Statement of Faith


DOCTRINE AND TENETS


THE BIBLE

“The Bible is the God Inspired Word of Truth for mankind living in a world of Untruth. The Bible is preserved and provided by God, to reveal His Plan of Grace centered in His Son Jesus Christ.   The Bible, in the original autograph of the sixty-six (66) canonical booklets, is infallible and inerrant.

 

How to be SavedTHE GODHEAD

We believe in one triune God existing in three Persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14).  Each are co-equal, co-eternal, identical in nature and being – (one in essence); in power and glory,  having the same attributes and perfect righteousness (Genesis 1:26; 3:22-23; 11:7; Psalms 110:1; 2:7; Isaiah 6:8; 48:16; Matthew 28:19; John 5:18; 10:30; 14:16; 17: 21; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; I Peter 1:2; Revelation 1:4).

SOVEREIGNTY

We believe that God, is Sovereign and exercises supreme and absolute rule over all His Creation by the function of His Divine Will, Attributes and Deity (I Chronicles 29:11-12; Daniel 4:35; Psalms 24:1; Ephesians 1:11; I Timothy 6:15). However, God in His Sovereignty will not violate the free will of man. The free will of man and the Sovereignty of God co-exist by Divine decree (John 3:14-18, 36; Romans 5:8-10, 32-33: 16:24-25; 1 Timothy 2:4-6). Therefore, each person may choose to obey God and accept Christ as Messiah/Savior, or reject Him.  

THE PERSON AND WORK OF JESUS CHRIST

We believe that Jesus Christ (The WORD) is God (John 1:1; 1:14) who became flesh to save us from God the Father’s wrath in John 3:16-18, 36).  Christ is the unique person in the universe in Hypostatic Union as True humanity and True Deity in one person – He became man without ceasing to be God.  He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, therefore without the Adamic nature. Adamic Nature, Human Nature and Sin Nature are synonymous terms.

Christ  came to reveal the Father; to seek and save (redeem) mankind. Jesus Christ reconciled (restored) mankind,  accomplishing our redemption through his blood (spiritual) sacrifice on the Cross. Christ died in your place. After His spiritual death (separation from God) Christ died physically. Note: WHEN ALL THE SINS OF ALL MANKIND WERE POURED OUT ON CHRIST – ON THE CROSS He said: “My God  (to the Father), My God (to the Holy Spirit) why have you forsaken me?” Spiritual death means separation from God as in dormant – not extermination – (“spirit” does not die).

The third day Christ arose from the dead  (physically) and should be the celebrity of all the ages – Christ is the one and only superstar. The believer’s  redemption is made CERTAIN by Christ’s  physical resurrection from the dead (Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2,14; Romans 3:24-25; 4:25; I Peter 1:3-5).

Jesus Christ is now in heaven seated at the right hand of the Father as the High Priest for His people, fulfilling His ministry as the first and only man acceptable to God since the fall of the first man (Adam) in the garden of Eden. He is the believer’s intercessor and advocate [defence attorney before the Supreme Court of Heaven (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 9:24; I John 2:1-2).  Christ is: the only Savior of the world, the only mediator … the only WAY to God (John 14:6).  

THE PERSONALITY AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe the Holy Spirit, as God, convicts the world of sin (John 16:7-11). The word convict is a translation of a Greek word that means: to convince someone of something by pointing out the facts, and refers to the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. Notice in John 16:7-9 that  the word  “sin”  is in the singular. It is not plural. You may ask what sin? John 16:9 provides the answer, “because they do not believe in Me.”  

The Holy Spirit is the agent in regeneration (John 1 12-13; 3:7; Ephesians 2:5-6; Titus 3:5). The Holy Spirit indwells all believers in the present Church Age.

The Holy Spirit indwells and anoints every believer for five basic reasons:

 1). That we may know the things freely given to us by God.”  (1 Corinthians 2:12).

 2). That Christ can be manifested in us (2 Corinthians 3:3) we are books read by men. 

 3). That we can witness for Christ.  Acts 1:8 says that the presence of the Holy Spirit will make us witnesses.

 4). That we may have  victory over our sin nature (fleshly appetites and lusts). We have been set free of the bondage of our natural desires to disobey (rebellion) Romans 8:2.  

 5). That He may execute the Christian life – our walk in Christ (Romans 8:13).

The mission of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus Christ (John 16:14). This is also our mission as believers (1 Peter 2:9).

The Holy Spirit baptizes the new believer into the Body of Christ at the point of faith in Christ, and seals the believer unto the day of ultimate sanctification (completion of redemption (2 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Timothy 2:19).  The Holy Spirit places a hedge between the believer and Satan; a covering of protection (JOB 1:10).

The Holy Spirit reveals (illuminates) God’s Word (the Bible) as Truth, and Christ as the only Savior – the only mediator between God and man (John 14:6; Acts 4;12; 1 Timothy 2:5).  

FILLING OF THE SPIRIT – The Mechanics for how to live the Christian Life: Be filled with the Holy Spirit! So, how are we filled with the Spirit?  Answer: 1 John 1:9.

The believer, filled with the Holy Spirit is controlled by Holy Spirit. To be filled with the Holy Spirit simply means the believer has exercised his/her option, to confess (admit or name; to agree with God) his/her known sins to the Father through the consistent use (as needed) of I John 1:9.  

Revelation 3:20 is NOT an invitation to be saved – it is an invitation to fellowship (be intimate) with Christ; to be filled with the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 9:14). 

TOTAL DEPRAVITY OF MAN

We believe Adam (first man) was created in the image (soul image) and likeness of God, but when Adam fell, all of his descendants would be born condemned as well and inherit his newly acquired nature to be rebellious, separated spiritually from God at birth.  In other words, when Adam fell as the head of the human race, his progeny fell, and the sinful nature, replaced the perfect nature, alienated (separated spiritually) from God (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:22-23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:12).

SALVATION 

The Holy Bible demonstrates that God has already provided salvation for mankind as a gift of God’s Grace (Ephesians 2:8,9) made possible by the efficacious death on the Cross, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Salvation is received by faith alone in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 16:31; John 3:15-18; 36;  The Cross work of Christ has provided salvation for all mankind. (John 1:12; 3:15-18, 36; Romans 5:8-9; I Corinthians 6:11; II Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-10).  “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy household” (Acts 16:31).

FORGIVENESS

Colossians 1:14: “In whom we have redemption through His Blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” 

ETERNAL SECURITY

We believe that all believers are kept secure (“sealed”) by the Holy Spirit forever. Salvation is eternal life through Jesus Christ!…..eternal life is eternal.  God is Immutable, therefore when you are saved by faith and given eternal life, it is impossible for God to change His Mind regarding your salvation (Malachi 3:6; Romans 8:38-39). God is immutable!

SATAN 

We believe Satan to be the Biblically declared enemy of  Christ and man, and especially the Body of Christ the Church. (Job 1:6-7; Isaiah 14: 12-17; Matthew 4:2-11). Satan is the temporary ruler over the Earth – this world (Ephesians 2:2; II Corinthians 4:4; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).

THE CHURCH

We believe that the Church which is now the “Body” of Christ and  shall become the “Bride” of Christ. The Church is a literal spiritual organism consisting of born-again believers irrespective of their affiliation with Christian denominations. The Church Age began at Pentecost and is consummated by the Translation of the Church from Earth to Heaven at the sound of the trumpet, called the Rapture meaning a calling up (I Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-27).

CHURCH ORDINANCES

We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ instituted the “Lord’s Supper” (Communion) to be observed until His Glorious return for the Church (I Corinthians 11:23-36). We believe in baptism by immersion, which is a  “public proclamation” of faith in Christ and a physical demonstration of the spiritual birth of the believer. No one goes to heaven because they were baptized!  Faith in the Cross work of Christ is the only way to God. John 14:6).

THE BLESSED HOPE – Rapture

We believe that the next great event in the fulfillment of prophecy will be the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ “in the air” to receive to Himself the dead in Christ, and believers who are alive at His coming. This great event is called the Rapture or Translation of the Church” Although the term rapture is not specifically mentioned in scripture as such, the term refers to a calling up” or to be “taken up.”  (1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14).

THE TRIBULATION

We believe the “pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church” will be followed by the fulfillment of Daniel’s Seventieth week (a seven year period). The second half of this seven year period is the time of “Jacob’s Trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15-21; Revelation 6:19). 

THE SECOND COMING

We believe the great Tribulation will be climaxed by the pre-millennial return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth to establish His Millennial Kingdom as promised (Zechariah 14:4-11; Matthew 24:15-25; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelations 20:6).

MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST

We believe Christ will reign for a literal one thousand years here on earth. His Kingdom Throne will be established in Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:4-11).

GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT/ETERNAL STATE

We believe that the Great white throne Judgment is for unbelievers only. Unbelievers are those who passed away without receiving Christ as Savior. They will be judged based on their works which cannot save – only the “Finished and Accepted” sacrifice of Christ can save. Their works will be rejected by Christ Himself and along with Satan and Fallen Angels, unbelievers will be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but punished with everlasting destruction and separation from the Lord God forever.

We believe at death of the physical body, the soul and human spirit of believers in Christ pass immediately into the presence of the Lord. We shall remain with the Lord in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the body at His Coming, when the soul, human spirit and body of believers will be united. From this wonderful event and for all eternity – life without end, we believers will be with our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. (Luke 16:19-26; 23:43; II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; II Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6:7; Revelation 20:11-15).

THE BELIEVER’S RESPONSIBILITY

We believe that the born-again believer (John 3:3, 5, 7)  will automatically desire  (thirst for)  the Word of God by the unction of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and by deep appreciation for the fact that Christ died in our place … Christ took our punishment.

The Bible is spiritual nourishment and is mandated for spiritual growth. We are to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We can learn to know Christ intimately by the inculcation of Bible doctrine (I Corinthians 2:16; I Timothy 2:4).

The effectual work of God’s Word by the mentorship and guidance of the Holy Spirit in us, brings the individual believer into adjustment (alignment) with God. God has a personal, predesigned plan of grace for time and eternity.

The internal metabolism and external application of God’s Word in the believers earth-walk, as ambassadors for Christ, during His absence in Heaven, brings honor and glory to Christ and the Father as author of God’s Eternal Grace Plan (Romans 12:1-2;  II Corinthians 13:9; I Timothy 4:6; I Peter 2:2; II Peter 3:18).

Note: The believer is left here on earth after salvation to be: an ambassador for Christ during His absence in Heaven. Christ is our mediator and advocate before the Throne of Grace (2 Corinthians 5:20).

SPIRITUALITY

We believe that spirituality is the mechanics of the Christian life executed by the indwelling control of the Mentoring Holy Spirit.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

We believe that God the Holy Spirit, in grace and apart from human merit, gives spiritual gifts to believers at the point of salvation – faith in Christ. These gifts include Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Administrators and others.

Some gifts ceased after the Canon of Scripture was completed such as apostleship, prophecy, speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues. Though the spiritual gifts of miracles and healing have ceased, God may and does heal and miraculously cure or intervene by direct action at His sole discretion and not as a result of anything man does, except through prayer (Isaiah 46:10; Matthew 28:18; Romans 12:4-8; I Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:7-12; James 5:16).  Man’s prayer has no power, it is God’s Power that heals. Prayer is the exercise of faith and obedience..

We (believers) must be united in one spirit, in the unity of Christ until He comes. We must be tolerant with gentleness, forgiveness and love. Ephesians 4:1-6.

Therefore, if we agree on salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, then regardless of denomination, we can worship, study, and walk the road to heaven with the Holy Spirit. We must stand together, kneel together and pray together. There is one spirit and one body by the spirit (Ephesians 4:4).

Please note: there are at least 40 Absolutes/Grace Gifts, given by the Holy Spirit at the POINT OF FAITH IN CHRIST. Every believer possesses these eternal absolute gifts. Be sure to check out this wonderful study, located under “Tree of Knowledge”  Hover over “Bible Study Materials” on the Home Page, or do a search.  

 

When we accept Christ as Savior, we also receive Christ as Lord instantly.  Serving our Lord is a lifetime of learning.  Living the Christian Life is a learning process guided by the Holy Spirit in us.  We learn how to respect and glorify God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does all the work in phase two – living the Christian Life.  Allowing Christ to be Lord is a learning experience, even though Christ becomes our Lord the instant we believe in Him.  This learning process involves a lifetime of trial and error but POSITIONALLY, Christ always remains our Lord regardless of our issues. EXPERIENTIALLY, we learn what that means … to let Christ be Lord. We are  to be servants to our Lord and others. Christ is our Servant King. We are to be His servants to a lost and dying world. Serve God. Serve others.

SIN NOT THE ISSUE – FAITH IS THE ISSUE

All sins of the human race, and the debt of sin (death penalty) were paid by Christ on the Cross. Therefore, the issue for mankind is not sin! The issue is forgiveness, by FAITH IN CHRIST, who died especially for YOU! “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31).

DISPENSATIONS/Administrations

TIMES AND SEASONS (ACTS 1:7): Jesus spoke here regarding the “Restoration of Israel. Please notice the words “Times and Seasons.”  The Greek word for “times”  is  “chronos,”  and the Greek word for “seasons”  is “kairos.”

These two words both refer to time, but with this difference:  the word “chronos”  means a succession of events. It is the word from which we get chronology,  in English – a succession of events one following the other.  The word “kairos,” refers to events organized by  their components into time periods or different administrations that we call Dispensations.

Dispensations are time broken up into periods or epochs or eras.  Dispensations may be defined as: “The Divine Outline of History by the different administrations of God’s Plan.

According to Scripture, history is a sequence of  divine administrations. These consecutive eras reflect the unfolding  of God’s Plan for mankind. The changes God incorporates into His Plan are designed to attain His unchangeable purposes (Hebrews 6:17). Jesus Christ is the key to the divine interpretation of history (Ephesians 3:10-11; Revelation 1:8). Dispensations unlock the Scriptures. 

TRUST AND OBEY, FOR THERE IS NO OTHER WAY! Thank you.

 

Happy Studying in Fields of Grace.

Word Of Truth Ministries

  

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