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Sojourner Study
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Our Doctrinal Statement of Faith
This is what we believe with verses* from Scripture included. Although it is detailed, it is not exhaustive. This study has been done in love and through many years of Biblical research. We hope it gives you encouragement and deepens your own faith in the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
THEOLOGY PROPER
Theology Proper is the study of the person and work of God. This is the basis of our Christian faith. There is no greater desire in life than to know God.
“However, I consider those things that were gain to me as a loss for Christ. Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith, that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death, if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Phil. 3:7-11)
We believe there is one God
“Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God. Yahweh is one.” (Deut. 6:4)
God shares some of His attributes with creation.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal. 5:22-23b) “and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.” (Eph. 4:24)
Only He possesses certain attributes such as omnipotence.
“The Rock: his work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A God of faithfulness who does no wrong, just and right is he.” (Deut. 32:4)
“For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse.” (Rom. 1:20)
who exists in three Persons, the Holy Trinity,
The Trinity is composed of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
“But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21)
Each member of the Trinity is responsible for specific outward actions.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.” (2 Cor. 13:14)
The unity of the Trinity is perfect so that none of them can be separated.
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matt. 28:19b)
and desires to have a personal relationship with His creation.
“But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)
God has given a general revelation of Himself through creation.
“For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.” (Rom. 8:19-21)
God is transcendent above His creation.
“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,’ says Yahweh. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isa. 55:8-9)
God is immanent and active with His creation.
“. . . he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live, move, and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’” (Acts 17:27b-28)
This transcendence and immanence coexists simultaneously in a healthy tension.
“‘Am I a God at hand,’ says Yahweh, ‘and not a God afar off?’” (Jer. 23:23)
God desires for His creation to be restored to Him.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Theology Proper is the study of the person and work of God. This is the basis of our Christian faith. There is no greater desire in life than to know God.
“However, I consider those things that were gain to me as a loss for Christ. Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith, that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death, if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Phil. 3:7-11)
We believe there is one God
“Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God. Yahweh is one.” (Deut. 6:4)
God shares some of His attributes with creation.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal. 5:22-23b) “and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.” (Eph. 4:24)
Only He possesses certain attributes such as omnipotence.
“The Rock: his work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A God of faithfulness who does no wrong, just and right is he.” (Deut. 32:4)
“For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse.” (Rom. 1:20)
who exists in three Persons, the Holy Trinity,
The Trinity is composed of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
“But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21)
Each member of the Trinity is responsible for specific outward actions.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.” (2 Cor. 13:14)
The unity of the Trinity is perfect so that none of them can be separated.
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matt. 28:19b)
and desires to have a personal relationship with His creation.
“But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)
God has given a general revelation of Himself through creation.
“For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.” (Rom. 8:19-21)
God is transcendent above His creation.
“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,’ says Yahweh. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isa. 55:8-9)
God is immanent and active with His creation.
“. . . he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live, move, and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’” (Acts 17:27b-28)
This transcendence and immanence coexists simultaneously in a healthy tension.
“‘Am I a God at hand,’ says Yahweh, ‘and not a God afar off?’” (Jer. 23:23)
God desires for His creation to be restored to Him.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
CHRISTOLOGY
Christology is the study of Jesus Christ. The truth of this study is key to our salvation. The best way we can know God is by looking at the Son.
“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. How do you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” (John 14:9-11)
We believe Jesus existed in eternity past as one of the persons of God
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
Jesus existed before the world and created it.
“For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.” (Col. 1:16)
Jesus is fully God, God the Son.
“I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30)
and came down to earth by the conception of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is fully man, Son of Man.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
“who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:6-8)
Jesus’ divine nature and human nature are inseparably joined forever.
“The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
He was born of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit.
“The angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.’” (Luke 1:35)
He lived a sinless life, died for sin, and was resurrected.
Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life until His death.
“For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:21)
His death was the atonement for the sins of the world.
“by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Heb. 10:10)
“And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)
After He died, three days later, He rose from the dead.
“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” (1 Cor. 15:3-4)
Christ ascended to the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest
He ascended into Heaven while talking with the disciples.
“So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19)
He is now the High Priest of Heaven.
“But he, because he lives forever, has his priesthood unchangeable. Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them. For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.” (Heb. 7:24-28)
As such, He is also making intercession for us.
“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Rom. 8:34)
and will come again to reign on the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
“In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.” (John 14:2-3)
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thess. 4:16-17)
“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty . . . . He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called ‘The Word of God.’ The armies which are in heaven, clothed in white, pure, fine linen, followed him on white horses. Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.’” (Rev. 1:8, 19:13-16)
Christology is the study of Jesus Christ. The truth of this study is key to our salvation. The best way we can know God is by looking at the Son.
“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. How do you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” (John 14:9-11)
We believe Jesus existed in eternity past as one of the persons of God
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
Jesus existed before the world and created it.
“For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.” (Col. 1:16)
Jesus is fully God, God the Son.
“I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30)
and came down to earth by the conception of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is fully man, Son of Man.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
“who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:6-8)
Jesus’ divine nature and human nature are inseparably joined forever.
“The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
He was born of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit.
“The angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.’” (Luke 1:35)
He lived a sinless life, died for sin, and was resurrected.
Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life until His death.
“For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:21)
His death was the atonement for the sins of the world.
“by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Heb. 10:10)
“And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)
After He died, three days later, He rose from the dead.
“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” (1 Cor. 15:3-4)
Christ ascended to the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest
He ascended into Heaven while talking with the disciples.
“So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19)
He is now the High Priest of Heaven.
“But he, because he lives forever, has his priesthood unchangeable. Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them. For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.” (Heb. 7:24-28)
As such, He is also making intercession for us.
“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Rom. 8:34)
and will come again to reign on the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
“In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.” (John 14:2-3)
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thess. 4:16-17)
“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty . . . . He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called ‘The Word of God.’ The armies which are in heaven, clothed in white, pure, fine linen, followed him on white horses. Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.’” (Rev. 1:8, 19:13-16)
PNEUMATOLOGY
Pneumatology is the study of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us in truth, so it is important to know more about the Spirit’s work.
“He who keeps his commandments remains in him, and he in him. By this we know that he remains in us, by the Spirit which he gave us.” (1 John 3:24)
We believe the Holy Spirit is one of the persons of God
God abides in us through the person of the Holy Spirit.
“No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we remain in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.” (1 John 4:12-13)
“I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20a)
The Spirit existed in eternity past.
“The earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep and God’s Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters.” (Gen. 1:2)
God is Spirit.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
who convicts, regenerates, indwells, baptizes, and seals believers at the time of conversion.
The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin.
“When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; about sin, because they don’t believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more; about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.” (John 16:8-11)
The Spirit regenerates and gives believers new life.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead . . . . having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.” (1 Pet. 1:3, 23)
Once the person believes, the Spirit permanently indwells them.
“But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Rom. 8:11)
Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a way God identifies a believer.
“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:13)
The sealing work of the Holy Spirit is God’s mark of ownership.
“who also sealed us and gave us the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.” (2 Cor. 1:22)
The Holy Spirit guides us in the knowledge of God.
The Spirit reveals truths about God to us.
“However, when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.” (John 16:13)
The Spirit reveals to us the truth about Christ.
“When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me.” (John 15:26)
The Spirit will direct us to follow the truth.
“I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever:” (John 14:16)
“If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25)
Pneumatology is the study of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us in truth, so it is important to know more about the Spirit’s work.
“He who keeps his commandments remains in him, and he in him. By this we know that he remains in us, by the Spirit which he gave us.” (1 John 3:24)
We believe the Holy Spirit is one of the persons of God
God abides in us through the person of the Holy Spirit.
“No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we remain in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.” (1 John 4:12-13)
“I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20a)
The Spirit existed in eternity past.
“The earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep and God’s Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters.” (Gen. 1:2)
God is Spirit.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
who convicts, regenerates, indwells, baptizes, and seals believers at the time of conversion.
The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin.
“When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; about sin, because they don’t believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more; about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.” (John 16:8-11)
The Spirit regenerates and gives believers new life.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead . . . . having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.” (1 Pet. 1:3, 23)
Once the person believes, the Spirit permanently indwells them.
“But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Rom. 8:11)
Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a way God identifies a believer.
“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:13)
The sealing work of the Holy Spirit is God’s mark of ownership.
“who also sealed us and gave us the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.” (2 Cor. 1:22)
The Holy Spirit guides us in the knowledge of God.
The Spirit reveals truths about God to us.
“However, when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.” (John 16:13)
The Spirit reveals to us the truth about Christ.
“When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me.” (John 15:26)
The Spirit will direct us to follow the truth.
“I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever:” (John 14:16)
“If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25)
ANTHROPOLOGY
Anthropology is the study of Humankind. This helps us understand who we are and how we relate to God.
“I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.” (Ps. 139:14)
We believe humans were created by God,
God created the first man, Adam, out of the dust of the ground
“Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground,” (Gen. 2:7a)
and the first woman, Eve, from the rib of Adam.
“Yahweh God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. As the man slept, he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Yahweh God made a woman from the rib which he had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken out of Man.’” (Gen. 2:21-23)
God put a spirit and soul into humans
“and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Gen. 2:7b)
“But there is a spirit in man, and the Spirit of the Almighty gives them understanding.” (Job 32:8)
and set them as rulers over creation.
“God blessed them. God said to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’ God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food.’” (Gen. 1:28-29)
An individual is composed of many parts that make up the whole.
“May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 5:23)
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30)
God continues to create people in their mother's womb.
“For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Ps. 139:13)
in the Image of God,
Humankind reflects God's Image and likeness,
“God said, ‘Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.” (Gen. 1:26-27)
and also God's glory and honor.
“what is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him? For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. You make him ruler over the works of your hands. You have put all things under his feet:” (Ps. 8:4-6)
to bring Him glory and worship.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)
Anthropology is the study of Humankind. This helps us understand who we are and how we relate to God.
“I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.” (Ps. 139:14)
We believe humans were created by God,
God created the first man, Adam, out of the dust of the ground
“Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground,” (Gen. 2:7a)
and the first woman, Eve, from the rib of Adam.
“Yahweh God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. As the man slept, he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Yahweh God made a woman from the rib which he had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken out of Man.’” (Gen. 2:21-23)
God put a spirit and soul into humans
“and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Gen. 2:7b)
“But there is a spirit in man, and the Spirit of the Almighty gives them understanding.” (Job 32:8)
and set them as rulers over creation.
“God blessed them. God said to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’ God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food.’” (Gen. 1:28-29)
An individual is composed of many parts that make up the whole.
“May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 5:23)
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30)
God continues to create people in their mother's womb.
“For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Ps. 139:13)
in the Image of God,
Humankind reflects God's Image and likeness,
“God said, ‘Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.” (Gen. 1:26-27)
and also God's glory and honor.
“what is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him? For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. You make him ruler over the works of your hands. You have put all things under his feet:” (Ps. 8:4-6)
to bring Him glory and worship.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)
HARMATOLOGY
Harmatology is the study of sin. This follows Anthropology in that we find the effects of sin on humanity and how sin affects our relationship with God.
“Therefore, as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin, so death passed to all men because all sinned.” (Rom. 5:12)
We believe humankind first sinned in the Garden of Eden, leading to the Fall.
“Yahweh God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand, and also take of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever—’ Therefore Yahweh God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Gen. 3:22-24)
Sin brings judgment upon us,
Sin initiated the need for the Law of God.
“I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.” (Rom. 7:9)
Now the Law condemns us of our sin.
“For as many as have sinned without the law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.” (Rom. 2:12)
The judgement of sin is death.
“For the wages of sin is death,” (Rom. 6:23a)
and disrupts our relationship with God.
Sin brings God's wrath,
“We also all once lived among them in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” (Eph. 2:3)
clouds our vision of God,
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known.” (1 Cor. 13:12)
separates us from relationship with God,
“But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isa. 59:2)
and makes us unable to dwell with God.
“For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can’t live with you.” (Ps. 5:4)
Because of sin, none of us can please God.
“Those who are in the flesh can’t please God.” (Rom. 8:8)
Harmatology is the study of sin. This follows Anthropology in that we find the effects of sin on humanity and how sin affects our relationship with God.
“Therefore, as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin, so death passed to all men because all sinned.” (Rom. 5:12)
We believe humankind first sinned in the Garden of Eden, leading to the Fall.
“Yahweh God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand, and also take of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever—’ Therefore Yahweh God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Gen. 3:22-24)
Sin brings judgment upon us,
Sin initiated the need for the Law of God.
“I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.” (Rom. 7:9)
Now the Law condemns us of our sin.
“For as many as have sinned without the law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.” (Rom. 2:12)
The judgement of sin is death.
“For the wages of sin is death,” (Rom. 6:23a)
and disrupts our relationship with God.
Sin brings God's wrath,
“We also all once lived among them in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” (Eph. 2:3)
clouds our vision of God,
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known.” (1 Cor. 13:12)
separates us from relationship with God,
“But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isa. 59:2)
and makes us unable to dwell with God.
“For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can’t live with you.” (Ps. 5:4)
Because of sin, none of us can please God.
“Those who are in the flesh can’t please God.” (Rom. 8:8)
SOTERIOLOGY
Soteriology is the study of Salvation. In this study, we find how Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection restores our relationship with God.
“But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)
We believe God is the only One who can deliver us from sin.
“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!” (Acts 4:12)
He delivers us from the penalty of sin,
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God’s wrath through him.” (Rom. 5:9)
the power of sin,
“We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection; knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over him! For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God. Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore don’t let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. Also, do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin will not have dominion over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.” (Rom. 6:4-14)
and the presence of sin.
“Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him just as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
This was done by Jesus' death and resurrection.
Jesus Christ took our sins upon Himself when He died.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.” (1 Pet. 2:24)
This satisfied judgment from the Law.
“But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;” (Rom. 3:21)
Because of His resurrection, we can enter into new life.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’” (John 14:6)
“For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;” (Rom. 6:5)
Jesus gives salvation as a free gift to those who believe
“the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23b)
This was predestined for the elect before the world was formed
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Rom. 8:28-29)
and comes by our faith alone in Christ's work.
“for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9)
Those who believe in Jesus have eternal life.
“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24)
and restored our relationship with God.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” (1 Tim. 2:5)
Once saved, our new life begins to resemble that of Christ's
“But we all, with unveiled face seeing the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit . . . . Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor. 3:18, 5:17)
and we become Children of God.
“But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)
God is pleased by our faith.
“Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.” (Heb. 11:6)
Soteriology is the study of Salvation. In this study, we find how Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection restores our relationship with God.
“But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)
We believe God is the only One who can deliver us from sin.
“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!” (Acts 4:12)
He delivers us from the penalty of sin,
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God’s wrath through him.” (Rom. 5:9)
the power of sin,
“We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection; knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over him! For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God. Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore don’t let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. Also, do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin will not have dominion over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.” (Rom. 6:4-14)
and the presence of sin.
“Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him just as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
This was done by Jesus' death and resurrection.
Jesus Christ took our sins upon Himself when He died.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.” (1 Pet. 2:24)
This satisfied judgment from the Law.
“But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;” (Rom. 3:21)
Because of His resurrection, we can enter into new life.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’” (John 14:6)
“For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;” (Rom. 6:5)
Jesus gives salvation as a free gift to those who believe
“the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23b)
This was predestined for the elect before the world was formed
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Rom. 8:28-29)
and comes by our faith alone in Christ's work.
“for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9)
Those who believe in Jesus have eternal life.
“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24)
and restored our relationship with God.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” (1 Tim. 2:5)
Once saved, our new life begins to resemble that of Christ's
“But we all, with unveiled face seeing the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit . . . . Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor. 3:18, 5:17)
and we become Children of God.
“But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)
God is pleased by our faith.
“Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.” (Heb. 11:6)
BIBLIOLOGY
Bibliology is the study of the Scriptures, Bible. The Bible contains the revealed Word of God and is crucial to our understanding of Him.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Mark 13:31)
We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God
Inspiration means the cooperation with the writers of Scripture and God that produced the 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament.
“From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:15-17)
The writings of the Old Testament were inspired by God.
“knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Pet. 1:20-21)
The writings of the New Testament were inspired by God.
“But to us, God revealed them through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For who among men knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God except God’s Spirit. But we received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God. We also speak these things, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.” (1 Cor. 2:10-13)
The Bible is God’s divine Word in human language.
“Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31)
and without error in the original writings.
The original manuscripts of the Bible were driven by God and are inerrant.
“For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.” (Matt. 5:18)
The Word of God is pure and true.
“Yahweh’s words are flawless words, as silver refined in a clay furnace, purified seven times.” (Ps. 12:6)
“Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Bibliology is the study of the Scriptures, Bible. The Bible contains the revealed Word of God and is crucial to our understanding of Him.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Mark 13:31)
We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God
Inspiration means the cooperation with the writers of Scripture and God that produced the 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament.
“From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:15-17)
The writings of the Old Testament were inspired by God.
“knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Pet. 1:20-21)
The writings of the New Testament were inspired by God.
“But to us, God revealed them through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For who among men knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God except God’s Spirit. But we received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God. We also speak these things, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.” (1 Cor. 2:10-13)
The Bible is God’s divine Word in human language.
“Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31)
and without error in the original writings.
The original manuscripts of the Bible were driven by God and are inerrant.
“For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.” (Matt. 5:18)
The Word of God is pure and true.
“Yahweh’s words are flawless words, as silver refined in a clay furnace, purified seven times.” (Ps. 12:6)
“Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
ECCLESIOLOGY
Ecclesiology is the study of the Church. The Church is all believers who are called to witness for God and worship to God.
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” (Rom. 10:14-15)
We believe the Church is composed of all those who have faith in Jesus,
“to the assembly of God which is at Corinth—those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:” (1 Cor. 1:2)
The Church is a whole composed of many parts.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Cor. 12:27)
This includes everyone regardless of race, age, and gender.
“For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise.” (Gal. 3:26-29)
One must be born-again into the family of the Church of God
“ Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom.” (John 3:5)
and have faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. God raised him up the third day and gave him to be revealed, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:36-43)
Believers are to remain in fellowship with the Church.
“not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:25)
“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.” (Acts 2:42)
whose mission is to be a witness for Christ to the nations,
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Christ told His disciples to testify and teach about Himself.
“‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” (Matt. 28:19-20)
Believers are told to preach to everyone,
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to the whole creation.’” (Mark 16:15)
regardless of their nationality,
“Peter opened his mouth and said, ‘Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.’” (Acts 10:34-35)
so they may share in the eternal blessings of God.
“His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed.” (Ps. 72:17)
and bring glory to God
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Tim. 1:17)
Everything should be done for the glory of God.
“Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31)
God is the only one worthy of glory.
“Sing to Yahweh, all the earth! Display his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, and his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised. He also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and gladness are in his place. Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of the peoples, ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength! Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come before him. Worship Yahweh in holy array.” (1 Chron. 16:23-29)
“After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God;’” (Rev. 19:1)
We bring glory to Him in worship and unity.
“But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth . . . . that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them, that they may be one, even as we are one, I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one, that the world may know that you sent me and loved them, even as you loved me.” (John 4:23-24, 17:21-23)
through the use of gifts given by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers for His glory.
“But the one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires.” (1 Cor. 12:11)
There are many different gifts that are given.
“having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us: if prophecy, let’s prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or service, let’s give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; or he who exhorts, to his exhorting; he who gives, let him do it with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Rom. 12:6-8)
“Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds of workings, but the same God who works all things in all. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, and to another workings of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of languages, and to another the interpretation of languages.” (1 Cor. 12:4-10)
“He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;” (Eph. 4:11)
These are given at different times according to the Spirit’s will
“God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?” (Heb. 2:4)
to be used in love
“If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Cor. 13:1-3)
and build the Church.
“So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.” (1 Cor. 14:12)
“for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ,” (Eph. 4:12)
All of these gifts will remain until Christ returns
“But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.” (1 Cor. 13:8b-10)
and brings us to full maturity.
“until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” (Eph. 4:13)
Water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age.
These ordinances are not to be regarded as a means of salvation.
“for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9)
Baptism is an outward showing of an inward change.
“For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:5)
It is a public display of one’s faith in Christ.
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matt. 28:19)
There is only one true baptism for eternity by the Holy Spirit.
“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 3:11)
“one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” (Eph. 4:5)
Jesus established the Lord’s Supper to remember His death.
“For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread. When he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me.’ In the same way he also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Cor. 11:23-26)
Christ will commune with us again in the age to come.
“Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in God’s Kingdom.” (Mark 14:25)
Ecclesiology is the study of the Church. The Church is all believers who are called to witness for God and worship to God.
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” (Rom. 10:14-15)
We believe the Church is composed of all those who have faith in Jesus,
“to the assembly of God which is at Corinth—those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:” (1 Cor. 1:2)
The Church is a whole composed of many parts.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Cor. 12:27)
This includes everyone regardless of race, age, and gender.
“For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise.” (Gal. 3:26-29)
One must be born-again into the family of the Church of God
“ Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom.” (John 3:5)
and have faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. God raised him up the third day and gave him to be revealed, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:36-43)
Believers are to remain in fellowship with the Church.
“not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:25)
“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.” (Acts 2:42)
whose mission is to be a witness for Christ to the nations,
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Christ told His disciples to testify and teach about Himself.
“‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” (Matt. 28:19-20)
Believers are told to preach to everyone,
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to the whole creation.’” (Mark 16:15)
regardless of their nationality,
“Peter opened his mouth and said, ‘Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.’” (Acts 10:34-35)
so they may share in the eternal blessings of God.
“His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed.” (Ps. 72:17)
and bring glory to God
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Tim. 1:17)
Everything should be done for the glory of God.
“Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31)
God is the only one worthy of glory.
“Sing to Yahweh, all the earth! Display his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, and his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised. He also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and gladness are in his place. Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of the peoples, ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength! Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come before him. Worship Yahweh in holy array.” (1 Chron. 16:23-29)
“After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God;’” (Rev. 19:1)
We bring glory to Him in worship and unity.
“But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth . . . . that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them, that they may be one, even as we are one, I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one, that the world may know that you sent me and loved them, even as you loved me.” (John 4:23-24, 17:21-23)
through the use of gifts given by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers for His glory.
“But the one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires.” (1 Cor. 12:11)
There are many different gifts that are given.
“having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us: if prophecy, let’s prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or service, let’s give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; or he who exhorts, to his exhorting; he who gives, let him do it with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Rom. 12:6-8)
“Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds of workings, but the same God who works all things in all. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, and to another workings of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of languages, and to another the interpretation of languages.” (1 Cor. 12:4-10)
“He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;” (Eph. 4:11)
These are given at different times according to the Spirit’s will
“God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?” (Heb. 2:4)
to be used in love
“If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Cor. 13:1-3)
and build the Church.
“So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.” (1 Cor. 14:12)
“for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ,” (Eph. 4:12)
All of these gifts will remain until Christ returns
“But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.” (1 Cor. 13:8b-10)
and brings us to full maturity.
“until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” (Eph. 4:13)
Water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age.
These ordinances are not to be regarded as a means of salvation.
“for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9)
Baptism is an outward showing of an inward change.
“For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:5)
It is a public display of one’s faith in Christ.
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matt. 28:19)
There is only one true baptism for eternity by the Holy Spirit.
“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 3:11)
“one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” (Eph. 4:5)
Jesus established the Lord’s Supper to remember His death.
“For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread. When he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me.’ In the same way he also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Cor. 11:23-26)
Christ will commune with us again in the age to come.
“Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in God’s Kingdom.” (Mark 14:25)
ANGELOLOGY
Angelology is the study of angels. Angels provide us with an example of God's judgment and His love for His creation. They also place an active role in the immaterial aspects of our lives.
“Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh from the heavens! Praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all his army!” (Ps. 148:1-2)
We believe God created angels.
God created all things, which includes angels.
“For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.” (Col. 1:16)
They were present during the creation of the earth.
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding. Who determined its measures, if you know? Or who stretched the line on it? What were its foundations fastened on? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7)
Angels are spiritual beings in the presence of God
“The heavens will praise your wonders, Yahweh, your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies can be compared to Yahweh? Who among the sons of the heavenly beings is like Yahweh, a very awesome God in the council of the holy ones, to be feared above all those who are around him?” (Ps. 89:5-7)
and are God's messengers.
“Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” (Heb. 1:14)
Prior to the Fall, the angel Satan sinned against God.
Satan is the serpent that tempts Eve
“Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat of any tree of the garden’?’ . . . . The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’ Yahweh God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, you are cursed above all livestock, and above every animal of the field. You shall go on your belly and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.’” (Gen. 3:1, 13b-15)
His sin made him lose his position in heaven
“The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” (Rev. 12:9)
and one-third of the angels fell along with him.
“His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth.” (Rev. 12:4a)
He wants to be higher than God as seen in his desire to destroy humankind.
“The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10a)
However, Satan and all his followers will eventually be removed
“Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels;’” (Matt. 25:41)
“He seized the dragon, the old serpent, who is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more until the thousand years were finished. After this, he must be freed for a short time . . . . And after the thousand years, Satan will be released from his prison and he will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up over the width of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. Fire came down out of heaven from God and devoured them. The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Rev. 20:2-3, 7-10)
Angels show us an example of God's wrath and His love for us.
“For if God didn’t spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and committed them to pits of darkness to be reserved for judgment;” (2 Pet. 2:4)
“For he didn’t subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels. But one has somewhere testified, saying, ‘What is man, that you think of him? Or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.’ For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don’t yet see all things subjected to him. But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone. For it became him, for whom are all things and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, ‘I will declare your name to my brothers. Among the congregation I will sing your praise.’ Again, ‘I will put my trust in him.’ Again, ‘Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me.’ Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For most certainly, he doesn’t give help to angels, but he gives help to the offspring of Abraham.” (Heb. 2:5-16)
Angelology is the study of angels. Angels provide us with an example of God's judgment and His love for His creation. They also place an active role in the immaterial aspects of our lives.
“Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh from the heavens! Praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all his army!” (Ps. 148:1-2)
We believe God created angels.
God created all things, which includes angels.
“For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.” (Col. 1:16)
They were present during the creation of the earth.
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding. Who determined its measures, if you know? Or who stretched the line on it? What were its foundations fastened on? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7)
Angels are spiritual beings in the presence of God
“The heavens will praise your wonders, Yahweh, your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies can be compared to Yahweh? Who among the sons of the heavenly beings is like Yahweh, a very awesome God in the council of the holy ones, to be feared above all those who are around him?” (Ps. 89:5-7)
and are God's messengers.
“Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” (Heb. 1:14)
Prior to the Fall, the angel Satan sinned against God.
Satan is the serpent that tempts Eve
“Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat of any tree of the garden’?’ . . . . The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’ Yahweh God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, you are cursed above all livestock, and above every animal of the field. You shall go on your belly and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.’” (Gen. 3:1, 13b-15)
His sin made him lose his position in heaven
“The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” (Rev. 12:9)
and one-third of the angels fell along with him.
“His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth.” (Rev. 12:4a)
He wants to be higher than God as seen in his desire to destroy humankind.
“The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10a)
However, Satan and all his followers will eventually be removed
“Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels;’” (Matt. 25:41)
“He seized the dragon, the old serpent, who is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more until the thousand years were finished. After this, he must be freed for a short time . . . . And after the thousand years, Satan will be released from his prison and he will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up over the width of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. Fire came down out of heaven from God and devoured them. The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Rev. 20:2-3, 7-10)
Angels show us an example of God's wrath and His love for us.
“For if God didn’t spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and committed them to pits of darkness to be reserved for judgment;” (2 Pet. 2:4)
“For he didn’t subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels. But one has somewhere testified, saying, ‘What is man, that you think of him? Or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.’ For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don’t yet see all things subjected to him. But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone. For it became him, for whom are all things and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, ‘I will declare your name to my brothers. Among the congregation I will sing your praise.’ Again, ‘I will put my trust in him.’ Again, ‘Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me.’ Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For most certainly, he doesn’t give help to angels, but he gives help to the offspring of Abraham.” (Heb. 2:5-16)
* All verses listed are from the “World English Bible” translation, public domain. Disclaimer from https://ebible.org/web/copyright.htm:
The World English Bible is in the Public Domain. That means that it is not copyrighted. However, "World English Bible" is a Trademark of eBible.org.
You may copy, publish, proclaim, distribute, redistribute, sell, give away, quote, memorize, read publicly, broadcast, transmit, share, back up, post on the Internet, print, reproduce, preach, teach from, and use the World English Bible as much as you want, and others may also do so. All we ask is that if you CHANGE the actual text of the World English Bible in any way, you not call the result the World English Bible any more. This is to avoid confusion, not to limit your freedom. The Holy Bible is God's Word. It belongs to God. He gave it to us freely, and we who have worked on this translation freely give it to you by dedicating it to the Public Domain.
Donations to help with the expenses of this project and thus help others have free access to the Word of God may be made to us, but are not required. Please see https://MLJohnson.org/partner/ if you are interested in helping to fund this work.
This is the 2020 stable text edition of the World English Bible. The main editing/updating work is done on all books. Although we may choose to consider corrections of obvious typos or problems in the text, we are done with style updates and modernization of the language used in this Bible translation, preferring to leave the text stable. New updates, if any, will be posted on https://eBible.org/web/ and at https://WorldEnglish.Bible.
The World English Bible is in the Public Domain. That means that it is not copyrighted. However, "World English Bible" is a Trademark of eBible.org.
You may copy, publish, proclaim, distribute, redistribute, sell, give away, quote, memorize, read publicly, broadcast, transmit, share, back up, post on the Internet, print, reproduce, preach, teach from, and use the World English Bible as much as you want, and others may also do so. All we ask is that if you CHANGE the actual text of the World English Bible in any way, you not call the result the World English Bible any more. This is to avoid confusion, not to limit your freedom. The Holy Bible is God's Word. It belongs to God. He gave it to us freely, and we who have worked on this translation freely give it to you by dedicating it to the Public Domain.
Donations to help with the expenses of this project and thus help others have free access to the Word of God may be made to us, but are not required. Please see https://MLJohnson.org/partner/ if you are interested in helping to fund this work.
This is the 2020 stable text edition of the World English Bible. The main editing/updating work is done on all books. Although we may choose to consider corrections of obvious typos or problems in the text, we are done with style updates and modernization of the language used in this Bible translation, preferring to leave the text stable. New updates, if any, will be posted on https://eBible.org/web/ and at https://WorldEnglish.Bible.