The Purpose of A Statement of Faith
We call it a confession of faith. The New Testament uses different words to describe it: Doctrine, teaching, apostles’ doctrine, doctrine of God, doctrine of Christ, tradition, gospel of the kingdom, gospel of Christ, faith of the gospel, profession, and profession of faith. Why do we need a written confession of faith? Isn’t it enough to have the Bible? Yes, but a confession of faith expresses the teachings of the Bible in a shorter and more comprehensive way. Actually, every believer should study and search the Bible thoroughly for himself, but unfortunately too many do not have the diligence and perseverance or maybe not the opportunity
to do so. In any case, it can be very helpful to have a summary of the biblical doctrine, either for quick reference or as a guide for more intensive study.
Understanding what the Bible teaches helps us also to better understand what it does not teach. To know the correct doctrine helps to protect us from false doctrines. A written confession of faith was an important issue for the early New Testament believers already. The first extra-biblical summary of the doctrine of the New Testament Church is found in the Apostolic Confession of Faith. Many centuries later the Anabaptist Church also saw the importance of having a written confession of faith. The Word of God has final authority over the bride of Christ during all times and under all circumstances. This confession of faith is not meant to adapt the Word of God to us, but to help us to adapt to the Word. Different times, locations and circumstances have different needs. For example, the issue of
swearing oaths was such a common practice in past centuries that a whole article was devoted to it. The biblical teaching on the issue remains the same, but with the passing of time it is no longer as relevant as it used to be. But other issues and dangers have risen and captured the attention of the church. These are dealt with more thoroughly in these articles. What the Word of God taught 2000 years ago, it still teaches today. For example: What the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church during the first century are still the “commandments of the Lord” 1 Cor. 14:37, not only for the church in Corinth, but for all who call on the name of the Lord in every place, both theirs and ours 1 Cor. 1:2. Jesus says, “till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled”
Matt. 5:18
What We Believe
1) Concerning the Deity
1.1) We believe in one eternal, infinite and unchanging God. He is the creator and sustainer of the universe and is also its redeemer. He
exists and manifests Himself in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person in the Trinity is in its essence fully God, although each
has its unique function.
Gen. 1:1, 26; 17:1; Deut. 6:4; Ps. 90:2; 139:7-12; 147:5; Isa. 40:28; 44:6; 57:15; Mal. 3:6; Matt. 3:16- 17; 28:19-20; John 4:24; 16:13-15; 17:1, 8, 18, 23; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; 2 Cor. 13:14; Gal.
4:4-6; Heb. 1:8, 12; 1 John 5:7-10
1.2) We believe in God, the Father of all who believe, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has revealed Himself through nature,
the Holy Scriptures, and especially, through the Person of Jesus Christ.
Gen. 1:1-3; Deut. 6:4; Ps. 47; 139:1-12; Mal. 2:10; Matt. 11:25-27; Mark 14:36; John 1:9; Acts 17:28; Rom. 1:19-20; Gal. 4:4; Eph. 4:6; Titus 3:4-6
1.3) We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of a virgin. He is wholly God and
wholly man, but without sin.
Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:1, 20-23; Luke 1:35; John 1:1, 14; Gal. 4:4
1.4) We believe that Jesus Christ is the only means of redemption for people of the Old and of the New Testament by the shedding of His blood through the sacrifice of His life. By His death He conquered Satan and saved mankind. He rose from the dead and brought eternal life. He ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He is the Mediator and Intercessor of those who approach God.
Gen. 3:15; Isa. 53:5-6; Matt. 1:1, 20-23; 28:5-6; Rom. 1:4; 5:8-10; 6:2-4; 1 Cor. 15:20; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 2:4-5; Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:9-10, 14; 7:25; 1 John 2:1
1.5) We believe in the Person and divinity of the Holy Spirit as a person in the Trinity of the eternal God. The Holy Spirit convicts man of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He lives inside the believer and is his guarantee of salvation. He encourages, comforts, and leads in all truth. He gives power for service and helps the believer to lead a holy life.
Matt. 28:19; John 16:6-8,13; Acts 1:8; 5:3-4; Rom. 8:1-5; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 3:3, 17; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:13-14
2) Concerning the Word of God
We believe the Holy Scriptures are the flawless, complete, and inspired Word of God, the highest and ultimate authority on all aspects of faith and its practical application.
Matt. 5:18; 24:35; John 12:48; Acts 5:29; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4,12; 2 Pet. 1:19-21
3) Concerning Creation
We believe that God created the heavens and the earth and all that is within them in six earthly days and that He sustains creation through His might. We also believe that the Word – the Son of God – and the Holy Spirit participated in creation.
Gen. 1-2; Ps. 66:9; 104:14; 145:15; John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16-17
4) Concerning Mankind
4.1) We believe that God created the first human beings, Adam and Eve, in His image. He created them to have a body, mind, and soul. He gave them a free will to decide. They were initially guileless and without sin.
Gen. 1:27-28; 2:7, 16-17; Deut. 11:26-28; 30:15; Josh. 24:15; Ps. 139:13-16; Eccles. 7:29; 11:9; Acts 2:41; 1 Cor. 15:45-49
4.2) We believe that because God created man in His image, consisting of spirit, soul, and body, his life is untouchable, independent of age, handicap, or stage of development of the person, whether by abortion, euthanasia, or other killing methods (save the responsibility God gave the earthly government).
Gen. 9:6; Ex. 20:13; Rom. 13:4
4.3) We also believe that man is responsible for the moral purity of his body, including its physical health, in as far as it lies in his power.
1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:12-20; 1 Thess. 4:3-5; 1 Tim. 5:23
5) Concerning Sin
5.1) We believe that man has fallen into sin through unbelief, through disobedience to God’s Word, and through the transgression of His commandments.
Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12-14
5.2) We believe that sin, suffering, disease, and death (physical and spiritual) have resulted from this inherited sin, and that through the fall, all people are lost in sin and in need of a Savior.
Gen. 2:16-17; Rom. 3:23; 5:12-14; Eph. 2:1-5
6) Concerning Satan
6.1) We believe that Satan exists, who is also called the old serpent, the great dragon and the devil; who is the prince of the power of the air; who acts as the adversary against God and all that is holy, pure, and righteous; and that great amounts of people have been captured by him according to his will.
Gen. 3:1; Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 10:17-20; Acts 5:3; 2 Cor. 4:4; 6:14-18; Eph. 2:2; 6:10-18; Col. 1:13; 1 Tim. 4:1; 1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:7-10; 20:7-8
6.2) We believe Jesus Christ, through His death and triumphant resurrection from the dead, robbed Satan of his might.
Gen. 3:15; 1 Cor. 15:55; Heb. 2:14
6.3) We believe that Satan’s eternal destiny is the lake of fire burning with brimstone, which was prepared for the devil and his angels.
Matt. 25:41; Rev. 19:20; 20:10
7) Concerning Salvation and the New Birth
7.1) We believe that man can be saved. The foundation of our salvation is Jesus Christ, the Son of God who became man, gave His life as an offering, and rose from the dead. He is the only way of salvation from sin for all mankind.
John 3:16; 14:6; Rom. 3:22-26; Col. 1:19-23; Heb. 9:11-14
7.2) We believe that young children, of believing and of non-believing parents alike, are saved through Christ’s work of redemption, and that the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Matt. 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17
7.3) We believe a person must repent, believe, and be born again to become saved. We believe that a person is born again and changed into a new creature through the working of God’s Spirit and becomes in this manner a true child of God and a brother and joint heir of Christ. Then he or she will walk in a new life.
Mark 1:15; John 1:13; 3:3-5, 16, 36; Acts 3:19; Rom. 6:1-7; 8:17; 2 Cor. 5:17; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:3-5
7.4) We believe that salvation is given to man solely through grace, and that no man can earn his salvation through good works, a good life, or suffering and illness.
Rom. 3:24; 11:6; Eph. 2:8-9
7.5) We believe that a Christian can have assurance of salvation based on true conversion, the testimony of the Holy Spirit, and the Word of
God.
Rom. 8:16; 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13-14; 1 John 3:14; 5:13
7.6) We believe that no one and nothing can tear a person out of God’s hand.
John 10:27-29; Rom. 8:33-39
7.7) We do believe that a person can, of his or her own accord, reject his right as a child of God. The beginning of this rejection may stem from deceit, indifference, temptations, or despair in the face of persecution.
Ezek. 33:12, 18; Eph. 5:6; Col. 2:18; 2 Tim. 4:10; 1 Pet. 4:12; 1 John 3:7; Heb. 3:12-14; 6:4-8; 10:26-27
7.8) We believe that salvation is free for all who seek the Lord and want to accept Him through faith, and that God does not want anyone to be lost. We believe man has a free will, meaning he has the choice to decide what he wants to do, good or evil.
Deut. 30:15-20; Josh. 24:15; Jer. 21:8; Matt. 11:28; 16:24; John 6:37; 1 Tim. 2:4, 6; Heb. 2:9; 11:6; James 4:4; 2 Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17
8) Concerning Discipleship
8.1) We believe in discipleship and in following Jesus' footsteps, and that love, self-denial, humility, and service are essential to discipleship, including a general obedience to God and His Word. Discipleship is characteristic of the new life of sanctification of the believer and includes good works resulting from faith.
Luke 9:23; John 8:31; 13:34-35; 15:8; Rom. 6:17; Eph. 5:8-9; Titus 2:1-10; 3:8, 14; James 2:14-26; 1 Pet. 1:22; 5:5-6; 1 John 1:7
8.2) We believe that the outward appearance of the believer should be attractive and proper, with clothing that covers the body in a decent manner, not following worldly fashion and without jewelry.
Isa. 3:16-24; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 1:14-15; 3:3-4
8.3) We believe it is against the Holy Scriptures for the believer to swear an oath or to join secret organizations, or to live in falsehood and lies.
Matt. 5:33-37; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 4:25; 5:11-12; Col. 3:9; James 5:12; Rev. 21:8; 22:15
8.4) We believe that keeping the commandment of love towards God, our fellow man, and ourselves, forms a worldview that affects all aspects of life; be it concerning education, including the teachings of history, geography, and science; or concerning human life, including government and draft service, the right to life, race, the pursuit of prosperity, the handling of money, etc.
Mark 12:30-33; Luke 10:27; John 18:36; Rom. 13:9- 10; 1 Cor. 10:24; 12:13; Phil. 2:4; James 2:1-13; 5:1- 12; 1 John 3:17
8.5) We believe that believers in Christ will lead a life that is separated from the world – in the world, but not of the world.
John 17:15-17; 18:36; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:9; 1 John 2:15-17
9) Concerning Nonresistance
We believe that all fleshly fighting opposes the spirit of the gospel, and that Christian love prohibits the believer’s participation in striving, revenge, war, etc. Following Jesus signifies a path of peace. The Lord Jesus shows by His life, His teaching, and His death on the cross that discipleship requires a life of nonresistance. That also includes the understanding that no brother may arraign another in a worldly trial.
Matt. 5:38-48; Rom. 12:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:1-8; 2 Cor. 10:3,6
10) Concerning Giving
We believe that giving is important to a Christian and that a believer will give of his own free will and out of love. We do not believe that we should give to receive, but that a gift of love will be rewarded. Although the New Testament does not give specific instruction on how much to give, we believe that tithing according to the Old Testament is a guideline for the church of the New Testament.
Eccles. 11:1; Mal. 3:10; Luke 6:38; 11:41-42; 12:33; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-9; Gal. 6:10; 1 John 3:17; James 2:15-16
11) Concerning Prayer, Worship, and Fasting
11.1) We believe that prayer is one of the greatest and most crucial components of a person’s personal and church life. We believe that prayer includes the worship and praise of God, as well as petition, supplication, intercession, and thanksgiving. We believe we need to come to God in the name of Jesus. We believe that the most important role and presentation of the worship of God is in spirit and in truth.
Ps. 95:6; Matt. 7:7; Luke 4:8; 18:1-8; John 4:24; 16:23-26; Rom. 15:9-11; Eph. 5:20; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1, 8
11.2) We believe that fasting is a part of Christian life, that believers will practice it, and that it is a blessing.
Mark 2:18-20; 9:29; 1 Cor. 7:5; 2 Cor. 11:27
12) Concerning the Church
12.1) We believe in the universal Church of Jesus Christ and that everyone who is born again and lives in obedience to God forms this church, and that Jesus Christ is its head.
Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:23-32; Col. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:15
12.2) We also believe in a local church, and that the Lord will provide it with the necessary authority figures, such as bishops (elders), shepherds, preachers, teachers, evangelists, deacons, etc. We also believe that each believer should be a member of a local church.
Acts 2:41-42; Rom. 16:1, 4, 5; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18
12.3) We believe it is the duty of the church to teach the believer to keep what the Lord has commanded in His Word, as well as to encourage himself and to build himself up spiritually.
Matt. 28:20; Col. 2:7; 3:16; Jude 20
12.4) We believe that the role of church leadership, as well as preaching and teaching in the congregation is the task and responsibility of the brethren. The wife has her God-given role, function, and responsibility among women, as well as with the children in the home, but this should all be done under the headship of men.
Gen. 3:16; 1 Cor. 14:34-35; Eph. 5:22, 23; 1 Tim. 2:11- 15; Titus 2:3-5
12.5) We believe that members of the church who have strayed should be exhorted in love, and that those who do not want to repent should be taken into church discipline. In the case of transgressors, who exert a dangerous influence on the church or leaven the whole dough, fast disciplinary action should be taken.
Matt. 18:15-16; 1 Cor. 5:9-13; 1 Thess. 5:14; Titus 3:10
12.6) Following unsuccessful church discipline, membership is withdrawn, whereby the person is left to himself outside of the protection and blessing of the church – a heathen and a publican.
Matt. 18:17; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 3:10
12.7) The goal of church discipline is to bring the fallen person back to the Lord and back to the church as a faithful member.
Matt. 18:15; 1 Cor. 5:5; James 5:19-20
12.8) We believe the church is commanded to teach and preach the gospel in all the world, that spiritual and eternal things are its most important mission, and that Jesus’ followers will also care for people’s physical, emotional, and social needs.
Matt. 22:37-39; 28,19-20; Acts 1:8; James 2:15-16
Symbolic Ordinances and Actions
13) Concerning Baptism
13.1) We believe that baptism is commanded following the testimony of faith of an adult, born again candidate, and that it should be done in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. To be baptized, a person must have repented of his or her sins and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12
13.2) The outward water baptism is a symbol of spirit baptism and a covenant with God. We believe that the pouring on of water is a biblical method of baptism as a symbol of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. (We also acknowledge baptism by immersion, but do not believe it is required.)
Acts 1:5; 2:3; 2:16-18; 2:41; 10:44-48; Rom. 6:4-5; 1 Cor. 3:7-8; 10:1-4 (comp. Ps. 77:16-19); 1 Pet. 3:21
14) Concerning Communion
14.1) We believe that the Lord Jesus instituted communion, and that it is His will for His children to observe it regularly.
1 Cor. 11:23-29
14.2) We believe the bread and the cup of communion are symbols of the body and the blood of Christ and represent fellowship with Christ and with the believers.
1 Cor. 10:16-17
15) Concerning the Head Covering
We believe that the uncovered head of the male believer and the covered head of the female believer are a symbol of recognition of the divine order of submission and leadership – Christ under God, the man under Christ, and the woman under man – and that this is a law of creation, not a cultural lifestyle.
Gen. 1:27; 1 Cor. 11:1-16; 1 Pet. 3:1-7
16) Concerning Marriage
We believe that marriage can only be celebrated between a free man and a free woman, and that marriage between a believer and a nonbeliever is prohibited by God and violates Holy Scripture. We also believe that marrying a divorced person is adultery while the former spouse is still alive.
Mark 10:2-12; 1 Cor. 7:1-11, 39; 2 Cor. 6:14
17) Concerning Anointing with Oil
We believe the anointing with oil as an act of faith accompanied by prayer for the healing of body and soul is recognized and honored by God.
James 5:14-15
Other Articles of Faith
18) Concerning the Day of Rest
We believe it pleases the Lord for us to have set apart one day of the week to keep as the Lord’s day and use it for the worship of God, Christian service, and rest from earthly labor, and that the first day of the week, known in our part of the world as the Sunday, is the Lord’s Day for the Christian church.
Ex. 20:8-11; John 20:1, 19; 1 Cor. 16:2; Rev. 1:10
19) Concerning the Government
We believe God established both, the Church of Christ as the kingdom of God, and the earthly government, but that each has its unique purpose. Obedience towards the government is commanded within the limits of the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.
Gen. 9:6; John 18:36; Acts 5:29; Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17
20) Concerning Healing, Healing Powers, and Physical Death
20.1) We believe we may ask the Lord in prayer to heal the sick and to give them strength to endure, accompanied also by the laying on of hands and by anointing.
Ex. 15:26; Mark 16:18; James 5:14-15
20.2) We do believe, however, that the apostles were filled with special gifts of the Spirit to reinforce the new covenant and their preaching with miracles. Such healing miracles happened or happened as a testimony to the unbelieving, and to affirm the gospel.
Mark 16:20; Acts 2:43; 14:3; 15:12; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:4
20.3) Believers of that day were not all healed. Jesus and the apostles did not make use of the power of God for their own bodily needs and afflictions.
2 Cor. 12:7-10; 1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20
20.4) We believe sickness and death came into the world because of sin; the human body lives on earth for a limited time; a person can be freed from his sin corrupted body through death. Adam and Eve could not return to the tree of life in paradise to prevent them from having to live (in their corrupted body) forever.
Gen. 2:17; 3:19-24; Rom. 5:12; 6:23; 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:53; 2 Cor. 5:1-8
20.5) We believe that believers have the responsibility to care for their body properly, because it belongs to the Lord. We also believe that believers may see medical doctors about their diseases, but that any illness should first and foremost be commended to the Great Physician.
Jer. 8:22; Rom. 13:13, 14; 1 Cor. 6:12-20; 10:31; Eph. 5:18, 29; Col. 2:23; 4:14
20.6) We believe that Satan will do signs and miracles (including healing and feigned healing) through false prophets to deceive people during the end times.
Matt. 7;22-23; 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2 Thess. 2:7-11
21) Concerning Spiritual Experiences and Gifts of the Spirit
21.1) The Anointing of the Holy Spirit. We believe a person is baptized with the Holy Spirit at conversion, whereby the Spirit enters a person or rather is conceived in him and fills him. In this way the new birth happens. This is also called the anointing. Someone who is born again has the Holy Spirit.
John 3:5-6; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 1:13, 14; Titus 3:4-7; 1 John 2:20, 27
21.2) Being Filled with the Holy Spirit. We believe that if a born-again person walks in the Spirit, he or she remains filled with the Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is something that continues all through life, but receiving the Holy Spirit happens only once. This refers to two separate events that should not be confused. After conversion a person can receive a refilling (refueling) of the Spirit, either when he or she needs more strength, or because sin has been committed and they are admitting the Lord once again into their life. We should walk in the Spirit and not suppress Him.
Ps. 51:12-14; Gal. 5:16; Eph. 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:19
21.3) We do not find that the Bible teaches the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a secondary experience. Upon the Jews first, then the Samaritans and later the gentiles the pouring out of the Holy Spirit happened in a special and symbolic manner for the first time. Similarly, this happened with some disciples abroad, which had heard about John the Baptist, but not about Jesus Christ. However, we do not find any example or teaching in the Bible that there must follow a second baptism of the Spirit or a second special experience after the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:2-4; 8:17; 10:44-45; 18:24-26; 19:1-7
21.4) We believe the Lord gives man spiritual gifts at his conversion and at the handing over of a ministry through the laying on of hands, and that these gifts should be applied according to His will for the common good.
1 Cor. 12; 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6; 1 Pet. 4:10
22) Concerning Earthly Wealth and Blessing
We believe that economic well-being and prosperity and physical health can be the result of a Christian lifestyle, but we do not believe that they are a special blessing or a confirmation of being a child of God, as poverty and illness are also no evidence of a curse. On the contrary, we believe that striving after riches presents danger to the soul.
Prov. 13:7; 30:8; Luke 12:15-21; 16:19-22; 2 Cor. 8:9; 1 Tim. 6:6-11
The Times End
23) Concerning the Lord’s Return
We believe the personal and eminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ is the blessed hope of the believer. The Lord Jesus challenges us to be ready for His coming at all times, for we do not know when He will come.
Matt. 24:44; John 14:2-3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 22:20
24) Concerning the Resurrection of the Dead
We believe there will be a resurrection of the righteous and of the unrighteous.
John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:42-44
25) Concerning the Day of Judgment
We believe that the Lord will come to judge, and that eternal reward and eternal punishment will follow the day of judgment. We do not believe that there will be an opportunity after death for a person who has neglected conversion in this life, to repent and be converted.
Matt. 25:31-46; 2 Cor. 5:10; Heb. 9:27; Rev. 20:11- 15; 22:12
The Afterlife
26) Concerning Hell
We believe in hell being a place of conscious pain and punishment, prepared for Satan and the angels who have fallen with him, but also as an eternal destiny for people who follow Satan.
Matt. 25:41; Luke 16:23-26; Rev. 20:10
27) Concerning Heaven
We believe in an indescribably beautiful heaven filled with eternal joy and glory, where the redeemed will live and reign with Christ, and serve Him forever.
Matt. 25:34; John 14:2-3; 1 Cor. 2:9; 2 Cor. 12:1-4; Rev. 21; 22:1-5
We call it a confession of faith. The New Testament uses different words to describe it: Doctrine, teaching, apostles’ doctrine, doctrine of God, doctrine of Christ, tradition, gospel of the kingdom, gospel of Christ, faith of the gospel, profession, and profession of faith. Why do we need a written confession of faith? Isn’t it enough to have the Bible? Yes, but a confession of faith expresses the teachings of the Bible in a shorter and more comprehensive way. Actually, every believer should study and search the Bible thoroughly for himself, but unfortunately too many do not have the diligence and perseverance or maybe not the opportunity
to do so. In any case, it can be very helpful to have a summary of the biblical doctrine, either for quick reference or as a guide for more intensive study.
Understanding what the Bible teaches helps us also to better understand what it does not teach. To know the correct doctrine helps to protect us from false doctrines. A written confession of faith was an important issue for the early New Testament believers already. The first extra-biblical summary of the doctrine of the New Testament Church is found in the Apostolic Confession of Faith. Many centuries later the Anabaptist Church also saw the importance of having a written confession of faith. The Word of God has final authority over the bride of Christ during all times and under all circumstances. This confession of faith is not meant to adapt the Word of God to us, but to help us to adapt to the Word. Different times, locations and circumstances have different needs. For example, the issue of
swearing oaths was such a common practice in past centuries that a whole article was devoted to it. The biblical teaching on the issue remains the same, but with the passing of time it is no longer as relevant as it used to be. But other issues and dangers have risen and captured the attention of the church. These are dealt with more thoroughly in these articles. What the Word of God taught 2000 years ago, it still teaches today. For example: What the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church during the first century are still the “commandments of the Lord” 1 Cor. 14:37, not only for the church in Corinth, but for all who call on the name of the Lord in every place, both theirs and ours 1 Cor. 1:2. Jesus says, “till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled”
Matt. 5:18
What We Believe
1) Concerning the Deity
1.1) We believe in one eternal, infinite and unchanging God. He is the creator and sustainer of the universe and is also its redeemer. He
exists and manifests Himself in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person in the Trinity is in its essence fully God, although each
has its unique function.
Gen. 1:1, 26; 17:1; Deut. 6:4; Ps. 90:2; 139:7-12; 147:5; Isa. 40:28; 44:6; 57:15; Mal. 3:6; Matt. 3:16- 17; 28:19-20; John 4:24; 16:13-15; 17:1, 8, 18, 23; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; 2 Cor. 13:14; Gal.
4:4-6; Heb. 1:8, 12; 1 John 5:7-10
1.2) We believe in God, the Father of all who believe, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has revealed Himself through nature,
the Holy Scriptures, and especially, through the Person of Jesus Christ.
Gen. 1:1-3; Deut. 6:4; Ps. 47; 139:1-12; Mal. 2:10; Matt. 11:25-27; Mark 14:36; John 1:9; Acts 17:28; Rom. 1:19-20; Gal. 4:4; Eph. 4:6; Titus 3:4-6
1.3) We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of a virgin. He is wholly God and
wholly man, but without sin.
Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:1, 20-23; Luke 1:35; John 1:1, 14; Gal. 4:4
1.4) We believe that Jesus Christ is the only means of redemption for people of the Old and of the New Testament by the shedding of His blood through the sacrifice of His life. By His death He conquered Satan and saved mankind. He rose from the dead and brought eternal life. He ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He is the Mediator and Intercessor of those who approach God.
Gen. 3:15; Isa. 53:5-6; Matt. 1:1, 20-23; 28:5-6; Rom. 1:4; 5:8-10; 6:2-4; 1 Cor. 15:20; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 2:4-5; Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:9-10, 14; 7:25; 1 John 2:1
1.5) We believe in the Person and divinity of the Holy Spirit as a person in the Trinity of the eternal God. The Holy Spirit convicts man of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He lives inside the believer and is his guarantee of salvation. He encourages, comforts, and leads in all truth. He gives power for service and helps the believer to lead a holy life.
Matt. 28:19; John 16:6-8,13; Acts 1:8; 5:3-4; Rom. 8:1-5; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 3:3, 17; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:13-14
2) Concerning the Word of God
We believe the Holy Scriptures are the flawless, complete, and inspired Word of God, the highest and ultimate authority on all aspects of faith and its practical application.
Matt. 5:18; 24:35; John 12:48; Acts 5:29; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4,12; 2 Pet. 1:19-21
3) Concerning Creation
We believe that God created the heavens and the earth and all that is within them in six earthly days and that He sustains creation through His might. We also believe that the Word – the Son of God – and the Holy Spirit participated in creation.
Gen. 1-2; Ps. 66:9; 104:14; 145:15; John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16-17
4) Concerning Mankind
4.1) We believe that God created the first human beings, Adam and Eve, in His image. He created them to have a body, mind, and soul. He gave them a free will to decide. They were initially guileless and without sin.
Gen. 1:27-28; 2:7, 16-17; Deut. 11:26-28; 30:15; Josh. 24:15; Ps. 139:13-16; Eccles. 7:29; 11:9; Acts 2:41; 1 Cor. 15:45-49
4.2) We believe that because God created man in His image, consisting of spirit, soul, and body, his life is untouchable, independent of age, handicap, or stage of development of the person, whether by abortion, euthanasia, or other killing methods (save the responsibility God gave the earthly government).
Gen. 9:6; Ex. 20:13; Rom. 13:4
4.3) We also believe that man is responsible for the moral purity of his body, including its physical health, in as far as it lies in his power.
1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:12-20; 1 Thess. 4:3-5; 1 Tim. 5:23
5) Concerning Sin
5.1) We believe that man has fallen into sin through unbelief, through disobedience to God’s Word, and through the transgression of His commandments.
Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12-14
5.2) We believe that sin, suffering, disease, and death (physical and spiritual) have resulted from this inherited sin, and that through the fall, all people are lost in sin and in need of a Savior.
Gen. 2:16-17; Rom. 3:23; 5:12-14; Eph. 2:1-5
6) Concerning Satan
6.1) We believe that Satan exists, who is also called the old serpent, the great dragon and the devil; who is the prince of the power of the air; who acts as the adversary against God and all that is holy, pure, and righteous; and that great amounts of people have been captured by him according to his will.
Gen. 3:1; Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 10:17-20; Acts 5:3; 2 Cor. 4:4; 6:14-18; Eph. 2:2; 6:10-18; Col. 1:13; 1 Tim. 4:1; 1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:7-10; 20:7-8
6.2) We believe Jesus Christ, through His death and triumphant resurrection from the dead, robbed Satan of his might.
Gen. 3:15; 1 Cor. 15:55; Heb. 2:14
6.3) We believe that Satan’s eternal destiny is the lake of fire burning with brimstone, which was prepared for the devil and his angels.
Matt. 25:41; Rev. 19:20; 20:10
7) Concerning Salvation and the New Birth
7.1) We believe that man can be saved. The foundation of our salvation is Jesus Christ, the Son of God who became man, gave His life as an offering, and rose from the dead. He is the only way of salvation from sin for all mankind.
John 3:16; 14:6; Rom. 3:22-26; Col. 1:19-23; Heb. 9:11-14
7.2) We believe that young children, of believing and of non-believing parents alike, are saved through Christ’s work of redemption, and that the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Matt. 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17
7.3) We believe a person must repent, believe, and be born again to become saved. We believe that a person is born again and changed into a new creature through the working of God’s Spirit and becomes in this manner a true child of God and a brother and joint heir of Christ. Then he or she will walk in a new life.
Mark 1:15; John 1:13; 3:3-5, 16, 36; Acts 3:19; Rom. 6:1-7; 8:17; 2 Cor. 5:17; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:3-5
7.4) We believe that salvation is given to man solely through grace, and that no man can earn his salvation through good works, a good life, or suffering and illness.
Rom. 3:24; 11:6; Eph. 2:8-9
7.5) We believe that a Christian can have assurance of salvation based on true conversion, the testimony of the Holy Spirit, and the Word of
God.
Rom. 8:16; 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13-14; 1 John 3:14; 5:13
7.6) We believe that no one and nothing can tear a person out of God’s hand.
John 10:27-29; Rom. 8:33-39
7.7) We do believe that a person can, of his or her own accord, reject his right as a child of God. The beginning of this rejection may stem from deceit, indifference, temptations, or despair in the face of persecution.
Ezek. 33:12, 18; Eph. 5:6; Col. 2:18; 2 Tim. 4:10; 1 Pet. 4:12; 1 John 3:7; Heb. 3:12-14; 6:4-8; 10:26-27
7.8) We believe that salvation is free for all who seek the Lord and want to accept Him through faith, and that God does not want anyone to be lost. We believe man has a free will, meaning he has the choice to decide what he wants to do, good or evil.
Deut. 30:15-20; Josh. 24:15; Jer. 21:8; Matt. 11:28; 16:24; John 6:37; 1 Tim. 2:4, 6; Heb. 2:9; 11:6; James 4:4; 2 Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17
8) Concerning Discipleship
8.1) We believe in discipleship and in following Jesus' footsteps, and that love, self-denial, humility, and service are essential to discipleship, including a general obedience to God and His Word. Discipleship is characteristic of the new life of sanctification of the believer and includes good works resulting from faith.
Luke 9:23; John 8:31; 13:34-35; 15:8; Rom. 6:17; Eph. 5:8-9; Titus 2:1-10; 3:8, 14; James 2:14-26; 1 Pet. 1:22; 5:5-6; 1 John 1:7
8.2) We believe that the outward appearance of the believer should be attractive and proper, with clothing that covers the body in a decent manner, not following worldly fashion and without jewelry.
Isa. 3:16-24; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 1:14-15; 3:3-4
8.3) We believe it is against the Holy Scriptures for the believer to swear an oath or to join secret organizations, or to live in falsehood and lies.
Matt. 5:33-37; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 4:25; 5:11-12; Col. 3:9; James 5:12; Rev. 21:8; 22:15
8.4) We believe that keeping the commandment of love towards God, our fellow man, and ourselves, forms a worldview that affects all aspects of life; be it concerning education, including the teachings of history, geography, and science; or concerning human life, including government and draft service, the right to life, race, the pursuit of prosperity, the handling of money, etc.
Mark 12:30-33; Luke 10:27; John 18:36; Rom. 13:9- 10; 1 Cor. 10:24; 12:13; Phil. 2:4; James 2:1-13; 5:1- 12; 1 John 3:17
8.5) We believe that believers in Christ will lead a life that is separated from the world – in the world, but not of the world.
John 17:15-17; 18:36; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:9; 1 John 2:15-17
9) Concerning Nonresistance
We believe that all fleshly fighting opposes the spirit of the gospel, and that Christian love prohibits the believer’s participation in striving, revenge, war, etc. Following Jesus signifies a path of peace. The Lord Jesus shows by His life, His teaching, and His death on the cross that discipleship requires a life of nonresistance. That also includes the understanding that no brother may arraign another in a worldly trial.
Matt. 5:38-48; Rom. 12:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:1-8; 2 Cor. 10:3,6
10) Concerning Giving
We believe that giving is important to a Christian and that a believer will give of his own free will and out of love. We do not believe that we should give to receive, but that a gift of love will be rewarded. Although the New Testament does not give specific instruction on how much to give, we believe that tithing according to the Old Testament is a guideline for the church of the New Testament.
Eccles. 11:1; Mal. 3:10; Luke 6:38; 11:41-42; 12:33; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-9; Gal. 6:10; 1 John 3:17; James 2:15-16
11) Concerning Prayer, Worship, and Fasting
11.1) We believe that prayer is one of the greatest and most crucial components of a person’s personal and church life. We believe that prayer includes the worship and praise of God, as well as petition, supplication, intercession, and thanksgiving. We believe we need to come to God in the name of Jesus. We believe that the most important role and presentation of the worship of God is in spirit and in truth.
Ps. 95:6; Matt. 7:7; Luke 4:8; 18:1-8; John 4:24; 16:23-26; Rom. 15:9-11; Eph. 5:20; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1, 8
11.2) We believe that fasting is a part of Christian life, that believers will practice it, and that it is a blessing.
Mark 2:18-20; 9:29; 1 Cor. 7:5; 2 Cor. 11:27
12) Concerning the Church
12.1) We believe in the universal Church of Jesus Christ and that everyone who is born again and lives in obedience to God forms this church, and that Jesus Christ is its head.
Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:23-32; Col. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:15
12.2) We also believe in a local church, and that the Lord will provide it with the necessary authority figures, such as bishops (elders), shepherds, preachers, teachers, evangelists, deacons, etc. We also believe that each believer should be a member of a local church.
Acts 2:41-42; Rom. 16:1, 4, 5; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18
12.3) We believe it is the duty of the church to teach the believer to keep what the Lord has commanded in His Word, as well as to encourage himself and to build himself up spiritually.
Matt. 28:20; Col. 2:7; 3:16; Jude 20
12.4) We believe that the role of church leadership, as well as preaching and teaching in the congregation is the task and responsibility of the brethren. The wife has her God-given role, function, and responsibility among women, as well as with the children in the home, but this should all be done under the headship of men.
Gen. 3:16; 1 Cor. 14:34-35; Eph. 5:22, 23; 1 Tim. 2:11- 15; Titus 2:3-5
12.5) We believe that members of the church who have strayed should be exhorted in love, and that those who do not want to repent should be taken into church discipline. In the case of transgressors, who exert a dangerous influence on the church or leaven the whole dough, fast disciplinary action should be taken.
Matt. 18:15-16; 1 Cor. 5:9-13; 1 Thess. 5:14; Titus 3:10
12.6) Following unsuccessful church discipline, membership is withdrawn, whereby the person is left to himself outside of the protection and blessing of the church – a heathen and a publican.
Matt. 18:17; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 3:10
12.7) The goal of church discipline is to bring the fallen person back to the Lord and back to the church as a faithful member.
Matt. 18:15; 1 Cor. 5:5; James 5:19-20
12.8) We believe the church is commanded to teach and preach the gospel in all the world, that spiritual and eternal things are its most important mission, and that Jesus’ followers will also care for people’s physical, emotional, and social needs.
Matt. 22:37-39; 28,19-20; Acts 1:8; James 2:15-16
Symbolic Ordinances and Actions
13) Concerning Baptism
13.1) We believe that baptism is commanded following the testimony of faith of an adult, born again candidate, and that it should be done in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. To be baptized, a person must have repented of his or her sins and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12
13.2) The outward water baptism is a symbol of spirit baptism and a covenant with God. We believe that the pouring on of water is a biblical method of baptism as a symbol of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. (We also acknowledge baptism by immersion, but do not believe it is required.)
Acts 1:5; 2:3; 2:16-18; 2:41; 10:44-48; Rom. 6:4-5; 1 Cor. 3:7-8; 10:1-4 (comp. Ps. 77:16-19); 1 Pet. 3:21
14) Concerning Communion
14.1) We believe that the Lord Jesus instituted communion, and that it is His will for His children to observe it regularly.
1 Cor. 11:23-29
14.2) We believe the bread and the cup of communion are symbols of the body and the blood of Christ and represent fellowship with Christ and with the believers.
1 Cor. 10:16-17
15) Concerning the Head Covering
We believe that the uncovered head of the male believer and the covered head of the female believer are a symbol of recognition of the divine order of submission and leadership – Christ under God, the man under Christ, and the woman under man – and that this is a law of creation, not a cultural lifestyle.
Gen. 1:27; 1 Cor. 11:1-16; 1 Pet. 3:1-7
16) Concerning Marriage
We believe that marriage can only be celebrated between a free man and a free woman, and that marriage between a believer and a nonbeliever is prohibited by God and violates Holy Scripture. We also believe that marrying a divorced person is adultery while the former spouse is still alive.
Mark 10:2-12; 1 Cor. 7:1-11, 39; 2 Cor. 6:14
17) Concerning Anointing with Oil
We believe the anointing with oil as an act of faith accompanied by prayer for the healing of body and soul is recognized and honored by God.
James 5:14-15
Other Articles of Faith
18) Concerning the Day of Rest
We believe it pleases the Lord for us to have set apart one day of the week to keep as the Lord’s day and use it for the worship of God, Christian service, and rest from earthly labor, and that the first day of the week, known in our part of the world as the Sunday, is the Lord’s Day for the Christian church.
Ex. 20:8-11; John 20:1, 19; 1 Cor. 16:2; Rev. 1:10
19) Concerning the Government
We believe God established both, the Church of Christ as the kingdom of God, and the earthly government, but that each has its unique purpose. Obedience towards the government is commanded within the limits of the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.
Gen. 9:6; John 18:36; Acts 5:29; Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17
20) Concerning Healing, Healing Powers, and Physical Death
20.1) We believe we may ask the Lord in prayer to heal the sick and to give them strength to endure, accompanied also by the laying on of hands and by anointing.
Ex. 15:26; Mark 16:18; James 5:14-15
20.2) We do believe, however, that the apostles were filled with special gifts of the Spirit to reinforce the new covenant and their preaching with miracles. Such healing miracles happened or happened as a testimony to the unbelieving, and to affirm the gospel.
Mark 16:20; Acts 2:43; 14:3; 15:12; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:4
20.3) Believers of that day were not all healed. Jesus and the apostles did not make use of the power of God for their own bodily needs and afflictions.
2 Cor. 12:7-10; 1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20
20.4) We believe sickness and death came into the world because of sin; the human body lives on earth for a limited time; a person can be freed from his sin corrupted body through death. Adam and Eve could not return to the tree of life in paradise to prevent them from having to live (in their corrupted body) forever.
Gen. 2:17; 3:19-24; Rom. 5:12; 6:23; 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:53; 2 Cor. 5:1-8
20.5) We believe that believers have the responsibility to care for their body properly, because it belongs to the Lord. We also believe that believers may see medical doctors about their diseases, but that any illness should first and foremost be commended to the Great Physician.
Jer. 8:22; Rom. 13:13, 14; 1 Cor. 6:12-20; 10:31; Eph. 5:18, 29; Col. 2:23; 4:14
20.6) We believe that Satan will do signs and miracles (including healing and feigned healing) through false prophets to deceive people during the end times.
Matt. 7;22-23; 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2 Thess. 2:7-11
21) Concerning Spiritual Experiences and Gifts of the Spirit
21.1) The Anointing of the Holy Spirit. We believe a person is baptized with the Holy Spirit at conversion, whereby the Spirit enters a person or rather is conceived in him and fills him. In this way the new birth happens. This is also called the anointing. Someone who is born again has the Holy Spirit.
John 3:5-6; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 1:13, 14; Titus 3:4-7; 1 John 2:20, 27
21.2) Being Filled with the Holy Spirit. We believe that if a born-again person walks in the Spirit, he or she remains filled with the Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is something that continues all through life, but receiving the Holy Spirit happens only once. This refers to two separate events that should not be confused. After conversion a person can receive a refilling (refueling) of the Spirit, either when he or she needs more strength, or because sin has been committed and they are admitting the Lord once again into their life. We should walk in the Spirit and not suppress Him.
Ps. 51:12-14; Gal. 5:16; Eph. 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:19
21.3) We do not find that the Bible teaches the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a secondary experience. Upon the Jews first, then the Samaritans and later the gentiles the pouring out of the Holy Spirit happened in a special and symbolic manner for the first time. Similarly, this happened with some disciples abroad, which had heard about John the Baptist, but not about Jesus Christ. However, we do not find any example or teaching in the Bible that there must follow a second baptism of the Spirit or a second special experience after the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:2-4; 8:17; 10:44-45; 18:24-26; 19:1-7
21.4) We believe the Lord gives man spiritual gifts at his conversion and at the handing over of a ministry through the laying on of hands, and that these gifts should be applied according to His will for the common good.
1 Cor. 12; 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6; 1 Pet. 4:10
22) Concerning Earthly Wealth and Blessing
We believe that economic well-being and prosperity and physical health can be the result of a Christian lifestyle, but we do not believe that they are a special blessing or a confirmation of being a child of God, as poverty and illness are also no evidence of a curse. On the contrary, we believe that striving after riches presents danger to the soul.
Prov. 13:7; 30:8; Luke 12:15-21; 16:19-22; 2 Cor. 8:9; 1 Tim. 6:6-11
The Times End
23) Concerning the Lord’s Return
We believe the personal and eminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ is the blessed hope of the believer. The Lord Jesus challenges us to be ready for His coming at all times, for we do not know when He will come.
Matt. 24:44; John 14:2-3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 22:20
24) Concerning the Resurrection of the Dead
We believe there will be a resurrection of the righteous and of the unrighteous.
John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:42-44
25) Concerning the Day of Judgment
We believe that the Lord will come to judge, and that eternal reward and eternal punishment will follow the day of judgment. We do not believe that there will be an opportunity after death for a person who has neglected conversion in this life, to repent and be converted.
Matt. 25:31-46; 2 Cor. 5:10; Heb. 9:27; Rev. 20:11- 15; 22:12
The Afterlife
26) Concerning Hell
We believe in hell being a place of conscious pain and punishment, prepared for Satan and the angels who have fallen with him, but also as an eternal destiny for people who follow Satan.
Matt. 25:41; Luke 16:23-26; Rev. 20:10
27) Concerning Heaven
We believe in an indescribably beautiful heaven filled with eternal joy and glory, where the redeemed will live and reign with Christ, and serve Him forever.
Matt. 25:34; John 14:2-3; 1 Cor. 2:9; 2 Cor. 12:1-4; Rev. 21; 22:1-5