Below is a brief overview of some of the essential lines of truth (Doctrine) that are revealed and taught within the Bible, the uniquely Holy Spirit Inspired and Preserved Word of God.
This overview of doctrine is given to prepare any who visit to know what they can expect to hear being taught and observe being practised.
Please read the following downloads for more details concerning this remarkable Book of books:
- God is an eternal Spirit, immutable in His Character and is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent (i.e. all-powerful, knows everything and has a presence everywhere); nothing can be hid from Him, including our thoughts and motives.
(Psalm 90:2; Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Hebrews 6:17; Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Romans 1:20; For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Revelation 11:17; Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
Proverbs 15:3; The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Hebrews 4:12-13)12. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
.
- God is intrinsically holy and God is essential Light; He cannot permit defilement by sin in His awesome and majestic presence.
(Isaiah 6:3; And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
1John 1:5-6; 5. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1Timothy 6:16) Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
.
- All God’s works and actions demonstrate His wisdom and righteousness in creation and redemption; He cannot do otherwise.
(Psalm 23:3; He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Psalm 33:4-5; 4. For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. 5. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
Isaiah 45:19)I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye Me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
.
- He seeks for sincerity and reality, not frivolousness or hypocrisy from those who confess Him. He is a God of order.
(Psalm 51:6,17; 6. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom ... 17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Matthew 15:7-9; 7. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
1Peter 1:14-16)14. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
.
- God is merciful, gracious and longsuffering towards wayward mankind desiring their eternal salvation, holding back His deserving wrath on man’s sin. His character of love does NOT excuse sin but has provided a means of Salvation and Forgiveness for those who abandon their sinful practices.
(John 3:16-17; 16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Romans 2:4-6; 4. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6. Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Romans 5:6-8)6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
.
- God is revealed as a tri-union of ‘Persons’ – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – a unity in plurality, each equal in existence, essence and excellence: this truth is revealed in blossom form within the OT but brought to full glorious bloom within the NT.
(Genesis 1:26; And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Isaiah 9:6; For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Matthew 28:19; Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
1John 4:14; And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1John 5:20)And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
.
- The full Godhead was involved in the creation of the world and in its daily subsistence ensuring man’s survival.
(Genesis 1:1-2; 1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Psalm 33:6-9; 6. By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. 7. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. 8. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. 9. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
Colossians 1:15-17; 15. Who (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Hebrews 1:1-3; 1. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Acts 14:16-17)16. Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
.
- In the great work of Salvation, the ‘Son of God’ entered into perfect Manhood as the subject Servant of God in order to defeat the devil at the cross and offer Himself as a Sacrifice for mankind’s sin. God cannot die but the glorious Man who yielded up His life on the centre cross (tree) outside of Jerusalem’s walls 2000 years ago was God.
(Acts 20:28; Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Philippians 2:5-11)5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given Hhim a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
.
Please visit the download page below for greater detail concerning the Character and Work of the Triune God:
- He is the manifestation of God in perfect Manhood.
(John 1:1; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 14:8-10; 8. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10. Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Colossians 1:15; Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Colossians 2:9)For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
.
- As God, He has no origin but is the originator of all created things, spirit and material; His manhood commenced via His conception of the Holy Spirit, within Mary’s womb, a lowly, God-fearing, betrothed virgin from Nazareth, in Galilee. He was NOT created in the womb as Adam was from clay.
(Isaiah 7:14; Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23-25; 23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25. And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Luke 1:30-35; 30. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
John 1:3)All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
.
- After exile in Egypt as a child due to Herod’s animosity, He was brought up in Nazareth in the household of Joseph with His half brothers and sisters until His public ministry commenced at the age of 30.
(Matthew 2:13,23; 13. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. ... 23. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Luke 4:16; And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Mark 6:3)Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
.
- At His baptism by John, the Holy Spirit in a dove form alighted upon Him; God the Father expressed His pleasure in Him as He stepped into the public scene to progress the redemptive purpose of God.
(Luke 3:21-22; 21. Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22. And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
John 1:32-34)32. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
.
- He was subsequently tested by the devil in the wilderness for forty days but He who had no sin could not be tempted to sin. The devil was soundly silenced and could not mar this Holy One from Heaven or deviate Him from His dependence upon God as the perfect Man.
(Mark 1:12-13)12. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
.
- He taught with divine authority the truths of the Kingdom of God, and manifested His power over His creation and over disease, demons, and death. These works bear testimony to His deity.
(Mark 4:37-41; 37. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39. And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41. And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Matthew 4:24; And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
Acts 10:38; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
John 11:43-44)43. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
.
- With purposeful intent He ascended to Jerusalem knowing He would be betrayed, falsely accused, tried and condemned to death by the Jews and their leaders, by Herod Antipas and by the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate.
(Luke 9:51; And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.
Mark 10:33-34; 33. Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: 34. And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Acts 4:27-28)27. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
.
- He meekly and submissively bore the scourging, the mocking and His crucifixion between two criminals, NOT for any sin He had committed but on behalf of our sins.
(Psalm 22:16-18; 16. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Isaiah 53:5-6; 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
1Timothy 2:4-6; 4. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
1Peter 3:18)For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
.
- Following His sacrificial death, His body was gently placed into a new tomb until the resurrection morning when in glorious triumph and power He arose bodily out of death and the tomb, a victor over death, sin, the grave and the devil.
(Matthew 27:57-60; 57. When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58. He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60. And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
Matthew 28:1-6; 1. In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4. And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Acts 13:29-31; 29. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. 30. But God raised him from the dead: 31. And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
Hebrews 2:14-15)14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
.
- He ascended from the Mount of Olives forty days later, witnessed by His faithful followers promising to send the Holy Spirit to dwell in them, to comfort and empower them up until the present day.
(Acts 1:8-9; 8. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
John 14:15-18)15. If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
.
- Today, through the Holy Spirit, He is active in building His Church out of the world’s nations and ministering as a High Priest for those on earth with Shepherd care. Once complete, the sleeping (dead) members will be raised with the living ones to jointly meet Him in the air to be with Him in Heaven before He descends to judge and reign over the world in righteousness and truth and equity.
(Matthew 16:18; And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
John 14:3; And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
1Thesalonians 4:16-17; 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Acts 17:30-31; 30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Psalm 2:7-12; 7. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Isaiah 11:4-5)4. But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
.
Please read the following download for greater detail concerning this distinct and unique glorious Man:
- Mankind is in need of reconciliation to God because of Adam’s disobedience (Mankind’s federal head) in the Garden of Eden (Paradise) resulting in spiritual death. Consequential physical death is a result of sin of which we all inherited and yet are guilty of wilfully practising.
(Romans 3:23; For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 5:12; Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
2Corinthians 5:19-21)19. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
.
- Salvation is for all people on an individual basis, on a person’s correct response to God and Christ, seeking restoration to God their Creator.
(Isaiah 55:6-7; 6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
John 3:3; Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Luke 24:45-47; 45. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46. And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
John 3:16-17)16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
.
- Salvation is always freely offered on the basis of faith through grace both in the OT and NT and is not merited on any basis of works. No rite or religious ceremony (i.e. baptism, confirmation, mass, pilgrimages etc.) has any value in this matter, most of which have no Scriptural authority and are mere ‘add-ons’ of men.
(Genesis 15:6; And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Romans 11:6; And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Ephesians 2:8-10)8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
.
- Salvation requires the shedding of the blood of a sacrifice of infinite worth to enable God to mercifully yet judicially deal with sin without compromising His righteousness. All sin must and will be punished. The OT sacrifices had limited value and really pointed to Christ Himself, the ultimate “Lamb of God”.
(Romans 3:24-26; 24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Hebrews 10:10-12; 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
John 1:29)The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
.
- Salvation through repentance and faith in Christ alone will deliver an individual from eternal judgment in Hell, out of which there is no escape. The ideas of Annihilation, Purgatory and Reincarnation are not sourced from the Bible.
(John 3:36; He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Acts 4:12; Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Revelation 20:14-15)14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
.
- The Lord Jesus Christ began “building His Church” on the day of Pentecost and will be completed at the “Rapture”, being comprised of all true believers in Him between this time span. It is a “spiritual”, not a physical building.
(Acts 2:1,47; 1. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ... 47. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
2Thessalonians 2:1)Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.
.
- The Church is not an extension or a replacement of the nation of Israel, although comprised of both Jews and Gentiles. OT prophecies relating to Israel are NOT being fulfilled in a ‘spiritualised sense’ in this church era but will be brought to a literal fulfilment in a future day.
(Ephesians 2:14-18; 14. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Romans 11:25-29)25. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27. For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 29. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
.
- Each local representative company of believers should be autonomous, having a heavenly outlook, owning Christ alone as their head. Hierarchal structuring with earthly centres of control, denominationalism, satellite groupings etc. have no Scriptural precedent and deny the Lordship of the Holy Spirit.
(Philippians 3:20-21; 20. For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21. Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Colossians 1:18)And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
.
- Each local company should be guided by a plurality of responsible and spiritually mature men, not by an 'official' pastor or priest.
(Acts 14:23; And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Titus 1:5; For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
1Peter 5:1)The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
.
- Spiritual gifts are dispersed to individuals by the Holy Spirit for the edification of each local church.
(1Corinthians 12:4-7; 4. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Ephesians 4:11-13)11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
.
- The function of Apostles and Prophets has ceased since the completion of the canon of Scripture; the miraculous sign gifts have also ceased, being of a confirmatory nature to establish this new work of the Holy Spirit in the early days.
(Ephesians 2:20; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Hebrews 2:3-4)3. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4. God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
.
- After an individual’s conversion, baptism by total immersion in water in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the next and necessary step to ensure church fellowship in a local capacity. This ordinance symbolises the individuals death, burial and resurrection with Christ and the change in life that conversion brings.
(Acts 2:41-42; 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Romans 6:4-7)4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7. For he that is dead is freed from sin.
.
- While male and female have an equal standing before God in salvation, there is a distinction established in the creatorial order that is to be maintained within local churches through the woman’s silence and a full head covering, this being in addition to her natural length hair.
(Galatians 3:28; There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
1Corinthians 11:3-5; 3. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 4. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 5. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
1Corinthians 14:34; Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
1Timothy 2:9-12)9. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10. But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
.
- Much that comes under the name of Christianity or the Church or undertaken in the name of Christ, past or present, is not Christian nor can it be linked to the universal heavenly Church that Christ is building. Being a member of "a church" does not make you a member of Christ's eternal church. You must be born again.
(Matthew 5:44-45; 44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 13:31-33; 31. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32. Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. 33. Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
2Timothy 3:5)Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
.
- Once the Church has been taken away from the earth, God will begin to move towards the establishment of Christ’s global Millennial Reign with Israel restored as His National People. There are many OT prophecies yet to be literally fulfilled in respect to these truths.
(Ezekiel 37:21-22; 21. And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: 22. And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:
Zechariah 12:7-9; 7. The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. 8. In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them. 9. And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
Revelation 20:6)Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
.
- Prior this, a seven year period of tribulation will occur during which a usurper will arise to oppose all that is of God seeking to unite the world around himself. Many false Christs and prophets will arise.
(Daniel 8:23-25; 23. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 24. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 25. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
2Thessalonians 2:3-4; 3. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Mark 13:19-23)19. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. 21. And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: 22. For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
.
- A unified Babylonish ecumenical world religion will be established as an ‘apostate church’ and be replaced midway through the tribulation period by the forced worship of an ‘image’ set up in Jerusalem.
(Revelation 18:3-5; 3. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
Revelation 13:12; And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
Daniel 12:11; And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Mark 13:14)But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
.
- By God’s grace, the everlasting gospel will still be preached; many will believe but suffer significantly, in particular a Jewish remnant as they wait deliverance by their returning Messiah.
(Revelation 14:6)And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.
.
- God will pour out judgments of unprecedented magnitudes on mankind as they continue to rebel against Him. The world’s armies gather around Jerusalem for a final confrontation.
(Revelation 16:14-16)14. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 16. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
.
- The usurper will be defeated, Satan is bound and Christ will reign over the world for one thousand years in righteousness, truth and equity.
(Jeremiah 23:5-6; 5. Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Revelation 20:1-3,6)1. And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. ... 6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
.
- Satan is released and attempts a last overthrow but is taken and thrown alive into the Lake of Fire where the usurper is, with his followers. The current heaven and earth pass away and God makes new heavens and a new earth.
(Revelation 20:7-10; 7. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8. And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
2Peter 3:12-13; 12. Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Revelation 21:1,4-5)1. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. ... 4. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
.
- The Church along with the OT men and women of faith and the NT Tribulation believers will dwell with God and Christ in eternal bliss for eternity while the unbelievers of every age who refuse God’s provision of forgiveness and reconciliation will suffer eternal and conscious punishment, severe but righteous.
(Ephesians 1:10; That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Ephesians 2:7; That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Revelation 20:11-15)11. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12. 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. 13. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
.