Mission
What To Believe And Why We Believe It
It is not only important for us as Christians to know what we believe, but also why we believe it.
It establishing these beliefs, unless the doctrinal teachings of a Church are based 100% upon the Holy Bible they are of no value.
Onwards as
we go along, we have listed the essential doctrines found in the 1st
Century Church, and where they are taught in the Word of God.
HOLY BIBLE
We believe that the Holy Bible, and only the Bible, is 100% the Word of God.
It alone, is the final authority in determining all Doctrinal Truths.
THE HOLY BIBLE SAYS THAT:
“All
Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness.” -2 Tim 3:16
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” -2Peter 1:20-21
“Every word of God is pure.” –Prov. 30:5
Now to him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith.-Romans 16:25-26
TRINITY
The Doctrine of the Trinity or Tri-unity is that in one God there are three distinct persons, The Father, The Son (Jesus), and The Holy Spirit.
They are all of the same substance, and are co-equal and co-eternal.
THE WORD OF GOD SAYS THAT:
“Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” –Gen 1:26
“Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” –Matt 28:19
“Then Jesus, when He had been baptized, came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’”
And the angel said to her in reply, “the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called Holy, the Son of God. –Luke 1:35
His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, Upon David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this! –Isaiah 9:6
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Oh, that today you would hear his voice, harden not your hearts as at the rebellion in the day of testing in the desert, where your ancestors tested and tried me and saw my works for forty years. Because of this I was provoked with that generation and I said, “They have always been said, “They have always been of erring heart, and they do not know my ways.” As I swore in my wrath, “They shall not enter into my rest.’”-Hebrews 3:7-11
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ is God the Son, the 2nd person of the Trinity.
On earth he was 100% God and 100% man.
He was the only man ever to live a sinless life.
THE BIBLE SAYS THAT:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh…” –John 1:1,14
“And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and My God!” –John 20:28
“…God was manifested in the flesh…” 1Tim 3:16
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” –Isa. 9:6
“…Christ Jesus… who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.” –Phil 2:5-6
For there is one God, There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human.-1Tim 2:5
VIRGIN BIRTH
Jesus Christ was conceived by God the Holy Spirit( the 3rd person of Trinity) in the Virgin Mary’s womb.
He is called the Son of God because He was conceived by God the Holy Spirit.
THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT:
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. …for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”- Matt. 1:18,20
“And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.’”- Luke 1:35
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign; the young woman pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel. –Isaiah 7:14
“Behold , the virgin shall be with child a bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” –Matthew 1:23
Luke 1:27-35 (Please read it here http://www.usccb.org/bible/scripture.cfm?bk=Luke&ch=1
REPENTANCE
The commitment to turn away from sin in every area of our lives and to follow Christ.
SANCTIFICATION
The ongoing process of yielding to God in order to complete the development of Christ’s character in us.
CONCERNING REPENTANCE THE BIBLE SAYS:
“…Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ…” –Acts 2:38
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” –Acts 3:19
“Now may the God, your sanctification…” -1 Thess. 4:3
Additional Scriptures:
2Cor 6:14-18, 2Thess 2:1-3, 2Cor.3;18, Rom. 8:29, 12:1-2, Heb. 2:11 (Read it here please http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/#Romans)
SALVATION
We are saved by grace (which is undeserved and unearned) through faith in Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection.
Salvation is a gift from God, not as a result of our good works or any human efforts.
THE WORD OF GOD TEACHES:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any one should boast.” –Eph. 2:8-9
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” –Gal 2:16
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…” –Tit. 3:5
Scripture, which saw in advance that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, foretold the good news to Abraham, saying, “Through you shall all the nations be blessed.”- Gal 3:8
For, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.-Rom 10:9-10
And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.”- Acts 16:31
According to the law almost everything is purified by blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.- Heb 9:22
CHRIST’S BLOOD
The Blood that Jesus Christ shed on the Cross of Calvary was sinless and is 100% sufficient to forgive man of all sins.
Jesus allowed Himself to be punished for the sins we had committed, enabling all mankind to be free from the penalty of sin (which is death).
THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT:
“…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”- 1John1:7
“…To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” –Rev. 1:5
“…having made peace through the blood of His cross.” –Col 1:20
“…for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”- Rev. 5:9
As it is written: “There is no one just, not one, there is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks God. All have gone astray; all alike are worthless; there is not one who does good, (there is not) even one. …all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath.–Rom 3:10-12,23, 5:9
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” who takes away the sin of the world.- John 1:29
CHRIST INDWELLS ALL BELIEVERS
A Christian is a person who has invited the Lord Jesus Christ to come and live inside of him.
He is putting his trust in what Christ has accomplished for him when He died, was buried and rose again from the dead.
THE HOLY BIBLE SHOWS US THAT:
“…the Spirit of truth…He dwells with you and will be in you.” –John 14:17
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to Him, and make Our home with him.” –John 14:23
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” –John 1:12
“Abide in me, and I in you.’ –John 15:4
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, (then) I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.”- Rev. 3:20
If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you. –Rom 8:11
RESURRECTION
We believe that Jesus Christ was physically resurrected from the dead in a glorified body three days after His death on the cross.
One day all believers in Christ will also be physically resurrected in their glorified bodies to their eternal reward in Heaven with God.
THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT:
“…Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them and said to them…Behold
My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does
not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” –Luke 24:36,39
“…The Lord Jesus Christ, Who will transform our lowly body, that it may be conformed to His glorious body…” –Phil 3:21
“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” -1Cor. 15:42,44
Additional Scriptures: John 20:26-28, John 21:4, Luke 24:16, Phil 1:21-23, Acts 24:15, John 2:19-21 Please read it here http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/#Romans
HEAVEN
Heaven is the eternal dwelling place of all believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
HELL
After living one life on earth, the wicked will be judged by God and sent to Hell where they will be eternally, consciously, tormented with the Devil and the Fallen Angels.
THE WORD OF GOD SAYS CONCERNING HEAVEN:
“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is
destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in
the heavens.” -2Cor. 5:1
“To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does
not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.”- 1Pet 1:4
Additional Scriptures: Heb 11:16, John 17:24, Matt. 5:3,
12,20, 6:20, 19:21,25:34 Please read it here http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/#Romans
THE WORD OF GOD SAYS CONCERNING HELL:
“…it is appointed for men to die once but after this the judgment” –Heb. 9:27
“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me, cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”- Matt 25:41
Additional Scriptures: Rev. 14:9-11; 20:12-15,21:8, Mark
9:43-48 http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/#Romans
TWO ORDINANCES
1. WATER BAPTISM –Following believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water in the Name of the Lord.
2. THE LORD’S SUPPER- A unique time of communion in the presence of God when the elements of bread and wine, representing the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, are taken in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
THE BIBLE SAYS THAT:
“Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” –Matt 28:19
“…Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ’” –Acts 2:38
“…the Lord Jesus, on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 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.’ 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.’” -1Cor 11:23-25
Additional Scriptures: Mark 16:16, Acts 8:12, 8:36-38, 10:47-48, Matt 26:26-28, 1 Cor 10:16 THE WORD OF GOD SAYS CONCERNING HEAVEN:
“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” -2Cor. 5:1
“To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.”- 1Pet 1:4
Additional Scriptures: Heb 11:16, John 17:24, Matt. 5:3, 12,20, 6:20, 19:21,25:34 Please read it here http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/#Romans
THE WORD OF GOD SAYS CONCERNING HELL:
“…it is appointed for men to die once but after this the judgment” –Heb. 9:27
“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me, cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”- Matt 25:41
Additional Scriptures: Rev. 14:9-11; 20:12-15,21:8, Mark 9:43-48 http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/#Romans
SECOND COMING
Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom. This will occur at a date undisclosed by the scriptures.
THE HOLY BIBLE TEACHES THAT:
“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, and they also who pierced Him…”- Rev. 1:7
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw go into heaven.’” –Acts 1:9-11
Additional Scriptures: Matt 24:30, Matt 26:63-64, 1Thess 4:15-17, 2Thess 1:7-8 http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/#Romans
HEALING OF THE SICK
Healing of the sick was illustrated in the life and ministry of Jesus, and included in the commission of Jesus to His disciples.
Given as a sign which was to follow believers, it is a part of Christ’s atonement on the Cross.
THE WORD OF GOD SAYS THAT:
“…they brought Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses’” –Matt 8:16-17
“…the multitudes…heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did…and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.’ –Acts 8:6-7
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In my name…they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” –Mark 16:17-18
Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.-James 5:14-16
Beloved, I hope you are prospering in every respect and are in good health, just a your soul is prospering. -3John 2
Bless the Lord, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts, Who pardons all your sins, and heals all your ills.-Psalms 103:2-3
But he was pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity. He bore the punishment that makes us whole, by his wounds we were healed.-Isaiah 53:5
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES
Given at Pentecost, it was the promise of the Father, sent by Jesus after His Ascension, to empower the Church to preach the Gospel through the whole earth.
Its purpose was to bring edification to the believer, to enhance his prayer life and as a sign to the unbeliever.
THE BIBLE SAYS THAT:
“…it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh…” –Acts 2:17
“…you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” –Acts 2:38-39
“And these signs will follow those who believe…they will speak with new tongue”. –Mark 16:17
Additional Scriptures: Joel 2:28-29, Matt 3:11, Acts 1:5,8, 2:1-4, 8:14-17, 10:38,44-47, 11:15-17,19:1-6 http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/#Romans
Shared by: Francis Anfuso (CEI)
