EarnestlyContending.com Doctrinal Statement
ARTICLE I: OF THE SCRIPTURES
We believe the Holy Bible is a supernatural book, that it is the very Word of God, in sixty-six books, the full, final and complete revelation of God’s will to man. We believe the author of the Bible is God the Holy Spirit and by inspiration, that holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit as revealed in Second Peter chapter one. We believe that God’s words are accurately preserved to the English-speaking people in the Authorized Version (commonly called the King James Version). We place in question all other English translations and version because they dilute the pure meaning of redemption and do injustice to the deity of Christ. We believe and teach that the Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. It is the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions shall be tried. 2Tim.3:16,17; 2Pet.1:19-21; Ps.119:89; Heb.4:12; Isa.8:20; Rom.15:4; Jn.17:17;12:47-50.
ARTICLE II: OF THE TRUE GOD
We believe and teach that there is one, and only one, true and living God. He is absolute in nature, perfect in attribution, holy in character, and is revealed in the Trinity, which is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The three Persons of the Trinity exist in the same divine nature, essence and being. They are co-existent and co-equal and each One has a distinct office in the work of Redemption. Eph.4:6: Ex.20:2-3; Jn.4:24; 2Tim.1:17; Rom.11:33; Ps.90:2; Gen.1:26; Matt.28:19; 1Jn.5:7.
ARTICLE III: OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is a divine Person; equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature and was active in the Creation. In relation to the unbelieving world, He restrains the Evil One until God’s purpose is fulfilled; for He convicts of sin, judgment and righteousness. He is the agent of the New Birth and indwells, seals, guides, fills and directs the believer. Jn.14:16-17,26;15:26-27; Eph.1:13-14; Rom.8:16,26-27.
ARTICLE IV: OF JESUS CHRIST
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh. We believe that Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, was crucified, and buried in a tomb but physically resurrected three days and nights later. All of which was done to atone for sin and secure salvation for mankind. Christ will return again soon. 1Tim.3:16; Jn.1:1,14;20:28; Isa.7:14; Lk.1:35; Rom.5:8; Isa.53:6; 1Cor.15:1-8; Act.1:9-11.
ARTICLE V: OF THE CREATION
We believe the Genesis record of creation is literal, and not allegorical or figurative; that God personally created the heaven and the earth in a direct act, not that He brought forth all original matter out of the hypothesis of any kind of evolution; henceforth, God’s established Law says that all species shall bring forth “after their kind.” Gen.1:1; Jn.1:1-3; Act.17:23-26; Heb.11:3; Rom.1:20; Gen.1:26-27.
ARTICLE VI: OF THE DEVIL
We believe that the Devil is an actual being and not an imaginary influence; that he once enjoyed high heavenly honours and glorious heavenly privileges; that through pride, ambition and self-will betrayed God and as a result brought down upon his head the judgment of God. He operates today as the god of this world and the Prince of the power of the air; that he is the arch deceiver, and father of all lies, that he is the greatest enemy, the biggest tempter and the greatest opposition of the saints. His final abode shall be the lake of fire, which is the eternal place of punishment prepared for the Devil and his angels. Isa.14:12-15; Eze.28:14-17; Jude 6; 1Pet.5:8; 1Jn.3:8; Jn.8:43-44; Mt.25:41.
ARTICLE VII: OF THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created in innocence and holiness and by voluntary transgression of the Lord’s command, fell from the state in which he was created and as a consequence became a sinner alienated from God and brought upon himself and all mankind just condemnation. Man is now, by virtue of his fallen nature, void of holiness, positively inclined to evil and actually condemned to eternal ruin without excuse. Gen.3:6; Rom.5:12,19; Rom.1:18,28; Eph.2:1-3; Jer.17:9, 1Jn.1:8,10.
ARTICLE VIII: OF THE ATONEMENT
We believe that the lost sinner is guilty and under just condemnation and is by nature enmity with God and because of sin condemned to die. The atonement for sin was provided through the mediatorial office of the Son of God, Who by divine appointment, freely took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin, that He through obedience during his earthly walk personally honoured the divine Law by keeping it, and through His death on the cross totally satisfied the Law in the penalty of sin by the shedding of His sinless blood. Rom.3:25; Heb.9:22; Jn.10:17,18; Isa.53:12; Heb.12:2.
ARTICLE IX: OF SALVATION
We believe that salvation is entirely by God’s grace through the mediatorial work of the Lord Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary. The Gospel, by which we are saved, is the death burial, and resurrection of Christ. Salvation is the free gift of God, which is neither merited nor secured through the works of man. Salvation is extended to all and is only acquired by personal repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is wrought by the Holy Spirit acting upon the heart after hearing the Gospel and as the sinner is convicted of his guiltiness, condemnation and helplessness, turns in repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ for the mercy and forgiveness he alone can give; thus he is immediately “born again.” All who do trust Christ are eternally saved, and given standing of “sonship” into the family of God. We believe there is no possible salvation outside of Christ’s atoning, sinless blood.
*Grace being unmerited favour of God.
*Repentance being a change of heart resulting in a change of conduct towards sin and God’s will.
*Faith being the act of placing one’s confidence, trust, reliance upon the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work of redemption at Calvary. Eph.2:5,8; Lk.13:3,5; Act.17:30/20:21/16:30,31; Eph.1:7; Col.1:14; 1Jn.1:7; Rev.1:5; Jn.3:1-,15,16/10:27-30; 1Pet.1:5; Rom.10:1-13; 1Cor.15:1-4; Jn.1:12/5:24; 1Jn.5:11-13.
ARTICLE X: OF THE JUSTIFICATION
We believe justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal, upon principles of righteousness, of all sinners who believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. This blessing is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done but through the redemption that is in and through Jesus Christ as Saviour. Rom.5:1-16; Act.13:38,39; Titus 3:3-7; Rom.4:3-5; 1Cor.6:11; Gal.3:24.
ARTICLE XI: OF THE ELECTION
We believe that God has elected (chosen, predestinated) for all persons who place their faith in the Person and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation that God elected (chosen, predestinated) to go to heaven; those who do not God has elected (chosen, predestinated) for hell. God has also elected (chosen, predestinated) every believer to be conformed into the likeness of Christ. Salvation is for “whosoever will.” 2Tim.1:8,9; 2Thess.2:13,14; Jn.6:37-40; Rom.8:28-31; 2Pet.1:10,11;3:9.
ARTICLE XII: OF THE SANCTIFICATION
We believe that those who have been regenerated are sanctified, by God’s Word and Spirit dwelling in them (positional sanctification). Sanctification is also progressive through the supply of Divine strength and grace, which is available for all saints to seek and obtain, pressing after a Christ-like life in obedience to all the commands of our Lord and Master. 2Thess.4:1-3; Rom.8:5; 1Thess.5:23; Eph.4:11-13; 1Cor.1:30; Heb.13:12; 1Pet.1:2.
ARTICLE XIII: OF THE RESURRECTION
We believe and teach that Jesus Christ arose bodily from the grave. We also believe and teach that this resurrection assures all believers the same bodily resurrection when the Lord returns for His saints at the time of the Rapture. There will also be a resurrection of the unsaved to stand in the judgment before the Lord, known in Scripture as the Great White Throne Judgment. 1Thess.4:13-18; 1Cor.15:51-58; Zech.14:1-5; 1Thess.3:13; Rev.19:11-16;20:1-6; Titus 2:13; Act.1:9-11.
ARTICLE XIV: OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
We believe that the New Testament Church is a local, visible assembly of called-out baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, walking in obedience to the Lord’s Word. Scriptures command the Christian to faithfully attend and encourages him to become actively involved therein. Salvation and baptism are the prerequisites for church membership. The two offices in the church are pastor and deacon. The local New Testament Church is an independent congregation authorized to carry out the Great Commission, and is not governed or controlled by an ecclesiastical hierarchy. The sole authority is the Word of God. Act.2:47;8:1;11:22;16:5; Eph.1:20-23;3:21; Mt.16:18; 1Tim.3:15; Col.1:24; Heb.10:24,25.
ARTICLE XV: OF THE CHURCH ORDINANCES
We believe that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only two ordinances set forth in the scriptures for the local church by Jesus Christ.
Baptism: Believer’s baptism to be scriptural must have:
*Proper Candidate – one who gives clear testimony of being saved.
*Proper Mode of Method – immersion.
*Proper Design of Motive – to show forth the gospel and indicates obedience by publicly identifying oneself with His death, burial and resurrection.
*Proper Baptizer: ordained preacher of right doctrine.
Baptism extends no further than simply an outward picture of what the Lord Jesus Christ has done inside the heart of the believer. Mt.3:13-17;28:19,20; Act.8:36-39; Acts 16:30-33; Rom.6:3-5.
*Lord’s Supper: We believe the Lord’s Supper is a memorial supper that is administered to the believers of the New Testament church. It symbolizes the broken body and the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, that believers who have submitted themselves to scriptural baptism and whose spiritual lives being in a right relationship are qualified participants in the Lord’s Supper service. 1Cor.11:23-31.
ARTICLE XVI: OF THE LORD’S DAY
The Lord’s Day commemorates the first day of the week on which Christ arose from the dead. It ought to be kept sacred for religious purposes. This day should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, by abstaining from all secular labour and amusements except works of mercy and necessity. Act.20:7; Mt.28:1-7; Rev.1:10; 1Cor.16:1,2; Heb.10:24,25.
ARTICLE XVII: OF THE GRACE OF GIVING
We believe God’s method of financing His Church and of spreading the Gospel is by the tithes and offerings of His people; that the place to tithe is the local New Testament Church; that the tithe is upon the first day of the week; that everyone is accountable to the Lord for one tenth of his increase; and that any additional amount (above the tithe) given to the church, or towards other Christian works of like faith and practice, and where those finances are directed is left as an individual matter between each believer and God. We also teach tithing was instituted prior the Law, continued during the Law, and these principles practiced by the New Testament Church. Mt.23:23; 1Cor.16:1,2; 2Cor.9:6-15; Mal.3:7-10; Lev.27:28-34; Lk.6:38; Gen.14:17-20;28:22; Dt.12:11-14; Eze.44:30; 2Cor.8:1-8; 1Cor.9:8-14.
ARTICLE XVIII: OF EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
It is the duty of church to extend the Gospel of Christ to every person, both locally, nationally and abroad to the ends of the world. It is the responsibility of every believer to constantly seek to win the lost to Christ by personal efforts and by all other methods scriptural and ethical. It is the privilege and right for churches of like faith and practice to cooperate with each other in carrying out the Great Commission. This is to be carried on in such a manner as to preserve the sovereignty of each local church. Mt.9:37,38; Mt.28:19,20; Act.1:8,9; Jn.20:21; Mk.16:15; Rom.1:14-16;10:12-15.
ARTICLE XIX: OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe and teach that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; and that the magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honoured, and obeyed, except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ Who is the only Lord of the kings of the earth. Pro.8:15,16; Rom.13:1-7; 1Pet.2:9-20; Mt.22:21;23:10; 1Tim.6:15; Rev.19:16.
ARTICLE XX: OF LAST THINGS
The Rapture & Christ’s Return: We believe and teach that Jesus Christ shall “catch away” all believers thus ushering the Great Tribulation period. This tribulation period will last seven years and will be such as the world has never seen before. The One World government and apostate One World Religious System will be in control. Terrible, horrific, and wicked things will transpire as man’s way consummates and judgment from God begins. This time will end with the Battle of Armageddon. At the close of the Great Tribulation the saints will return physically with Christ to the earth and shall live and reign with Him 1,000 years. The rapture of the saints is an imminent truth. We believe that Christ’s return is both pre-tribulational and pre-millennial. 1Thess.4:13-18; 1Cor.15:51-58; Jude 1:14,15; Zech.14:1-8; 1Thess.3:13; Rev.19:11-16;20:1-6; Titus 2:13; Act.1:9-11; Jn.14:3; Jas.5:8; Php.3:20,21; Mt.24:1-51; 2Thess.2:1-12; Lk.21:8-19,25-31; Mk.13:27-31;
The Tribulation Period: Dan.12:1; Mt.24:21; Lk.21:25-31; 2Thess.2:1-12; Rev.6:16,17; 14:10-16;16:11-21.
The Conversion of the Jews: Zech.12:10-14;13:6-9; Mt.24:38; Rom.11:1-26.
The Battle of Armageddon: Rev.16:12-16;19:11-21; Ezek.38:1-23; Zech.12:1-4.
The Millennial Reign: Rev.20:1-6;11:15-17; Isa.11:1-9;32:1;2:1-5; Jer.23:5.
The Great Throne Judgment: Rev.20:11-15.
Article XXI: THE PLAN OF SALVATION
The Bible teaches clearly that a person can KNOW how to get to heaven!
1John 5:13 “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”
Going to heaven is not secured by: being a church member, partaking of Lord’s Supper, doing good deeds, being religious, trying to do your best, being baptized … many have done these things yet have no assurance of getting to heaven. Though these things are taught in the Bible and have their place in the Christian life they are not for salvation.
The Bible teaches that to go to heaven we have to deal with the sin problem.
We must realize and agree with God regarding the following:
1. The Fact of our sin.
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
2. The Consequence or Penalty for our sin.
i) Death:
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death…”
ii) Judgment:
Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
Revelation 20:15 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
iii) Hell:
Lk.16:23 “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments…”
“Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone…”
3. The Payment for sin.
i) Christ’s Substitutionary Death
Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
ii) Christ’s Atoning Blood
Ephesians 1:7 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
1John 1:7 “…the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
iii) Christ Resurrection
Roman 6:9 “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.”
1Corinthians 15:1 “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; v2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. v3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; v4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
4. How to Receive Christ
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i) Repentance
Mt.9:13 “…for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Lk.13:3 “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Acts 17:30 “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”
ii) Faith
Acts 20:21 “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
Acts 16:30 “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? v31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
Romans 10:9-13 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. v10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. v11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. v12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. v13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Right now turn from your ways to the Lord and trust Him. Sincerely call on the Lord like millions of others have, “Dear Lord Jesus, I believe you died upon the cross for me and rose again, I ask you now to please forgive me of my sins. I trust you now as my Saviour and to take me to heaven when I die. Thank you Lord for saving me.”
If you have accepted the Lord Jesus as your Saviour just now, please e-mail us to let us know of your decision so we can rejoice with you.