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WhatWeTeach
Preface
TheHolyScriptures
God
Man
Salvation
TheChurch
Angels
LastThings(Eschatology)
WhatItMeanstoBeaChristian
PREFACE

RecognizingthattheBibleistheveryWordoftheLivingGodtoman,andunderstandingthepriorityof
knowingandobeyingitstruths,GracetoYouiscommittedtoteachingScripturewithdiligenceand
authority.
Thus,thecentralministryofGracetoYouisthecontinuousimpartingofbiblicaltruthtothepeopleofGod
thattheymaybecomeequippedtodotheworkoftheministry.
ThisstatementpresentsourconvictionsregardingthetheologicaltruthsoftheBible,builtonyearsofstudy
andteaching.TheyaretheprimarydoctrinesoftheChristianfaith,andtheyreflecttheheartoftheteaching
ofGracetoYou.
JohnMacArthur

TheHolyScriptures
WeteachthattheBibleisGod'swrittenrevelationtoman,andthusthesixtysixbooksoftheBiblegivento
usbytheHolySpiritconstitutetheplenary(inspiredequallyinallparts)WordofGod(1Corinthians2:7
142Peter1:2021).
WeteachthattheWordofGodisanobjective,propositionalrevelation(1Thessalonians2:131Corinthians
2:13),verballyinspiredineveryword(2Timothy3:16),absolutelyinerrantintheoriginaldocuments,
infallible,andGodbreathed.Weteachtheliteral,grammaticalhistoricalinterpretationofScripturewhich
affirmsthebeliefthattheopeningchaptersofGenesispresentcreationinsixliteraldays(Genesis1:31
Exodus31:17).
WeteachthattheBibleconstitutestheonlyinfallibleruleoffaithandpractice(Matthew5:1824:35John
10:3516:121317:171Corinthians2:132Timothy3:1517Hebrews4:122Peter1:2021).
WeteachthatGodspokeinHiswrittenWordbyaprocessofdualauthorship.TheHolySpiritso
superintendedthehumanauthorsthat,throughtheirindividualpersonalitiesanddifferentstylesofwriting,
theycomposedandrecordedGod'sWordtoman(2Peter1:2021)withouterrorinthewholeorinthepart
(Matthew5:182Timothy3:16).
Weteachthat,whereastheremaybeseveralapplicationsofanygivenpassageofScripture,thereisbutone
trueinterpretation.ThemeaningofScriptureistobefoundasonediligentlyappliestheliteralgrammatical
historicalmethodofinterpretationundertheenlightenmentoftheHolySpirit(John7:1716:12151
Corinthians2:7151John2:20).Itistheresponsibilityofbelieverstoascertaincarefullythetrueintentand
meaningofScripture,recognizingthatproperapplicationisbindingonallgenerations.Yetthetruthof
Scripturestandsinjudgmentofmenneverdomenstandinjudgmentofit.

God
WeteachthatthereisbutonelivingandtrueGod(Deuteronomy6:4Isaiah45:571Corinthians8:4),an
infinite,allknowingSpirit(John4:24),perfectinallHisattributes,oneinessence,eternallyexistingin
threePersonsFather,Son,andHolySpirit(Matthew28:192Corinthians13:14)eachequallydeserving
worshipandobedience.
GODTHEFATHER

WeteachthatGodtheFather,thefirstPersonoftheTrinity,ordersanddisposesallthingsaccordingtoHis
ownpurposeandgrace(Psalm145:891Corinthians8:6).HeistheCreatorofallthings(Genesis1:131
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Ephesians3:9).AstheonlyabsoluteandomnipotentRulerintheuniverse,Heissovereignincreation,
providence,andredemption(Psalm103:19Romans11:36).HisfatherhoodinvolvesbothHisdesignation
withintheTrinityandHisrelationshipwithmankind.AsCreatorHeisFathertoallmen(Ephesians4:6),
butHeisspiritualFatheronlytobelievers(Romans8:142Corinthians6:18).HehasdecreedforHisown
gloryallthingsthatcometopass(Ephesians1:11).Hecontinuallyupholds,directs,andgovernsall
creaturesandevents(1Chronicles29:11).InHissovereigntyHeisneitherauthornorapproverofsin
(Habakkuk1:13John8:3847),nordoesHeabridgetheaccountabilityofmoral,intelligentcreatures(1
Peter1:17).HehasgraciouslychosenfrometernitypastthosewhomHewouldhaveasHisown(Ephesians
1:46)HesavesfromsinallwhocometoHimthroughJesusChristHeadoptsashisownallthosewho
cometoHimandHebecomes,uponadoption,FathertoHisown(John1:12Romans8:15Galatians4:5
Hebrews12:59).
GODTHESON

WeteachthatJesusChrist,thesecondPersonoftheTrinity,possessesallthedivineexcellencies,andin
theseHeiscoequal,consubstantial,andcoeternalwiththeFather(John10:3014:9).
WeteachthatGodtheFathercreatedaccordingtoHisownwill,throughHisSon,JesusChrist,bywhomall
thingscontinueinexistenceandinoperation(John1:3Colossians1:1517Hebrews1:2).
Weteachthatintheincarnation(Godbecomingman)Christsurrenderedonlytheprerogativesofdeitybut
nothingofthedivineessence,eitherindegreeorkind.InHisincarnation,theeternallyexistingsecond
PersonoftheTrinityacceptedalltheessentialcharacteristicsofhumanityandsobecametheGodMan
(Philippians2:58Colossians2:9).
WeteachthatJesusChristrepresentshumanityanddeityinindivisibleoneness(Micah5:2John5:2314:9
10Colossians2:9).
WeteachthatourLordJesusChristwasvirginborn(Isaiah7:14Matthew1:23,25Luke1:2635)thatHe
wasGodincarnate(John1:1,14)andthatthepurposeoftheincarnationwastorevealGod,redeemmen,
andruleoverGod'skingdom(Psalm2:79Isaiah9:6John1:29Philippians2:911Hebrews7:25261
Peter1:1819).
Weteachthat,intheincarnation,thesecondpersonoftheTrinitylaidasideHisrighttothefullprerogatives
ofcoexistencewithGodandtookonanexistenceappropriatetoaservantwhileneverdivestingHimselfof
Hisdivineattributes(Philippians2:58).
WeteachthatourLordJesusChristaccomplishedourredemptionthroughthesheddingofHisbloodand
sacrificialdeathonthecrossandthatHisdeathwasvoluntary,vicarious,substitutionary,propitiatory,and
redemptive(John10:15Romans3:24255:81Peter2:24).
WeteachthatonthebasisoftheefficacyofthedeathofourLordJesusChrist,thebelievingsinnerisfreed
fromthepunishment,thepenalty,thepower,andonedaytheverypresenceofsinandthatheisdeclared
righteous,giveneternallife,andadoptedintothefamilyofGod(Romans3:255:892Corinthians5:14
151Peter2:243:18).
WeteachthatourjustificationismadesurebyHisliteral,physicalresurrectionfromthedeadandthatHeis
nowascendedtotherighthandoftheFather,whereHenowmediatesasourAdvocateandHighPriest
(Matthew28:6Luke24:3839Acts2:3031Romans4:258:34Hebrews7:259:241John2:1).
WeteachthatintheresurrectionofJesusChristfromthegrave,GodconfirmedthedeityofHisSonand
gaveproofthatGodhasacceptedtheatoningworkofChristonthecross.Jesus'bodilyresurrectionisalso
theguaranteeofafutureresurrectionlifeforallbelievers(John5:262914:19Romans1:44:256:5101
Corinthians15:20,23).
WeteachthatJesusChristwillreturntoreceivethechurch,whichisHisBody,untoHimselfattherapture,
andreturningwithHischurchinglory,willestablishHismillennialkingdomonearth(Acts1:9111
Thessalonians4:1318Revelation20).
WeteachthattheLordJesusChrististheOnethroughwhomGodwilljudgeallmankind(John5:2223):
a. Believers(1Corinthians3:10152Corinthians5:10)
b. LivinginhabitantsoftheearthatHisgloriousreturn(Matthew25:3146).
c. UnbelievingdeadattheGreatWhiteThrone(Revelation20:1115).
AstheMediatorbetweenGodandman(1Timothy2:5),theHeadofHisBodythechurch(Ephesians1:22
5:23Colossians1:18),andthecominguniversalKing,whowillreignonthethroneofDavid(Isaiah9:6
Luke1:3133),HeisthefinalJudgeofallwhofailtoplacetheirtrustinHimasLordandSavior(Matthew
25:1446Acts17:3031).
GODTHEHOLYSPIRIT

WeteachthattheHolySpiritisadivinePerson,eternal,underived,possessingalltheattributesof
personalityanddeity,includingintellect(1Corinthians2:1013),emotions(Ephesians4:30),will(1
Corinthians12:11),eternality(Hebrews9:14),omnipresence(Psalm139:710),omniscience(Isaiah40:13
14),omnipotence(Romans15:13),andtruthfulness(John16:13).InallthedivineattributesHeiscoequal
andconsubstantialwiththeFatherandtheSon(Matthew28:19Acts5:3428:25261Corinthians12:46
2Corinthians13:14andJeremiah31:3134withHebrews10:1517).
WeteachthatitistheworkoftheHolySpirittoexecutethedivinewillwithrelationtoallmankind.We
recognizeHissovereignactivityincreation(Genesis1:2),theincarnation(Matthew1:18),thewritten
revelation(2Peter1:2021),andtheworkofsalvation(John3:57).
WeteachthattheworkoftheHolySpiritinthisagebeganatPentecostwhenHecamefromtheFatheras
promisedbyChrist(John14:161715:26)toinitiateandcompletethebuildingoftheBodyofChrist,which
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isHischurch(1Corinthians12:13).ThebroadscopeofHisdivineactivityincludesconvictingtheworldof
sin,ofrighteousness,andofjudgmentglorifyingtheLordJesusChristandtransformingbelieversintothe
imageofChrist(John16:79Acts1:52:4Romans8:292Corinthians3:18Ephesians2:22).
WeteachthattheHolySpiritisthesupernaturalandsovereignAgentinregeneration,baptizingallbelievers
intotheBodyofChrist(1Corinthians12:13).TheHolySpiritalsoindwells,sanctifies,instructs,empowers
themforservice,andsealsthemuntothedayofredemption(Romans8:92Corinthians3:6Ephesians
1:13).
WeteachthattheHolySpiritisthedivineTeacher,whoguidedtheapostlesandprophetsintoalltruthas
theycommittedtowritingGod'srevelation,theBible(2Peter1:1921).Everybelieverpossessesthe
indwellingpresenceoftheHolySpiritfromthemomentofsalvation,anditisthedutyofallthosebornof
theSpirittobefilledwith(controlledby)theSpirit(John16:13Romans8:9Ephesians5:181John2:20,
27).
WeteachthattheHolySpiritadministersspiritualgiftstothechurch.TheHolySpiritglorifiesneither
HimselfnorHisgiftsbyostentatiousdisplays,butHedoesglorifyChristbyimplementingHisworkof
redeemingthelostandbuildingupbelieversinthemostholyfaith(John16:1314Acts1:81Corinthians
12:4112Corinthians3:18).
Weteach,inthisrespect,thatGodtheHolySpiritissovereigninthebestowingofallHisgiftsforthe
perfectingofthesaintstoday,andthatspeakingintonguesandtheworkingofsignmiraclesinthe
beginningdaysofthechurchwereforthepurposeofpointingtoandauthenticatingtheapostlesasrevealers
ofdivinetruth,andwereneverintendedtobecharacteristicofthelivesofbelievers(1Corinthians12:411
13:8102Corinthians12:12Ephesians4:712Hebrews2:14).

Man
WeteachthatmanwasdirectlyandimmediatelycreatedbyGodinHisimageandlikeness.Manwas
createdfreeofsinwitharationalnature,intelligence,volition,selfdetermination,andmoralresponsibility
toGod(Genesis2:7,1525James3:9).
WeteachthatGod'sintentioninthecreationofmanwasthatmanshouldglorifyGod,enjoyGod's
fellowship,livehislifeinthewillofGod,andbythisaccomplishGod'spurposeformanintheworld
(Isaiah43:7Colossians1:16Revelation4:11).
WeteachthatinAdam'ssinofdisobediencetotherevealedwillandWordofGod,manlosthisinnocence,
incurredthepenaltyofspiritualandphysicaldeath,becamesubjecttothewrathofGod,andbecame
inherentlycorruptandutterlyincapableofchoosingordoingthatwhichisacceptabletoGodapartfrom
divinegrace.Withnorecuperativepowerstoenablehimtorecoverhimself,manishopelesslylost.Man's
salvationistherebywhollyofGod'sgracethroughtheredemptiveworkofourLordJesusChrist(Genesis
2:16173:119John3:36Romans3:236:231Corinthians2:14Ephesians2:131Timothy2:13141
John1:8).
Weteachthat,becauseallmenwereinAdam,anaturecorruptedbyAdam'ssinhasbeentransmittedtoall

menofallages,JesusChristbeingtheonlyexception.Allmenarethussinnersbynature,bychoice,andby
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divinedeclaration(Psalm14:13Jeremiah17:9Romans3:918,235:1012).
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Salvation

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WeteachthatsalvationiswhollyofGodbygraceonthebasisoftheredemptionofJesusChrist,themerit
ofHisshedblood,andnotonthebasisofhumanmeritorworks(John1:12Ephesians1:72:8101Peter
1:1819).
REGENERATION

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WeteachthatregenerationisasupernaturalworkoftheHolySpiritbywhichthedivinenatureanddivine
3,390
lifearegiven(John3:37Titus3:5).ItisinstantaneousandisaccomplishedsolelybythepoweroftheHoly
SpiritthroughtheinstrumentalityoftheWordofGod(John5:24)whentherepentantsinner,asenabledby
The Lovemark
theHolySpirit,respondsinfaithtothedivineprovisionofsalvation.Genuineregenerationismanifestedby
fruitsworthyofrepentanceasdemonstratedinrighteousattitudesandconduct.Goodworksaretheproper
evidenceandfruitofregeneration(1Corinthians6:1920Ephesians2:10),andwillbeexperiencedtotheDion & Mary Grace
extentthatthebelieversubmitstothecontroloftheHolySpiritinhislifethroughfaithfulobediencetothe
Blouse (Orange Floral)
WordofGod(Ephesians5:1721Philippians2:12bColossians3:162Peter1:410).Thisobedience
causesthebelievertobeincreasinglyconformedtotheimageofourLordJesusChrist(2Corinthians3:18). 464
Suchaconformityisclimaxedinthebeliever'sglorificationatChrist'scoming(Romans8:172Peter1:41
Dion & Mary
John3:23).
ELECTION

WeteachthatelectionistheactofGodbywhich,beforethefoundationoftheworld,HechoseinChrist Monopod Z07-1

(Orange)
thosewhomHegraciouslyregenerates,saves,andsanctifies(Romans8:2830Ephesians1:4112
Thessalonians2:132Timothy2:101Peter1:12).
Weteachthatsovereignelectiondoesnotcontradictornegatetheresponsibilityofmantorepentandtrust349.99
Generics
ChristasSaviorandLord(Ezekiel18:23,3233:11John3:1819,365:40Romans9:22232
Thessalonians2:1012Revelation22:17).Nevertheless,sincesovereigngraceincludesthemeansof
receivingthegiftofsalvationaswellasthegiftitself,sovereignelectionwillresultinwhatGoddetermines.

AllwhomtheFathercallstoHimselfwillcomeinfaithandallwhocomeinfaiththeFatherwillreceive
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WeteachthattheunmeritedfavorthatGodgrantstototallydepravedsinnersisnotrelatedtoanyinitiative
oftheirownpartortoGod'santicipationofwhattheymightdobytheirownwill,butissolelyofHis
sovereigngraceandmercy(Ephesians1:47Titus3:471Peter1:2).
Weteachthatelectionshouldnotbelookeduponasbasedmerelyonabstractsovereignty.Godistruly
sovereign,butHeexercisesthissovereigntyinharmonywithHisotherattributes,especiallyHis
omniscience,justice,holiness,wisdom,grace,andlove(Romans9:1116).Thissovereigntywillalways
exaltthewillofGodinamannertotallyconsistentwithHischaracterasrevealedinthelifeofourLord
JesusChrist(Matthew11:25282Timothy1:9).

JUSTIFICATION

WeteachthatjustificationbeforeGodisanactofGod(Romans8:33)bywhichHedeclaresrighteousthose
who,throughfaithinChrist,repentoftheirsins(Luke13:3Acts2:383:1911:18Romans2:42
Corinthians7:10Isaiah55:67)andconfessHimassovereignLord(Romans10:9101Corinthians12:32
Corinthians4:5Philippians2:11).Thisrighteousnessisapartfromanyvirtueorworkofman(Romans
3:204:6)andinvolvestheimputationofoursinstoChrist(Colossians2:141Peter2:24)andthe
imputationofChrist'srighteousnesstous(1Corinthians1:302Corinthians5:21).BythismeansGodis
enabledto"bejustandthejustifieroftheonewhohasfaithinJesus"(Romans3:26).
SANCTIFICATION

Weteachthateverybelieverissanctified(setapart)untoGodbyjustificationandisthereforedeclaredtobe
holyandisthereforeidentifiedasasaint.Thissanctificationispositionalandinstantaneousandshouldnot
beconfusedwithprogressivesanctification.Thissanctificationhastodowiththebeliever'sstanding,nothis
presentwalkorcondition(Acts20:321Corinthians1:2,306:112Thessalonians2:13Hebrews2:113:1
10:10,1413:121Peter1:2).
Weteachthatthereisalso,bytheworkoftheHolySpirit,aprogressivesanctificationbywhichthestateof
thebelieverisbroughtclosertothestandingthebelieverpositionallyenjoysthroughjustification.Through
obediencetotheWordofGodandtheempoweringoftheHolySpirit,thebelieverisabletolivealifeof
increasingholinessinconformitytothewillofGod,becomingmoreandmorelikeourLordJesusChrist
(John17:17,19Romans6:1222Corinthians3:181Thessalonians4:345:23).
Inthisrespect,weteachthateverysavedpersonisinvolvedinadailyconflictthenewcreationinChrist
doingbattleagainstthefleshbutadequateprovisionismadeforvictorythroughthepowerofthe
indwellingHolySpirit.Thestruggleneverthelessstayswiththebelieverallthroughthisearthlylifeandis
nevercompletelyended.Allclaimstotheeradicationofsininthislifeareunscriptural.Eradicationofsinis
notpossible,buttheHolySpiritdoesprovideforvictoryoversin(Galatians5:1625Ephesians4:2224
Philippians3:12Colossians3:9101Peter1:14161John3:59).
SECURITY

Weteachthatalltheredeemed,oncesaved,arekeptbyGod'spowerandarethussecureinChristforever
(John5:246:374010:2730Romans5:9108:1,31391Corinthians1:48Ephesians4:30Hebrews
7:2513:51Peter1:5Jude24).
Weteachthatitistheprivilegeofbelieverstorejoiceintheassuranceoftheirsalvationthroughthe
testimonyofGod'sWord,which,however,clearlyforbidstheuseofChristianlibertyasanoccasionfor
sinfullivingandcarnality(Romans6:152213:1314Galatians5:13,2526Titus2:1114).
SEPARATION

WeteachthatseparationfromsinisclearlycalledforthroughouttheOldandNewTestaments,andthatthe
Scripturesclearlyindicatethatinthelastdaysapostasyandworldlinessshallincrease(2Corinthians6:14
7:12Timothy3:15).
WeteachthatoutofdeepgratitudefortheundeservedgraceofGodgrantedtous,andbecauseourglorious
Godissoworthyofourtotalconsecration,allthesavedshouldliveinsuchamannerastodemonstrateour
adoringlovetoGodandsoasnottobringreproachuponourLordandSavior.Wealsoteachthatseparation
fromallreligiousapostasyandworldlyandsinfulpracticesiscommandedofusbyGod(Romans12:12,1
Corinthians5:9132Corinthians6:147:11John2:15172John911).
WeteachthatbelieversshouldbeseparateduntoourLordJesusChrist(2Thessalonians1:1112Hebrews
12:12)andaffirmthattheChristianlifeisalifeofobedientrighteousnessthatreflectstheteachingofthe
Beatitudes(Matthew5:212)andacontinualpursuitofholiness(Romans12:122Corinthians7:1
Hebrews12:14Titus2:11141John3:110).

TheChurch
WeteachthatallwhoplacetheirfaithinJesusChristareimmediatelyplacedbytheHolySpiritintoone
unitedspiritualBody,thechurch(1Corinthians12:1213),thebrideofChrist(2Corinthians11:2
Ephesians5:2332Revelation19:78),ofwhichChrististheHead(Ephesians1:224:15Colossians1:18).
Weteachthattheformationofthechurch,theBodyofChrist,beganontheDayofPentecost(Acts2:121,
3847)andwillbecompletedatthecomingofChristforHisownattherapture(1Corinthians15:51521
Thessalonians4:1318).
WeteachthatthechurchisthusauniquespiritualorganismdesignedbyChrist,madeupofallbornagain
believersinthispresentage(Ephesians2:113:6).ThechurchisdistinctfromIsrael(1Corinthians10:32),a
mysterynotrevealeduntilthisage(Ephesians3:165:32).
WeteachthattheestablishmentandcontinuityoflocalchurchesisclearlytaughtanddefinedintheNew
TestamentScriptures(Acts14:23,2720:17,28Galatians1:2Philippians1:11Thessalonians1:12
Thessalonians1:1)andthatthemembersoftheonespiritualBodyaredirectedtoassociatethemselves
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togetherinlocalassemblies(1Corinthians11:1820Hebrews10:25).
WeteachthattheonesupremeauthorityforthechurchisChrist(1Corinthians11:3Ephesians1:22
Colossians1:18)andthatchurchleadership,gifts,order,discipline,andworshipareallappointedthrough
HissovereigntyasfoundintheScriptures.ThebiblicallydesignatedofficersservingunderChristandover
theassemblyareelders(alsocalledbishops,pastors,andpastorteachersActs20:28Ephesians4:11)and
deacons,bothofwhommustmeetbiblicalqualifications(1Timothy3:113Titus1:591Peter5:15).
WeteachthattheseleadersleadorruleasservantsofChrist(1Timothy5:1722)andhaveHisauthorityin
directingthechurch.Thecongregationistosubmittotheirleadership(Hebrews13:7,17).
Weteachtheimportanceofdiscipleship(Matthew28:19202Timothy2:2),mutualaccountabilityofall
believerstoeachother(Matthew18:514),aswellastheneedfordisciplineofsinningmembersofthe
congregationinaccordwiththestandardsofScripture(Matthew18:1522Acts5:1111Corinthians5:1
132Thessalonians3:6151Timothy1:1920Titus1:1016).
Weteachtheautonomyofthelocalchurch,freefromanyexternalauthorityorcontrol,withtherightofself
governmentandfreedomfromtheinterferenceofanyhierarchyofindividualsororganizations(Titus1:5).
Weteachthatitisscripturalfortruechurchestocooperatewitheachotherforthepresentationand
propagationofthefaith.Eachlocalchurch,however,throughitseldersandtheirinterpretationand
applicationofScripture,shouldbethesolejudgeofthemeasureandmethodofitscooperation.Theelders
shoulddetermineallothermattersofmembership,policy,discipline,benevolence,andgovernmentaswell
(Acts15:193120:281Corinthians5:47,131Peter5:14).
WeteachthatthepurposeofthechurchistoglorifyGod(Ephesians3:21)bybuildingitselfupinthefaith
(Ephesians4:1316),byinstructionoftheWord(2Timothy2:2,153:1617),byfellowship(Acts2:471
John1:3),bykeepingtheordinances(Luke22:19Acts2:3842)andbyadvancingandcommunicatingthe
gospeltotheentireworld(Matthew28:19Acts1:82:42).
Weteachthecallingofallsaintstotheworkofservice(1Corinthians15:58Ephesians4:12Revelation
22:12).
WeteachtheneedofthechurchtocooperatewithGodasHeaccomplishesHispurposeintheworld.To
thatend,Hegivesthechurchspiritualgifts.Hegivesmenchosenforthepurposeofequippingthesaintsfor
theworkoftheministry(Ephesians4:712),andHealsogivesuniqueandspecialspiritualabilitiestoeach
memberoftheBodyofChrist(Romans12:581Corinthians12:4311Peter4:1011).
Weteachthatthereweretwokindsofgiftsgiventheearlychurch:miraculousgiftsofdivinerevelationand
healing,giventemporarilyintheapostoliceraforthepurposeofconfirmingtheauthenticityoftheapostles'
message(Hebrews2:342Corinthians12:12)andministeringgifts,giventoequipbelieversforedifying
oneanother.WiththeNewTestamentrevelationnowcomplete,Scripturebecomesthesoletestofthe
authenticityofaman'smessage,andconfirminggiftsofamiraculousnaturearenolongernecessaryto
validateamanorhismessage(1Corinthians13:812).MiraculousgiftscanevenbecounterfeitedbySatan
soastodeceiveevenbelievers(1Corinthians13:1314:12Revelation13:1314).Theonlygiftsin
operationtodayarethosenonrevelatoryequippinggiftsgivenforedification(Romans12:68).
Weteachthatnoonepossessesthegiftofhealingtoday,butthatGoddoeshearandanswertheprayerof
faithandwillanswerinaccordancewithHisownperfectwillforthesick,suffering,andafflicted(Luke
18:16John5:792Corinthians12:610James5:13161John5:1415).
Weteachthattwoordinanceshavebeencommittedtothelocalchurch:baptismandtheLord'sSupper(Acts
2:3842).Christianbaptismbyimmersion(Acts8:3639)isthesolemnandbeautifultestimonyofabeliever
showingforthhisfaithinthecrucified,buried,andrisenSavior,andhisunionwithHimindeathtosinand
resurrectiontoanewlife(Romans6:111).Itisalsoasignoffellowshipandidentificationwiththevisible
BodyofChrist(Acts2:4142).
WeteachthattheLord'sSupperisthecommemorationandproclamationofHisdeathuntilHecomes,and
shouldbealwaysprecededbysolemnselfexamination(1Corinthians11:2832).Wealsoteachthat,
whereastheelementsofCommunionareonlyrepresentativeofthefleshandbloodofChrist,theLord's
SupperisneverthelessanactualcommunionwiththerisenChristwhoindwellseverybeliever,andsois
present,fellowshippingwithHispeople(1Corinthians10:16).

Angels
HOLYANGELS

Weteachthatangelsarecreatedbeingsandarethereforenottobeworshiped.Althoughtheyareahigher
orderofcreationthanman,theyarecreatedtoserveGodandtoworshipHim(Luke2:914Hebrews1:67,
142:67Revelation5:111419:1022:9).
FALLENANGELS

WeteachthatSatanisacreatedangelandtheauthorofsin.HeincurredthejudgmentofGodbyrebelling
againsthisCreator(Isaiah14:1217Ezekiel28:1119),bytakingnumerousangelswithhiminhisfall
(Matthew25:41Revelation12:114),andbyintroducingsinintothehumanracebyhistemptationofEve
(Genesis3:115).
WeteachthatSatanistheopenanddeclaredenemyofGodandman(Isaiah14:1314Matthew4:111
Revelation12:910)thatheistheprinceofthisworld,whohasbeendefeatedthroughthedeathand
resurrectionofJesusChrist(Romans16:20)andthatheshallbeeternallypunishedinthelakeoffire(Isaiah
14:1217Ezekiel28:1119Matthew25:41Revelation20:10).

LastThings(Eschatology)
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DEATH

Weteachthatphysicaldeathinvolvesnolossofourimmaterialconsciousness(Revelation6:911),thatthe
souloftheredeemedpassesimmediatelyintothepresenceofChrist(Luke23:43Philippians1:232
Corinthians5:8),thatthereisaseparationofsoulandbody(Philippians1:2124),andthat,forthe
redeemed,suchseparationwillcontinueuntiltherapture(1Thessalonians4:1317),whichinitiatesthefirst
resurrection(Revelation20:46),whenoursoulandbodywillbereunitedtobeglorifiedforeverwithour
Lord(Philippians3:211Corinthians15:3544,5054).Untilthattime,thesoulsoftheredeemedinChrist
remaininjoyfulfellowshipwithourLordJesusChrist(2Corinthians5:8).
Weteachthebodilyresurrectionofallmen,thesavedtoeternallife(John6:39Romans8:1011,19232
Corinthians4:14),andtheunsavedtojudgmentandeverlastingpunishment(Daniel12:2John5:29
Revelation20:1315).
Weteachthatthesoulsoftheunsavedatdeatharekeptunderpunishmentuntilthesecondresurrection
(Luke16:1926Revelation20:1315),whenthesoulandtheresurrectionbodywillbeunited(John5:28
29).TheyshallthenappearattheGreatWhiteThroneJudgment(Revelation20:1115)andshallbecastinto
hell,thelakeoffire(Matthew25:4146),cutofffromthelifeofGodforever(Daniel12:2Matthew25:41
462Thessalonians1:79).
THERAPTUREOFTHECHURCH

Weteachthepersonal,bodilyreturnofourLordJesusChristbeforethesevenyeartribulation(1
Thessalonians4:16Titus2:13)totranslateHischurchfromthisearth(John14:131Corinthians15:5153
1Thessalonians4:155:11)and,betweenthiseventandHisgloriousreturnwithHissaints,toreward
believersaccordingtotheirworks(1Corinthians3:11152Corinthians5:10).
THETRIBULATIONPERIOD

Weteachthatimmediatelyfollowingtheremovalofthechurchfromtheearth(John14:131Thessalonians
4:1318)therighteousjudgmentsofGodwillbepouredoutuponanunbelievingworld(Jeremiah30:7
Daniel9:2712:12Thessalonians2:712Revelation16),andthatthesejudgmentswillbeclimaxedbythe
returnofChristinglorytotheearth(Matthew24:273125:31462Thessalonians2:712).Atthattimethe
OldTestamentandtribulationsaintswillberaisedandthelivingwillbejudged(Daniel12:23Revelation
20:46).ThisperiodincludestheseventiethweekofDaniel'sprophecy(Daniel9:2427Matthew24:1531
25:3146).
THESECONDCOMINGANDTHEMILLENNIALREIGN

Weteachthat,afterthetribulationperiod,ChristwillcometoearthtooccupythethroneofDavid(Matthew
25:31Luke1:3133Acts1:10112:2930)andestablishHismessianickingdomforathousandyearson
theearth(Revelation20:17).DuringthistimetheresurrectedsaintswillreignwithHimoverIsraelandall
thenationsoftheearth(Ezekiel37:2128Daniel7:1722Revelation19:1116).Thisreignwillbe
precededbytheoverthrowoftheAntichristandtheFalseProphet,andbytheremovalofSatanfromthe
world(Daniel7:1727Revelation20:17).
WeteachthatthekingdomitselfwillbethefulfillmentofGod'spromisetoIsrael(Isaiah65:1725Ezekiel
37:2128Zechariah8:117)torestorethemtothelandwhichtheyforfeitedthroughtheirdisobedience
(Deuteronomy28:1568).TheresultoftheirdisobediencewasthatIsraelwastemporarilysetaside
(Matthew21:43Romans11:126),butwillagainbeawakenedthroughrepentancetoenterintothelandof
blessing(Jeremiah31:3134Ezekiel36:2232Romans11:2529).
WeteachthatthistimeofourLord'sreignwillbecharacterizedbyharmony,justice,peace,righteousness,
andlonglife(Isaiah1165:1725Ezekiel36:3338),andwillbebroughttoanendwiththereleaseofSatan
(Revelation20:7).
THEJUDGMENTOFTHELOST

WeteachthatfollowingthereleaseofSatanafterthethousandyearreignofChrist(Revelation20:7),Satan
willdeceivethenationsoftheearthandgatherthemtobattleagainstthesaintsandthebelovedcity,at
whichtimeSatanandhisarmywillbedevouredbyfirefromheaven(Revelation20:9).Followingthis,
Satanwillbethrownintothelakeoffireandbrimstone(Matthew25:41Revelation20:10)whereupon
Christ,whoistheJudgeofallmen(John5:22),willresurrectandjudgethegreatandsmallattheGreat
WhiteThroneJudgment.
Weteachthatthisresurrectionoftheunsaveddeadtojudgmentwillbeaphysicalresurrection,whereupon
receivingtheirjudgment(John5:2829),theywillbecommittedtoaneternalconsciouspunishmentinthe
lakeoffire(Matthew25:41Revelation20:1115).
ETERNITY

Weteachthataftertheclosingofthemillennium,thetemporaryreleaseofSatan,andthejudgmentof
unbelievers(2Thessalonians1:9Revelation20:715),thesavedwillentertheeternalstateofglorywith
God,afterwhichtheelementsofthiseartharetobedissolved(2Peter3:10)andreplacedwithanewearth,
whereinonlyrighteousnessdwells(Ephesians5:5Revelation20:15,21:12722:122).Followingthis,the
heavenlycitywillcomedownoutofheaven(Revelation21:2)andwillbethedwellingplaceofthesaints,
wheretheywillenjoyforeverfellowshipwithGodandoneanother(John17:3Revelation2122).OurLord
JesusChrist,havingfulfilledHisredemptivemission,willthendeliverupthekingdomtoGodtheFather(1
Corinthians15:2428),thatinallspheresthetriuneGodmayreignforeverandever(1Corinthians15:28).

WhatItMeanstoBeaChristian
BeingaChristianismorethanidentifyingyourselfwithaparticularreligionoraffirmingacertainvalue
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system.BeingaChristianmeansyouhaveembracedwhattheBiblesaysaboutGod,mankind,and
salvation.ConsiderthefollowingtruthsfoundinScripture.
GODISSOVEREIGNCREATOR

Contemporarythinkingsaysmanistheproductofevolution.ButtheBiblesayswewerecreatedbya
personalGodtolove,serve,andenjoyendlessfellowshipwithHim.TheNewTestamentrevealsitwas
JesusHimselfwhocreatedeverything(John1:3Colossians1:16).Therefore,Healsoownsandrules
everything(Psalm103:19).ThatmeansHehasauthorityoverourlivesandweoweHimabsoluteallegiance,
obedience,andworship.
GODISHOLY

Godisabsolutleyandperfectlyholy(Isaiah6:3),thereforeHecannotcommitorapproveofevil(James
1:13).Godrequiresholinessofusaswell.FirstPeter1:16says,"Youshallbeholy,forIamholy."
MANKINDISSINFUL

AccordingtoScripture,everyoneisguiltyofsin:"Thereisnomanwhodoesnotsin"(1Kings8:46).That
doesn'tmeanwe'reincapableofperformingactsofhumankindness.Butwe'reutterlyincapableof
understanding,loving,orpleasingGodonourown(Romans3:1012).
SINDEMANDSAPENALTY

God'sholinessandjusticedemandthatallsinbepunishedbydeath(Ezekiel18:4).That'swhysimply
changingourpatternsofbehaviorcan'tsolveoursinproblemoreliminateitsconsequences.
JESUSISLORDANDSAVIOR

TheNewTestamentrevealsitwasJesusHimselfwhocreatedeverything(Colossians1:16).ThereforeHe
ownsandruleseverything(Psalm103:19).ThatmeansHehasauthorityoverourlivesandweoweHim
absoluteallegiance,obedience,andworship.Romans10:9says,"IfyouconfesswithyourmouthJesusas
Lord,andbelieveinyourheartthatGodraisedHimfromthedead,youshallbesaved."EventhoughGod's
justicedemandsdeathforsin,HislovehasprovidedaSaviorwhopaidthepenaltyanddiedforsinners(1
Peter3:18).Christ'sdeathsatisfiedthedemandsofGod'sholiness(2Corinthians5:21),therebyenabling
HimtoforgiveandsavethosewhoplacetheirfaithinHim(Romans3:26).
THECHARACTEROFSAVINGFAITH

Truefaithisalwaysaccompaniedbyrepentancefromsin.RepentanceisagreeingwithGodthatyouare
sinful,confessingyoursinstoHim,andmakingaconsciouschoicetoturnfromsin(Luke13:3,51
Thessalonians1:9)andpursueChrist(Matthew11:2830John17:3)andobediencetoHim(1John2:3).It
isn'tenoughtobelievecertainfactsaboutChrist.EvenSatanandhisdemonsbelieveinthetrueGod(James
2:19),buttheydon'tloveandobeyHim.Truesavingfaithalwaysrespondsinobedience(Ephesians2:10).

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