We believe that the seven-fold unity as expressed in Ephesians 4:4-6 is the Holy Spirit’s doctrinal statement for the church which is the Body of Christ. We believe that all expressions of doctrinal position for this dispensation of grace must be in full accord with this outline of the Holy Spirit. The following is a listing of all major beliefs which we hold:
The Bible
The Bible (all 66 books) in its original writings is the inerrant, verbally inspired of God, (2Tim 3:15-16, 2 Pet 1:21) and has been preserved for us in the preserved text from which the King James Version of the Bible was translated and is of plenary authority (Psalm 12: 6-7; Isa 40:8; 1 Pet 1:23-25; Mat 5:18) being the enduring Word of God.
The Godhead
There is one God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. John 10:30; Phil.2:6; Deut.6:4; John 14:16; Acts 5:3,4; II Cor. 13:14.
Jesus Christ
He is true God and true Man in one Person. He was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is without sin. Phil. 2:6-9; John 8:58; Matt. 1:20-25;Luke 1:32,35; 1 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22;Romans 1:3,4; Col. 2:9.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a Person. He convicts the world of sin. He regenerates, baptizes, indwells, enlightens, seals, and empowers. John 16:8; Titus 3:5; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 4:30; Eph. 1:13; 1 Cor. 6:9-11.
Man
The unregenerate man is dead in trespasses and sins and is therefore, unable to do anything pleasing to God. Eph. 2:1-4; Romans 3:23; Romans 8:7-8.
Redemption
God justifies ungodly sinners by His grace, upon the ground of the shed blood of Christ through the means of faith. This complete salvation is bestowed as the free gift of God apart from man’s works. Romans 3:24-28; Romans 5:1-9; Eph. 2:8-9.
Eternal Security
All the saved are eternally secure in Christ; Phil.1:6; Col. 3:1-4; Eph. 1:13,14; Romans 8:35-39.
Resurrection
Jesus Christ was resurrected bodily from the dead. Believers will be raised from death to everlasting glory. Unbelievers will be raised in a separate resurrection unto everlasting condemnation. Luke 24:39; 1 Cor.15:22-24; Rev. 20:11-15
The Church
In this present dispensation there is only one true church, which is called the Body of Christ (I Cor 12:13; Eph 1:22-23; Eph 3:6). The historical manifestation of the Body of Christ began with the Apostle Paul before he wrote his first Epistle. I Thess. 2:14-16 cf. Acts 13:45,46; Phil. 1:5,6 cf. Acts 16; 1 Cor. 12:13,27 cf. Acts 18.
Rapture
The rapture of the “church which is His Body” will be pre-tribulational. Christ will come to receive the members of His Body to Himself. I Thess. 4:13-18; Phil. 3:20-21; I Cor. 15:51-53.
Second Coming of Christ
The Second Coming of Christ to the earth will be pre-millennial. In this coming He will set up His millennial kingdom, over which He will reign. Zech. 14:4,9; Acts 1:10,11; Rev. 19:11-16; Rev. 20:4-6.
Ordinances
All saved persons have been made members of the Body of Christ by one divine baptism (I Cor. 12:13). By that one baptism every member of the Body of Christ is identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. In the light of the statement concerning the “one” baptism in Ephesians 4:5, the statements concerning baptism in Col. 2:12 and Romans 6:3,4, and Paul’s statements in I Cor. 1:17 that “Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel,” we conclude that water baptism has no place in God’s spiritual program for the Body of Christ in the day of grace.
The Mission of the Church
The mission and commission of the church, which is His Body, is to proclaim the message of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:14-21) and to preach Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. The local assembly is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim 3:15) thorough which this mission is accomplished. Romans 16:25; Eph. 3:8-9; Col. 1:24-29.
The Lord’s Supper
The communion of the Lord’s Supper as revealed through the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 11:23-26 is for members of the Body of Christ to observe in remembrance “until He comes.”
Gifts
All of the sign gifts of the Acts period such as tongues, prophecy, and healing (1 Cor 12:1-31), being temporary in character, have ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-11). Presently, and until the catching away of the One Body, there are only two offices in the Body of Christ. These offices being the office of bishop and the office of deacon (1 Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). Faithful men (2 Tim 2:2) hold these offices of trust and responsibility to serve and rule. (1 Tim 5:17)
The Christian’s Walk and Service
All Christians are called with a holy calling, and are to walk after the spirit, not after the flesh. They are to live in the power of the indwelling spirit so as not to fulfill the lust of the flesh. The flesh can be kept in subjection by the believer reckoning it to be crucified with Christ. Rewards are promised for all faithful service and holy living. Rom. 6:12-13; Rom. 8:4; Rom. 12:1-11, Rom. 13; Rom. 14; Gal 5:16,25; Col. 3:1-17. We denounce any and all non-biblical sexual activities such as homosexuality, fornication, etc. Such conduct violates the core principals of the godly lifestyle our church stands for. Rom. 1:24-28; 1 Cor 5:11-12; 1 Cor 6:9-10.
Revised January 2015