Taken from: My Church and Others
A Summary of the Teachings of the
Table
of content
The Doctrine of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church
II. OF THE NATURAL KNOWLEDGE OF GOD
VI. OF MAN AND THE IMAGE OF GOD
VIII. OF THE ELECTION OF GRACE OR
PREDESTINATION
X. OF CHRIST’S WORK AND OFFICE
XV. OF SANCTIFICATION AND GOOD WORKS
XVIII. OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL
XXI OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR OR
THE LORD’S SUPPER
XXVII. OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE
DEAD
XXIX. OF ETERNAL LIFE AND ETERNAL
DAMNATION
WE BELIEVE
(a) that the Holy Scriptures in contradistinction to all other writings in the
world are the Word of God, because the holy writers wrote them not of their own
accord, but by inspiration of the Holy Ghost: (b) that since the Holy
Scriptures are the Word of God, no errors or contradictions of any kind are
found in them, but they are throughout infallible truth; (c) that the Holy
Scriptures are the only fountain from which all doctrine taught in the Church
must be drawn, and the only infallible standard and rule by which all doctrines
and teachings must be estimated.
a) 2 Tim.
3, 16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that
the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Pet. l,
21 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.
(Joh 17:8 For I have given unto
them the words which thou gavest me.)
(I
b) John
10,35b The Scripture cannot be broken.
John 17,17 Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy Word is truth.
c) Eph. 2,20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Cornerstone.
I Pet. 4,11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.
John 5,39 Search the Scriptures, for in themye
think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
Note: Since a great many denomination today do not attach a great deal
of importance to doctrine it is difficult to determine just what they profess.
1. That also the
apocryphal books and the “traditions of the fathers” are the source
and norm of faith; Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church. Deut. 4:2; Luke 16,27; John 8,31,32. (Mark 7:13; Col.
2:8)
2.
That also “new revelations” are the
fountain and standard of faith: Modern Sectarian churches; Salvation Army,
Mormons (revelations in the Book of Mormon), Quakers (revelations through the
inner light of the Spirit), Shakers (special revelations of Ann Lee), Churches
of the New Jerusalem (revelations of Swedenborg), Spiritists
(new revelations from the spirit world), Christian Scientists (Mrs. Mary Baker
G. Eddy’s “Science and Health”), Christian Cath. Church in
Zion (or Dowieites), Heb. 1, 1.2: Gal. 1,8; Matt. 28,
19.20: 2 Tim. 3, 15-17; Luke 16:31.
3. That the Holy
Scriptures are the fountain and standard of faith only so far as they agree
with reason: Unitarians, Universalists, Rationalists, Modernists, etc. I Cor. 1,21; Col 2,8; 2 Cor. 10,5; I Cor. 2,4,5,14. (I
Tim. 6:20-21)
4. That the Holy
Scriptures are not the Word of God, but merely contain
the Word of God: Unitarians, Rationalists, Quakers, modern Sectarian churches;
(Modernists in many denominations). Matt.
5,18,19, (I Cor. 15:54 Greek: the
word which is written).
5. That not all that
is contained in the Scriptures is inspired, but that the holy writers were
liable to error. Unitarians, Rationalists, Spiritists,
Churches of the New Jerusalem, (Congregational) Christian Church, modern
Sectarian churches. Heb. 4,12: John
12:48, Gal. 6,16; (Prov. 30:6; Matt. 4:4; 2 Pet.
1:16).
6. That the Holy
Scriptures are incomplete: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church,
Shakers, Mormons; that they are obscure and require the interpretation of the
Church (Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church), or of the inner light
(Quakers, Mennonites); or of Christian Science (Christian Scientists); or of
man’s reason (Christian Churches, Unitarians, Universalist, Arminians, Modernists) Ps. 119,105. 130; 2 Cor. 4,3.4; John 20,31; John 5,39; (Eph. 3:3-4; Ps. 19:8)
7. That the Holy
Scriptures are in themselves without power to quicken and convert sinners:
Quakers, Calvinistic Churches, Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Campbellities (Disciples of Christ), Modernists. John 6.63; Rom. 1,16; James 1,21, John 17,20.
8. That the reading of
the Holy Scriptures by the laity must be forbidden: Roman Catholic Church,
Eastern Orthodox Church. Matt. 23.13; I Thess. 5,27; John 5,39; 2 Tim. 3:15*
NOTE: Many
of these false doctrines are taught also within other denominations. Our age is
rationalistic, and only few churches today teach the doctrine of verbal and
plenary inspiration.
*NOTE : This principle still stands, though Roman priests, to
meet Protestant competition, urge their people to read the Bible translated and
annotated by the “Church.”
WE BELIEVE
(a) that all men have by nature a natural knowledge of God: (b) that this
natural knowledge is obtained not only from God’s works in nature, but
also from man’s own conscience since God has written the Law in his
heart; (c) but that this natural knowledge is not sufficient to salvation. a)
Rom. l, 18-20. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God showed it
unto them. 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.
b)
c) Rom. 10,17 So
then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
John 17,3. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the
only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.
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.
Cf. Eph.
2, 11, 12: Rom. 16,25; I Cor. 1, 18-30 WE REJECT as
unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
man by nature is without a natural knowledge of God: Unitarians, Mormons. Acts
17: 27; Ps. 94, 9; Ps. 10, 1-3
2. That
man can be saved through his natural knowledge, without the revealed knowledge
of the Gospel: Quakers, Arminians, Unitarians,
Universalists, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Salvation Army, Calvinistic
Churches, Modernists, John 1, 18; John 17, 3.
NOTE: This
error is very common, and it is spread also by Lodgery,
whose slogan it is that anyone is saved who does as much good as he can. Modern
Liberalism has done much to spread this error.
WE BELIEVE
(a) the sublime article of the Holy Trinity, that is, that the one true God is
Father, Son and Holy Ghost, three distinct persons, of the same divine essence,
equal in power, in eternity, and in majesty, because each person possesses the
one divine essence entire; (b) that since this article of faith is fundamental,
all teachers and denominations that deny the doctrine of the Holy Trinity are
outside the Christian Church and have no hope of salvation.
a) I Cor.
8, 4. There is none other God but one.
Matt. 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. John 10,30. I (Jesus) and My Father are one. b) I John 2, 23.
Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the
Father: but he that acknowledgeth the
Son, hath the Father also. This condemns Lodgery.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
God is a material being, and not a Spirit: Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists. John 4, 24; (Isa. 57:15).
1. That God is not the
only eternal Being, but there are other eternal beings besides God: Unitarians,
Mormons. Ps. 90,2, Rom. 11,36, (John
1:1-3)
2. That God does not
know all things that will happen: Unitarians. Heb. 4, 13; Ps. 139, 1-4
3. That God is not
omnipresent: Unitarians, Arminians, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists. Acts
17,27.28; Isa. 6,3; (Ps. 139:7-13).
4. That God is not Triune: Unitarians, Universalists, Churches of the New
Jerusalem, Christian Church, Quakers, Mormons, Shakers, Seventh Day Adventists,
Spiritists, Christian Scientists, Modernists. (John 3:36; 5:23; I John 5:12).
5. That the Son is not
true and very God, of the same divine essence with the Father and the Holy
Ghost: Arminians, Unitarians, Universalists, Churches
of the New Jerusalem, Quakers, Mormons, Shakers, Seventh Day Adventists, Spiritists, Russellites,
Christians Scientists, Modernists, Lodgery. John 10,30, John 14,9; John 20,28; Rom. 9,5; I John
5,20; John 5,23; I John 2,23.
6. That the Holy Ghost
is not true and very God, of the same divine essence with the Father and Son: Arminians, Unitarians, Universalists, Churches of the New
Jerusalem, Campbellites, Quakers, Mormons, Shakers,
Seventh Day Adventists, Spiritists, Christian
Scientists, Modernists. Acts 5, 3, 4; I Cor. 3, 16; 2 Cor. 13, 13.
7.
That the Holy Spirit does not proceed from the Son as
well as from the Father. Eastern Orthodox Church, Irvingites,
Old Catholics, Moravian Brethren. John 15, 26; Gal. 4, 6; John 16, 14, 15.
NOTE:
Modernists, or Liberalists, are rationalists, who do not believe the Bible, but
follow their blind reason. The Sectarian churches today are full of Modernists.
Their errors are not modern, but very old.
WE BELIEVE
(a) that the foremost among the invisible creatures are the angels; (b) that
the good angels are holy spirits, already confirmed in their bliss, and of
great power, who praise God, carry out His commands, and serve mankind; (c)
that the evil angels are fallen spirits, forever rejected, who are the declared
enemies of God and man, and endeavor to destroy the
works of God. a) Ps. 103, 20, 21. Bless the Lord, ye His angels that excel in
strength, that do His commands, hearkening unto the voice of His Word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of His that do
His pleasure.
b) Heb. 1,
14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who
shall be heirs of salvation!
Matt. 25, 31. When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all
the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory.
Ps. 91, 11,12. For He shall give His angels charge
over thee, to keep thee in all they ways. They shall bear thee up in
their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
c) Jude 6.
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but
left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains, under
darkness, unto the judgment of the great day.
Eph. 6, 12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but
against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
I Pet. 5, 8. Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom
he may devour.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
angels are spirits of departed men: Churches of the New Jerusalem, Spiritists. John 8,
44; (Matt.
22:30 “as”).
1. That the good
angels are departed spirits that have risen to a higher plane of development,
while the evil angels are unholy and unhappy departed spirits: Mormons, Spiritists. Matt. 25,
41; I Pet. 5, 8; Jude 6; (2 Pet.
2:4; cp. Rev. 12:7-9).
2. That the angels
possess sex: Shakers, Mormons. Matt. 22,
30.
3. That the angels are
the thoughts and communications of God to man: Christian Science. See passages above.
4. That there is no
personal devil: Christian Scientists, Spiritists,
Unitarians, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Universalists. See passages above.
NOTE: All
modernists deny the existence of a personal devil, and claim that the word
“devil” simply stands for “evil.”
WE BELIEVE
(a) that God created heaven and earth in the manner and time recorded in the
Holy Scriptures, namely, by His almighty Word and in six days; (b) and that
since man was not present when it pleased God to create the world, the only
reliable information we have of this event is God’s own report which we
have in the Bible.
(a and b) Gen. 1, 1 In the beginning
God created, the heaven and the earth. Cf. Gen. 1, 31::
“The sixth day.” Ex. 20, 11: “In six days.”
Heb. 11, 3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were
framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of
things which do appear.
Ps. 115, 3. But our God is in the heavens. He hath done
whatsoever He hath pleased.
Col. 1,
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 power: all things were created by Him, and for Him.
(2 Peter
1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto
you the coming and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His
majesty.)
WE REJECT
as unscriptural every doctrine, by which the divine work of creation as
revealed in Scripture is denied or limited, as this is done by all who teach
that the world has evolved out of itself in immense periods of time:
Evolutionists. Ps. 33, 6; John 1, 1-3; Ps. 148, 5.
NOTE: Most
Sectarian preachers today accept the pernicious error of evolution, though some
favor theistic evolution. This, however, is as
unscriptural as is atheistic Evolution.
WE BELIEVE
that God created our first parents neither like brutes, nor morally neutral,
nor merely capable of development, but in His own image, that is, in true
knowledge of God and in perfect righteousness and holiness, and endowed with a
truly scientific knowledge of nature.
Gen. 1, 26, 27. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our
likeness…So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created
He him.
Eph. 4, 24. And that ye put on
the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings: l. That the
image of God consists essentially in the free will of man and the the dominion of his reason over his desires; also that the
original righteousness was not a part of the image of God, but an additional
gift: Roman Catholic Church. Eph. 4, 24; Col. 3, 10.
1. That the image of
God does not consist in concreated righteousness and
holiness, but in man’s dominion over the creatures of earth: Roman
Catholic Church, Unitarians, Arminians, Rationalists.
See passage above.
2. That man originally
had no concreated righteousness, but by his own power
developed in himself the image of God. Churches
of the New Jerusalem. See passage
above.
3. That Adam was
indeed innocent, but not perfectly holy: Adventists. Gen. 1, 26, 27 See also passages
above.
4. That man was not
created in the image of God, and that there is no essential difference between
man and the brute: Russellites, Evolutionsts,
Modernists. See passages quoted above.
5. That the body of
man became immortal only by special divine grace: Roman Catholic Church. Gen. 2,
17.
1. That the body of
man was created mortal. Unitarians, Arminians, Rom. 5, 12: Rom. 6, 23.
2. That not only the
body, but also the soul of man was created mortal. Seventh
Day Adventists. Gen. 2, 17; Rom. 6, 23; Matt. 10, 28.
3. That man is truly
immortal even after the fall: Christian Scientist. See passages above.
NOTE; The image of God, in the proper sense of the term, consists
in true knowledge of God, holiness, and righteousness.
WE BELIEVE
(a) that sin entered into the world by the fall of our first parents; (b) that
by this fall not only our first parents, but also all their natural descendants
have lost their original righteousness; (c) that therefore all men are by
nature dead in sin and children of wrath; (d) that men cannot, by any efforts
of their own, or any good works, progress, or culture become reconciled to God
and overcome death and damnation; (e) but that all men are saved by grace
through faith in Christ Jesus, the divine Redeemer of the world. a) Gen. 3,
1-7. Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord
God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman
said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the
tree of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the
garden, God hath said: Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest
ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall
not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your
eyes shall be opened; and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
l. I John
3, 8. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the
devil sinneth from the beginning.
James 1, 13, 14. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of
God, for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth
He any man but every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and
enticed.
(Romans
5:12 By one man sin entered into the world.)
b and c)
Eph. 2, 1-3 And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sin,
wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we
all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling
the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of
wrath, even as others.
Gen. 8, 21. The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his
youth.
John 3:
5-7 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the
d)
James 2, 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet
offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
2 Cor. 3,5. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any
thing, as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God.
(Psalm
130:3 If thou, Lord, shouldest
mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?)
e)
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
God so created man that he had to sin: Calvinistic Churches. Ps. 5, 5; John 3, 16; I John 2,16; (Deut. 32:4; Gen.
1:26-27; 5:1-3).
1. That the sin of our
first parents consisted in the transgression of the command of chastity: Shakers,
Christian Israelites. Gen. 3, 6.
2. That the Scriptural
account of the fall of man is not an actual historical report by an allegory:
Church of the New Jerusalem, Modernists. Rom
5, 12; I Cor. 15, 21, 22: I Cor. 11, 3.
3. That original sin
is not the total depravity of the whole human nature, but only a weakening of
the free will and the loss of the additional gifts of grace: Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Orthodox Church. John 3,
5, 6; Eph. 2: 1; Rom 3, 23.
4. That there is no
original sin, and that human nature has not been
entirely corrupted and perverted by original sin: Unitarians, Arminians, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Campbellites, Adventists, Modernists. Rom 7, 18: Gen. 8, 21; Rom. 5, 12; (Ps. 14:1; Matt.
7:17-18; Eph. 4:22).
5. That there is no sin
in the true sense of the word: Christian Scientists. See passages above.
6. That concupiscence,
that is, all evil lusts and desires in the regenerate are not sin: Roman
Catholic Church. Rom. 7< 7; Gal. 5<
17; James 1, 15.
7. That Mary was not
conceived and born in sin: Roman Catholic Church. John 3, 6; Job. 14, 4; Luke 1, 46
47.
1. That on account of
Adam’s sin man has not become subject to the wrath and condemnation of
God: Unitarians, Arminians, Mennonites, Quakers,
Shakers, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, Universalist, Churches of the New
Jerusalem, Modernists. Eph. 2, 3; Gen. 2, 17; Rom. 5, 12.
2. That some sins are
in themselves venial while others are in themselves mortal: Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Orthodox church, Socinians, Arminians, James 2, 10; Gal. 3, 10; Matt. 5, 18. 19; (Ezek. 18:20).
3. That
children are without actual sin: Unitarians, Campbellites,
Mormons, Adventists, free Will Baptists, Arminians,
Mennonites, Modernists. Gen. 6, 5; Ps.
58, 3; (51:5); Isa. 48,8.
4. That some sins are punished
only temporally and not eternally: Roman Catholic Church. Deut. 27, 26; Gal. 3, 10; Matt. 12, 36.
5. That man in spite
of the fall, has retained his free will and also some
power to do good: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Arminians, Methodists, Evangelical Congregational,
Moravians, Campbellites, Presbyterians, Mennonites,
Free Will Baptist, Unitarians, Church of the New Jerusalem, Spiritists,
Quakers, Shakers, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists. 2 Cor. 3, 5; Eph. 2, 1; Rom.
3, 11. 12; (7:18).
NOTE:
Today the Scriptural doctrine of original sin is generally denied by modern
Sectarian churches, which are thoroughly corrupted by rationalism. Even some
Fundamentalists deny this doctrine.
WE BELIEVE
(a) in an election of grace, or a predestination to salvation; but (b) we
reject an election of wrath, or a predestination to damnation; (c) we reject
also every doctrine, by which it is claimed that not solely the grace of God
and the merits of Christ are the cause of our eternal election unto salvation,
but that God foresaw also in us something good which prompted Him to elect us
(good works, correct conduct, (non-resistance), self-determination, persevering
faith, etc.); (d) we believe that God does not desire the damnation of any one,
but that His love to the sinful world is universal and that the redemption of
Christ pertains to all men.
a)
Cf. 2 Pet. 3, 9; John 3, 16.
c)
2 Tim. 1,9
Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our
works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ
Jesus before the world began.
Cf.
d) John 3,
16. 17. 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. For
God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world
through Him might be saved.
Matt. 23, 37. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, though that killest the prophets, and stonest
them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children
together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under
her wings, and ye would not!
Cf. I Tim. 2, 4-6; Acts 13, 46; Acts 7, 51.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
God’s saving grace is not universal, but pertains only to the elect:
Calvinistic Baptists, Calvinistic Methodist, etc. Rom 11, 32: (3:19). See passages
above.
1. That the election
of grace depends to some extent upon the good conduct of man: Eastern Orthodox
Church, Campbellites, Free Will Baptists, Synergists,
Arminians, Sectarian
churches. Rom. 11, 5. 6; Eph. 1, 3-6; 2 Tim. 1, 9; Rom. 9, 11f.
2. That the election
of grace is not from eternity but takes place in time: Arminians,
Methodists, Cumberland Presbyterians, Unitarians, Shakers, Salvation Army. 2
Tim. 1, 9;
3. That there is no
election of grace in the proper sense, since man himself determines his
election and salvation: Churches of the New Jerusalem, Unitarians, Mormons,
Eph. 1, 3-6; 2 Thess. 2, 13; John 15, 16,
All Modernists in the various churches, (Arminians).
4. That the election
of grace was an absolute act of sovereign God and was decreed without
consideration of Christ and His vicarious satisfaction for the sins of the
world: Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Calvinistic Baptists,
Calvinistic Methodists, etc. Eph. 1, 3-6; 2 Tim. 1, 9.
5. That the elect
cannot altogether fall from grace or wholly lose their faith even in spite of
the greatest sins: Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Calvinistic
Baptists, Calvinistic Methodist, etc. Ps.
51, 1013; Matt. 26, 69f; 2 Sam. 12:1-13; Ps. 37, 24; John 20, 25, 29.
6. That the elect
cannot be sure of their salvation in spite of their faith in Christ: Roman
Catholic Church. Rom 8, 38. 39; 2 Tim. 1,
12; Phil. 1, 6; Luke 10, 20; I Thess. 1, 4; I Pet. 5, 12; 2 Pet. 1, 10.
7.
That the wicked are lost not through their own sin and
unbelief, but because of the absolute decree of God, by which He withheld from
them His grace and mercy. Calvinistic churches, Reformed Presbyterians,
Calvinistic Baptists, Calvinistic Methodists, Congregational Christians, etc.
Hosea 13, 9; Matt. 23, 37; Acts 7, 51; Acts 13, 46; John 3, 19; I Thess. 5, 9;
Luke 14, 16-24; Gal. 5, 4; Ezek. 18, 26; I Tim. 1, 19.
8. Lastly, we reject
every doctrine of Calvinism which denies universal grace, and every doctrine of
synergism which denies salvation by grace alone. I Tim. 2, 4: 2 Pet. 3, 9; Tom. 4, 4.5; Rom.
3, 20-28.
NOTE:
Today many rationalistic and modernistic churches still use the terms
“deity of Christ,” “atonement,” “salvation by
faith,” & “election by grace,” etc., but they have
changed their meaning so as to suit their rationalism.
WE BELIEVE
that the Son of God assumed the human nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, so that there are two natures, the divine
and the human, inseparably united in the one person, the one Christ, who is
true God and true man, born of the Virgin Mary. Rom. 9, 5 Whose
are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over
all, God blessed forever.
I Tim. 2, 5. 6. For there is one God, and
one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus: who gave Himself a
ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
John 1, 14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and
we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of
grace and truth.
I John 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. –Cf. John 20. 28, Jer. 23,6; John 5,23;
Matt. 1.21; I Tim. 3,16; I Cor. 15, 47.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
the eternal Son of God, the second Person in the Godhead, did not become
incarnate: Unitarians, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Quakers, Seventh Day
Adventists, Mormons, Spiritists, Russellites,
Christian Scientists, Rationalists. Heb. 2, 14; Heb. 4, 15; Gal. 4, 4.5; I Tim.
2,5; John 1, 14; Matt. 16, 13, 16. Also,
all Modernists.
1. That the Son of God
did not assume our human nature in the body of Mary, but that also His human
nature came forth from the essence of the Father: Mennonites, Schwenkfeldians. Heb.
2, 16. 17; Rom. 1, 3; Eph. 5, 30; Luke 1, 42
2. That Christ has but
one nature, namely, the divine nature of the Son of God: Seventh Day
Adventists. John 1, 14; I John 4, 2.3; I
Tim. 3, 16.
3. That Christ has but
one nature, namely, the human nature: Unitarians, Russellites,
Universalists, Shakers, Modernists. I Tim. 3, 16; John 1, 14.
4. That there are not
two natures in Christ, since there is no essential
differences between the divine and human: Mormons, Modernists. John 1, 14; I Tim. 3, 16; Col. 2, 9.
5. That in the person
of Christ the human nature and the divine nature were fused together. Schwenkfeldians. Matt. 16, 13.16; I Tim. 2, 5.6.
1. That also after the
incarnation, the divine nature is not only in but also outside the personal
union: Calvinistic Churches. John 1, 14;
I Cor. 8, 6; I Tim. 3, 16; Col. 2, 9; 2 Cor. 5, 19; (John 3:13; Matt. 28:20).
2.
(They teach that since the exaltation the divine
nature is present on earth, but the human nature is enclosed in heaven.)
6. That the communion
of the two natures is not true and real, but that the statements, “God is
man,” and “Man is God” are only figures of speech:
Calvinistic Churches. Luke 1, 35; I Cor.
15, 47; Matt. 16, 16; Rom. 9, 5.
7. That the
communication of the attributes of both natures is not real, but only nominal;
Calvinistic Churches. I Pet. 3: 18, 22; Acts 20, 28; Rom.
8,32.
8.
That Christ, according to His humanity, does not
possess divine majesty, but only limited power and created gifts, which the
human nature received after His exaltation: Calvinistic Churches, Evangelical
Congregationalists, Schwenkfeldians, Christian
Israelites, Mormons, Socinians, Unitarians, Shakers,
Universalists, Arminians, John 1, 14: John 2, 11;
Matt. 28, 18; Ps. 2, 8; Col. 2, 3; Eph. 4, 10; Phil. 2, 9; John 5, 26, 27.
1. That Christ’s
human nature received glory and majesty only through His exaltation: Evangelical
Congregational, Calvinistic Churches, Schwenkfeldians.
See passages. above.
2.
(Christ’s human nature received the divine glory
when He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, John 1, 14.)
9. That the man Christ
received the fulness of divine majesty only in Baptism:
Mormons. John 1, 14: Col. 2, 9; IJohn4,
2.3.
10. That the man Jesus
Christ is not divine, does not possess divine majesty, and must not be
worshiped and adored as God: Unitarians, Shakers, Universalists, Modernists. John 5,
33; Rom. 14, 10-11; (Phil. 2:910).
11. That Christ, as the
Savior and Mediator, is subordinate to the Father in
essence, majesty, and glory: Arminians, Modernists. John 5, 23.
1. That since there is
no communion of natures in Christ, each nature works independently of the other
in the execution of Christ’s divine office: Calvinistic Churches. I Tim. 2, 5; I John 3, 8; I Cor. 15, 3; Gal. 1, 4; Eph. 5, 2. 25.
2.
(In that case Christ’s redemption would have
been that of a mere man.)
12. That Christ has
performed His office only as man: Irvingites. See passages above.
13. That Christ is our
Mediator only according to the human nature: Moravian Brethren, Irvingites. I Tim 2,
5; Titus 2, 13; I Tim. 3, 16.
(This
error is based on the rationalistic axiom, that the finite is incapable of the
infinite.)
Note: The
doctrine concerning Christ’s true deity and humanity has always been an
offense to human reason.
WE BELIEVE
(a) that Jesus Christ, true God and true man truly suffered, was crucified,
died and was buried, that He might reconcile us unto God and be our sacrifice
not only for original guilt, but also for all actual sins of men; (b) that He
descended into hell and truly rose again the third day; (c) that afterwards He
ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father and forever reign
and have dominion over all creatures, and, in particular, to gather, guide, and
protect His Church on earth; (d) and that the same Christ shall finally come
again to judge the quick and the dead. a) Gal. 4, 4. 5. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made
of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we
might receive the adopton of sons.
Isa. 53,
4.5 Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our
sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. 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.
I Pet. 2, 24. Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the
tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto
righteousness.
b) I Pet.
3, 18.19. 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: by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.
Eph. 4, 9, 10. (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also
descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the
same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all
things), –Cf. I Cor. 15, 17,18; Rom 4, 25.
c) Acts. 1, 9. And when He had spoken these things, while they
beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Ps. 68, 18. Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity
captive: Thou hast received gifts for men: yea, for the rebellious also, that
the Lord might dwell among them.
Ps. 110, 1. The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at My right hand, until I make Thine
enemies Thy footstool. –Cf. also Eph. 1, 20-22; John 14. 16. 17; I Cor.
6, 11.
d) Acts
17, 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.
2 Cor. 5, 10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to
that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
I. Thess.
4, 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. –Cf. also Matt. 25, 31-46; 2 Pet. 3, 10.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
Christ has not fulfilled the Law in our stead; Arminians,
Moravians, Methodists, Unitarians, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Mormons, Free
Protestants, Christian Israelites, Modernists. Rom. 5, 19; Phil. 2, 7.8; Gal. 4, 4.5.
1. That Christ has
fulfilled the Law only for the elect: Calvinistic Churches, Presbyterians,
Congregational Christians, Calvinistic Baptists, Calvinistic Methodists, etc. 2
Cor. 5, 15-19; John 1, 29; I Tim. 4, 10; 2 Pet. 2, 1; Tit. 2, 11.
2.
That Christ came into the world as a Law-giver to
proclaim new laws of righteousness: Roman Catholic Church, Unitarians, Arminians, Methodists, Mennonites, Campbellites. Gal.
3, 24; John 5, 45: Gal. 4, 4.5; Matt. 22, 37-40.
3.
That Christ has made satisfaction only for original
sin and has borne only the eternal punishments of sin, so that man must make
satisfaction for all actual sins committed after Baptism and bear their
temporal punishments: Roman Catholic Church. Heb. 10, 10-14; I Pet. 3, 18; I John 2, 1.2;
Rom 5, 10.
4.
That Christ has died only for the elect and has made
satisfaction only for their sins: Calvinistic churches, Presbyterians,
Congregational Christians, Calvinistic Baptists, Calvinistic Methodists, Waldensians. 2 Cor.
5: 15,18; John 1, 29; I Tim. 2, 5. 6;
1. That Christ’s
death is not in itself a perfect satisfaction for our sins, but was so judged
only by the special grace of the Father: Arminians. Rom. 5, 10; John 19, 30; I Pet.
2,24.
2.
That Christ indeed died for the sins of the world, but
that the atonement, which is limited to believers, began only in the year 1844;
Seventh Day Adventists. Heb. 1,3; Rom. 8,34; I Tim. 4,10; Tit. 2,11; 2 Pet.
2,1; I Cor. 15,57; I John 1,7.
3.
That Christ has not rendered satisfaction for
man’s sins, since such satisfaction is not needed. Unitarians,
Universalists, Free Protestants, Shakers, Spiritists,
Christian Scientists, Modernists. Ps. 49, 8,9; Rev. 14,13: (5:9); Isa. 53,6;
Rom. 3, 23-26; Acts 4,12; Matt. 20,28; I Tim. 2,6; Rom. 8,32; 2 Cor. 5,19-21.
4. That Christ by His
death has not paid the penalty of our sins, but only has made it possible for
God’s love to forgive the sins of the penitent: Salvation Army and many
Calvinists. 2 Cor. 5,14-15; John 1,29; I
John 3,8.
5.
That Christ has not redeemed us by His suffering and
death, but has merely secured for us the opportunity during the Millennium to
earn eternal life by our own obedience: Russellites,
Isa. 53, 6; Matt. 20,28; John 14, 6; Luke 16, 26; I
John 1, 7; I John 2, 1.2.
6.
That Christ is not our only Mediator before God, but
that also the saints, especially Mary, whose merits are precious before God, may
intercede for us. Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox church. John 14. 6;
Acts 4, 12; I Tim. 2,5.
7. That Christ is not
the only Savior of the world: Modernists, Shakers. Isa. 42,8; Isa. 43,11.
8. That Christ’s
human nature received only limited divine attributes and these in His
exaltation: Calvinistic Churches, Schwenkfeldians. Ps. 102,27; John 2, 11; Heb. 1, 12-13; Eph. 1, 20,21.
9. That Christ
according to his human nature in the state of humiliation did not possess
divine majesty, since this was given Him only at His exaltation: Arminians, Evangelical Congregational, Campbellites,
Irvingites, Calvinistic Churches in general. John 2,11; John 1,14; (John 3:13); John 11,40; John
13,31; John 18,6; (Isa 9:6-7).
10. That Christ’s
soul did not really suffer agony in His passion: Roman Catholic Church. Matt. 27,46; Matt. 26,38; Luke 22,42; Heb. 2,17.18;
(Heb.5:7-8).
11. That Christ did not
suffer the wrath of God and the agony of hell: Unitarians, Arminians,
Evangelical Association, Universalists, Free Protestants, Modernists.
Gal. 3,13; Gal. 3,10; Rom. 6,23; (Ps.
16:10).
12. That Christ’s
soul after His death entered into the limbus patrum (Hades) in order to free the saints of the Old
Testament from bondage: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic church. I Pet. 3,18.19; Col. 2,15; I
Cor. 15,55; (Luke 16:23).
13. That Christ did not
really and truly descend into hell: Calvinistic Churches, Arminians,
Unitarians, Evangelical Congregational Church. Eph. 4,9;
I Pet. 3, 18.19; Col. 2,14.
14. That Christ did not
arise bodily from the dead: Russellites, Christian
Scientists. John 2,19; Phil. 3,2021;
Matt. 28,2f; John 20, 19.26; Matt. 17, 1f; (Ps. 16:9-11).
15. That Christ after
His exaltation had a new and different body: Unitarians. Luke 24, 39; Phil 2,8.9; Acts
7,55.
16. That Christ’s
sitting at the right hand does not signify His supreme and universal rule,
power and majesty, according to the human nature, but only limited power, and
His confinement to a certain place in heaven: Calvinistic Churches,
Episcopalians, Congregational Christians, Baptists, Methodists, Evangelical
Congregational, Arminians, Unitarians, Seventh Day
Adventists, etc. Ps. 110,1: Heb. 1,3; Eph. 1, 20-23; I Pet. 3,22.
17. That Christ is not
present upon earth, but is here represented only by the Holy Spirit: Mormons. Matt.
28.20.
WE BELIEVE
(a) that saving faith in Christ is not found by nature in any man, but is the
gift of the Holy Ghost granted freely in conversion; (b) that conversion is
neither wholly nor in part the work of man, but solely the work of God, who by
His grace and power, for Christ’s sake, converts sinners through the
Gospel; (c) that the Holy Spirit is willing to work conversion not only in a
few, but in all hearers of the Word, and that if some hearers nevertheless
remain unconverted, this is due, not to any deficiency in the grace of God, but
solely to their obstinate resistance. (d) We reject every doctrine of synergism
which teaches that conversion is brought about, not solely by the grace of God,
but in part also by man’s cooperation, correct conduct, self-decision and
lesser guilt as compared with others; (e) we reject also every doctrine of
Calvinism which asserts that God would not earnestly convert all hearers of the
Word, but only the elect. a) I Pet. 1, 3.4. Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us
again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to
an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth
not away, reserved in heaven for you.
John 3,
5.6 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is
born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Eph. 2, 1. And you hath He quickened, who were dead in
trespasses and sins. –Cf. also James 1, 18; Ps. 103; John 8, 21; Ps. 51,
7; Ps. 51, 12; Jer. 31, 18; Rom. 3, 23; Rom. 7, 18.
b) I Cor.
2, 14 But the natural man receiveth
not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither
can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Eph. l,
19.20 And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward
who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in
Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in
the heavenly places.
c) Matt.
23, 37. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the
prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee,
how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not!
Acts 7, 51. Ye stiffnecked and
uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your
father did, so do ye.
(d) I Cor.
2, 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things
of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know
them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Eph. 4, 18. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated
from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the
blindness of their heart.
Phil. 2, 13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
–Cf. also Luke 19, 41.42; Rom. 3, 23; Rom. 8, 7.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
conversion is not solely the gracious work of God, but in part also the work of
man: Campbellites, Presbyterians, Quakers, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Shakers, Unitarians,
Synergists, Roman and
1.
That children cannot be converted:
Unitarians, Campbellites, Baptists. Mark 10, 14; Matt. 18, 6; Matt. 18, 10.11. (See also
Isaiah 28:9).
2.
That the elect, having once been converted, cannot
again lost faith and fall from grace: Calvinistic Churches, Campbellites,
Presbyterians, etc. Gal. 4, 19; Luke 8,
13. (See also Gen. 3)
3.
That the non-elect are not called earnestly and
efficaciously: Calvinistic Churches, Presbyterians, Congregational Christians,
Calvinistic Baptists. Matt. 11, 28; Mark
16, 15.16; Acts 17, 30; Matt. 28, 19.20. (Prov. 1:24;
Isa. 1:5, 18-20; Ezek.
33:11)
4.
That the Holy Ghost works faith and repentance not
through God’s Word, but rather through the inner light which He gives to
man: Quakers. Rom 10,17; James 1, 18; I Pet. 2,2.
5.
That faith is not solely the gracious gift of God the
Holy Ghost, but men can believe the Gospel even without the Holy Ghost:
Unitarians, Campbellites, Arminians,
Cumberland Presbyterians. I Cor. 12, 3; Col. 2, 12; Matt. 16, 17; John 6, 44.
65.
6.
That the grace of God in conversion is irresistible:
Calvinistic Churches, Congregational Christians, Calvinistic Baptists, etc. Isa. 65, 2; Luke 7, 30; John 5, 40; (Acts
7:51).
WE BELIEVE
(a) that since through Christ’s vicarious satisfaction all mankind is
reconciled to God and this reconciliation is proclaimed to men in the Gospel to
the end that all should believe the message of God’s grace, faith in
Christ is the only means by which to obtain forgiveness of sin and salvation;
(b) that faith in Christ is properly a firm trust and confidence in the
forgiveness of sins for Christ’s sake alone. a & b) Acts 10, 43 To
Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in
Him shall receive remission of sins.
John 3, 16.17.36. 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. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on the Son hath
everlasting life.
Heb. 11, 1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen. –Cf. also Rom. 4, 20. 21.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
faith is not confidence in the Gospel promises, but the acceptance of what the
Church teaches: Roman Catholic Church. John
3, 36; Rom. 4, 20. 21; 2 Tim. 1, 12; John 20, 28f.
1.
That saving faith is not a sinner’s trust in the
forgiveness of his sins for Christ’s sake, but only assent to the truth of
the Gospel: Roman Catholic Church; Universalists, etc. Rom. 8, 38. 39; Heb. 10, 22; (Rom. 5:4; Heb. 6:18;
10:38-39).
2.
That the object of faith is not the crucified Christ
and His righteousness: Unitarians, Churches of the New Jerusalem. Quakers, Modernists, Acts 16,31; Rom. 3, 24.25; Rom. 8, 34; Gal. 2, 20; (I Cor.
1:18, 23; 2:2).
3.
That love and obedience are the essence, not the
fruits of faith; Unitarians, Arminians, Roman
Catholic Church, Mennonites, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Modernists; Gal. 5.
4.6, Heb. 11,1.
4.
That saving faith may exist in the hearts of the elect
together with mortal sins: Roman Catholic church,
Calvinistic Churches. I John 2, 3-4; I
John 5, 4; John 3, 36; (Rom. 3:31; Jas. 2:14-26; Eph.
2:10).
WE BELIEVE
(a) that God does not receive men on the basis of their own works, (b) but that
without the deeds of the Law, by grace alone, on account of the perfect merit
of Christ. He justifies them, that is, He regards as righteous all those who
believe that for Christ’s sake their sins are forgiven. (c) that by this
doctrine alone Christ is given the honor due Him, and
through it alone sinners receive the abiding comfort that God is surely
gracious to them; (d) that the Christian religion is centered
in the precious doctrine that we obtain forgiveness of sin without works of our
own, solely by the grace of God, for Christ’s sake, through faith. a) Ps.
130, 3.4. If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O
Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared.
Ps. 31, 1. In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be
ashamed: deliver me in Thy righteousness.
Ps. 143, 2. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant: for in
Thy sight shall no man living be justified.
b)
I Cor. 1, 30. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made
unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
–Cf. also Rom. 8, 33. 34.
c) I Tim.
2, 5. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and
men, the man Christ Jesus.
2 Cor. 1, 19. 20. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was
preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus,
was not yea and nay, but in Him was yea. For all the promises of God in Him are
yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. –Cf. also Rom. 3,
22-25.
d)
2 Tim. 1, 9. Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling,
not according to our works, but according to His own
purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
Eph. 2:
8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should
boast.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
justification is not a judicial act of God whereby He imputes to the believer
Christ’s righteousness, but that it consists in the sinners’
renewal and sanctification through infused grace: Roman Catholic Church,
Eastern Orthodox church, Mennonites, Irvingites, Quakers, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Schwenkfeldians, Salvation Army.
2. That
sins are indeed forgiven, but not for Christ’s sake and through the
imputation of His righteousness: Unitarians, Arminians,
Modernists, Universalists. Eph. 1,
7; Rom. 11, 6; Acts 10, 43; 2 Cor. 5, 21; Phil. 3,
9.
1. That justification
does not consist in the present forgiveness of sins (since the atonement is not
yet complete), but in the promise of future forgiveness made to those who
confess and forsake sin: Seventh Day Adventists. Rom. 3, 24, 35; (Ps. 103:3).
2. That sin is not
forgiven, but rather annihilated: Christian Scientists. I John 1, 8. 9.
3. That God in
forgiving sin does not remit all punishment, but man himself must render
satisfaction for the temporal punishments of sin: Roman Catholic Church,
Universalists. Eph. 2, 4.5; I John 4, 10; Col. 2, 13; Rom. 4, 5; Rom.
10, 4; (Heb. 10:14).
4. That man is indeed
justified by faith, yet not because faith trusts in the merit of Christ, but
because it is a willing obedience to His Word: Eastern Catholic church,
Mennonites, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Irvingites, Arminians,
Unitarians, Free Protestants, Campbellites.
Phil. 3, 9; Acts
10, 43; Eph. 2, 8.9; Rom. 4, 16; (Rom. 10:1-4).
5. That man is
justified through “the act of faith,” and that his salvation rests
upon his good works: Campbellites, Quakers, Christian Israelites. Rom.
3,22; (Rom. 11:6).
6. That a Christian
cannot be sure of the forgiveness of his sins, but must remain in doubt
concerning his salvation: Roman Catholic Church. Rom. 5, 1. 2; Rom. 8, 15. 16.
7. That only he may be
sure of the forgiveness of sins, who feels the assurance of God’s grace
in his heart: Methodists, Moravians, Evangelical Congregational, Salvation
Army, Calvinistic Churches. John 20, 29; I John 3, 20; Rom. 4, 18-22; James 1, 6;
(Ps. 51: 3,8, 10-12; Ps. 28:1).
WE BELIEVE
(a) that repentance is the true conversion to God through faith in Christ Jesus
of a poor sinner who by the law has knowledge of his sins and experiences
sorrow for them: (b) that hence repentance consists of two parts, namely,
contrition and faith; (c) that contrition is the true and sincere sorrow of a
heart which, on account of its sins as revealed by the divine Law, is terrified
and distressed in view of the wrath of God and His righteous punishments; (d)
that faith is that act of the soul by which it, through the power of the Holy
Ghost, lays hold of the grace and mercy of God, set forth in the Gospel, for
the purpose of obtaining eternal life.
a) Luke
18, 13. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his
eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a
sinner.
b & c) Ps. 51, 17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a
broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Acts 16, 30. 31. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I
do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and they house.
d). 2 Tim.
1, 12. for the which cause I also suffer these things:
nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded
that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.
I Cor. 12, 3. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man
speaking by the Spirit of God, calleth Jesus
accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy
Ghost.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
repentance is a Sacrament of the New Testament for the forgiveness of mortal
sins committed after Baptism, and that it consists in the contrition of the
heart, the confession of all sins before the priest, and satisfaction by works;
Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church. Acts 19,
4; Rev. 2, 5; Isa. 54, 10; (66:2; Hos.
14:2); Luke 24, 46. 47; Heb. 11, 6; (Jer. 31:19).
1.
That faith is not an essential part of repentance:
Calvinistic churches, Methodists, Evangelical Congregational Church, Moravians,
Salvation Army, Free Will Baptists. Matt. 3:2; Matt. 5, 6; John 3, 16.
2.
That repentance consists essentially in the
renunciation of sin and renewal of the heart: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern
Orthodox church, Mennonites, Mormons, Free Will
Baptists, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Unitarians, Universalist, Free
Protestants, Seventh Day Adventists, Campbellites,
Calvinistic Reformed Churches, Methodists, Evangelical Congregational, Moravians.
Ps. 6, 3,4; Rom. 4, 6; (I Kgs. 8:47; Ezek. 14:6; Luke 17:4;
Acts 26:20).
WE BELIEVE
(a) that good works are all works of the regenerate, performed in the power of the
Holy Spirit, proceeding from true faith, conforming to God’s
commandments, and designed to glorify God and manifest due gratitude; (b) that
since sanctification in this life is only imperfect, also the good works which
the regenerate perform are imperfect, being tainted by the infirmities of the
flesh; (c) that good works must be done, not in order to atone for sins or
merit eternal life, but to manifest faith and give thanks for the divine
benefits received.
a) Matt.
15, 9. But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for
doctrines the commandments of men.
John 15, 5. I am the Vine, ye are the branches, He that abideth in Me, and I in Him, the
same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can
do nothing.
I Cor. 10. 31. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, do all to the
glory of God. –Cf. also Col. 3, 7.
b) Rom. 7,
21-24 I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me.
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man. But I see another law in
my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity
to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Gal. 5, 17. For the flesh lusteth
against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary
the one of to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
c) Matt.
5, 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.)
Eph. 2, 10. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
James 2, 17. 18. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead,
being alone, Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and
I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my
faith by my works.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings: l. That perfect sanctification and
perfectly good works are possible already in this life: Roman Catholic Church, Arminians, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren,
Evangelical Congregational, Salvation Army, Schwenkfeldians,
Unitarians, Mormons, Shakers, Holiness Churches. Phil 3, 12; I Thess. 4, 1; 2 Cor. 4, 16; Eph. 4, 15; James 3, 2; (Jer.
17:9; Rom. 8:7).
1.
That also the unregenerate can perform good works: Arminians, Campbellites,
Unitarians, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Quakers. Eph. 2,
10; Rom. 14, 23; Matt. 7, 16; John 15, 5.
2.
That also such deeds are good works
which are done without the special command of God, according to the commands of
the Church: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church. Col. 2, 16-23; I Tim. 4: 1-5.
3.
That it is possible for a just man to perform
supererogatory works for the benefit of others: Roman Catholic Church. Isa. 64, 6; Luke 17,10; Ps. 49,7.8.
4.
That the good works of the Christians are perfectly
good and holy: Quakers. Heb. 12, 1; Rom.
7, 8.23; Gal. 5, 17; (Isa. 64:6).
5. That good works are
necessary to merit salvation: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox church, Waldensians, Mennonites, Campbellites, Seventh Day Adventists, Quakers, Churches of
the New Jerusalem, Mormons, Christian israelites.
Matt. 5, 16; Eph. 2, 9-10; John 3, 16; Hab. 2, 4; John 3, 36. Also Lodgery, Modernists, and Sectarian churches in general.
WE BELIEVE
(a) that prayer is that divine service in which Christians confidently call
upon the true and living God in the name of their Mediator Jesus Christ for
those things which they need, and in which they give to Him praise and thanks
for the blessings received: (b) that Christians should pray for themselves and
others without distinction, but especially for those who are of the household
of faith; (c) that Christians should not pray for the dead: (d) but that,
otherwise, they should pray at all times and in all places for themselves and
all men, trusting in Christ and leaving to God the time and manner of granting
their wishes. a) Ps. 10, 17. Lord, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble:
Thou wilt prepare their heart, Thou wilt cause Thine ear to hear.
Ps. 27, 8. When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I
seek.
Phil. 4, 6. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
b) I Tim.
2, 1-3. I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for
all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty, for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.
c) Heb. 9,
27. And as it is appointed unto me once to die, but after
this the judgment.
d) I Tim.
2, 8. I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without
wrath and doubting.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
also angels and departed saints, especially Mary, “the Mother of
Mercy,” should be called upon for help, and the pictures and relics of
the saints should be venerated: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox church. Matt. 4, 10;
Ps. 65, 2; Rev. 19, 10; Is. 63, 16; Luke 11, 2-4; (Isa.
45:22).
1.
That only God the Father, and not the Son and the Holy
Ghost, should be addressed in prayer: Universalists, Unitarians, Modernists,
Calvinistic Churches, Lodges. Rom. 10, 13-14; John 5, 23; (Isa.
48:16-17; Ps. 2:12).
2.
That also the spirits of the departed should be called
upon: Spiritists. Rev.
19, 10; Isa. 63, 16.
3.
That Christians must pray for the dead: Roman and
WE BELIEVE
(a) that God does not offer and communicate the spiritual blessings secured by
Christ, such as the forgiveness of sin, the Holy Ghost, etc., except through
the means of grace ordained by Him; (b) that these means of grace are the
Gospel, and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper; (c) that
this is amply proved of the Gospel by Acts. 20, 24.
32; Rom. 10, 17; of Baptism by Acts 2, 38; Tit. 3, 5; of the Lord’s
Supper by Luke 22,19. 20; Matt. 26, 28; (d) that for
this reason, namely because the Gospel and the Sacraments are the only means of
grace ordained by God, Christ has charged the Church to go forth into all the
world preaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments (Mark 16, 15. 16);
(e) that, therefore, all other man-made means for building the Church are
“new measures,” by which the Church is not built, but harmed. a) I
Cor. 1, 21. For after that in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not
God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
I Cor. 12, 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,
whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or
free: and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. b
& c) Acts 20, 24. 32. But none of these things move me, neither count I my
life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the
ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the
grace of God. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His
grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all
which are sanctified.
Acts 2, 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Matt. 26, 28. For this is My blood of the
New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins. – Cf.
also Tit. 3, 5; Luke 22, 19. 20.
d) Mark
16, 15. 16. And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and Preach the Gospel to every creature, He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned.
e) For
other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
(John
6:63b. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and
they are life.)
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That
there are seven Sacraments, and that these are the means of grace: Roman and
Eastern Orthodox churches. Matt. 28, 19;
Matt. 26, 26-28.
1.
That the Sacraments, Holy Baptism and the Lord’s
Supper, are not means of grace through which God bestows His grace and Spirit:
Calvinistic Churches, Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Baptists,
Mennonites, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational
Church, etc. See Passages above.
2.
That God does not offer and communicate the spiritual
blessings purchased by Christ alone through the means of grace, but also
immediately, with the means of grace: Calvinistic Churches, Methodists,
Baptists, Presbyterians, Salvation Army. Isa. 55, 10. 11; John 6, 68; Acts. 13,
26; Acts 4, 12; I Cor. 6, 11; Gal. 3, 26. 27; Eph. 5, 25. 26; Luke 7, 30.
WE BELIEVE (a) that in order to preach the Word of God rightly, a proper
distinction must be observed between the Law and the Gospel; (b) that the Law
reveals sin, proclaims the wrath of God, condemns those who do not perfectly
obey Him, and commands what, according to the will of God, men should do and
leave undone, without, however, granting power to do the works demanded, so
that no man can be saved by the works of the Law; (c) that the Gospel is the
gracious message of salvation through Christ Jesus, by which the Holy Spirit
works faith in men and thus saves them; (d) that the whole Law must be preached
in its whole severity and the Gospel in its full sweetness.
a
& b)
Gal. 3, 21. Is
the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a
law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by
the law. (Cf. also Rom. 3:27; Eph. 2:8-9).
Deut. 27, 26.
Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of
this law to do them. –Cf. also Rom. 3, 20; Ps, 143, 2.
c) I Tim. 1, 15. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
John 3, 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.
Luke 2, 10. And
the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold I bring
you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
d) Gal. 3, 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the
curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth
not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That also the Gospel is the doctrine concerning good works: Roman
Catholic Church, Arminians, Methodists, Evangelical
United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational. I Tim. 1, 15; John 1, 17; John 3, 16; (Rom. 10:15; Gal. 1:6-9; Eph.
6:15; 2 Thess. 2:14; 2 Tim. 1:10).
2. That the Gospel is the inner light given to man as an immediate gift
of the Holy Ghost: Quakers. Luke 4,
18. 19; Eph. 1, 13; Eph. 2, 17; (Rom.
10:17).
1.
That the promises of the
Gospel are conditional, and are given only to those who obey the laws of the
Church and God: Roman Catholic Church. (Rom. 10:5-8; 11:6); Rom. 4, 16; Acts
16:31.
2.
That a man becomes a
Christian by obeying the Law: Methodists, Roman Catholic Church. Gal. 3. 2,5; Gal. 3, 21.22;
2 Cor. 3,6.
3.
That also in the New
Testament Christians are subject to ceremonial laws: Roman Catholic Church (the
ordinances of the apostles and their successors), the Eastern Orthodox Church,
Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Free Will Baptists, Baptists,
Mennonites, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational
Church, Moravians, Quakers, Mormons (ceremonial laws respecting the Sabbath
must now be applied to Sunday), Seventh Day Adventists (observations of the Sabbath
or the Seventh Day), Irvingites (laws concerning
tithing). Heb.
10,1; Col 2,16; Gal. 5,12-13; Acts 15,10. 28-29; Rom.
14,5,6; Gal. 4.10.11; Mark 2, 27; Gal. 5, 3; Gal. 2, 3-5.
WE BELIEVE (a) that the Sacraments are true means of grace ordained by
God, in which, through certain external means connected with His Word, He
offers, conveys and seals unto men the grace which Christ has merited by His
suffering and death; (b) that Christ has instituted only two Sacraments,
namely, Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
a) John 3, 5. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter into the
Tit. 3, 5. Not
by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He
saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
b) Matt. 28, 18-20 And Jesus came and spake
unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in
Heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Mark 16, 15. 16.
And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned.
Luke 22, 19. 20
And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My Body, which is given for you: this do in remembrance
of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New
Testament in My blood, which is shed for you. –Cf. also Matt. 26, 28.
WE REJECT as uncriptural the following
teachings:
l. That Christ has instituted five other Sacraments besides Baptism and
the Lord’s Supper, namely, Confirmation, Penitence, Extreme Unction,
Ordination of Priests, and Marriage; Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox
Church. See passages above.
1. That besides Baptism and the Lord’s Supper there are
“ordinances” of God that are equally binding: Mennonites, Irvingites, Mormons, Six Principle Baptists, (Foot-washing,
laying on of hands, anointing the sick with oil, etc.)
See passages above.
2. That the Sacraments are not means of grace, but simply signs and symbols
of grace: Calvinistic Churches, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregational
Christians, Baptists, Mennonites, Arminians,
Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational Church,
Free Protestants, etc. Eph. 5, 25-27; Luke 7, 30; (I Pet.
3:21). Passages above. Also Modernists.
3. That the Sacraments were not instituted for all Christians, at all times,
and that they are not in any sense true means of grace: Quakers, Unitarians. Luke 7, 30; (Matt. 26:27; I
Cor. 11:26; I Pet. 3:21).
4. That the Sacraments impart grace ex opere operato, that is, by the mere performance of the act, even
without faith on the part of the recipient: Roman Catholic Church. Acts 8, 36. 37; I Cor. 11, 27.
29; Rom. 4, 11; Heb. 11, 6.
WE BELIEVE (a) that Baptism is not simple water only but water
comprehended in God’s command and connected with God’s Word; (b)
that Baptism works forgiveness of sins; delivers from death and the devil, and
gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of
God declare; (c) that it is not the water of Baptism which bestows these
blessings, but the Word of God which is in and with the water, and faith which
trusts such Word of God in the water; for without the Word of God the water is
simple water and not Baptism, but with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that
is, a gracious water of life, and washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost;
(d) that Baptism signifies that the old Adam in us should by daily contrition
and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and again a new
man daily come forth and arise, who shall live before God in righteousness and
purity forever. a) Matt. 28, 19. 20. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and
lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the
world. (Literal translation: Make disciples of all nations by baptizing them,
etc.)
Mark 16, 15. 16.
And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned.
b) Acts 2, 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
John 3, 5.
Jesus answered, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, Except
a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
Gal. 3, 26. 27.
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you
as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. –Cf. also Tit. 3,
5. 7; Eph. 5, 25-27; Mark 16, 16; Mark 1, 4.
c) Mark 16, 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he
that believeth not, shall be damned.
Tit. 3, 5 7. Not
by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He
saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
Eph. 5, 26.
That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word.
–Cf. also Gal. 3,
26. 27.
d) I Cor. 12, 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,
whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all
made to drink into one Spirit.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l.
That Baptism was instituted only for the primitive Christian Church and is no
longer in force: Unitarians, Quakers, Salvation Army, Shakers, Modernists. Matt. 28, 19; John 3, 5. 6.
1. That only truly ordained ministers of the Church may perform Baptism:
Calvinistic Churches, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregational Christians,
Baptists, Mormons. (Since Baptism is a necessary means of grace, any Christian
should perform it in case of emergency). John 3, 5.
2. That immersion is the only proper mode of performing Baptism: Eastern
Orthodox Church, Baptists, Campbellites, Seventh Day
Adventists, Mormons. (The Greek word for baptizing means, not only immersion, but also pouring and sprinkling.)
Mark 7, 4; Luke
11, 38; Acts 1, 5; Acts 2,
16, 17; Heb. 10, 22; (11:29); Acts 22, 16.
3. That Baptism does not profit for the whole life of a Christian, but
removes only original sin and the actual sins committed before Baptism, and
these wholly and entirely: Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. I Cor. 6, 11; Gal. (2:27);
5, 24; Rom. 7, 18-21; (I Tim. 1:15).
4.
That Baptism does not work
forgiveness of sins, but is simply a sign and picture of the cleansing from
sin: Calvinistic Churches, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregational
Christians, Baptists, Mennonites, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren,
Evangelical Congregational, Moravians, Church of the New Jerusalem, Adventists,
Mark 1, 4; Rom. 6, 3; Tit. 3, 5.
5. That Baptism works forgiveness of sins as an act of obedience and faith: Campbellites, Mormons. (In that case salvation is obtained
by good works.) Mark 16, 16; Tit. 3, 5;
6. That Baptism does not work forgiveness of sins, but is necessary for the
forgiveness of sins to be granted during the millennium: Seventh Day
Adventists. (I Pet. 3:21).
7. That Baptism is not a washing of regeneration, but simply the solemn
reception into the church: Unitarians, Free Protestants, Calvinistic
Churches. See passages above.
8. That the Baptism of the Spirit and not the Baptism of water works
salvation: Quakers, Salvation Army. (Baptism is that washing of regeneration
and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Tit. 3, 5). See above passages.
9. That those baptized in childhood must be re-baptized when grown up:
Mennonites, Campbellites, Baptists.
2 Tim. 2, 13;
Rom. 3, 3. 4; Rom. 11, 29; (I Pet. 3:21; Col.
2:11-12; Eph. 5:25-27).
10. That men may
be baptized for the benefit of the dead: Mormons. Acts. 2, 38; Hab. 2, 4; (Heb.
9:27).
11. That children
born of Christian parents are holy in the sight of God even without Baptism:
Calvinistic Churches, Presbyterians, Mennonites. John 3, 5. 6; Eph.
2, 3; Ps. 51, 7; John 1, 13.
12. That all children are innocent and holy by nature: Modernists, Mormons,
Sectarian churches in general. Passages above.
13. That children
should not be baptized: Mennonites, Baptists, Campbellites,
Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists. Matt. 28, 20; John 3, 5. 6; Mark 16, 15. 16; Mark
10, 13-16.
14. That Baptism of infants is an ordinance of the Church, which may be
observed or omitted: Unitarians, Salvation Army, Arminians,
Quakers, Evangelical United Brethren. Mark 10, 14; Matt. 18, 10.
11.
15. That children
cannot believe: Roman Catholic church, Eastern Orthodox church, Calvinistic
Churches in general, Episcopalians, Arminians,
Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational,
Mennonites, Campbellites, Seventh Day Adventists,
Modernists. Matt.
18, 10. 11; Matt. 18, 1-6; Mark 10, 15.
WE BELIEVE (a) that the Sacrament of the Altar is the true body and blood
of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, for us Christians to eat
and to drink, instituted by Christ Himself; (b) that the benefit of sacramental
eating and drinking is shown by these words: “Given and shed for you for
the remission of sins,” namely, that in the Sacrament forgiveness of
sins, life and salvation are given us through these words; for where there is
forgiveness of sins there is also life and salvation; (c) that it is not the
bodily eating that imparts these blessings, but the words here written:
“Given and shed for you for the remission of sins,” which words,
besides the bodily eating and drinking, are as the chief thing in the
Sacrament, and he that believes these words has what they say and express,
namely, the forgiveness of sins;
(d) that fasting and bodily preparation is indeed a fine outward
training, but that he is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these
words: “Given and shed for you for the remission of sin,” but he
that does not believe these words, or doubts, is unworthy and unprepared, for
the words “for you” require all hearts to believe.
a) Luke 22, 19. 20. And took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which
is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup, after
supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for
you.
Matt. 26, 26-28. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed
it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and
said, take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and
gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My
blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Gal. 3, 15.
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men: Though it be
but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth
or addeth thereto. –Cf. also I Cor. 11, 24-26;
Mark 14, 22-24.
b) Matt. 11,28. Come unto Me,
all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest.
I Cor. 11, 28. 29.
But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of
that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh
unworthily, eateth and drinketh
damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
c) Mark 9, 24. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and
said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
d) Ps. 22, 26. The meek shall eat and be satisfied; they shall praise the
Lord that seek him: your heart shall live forever.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That Christ has not instituted Holy communion
for all times, and that therefore Holy Communion may be observed or omitted:
Quakers, Shakers, Salvation Army. Mark 14, 24; I Cor. 11, 24. 25; Gal. 3, 15.
1. That the words of institution must not be taken in a literal, but in a
figurative sense: Calvinistic Churches, Congregational Christians, Baptists,
Methodists, Arminians, Presbyterians, Mennonites,
Unitarians, Evangelical Congregational Church, Moravians. Gal. 3, 15; I Cor. 10, 16; I
Cor. 11, 26-28.
1. That only the bread should be given to the laity: Roman Catholic church. Mark 14, 23; Gal. 3, 15.
2.
NOTE; Lately
wine, in some parishes, has also been served the Laity, which may become
universal.
2. That other elements
than those presented by Christ may be used in communion: Mormons. Matt. 26, 2629; Luke 22, 18;
Gal. 3, 15.
3. That the bread as a symbol of the body of Christ must be broken in order
to signify the breaking of the Lord’s body on the cross: Calvinistic
Churches, Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Baptists, Arminians, Mennonites, Campbellites,
Unitarian, Quakers, (Christ’s bones were not broken on the cross.) John 19, 33.
4.
That Christ’s body and
blood are not really present in Holy Communion, and are not really given to the
recipient under the bread and wine: Calvinistic Churches, Episcopalians,
Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Baptists, Arminians,
Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Unitarians, Mennonites, Seventh Day
Adventists, Universalists, Campbellites, Mormons,
Matt. 26, 26-28; I Cor. 10, 16; Ps. 33, 4; Luke 1,
37.
1. That Christ’s body and blood are received only spiritually by
faith, not really: Calvinistic Churches, Evangelical Congregational Church,
Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregational Christian, Baptists, Arminians, Moravians, Methodists, Salvation Army,
Evangelical United Brethren, etc. I Cor. 10, 16; I Cor. 11, 27; Matt. 26, 26-28.
2. That the bread and wine are transubstantiated into Christ’s body
and blood: Roman Catholic Church. I Cor. 10, 16.
3. That the consecrated host, as Christ’s true body, must be worshiped
as Christ Himself. Roman Catholic Church. Matt. 26, 26. 27.
1.
That the Holy Supper does
not offer, convey, and seal forgiveness of sins, since it is only a memorial of
Christ’s death: Calvinistic Churches, Congregational Christian,
Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists,
2. Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational Church,
Mennonites, Free Will Baptists, Campbellites,
Mormons, Swedenborgians, Unitarians, Universalists. Luke 22, 19. 20; Matt. 26,
26-28.
4. That unworthy communicants do not receive Christ’s true body and blood: Calvinistic Churches in
General, Episcopalians, Congregational Christians, Baptists, Methodists,
Evangelical Congregational. I Cor. 11, 27-29.
5. That Holy Communion should be offered also to children: Roman Catholic
and
6. That in Holy Communion Christ’s body must be sacrificed by the
priest in an unbloody manner for the sins of the
living and the dead: Roman Catholic and
WE BELIEVE (a) that there is on earth one holy Christian Church, which is
gathered, preserved and governed by Christ through His Word; (b) that members of
this Christian Church are those only who believe in Christ as their true Savior; (c) that this one Holy Christian Church, which is
the invisible communion of all believers, is found only in those visible Church
communions which teach the Christian doctrine and administer the Sacraments;
(d) that although by the mercy of God believers are found in heterodox
churches, still such churches do not exist by the will of God, but are
earnestly prohibited since God desires that His Word should be preached and believed
without human addition or subtractions; (e) that it is, therefore, the will of
God that Christians should unite only with orthodox churches and that those
Christians who have strayed in heterodox churches should leave them and seek
the communion of orthodox churches; (f) that every kind of unionism, or church
fellowship, with false teachers is disobedience to the express command of
Christ, threatening the entire loss of the Word of God, and the real cause of
divisions in the Church; (g) that since all Christians are the original
possessors of all the spiritual rights and privileges with which Christ has
endowed His Church, the spiritual power belongs properly and originally in
every part to all believers, and not to individual persons, such as popes, bishops,
ministers, secular princes, or church councils; (h) that to all Christians
belong both the right and the duty of judging and deciding matters of doctrine;
(i) that the administration of public offices in the
Church by individual persons is by delegation from the original possessors and
must remain under their supervision. a) Eph. 2, 19.
22. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens
with the saints, and of the household of God… In whom ye also are builded together, for a habitation of God through the
Spirit.
I Cor. 12, 27. Now
ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
b) Matt. 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. (This rock: the confession that Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of the living God.)
John 11, 51. 52.
And this spake he not of himself: but being high
priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation: and not
for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the
children of God that were scattered abroad.
Acts 16, 31. And
they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt
be saved, and thy house. Cf. also John 10, 27. 28.
c) Matt. 28, 19. 20. Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end
of the world.
Mark 16, 15. 16.
And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
I Pet. 4, 11. If
any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let
him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that
God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and
dominion for ever and ever.
d) Matt. 7, 15. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in
sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
2 John 10, 11. If
there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your
house, neither bid him godspeed:
for he that biddeth him godspeed,
is partaker of his evil deeds.
I John 4, 1.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:
because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Cf. also Ps. 26, 5. 6; Matt. 10, 32. 33; Gal. 5, 9.
e) Gal. 5, 9. A little leaven leaveneth the
whole lump. (Also a “little false doctrine” works great injury.)
2 Tim. 2, 17. And
their word will eat as doth a canker. (False doctrines result in others and
thus work ever greater harm.)
f) I Kings 18, 21. And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God
follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.
Eph. 4, 3-5. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There
is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
one Lord, one faith, one Baptism.
2 Cor. 6, 14-18. Be ye not unequally yoked
together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with
darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or
what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? A
WE BELIEVE (a) that the office of the ministry is a divine ordinance,
that is, Christians living at certain places are enjoined by divine precept to
preach the Word of God, not only privately within the circle of their families,
but also publicly through persons qualified for such work, and to have the
Sacraments administered according to the institution of Christ (Tit., eh. 1);
(b) but that the office of the ministry possesses no other power than the power
of the Word, that is, it is the duty of Christians to yield unconditional
obedience to the office of the ministry only, wherever and whenever the
minister proclaims to them the Word of God. On the other hand, if the minister
in bis teachings, goes
beyond the Word of God, Christians must disobey, so as to remain faithful to
Christ.
a) Act 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,
2 Tim. 2, 2. And
the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit
thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Eph. 4, 11. And
He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some,
pastors and teachers.-C£ also Acts 20, 28; 1 Cor. 4, 1.
b) 1 Pet. 4, 11. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;
if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through
Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.
Tit. 1, 14. Not
giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men that turn from the truth.
Heb. 13, 17.
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch
for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy,
and not with grief. for that is unprofitable for you.-Cf.
also Luke 10, 16; Matt. 23, 8; Matt. 18, 17-20; John 20, 22. 23.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
1. That God has not instituted the office of the ministry: Quakers. Eph. 4, 11; Acts
20, 28; 1 Cor. 4, 1; [Tit.
1: 5].
1.
That Christ has given the
office of the ministry not to the Church as such, but only to His apostles, who
bequeathed it to their successors, the bishops: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern
Orthodox Church, Episcopalians, etc. Matt. 18, 17-20; Matt. 16, 15-19; John 20, 22. 23;
Matt. 28, 19. 20; [ 1 Pet. 2: 5,9].
2.
That the office of the
ministry does not belong to the whole Church, but only to certain persons
within the Church: Calvinistic Churches, Presbyterians, Methodists, Evangelical
United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational, Irvingites.
1 Cor. 3,
21-23; 2 Cor. 4, 5; Ps. 68, 11; 1 Cor. 4, 1; 1 Pet.
2, 9; 1 Pet. 5, 2. 3.
3.
That any one may publicly
teach in the Church, without being duly called: Quakers, Unitarians, Spiritists, some Calvinistic Churches, Methodists, etc. Jas. 3, 1; Jer. 23, 21; Rom. 10, 15; 1 Cor. 12, 29; Heb. 5,4.
4. That God even today calls His ministers immediately, that is, without the
instrumentality of His Church: Irvingites, Quakers,
Methodists, etc. 1 Tim. 3, 2; 2 Tim. 2, 2; Tit. 1, 5, etc.
5.
That the calling of
ministers is a privilege granted not to the whole Church, but only to the
spiritual heads of the Church, such as bishops, elders, etc.: Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren,
Evangelical Congregational Church, Moravians, etc. Matt. 18. 17-20; John 20,
22. 23; 1 Cor. 3, 21-23; 2 Cor. 4, 5; 1 Pet. 2, 9; 1 Pet. 5, 2. 3.
6.
That the ordination of
priests is a Sacrament instituted by Christ for the bestowal of the Holy
Spirit, the imparting of grace, and the imprinting of an indelible character:
Roman Catholic church, Eastern Orthodox Church. (The
ordination is not a divine institution, but only an apostolic and churchly rite
by which the call is publicly confirmed. Similar doctrines
are held by the Irvingites
and Mormons.)
7.
That only such are true
ministers of the Church as have been ordained by bishops (Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Episcopalians), by prophets and apostles (Irvingites), by elders (Mormons). Matt. 18, 17-20; Acts 1, 15-26; Acts 6, 1-6.
8.
That also women may publicly
teach and preach as ministers of the Church: Quakers, Evangelical United
Brethren, Salvation Army, Calvinistic Churches. 1 Cor. 14, 34; 1 Tün. 2, 11. 12.
9.
That the different offices
and ranks of the clergy are not of human but of divine origin: Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Irvingites. 1 Pet. 5, 1; 1 Cor. 3, 5; John 13, 13. 14;
Matt. 23, 8-10. (The Gospel ministry is the supreme office in the Church, from
which all other offices are derived, and Christ has prescribed no differences
in rank or office, for He is the only Master, and all the offices of the Church
are brethren. Matt.
23, 8-10).
1. That not all believers, but only ordained ministers of the Word are
priests in the proper sense of the term: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern
Orthodox Church, Irvingites, Mormons. 1 Pet. 2, 9;
Rev. 1, 5. 6; Rev. 5, 10; 1 Cor. 3, 5. (According to the clear teachings of the
Bible, all Christians are priests before God;
2.
hence ministers do not form a particular priesthood in the Levitical
sense of the Old Testament.) Heb. 7, 17. 18; 1 Tim. 2, 5; Heb. 4, 16.
10. That only priests can
forgive sins: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church. 1 Pet. 2, 9;
Matt. 18, 17-20; John 20, 22. 23. (When the called and ordained ministers of
the Word forgive sins, they pronounce absolution in the name of God and in the
place of the whole Christian Church to which Christ has granted the office of
the keys; hence their absolution is "as valid and certain, in heaven also,
as if Christ, our dear Lord, dealt with us Himself.")
11.
That the ministers of the
Word cannot really and truly forgive sins, but only proclaim absolution:
Calvinistic Churches, Episcopalians, Irvingites,
Unitarians, Free Protestants, etc. Mark 2, 7-10; Matt. 9, 8; John 20, 22. 23; 1 Cor. 3,
21-23; 2 Cor. 4, 5.
12. That private confession (before the priest) is commanded by God and is a
part of the Sacrament of Repentance: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox
Church. John 20, 22. 23; Matt. 9, 2; 2 Sam. 12, 13. (Private confession is not
commanded by God, but is an excellent voluntary practice.)
13.
That private confession
(before the minister of the Word) must be rejected as papistical:
Calvinistic Churches. 2 Sam. 12, 13; James 5, 16.
14. That in private confession it is necessary to enumerate all sins in order
that the priest as the judge may determine the penance by which the sinner must
render satisfaction: Roman Catholic Church. Ps. 19, 12; Matt. 6, 12; Rev. 1, 5.
6; 1 Tim. 2, 5. (The called and ordained minister of the Word has no other
function than the preaching of the Word and the administering of the
Sacraments. He is not the judge to determine penances by which sinners may
render satisfaction for their sins. Sinners cannot be saved by their works, but
are justified by grace alone through faith in Christ.)
15.
That the power of
excommunication (the office of the keys) does not belong to the whole
congregation, but to the spiritual rulers of the Church: Roman Catholic Church,
Eastern Orthodox Church, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Evangelical
United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational, ete. Matt. 18, 15-20; 1 Tim. 5,
20; 1 Cor. 5, 11-13; 2 Cor. 2, 6-8.
[18. That a pastor is an employee, to be hired
and fired. Tit. 2:15; Heb. 13:7, 17].
NOTE: The Scriptural doctrine concerning the mini is rejected both by the
Catholic and the Calvinistic Churches.
WE BELIEVE (a) that the great Antichrist has appeared in the Roman
papacy, because the abominations which have been predicted in Scripture,
especially in 2 Thess. 2, regarding the Antichrist, agree with the hierarchy of
the Pope and his members; for we behold the Pope, under the name and title of
an infallible vicegerent of Christ on earth, continually drawing men away from
the Word and merits of Christ, and instead alluring them to his own word and to
the righteousness of human works, and thus leading them into eternal damnation;
and we behold him doing all this under the enticing form of external church
ceremonies and great sanctity, and appealing to all manner of lying powers,
signs and wonders. (b) Accordingly, we recognize mi popery that great enemy of
the Christian Church predicted in 2 Thess. 2, and we hold that those err and
cannot duly warn souls against the seducing power of popery who expect the
coming of the great Antichrist, or the full manifestation thereof, to be an
event of the future.
a
& b) 2 Thess. 2. 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; who opposeth and exalteth himself above aU that is
called God, or that is worshipped; so that he a3 God sitteth
in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God ... For the mystery of
iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth
will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be
revealed, whom the Lord shall Consume with the spirit
of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming. Even him,
whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying
wonders, and with all deceivablesness of
unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the
truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them 8trong
delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who
believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
1 Tim. 4, 2. 3.
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath
created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the
truth.
2 Pet. 2, 19-21. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the
servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he
brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world
through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse
with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known
the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy
commandment delivered unto them.-Cf. also Dan. 11;
Rev. 17, 9. 18;
Rev. 13, 13; Jude 8.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
1. That the Pope is the visible head of the Church, the viceregent
of Christ and the infallible teacher of the true Church: Roman Catholic Church.
Eph.
1, 22. 23; Col. 1, 18; Luke 22, 25. 26; Matt. 20, 25-28; 1 Pet.
5,
2. 3; Matt. 23, 7-11.
1.
That the government of the
Church has been assigned by Christ to the clergy and not to the whole Church:
Eastern Orthodox Church, Episcopalians, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren,
Mormons, Irvingites, etc. 2 Cor. 1, 24; James 4, 12;
Acts 6, 6; Acts 15, 22. 23; Acts 21, 22; [3 John 9].
2.
That all Christians must be
subject to the Roman Catholic Church as the mother and teacher of all
believers: Roman Catholic Church. 1 Cor. 7, 23; John 3, 29. 30; 1 Pet.
5, 2. 3; Matt. 23, 7-11.
3. That the Church has power to make laws and to command even where God does
not command: Roman and Eastern Catholic Churches, Methodists, Evangelical
United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational Church, United Brethren in Christ,
Churches of the New Jerusalem, Salvation Army. 2 Thess. 2, 3. 4; 1 Cor. 7, 23;
James 4, 12; Matt. 28, 19. 20; 1 Pet. 5, 2. 3;
4. That the ordinances of the Church must be observed as conscientiously as
the command of God: Roman and Eastern Orthodox Churches, Episcopalians,
Presbyterians, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical
Congregational, United Brethren in Christ, Salvation Army. 1 Cor. 7, 35;
16.
6. That lay Christians have no right to judge concerning doctrine, to
vote and counsel in church assemblies, or to share in the government of the
Church: Roman Catholic Church. 1 Cor. 2, 15; 1 Cor. 10, 15; 1 John 4, 1; Matt.
7, 15; Acts 15, 22; Acts 21, 22; Rom. 14, 12; Acts 17, 11.
WE BELIEVE (a) that although both Church and State are ordinances of God,
they must not be mingled, since they have entirely different aims; (b) that by
the Church God purposes to save men, whereas by the State He purposes to
maintain external order among men; (c) that therefore also the means which
Church and State employ to gain their ends are entirely different; (d) that the
church must not employ any other means than the preaching of the Word of God
and must reject all external force and coercion, while the State, on the other
hand, makes laws bearing on eivil life and rightly
employs for their execution also the sword and other punishments.
a
& b) Matt. 22, 21. Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are
Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
1 Tim. 2, 2. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a
quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
c
& d) John 18, 11. 36; Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the
sheath; the cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?... Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: If My
kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be
delivered to the Jews; but now is My kingdom not from hence.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
1. That the power of the State must be employed in the interest of the
Church, and that the Church must assist in governing the State by the Word of
God: Roman Catholic Church, Calvinistic Churches. Rom. 13,
1.
2; 1 Tim. 2, 1-3; 1 Pet. 2, 13-15; Matt. 17,
27; Matt. 22, 2 1.
2.
That no Christian may hold a
public office in civil affairs: Quakers, Mennonites, Shakers, Dunkards, Matt. 22, 2 1; Rom. 13, 1. 2.
3.
That a Christian may hold
public office in civil affairs only if in the Constitution of the State God is
recognized as the source of all power: Reformed Presbyterians. Matt. 22, 21; 1 Tim. 2, 1-3.
4.
That the civil government
has not by divine right the power to declare wars or to execute corporal
punishment: Mennonites, Quakers. Rom. 13, 4; Gen. 9, 6; Matt. 26, 52.
5.
That Christians must not
serve the government as soldiers: Mennonites, Shakers, Quakers, Dunkards, Churches of the New
Jerusalem; [Jehovah's Witnesses]. Luke 3, 14; Matt. 8, 5-7; Acts
10, 28.
6.
That a Christian must not
take or administer an oath: Mennonites, Dunkards,
Quakers, etc. Heb.
6, 16; Gen. 14, 22, 23; John 14, 9; 2 Sam. 21, 7; 2 Cor. 1, 23; Phil. 1, 8.
WE BELIEVE (a) that the divine institution of matrimony is a union for
life, consisting of one man and one woman; (b) that it is established and
sustained by their actual consent for the procreation of children, mutual aid
and assistance, as a curb to licentiousness and an incentive to good habits and
good fellowship among men; (e) that there is but one cause for the dissolution
of marriage, namely, adultery; (d) that, however, an innocent party maliciously
deserted by the other, is not bound; (e) that marriage must be entered into by
rightful betrothal which includes the consent of parents and the observance of
the laws of affinity and consanguinity; (e that marriage must not be prohibited
to the clergy; (g) that Christians should so conduet
themselves in marriage that also this estate may redound to God's glory and to
the welfare of their own souls and of others.
a)
Gen. 2, 24.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto
his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Matt. 19, 4-6 And He answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that He
which made them at the beginning, made them male and female, and said, For this
cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and
they twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
b) Gen. 24, 58. And they called Rebekah, and
said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I
will go.
Gen. 1, 28. And
God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply and replenish
the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over
the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth
upon the earth.
Eph. 5, 33.
Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as
himself-, and the wife 8ee that she reverence her husband.
1 Cor. 7, 2-5. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his
own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto
the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife
hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband
hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other,
except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting
and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your
incontinency.-C£ also Gen. 2, 22-24; Ps. 128, 2. 3.
e) Matt. 5, 32. But I say unto you, That
whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry
her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Matt. 19, 3-6. The Pharisees also came unto Him, tempting Him, and saying
unto Him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he
answered and said unto them, Have ye not read that He which made them at the
beginning, made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man
leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be
one flesh. Wherefore they are no wise twain, but one flesh What
therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
d) 1 Cor. 7, 15. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother
or a sister is not under bondage in such eases: but God hath called us to
peace.
e) Gen 24, 58. And they called Rebekah, and
said unto her, Walt thou go with thi3 man? And she said, I
will go.
Eph. 6, 2. 3. Honor thy father and mother which is the first commandment
with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayst
live long on the earth.
1 Cor. 9, 5. It
is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication
as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father18
wife.-Cf. also Lev. 18, 6 ff; Lev. 20, 11 f. f) 1
Cor. 9, 5. Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other
apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
g)
Eph. 5, 3. 4. But fornication, and all uncleanne.93, or
covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh
saints; neither filthines3, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not
convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Phil. 4, 8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
1.
That marriage is a Sacrament instituted by Christ and
imparting grace, though it must not be preferred to celibacy, a state more
pleasing to God: Roman Catholic Church. Gen. 2, 18; Matt. 19, 4; John 2, 1-11;
Ps. 128; 1 Tim. 5, 14. (Marriage is not a Sacrament. The enforcing of celibacy
upon the clergy is an act of tyranny by which also the Pope reveals himself as
the Antichrist.) Matt. 19, 10-12; 1 Tim.
4, 1-5.
2.
That marriage is a part of religion, and that without
marriage no one can attain to the fullness of salvation: Mormons. 1 Cor. 7, 7. 9. 25.40.
3.
That believers, as the children
of the resurrection, must not marry: Shakers. Heb. 13, 4; Eph. 5, 3-5; 1 Cor. 6, 9. 10;
[7:2; 9:5].
4. That the clergy
must not marry: Roman Catholic Church. 1 Tim. 3, 2. 4; Heb. 13, 4; 1 Tim. 4, 3ff.; 1 Cor. 9, 5; Matt. 4, 7.
5.
That polygamy is not forbidden in Scripture but rather
commended: Mormons. Matt. 19,4-6.
6.
That the consent of parents is not necessary for
lawful betrothal: Roman Catholic Church. Ex.
20, 12; Col. 3, 20; Ex. 22, 16. 17; Num. 30, 4-6.
7.
That the Church has power to release from the
Scriptural commands concerning consanguinity and affinity: Roman Catholic
Church. James 4, 12; 1 Cor. 7, 23; Matt.
22,13; Matt. 15, 3-9; Deut. 4, 2; Josh. 23,6.
8.
That no divorce may be granted for any reason, and that remarriage of the innocent party must not
be permitted: Roman Catholic Church. Matt.
5, 32; 1 Cor. 7, 10. 11. 15.
WE BELIEVE
that on the last day the dead will rise, their souls
clothed with the bodies which they possessed in the present life.
Dan. 12, 2. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth
shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting
contempt.
Job. 19, 25-27. For 1 know that my Redeemer liveth,
and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my
skin worms destroy this body, yet in the flesh shall I see God: whom I shall
see for myself and mine eyes shall behold, and not another.
John 11, 24. 25. Martha said unto Him, I know that He shall rise
again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, 1 am the resurrection,
and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he
live.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
1.
That the souls of those who have not yet atoned for
the temporal punishment of their sins must be purged in purgatory before they
may enter eternal life, but that they may be released from the purgatorial
punishment through the prayers of the living-. Roman Catholic Church. Luke 23,
43; Luke 16, 22. 23; John 3, 36; John 5, 24; Phil. 1, 23; Gal. 6, 8. 10; Heb.
9, 27. Also the
Greek Catholic Church.
2.
That the souls of the righteous do not possess full
salvation before Judgment Day, that the souls of the damned do not suffer the
full torment of hell till Judgment, and that souls may be freed from the bonds
of woe by intercessions, alms, and the unbloody
sacrifice of the Eucharist: Eastern Orthodox Church. Luke 23, 43; Luke 2, 29; Eccl.
11, 3; Matt. 7, 13. 14; Prov. 11, 7.
3.
That souls may be converted
after death and before the Judgment: Shakers, Spiritists,
Mormons. John 9, 4; Eccl.
11, 3; Prov. 11, 7.
4.
That the departed spirits experience neither bliss nor
damnation: Unitarians. Heb. 9, 27; Luke
16, 19-3 1; Luke 23, 43.
5.
That also souls are mortal, and that hence the
departed are neither in heaven nor hell, but asleep in the grave: Adventists,
Seventh Day Adventists. Gen. 25, 8; John
17, 24; Rev. 6, 10; Luke 16, 19-31; [2 Cor. 5:6-8].
6.
That all men after death enter into a better world:
Universalists, Spiritists, Christian Scientists,
Modernists. Luke 16, 19-3 1; Matt. 22,
31. 32; Matt. 10, 28; Matt. 25:4 1].
7.
That there is no resurrection of the body: Unitarians,
Quakers, Shakers, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Universalists, Russellites, Christian Scientists, Modernists.
Dan. 12,2; John 11, 24.25; Matt. 22, 31.
32; 1 Cor. 15, 12.
8.
That before Judgment Day there will be a Millennium,
during which the righteous shall reign for a thousand years with Christ upon
earth: Irvingites, Adventists, Mormons, Russellites, Premillenarians
in general, [Dispensationalists]. John 5,
28. 29; 2 Thess. 1, 7; Aets
17, 3 1; [Rev. 20:4].
WE BELIEVE
(a) that on the last day Christ will come visibly to judge the quick and the
dead; (b) that He will receive into glory all those who have believed in Him to
the end: (c) and that He will pronounce the eternal doom upon all who have
refused to acknowledge Him as their Redeemer.
a) Acts 1,
11. This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into
heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.
Acts 17, 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.
b & e) 2 Cor. 5, 10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat
of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to
that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Matt. 25,
31-46. When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angles
with Him, then shall He 8it upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall
be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a
shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
1.
That Christ will not return to judge the quick and the
dead: Church of the New Jerusalem, Shakers, Unitarians, Universalists,
Christian Scientists, Modernists. 1 Thess. 5, 1-3; Matt. 25,
31-46.
2.
That not all must appear before the judgment seat of
Christ: Seventh Day Adventists. 2 Cor. 5,
10; Rom. 14, 10.
3.
That the time of the Second Advent of Christ may be
determined beforehand: Adventists, Russellites. Matt. 24, 36; Luke 21, 34-36; Mark 13, 32; 2 Pet. 3, 10.
4.
That before Judgment Day Christ will establish on
earth the millennium: Congregational Christians, Irvingites,
Mormons, Adventists, Russellites, Premillenarians. Luke
17, 20, 21; Rom. 14, 17; John 18, 36; 1 Cor. 3, 21-23; 2 Tim. 4, 18; 1 Thess. 4, 16; John 14, 3; Matt. 25, 31-46.
WE BELIEVE
(a) that as the life of the blessed is eternal, so (b) also the damnation of
the unrighteous in hell is eternal.
a) 1
Thess. 4, 16. 17. 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: 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.
Rev. 2, 10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall east some of you into
prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou
faithful unto death, and I will give thee and crown of life.
John 14, 2. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
again, and receive you unto myself, that where 1 am, there ye may be also.-Cf, also Matt. 25,31-46.
b) 2
Thess. 1, 7-10. And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus
shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking
vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ: who shall be puni8hed with everlasting destruction from the
presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power. Cf. Matt. 25, 35-46.
WE REJECT as unscriptural
the following teachings.
1.
That all men inherit eternal salvation in heaven:
Unitarians, Modernists, Lodgery. Heb. 4, 3. 9. 11; Mark 16, 16; John 3, 18. 36.
2.
That the wicked will not suffer eternal damnation:
Universalists, Unitarians, Shakers, Mormons, Spiritists,
Rationalists, Russellites, Seventh Day Adventists,
Modernists. 2 Thess.
2, 7-10; Isa. 16, 24; Dan. 12, 2; Matt. 25, 10; Matt.
25, 41; Matt. 5, 26.
3.
That the wicked will be completely annihilated:
Seventh Day Adventists, Russellites. Rev. 14, 11; Rev. 21, 8; Matt. 25, 41; Mark 9, 43-48.