ARTICLES OF FAITH

Birth of Water & Scripture.

Pardon and forgiveness of sins is obtained by obeying and identifying with the gospel message according to Acts 2:38. The word “repentance” comes from several Greek words which mean, change of views and purpose, change of heart, change of mind, change of life, to transform, etc. Jesus said, “…Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3). Luke 24:47 says, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name along all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

We believe that the scriptural mode of water baptism (immersion) is only for believers who have fully repented having turned from their sins and a love of the world, and must be administered by a duly authorized minister of the Gospel, in obedience to the Word of God, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the Acts of the Apostles 2:38; 8:16; 10:47; 19:5, thus fulfilling Matthew 28:19.

We believe in the baptism of the Holy Ghost for believers, obtained by obedience, (Acts 2:38-39; 5:31-32), by asking (Luke 11:13). It is evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4). Also that it is the standard of the normal Christian experience since Pentecost. John the Baptist, in Matthew 3:11, said, “…he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” Jesus said, “…ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” (Acts 1:5) Luke tells us in Acts 2:4,

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” It is scriptural to expect all who receive the gift, infilling, or baptism of the Holy Ghost to receive the same, physical, initial sign of speaking with other tongues. The speaking with other tongues, as recorded in Acts 2:4, 10:46, and 19:6, and the gift of tongues, as explained in I Corinthians chapters 12 and 14, are the same in essence, but different in use and purpose.

The Lord, through the prophet Joel, said, “…I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh…” (Joel 2:28) Peter, in explaining this phenomenal experience, said, “…having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” (Acts 2:33) Further, “…the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:39)

Grace of God.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11-12“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

A Christian, to keep saved, must walk with God and keep himself in the love of God (Jude 21) and in the grace of God. The word “grace” means “favor” and also means “enablement to live the Christian life”. When a person transgresses and sins against God, he loses his favor.

If he continues to commit sin and does not repent, he will eventually be lost and cast into the lake of fire. (Read John 15:2,6; II Peter 2:20-21) Jude speaks of the backsliders of his day, and their reward. (Also, read Hebrews 6:4-6) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

The Church.

There is one Body or Church; and but one way to enter it. Namely, by faith, as evidenced by true repentance; water baptism in Jesus name; and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which constitutes the new birth. (Ephesians 4:4-6; Acts 2:38,39; John 3:1-11) We are primitive Christians who trace our scriptural history back to Pentecost, and not just another sect. But rather, a part of that great company of true believers, that hold the scriptural form of doctrine and practice.