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Elnora Bible Institute 2020
Elnora
Bible
Institute
maintains
an
unqualified
commitment
to
the
theological
positions
as
expressed
in
this
document.
This
Confession
of
Faith
is
a
re-
statement
of
the
Dordrecht
Confession,
the
1963
Mennonite
Confession
of
Faith,
and
other
statements
adopted
by
the
Mennonite
Church
at
various
times
and
is
compiled
by
the
Fellowship
of
Concerned
Mennonites.
A
Confession
of
Faith
is
central
to
this
institution’s
identity,
serving
as
a
unifying
and
clarifying
document in an age of theological shifting and confusion.
The
Mennonite
Church
began
in
Switzerland
in
1525.
It
was
a
part
of
the
Reformation
which
attempted,
in
accord
with
biblical
principles,
to
revive
and
restore
New
Testament
Christianity.
As
early
as
1527,
the
Swiss
Anabaptists
adopted
the
Schleitheim
Confession
of
Faith.
In
the
following
century,
the
European
Mennonites
wrote
many
confessions
of
faith,
one
of
the best being that of Dordrecht, 1632. This Dordrecht Confession was adopted at a conference of American Mennonite ministers in 1725.
This
present
Confession,
reflecting
current
issues,
is
a
re-statement
of
the
Dordrecht
Confession,
the
1963
Confession,
and
other
statements
adopted
by
the
Mennonite
Church
at
various
times.
In
this
expression
of
our
faith,
we
accept
without
reservation,
Jesus
Christ
as
the
only
Savior
and
Lord.
Regarding
the
Bible,
we
accept
it
as
the
inerrant
and
fully inspired Word of God.
As
Mennonites,
we
understand
the
Church
to
be
a
body
of
regenerated
believers,
a
fellowship
of
holy
pilgrims
baptized
upon
confession
of
faith
in
Christ.
As
committed
believers,
we
seek
to
follow
the
way
of
Christian
love
and
nonresistance,
and
to
live
separate
from
the
evils
of
the
world.
It
is
our
earnest
desire
to
make
Christian
disciples
of
all
nations.
This Confession of Faith sets forth our position before the world and defines our relations with God and with one another.
Preamble
God and His Attributes
II Cor. 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
I
Timothy
3:16
And
without
controversy
great
is
the
mystery
of
godliness:
God
was
manifest
in
the
flesh,
justified
in
the
Spirit,
seen
of
angels,
preached
unto
the
Gentiles,
believed on in the world, received up into glory.
We
believe
in
the
Almighty
God,
who
is
omnipotent,
omniscient,
omnipresent
and
unchanging,
the
Eternal
Spirit
who
is
infinite
in
His
holiness,
love,
righteousness,
truth,
goodness and mercy. This One and only God has revealed Himself as existing eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Father
We
believe
that
God
is
the
Creator
of
all
things
visible
and
invisible,
a
God
of
providence
and
sovereignty,
the
Author
of
our
salvation
through
Jesus
Christ.
Although
He
is
too
high
and
holy
to
be
totally
comprehended
by
the
human
mind,
through
Christ
we
can
truly
know
Him.
In
redeeming
love,
He
entered
into
a
covenant
relationship
with
Abraham,
later
with
the
people
of
Israel,
and
now
through
Jesus
Christ
has
made
an
eternal
covenant
in
which
He
offers
to
the
human
race
the
forgiveness
of
sins
and
the
blessings of divine sonship to all those who will repent and believe.
The Son
We
believe
in
Jesus
Christ
the
divine
Son
of
God,
who
was
with
the
Father
from
all
eternity,
who
for
our
salvation
took
upon
Himself
unfallen
human
nature,
and
who
by
His
redemptive
substitutionary
death
and
resurrection
conquered
the
forces
of
sin
and
Satan
and
atoned
for
the
sins
of
mankind.
He
was
conceived
by
the
Holy
Spirit,
born
of
the
Virgin
Mary,
lived
a
sinless
life,
and
in
the
shedding
of
His
blood
on
the
cross
fulfilled
God’s
redemptive
purpose.
He
rose
from
the
dead,
ascended
into
heaven,
and
now
as
High
Priest
seated
at
the
right
hand
of
the
Father,
intercedes
for
the
saints.
He
is
the
Lord
and
Savior
of
all
true
believers,
the
coming
Judge
of
the
living
and
the
dead
at
His appearing and His kingdom. We believe in His full deity and full humanity according to the Scriptures.
The Holy Spirit
We
believe
in
the
deity
and
personality
of
the
Holy
Spirit:
that
He
convinces
the
world
of
sin,
of
righteousness,
and
of
the
judgment;
that
He
indwells
and
comforts
believers,
guides them into all truth, empowers them and bestows certain gifts upon them for service as He wills, and enables them to live lives of righteousness.
Psalm 139:7-12; John 1:18; 3:16; 14:26; Romans 8:1-17; II Corinthians 13:14; I Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 11:6; I Peter 1:2.
Divine Revelation
Luke
24:44
And
he
said
unto
them,
These
are
the
words
which
I
spake
unto
you,
while
I
was
yet
with
you,
that
all
things
must
be
fulfilled,
which
were
written
in
the
law
of
Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
II
Timothy
3:15,16
And
that
from
a
child
thou
hast
known
the
holy
scriptures,
which
are
able
to
make
thee
wise
unto
salvation
through
faith
which
is
in
Christ
Jesus.
All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
We
believe
that
the
God
of
creation
and
redemption
has
revealed
Himself
and
His
will
for
men
of
all
time
in
the
Holy
Scriptures.
His
supreme
and
final
revelation
is
in
His
Incarnate
Son,
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ.
We
believe
in
the
plenary
and
verbal
inspiration
of
the
Bible,
the
Old
Testament
and
the
New
Testament,
as
the
Word
of
God:
that
it
is
authentic
in
its
matter,
authoritative
in
its
counsels,
inerrant
in
its
original
writings,
the
only
infallible
rule
of
faith
and
practice.
We
believe
holy
men
of
God
moved
by
the
Holy Spirit recorded and communicated divine truth without any mixture of error.
We
believe
in
the
unity
of
both
covenants
and
that
the
New
Covenant
is
the
culmination
and
climax
of
all
revelation.
The
Lord
Jesus
Christ
is
the
central
message
of
the
Covenants. He is the key to the proper understanding of the entire Bible.
Deuteronomy 18:18; Psalm 19; Luke 24:27, 44; John 1:1-16; 14:10; 16:13; 17:8; 20:31; Romans 1:19, 20; II Timothy 3:15, 16; Hebrews 1:1, 2; 8:6, 7; I John 1:1-5.
God’s Creation and Providence
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Colossians
1:16,
17
For
by
him
were
all
things
created,
that
are
in
heaven,
and
that
are
in
earth,
visible
and
invisible,
whether
they
be
thrones,
or
dominions,
or
principalities,
or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
We
believe
the
Genesis
account
of
creation
is
a
historic
fact
and
literally
true,
that
in
the
beginning
God
created
all
things
by
His
Son,
who
upholds
all
things
which
were
created
for
His
pleasure.
We
believe
God
created
man
in
His
own
image
with
free
will,
moral
character,
superior
intellect,
and
a
spiritual
nature
which
sets
him
apart
from
the animal creation.
We
believe
that
God
by
His
providence
is
concerned
with
the
lives
of
His
children,
in
everything
working
for
their
eternal
welfare
by
hearing
and
answering
their
prayers.
Though He is sovereign over all things, He is not the author of sin. God holds man as a creature of free will responsible for his moral choices.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; Psalm 91:1; 139:7-12; Isaiah 41:10; 51:16; Matthew 10:29; John 1:3; Romans 8:28; Colossians 1:16, 17; James 5:16
Man and His Sin
I Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
Romans
5:12,
19
Wherefore,
as
by
one
man
sin
entered
into
the
world,
and
death
by
sin;
and
so
death
passed
upon
all
men,
for
that
all
have
sinned:
19
For
as
by
one
man’s
disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
We
believe
that
God
created
man
and
woman
sinless
and
holy
by
an
immediate
act.
Then
He
subjected
them
to
a
moral
test.
They
yielded
to
the
temptation
of
Satan,
and
by
willful
disobedience
to
God,
failed
to
maintain
that
holy
condition
in
which
they
were
created.
By
this
act
of
disobedience,
depravity
and
death
were
brought
upon
the
entire
human
race.
Although
the
human
race
has
inherited
a
sinful
nature
because
of
Adam’s
original
sin,
yet
they
do
not
stand
guilty
of
his
disobedience.
Those
who
perish
eternally
do
so
only
because
of
their
own
sin.
A
most
grievous
sin
is
the
refusal
to
acknowledge
Jesus
Christ
as
Lord
and
Savior.
Man
as
a
fallen
creature
is
self-centered,
self-
willed, rebellious toward God, unwilling to yield to Christ, unable to break the bondage of sin, and is, therefore, under divine judgment.
We
believe
that
as
children
mature,
their
sinful
nature
will
be
manifest.
When
they
come
to
know
themselves
responsible
to
God,
they
then
must
repent
and
believe
in
Christ
in
order
to
be
saved.
During
their
age
of
innocence,
the
sins
of
children
are
atoned
for
through
the
sacrifice
of
Christ.
Jesus
Christ
Himself
assured
us
that
children
are
in
the
kingdom of God.
Genesis 1:27, 31; 3:1-19; Matthew 18:1-14; Luke 18:16; Romans 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:1-3; I Timothy 4:10.
Christ, the Savior from Sin
Hebrews
2:14,
15
Forasmuch
then
as
the
children
are
partakers
of
flesh
and
blood,
he
also
himself
likewise
took
part
of
the
same;
that
through
death
he
might
destroy
him
that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
We
believe
that
there
is
only
one
Mediator
between
God
and
men,
the
man
Christ
Jesus.
The
purpose
of
the
incarnation
of
God’s
eternal
Son
is
to
redeem
mankind
from
sin
and
death,
to
reconcile
them
to
God
and
to
destroy
the
power
and
works
of
the
devil.
As
a
prophet,
the
Lord
Jesus
not
only
proclaimed
God’s
Word,
but
He
was
also
in
His
very
person
the
eternal
Word
of
God.
As
a
priest,
He
Himself
became
the
sacrifice
for
sin,
and
now
makes
intercession
before
the
Father
on
behalf
of
all
true
believers.
As
our
risen Lord and coming King, He is vested with all authority in heaven and on earth.
During
His
earthly
life,
the
Lord
Jesus
demonstrated
perfectly
the
will
of
God.
While
being
tempted
in
all
points
as
we
are,
He
was
without
sin.
Through
the
shedding
of
His
blood,
He
provided
the
propitiatory
sacrifice
for
sin
and
inaugurated
the
New
Covenant.
By
His
death,
He
triumphed
over
Satan
and
broke
the
power
and
bondage
of
sin
for
those
who
exercise
faith
in
Him.
By
His
resurrection
from
the
dead,
Christ
accomplished
the
full
justification
of
all
those
who
truly
believe
in
Him.
By
faith,
each
believer
is
kept united with the risen and glorified Christ, who is the Lord of glory.
Luke 19:10; John 1:1; Acts 2:33; Romans 5:11; II Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 2:15; I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:14, 15; 4:15; 7:11.
Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Ephesians
2:8-10
For
by
grace
are
ye
saved
through
faith;
and
that
not
of
yourselves:
it
is
the
gift
of
God:
Not
of
works,
lest
any
man
should
boast.
For
we
are
his
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
We
believe
that
one
is
saved
by
the
grace
of
God
and
not
by
character,
law,
good
works,
or
ceremonies.
The
merits
of
the
death
and
resurrection
of
Christ
are
adequate
for
the
salvation
of
all,
offered
to
all,
and
intended
for
all.
However,
salvation
is
appropriated
only
by
faith
in
Christ.
Those
who
repent
and
believe
in
Christ
as
Savior
and
Lord
are
born
again,
adopted
into
the
family
of
God,
and
receive
the
gift
of
the
Holy
Spirit.
Saving
faith
involves
a
full
surrender
of
the
will,
a
confident
trust
in
Christ,
the
giving
of
self
to
Him,
a
joyful
obedience
to
His
Word
as
a
faithful
disciple,
and
an
attitude
of
love
to
all
people.
It
is
the
privilege
of
every
believer
to
have
the
full
assurance
of
salvation
through the keeping power of God. As long as the believer lives, he stands in constant need of forgiveness, cleansing, and the grace of Christ.
John 3:16; 10:27-29; Romans 4; Ephesians 2:8-10; I Peter 1:2; I John 1:8-10; 5:13; Jude 24.
The Holy Spirit and the Christian Life
John
16:13,
14
Howbeit
when
he,
the
Spirit
of
truth,
is
come,
he
will
guide
you
into
all
truth:
for
he
shall
not
speak
of
himself;
but
whatsoever
he
shall
hear,
that
shall
he
speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Ephesians
1:13,14
In
whom
ye
also
trusted,
after
that
ye
heard
the
word
of
truth,
the
gospel
of
your
salvation:
in
whom
also
after
that
ye
believed,
ye
were
sealed
with
that
holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
We
believe
the
supreme
ministry
of
the
Holy
Spirit
is
to
convict
of
sin
and
lead
to
salvation
through
Jesus
Christ.
The
Holy
Spirit
transforms
believers
into
the
spiritual
image
of
Jesus
Christ
as
they
yield
to
Him
and
obey
His
Word.
The
Spirit
enables
believers
to
persevere
in
faith
and
holiness,
empowers
them
to
be
effective
witnesses
to
Christ,
fills
their
hearts
with
love
for
all
men,
and
leads
them
in
Christian
discipleship.
The
indwelling
presence
of
the
Holy
Spirit
is
God’s
seal
of
His
ownership
of
the
believer.
John 16:7-15; Acts 1:8; 2:1-21; I Corinthians 3:16, 17; 6:19; 12:11-13; Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 1:13, 14; 5:30.
The Church of Christ
Nature
We
believe
that
Christ
established
His
church
when
He
poured
out
His
Spirit
on
the
day
of
Pentecost.
We
believe
that
the
church
is
the
body
of
Christ
composed
of
all
those
who
through
repentance
toward
God
and
faith
in
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ
have
been
born
again
and
have
been
baptized
by
one
Spirit
into
one
body.
We
believe
that
it
is
her
divinely
appointed
mission
to
preach
the
Gospel
of
Christ
to
every
creature,
teaching
obedience
to
all
of
Christ’s
commands.
The
church
is
corporately
the
dwelling
place
of
God,
His
holy
temple,
the
visible
body
of
those
who
are
disciples.
Membership
in
the
church
is
conditioned
upon
a
voluntary
response
to
God’s
offer
of
salvation
in
Christ
Jesus.
Ephesians
2:19-22
Now
therefore
ye
are
no
more
strangers
and
foreigners,
but
fellowcitizens
with
the
saints,
and
of
the
household
of
God;
And
are
built
upon
the
foundation
of
the
apostles
and
prophets,
Jesus
Christ
himself
being
the
chief
corner
stone;
In
whom
all
the
building
fitly
framed
together
groweth
unto
an
holy
temple
in
the
Lord:
In
whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
The
primary
worshiping
and
working
unit
of
the
church
is
a
local
assembly
of
believers
for
teaching,
witnessing,
and
disciplining.
It
is
scripturally
profitable
for
congregational
representatives
to
meet
together
in
conferences
in
order
to
maintain
biblical
standards
of
faith,
conduct,
stewardship
and
missions.
Such
Spirit-led
conference decisions should be adopted by the congregations as a means of maintaining unity in the brotherhood.
General Function
We
believe
the
church
is
a
body
of
believers
under
the
lordship
of
Christ,
a
loving
fellowship
concerned
for
the
spiritual
and
material
welfare
of
one
another.
This
means
helping the erring ones, sharing generously, and being willing to give and receive counsel.
The
church
as
the
body
of
Christ
gathers
for
worship,
for
fellowship,
for
the
observance
of
the
ordinances
and
for
the
building
up
of
the
body.
Having
heard
and
obeyed
the
Word of God, the church has the obligation to speak authoritatively regarding moral and spiritual issues.
Discipline
We
believe
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ
has
given
authority
to
His
church
to
exercise
discipline.
The
purposes
of
discipline
are
to
clarify
for
all
members
the
meaning
of
Christian
discipleship,
to
lead
each
member
to
full
stature
in
Christ,
to
promote
the
purity
of
the
church,
to
warn
the
weak
and
immature
of
the
serious
character
of
sin
and
disobedience
to
God’s
Word,
to
restore
to
full
fellowship
the
members
who
may
fall
into
sin,
and
to
maintain
the
good
name
and
witness
of
the
church
before
the
world.
The
church
employs
public
teaching,
private
counseling,
intercessory
prayer,
sympathetic
encouragement,
earnest
warning
and
rebuke.
Any
member
who
persists
in
disobedience
or
maintains
an
unrepentant
attitude
shall
be
excluded
from
the
Lord’s
table.
The
Body
of
Christ,
the
church,
senses
a
deep
loss
when
anyone
goes
on
to
spiritual ruin and thereby forfeits his relationship with Christ and His body. The Word of God is the standard for church discipline.
Ceremonies and Practices
We
believe
the
Lord
Jesus
and
His
apostles
instituted
ordinances
for
the
church
of
all
time
to
observe
as
expressions
of
divine
truths.
The
apostolic
church
is
the
example
of
observing
them
literally.
We
believe
these
ordinances
are:
baptism
with
water,
the
Lord’s
Supper,
the
washing
of
the
saints’
feet,
the
holy
kiss,
the
veiling
of
Christian
women, the anointing of the sick with oil, and Christian marriage.
Since
the
Lord
Jesus
arose
from
the
dead
on
the
first
day
of
the
week,
the
Christian
community
in
general
has
observed
the
first
day
of
the
week
in
appropriate
worship,
rest,
and Christian service.
Matthew
5:13,
14,
23,
24;
18:15-18;
28:19,
20;
Acts
6:6;
15:1-29;
I
Corinthians
3:16,
17;
5:11-13;
II
Corinthians
2:6-11;
3:2;
12:9;
Galatians
3:6-9;
6:1;
Ephesians
2:11-22;
4:13; I Timothy 4:14; 5:20; 6:6; James 2:14-17; 5:14-16; I Peter 2:9.
The Mission of the Church in the World
Matthew
28:18-20
And
Jesus
came
and
spake
unto
them,
saying,
All
power
is
given
unto
me
in
heaven
and
in
earth.
Go
ye
therefore,
and
teach
all
nations,
baptizing
them
in
the
name
of
the
Father,
and
of
the
Son,
and
of
the
Holy
Ghost:
Teaching
them
to
observe
all
things
whatsoever
I
have
commanded
you:
and,
lo,
I
am
with
you
alway,
even
unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
We
believe
Jesus
entrusted
the
church
with
the
stewardship
of
the
Gospel
and
promised
the
power
of
the
Holy
Spirit
for
the
work
of
missions
and
evangelism.
While
the
church’s
primary
interest
is
in
the
salvation
and
spiritual
welfare
of
men,
she
should
also
minister
to
those
who
are
in
physical,
social,
and
emotional
need.
The
church
should
give
appropriate
witness
against
racial
discrimination,
economic
injustice,
and
all
other
forms
of
human
slavery
and
moral
degradation,
avoiding
coercive
tactics,
political pressure and planned civil disobedience as inappropriate to the body of Christ.
Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 6:56; Romans 1:16; 8:23; I Corinthians 16:15, 16; Philippians 4:3.
The Ministers of the Church
Acts
20:28
Take
heed
therefore
unto
yourselves,
and
to
all
the
flock,
over
the
which
the
Holy
Ghost
hath
made
you
overseers,
to
feed
the
church
of
God,
which
he
hath
purchased with his own blood.
I
Peter
5:2,
3
Feed
the
flock
of
God
which
is
among
you,
taking
the
oversight
thereof,
not
by
constraint,
but
willingly;
not
for
filthy
lucre,
but
of
a
ready
mind;
Neither
as
being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
We
believe
Christ
authorized
the
ordination
and
appointment
of
men
as
pastors
for
the
congregations,
to
expound
the
Word
of
God,
to
feed
the
flock,
to
serve
as
leaders,
to
administer
the
ordinances,
to
exercise
scriptural
church
discipline,
and
to
function
as
servant/leaders
of
the
church.
Ordination
includes
the
setting
apart
for
a
particular
responsibility
by
the
church
through
the
laying
on
of
hands
and
the
invocation
of
divine
strength
for
the
assignment.
In
the
New
Testament,
the
primary
office
was
that
of
the
apostle;
others
were
gifted
as
prophets,
evangelists,
pastors,
and
teachers.
The
early
church
had
regional
overseers
or
bishops,
such
as
Timothy,
and
pastors
and
deacons
in
the
local
congregations.
These
brethren
were
responsible
for
the
leadership
and
pastoral
care
of
the
congregations
and
the
maintenance
of
order
in
the
church.
We
believe
the
New
Testament
provides
us
with
the
pattern
of
leadership
for
the
continuing
life
of
the
church.
Since
the
church
is
a
brotherhood,
the
organizational
structure
shall
insure
the
full
participation
of
the
members
with
their
spiritual
gifts.
It
is
the
scriptural
duty
of
the
church
to
give
financial
support
to
those
whom
it
asks
to
serve
as
evangelists, pastors, and teachers. We believe that there is room in the church for both men and women, in their respective roles, to exercise their individual gifts.
Matthew 23:8; 28:19; Acts 15:6; 20:28; I Corinthians 5:4, 5; 9:14; Ephesians 4:11, 12; Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:1-13; 4:14; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 5:2, 3.
Christian Baptism
Matthew
28:18-20
And
Jesus
came
and
spake
unto
them,
saying,
All
power
is
given
unto
me
in
heaven
and
in
earth.
Go
ye
therefore,
and
teach
all
nations,
baptizing
them
in
the
name
of
the
Father,
and
of
the
Son,
and
of
the
Holy
Ghost:
Teaching
them
to
observe
all
things
whatsoever
I
have
commanded
you:
and,
lo,
I
am
with
you
alway,
even
unto the end of the world. Amen.
We
believe
water
baptism
to
be
an
ordinance
of
Christ
which
symbolizes
divine
cleansing
from
sin
and
its
guilt,
identification
with
Christ
in
death
and
resurrection,
the
baptism
of
the
Holy
Spirit
and
the
commitment
to
follow
Christ
in
a
life
of
faithful
discipleship.
Candidates
for
water
baptism
must
repent,
turn
to
Christ
as
Savior
in
sincere
faith,
and
accept
Him
as
Lord.
Therefore,
only
believers
(not
infants)
are
to
be
baptized
with
water
in
the
name
of
the
Father
and
of
the
Son
and
of
the
Holy
Spirit.
Since
we
consider
baptism
to
be
symbolic
of
the
outpouring
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
we
also
consider
pouring
to
be
a
scriptural
mode
of
baptism.
By
baptism,
the
applicant
identifies
as
a
member of the body of Christ and should identify with the local congregation.
Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:16-21; 22:16; Romans 6:4-6.; I Corinthians 12:13; I Peter 3:21.
The Lord’s Supper
I Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
We
believe
the
Lord’s
Supper
is
an
ordinance
instituted
by
Jesus
Christ
to
establish
the
New
Covenant.
We
recognize
the
bread
and
the
cup
as
symbols
commemorating
Christ’s
broken
body
and
shed
blood.
By
observing
the
Lord’s
Supper,
we
also
symbolize
our
spiritual
life
in
Him
as
well
as
the
spiritual
unity
and
fellowship
of
the
body
of
Christ.
Only
those
who
have
peace
with
God
and
with
their
fellowmen
and
who
share
in
the
faith
of
the
church
should
be
invited
to
the
Lord’s
table.
All
believers
should
examine
themselves
and
avoid
partaking
of
the
sacred
emblems
carelessly
or
while
living
in
sin.
The
Lord’s
Supper
should
be
regularly
and
faithfully
observed
until
the
Lord
returns.
Luke 22:19, 20; I Corinthians 5:13; 10:16, 17; 11:24, 26.
Symbols of Christian Brotherhood
Romans 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
We
believe
the
washing
of
the
saints’
feet
is
an
ordinance
instituted
by
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ
to
be
observed
by
His
followers.
By
observing
this
ordinance
we
are
reminded
of
the
brotherhood
character
of
the
church,
of
our
mutual
duty
to
love,
to
serve,
and
to
admonish
one
another,
and
of
our
need
for
continuous
cleansing
in
our
daily
walk.
The
holy kiss and the right hand of fellowship are also New Testament symbols of Christian love in the church of Christ.
Luke 22:24; John 13:1-17; Romans 16:16; Galatians 2:9; I Timothy 5:10.
Symbols of Christian Order
Romans 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
We
believe
the
washing
of
the
saints’
feet
is
an
ordinance
instituted
by
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ
to
be
observed
by
His
followers.
By
observing
this
ordinance
we
are
reminded
of
the
brotherhood
character
of
the
church,
of
our
mutual
duty
to
love,
to
serve,
and
to
admonish
one
another,
and
of
our
need
for
continuous
cleansing
in
our
daily
walk.
The
holy kiss and the right hand of fellowship are also New Testament symbols of Christian love in the church of Christ.
Luke 22:24; John 13:1-17; Romans 16:16; Galatians 2:9; I Timothy 5:10.
Marriage and the Home
Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Mark 10:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
We
believe
God
instituted
only
heterosexual
marriage
at
the
beginning
of
human
history
according
to
the
Genesis
account
of
creation.
By
this
He
ordained
that
man
shall
leave
his
father
and
mother
and
cleave
to
his
wife,
and
they
two
shall
become
one
flesh
in
love
and
mutual
submission.
It
is
God’s
will
that
marriage
be
monogamous,
holy,
and
indissoluble,
except
by
death.
Christians
should
marry
only
in
the
Lord,
and
for
the
sake
of
spiritual
unity
in
the
home
they
should
become
members
of
the
same
congregation.
Marriage
was
instituted
for
the
happiness
of
the
husband
and
the
wife
and
for
the
procreation
and
Christian
nurture
of
children.
The
Christian
family
ought
to
have
family
worship
regularly,
to
seek
to
live
faithfully
according
to
the
teaching
of
the
Word
of
God,
and
to
support
loyally
the
church
in
her
mission.
It
is
essential
for
parents to pledge themselves to the faithful Christian nurture of their children. The married and unmarried can serve Christ acceptably.
We believe that practicing homosexuals and lesbians are in direct violation of the Word of God.
Genesis 1:27, 28; 2:24; Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Ephesians 6:1, 4.
Discipleship and Nonconformity
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Romans
12:1,
2
I
beseech
you
therefore,
brethren,
by
the
mercies
of
God,
that
ye
present
your
bodies
a
living
sacrifice,
holy,
acceptable
unto
God,
which
is
your
reasonable
service.
And
be
not
conformed
to
this
world:
but
be
ye
transformed
by
the
renewing
of
your
mind,
that
ye
may
prove
what
is
that
good,
and
acceptable,
and
perfect,
will
of
God.
We
believe
that
followers
of
Christ
are
called
with
a
holy
calling
to
a
life
of
separation
from
the
world
and
its
follies,
its
sinful
practices
and
methods.
Followers
of
Christ
recognize
the
lordship
of
Christ.
They
seek
for
holiness
of
heart,
life,
and
speech,
and
refuse
any
unequal
yoke
with
unbelievers.
They
regard
their
bodies
as
temples
of
the
Holy
Spirit
and
crucify
their
flesh
with
its
affections
and
lusts.
Therefore,
they
will
avoid
such
things
as
harmful
drugs,
beverage
alcohol,
and
tobacco.
Their
adornment
should
be
a
beauty
of
spirit,
expressed
in
attire
that
is
modest,
economical,
simple,
and
becoming
to
those
professing
Christian
faith.
They
will
avoid
the
wearing
of
makeup
or
jewelry,
and
the
blurring
of
sex
distinction
in
attire
and
hair
styles.
They
will
follow
the
biblical
principles
in
their
stewardship
of
money
and
possessions.
They
will
avoid
the excesses of the unbelieving world in the areas of leisure entertainment and recreation, especially professional sports.
Followers
of
Christ
also
believe
there
are
two
opposing
kingdoms
to
which
one
may
give
allegiance,
that
of
Christ
or
that
of
Satan.
Those
who
belong
to
Satan’s
kingdom
live
for sin and self, refusing obedience to Christ, instead giving expression to the works of the flesh.
Matthew
7:13,
14;
Luke
9:23-26;
Romans
12:1,
2;
I
Corinthians
6:12,
19;
II
Corinthians
6:14-18;
Galatians
5:22-24;
Ephesians
4:20-32;
Colossians
1:13;
I
Timothy
2:9,
10; I Peter 3:3, 4.
Christian Integrity
Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
II
Corinthians
6:14
Be
ye
not
unequally
yoked
together
with
unbelievers:
for
what
fellowship
hath
righteousness
with
unrighteousness?
and
what
communion
hath
light
with
darkness?
We
believe
that
it
is
a
major
Christian
obligation
to
be
strictly
truthful
and
transparent
in
life
and
doctrine,
with
no
secrecy
or
hypocrisy.
The
Lord
Jesus
Christ
has
forbidden
to
His
followers
the
use
of
any
and
all
oaths,
because
of
the
infinite
limitations
of
human
beings
and
the
obligation
always
to
speak
the
truth.
In
legal
matters,
we
therefore
simply
affirm
the
truth.
We
are
opposed
to
membership
in
secret
societies
or
lodges,
because
such
membership
often
involves
an
unequal
yoke
with
unbelievers
and
because
these
organizations
employ
hierarchical
titles,
require
oaths,
stand
for
organized
secrecy,
and
may
seek
to
offer
salvation
on
grounds
other
than
faith
in
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ. We believe it is in the church that one can find love, fellowship and security.
Matthew 5:33-37; 23:7-10; 16-22; John 18:20; Acts 4:12; II Corinthians 6:14-7:1; James 5:12.
Love and Nonresistance
Romans
12:20-21
Therefore
if
thine
enemy
hunger,
feed
him;
if
he
thirst,
give
him
drink:
for
in
so
doing
thou
shalt
heap
coals
of
fire
on
his
head.
Be
not
overcome
of
evil,
but
overcome evil with good.
We
believe
it
is
the
will
of
God
for
His
children
to
express
divine
love
in
all
human
relationships.
God
pours
His
love
into
the
hearts
of
Christians
so
that
they
desire
the
welfare of all and express only love toward those of other races, cultures, and various economic levels. Such a life of love excludes retaliation, revenge, and prejudice.
Jesus
Christ
in
His
earthly
life
was
the
supreme
example
of
love
and
nonresistance.
The
teaching
of
Jesus
requires
His
disciples
to
renounce
all
violence
in
human
relations.
We
believe
this
applies
to
every
area
of
life–to
personal
injustice,
to
situations
in
which
people
commonly
resort
to
litigation,
to
industrial
strife,
and
to
international
tensions and wars.
As
nonresistant
Christians
we
cannot
become
involved
in
any
situation
or
office
which
violates
the
New
Testament
principles
of
peace
and
nonresistance.
Therefore,
we
cannot
participate
in
military
service,
in
military
training,
or
in
the
voluntary/financial
support
of
war.
On
the
other
hand,
consistent
with
the
teachings
of
Jesus
and
at
the
risk
of
life
itself,
we
must
do
whatever
we
can
for
the
alleviation
of
human
distress
and
suffering.
We
must
remember
that
the
basic
human
problem
is
spiritual
alienation
from God because of sin; consequently, we should devote our resolute energies to reconciling people to God.
Matthew 5:38-48; John 18:36; Romans 5:5; 12:18-21; I Corinthians 6:1-8; II Corinthians 10:3, 4; James 2:8; I Peter 2:23; 4:1.
The Christian and Civil Government
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
We
believe
that
the
civil
government
is
ordained
of
God
to
maintain
law
and
order
in
society.
We
seek
to
obey
the
New
Testament
commands
to
render
honor
to
the
civil
authorities,
to
pay
our
taxes,
to
obey
all
the
laws
which
do
not
come
into
direct
conflict
with
the
higher
law
of
God,
and
to
pray
for
our
rulers.
The
Christian
is
obligated
to
obey
the
civil
laws
which
are
not
in
direct
violation
of
the
higher
law
of
God.
The
church
should
also
witness
to
the
civil
authorities
of
God’s
redeeming
love
in
Christ
and
of
His
sovereignty
over
all
men.
However,
“witnessing
to
the
state”
concerning
matters
affecting
domestic
or
foreign
policy
is
not
within
the
realm
of
the
church’s
responsibility.
Individual Christians are, however, permitted to speak to civil authorities in the form of pleas for consideration of clemency.
We
believe
there
are
more
consistent
ways
of
witnessing
against
public
evil
than
participating
in
organized
marches
and
coercive
public
demonstrations
directed
against
actions,
laws,
or
people
considered
to
be
out
of
harmony
with
Christian
ethics.
We
are
in
proper
order
to
accept
protection
from
the
government.
We
should
not
initiate
court
proceedings
of
a
vindictive
nature
to
avenge
personal
loss.
Noting
the
character
of
the
two
kingdoms–church
and
state–we
recognize
that
the
state
does
not
and
cannot
operate
according
to
the
teaching
of
Christ
regarding
nonresistance.
Nonresistant
Christians
cannot
undertake
any
service
in
the
state
which
would
violate
the
principles
of
love and holiness as taught by Christ and His inspired apostles.
Acts 4:19; 5:29; Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 1:20-22; 5:23; I Timothy 2:1, 2.
The Final Consummation
II
Peter
3:12-13
Looking
for
and
hasting
unto
the
coming
of
the
day
of
God,
wherein
the
heavens
being
on
fire
shall
be
dissolved,
and
the
elements
shall
melt
with
fervent
heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
We
believe
that
the
Eternal
Sovereign
God,
who
created
all
things
and
upholds
all
things
by
the
word
of
His
power,
in
the
fullness
of
time
will
gather
together
all
things
in
Christ.
As
commanded
by
Christ
and
His
apostles,
we
believe
the
true
church
in
this
present
age
is
to
witness
to
the
hope
of
the
coming
age
ushered
in
by
the
glorious
personal return of Jesus Christ.
We
believe,
according
to
the
Scriptures,
that
as
the
consummation
draws
nearer,
evil
men
and
seducers
will
become
worse
and
worse,
deceiving
and
being
deceived,
iniquity
will
abound,
false
prophets
and
false
christs
will
arise,
and
the
love
of
many
will
grow
cold,
resulting
in
widespread
apostasy
among
churches.
With
confidence
in
the
promise of Jesus, we believe “he that endures unto the end shall be saved.”
We
believe
that
at
the
glorious
appearing
of
the
great
God,
even
our
Savior,
Jesus
Christ,
He
will
put
down
all
enemies
and
take
His
appointed
place
as
King
of
kings
and
Lord of lords to rule the nations with a rod of iron until He will deliver up the kingdom unto God the Father, that God may be all in all.
We
believe
that
at
death
the
righteous
enter
at
once
into
conscious
joy
and
fellowship
with
Christ,
while
the
wicked
are
in
a
state
of
conscious
suffering.
We
believe
in
the
bodily
resurrection
of
all
the
dead:
the
just
unto
life
eternal
in
the
presence
of
God
the
Father,
the
Son,
and
the
Holy
Spirit
forever
to
enjoy
the
riches
of
His
grace;
the
unjust
unto eternal death to suffer the righteous wrath of God in the lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
We
believe
that
in
the
consummation
God
will
destroy
the
present
cosmos
by
fire
and
will
create
a
new
heaven
and
a
new
earth
which
will
be
the
eternal
habitation
of
the
righteous. God Himself will dwell among them. All sorrow, pain and death will have passed away.
Daniel
12:2;
Matthew
25:34,
41;
Mark
9:43-48;
Luke
16:22,
23;
John
5:22;
I
Corinthians
15:24,
35-58;
II
Corinthians
5:1-4;
Philippians
1:23;
I
Thessalonians
4:13-5:4;
I
Peter 1:4; II Peter 3:3-13; Revelation 15:3; 21:4; 22:3.