Article I. Preamble
The Wesleyan Episcopal Assemblies Pentecostal stand firmly in the mainstream of historical Christianity. We take the Bible as the all-sufficient source of faith and practice, and subscribe to the historic creeds of the universal church (ecclesia). In common with historical, evangelical Christianity, we emphasize Christ as Savior and coming king. We also recognize Christ’s role as Healer and adopt the distinctive position that prayer in tongues is an initial evidence when Christ baptizes in the Holy Ghost (See Article VI, 3). This evidence shall invariably be followed and substantiated by a transformed life characterized by increased faith, compassion, and especially the fruit of the spirit. The phraseology of this statement, known as the Articles of Christian Truth, is not held to be inspired, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full-gospel ministry. No claim is made that is holds a comprehensive statement of all Biblical truth, instead it covers those doctrines necessary as a minimum standard for inclusion and a clarification of these doctrines, to the end that we all speak the same thing.1
Article II. Holy Scriptures
The Scriptures both the Old and New Covenants are given by inspiration of God.2 Which is to say that the original composer and the scribes who transcribed the orations and oral tradition, were inspired as to content and therein are infallible,3 when reviewed in context. The written canon, composed of the sixty-six books is the revelation of God to man; the supreme, infallible, authoritative rule of faith, practice and behavior.4 Christian believers today receive spiritual illumination5 to enable them to understand the Scriptures, but God does not grant new revelations, which are contrary to or describe an evolution in inspired biblical truth.6
Article III. The Godhead
The one true God has reveled himself as the eternally selfexistent “I AM,” the Creator of Heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind.7 He has further revealed himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Ghost.8 These three are one God,9 having the same nature and attributes and are worthy of the same homage, faith and obedience.10 We refer to He and Him for purposes of personification but recognize that he is beyond gender and therefore embodies the principles of femininity11 as well.
Section 3.01 Terms Defined
The terms Trinity and Persons as related to the Godhead, while not found in the Scriptures, are words in harmony with Scripture, whereby we may convey to others our immediate understanding of the doctrine of Christ respecting the being of God, as distinguished from “gods many and lords many.” We therefore speak with propriety of the Lord our God who is One Lord, as a trinity or as one Being of three persons,12 and still be absolutely scriptural.13
Section 3.02 Distinction and relationship in the Godhead
Christ taught a distinction of Persons in the Godhead14 which he expressed in specific terms of relationship, as Father,15 Son16 and Holy Ghost, but that this distinction and relationship, as to it’s mode is difficult for the temporal mind to fathom.
Section 3.03 Unity of the One Being of Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Accordingly there is that in the Father which constitutes him the Father and not the Son; There is that in the Son which constitutes Him the Son and not the Father;17 and there is that in the Holy Ghost which constitutes him the Holy Ghost and not either the Father or the Son. Wherefore the Father is the begetter, the Son is the Begotten, and the Holy Ghost is the One Proceeding from both the Father and the Son.18 Therefore, because these three persons in the Godhead are in a state of unity, there is but one Lord God Almighty and his name one.19 This relationship can be best seen in the tripartite nature of man, whose psyche (soul), subconscious (Spirit) and Id (Flesh or carnal mind generally attributed to the hypothalamus) are clearly distinguished in the scriptures.
Paul described these distinctions within the being of an ordinary man, wherein his carnal nature, characterized by desires that are at war with those of the spirit of God indwelling him, and his soul which he named the psyche, stands apart from this activity and is exasperated by such conflict. The flesh or physical man and the spirit of both righteous and unrighteous men are treated identically;20 leaving a third component that must pass on to judgment.21 In this way, there are three persons or components in the nature of man, body in the form of the brain, the soul (psyche) or mind, and the spirit (super-ego) in a state of unity and composing a single individual.22
Section 3.04 Identity and Cooperation in the Godhead
The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are never identical as to Person, nor confirmed as to relation; nor divided in respect to the Godhead; nor opposed as to cooperation.23 The Son is in the Father and the Father is in the Son as to relationship. The Son is with the Father and the Father is with the Son, as to fellowship. The Father is not from the Son, but the Son is from the Father, as to authority.24 The Holy Ghost is from the Father and the Son proceeding, as to nature, relationship, cooperation and authority. Hence, neither Person in Godhead either exists or works separately or independently of the others.25
(a) The Father
The Father exists eternally as the Creator of Heaven and earth, the Giver of the Law, to whom all things will be subjugated, so that He may be all in all.26
(b) The Son
The Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal and only begotten Son of God is fully Man and fully God.27 He was conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary28 and by his sinless life, miracles and teaching gave full revelation of the Father.29 He died upon the cross as a perfect, sinless, substitutionary sacrifice.30 He rose from the dead31. He is now at the right hand of the majesty on high serving as our great high Priest32 and only intermediary. He will come again to establish his kingdom in righteousness and peace.33
The Scriptures declare:
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- His virgin birth,34
- His sinless life,35
- His miracles,36
- His substitutionary work on the cross,37
- His bodily resurrection from the dead,38
- His exaltation to the right hand of God,39
- Second Coming.40
(c) The Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost is also God, performing actions and possessing the attributes of Deity.41 His personality is shown by his role in creation and by relating to individual prophets as a person.42
Section 3.05 The Titles, Lord Jesus Christ, God With Us and Son of God
The appellation, “Lord Jesus Christ,” is a proper name. It is never applied in the New Testament, either to the Father or to the Holy Ghost. It therefore belongs exclusively to the Son of God.43 The Lord Jesus Christ, as to His divine and eternal nature, is the proper and only Begotten of the Father,44 but as to His human nature, He is the proper Son of Man.45 He is therefore properly seen to be both God and man; “Immanuel,” God with us.46 Since the name “Immanuel” embraces both God and man in one Person, our Lord Jesus Christ, it follows that the title, Son of God,47 belongs to the order of eternity, and the title Son of Man, to the order of time.
Section 3.06 Transgression of the Doctrine of Christ
Wherefore, it is a transgression of the Doctrine of Christ to say that Jesus Christ derived the title, Son of God,48 solely from the fact of the incarnation,49 or because of his relation to the economy of redemption.50 Therefore, to deny that the Father is a real and eternal Father,51 and that the Son is a real and eternal Son,52 is a denial of the distinction and relationship in the Being of God;53 a denial of the Father, and the Son,54 and a displacement of the truth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.55 Further, it is a denial of the witness of the scripture to deny that Christ is bodily resurrected.56
Section 3.07 Exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord
The son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, having by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;57 angels and principalities and powers having been made subject unto Him,58 and having been made both Lord and Christ, He sent the Holy Ghost that we in the name of Jesus, might bow our knees and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father until the end,59 when the Son shall become subject to the Father that God may be all in all.60
Section 3.08 Equal Honor to the Father and to the Son
Since the Father has delivered all judgment unto the Son,61 it is the express duty of all in Heaven and on earth to bow the knee. Further, it is an unspeakable joy in the Holy Ghost to ascribe unto the Son all the attributes of Deity,62 and to give Him all honor and the glory contained in all the names and titles of the Godhead.63 The only exception would be those names, which express relationship between the Father and the Son and thus honor the Son even as we honor the Father.64
Article IV. Angels
Section 4.01 Classification
Angels were created as intelligent and powerful beings to do the will of God and worship Him.65 However, Satan, the originator of sin, fell through pride and was followed by those angels who rebelled against God. These fallen angels or demons are active in opposing the purposes of God.66 Those who remained faithful continue to serve God as ministering spirits and messengers of the Almighty on high.67
Section 4.02 The Believer And Demons
Demons attempt to thwart God’s purposes; however, in Christ, the believer may have complete liberty from the influence of demons.68 He cannot be possessed by them because his body is the temple of the Holy Ghost in which Christ dwells as Lord, and that no person may be indwelled by both the spirit of God and of Satan.69 It is an absurdity to assume that one who is actively promoting the Kingdom of God and exercising the gifts and fruits of the spirit could be acting under the power of Satan,70 further it is an unpardonable sin to in this wise slander the Holy Ghost.71
Article V. Man
Man was originally created good and upright in the image and likeness of God;72 for God said, “Let us make man in our own image.” However, he fell through voluntary sin and, as a consequence, incurred both spiritual and physical death.73 We recognize that infants are not sufficiently developed as rational beings to distinguish right and wrong and have need of instruction in order to comprehend the will of God. We recognize that at some arbitrary point every child comes to recognize the nature of good and evil and chooses to commit evil in pursuit of selfish desires,74 repeating a cycle of spiritual death, which is the legacy of the fall of man. Spiritual death is separation from God, which occurs when a human acts against conscience transgressing the Law of God and this depravity is transmitted through biological reproduction and as such,75 affects the whole of humanity,76 with the exception of the Man Jesus Christ. Man can be saved from Spiritual Death, only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ.77
Article VI. Salvation
Salvation has been provided for any person through the sacrifice of Christ78 upon the cross.79 It is the only perfect redemption and substitutionary atonement for all the sins of the world,80 both original and actual.81 His atoning work has been proven by His resurrection from the dead.82 Those who repent and believe in Christ are born again of the Holy Ghost and receive eternal life.83 Furthermore, in the atonement, divine healing was provided for all believers.84
Section 6.01 Preconditions for Salvation
Salvation is received through repentance before God,85 Godly sorrow with respect to past behaviors and faith in the character and nature of the Lord Jesus Christ.86
Section 6.02 Saving Faith
Man can be born again87 only through the efficacy of the shed blood of Jesus Christ88 the Son of God, and not through good works.89 By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost,90 being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life.91
(a) Repentance
Repentance, a vital part of believing, is a complete change of life course wrought by the Holy Ghost, turning a person from past sinful habits.92
(b) Justification
Justification is an arbitrary, judicial act of God by which the sinner is declared righteous and guiltless solely on the basis of his acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior.93 This is a one time comprehensive benefit that blots out responsibility for past life decisions.94
(c) Regeneration
Regeneration is a creative work of the Holy Ghost by which man is born again and receives spiritual life.95 This new life in Christ causes a person to have a new nature, which is focused on pleasing God rather than satisfying the carnal nature.96
Section 6.03 Evidence of Salvation
The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit.97 The outward evidence of Salvation is a life of righteousness and true holiness.98
Article VII. The Christian Experience
Section 7.01 Forgiveness of Sin
Believers who stumble into error must repent and seek forgiveness from the one offended and from God, through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ.99
Section 7.02 Sanctification
Sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit100 in the life of the believer, producing a separation from evil,101 and dedication to God.102 It is an experience that is both an ongoing process of Regeneration (Section 6.02(b)) and an instantaneous imputation.103 It is distinguished from rebirth wherein guilt for all prior acts is cleansed away. In Sanctification, a believer is imbued with the power to resist sin and looses the tendency to be bound by compulsive habitual sins as well as specific behaviors.104 In addition, a believer begins an ongoing process predicated on the foundation of the spiritual disciplines, in which God confronts the believer with new issues of character and discipline105 for the perfection of the saint.106 “Be ye holy, because I am holy.”
Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by the faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Ghost.107
Section 7.03 Security in Christ
Rebirth brings justification for all previous sinful behavior. The believer can rest assured of salvation on the basis of faith in the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ that He is competent to keep him and to protect him from mistakes and temptation that will take one from the body and Grace of Christ.108 We recognize that scripture does explicitly state that one may fall from grace through voluntary choice,109 but that Satan is prohibited from making that decision inevitable. Three activities can produce a fall from grace and must be carefully guarded against:
(a) Blasphemy Or Slander Of The Holy Ghost,
Blasphemy of the Holy Ghost was identified by Jesus when certain leaders were accusing him of being a demoniac. Because they slandered the Holy Ghost which indwelled him, they were told that they would not be forgiven.110
(b) Return To Habitual Sin,
While we recognize that people are fallible and prone to make errors, the spiritual rebirth of the believer confers power to resist habitual sin.111 The bible refers to those who lose ground, or backslide in their Christian walk, and are thus in “danger of Hellfire.”112 If unrepentant at death, this burden of uncovered sin, will lead to condemnation. Many will face the final judgment convinced they were effective and anointed Men of God.113 By the grace of God, one who as fallen into sin may, by true repentance and faith, find forgiveness and full restoration.114
(c) Or Apostasy.
Sometimes, through living with unrepentant sin, lack of faith or rebellion, a believer may ally himself with the forces of darkness or even leave the faith looking for a teacher who will encourage rebellious desires and self-indulgence.115 Such a person can be said to have fallen away from the Faith. For this person there is no further salvation (forgiveness of Sins), because having once walked with Christ they have assumed the burden of their sin once again. For this person to be saved Christ would need to be born of a virgin and crucified a second time.116
Section 7.04 Baptism In Fire Of The Holy Ghost
The baptism in the Holy Ghost is an experience in which the believer yields control of himself to the Holy Ghost, All believers are entitled to and should ardently seek the promise of the Father, the Baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ.117 This was the normal experience the entire, early Christian Church and provides the believer with a more intimate way. With it comes the bodily empowerment for both life and service, the giving of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry.118 The evidence of this experience is a natural growth of the fruit of the Spirit and the practice of praying in a tongue unknown by the speaker.119
This experience is distinct from, and subsequent to, the experience of the new birth.120 With the baptism in the Holy Ghost, a believer may experience:
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- An ecstatic and uninhibited spirituality,121
- A deepened reverence for God,122
- An intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work,123 and
- A more active love (compassion) for Christ, for His Word and for the lost.124
Section 7.05 The Gifts Of The Spirit
The gifts of the Spirit are supernatural abilities given by God through the exercising of which believers are enabled to minister effectively and directly in particular situations. They serve the dual function of building up the church, and of demonstrating the presence of God within His Church.125 These gifts are distinct from natural ability and are evaluated on their usefulness in ministry and not by the ecstasy produced in the gifted.126
Article VIII. The Church
Section 8.01 The Universal Church
The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the spirit,127 with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission.128 Jesus Christ is the founder and only Head of the church.129 All who are born again of the Spirit are members of the universal church,130 an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven.131 The church includes both those believers who have gone to be with the Lord and those who remain on the earth, having renounced the world, the flesh, and the devil,132 and having dedicated themselves to the work, which Christ committed unto His church until He comes.133 The church on the earth is to preach the pure Word of God, properly administer the sacerdotal functions according to Christ’s instructions, and live in obedience to all that Christ commands.134
Section 8.02 The Local Assembly
(a) Purpose
The local church is a body of believers in Christ who have joined together to function as a part of the universal church. The local church is ordained by God and provides a context in which believers corporately worship God, observe the ordinances of the church, are instructed in the faith and are equipped for the evangelization of the world. The priority reason for being a member of the Assembly as a part of the local church is:
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- To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world,135
- To be a corporate body in which man may worship God,136
- To be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son.137
The Wesleyan Episcopal Assemblies Pentecostal exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this reason for being in the New Testament Apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Ghost. This experience:
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- Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs,138
- Adds a necessary dimension to the worshipful relationship with God,139
- Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Ghost in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in the New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ.140
(b) Ordinances of the Church
(i) Marriage
Marriage is a provision of God whereby a man and a woman enter into a lifelong relationship through the public declaration of intent and the joining in sexual union and verbal or written contract.141 Generally, this union is to be sealed by the consent and recognition of the parents or guardians of the couple. Marriage establishes a “one flesh” relationship,142 which goes beyond a physical union and is more than either a temporary relationship or a mere contractual obligation.143
(ii) Holy Communion
The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements – unleavened bread and fruit of the vine – is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, a memorial of his suffering and death, and a prophecy of His second coming, and is enjoined on all believers “till He comes!” We recognize that the first communion was the culmination of a Seder or Passover service144 and therefore the cup and bread were necessarily lacking in any product of fermentation. For this reason, while bread may be caused to rise through yeast free methods, we recognize that it violates the integrity of the symbolic purpose and essential reverence to use any alcohol or bread with any sort of leaven.145 This ordinance of communion is to be participated in by believers until Christ’s return, as an act of reverence, obedience and reminiscence.146
(iii) Water Baptism
The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded by the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized.147 Water baptism signifies to the world that a believer has died with Christ and also has been raised with Him to walk in newness of life.148 This practice is a formal public confession of Christ and is a prerequisite to further growth in Christ.149 Jesus not only commanded this, but also submitted to baptism himself, with the full approval of the father.150
(iv) Divine healing
Divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel provided in the atonement of Christ, and is the privilege of all believers. Prayer for the sick and gifts of healing are encouraged and practiced.151
Section 8.03 Marriage and the Family
Marriage establishes an emotional, physical and spiritual oneness, characterized by the anatomical gifting of each partners body to the other partner,152 which enables and obligates both partners to respond to the spiritual, physical and social needs of the other.153 It provides the Biblically sanctioned context for the procreation of children.154 Marriage is to be an exclusive and permanent relationship maintained in purity. It is intended by God to be a public witness of the relationship between God and his People and, Christians should marry only those who are believers.155
(a) Fornication and Adultery
Sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage is always a sin, which prevents right relationship with God.156 In the case where neither participant is married and no intention or possibility for Godly marriage exists between them, the sin is fornication.157 Where in addition these parties are not married to one another but one or both are married to a third party this is adultery.158
(b) Separation
Separation occurs when a couple are unable to reconcile differences in temperament, behavior etc. and is to be discouraged if at all possible. If these persons are believers, they may opt to separate and begin living apart. In such cases, separation may only occur by mutual consent, and under the supervision of Licensed Minister or Priest. Neither party is entitled to date or engage in sexual activity with any person, while the separation persists. If they find that the need for companionship and sexual fulfillment is too great a burden, they must find reconciliation with their spouse.159
(c) Divorce
Because of its sanctity and permanence, marriage should be treated with seriousness and entered into only after counsel and prayer for God’s guidance.160 Legal Divorce is a termination of marriage via legal process by the state; this is merely a means to facilitate the separation of assets and custody. We recognize that marriage is not merely a legal partnership and the spiritual union can only be terminated on the basis of scriptural precedent. An individual who becomes a believer after marriage must remain with his or her partner in peace, and should endeavor to be an attractive witness for Christ in the home.161 The only legitimate cause for a believer to pursue divorce is porneia, which is defined as an ongoing pattern of marital unfaithfulness (i.e. adultery, homosexuality, or incest).162 A legal divorce from the state is only valid where biblical grounds for divorce exist. Even in this case, Jesus’ own words characterize such a decision as a lapse in compassion and as such should never be entered into without due counsel and prayer.163 Further, the one divorced by a spouse on the grounds of porneia, if already an avowed believer, is never entitled to remarry.164 This is a hard sentence to bear and we recognize that the most desirable option is always reconciliation.165
(d) Remarriage
Remarriage is the Union, legally sanctioned by the State, of a man and woman, one or both of whom have been previously married. It is regarded as acceptable when there has been marital infidelity on the part of the former spouse, if the former spouse has been remarried, or if the former spouse is deceased. If a spouse, who is not presently a confessing believer, should leave a believing spouse, the believer is free as if they had never been married. If the spouse of a believer is not a believer or has abandoned the faith, and wishes to terminate the relationship because of irreconcilable religious differences, the believer should let them go and is free to remarry or remain single as conscience dictates.166 If a believer was divorced before becoming a confessing Christian, that believer should endeavor to reconcile with the former spouse only if that spouse is also a believer and if both parties are currently unmarried. Otherwise, that believer is free to remarry as conscience dictates.167 A believer who initiates a legal divorce based on unscriptural grounds (i.e. no-fault, mental cruelty etc.) and remarries is guilty of adultery according to scriptural precedent and leaves the former spouse free to remarry. The state of adultery persists as long as the unscriptural marriage remains.168
(e) Polygyny
Polygyny is the marriage of multiple wives to one husband.169 While we recognize that this practice was engaged in during Biblical times and may be legal in some countries,170 we feel it is the witness of scripture that this practice is foolish and leads to hardship171 and sexual immorality, as a natural consequence.172 As such, if there are no outstanding moral or ethical issues apart from the fact of polygyny, polygyny itself will not be a bar to fellowship.
(f) Polyandry
Polyandry is the practice of multiple men having one wife. It is the clear witness of scripture that Polyandry is institutionalized Adultery.173
(g) Homosexuality & Lesbianism
Homosexuality and lesbianism can more properly be known corporately as Homosexuality, since this term has no gender value and refers to sexual activity between members of the same sex. It is the repeated witness of scripture that persons who engage in homosexuality are suffering from a state of delusion and a sinfully depraved mind.174 God provides healing and restoration for persons who engage in all sorts of sinful behavior and freedom from the desire to commit those sins. Homosexual sin is not deemed to be more severe than any sexual sin, or other conceit.175 However, since the principles of natural procreation and male female union are violated by homosexual relationships,176 they can never be deemed to be marriages and cannot be blessed or sealed by God.
(h) Transgender, Transsexuality & Marriage
Persons who are transgendered are corporately referred to in scripture as effeminate. In scriptural times, a woman had little choice in marriage and as such even those women who were so inclined were prohibited from practicing such behavior. As a concession to the changes in our society, we introduce the term emasculate to refer to those women who are suffering from the analogous condition. Transgender cross-dressing is a serious offence against God and one, which is specifically noted in several passages.177 The transgendered are free to partake of the benefits of marriage, but the sin itself is a barrier to right relationship with God, their children and with their spouses.
Transsexuals are merely those effeminate who have managed to take advantage of modern technology to make their depravity a physical transformation. While the transformation is often quite dramatic, the fundamental genetic assay bears witness that such persons were born, male or female in opposition to their physical appearance. Because marriage to a transsexual would entail many complications, including defacto homosexuality on the part of the spouse (regardless of sexual organs), transsexuals may not receive the benefit of marriage and any current spouse of such a person is released from all responsibility toward the Union.
Section 8.04 Ministry
A divinely called and scripturally ordained priesthood is called by God to give leadership to the church as it fulfills its purpose in performance of the sacerdotal functions. A local Assembly is intended to be a place of empowerment where the General membership is equipped and supported in:
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- The performance of compassion ministries,178
- Evangelization of the world and outreach to the local community,179
- Worship of God,180 and
- Building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son.181
(a) Support of the Local Elder
A workman is worthy of his hire. The principal of Tithing was divinely instituted by God under the old covenant and was compulsory upon the people who worshipped God.182 Under the new covenant we are not bound by the ceremonial laws; but the principles of right and wrong as expressed by the law, represent God’s divine opinion of a minimum standard for expressing charitable compassion, and consuming devotion to God. Regular systematic giving is clearly taught in both the New and Old Covenants as a worshipful expression of gratitude and devotion to God.183 A Tithe or Tenth is the biblical measure or rule of this systematic giving. All Christians should voluntarily and joyfully tithe their income to God through the local assembly as a sign of devotion and as a means of supporting the sacerdotal purpose of that body.184
(b) Support of the International Synod
The leadership of the local Assembly is a steward of the people administering sacerdotal functions to the people under their tutelage. In a similar fashion, the Synod administers to the elders and deacons under their ministry.185 In the interest of leadership by example, the local Assembly should recognize that leadership role and demonstrate proper respect and duty to the Synod. The local assembly must give liberally to further the missions and outreaches of the General Synod and must tithe the income received in tithe from the congregation of the local Assembly.186
Section 8.05 Church Discipline
While scriptural imperative demands a compassionate and merciful demeanor,187 the witness of scripture is that inclusion and exclusion is a matter of life and death for a congregation.188 Christ’s own teaching points out that the standards one uses to discriminate are the same standards that will be used to evaluate oneself.189 This does not excuse one from the sometimes-onerous task of using sound judgment to exclude those whose behavior and rebellion is a threat to the general well being of the congregation.190 To this end, it is the responsibility of the congregation to arbitrate squabbles191 and to exclude members who are unwilling to accept the discipline of the local congregation. The continued association on a social basis, or the administering of sacerdotal functions to one who is in active rebellion against the principles of scripture or the authority of the local assembly, can and will draw that entire assembly into a state of spiritual dysfunction and ultimately may result in the loss of communion with the spirit of the living God.192
When a believer’s errors (i.e. remarriage, homosexuality, slander, etc.)193 predate his or her conversion, no censure shall apply. All sin that occurs before conversion is under the blood and carries no weight in the life of the believer.194 Further, one who has been censured due to outstanding sin may repent and seek a restoration of fellowship. Such a person is to be welcomed back with full honors, and aided in the process of reconciliation and restitution.195
Article IX. The End Of Time
Section 9.01 The Present State Of The Dead
At death, the souls of the believers pass immediately into the presence of Christ.196 And these remain in a state of awareness of success until the resurrection into a glorified body.197 The souls of deceased unbelievers remain conscious of condemnation198 and failure until the final resurrection and judgment of the unrighteous dead.199
Section 9.02 The Great Apostasy
Scripture teaches us that in the last days many will fall from the faith200 and seek teachers who promote unrepentant sinful life as a parody of Christian Liberty.201 This Apostasy will sweep through the church falsely condemning those who remain faithful to the biblical imperative to live a holy life.202 Prophecy promises that these counterfeit teachers will be damned in the final judgment but not before that, they lead many astray.203 The weakened and carnal nature of the church at that time will lead many to be deceived into believing that Antichrist is a righteous incarnation of God.204 In the end, he will be revealed for who he is by claiming to be a substitute for Christ on earth,205 and making his home in the high places of the church, and of Israel.206
Section 9.03 The Rapture
The rapture or catching away is the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord207 This event takes place before the wrath of God is poured out in the Tribulation.208
Section 9.04 The Tribulation
The tribulation will be a time of judgment on the whole earth209 During this period, the Antichrist will emerge to offer false hope to the nations210 and to be a tool of vengeance against the unrighteous who remain in the earth.211
Section 9.05 The Second Coming Of Christ
The return of Christ to earth in power and great glory212 will conclude the great tribulation with:
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- The victory at Armageddon in the valley of Megiddo,213
- The defeat of the Antichrist and the united nations of earth who have allied against Israel,214
- The binding of Satan in the pit,215
- The introduction of an earthly theocracy under the resurrected Jesus,216
- Restoration of the nation of Israel to her covenanted borders,217
- The reconciliation of Israel and her messiah,218
- The repeal of the curse of man.219
Section 9.06 Judgment of the Believers
Believers then will appear before the judgment seat of Christ and be judged according to faithfulness in Life and Christian service.220 Those of low temporal estate shall be first in the kingdom and many who are first in this life will be among the least ones in the kingdom.221
Section 9.07 The Final Judgment
There will be a final judgment in which everyone whose life is characterized by the practice of lying and deception who along with those who did not place their faith in Christ, will be judged.222 Whoever is not listed in the Christ’s Book of Life,223 will join the Beast, the false Prophet, Satan also known as Lucifer, and all the fallen angels in eternal separation from the Spirit of God and all the benefit of that Spirit, in a place prepared for the eternal punishment of Lucifer and all his angels.224 This is the second death225 and shall be characterized by wailing and grinding teeth in frustration and self-recrimination.226
Section 9.08 The Eternal State Of The Righteous
The righteous will share the glory of God in the new heaven and the new earth for eternity.227 “We according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness.”228
Article X. The Pentecostal Creed
The historical creeds of the church are recognized as a means of simplifying and formalizing a person’s affiliation with Christ. They are a reasonable and appropriate means of teaching and a comprehensive confession of Faith and Identity with Christ. The Nicene and Apostolic Creeds are recognized as valid but incomplete reflections of Apostolic Faith, we affirm the following creed as a minimum standard for orthodox and complete Christian identity:
- I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
He is the God of the Jew and the savior of the nation of Israel.
He is the great I Am and the bearer of the unspoken name.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day, he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Ghost who participated in creation.
He indwells the believer and baptizes in power to perform miracles and service.
He counsels the broken heart and heals the broken mind.
He is in all and through all establishing the community of true believers.
He gives evidence of those who believe by conferring the power to bind and exile demons,
speak with unknown tongues,
bring miraculous healing to the sick,
and stand proof against poison.I believe in the community of saints who are the true believers past and present;
living and dead,
forgiveness of sins,
resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.
1 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42
2 2 Timothy 3:15-17
3 2 Peter 1:20,21
4 Psalms 119:160; Matthew 5:17,18; 1 Thessalonians 2:13
5 1 Corinthians 2:12-14
6 Numbers 23:19; Proverbs 30:5,6; Jeremiah 29:21-23; Galatians 1:6-9
7 Isaiah 43:10,11
8 Luke 3:22
9 Deuteronomy 6:4
10 Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 3:16;28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14 11 Genesis 49:24,25; Isaiah 49:15; Num 11:12; Deuteronomy 32:11; Ruth 2:12; Psalms 36:7; Malachi 4:2; Matt 23:37; Luke 13:34
12 1 John 5:7
13 Matthew 28:19; John 14:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14
14 Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 1:3-4
15 Matthew 11:25-27
16 Luke 1:35; 1 Corinthians 1:24
17 John 17:11; 17:21
18 John 15:26
19 John 1:18; Zechariah 14:9
20 Ecclesiastes 3:20,21; Romans 7:22,23; 8:9-11,13
21 Mark 9:47-48; Mathew 10:28; 16:26; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Peter 1:8-9, 2:11; Revelation 6:9; 20:4
22 Hebrews 4:12; Mathew 22:37-38
23 Matthew 3:16,17; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14
24 John 5:32, 37; 8:17,18
25 John 5:17-30
26 Genesis 1:1; 1 Corinthians 15:28
27 John 1:1,14; 10:30; 17; Philippians 2:6,7; Hebrews 7:26
28 Luke 1:26-35
29 John 12:49; Acts 2:22; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26
30 Romans 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 3:18
31 Matthew 28:6; 1 Corinthians 15:4,20
32 Acts 1:9-11; 2:33; Hebrews 8:1
33 Matthew 25:31
34 Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31,35
35 Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22
36 Acts 2:22; 10:38
37 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21
38 Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:37-39; 1 Corinthians 15:4
39 Acts 1:9; 1:11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3
40 Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27; 24:30; Revelations 1:719:1114; 20:1-6
41 Acts 5:3,4
42 John 16:13-14
43 Romans 1:1-3; 2 John 1:3
44 John 3:15-17; 1John 4:10, 14
45 1 John 4:2
46 Matthew 1:23
47 Hebrews 1:1-13; 7:3, 21-24; 1 John 3:7-9; 48 John 1:49
49 Matthew 8:28,29; John 1:18; Hebrews 1:5-8 50 John 1:1-5,13-15,29,30
51 Matthew 5:16
52 Matthew 5:45-48
53 2 John 1:9; Hebrew 12:2
54 1John 2:22,23
55 1 John 2:22-26; 4:2-4; 2 John 1:6-8
56 1 Peter 3:21
57 Hebrews 1:3; Acts 2:32-36
58 Hebrews 1:4; 1 Peter 3:22 59 Romans 14:11
60 1 Corinthians 15:24-28
61 John 5:22,23
62 1 Peter 1:8
63 Philippians 2:8,9; Revelations 5:6-14
64 Revelations 4:8-11; 7:9-10
65 Psalms 103:20; Revelations 5:11,12
66 Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Ephesians 6:11,12; 1Timothy 4:1; Jude 6
67 Genesis 19:1,13-17; Hebrews 1:14
68 Hebrews 2:14; 1John 3:8; 4:14
69 Matthew 6:24; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20; James 3:11-13
70 Matthew 12:26-30; Mark 3:23-27
71 Matthew 12:31-37; Mark 3:28-31; Luke 12:9
72 Genesis 1:26; 2:7
73 Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12; James 1:14,15
74 Genesis 3:6,7
75 Romans 5:12-14
76 Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-19,23
77 Isaiah 9:6,7; 53:4-12; Matthew 8:16,17; Acts 2:38; Romans 4:23-25; 1 Corinthians 15:14-18,20-22; Hebrews 10:12, 13; 1 John 2:2-4
78 Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:10-13; Titus 2:11-14
79 Ephesians 2:16
80 Titus 3:5-7
81 1 John 4:9-10, 14-15
82 Romans 1:4; 6:5
83 John 3:5-6; Romans 15:10-28
84 Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:17
85 Matthew 3:8,9,11; 9:13; Mark 2:17; Luke 3:8; 5:32; 15:7; 24:46,47; Acts 26:20; 1 John 2:4,5
86 Matthew 9:21,22; Luke 18:7; Acts 3:15,16; 15:8,9; 24:1416; 20:20,21; 26:18; Romans 1:3-6; 1:16-19; 3:23-25
87 John 3:3-6
88 Luke 24:47; Matthew 26:28; John 6:3,54; Acts 20:28; Romans 3:23-25,5:8,9; Ephesians 1:7,8; 2:13; Colossians 1:13,14,20; Hebrews 9:11-14
89 Titus 2:11,12;Titus 3:3-5
90 John 16:7,8
91 Acts 20:21; 1 Peter 1:23,25
92 1 Kings 8:46-49; 2Chrinicles 6:36-39; Jeremiah 4:28; 18:9; Ezekiel 14:6; 18:30; Jonah 3:9; Luke 11:32; Revelations 2:5 93 Romans 3:21-26; 4:3; 5:1,2; 1 John 2:1,2
94 Colossians 1:19,20; 1 John 1:9
95 John 3:3-7; 17:17,19; Hebrews 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:22
96 2 Corinthians 5:17,18
97 Romans 8:16
98 Ephesians 4:22-24; Titus 2:11-14
99 Matthew 5:23-25; John 8:11,12
100 John 10:27-29; Romans 8:35-39
101 Genesis 17:1; Romans 12:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12; 2: Corinthians 6:14; 7:1
102 John 14:23; Colossians 3:17; 1 John 2:6
103 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Timothy 2:19-22; 1 Peter 1:14-16
104 1 Corinthians 5:10-13 105 Hebrews 12:14
106 1 Peter 1:15,16
107 Romans 6:1-11,13; 8:1,2,13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12,13; 1Peter 1:5
108 John 10:27,29; Romans 8:35-39
109 Hebrews 10:26,27
110 Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3:28-30; Luke 12:10
111 John 3:3-7; 1Peter 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:17,18
112 Hebrew 6:7
113 Matthew 7:19-23; 25:41-46; Luke 13:24-30
114 Malachi 3:7; Matthew 18:21,22; John 15:4-6; 1 Timothy 4:1,16; Hebrew 10:35-39; 1 John 1:9; 2:1,2,24,25
115 1 Timothy 4:1-3
116 Hebrew 6:7; Ephesians 5:1-7
117 Luke 24:29; Acts 1:4-8
118 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
119 Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-47; 11:15,17; 15:7-11; 1Corinthians 13:1-3
120 Acts 19:1-7; 2:38-41; 8:12-14,18-24; 35-39; 16: 30-34; 18:8; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:24-27
121 Acts 2:17,18; 4:8, 31; 13:8-10, 52; 14:1; Ephesians 5:18 122 Acts 5:32; Ephesians 5:19,20; Romans 8:9, 14, 16; 12:1 123 Acts 4:31, 33; 9:17-22; 20:28
124 Acts 4:34, 35; Romans 2:29; 5:5; 14:17; 15:5-7, 13, 30 125 1Corinthians 14:22
126 Acts 8:18-20
127 Ephesians 2:20-22; Colossians 1:24
128 Matthew 16:18; 18:17; Acts 2:41-47; 9:31; 14:23; 15:22,23; 20:28,29; 1 Corinthians 12:28
129 Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:18-20; 5:23,24; Colossians 1:18
130 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 2:19
131 Hebrews 12:22-24
132 Ephesians 4:26-30
133 James 5:14-16
134 Acts 11:22,23; Ephesians 3:9,10,21; Galatians 1:8-12
135 Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16
136 1 Corinthians 12:13
137 Ephesians 4:11-16;; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:12
138 Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Hebrews 2:3,4
139 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
140 Galatians 5:22-26; 1Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Colossians 1:29
141 Genesis 24:67; 25:21,22; Genesis 29:21-23; Ruth 4:9-13; 1 Corinthians 7:15,27,28
142 Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-8; Ephesians 5:31; 143 Matthew 19:6-9; Mark 10:9
144 Matthew 26:17,18; Mark 14:14; Luke 22:14,15,19,20
145 Exodus 12:17-20
146 Luke 22:19
147 Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:8-10; John 3:22
148 Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:5; Acts 11:18; Romans 6:3,4; 1Corinthians 15:29
149 Acts 2:38-41; 8:14-17
150 Matthew 28:18-20; John 4:1,2; Acts 8:13,14,27-39
151 James 5:14-16
152 Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-8; 1 Corinthians 7:4; Ephesians 5:31
153 Genesis 24:67; 1 Corinthians 7:5-6
154 Genesis 25:21,22; Ruth 4:9-13; 1 Corinthians 7:15,27,28; 155 2 Corinthians 6:14,15; Ephesians 5:29-31
156 Proverbs 6:26, 32; Jeremiah 7:9-11; Matthew 5:8; 15:19,20; Mark 7:21-23; Acts 15:20; Romans 1:28,29; 1 Corinthians 5:1,2,5
157 Ezekiel 16:5, 25,26; 1Corinthans 7:2 Jude 1:7; Deuteronomy 22:28,29
158 Genesis 39:7-9; Exodus 22:16,17; 20:14; Leviticus 18:20; 20:10; Deuteronomy 5:18; 22:22-24
159 1 Corinthians 7:11
160 Matthew 19:6-9; Mark 10:9
161 1 Corinthians 7:12-14,16
162 Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:11,12 163 Matthew 19:6,7; Mark 10:4,5 164 Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:11,12
165 1 Corinthians 7:10,11; Ephesians 4:31,32
166 1 Corinthians 7:2-16
167 John 4:16-18; 8:4-7, 10,11
168 Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:11,12; 1 Corinthians 7:10-12 169 Isaiah 4:1
170 Genesis 16:3; 26:34;29:21-23,28;30:3,4
171 Genesis 16:3,4;26:34,35;29:21-23,28,31
172 2 Samuel 12:10-12; Deuteronomy 17:17; 1Timothy 3:2; 1 Titus 1:6; 1Kings 11:4
173 Romans 7:2-3
174 Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Deuteronomy 23:17; Judges 19:22,23; Romans 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9
175 Romans 3:22-25;6:20-23
176 Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9
177 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:8-10
178 Matthew 10:42; 25:35-40; Mark 9:41; 179 Mark 16:15-20
180 John 4:23,24
181 Ephesians 4:11,16
182 Genesis 14:18-20; Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:2729;26:10-12; 2Chronicles 31:4-6,11,12; 1Corinthians 9:6-10 183 Deuteronomy 12:6-8,11,17-19;14:22-27; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Luke 10:1-8; James 5:4
184 1 Corinthians 9:6,10-15; 2 Corinthians 11:7,8
185 Numbers 18:24,26,28; Nehemiah 10:37,38
186 Malachi 3:10-12; 1Corinthians 9:11; 2 Corinthians 11:7,8 187 1 Corinthians 13:1-5
188 1 Corinthians 5:5,6
189 Matthew 7:1,2; Luke 6:36,37 190 1 Corinthians 5:1,2,5-7; 6:2-4 191 1 Corinthians 4:18-21; 6:2-5 192 1 Corinthians 5:1,2,5-7,9-13 193 Corinthians 5:9-13
194 Colossians 1:19,20; 1 John 1:9
195 2 Corinthians 2:5-8,10,11; Galatians 6:1,2
196 John 8:51; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:21
197 Romans 8:22-25; 1Corinthians 15:42-44,49; 2 Corinthians 5:1,2
198 Luke 16:22-31; John 3:36
199 Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; Revelations 5:11-15
200 Matthew 24:8-10; 2Thessalonians 2:2,3
201 2 Peter 2:1-3; James 3:1
202 Matthew 24:11,12
203 Daniel 9: 27; Matthew 24:9; 2 Peter 2:1-6, 12,13
204 Matthew 24:23,24
205 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12
206 Daniel 11:36,37, 45 Thessalonians 2:4
207 Matthew 24:29-31; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelations 20:5
208 Revelations 3:10
209 Jeremiah 6:10-19; Matthew 24:15,21,22; 1 Thessalonians 5:13
210 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; Revelations 13:11-18
211 Isaiah 10:3,4; Zechariah 14:6-11; 11:14-17; Revelations 14:9-11; Revelations 16:1-6
212 Matthew 24:26-30; Luke 17:25-30
213 Zechariah 12:11; Revelation 16:16; 17:14; 19:19
214 Zechariah 12:6-9; Revelations 17:12,13
215 Isaiah 24:21-23; 2 Peter 2:4; Revelations 20:2,7
216 Psalms 2:6-12; Daniel 2:44,45; Luke 22:29,30; Revelations 5:10; 11:15; 20:4-6
217 Jeremiah 30:8-11; Daniel 9:24,25; Micah 4:6,7
218 Isaiah 44:22,23; Zechariah 12:10
219 Isaiah 25:8,9; 60:18-22; Joel 3:16,17; Galatians 3:13 Joel 3:16,17-20; Matthew 5:18,19
221 Matthew 19:28-30; Luke 13:30,31
222 Matthew 25:45,46; Mark 9:43,44; Revelations 20:12-15; 22:14-15
223 Daniel 12:1; Malachi 3:16; Philippians 4:3; Revelations 3:5; 20:12,15
224 Isaiah 14:11-17; Revelations 19:20
225 Revelations 20:14; 21:8
226 Matthew 8:10-12,13:39-42,49,50; 22:12; 24:51; 25:30; Luke 13:27,28
227 Matthew 13:43; John 17:24; Hebrews 11:10; Revelations 21:22,23
228 2 Peter 3:13; Revelations 21:1,2
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