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1. Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and
is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its
author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error
for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge
us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true
center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human
conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. (2Timothy 3:16,17;
Romans 1:16; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 2:12; Philippians 3:16).
2. Of the True God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite,
intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler
of Heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of
all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the unity of the Godhead
there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal
in every divine perfection, and executing distinct and harmonious offices
in the great work of redemption. (John 4:24; 10:30; Psalm 147:5,
Exodus 15:11; Mark 12:30).
3. Of the Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker;
but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in
consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but
choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the
law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation
to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse. (Genesis 1:27; Romans
5:12, 19; Ephesians 2:1-3).
4. Of the Way of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the
mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father,
freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law
by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for
our sins; that having risen from the death, he is now enthroned in heaven;
and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine
perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate,
and an all- sufficient Saviour. (Ephesians 2:8; John 3:16;
Philippians 2:6,7; Isaiah 42:21; 53:4,5; Hebrews 7:25).
5. Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such
as believe in him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon
of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness;
that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness
which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood;
by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to
us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor
with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
(John 1:16; Acts 13:39; Romans 5:17; 4:4,5).
6. Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the
gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial,
penitent, and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation
of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary
rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated
condemnation. (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Romans 16:25,26; John
5:40; John 3:16, 19).
7. Of Grace in Regeneration
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or
born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to
the mind; that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the
power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth, so as to secure
our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that its proper evidence appears
in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life. (John
3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:8; 1Peter 1:22-25).
8. Of Repentance and Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable
graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby
being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of
the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition,
confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving
the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on
him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour. (Mark 1:15; Romans
10:9; John 16:8: Luke 18:13).
9. Of God's Purpose of Grace
We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which
he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners; that being perfectly
consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in
connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign
goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; that it
utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise,
trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages
the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by
its effects in all who truly believe the gospel; that it is the foundation
of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves
demands and deserves the utmost diligence. (2 Timothy 1:8; Exodus
33:18, 19; 1Corinthians 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:10; 2Thessalonians 2:13-14).
10. Of Sanctification
We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the
will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive
work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the
hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the
Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means—especially
the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
(1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 John 2:29; Philippians 2:12,13).
11. Of the Perseverance of Saints
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that
their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes
them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over
their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation. (John 8:31; 1John 2:19; Romans 8:28; Philippians 1:6).
12. Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel
We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of
his moral government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability
which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises
entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore
them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one
great end of the Gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the
establishment of the visible Church. (Romans 3:31; 7:12; 8:7,8;
8:2-4).
13. Of a Gospel Church
We believe that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized
believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel;
observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws, and exercising
the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his Word; that its
only scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons, whose qualifications,
claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. (1
Corinthians 1:1-13; Acts 2:41, 42; 1Corinthians 11:2; Matthew 28:20).
14. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer,
into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth, in
a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and
risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to
a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation;
and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the Church, by the sacred
use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ;
preceded always by solemn self-examination. (Acts 8:36-39; Matthew
28:20; Acts 2:41,42; 1 Corinthians 11:26-28).
15. Of the Christian Sabbath
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian
Sabbath; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining
from all secular labor and sinful recreations; by the devout observance
of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation
for that rest that remaineth for the people of God. (Acts 20:7;
Exodus 20:8; Isaiah 58:13,14; Hebrew 10:24,25).
16. Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests
and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed
for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed
to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the only Lord of the conscience,
and the Prince of the kings of the earth. (Romans 13:1-7; Matthew
22:21; Acts 5;29; Matthew 23:10).
17. Of the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the
righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God,
are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence
and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction
holds among men both in and after death. (Malachi 3:18; Romans 1:17;
1 John 5:19; Proverbs 14:32).
18. Of the World to Come
We believe that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last
day Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave
to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that
the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to
endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of
men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness. (1 Peter 4:7;
Acts 1:22; 24:15; Matthew 25:31-46; 13:49).
The Full Gospel Distinctive
I.
We believe the Full Gospel includes: (A) the proclamation of both
the eternal power of Calvary and the potential power of Pentecost; (B) the
baptizing power of Jesus Christ for salvation because of Calvary, and (C)
the filling/controlling power of the Holy Ghost for service and Holy
victorious living because of Pentecost. (Ephesians 5:18,
Acts 20:27).
II.
We believe in the perpetual and continuing ecclesiastical value of all
spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ until the end
of this Church Age, which will be consummated by the return of our
Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13, I Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12)
III.
We believe in the Divine personhood of the Holy Spirit and His present-day
ministry to Believers, including the sovereign distribution of spiritual
gifts, which empowers Believers for service in the Contemporary Church (1
Corinthians 12:7-11).
IV.
We believe in Jesus Christ as the Sovereign Giver of spiritual gifts to
the church. We further believe spiritual gifts are given for the
perfecting of the Saints, for work of the ministry, and for the edifying
of the Body of Christ and are given without regard to ethnicity, social
class, or gender (Ephesians 4:7-12; Galatians 3:26-28).
V.
We believe in the full autonomy of the local church as an independent
entity under the Lordship of Christ, through pastoral authority, with
regards to: A) government, polity, and operations, Titus 1:5, Acts 15:1 -
35, B) discipline, I Corinthians 5:5, Matthew 18:15-17, 2 Thessalonians
3:6, 14-15, and C) with the added value of the Episcopacy as a covering.
Titus 1: 5, Acts 15:1-35.
VI.
We believe in the value of biblical terminology for leadership in the
contemporary church: Bishop, Overseer, Pastor, Minister, Elder, and
Deacon. We believe all of these are designations for servant-leaders
(Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:28; 2 Corinthians 6:4; 1 Timothy 3:1-7).
VII.
We believe in the formal and intentional praise and worship of Almighty
God as a proper, spirit-led, corporate acknowledgement and response to His
person and work (Psalm 46-50; John 4:23, 24).
VIII.
We believe in Jesus Christ as the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, who
brings men and women at salvation into relationship with Himself and His
Body, the Church. We further believe that it is the baptism of the Holy
Ghost that places one into the Body of Christ. All believers have been
baptized by Christ with the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11; John 1:33; 1
Corinthians 12:13).
IX.
We believe in the indwelling of the Holy Ghost for all Believers and that
the Holy Ghost verifies and validates the Believer as part of the Body of
Christ. (Romans 8:9).
X.
We believe in the spirit-filled life as desirable, valuable, and an issue
of obedience for all Believers who are commanded to be filled with the
Holy Ghost. We acknowledge that within the Body of Christ, the term,
“filled with the Holy Ghost” is often used interchangeably with the term,
“baptism of the Holy Ghost.” When referring to the controlling presence
and power of the Holy Ghost, as a result of the submissive will and desire
of the Believer, we allow such alternation of terms. We believe it is the
will and command of God that every Believer be “filled,” “walk in,” be
“led by,” and “live in” the power of the Holy Ghost. (Ephesians 5:18)
XI.
We believe that it is God’s desire that all believers live under the
“Divine Direction” of the Holy Ghost. We believe that the filling of the
Holy Ghost is an ongoing ministry of the Spirit in the life of the
Believer, that enables the Believer to live a life of power, victory, and
glory to God (Acts 1:8, 2:4, 4:8, 4:31).
Compendium on
Distinctives VIII and X
We believe the
baptism of the Holy Ghost and the filling of the Holy Ghost are distinct,
separate, valid, and valuable ministries of the Holy Ghost which may occur
simultaneously at salvation.
A) Being filled
with the Holy Ghost may and should occur subsequent to salvation in
obedience to biblical exhortation.
B) The baptism
of the Holy Ghost occurs once and for all at salvation.
C) Being filled
with the Holy Ghost should not only be a continuous reality, but an
ongoing characteristic of the believer’s consecrated holiness. (Matthew
3:11; John 1:33; 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 5:18)
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2000 Word Of Faith Ministries
