Examples of Church of God Diversity in Convictions and Practices

[Porknpie]

The link below is to the Church of God “Beliefs”. I’m curious as to what examples would be of diversity in convictions and practices?

*You will find a great diversity of convictions and practices within the Church of God. Though we have differences, we share a common story of faith, growing together into the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). *

http://www.jesusisthesubject.org/our-beliefs/

 

[ltwin]

The link below is to the Church of God “Beliefs”. I’m curious as to what examples would be of diversity in convictions and practices?

*You will find a great diversity of convictions and practices within the Church of God. Though we have differences, we share a common story of faith, growing together into the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). *

http://www.jesusisthesubject.org/our-beliefs/

My understanding is that the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) is similar to the Nazarene Church. It is a holiness denomination, but unlike other Holiness denominations the Church of God does not have an official belief statement. I suppose they mean churches are free to express themselves in different ways while remaining in the boundaries of the theological consensus of the Church of God.

 

[Porknpie]

My understanding is that the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) is similar to the Nazarene Church. It is a holiness denomination, but unlike other Holiness denominations the Church of God does not have an official belief statement. I suppose they mean churches are free to express themselves in different ways while remaining in the boundaries of the theological consensus of the Church of God.

Hi Itwin,

The “how” they express themselves sounds like a practice. Catholic’s can relate to this as we have variance in practice across the 20+ rites. Not sure what they mean by convictions. This to me is the more mysterious of the two.

 

[Wannano]

Hi Itwin,

The “how” they express themselves sounds like a practice. Catholic’s can relate to this as we have variance in practice across the 20+ rites. Not sure what they mean by convictions. This to me is the more mysterious of the two.

Go to the site you presented, click on “What we teach” goto #4 “Convictional not creedal” . To me this gives the foundation to their outlook that the Christian life is meant to be experienced with a relationship with Christ developing the individual convictions to holy living within the parameters of Christ’s teaching found only in the Bible. This rather than a creed or ruling handed down by a governing body or authority and imposed on all adherents who may not own the idea or in other words not have a personal conviction about it. Maybe something like contraception would be an example.

I am good friends with the local Pastor of the Church of God (Anderson) and I will ask him how they interpret their statement.

 

[Porknpie]

Go to the site you presented, click on “What we teach” goto #4 “Convictional not creedal” . To me this gives the foundation to their outlook that the Christian life is meant to be experienced with a relationship with Christ developing the individual convictions to holy living within the parameters of Christ’s teaching found only in the Bible. This rather than a creed or ruling handed down by a governing body or authority and imposed on all adherents who may not own the idea or in other words not have a personal conviction about it. Maybe something like contraception would be an example.

I am good friends with the local Pastor of the Church of God (Anderson) and I will ask him how they interpret their statement.

Thank you for the reference.

I find this interesting in the convictions write-up, which seems to leave a lot open for consideration and discussion:

• One of its theologians recommends that the movement should now (1) overtly confess the historic faith of the Christian church, *
  Ask him if this means that one can be a member of the Church of God and profess that baptism is Salvific?

As an example only, I’d be curious what he thinks of St. Ambrose on the matter, writing in the 4th century:

1. Therefore read that the three witnesses in baptism, the water, the blood, and the Spirit, 1 John 5:7 are one, for if you take away one of these, the Sacrament of Baptism does not exist. For what is water without the cross of Christ? A common element, without any sacramental effect. Nor, again, is there the Sacrament of Regeneration without water: For except a man be born again of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5 Now, even the catechumen believes in the cross of the Lord Jesus, wherewith he too is signed; but unless he be baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, he cannot receive remission of sins nor gain the gift of spiritual grace.

St. Ambrose’s fuller text is here.

And of course, what is his interpretation of scripture, 1 Pet 3:21 and Mark 16:16.