God’s Word concerning worldly practices or entangling alliances with unbelievers as is contained in Rom. 12:2; II Cor. 6:14—7:1; I John 2:15,16. We believe that the child of God should refrain from the carnal pleasures of the world and from questionable practices which could be harmful to his influence or a stumbling block to weaker brethren. We believe that the Scriptures for bid the marriage of Christians with unbelievers (Deut. 7:3, 4; I Cor. 7:39).