Sola Scriptura

[brkn1]

There are a lot of words in this thread that are in defense of the doctrine of justification by means of both “faith and our works”.

You can play all you want with the “refined speculations” that come out of adding the wisdom of men to God’s divinely (Spirit) inspired Word.
You really can not get past the many verses in the Bible that point to the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ, Who is the only source of the single work of salvation for all those that believe in Him and His Work to save us.

(Romans 5:9) “Much more then being NOW justified by His Blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”
We are NOW justified by His Blood if we have faith alone in Jesus alone.
It is THROUGH Jesus alone (not through any man), that Jesus “…by His own Blood He entered in ONCE (ONLY ONCE) into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9:12)

It is at your own peril that you dismiss the completeness of God’s Word, by adding man’s wisdom, which has been called foolishness ( and warned against) by God.
(1 Corinthians 3:19) “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.”

I’m sticking with the Bible Alone.
You can keep your wise additions to “understand and interpret” God’s simple Gospel of Salvation by Grace Alone through Faith Alone in Jesus Christ Alone according to God’s Word in the Bible Alone.

 

[heisenburg]

It’s funny…

People like to condemn the CC for ‘extra teachings’ that have been around since the first century…

They may not agree with these things, but the teachings were there…

However, they stick to ‘bible alone’ saying that it alone is all you need…

However, Bible alone was never taught until ML. If you say that there are very clear verses… Then why are there answers to those clear verses…

You may not agree with the answers given, but fact is… there are two groups of Christians that has always offered a scriptural counter to bible alone… Catholic, and Orthodox…

so… who is interpreting scripture properly?

But again… fact is… no one taught scripture alone until ~1500…

Yet you beguile teachings that have been around since the first century…
why is that?

We can show you early Christian teachings on Mary, Purgatory, Prayers with the saints, need for apostolic succession, etc… You may not agree with those teachings, but fact is, they were taught WAY WAY WAY back then

But no one prior to ~1500 taught scripture alone…

odd if you ask me…

Just an observation…

In Christ

 

[NDfan]

It’s funny…

People like to condemn the CC for ‘extra teachings’ that have been around since the first century…

They may not agree with these things, but the teachings were there…

However, they stick to ‘bible alone’ saying that it alone is all you need…

However, Bible alone was never taught until ML. If you say that there are very clear verses… Then why are there answers to those clear verses…

You may not agree with the answers given, but fact is… there are two groups of Christians that has always offered a scriptural counter to bible alone… Catholic, and Orthodox…

so… who is interpreting scripture properly?

But again… fact is… no one taught scripture alone until ~1500…

Yet you beguile teachings that have been around since the first century…
why is that?

We can show you early Christian teachings on Mary, Purgatory, Prayers with the saints, need for apostolic succession, etc… You may not agree with those teachings, but fact is, they were taught WAY WAY WAY back then

But no one prior to ~1500 taught scripture alone…

odd if you ask me…

Just an observation…

In Christ

Heisenburg your summation is a little off here. Luther did not teach Bible alone. He taught Sola Scriptura which in a nutshell means you cannot create doctrine that is counter to the Bible. His main objection was the sale of indulgences which is not scriptural.

As far as the ECFs they very much taught from scripture and were students of it. The primary defense against Marcion was scripture. And what teachings were around in the 1st century that were not scriptural?

PEACE

 

[MementoMori3283]

“Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill. For verily, I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.” Jesus’ says not one of Gods Commandments shall be changed. However the Catholic Church changed Gods Sabbath.

Did Jesus fulfill all?

 

[Seeking_God]

Did Jesus fulfill all?

Jesus fullfilled all. Yes! Glory be to God!!!

In fulfillment of prophecy He came first to Israel as her Messiah-King, and that, being rejected of that nation, He, according to the eternal counsels of God, gave His life as a ransom for all (John 1:11; Acts 2:22–24; 1 Tim. 2:6).

In infinite love for the lost, He voluntarily accepted His Father’s will and became the divinely provided sacrificial Lamb and took away the sin of the world, bearing the holy judgments against sin which the righteousness of God must impose. His death was therefore substitutionary in the most absolute sense—the just for the unjust—and by His death He became the Savior of the lost (John 1:29; Rom. 3:25–26; 2 Cor. 5:14; Heb. 10:5–14; 1 Pet. 3:18).

He arose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which He had lived and died, and that His resurrection body is the pattern of that body which ultimately will be given to all believers (John 20:20; Phil. 3:20–21)

On departing from the earth, He was accepted of His Father and that His acceptance is a final assurance to us that His redeeming work was perfectly accomplished (Heb. 1:3)

God Bless

 

[MarcoPolo]

What about church tradition? Jesus warned us against tradition (Mark 7:1-13).

Please be careful when you see the word “tradition” condemned in Scripture. What KIND of tradition? Paul tells us to hold onto apostolic tradition quite clearly (2 Thes 2:15, 2 Thes 3:6).

In your Mark 7 verse, Jesus is condemning a particular kind of tradition of men…NOT apostolic tradition which is from God.

 

[SyCarl]

If Scripture quotes non-Scriptural sources, that very quotation makes those statements inspired. That does not mean that the rest of the non-Scriptural source can be treated as inspired.

As far a tradition goes, there is a mixed message in the Bible. Traditions of men are condemned by both Jesus and Paul. How are we to tell inspired Tradition from traditions of men? Because the Catholic Church which uses Tradition to claim infallibility authority says so?

Are there any condemnations of Scripture? I will stick with what I know is inspired.

By the way, there are several Church fathers who wrote some things that look very much like Scripture alone, not just the usefulness of Scripture.

 

[Seeking_God]

Please be careful when you see the word “tradition” condemned in Scripture. What KIND of tradition? Paul tells us to hold onto apostolic tradition quite clearly (2 Thes 2:15, 2 Thes 3:6).

In your Mark 7 verse, Jesus is condemning a particular kind of tradition of men…NOT apostolic tradition which is from God.

I agree with you. To answer the question of WHAT kind of tradition.

Who is The Final Authority?

In recent years, there has been a merging of Roman Catholicism with traditional Protestantism. Many on both sides now claim those in the other camp as their Christian brothers and sisters. This was unheard of several years ago, but today:

Roman Catholic clergy appear regularly on Christian television, promoting unity between Catholics and Protestants.
Christian radio stations broadcast Roman Catholic programs.
Christian bookstores carry a variety of material appealing to Roman Catholics.
Have the two sides, in fact, merged? Are they both now preaching the same message? Do both hold the same cardinal doctrines?

To discover the answer to these questions, 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church. Using this particular Catechism was important for two reasons:

1. This catechism is the official source for all Roman Catholic doctrine. No one can deny that it contains the actual teachings of the Roman Catholic church.
2. Published in 1994, this is the first new catechism in over 400 years. Therefore you can be assured that you are reading the current teachings of the Roman Catholic church, not what it may have taught three hundred years ago.

We will examine 37 of the most critical Roman Catholic doctrines, then let the facts speak for themselves.

You will not find personal opinions or philosophies presented here. This is strictly a declaration of true Roman Catholic doctrine and how those doctrines compare with the Bible. You must draw your own conclusions and make your own decisions.

Neither is this a book of judgment or condemnation. Its sole purpose is to help you better understand Catholic doctrine so you will be prepared when you stand before God for judgment, as we all must do after death:

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27

My heart breaks at the thought of anyone hearing Jesus proclaim the following words to them on that day:

21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:23

Yet the Bible reveals that the Lord will proclaim those very words to many religious people. Knowing this, it is vital that you not blindly follow anyone. Learn these Roman Catholic doctrines for yourself so you will be able to face God with confidence.

The Bible maintains that it is the one and only final authority, while Catholicism teaches that three final authorities exist. The 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church declares:

“It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.” (Pg. 29, #95)

According to this passage, the Scriptures, church tradition (teachings handed down through the ages), and the Magisterium (the task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God) are all equal in importance. (See also Pg. 25, #82.)

According to Catholic doctrine, church tradition and the magisterium are just as much the Word of God as are the written Scriptures:

"Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit. And (Holy) Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. " (Pg. 26, #81)

The obvious question is, what happens when these three “final authorities” disagree with each other? The Catechism gives this answer:

“The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living, teaching office of the Church alone. This means that the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome.” (Pg. 27, #85)

It is important to note that when the Catechism explains that the task of interpreting the Word of God was entrusted to the “Church,” it is referring exclusively to the Roman Catholic church. Such is the case throughout the Catechism. “The Church” always refers to the Roman Catholic church.

The Catechism repeats the same doctrine using different words:

“For, of course, all that has been said about the manner of interpreting Scripture is ultimately subject to the judgment of the Church which exercises the divinely conferred commission and ministry of watching over and interpreting the Word of God.” (Pg. 34, #119)

Therefore, the Catechism concludes that the one final authority is not the Bible, but the current teaching of the Catholic church, since she is the only one qualified to provide an “authentic in-terpretation” of God’s Word.

 

[Seeking_God]

Does the Bible agree?

If the Bible, tradition and the teachings of the Catholic church are all, in fact, the Word of God, then the Bible will concur with this teaching. Unfortunately for Catholicism, it does not . In fact, quite the contrary is true. God declares in the Bible that His written Word always has been, and always will be - perfect:

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” Psalm 119: 160
“The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Psalm 12:6-7

The Bible boldly declares that it is the only final authority:

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17

In the book of Revelation, God delivers this blistering warning about tampering with His written Word:

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19

The Apostle Paul advises Bible readers how they should react to those who teach doctrines contrary to God’s written Word:

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18

Paul admonishes true believers to avoid anyone who teaches doctrines contrary to the written Scriptures. He also reveals the consequences of believing such false teachings:

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8

Then Paul immediately repeats himself:

“As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:9

Thus, when Catholic doctrine contradicts God’s written Word, those who side against the Holy Scriptures will be “accursed.”

The writer of Proverbs delivers the same stern warning to anyone who would dare change the written Word of God:

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6

God’s Word is settled forever

God pronounces that His Word was written once and has been forever settled:

“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89
“But the word of the Lord endureth for ever…” 1 Peter 1:25

“… the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23

God’s Word is perfect

God’s Word can’t change because it’s perfect just the way it is:

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul…” Psalm 19:7

Catholicism claims that only the leadership of the Catholic church can properly interpret the written Word, but the Bible disagrees:

“… no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21

Where does God want people to obtain their doctrine… from a priest - or from the Bible?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16

Paul is not alluding to the magisterium or church tradition here because the previous verse reads:

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15

Since the Catholic church was not yet in existence when Paul penned these words, he could not have been referring to the teachings of Catholicism.

Did God give away His authority?

As these and hundreds of other scripture verses make plain, God never gave anyone the authority to add to or change His Word. It’s perfect and complete, just as He wrote it.

One of the first questions you must answer for yourself is, “Did God violate all these Scriptures by giving the pope and the Catholic church the right to change His Word, though He said He never would?”

The Pharisees

While Jesus walked the earth, He publicly rebuked the Pharisees, the religious leaders of his day:

“Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men…” Mark 7:7-8

Jesus was upset that the Pharisees had elevated their tradition above God’s Word because He knows that the Word of God leads people to eternal life, while the traditions of men lead people to eternal destruction.

Though these religious leaders obeyed all the rules of their religion, look what Jesus said awaited them:

“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33

When the Pharisees asked Jesus why His disciples transgressed the traditions of the elders, Jesus answered them with a question of His own:

“Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” Matthew 15:3

Jesus always elevated the Scriptures above traditions:

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” Matthew 22:29

 

[Seeking_God]

God’s unchanging Word has always been the final authority, never the traditions of men:

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8

Christians in New Testament times knew what the final authority was:

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11

To determine if what they had heard was true, these people went to the final authority, the written Scriptures. Jesus says of His Words:

“… If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings…” John 14:23-24

Consider these words from the Apostle Paul:

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God…” 1 Thessalonians 2:13

When Paul preached the Word of God to these people, it was not Catholic doctrine because Catholicism didn’t exist yet.

Conclusion

God doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6) because He is perfect. His Son, Jesus, doesn’t change (Hebrews 13:8) because He is perfect. Why, then, should God’s perfect Word keep changing?

As you read the remainder of this book, you will be forced to decide which you believe is the final authority: God’s written Word, or the teachings and traditions of the Catholic church.

Your decision will become critical as you discover that God’s Word and the teachings of Catholicism are diametrically opposed on every doctrine we will examine.

Will you side with the words of God or the traditions of men?

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

Roman Catholic Doctrines Examined Through Scripture

01 Salvation Through The Catholic Church?
Roman Catholicism teaches that salvation is available only through the Catholic church:

“The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism explains: ‘For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained.’” Pg. 215, #816

Here, the 1994 catechism reaffirms the existing teaching of Vatican II, that salvation can be obtained only through the Roman Catholic church. The catechism leaves no doubt that the Catholic church is necessary for salvation:

“…all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body: Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation…” Pg. 224, #846

Past popes have taught this doctrine, as have previous catechisms and church fathers. Here is but one example…

On May 7, 2001, Pope John Paul II told 2,000 youth gathered at the Greek-Melkite Cathedral of Damascus that "you cannot be a Christian if you reject the Church founded on Jesus Christ."1

Catholic friend, you personally may not believe this, but your pope does. And it is an official doctrine of your religion. If you check God’s Word on this subject, you will not find a single verse requiring one to go through a church to be saved. In fact, the opposite is taught:

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the full price for the sins of all mankind. According to God’s Word, anyone can go directly to Him for salvation. Jesus Himself announced that:

“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.” John 3:36

Jesus preached:

“He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life…” John 5:24

“He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” John 6:47

Jesus repeats this message in John 3:16, 3:18, and 6:40. If the Catholic church really is necessary for salvation, then Jesus Christ is a liar.

The Apostle Paul gives step by step instructions on how to be saved:

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

Notice, no church is required. So if Catholicism is right, then the Apostle Paul is also a liar. And since he wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is a liar as well.

“But as many as received (trusted in) him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12

John says you become God’s child by believing in Jesus Christ. If this Catholic doctrine is true, then John’s name must be added to the list of liars.

But John is not a liar. Jesus never requires a church for salvation:

“To him (Jesus) give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43

The key is belief in Christ, not a church:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” Romans 1:16

According to Paul, Timothy needed faith in Christ to be saved, not a church:

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15

When the Philippian prison guard asked Paul, “What must I do to be saved?,” did Paul answer, “You must become a member of the Roman Catholic church?” No, he responded:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” Acts 16:31

 

[Seeking_God]

Here is the link instead of a copy and paste effort.

buzzardhut.net/Catho/

Who is The Final Authority?

 

[Seeking_God]

Amen my brother or sister, whichever you may be.

I’m a brother.

 

[Chellow]

How can any one be Sola Scriptura, What Scriptura what Bible are you to go by, are you all aware that throughout Christen history their have several versions with and without the same books in the bible. How are you to know what bible or scripture are to go by?

Ref: Books of the Bible

 

[SyCarl]

How can any one be Sola Scriptura, What Scriptura what Bible are you to go by, are you all aware that throughout Christen history their have several versions with and without the same books in the bible. How are you to know what bible or scripture are to go by?

Ref: Books of the Bible

The same could be said for Tradition. Which is correct, the Catholic or Orthodox Tradition? How do we know except each says it is?

 

[Chellow]

The same could be said for Tradition. Which is correct, the Catholic or Orthodox Tradition? How do we know except each says it is?

As a Catholic I don’t deny any Orthodox Traditions.

 

[SyCarl]

As a Catholic I don’t deny any Orthodox Traditions.

Including the extra books in their Bible?

 

[Chellow]

Including the extra books in their Bible?

Yes at the time of the schism the churches had different books in each ones Canon.

 

[Seeking_God]

Sola Scriptura,
The Anemic Man-made False Doctrine!

This is what I believe.

Article I—THE SCRIPTURES
All “Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” and the whole Bible is inspired in the sense that holy men of God “were moved by the Holy Spirit” to write the very words of Scripture. This divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the writings—historical, poetical, doctrinal, and prophetical—as appeared in the original manuscripts. The whole Bible in original language is without error. All Scriptures center about the Lord Jesus Christ in His person and work in His first and second coming, and no portion, even of the Old Testament, is properly read, or understood, until it leads to Him. All the Scriptures were designed for practical instruction (Mark 12:26, 36; 13:11; Luke 24:27, 44; John 5:39; Acts 1:16; 17:2–3; 18:28; 26:22–23; 28:23; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 2:13; 10:11; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21).

Article II—THE GODHEAD
The Godhead eternally exists in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—and that these three are one God, having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and worthy of precisely the same homage, confidence, and obedience (Matt. 28:18–19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3–4; 2 Cor. 13:14; Heb. 1:1–3; Rev. 1:4–6).

Article III—ANGELS, FALLEN AND UNFALLEN
God created an innumerable company of sinless, spiritual beings, known as angels; that one, “Lucifer, son of the morning”—the highest in rank—sinned through pride, thereby becoming Satan; that a great company of the angels followed him in his moral fall, some of whom became demons and are active as his agents and associates in the prosecution of his unholy purposes, while others who fell are “reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day” (Isa. 14:12–17; Ezek. 28:11–19; 1 Tim. 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6).

Satan is the originator of sin, and that, under the permission of God, he, through subtlety, led our first parents into transgression, thereby accomplishing their moral fall and subjecting them and their posterity to his own power; that he is the enemy of God and the people of God, opposing and exalting himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped; and that he who in the beginning said, “I will be like the most High,” in his warfare appears as an angel of light, even counterfeiting the works of God by fostering religious movements and systems of doctrine, which systems in every case are characterized by a denial of the efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ and of salvation by grace alone (Gen. 3:1–19; Rom. 5:12–14; 2 Cor. 4:3–4; 11:13–15; Eph. 6:10–12; 2 Thess. 2:4; 1 Tim. 4:1–3).

Satan was judged at the Cross, though not then executed, and that he, a usurper, now rules as the “god of this world”; that, at the second coming of Jesus Christ, Satan will be bound and cast into the abyss for a thousand years, and after the thousand years he will be loosed for a little season and then “cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,” where he “shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Col. 2:15; Rev. 20:1–3, 10).

A great company of angels kept their holy estate and are before the throne of God, from whence they are sent forth as ministering spirits to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation (Luke 15:10; Eph. 1:21; Heb. 1:14; Rev. 7:12).

Man was made lower than the angels; and that, in His incarnation, Jesus Christ took for a little time this lower place that He might lift the believer to His own sphere above the angels (Heb. 2:6–10).

Article IV—MAN, CREATED AND FALLEN
Man was originally created in the image and after the likeness of God, and that he fell through sin, and, as a consequence of his sin, lost his spiritual life, becoming dead in trespasses and sins, and that he became subject to the power of the devil. This spiritual death, or total depravity of human nature, has been transmitted to the entire human race of man, the Man Christ Jesus alone being excepted; and hence that every child of Adam is born into the world with a nature which not only possesses no spark of divine life, but is essentially and unchangeably bad apart from divine grace (Gen. 1:26; 2:17; 6:5; Pss. 14:1–3; 51:5; Jer. 17:9; John 3:6; 5:40; 6:35; Rom. 3:10–19; 8:6–7; Eph. 2:1–3; 1 Tim. 5:6; 1 John 3:8).

Continued

 

[Seeking_God]

Article X—ETERNAL SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER

Because of the eternal purpose of God toward the objects of His love, because of His freedom to exercise grace toward the meritless on the ground of the propitiatory blood of Jesus Christ, because of the very nature of the divine gift of eternal life, because of the present and unending intercession and advocacy of Jesus Christ in heaven, because of the immutability of the unchangeable covenants of God, because of the regenerating, abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of all who are saved, we and all true believers everywhere, once saved shall be kept saved forever. God is a holy and righteous Father and that, since He cannot overlook the sin of His children, He will, when they persistently sin, chasten them and correct them in infinite love; but having undertaken to save them and keep them forever, apart from all human merit, He, who cannot fail, will in the end present every one of them faultless before the presence of His glory and conformed to the image of His Son (John 5:24; 10:28; 13:1; 14:16–17; 17:11; Rom. 8:29; 1 Cor. 6:19; Heb. 7:25; 1 John 2:1–2; 5:13; Jude 24).

Article XI—ASSURANCE OF THE BELIEVER

It is the privilege, not only of some, but of all who are born again by the Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures, to be assured of their salvation from the very day they take Him to be their Savior and that this assurance is not founded upon any fancied discovery of their own worthiness or fitness, but wholly upon the testimony of God in His written Word, exciting within His children filial love, gratitude, and obedience (Luke 10:20; 22:32; 2 Cor. 5:1, 6–8; 2 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 10:22; 1 John 5:13).

Article XII—THE HOLY SPIRIT & SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the blessed Trinity, though omnipresent from all eternity, took up His abode in the world in a special sense on the day of Pentecost according to the divine promise, dwells in every believer, and by His baptism unites all to Jesus Christ in one body, and that He, as the Indwelling One, is the source of all power and all acceptable worship and service. We believe that He never takes His departure from the church, nor from the feeblest of the saints, but is ever present to testify of Jesus Christ; seeking to occupy believers with Him and not with themselves nor with their experiences. We believe that His abode in the world in this special sense will cease when Jesus Christ comes to receive His own at the completion of the church (John 14:16–17; 16:7–15; 1 Cor. 6:19; Eph. 2:22; 2 Thess. 2:7).

In this age, certain well-defined ministries are committed to the Holy Spirit, and that it is the duty of every Christian to understand them and to be adjusted to them in his own life and experience. These ministries are the restraining of evil in the world to the measure of the divine will; the convicting of the world respecting sin, righteousness, and judgment; the regenerating of all believers; the indwelling and anointing of all who are saved, thereby sealing them unto the day of redemption; the baptizing into the one body of Jesus Christ of all who are saved; and the continued filling for power, teaching, and service of those among the saved who are yielded to Him and who are subject to His will (John 3:6; 16:7–11; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 4:30; 5:18; 2 Thess. 2:7; 1 John 2:20–27).

Some gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues and miraculous healings were temporary. Speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism nor of the filling of the Spirit, and that the deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection (Acts 4:8, 31; Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 13:8).

Article XIII—THE CHURCH, A UNITY OF BELIEVERS

All who are united to the risen and ascended Son of God are members of the church which is the body and bride of Jesus Christ, which began at Pentecost and is completely distinct from Israel. Its members are constituted as such regardless of membership or non membership in the organized churches of earth. By the same Spirit all believers in this age are baptized into, and thus become, one body that is Jesus Christ’s, whether Jews or Gentiles, and having become members one of another, are under solemn duty to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, rising above all sectarian differences, and loving one another with a pure heart fervently (Matt. 16:16–18; Acts 2:42–47; Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:12–27; Eph. 1:20–23; 4:3–10; Col. 3:14–15)

 

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Article XIV—THE LORD’S ORDINANCES

Water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only sacraments and ordinances of the church and that they are a scriptural means of testimony for the church in this age (Matt. 28:19; Luke 22:19–20; Acts 10:47–48; 16:32–33; 18:7–8; 1 Cor. 11:26).

Article XV—THE CHRISTIAN’S WALK

All regenerated are called with a holy calling, to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, and so to live in the power of the indwelling Spirit that we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. But the flesh with its fallen, Adamic nature, which in this life is never eradicated, being with us to the end of our earthly pilgrimage, needs to be kept by the Spirit constantly in subjection to Jesus Christ, or it will surely manifest its presence in our lives to the dishonor of our Lord (Rom. 6:11–13; 8:2, 4, 12–13; Gal. 5:16–23; Eph. 4:22–24; Col. 2:1–10; 1 Pet. 1:14–16; 1 John 1:4–7; 3:5–9).

Article XVI—THE CHRISTIAN’S SERVICE

Divine, enabling gifts for service are bestowed by the Spirit upon all who are saved. While there is a diversity of gifts, each believer is energized by the same Spirit, and each is called to his own divinely appointed service as the Spirit may will. In the apostolic church there were certain gifted men—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—who were appointed by God for the perfecting of the saints unto their work of the ministry. Some men are especially called of God to be evangelists, pastors and teachers, and that it is to the fulfilling of His will and to His eternal glory that these shall be sustained and encouraged in their service for God (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:4–11; Eph. 4:11).

Apart from salvation benefits which are bestowed equally upon all who believe, rewards are promised according to the faithfulness of each believer in his service for his Lord, and that these rewards will be bestowed at the judgment seat of Jesus Christ after He comes to receive His own to Himself (1 Cor. 3:9–15; 9:18–27; 2 Cor. 5:10).

Article XVII—THE GREAT COMMISSION

It is the explicit message of our Lord Jesus Christ to those whom He has saved that they are sent forth by Him into the world even as He was sent forth of His Father into the world. After they are saved, they are divinely reckoned to be related to this world as strangers and pilgrims, ambassadors and witnesses, and that their primary purpose in life should be to make Jesus Christ known to the whole world (Matt. 28:18–19; Mark 16:15; John 17:18; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:18–20; 1 Pet. 1:17; 2:11).

Article XVIII—THE BLESSED HOPE (Rapture)

According to the Word of God, the next great event in the fulfillment of prophecy will be the coming of the Lord in the air to receive to Himself into heaven both His own who are alive and remain unto His coming, and also all who have fallen asleep in Jesus, and that this event is the blessed hope set before us in the Scripture, and for this we should be constantly looking (John 14:1–3; 1 Cor. 15:51–52; Phil. 3:20; 1 Thess. 4:13–18; Titus 2:11–14).

Article XIX—THE RAPTURE & GREAT TRIBULATION

We believe that the translation (rapture) of the church will be followed by the fulfillment of Israel’s seventieth week (Dan. 9:27; Rev. 6:1–19:21) during which the church, the body of Jesus Christ, will be in heaven. The whole period of Israel’s seventieth week will be a time of judgment on the whole earth and at the end of which the times of the Gentiles will be brought to a close. The latter half of this period will be the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jer. 30:7), which our Lord called the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:15–21). We believe that universal righteousness will not be realized previous to the second coming of Jesus Christ, but that the world is day by day ripening for judgment and that the age will end with a fearful apostasy.

Article XX—THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST

The period of great tribulation in the earth will be climaxed by the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth as He went, in person on the clouds of heaven, and with power and great glory to introduce the millennial age, to bind Satan and place him in the abyss, to lift the curse which now rests upon the whole creation, to restore Israel to her own land and to give her the realization of God’s covenant promises, and to bring the whole world to the knowledge of God (Deut. 30:1–10; Isa. 11:9; Ezek. 37:21–28; Matt. 24:15–25:46; Acts 15:16–17; Rom. 8:19–23; 11:25–27; 1 Tim. 4:1–3; 2 Tim. 3:1–5; Rev. 20:1–3).

Article XXI—THE ETERNAL STATE OF BELIEVERS

At death, the spirits and souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation pass immediately into His presence and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the glorified body when Jesus Christ comes for His own, whereupon soul and body reunited shall be associated with Him forever in glory; but the spirits and souls of the unbelieving remain after death conscious of condemnation and in misery until the final judgment of the great white throne at the close of the millennium, when soul and body reunited shall be cast into the lake of fire, not to be annihilated, but to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power (Luke 16:19–26; 23:42; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 2 Thess. 1:7–9; Jude 6–7; Rev. 20:11–15).