What We Believe.
The basic Christian beliefs we teach, with the Scripture behind each one.
The Bible tells us that the whole Bible is doctrine. Doctrine is the set of major teachings in which a believer's faith is anchored. We are to be well grounded in the Word.
Satan is the father of liars, for there is no truth in him. He is the master of deception. (John 8:44)
1The Holy BibleThe Bible is God's inspired and trustworthy Word and our final authority. Nothing is to be added to it or taken away.
2The God HeadThere is one God, revealed in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3The Virgin Birth of JesusJesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, as the prophets foretold. He is the Son of God, who died and rose again.
4The Fall of ManThrough Adam's sin, sin and death entered the world. Every person is born with a sinful nature and needs a Savior.
5RepentanceRepentance is turning from sin back to God in sincere sorrow. It is God's call to everyone and the first step to forgiveness.
Scripture
6RestitutionWhere we have wronged others, we make it right by returning or repaying what is owed, as the fruit of true repentance.
Scripture
7JustificationGod declares believing sinners righteous, freely by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ and not by our own works. This is the new birth.
Scripture
8Water BaptismBelievers are baptized in water in obedience to Jesus' command, as a public witness of their faith and new life in Christ.
9The Lord's SupperBy sharing the bread and the cup, believers remember Christ's death, proclaim it until He comes, and examine their own hearts beforehand.
Our Statement
Anyone who eats and drinks unworthily brings "damnation", punishment and chastisement upon himself.
Scripture
What is the Lord's Supper?
The last supper, according to Matthew 26, that Jesus had with his disciples. It is also called communion, or koinonia, which is the Greek word for communion. The significance of this supper is more than a memorial of Jesus' death and resurrection. It is a declaration of continual dependence upon Christ's life and a constant reminder of His return.
The apostle Paul wrote about this event that Jesus initiated in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament [covenant] in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
There are two elements involved in this event: the bread and the grape juice, followed by a prayer of thanksgiving.
What are the two elements involved in this event?
- John 6:51 (opens in a new tab)The bread acknowledges that Jesus is the bread of life.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 (opens in a new tab)Bread signifies life. The broken body of Jesus brought in the new covenant, signified by the tearing of the temple veil into two.
- Acts 2:42 (opens in a new tab)Breaking of bread with other believers signifies fellowship with the Body of Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 10:17 (opens in a new tab)We are all partakers of that one bread (Jesus).
- Leviticus 17:11 (opens in a new tab)Blood signifies suffering and death. When it is poured out, death occurs.
- 1 John 1:7 (opens in a new tab)Blood poured out is a perfect atonement (the sacrificial Lamb) for our sins.
- Mark 14:36 (opens in a new tab)"Take away this cup from me, not what I will but what You will." Jesus drank the cup of God's wrath for our sin.
The Lord's Supper gives believers the opportunity to identify themselves with Jesus.
What are the Biblical warnings?
- 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (opens in a new tab)Unbelievers and hypocrites should not participate. Examine your own heart before partaking of the Lord's Supper.
- Hebrews 10:29 (opens in a new tab)The blood of the covenant, "wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing." By partaking of the communion cup, we commit to follow Jesus no matter the cost.
- Revelation 19:7-8 (opens in a new tab)Looking ahead to the return of the Lord and the Great Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
10SanctificationA definite work of God's grace after the new birth that purifies the believer's heart and makes it holy. It is received by faith in the blood of Jesus.
Our Statement
That Entire Sanctification is a definite act of God's grace, subsequent to the New Birth, by which the believer's heart is purified and made holy. It cannot be attained progressively by works, struggle or suppression, but it is obtained by faith in the sanctifying blood of Jesus Christ. Holiness of life and purity of heart are central to Christian living.
Scripture
11Holy Ghost BaptismThe baptism in the Holy Spirit is the Father's promise, giving believers power to be witnesses for Christ.
12Redemption from the Curse of the LawThrough Christ's sacrificial death, believers are redeemed from the curse of the law, and healing and health are provided.
Our Statement
Healing of sickness and disease as well as continued health is provided for all people through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
Scripture
Key verses
- Deuteronomy 7:15 (opens in a new tab)The Lord will keep you free from disease.
- Psalm 103:1-5 (opens in a new tab)Praise the Lord, who forgives all sins and heals your diseases.
- Isaiah 53:4-5 (opens in a new tab)He took up our pain and bore our suffering. He was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.
- Matthew 8:16-17 (opens in a new tab)He heals many. He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.
- 1 Peter 2:24 (opens in a new tab)He bore our sins that we might die to sin and live righteously.
- Luke 13:16 (opens in a new tab)Jesus heals a crippled woman on the Sabbath.
- John 15:12-14 (opens in a new tab)You are my friends if you do what I command.
- James 5:14-16 (opens in a new tab)Pray over the sick.
- 3 John 2 (opens in a new tab)Prayer for good health.
- 1 John 3:8 (opens in a new tab)The one who sins is of the devil.
Why would anyone rely on the law?
Galatians 3:10 speaks of those who rely on observing the law. The reference is to legalists: those who refuse God's offer of grace and insist on pursuing righteousness through works. They are under a curse, because no one under the law ever perfectly kept the law (see James 2:10). God's blessings have never been earned, but always freely given.
In what way did Jesus become a curse?
Galatians 3:13: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'"
13Personal EvangelismSharing the gospel is a ministry for every believer, who is called to be a compassionate and faithful soul winner.
Our Statement
That Personal Evangelism is a God-given and God-ordained ministry for every believer. Jesus commanded, and God requires every believer to be a compassionate and faithful soul winner, bringing others to Christ.
Scripture
Discussion questions
- What is the Great Commission?
- According to Luke 10, what brings joy to heaven?
- What does it mean to be a compassionate and faithful soul winner?
Key verses
- Matthew 28:19-20 (opens in a new tab)Go and make disciples.
- Mark 16:15 (opens in a new tab)Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
- Luke 24:46-49 (opens in a new tab)I am going to send you my Father's promise.
- John 17:18 (opens in a new tab)As you sent me, I am sending them into the world.
- Acts 1:8 (opens in a new tab)You will receive the power of the Holy Spirit to witness in Jerusalem.
- Proverbs 11:30 (opens in a new tab)To win souls.
- Daniel 12:3 (opens in a new tab)Those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
- Ezekiel 13:17-21 (opens in a new tab)Speak to those who live in sin.
14MarriageMarriage is a lifelong, monogamous commitment, following God's design in Genesis 2:24.
Our Statement
That Marriage is binding for life. Monogamy is the uniform teaching of the Bible. Polygamy is contrary to the New Testament dispensation. No one has a right to divorce and remarry while the first companion lives. When a person becomes converted, necessary restitution, on this line, must be done without delay, if he has married wrongly.
Scripture
Discussion questions
- In Malachi 2:11, why was marriage strictly forbidden?
- In the account of John 4:15-19, what type of conclusions can you draw from the passage?
Key verses
- Genesis 2:24 (opens in a new tab)A man leaves his mother and they become one flesh.
- Deuteronomy 7:1-4 (opens in a new tab)Do not intermarry with them because of idol worshippers. This prevents spiritual contamination.
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (opens in a new tab)Do not be yoked with unbelievers.
- Proverbs 31:10-31 (opens in a new tab)The virtuous woman.
- Malachi 2:11 (opens in a new tab)By marrying women who worship foreign gods.
- Romans 7:2-3 (opens in a new tab)Death changes a person's relationship to the law.
- Ephesians 5:31-33 (opens in a new tab)See Genesis 2:24.
- Matthew 5:31-32 (opens in a new tab)See 1 Corinthians 7.
- John 4:15-19 (opens in a new tab)The woman at the well.
15The RaptureWhen the Lord returns, believers who have died will rise first, and living believers will be caught up to meet Him in the air. We hold that this takes place before the Great Tribulation.
Our Statement
We believe in the Rapture. We adopt the pre-tribulation view that the Rapture will take place before the Great Tribulation period.
16The Resurrection of the DeadEveryone who has died will be raised: the righteous to eternal life and the unrighteous to judgment. Christ's own resurrection is the guarantee.
17The Great TribulationA future time of unequaled distress on the earth before Christ's return, spoken of by Daniel, by Jesus, and in the book of Revelation.
18The Second Coming of ChristJesus Christ will personally return in power and glory, as the angels promised when He ascended.
19The Millennial Reign of ChristChrist will reign for a thousand years, as described in Revelation 20.
20The Great White Throne JudgmentAll the dead will stand before God's great white throne to be judged. Anyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire.
21The New Heaven and the New EarthGod will make all things new: a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness lives and God dwells with His people forever.
22Hell FireHell is the place of eternal punishment prepared for the devil and his angels, and for those who reject Christ.
Scripture links open the Kosraean Bible (Bible Mutal) at eBible.org in a new tab. Questions about what we believe? Contact us or ask Tepuke.