Beliefs cont.

What does the Bible say?

The objective truth of the Bible is self-evident. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible provides essential knowledge to understand how God, man, and creation exist and operate. The scriptures originate not as merely man-made, but as the very words of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Although God used men as His method, His words were never a matter of private interpretation but revealed knowledge to all people (1 Peter 1:19-21). These scriptures can equip anyone with the divine spiritual knowledge of God and can make one wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:14-20). The New Testament is the foundational word of God of which no man can lay again (Ephesians 2:20, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Galatians 1:6-9). 


There is one true God. He is the one God and Father of all. There are no gods beside Him (Isaiah 44:6). He is the creator and redeemer of man (Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 43:1-13). All other gods are not real and living, but fallacious and man-made objects of religious worship. 


Jesus the Christ is the only Savior. He is the anointed Messiah-King, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). He is our Lord (Acts 2:36) and Savior (1 John 4:14). Jesus exists in unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30), yet they are distinct in their relationship and function with creation (Luke 22:42, Hebrews 1:13). Jesus claimed exclusive rights to equality with the Father (Philippians 2:1-8, John 8:58-59, 10:31) while proclaiming to be the ONLY way to Him (John 14:6). 


The Holy Spirit functions as the seal of salvation in relationship to the Christian (Ephesians 1:13). He indwells the believer at the moment of covenant obedience (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit is a person with a self-identity (John 16:13, Acts 13:2). He enables the Christian to walk in holiness and bear evidence of His presence (Galatians 5:19-25), yet His fruit requires a deliberate choice on behalf of the person (Galatians 5:16). 


The Congregation of Christ exists as an extension of Christ. It is His body (1 Corinthians 12). All members are equal servants (Ephesians 4:1-5), yet within the body, each part has its function (Romans 12:1; Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4). The Congregation is founded upon the “Rock,” which is the confession that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:18). It was based on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38-46) and continues to exist today. It is not to have any hierarchy, ecclesiastical headquarters, or chief ruler. Only Christ is the head of the Congregation (Colossians 2:10, 19; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 5:4).


The Bible attributes salvation to Christ and Him alone. However, the requirements to accept continued salvation fell upon covenant obedience after Christ died and the Apostles executed the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:1-23). After hearing the Gospel (Romans 10:17) and believing in Christ as the Messiah and Lord (Acts 2:36), a response is required. The response on the day of Pentecost is the same response needed today, “Repent and be immersed” (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16-20, Acts 8:16). We must confess our belief and allegiance to Christ (Romans 10:10; Matthew 10:32-33) and remain faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10, 1 Corinthians 4:2, Matthew 25:21). ​