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My Own Statement Of Faith
Earl Jackson
(updated 2013)
 Rev.Earl Jackson D.D.
About Me I am happily married for 40 years.
I have four grown children, 3 sons and 1 daughter. I hold 4 different theological degrees including a Doctor of Divinity, but I place no value on them, because they are just paper accolades of men. God's approval is what I want. I am the founder of Pioneer Valley Baptist Chapel in Chicopee, Ma. the church was incorporated in 1975, and is still going strong and is solidly Baptist. I Pastored for Five years in Fort Worth Texas at a Baptist Missionary Alliance Church, but returned to New England where God led me to Grace Church, a nondenominational church in Turners Falls Massachusetts, which I pastored until 1998. Since then, I have been an itinerant preacher, serving as a pulpit supply minister, and interim minister in churches all over New England, mostly in Baptist churches, but also in some non-denominational churches as well. Even though I am 100% Baptist and committed to the historic Fundamental truths of the Baptist faith, I will preach anywhere God allows me to. That mean I sometimes preach in Presbyterian, Methodist, and Evangelical churches. I never alter or change the gospel or the truths of the Bible when I preach in these places. I have been kicked out of many, because I refuse to compromise on the Word of God. It is what it is, and if people do not want to hear it, they should not invite me to preach. But I am a Fundamental Baptist core to core and ear to ear. My passion is the Lord Jesus Christ, and laboring in His vineyard. He has blessed me richly, beyond anything I could ever deserve, and I will strive to love Him, serve Him, and worship Him faithfully till I die. Over the years I have been used to bring many souls to our Savior, a privilege that brings great joy, I have baptized most of them, and most of them are solidly strong in the Lord, because I do not practice strong arm evangelism, psychological manipulation, or give altar calls where people are manipulated to make quick decisions. I simply invite men to Christ, and I try to do it Biblically. God uses His word to convict and convert men, and after thousands of years of doing so, I find that He is still able to accomplish everything that He sends it forth to do, and that His word is still alive and powerful and capable of piercing deep into the souls of men (Heb. 4:12), and creating everlasting life within them. Men are still being born again by the incorruptible seed of the word of God (1Pet. 1:23), even after all these centuries. Our job is to tell them the truth which is able to set them free, and to guide them in a way that uplifts Christ to a knowledge of the only Savior of sinners. God Bless you all. Feel free to email me anytime, with any questions, needs or concerns. [email protected] |
Introductory
Please Look Up All Verses (mouse-over)
There can be no doubt that the true and ultimate statement of our faith is the Bible alone (Rom. 3:2; Rom. 15:4; 2Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12; 2Pet. 1:19-21). There is nothing any man can write that will improve upon what God has already written (Deut. 4:2; Deut. 12:32; Matt. 15:6-9; Rev. 22:18-19). But all groups, even the cults, claim that they use the Bible as their supreme and only source, and yet their teachings span everything from the ridiculous and blasphemous, to the orthodox and correct. So who is right? If they all get their stuff from the Bible? then either the Bible is full of contradictions, or their interpretations are full of human viewpoints? The differences cannot be explained by anything in God or His ability to communicate. God knew what He wrote, and He wrote exactly what He wanted to write. He needs no man to interpret it for Him. He needs men to bow humbly before His oracles and shut up, so listening and learning can occur. (Personal Note: I use only The King James Version of the Bible in my ministry, teaching and preaching. That is not because I think it is superior to the original manuscripts, and it is not because I worship that book. It is because God has so immensely blessed it's use in my life. It proves to be God's word as far as I am concerned. But I do study the Hebrew and Greek in The Textus Receptus, because Those ancient manuscripts are the best available copy of God's original autographs.) One solution to the problem of everybody having their own private interpretation of the scriptures has been to develop statements of faith which show a consensus of belief and an assignment of acknowledgment between large groups of people. So then it becomes easy to know what a person or group believes, by a simple statement of their faith. This is good, and this is the way that it should be. We can know quickly what a Baptist church believes? or a Presbyterian? or Methodist? or Anglican? or Reformed? etc. If they have compiled a statement, indicated and acknowledged as a consensus of affirmation, then we can know where they stand? what they believe and why? I think this is very important, and is why I consider myself to be a historic Baptist. People may object to my fundamentalism, but there is no question where I stand? That is the way it should be. This is why names became historically important, the name Baptist in a church name, is supposed to indicate this consensus among the members, same with Presbyterian, Methodist etc. This is why the alarming trend of churches removing denominational names and affiliations from their church name is dangerous. A Baptist church near my home, decided that it would be beneficial to strike the name Baptist from their name, (which they were for 40 years), now you do not know what the are? It's as though they are ashamed to be known as Baptist's? Not Me. I am proud to be a Baptist. Martyr's blood was shed for the Baptist beliefs. The church near my home struck the name Baptist from their name and now they have a no denominational name. But what do they believe? Is it a cult? Is it Roman Catholic? They would rather have people not know what they are, (so they can supposedly get more people to come), rather then to endorse a consensus of historical and Biblical principles, which clearly sets forth their posture and the sacrifice of the thousands of martyrs who died because they refused to be called anything but “Baptists“. If they are indeed Baptist, but refuse to associate with the Baptist heritage, doctrines and distinctives, then they are simply deceiving the public. They are basically lying to to people in order to “get them to come”. This sort of behavior is extremely popular. Non-denominational-ism is “in”. Identification-ism is “out”. And the whole trend is deceptive, alarming, dishonoring to God and hurtful to the strength of the body of Christ. Why I am making this personal statement of faith available to you, is not because the historic Baptist Confessions and Statements are insufficient, it is because you need to hear it from me personally, if you are going to listen to what I teach and preach. No teacher has the right to demand blind allegiance from his students or listeners. Such a thing is cult-like, and is the sort of thing that leads people to do stupid things like drink arsenic laced Cool-aid in the jungles of Central America. So it is a matter of being informational. I want you to know what I believe. I have nothing to hide. I am not going to use deception to make my posture more palatable to the likes and dislikes of the masses. The masses are wrong. They always have been wrong, and they always will be wrong. So I could care less what they think. I am not interested in pleasing them. I am interested in pleasing God. God would never have me to deceive anyone. So I am laying out my beliefs plainly, so anybody can know. From time to time I feel compelled to modify and change things up, so whatever you see here today is the latest version (as of the revision date at the top). It might be different tomorrow? because I am a work in progress, and I am still studying to show myself approved unto God a workman that needeth not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth. I have not arrived yet at the place of perfect knowldge. These are simply my current personal beliefs. They are not necessarily the beliefs of the church I attend, or the churches I preach at. This is My statement. Take it for what it's worth and nothing more. As to the use of this document, I think that it is useful to commend myself to people, wherever they may be, who sit under my preaching and teaching, or who read my writings. It will set your mind at ease about certain things, and it may help to prevent you from jumping to wrong conclusions about what you are receiving from me. Some doctrines are quite complicated, and this statement can help you with Scripture references to show why I believe certain things. It is not an exhaustive statement, but it covers most of the main areas of my theology...the Fundamentals of the Faith. The other way that this might be useful for you, is for your own edification. If you look up the verses and try to comprehend what is being said, God can use it to strengthen you in your own faith and walk, and you can learn these truths as tools to assist in your spiritual growth and walk. May God bless you as you read what I believe. My Miniature Statement of Faith
by Earl Jackson Aug. 2013
In the beginning God. He is the creator and sovereign over all things. All men are sinners. Sin keeps men from God. Jesus Christ is the only Savior of sinners. Christ brings men to God, by Grace. All men are called by the gospel to put their trust and faith in God. Christ died so that all men everywhere might be saved. The Holy Spirit is His divine presence in the church which is the body and bride of Christ. Believers exist to glorify him and to share His message through their transformed lives. Christ is coming again to receive his church unto himself and to put every last enemy enemy under his feet. He could come at any moment. In the end God wins. In the beginning God wins. All along the way God wins. God always wins, because he is God! 
Preaching a Memorial Day service for the Town of South Hadley Ma
Me and My wife of 40 years Linda
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My Personal Testimony
I am the product of the amazing Grace of God. My story is the story of a miraculous conversion. But it may be similar to your story too. If you were on the road to destruction, if you were a drug addict and a dealer, if your life was 24 hours a day being high, and living in riotous living, if you did only evil continually, than your testimony is quite like mine. For that is what I was. I was the chiefest of sinners (1Tim. 1:15).
One of my drug dealing buddies, (my supplier) got arrested in 1969, and ended up in jail. Somehow he got saved while he was serving his time for peddling heroin and LSD. I went to visit him, and he said something I had never heard before in my life..."I am praying for you Earl". I didn't want anything to do with that, so I never returned to visit my friend. But when He got out, he came to visit me. I was stoned out of my mind at the time, but I do remember hearing these words very clearly..."I am praying for you Earl, and my whole church is praying also". As I looked into his now sparkling and clean eyes, I knew he had something that was real. He visited me several additional times, and before he would leave, every time I would hear these words..."I am praying for you Earl, and the whole church is praying for you also".
Soon after, my parents started going to (my friends) church. Every week they would ask me to come to church with them. (Of course that was the last thing I wanted to do.) Every time they would ask me they would say these words, "the whole church is praying for you."
One Sunday morning, Easter Sunday to be exact, I told my parents..."guess what? I'm going to church with you today." I have no idea what got into my mind? or what on earth I was thinking? I just decided out of the clear blue that if I went to church, I might get them off of my back. God had other plans, that I knew nothing of.
When we arrived at the church, it was completely packed with Easter worshipers. It was so crowded that the only seats we could find were way up in the balcony. I remember it clear as day. Way up there I had an unobstructed view of the preacher. It was as though he spoke directly to me. He held up the Cross of Christ before my eyes. I saw Him die right in front of my eyes, and for the first time in my life I knew why He died...HE DIED FOR ME! The preacher was speaking to me, I burst into tears, right there in that balcony, and Christ miraculously saved me in that instant. I did nothing, and He did everything. It was as though a billion pounds had been lifted off my soul. I couldn't get out and go to the front during the altar call, but that did not matter, because I was already saved. During the week I went to the church, met the pastor and shared what had happened with him, and made arrangements to be immediately baptized. He said these words and I'll never forget them..."I knew you would be saved, because I have been praying for you, and the whole church has been praying as well!" I didn't even know these people, but they knew of me, and they knew of my great need for the Savior. I'll never understand why they prayed for me, but they did, and it conquered my soul. I was not seeking God in the least, but He was seeking me. He was using his committed saints to reach my heart through their constant intercession. Well, guess what? It worked. Today, I thank God that a little church in Texas prayed for the chiefest of sinners. God can and will save anybody who comes to Christ.
My life was one of instant transformation. I threw out all the dope. I got a haircut. I got baptized. I started reading my Bible. I began witnessing to my other drug addict friends. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I knew they could see the new sparkle and cleansing in my eyes. I told each one of them..."I love you and I am praying for you, and I'm gonna have my whole church pray for you." That's how I started witnessing, and that's how I started to feel God calling me to preach Christ and Him crucified.
The rest is history. I soon went off to Baptist Bible College in Springfield Missouri, where I was privileged to sit under some truly great preachers, and where I came under some godly men and very special tutelage. I was personally mentored by Doctor David A. Cavin, whom I still consider to be one of the greatest men of God that I ever met in my life. He had the true heart of a pastor, and loved men with a burning passion.
So Here I am 41 years later, and still thankful, from the bottom of my heart, for those precious souls who prayed for me so long ago. If you are not a Christian, and you are reading this, please know that you are not beyond hope, beyond help, or beyond Gods love and grace. Maybe you are reading this, because someone prayed for you. Please bow to Christ and trust Him as your Savior. In Him, and by Him, the chiefest of sinners, are saved, transformed, and lifted out of the dungeon of sin and despair. I'll be praying for you, too.
One of my drug dealing buddies, (my supplier) got arrested in 1969, and ended up in jail. Somehow he got saved while he was serving his time for peddling heroin and LSD. I went to visit him, and he said something I had never heard before in my life..."I am praying for you Earl". I didn't want anything to do with that, so I never returned to visit my friend. But when He got out, he came to visit me. I was stoned out of my mind at the time, but I do remember hearing these words very clearly..."I am praying for you Earl, and my whole church is praying also". As I looked into his now sparkling and clean eyes, I knew he had something that was real. He visited me several additional times, and before he would leave, every time I would hear these words..."I am praying for you Earl, and the whole church is praying for you also".
Soon after, my parents started going to (my friends) church. Every week they would ask me to come to church with them. (Of course that was the last thing I wanted to do.) Every time they would ask me they would say these words, "the whole church is praying for you."
One Sunday morning, Easter Sunday to be exact, I told my parents..."guess what? I'm going to church with you today." I have no idea what got into my mind? or what on earth I was thinking? I just decided out of the clear blue that if I went to church, I might get them off of my back. God had other plans, that I knew nothing of.
When we arrived at the church, it was completely packed with Easter worshipers. It was so crowded that the only seats we could find were way up in the balcony. I remember it clear as day. Way up there I had an unobstructed view of the preacher. It was as though he spoke directly to me. He held up the Cross of Christ before my eyes. I saw Him die right in front of my eyes, and for the first time in my life I knew why He died...HE DIED FOR ME! The preacher was speaking to me, I burst into tears, right there in that balcony, and Christ miraculously saved me in that instant. I did nothing, and He did everything. It was as though a billion pounds had been lifted off my soul. I couldn't get out and go to the front during the altar call, but that did not matter, because I was already saved. During the week I went to the church, met the pastor and shared what had happened with him, and made arrangements to be immediately baptized. He said these words and I'll never forget them..."I knew you would be saved, because I have been praying for you, and the whole church has been praying as well!" I didn't even know these people, but they knew of me, and they knew of my great need for the Savior. I'll never understand why they prayed for me, but they did, and it conquered my soul. I was not seeking God in the least, but He was seeking me. He was using his committed saints to reach my heart through their constant intercession. Well, guess what? It worked. Today, I thank God that a little church in Texas prayed for the chiefest of sinners. God can and will save anybody who comes to Christ.
My life was one of instant transformation. I threw out all the dope. I got a haircut. I got baptized. I started reading my Bible. I began witnessing to my other drug addict friends. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I knew they could see the new sparkle and cleansing in my eyes. I told each one of them..."I love you and I am praying for you, and I'm gonna have my whole church pray for you." That's how I started witnessing, and that's how I started to feel God calling me to preach Christ and Him crucified.
The rest is history. I soon went off to Baptist Bible College in Springfield Missouri, where I was privileged to sit under some truly great preachers, and where I came under some godly men and very special tutelage. I was personally mentored by Doctor David A. Cavin, whom I still consider to be one of the greatest men of God that I ever met in my life. He had the true heart of a pastor, and loved men with a burning passion.
So Here I am 41 years later, and still thankful, from the bottom of my heart, for those precious souls who prayed for me so long ago. If you are not a Christian, and you are reading this, please know that you are not beyond hope, beyond help, or beyond Gods love and grace. Maybe you are reading this, because someone prayed for you. Please bow to Christ and trust Him as your Savior. In Him, and by Him, the chiefest of sinners, are saved, transformed, and lifted out of the dungeon of sin and despair. I'll be praying for you, too.
3 Generations. Me, My Oldest Son-Kenneth, (his son) My Grandson-Mark, At The Greenhouse
My full Statement of Faith with Scripture proofs.
Don't forget to hold your mouse over the Bible references to instantly read them.
What I believe about the Scriptures
“Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it” - Lk. 11:28
God has disclosed Himself to men in the Scriptures (Num. 12:6-8; Matt. 21:42; Matt. 22:31; Heb. 1:1; 2Pet. 1:21).
The Scriptures are contained in the sixty-six books of the Bible and nowhere else (Isa. 8:20; Matt. 22:29; Matt. 26:54,56; Mk. 12:24; Lk. 24:44-47; Jn. 20:9; Rom. 15:4). The King James Version of The Bible is The best English Translation of Gods Holy Scriptures.
The Scriptures are the product of the Holy Spirit and are thus completely inspired by God in the original manuscripts (2Sam. 23:2; 1Cor. 2:13; 1Thess. 2:13; 2Tim. 3:16; 2Pet. 1:19-21).
The Scriptures contain no errors, contradictions or mistakes, although they do record these kind of things in the errors, contradictions and mistakes of various people found within it’s pages. This means that the Bible is inerrant, infallible and sufficient in all matters which it discusses, because it is clearly called “the Word of God”. It discusses whatever God wanted to say (Isa. 8:20; Mk. 7:12-13; Rom. 10:17; 1Thess. 2:13).
Scripture is self-interpreting, and Holy Spirit interpreted, because He is it’s author and He is it’s only perfect expositor(Jn. 16:13; Jn. 14:26; Acts. 15:15; 1Cor. 2:10-13; 2Pet. 1:20,21; 1Jn. 2:20,27).
The scriptures are sufficient for the rule, faith and practice of men and churches (Matt. 22:29,31; Acts. 28:25; Eph. 2:20).
What I believe about the Scriptures
“Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it” - Lk. 11:28
God has disclosed Himself to men in the Scriptures (Num. 12:6-8; Matt. 21:42; Matt. 22:31; Heb. 1:1; 2Pet. 1:21).
The Scriptures are contained in the sixty-six books of the Bible and nowhere else (Isa. 8:20; Matt. 22:29; Matt. 26:54,56; Mk. 12:24; Lk. 24:44-47; Jn. 20:9; Rom. 15:4). The King James Version of The Bible is The best English Translation of Gods Holy Scriptures.
The Scriptures are the product of the Holy Spirit and are thus completely inspired by God in the original manuscripts (2Sam. 23:2; 1Cor. 2:13; 1Thess. 2:13; 2Tim. 3:16; 2Pet. 1:19-21).
The Scriptures contain no errors, contradictions or mistakes, although they do record these kind of things in the errors, contradictions and mistakes of various people found within it’s pages. This means that the Bible is inerrant, infallible and sufficient in all matters which it discusses, because it is clearly called “the Word of God”. It discusses whatever God wanted to say (Isa. 8:20; Mk. 7:12-13; Rom. 10:17; 1Thess. 2:13).
Scripture is self-interpreting, and Holy Spirit interpreted, because He is it’s author and He is it’s only perfect expositor(Jn. 16:13; Jn. 14:26; Acts. 15:15; 1Cor. 2:10-13; 2Pet. 1:20,21; 1Jn. 2:20,27).
The scriptures are sufficient for the rule, faith and practice of men and churches (Matt. 22:29,31; Acts. 28:25; Eph. 2:20).
What I believe about God
"Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas,
and all deep places.” -Ps. 35:6
“He hath done all things well.”- Mk. 7:37
God pre-exists before all things (Gen. 1:1; Jn. 1:1).
All things were made by Him and exists for Him (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:16).
Everything was created by Him, out of nothing, by His spoken command and the sovereign work of His hands (Ps. 33:6; Ps. 102:25; Isa. 45:8, 12; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:2-3, 10-12; Heb. 3:4; Rev. 4:11).
He is self-existent (Ex. 3:14; Ps. 90:2; Isa. 44:6; Jn. 8:58; Rev. 1:8; Rev. 4:8).
He is all knowing (2Chron. 16:9; Prov. 15:3,11; Prov. 50:11; Isa. 40:13-14; Col. 2:3; Heb. 4:13).
His omniscience extends even to the most secret thoughts in men's minds (Ps. 94:11; Ps. 139:2; Jer. 17:10; Jer. 20:12; Ezek. 11:5).
He knows everything about us, and everything about everything (Job. 34:21; Ps. 11:4; Ps. 14:2; Ps. 33:13-15; Ps. 139:1-5; Ps. 147:5; Prov. 5:21).
Evil and sin are also known to God (Gen. 3:11; Gen. 6:5,9,13; Ps. 69:5; Jer. 16:17; Jer. 18:23).
He is present everywhere, is not part of space or time, but exists forever in timelessness (Gen. 21:33; Deut. 33:27; 1Kin. 8:27; Ps. 90:1-2; Ps. 139:6-16; Prov.15:3; Isa. 40:28; Isa. 44:6; Jer. 23:23-24; Amos. 9:2; Acts 17:28; Rev. 7:12).
He is all-powerful (omnipotent), and infinite in all of His characteristics (attributes), (Gen. 17:1; Gen. 28:3; Gen. 35:11; Ex. 6:3; Ps. 147:5; Isa. 9:6; Hab. 3:6; 2Cor. 6:18; Heb. 4:13; Rev. 1:8; Rev. 4:8; Rev. 11:17; Rev. 15:3; Rev. 16:7; Rev. 19:6,15; Rev. 21:22).
He is unchanging and unchangeable. It is His eternal sameness, His Eternal "Is". (Ex. 3:14; Ps. 90:2; Ps. 93:2; Ps. 102:27; Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8; Jam. 1:17; Rev. 1:8).
He is a Pure, Invisible, Spirit, having neither body, parts or passions (Num. 23:19; Deut. 4:15-16; Lk. 24:39; Jn. 4:24; Acts. 14:11,15; 2Cor. 3:17; 1Tim. 1:17).
He possesses all things with absolute perfection. He is Love, Mercy, Holiness, Justice, Righteousness, Wrath, All-sufficiency, Grace, and a whole host of other wonderful attributes which surpass human knowledge (Ex. 15:11; Ex. 33:19; Ex. 34:6-7; Deut. 10:17; Rom. 11:33).
He is absolutely Sovereign and He exclusively does whatever He wants to do, and He does nothing else but what He wants to do, and everything He does is always right. (Ex. 9:16; Ex. 7:3; Ex. 10:1; Job. 34:12; Eccl. 3:14; Isa. 14:24,27; Isa. 40:13; Isa. 43:1,13,21; Isa. 44:24; Isa. 46:10; Jer. 27:5; Dan. 4:35; Jn. 1:13; Rom. 9:17; Eph. 3:11).
The One God exists in Three persons, Father Son and Holy Spirit. These Three are One, but there are not three Gods, only one. We must not confuse the persons, or divide their essence. The Father is wholly and completely God. The Son is wholly and completely God. The Holy Spirit is wholly and completely God. But there is only one God. This mystery is called the Trinity, a term not found in the Bible, but a term which aptly describes this fundamental Christian Doctrine. Any God which is not Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity is an idol, and the worship of idols is condemned in the Bible and in the true churches of Jesus Christ. ( Ex. 3:14; Jn.1:1,14,18; Jn. 14:8-9,11; Acts 5:3-4; Phil. 1:2; 1Jn. 5:7; Matt. 28:19; 2Cor. 13:14)
What I Believe About God’s Plan
“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” - Isa. 46:10
The God who Created all things also sustains and controls what He created (Dan. 4:34-35; Ps. 135:6; Acts 15:18; Acts 17:25-26,28; Col. 1:16-17).
God is the Center of His own Plan (Rom. 11: 36)
He ordained everything that comes to pass in His Eternal counsels which He decreed in Himself from all eternity (Num. 23:19; Isa. 49:10; Jn. 19:11; Acts 4:28; Rom. 9:15,18; Eph. 1:3-5; Eph. 1:11; Heb. 6:17).
His plan includes every aspect of the universe, and of the salvation of sinners, so that nothing is left to chance or to the will of man, and so that everything glorifies Him. (Matt. 25:41; Jn. 1:13; Jn. 6:64; Jn. 10:26; Jn. 13:18; Jn. 17:9; Acts. 13:48; Rom. 8:30; Rom. 9:11,13,16,18,22-23; Rom. 11:5; Eph. 1:4-6,9,11; Eph. 2:5,12; 1Thess. 1:4; 1Thess. 5:9; 2Thess. 2:13; 2Tim. 1:9; 2Tim. 2:19; 1Pet. 1:2,10; Jud 1:4).
What I Believe About Sin
"All have sinned" - Rom. 3:23; Rom. 5:12
Since nothing exists by accident and everything exists for the glory of God (Col. 1:16), the presence of evil in the universe is not a mystery, but is clearly revealed in the scriptures (Isa. 45:7; Jas 1:15). When God created everything He said that it was “very good” (Gen. 1:31), and that even included the presence of “the serpent” in the garden, who was the devil incarnate (Gen. 3:1; Jn. 8:44; 2Cor. 11:3; Rev. 12:9; Rev. 20:2), a being who had previously sinned and fallen into darkness and alienation from God (Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:12-19; Lk. 10:18). These things being so, God still pronounced that everything was ”very good”, thus indicating that everything existed according to the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:11; Eph. 3:11), and showing that He does not allow accidents in His universe but governs all things (Ps. 103:19; Dan. 4:3; Amos 3:6; Phil. 2:13; 1Tim. 6:15). That everything was good indicates that God Himself is good, in all of His purposes and plans, whether we understand them, or whether we agree with them, or not. Everything was up to Him, and He does right always. He could have prevented sin, had he wanted to do so, but because He didn't we have to simply believe that He knows all things and does all things well (Mar 7:37). God makes no mistakes.
The serpent deceived the woman, and together she and her husband, believed the Devil’s lie, doubted and disobeyed God, and plunged themselves and all humanity with them into a state of sin and death (Gen. 2:17; Gen. 3:1-7; Eccl. 7:29; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 5:12,19; Rom. 6:23; 1Jn. 1:8-10).
Sin renders man totally depraved, alienated from the life and fellowship of God, dead in trespasses and sin, dead spiritually though alive physically, spiritually blind, lost and in need of salvation, which he cannot obtain by anything that he does, but only by what God does in grace and love for him and to him (1Kngs. 8:46; Job 14:4; Ps. 51:5; Jn. 6:44; Rom. 3:9-23; Rom. 5:12; Rom. 7:18; Rom. 8:7-8; Eph. 2:1,3,5,8-9,12; Col. 2:13; 1Thess. 1:10; Heb. 2:14-15; 1Jn.1:8-10).
"All have sinned" - Rom. 3:23; Rom. 5:12
Since nothing exists by accident and everything exists for the glory of God (Col. 1:16), the presence of evil in the universe is not a mystery, but is clearly revealed in the scriptures (Isa. 45:7; Jas 1:15). When God created everything He said that it was “very good” (Gen. 1:31), and that even included the presence of “the serpent” in the garden, who was the devil incarnate (Gen. 3:1; Jn. 8:44; 2Cor. 11:3; Rev. 12:9; Rev. 20:2), a being who had previously sinned and fallen into darkness and alienation from God (Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:12-19; Lk. 10:18). These things being so, God still pronounced that everything was ”very good”, thus indicating that everything existed according to the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:11; Eph. 3:11), and showing that He does not allow accidents in His universe but governs all things (Ps. 103:19; Dan. 4:3; Amos 3:6; Phil. 2:13; 1Tim. 6:15). That everything was good indicates that God Himself is good, in all of His purposes and plans, whether we understand them, or whether we agree with them, or not. Everything was up to Him, and He does right always. He could have prevented sin, had he wanted to do so, but because He didn't we have to simply believe that He knows all things and does all things well (Mar 7:37). God makes no mistakes.
The serpent deceived the woman, and together she and her husband, believed the Devil’s lie, doubted and disobeyed God, and plunged themselves and all humanity with them into a state of sin and death (Gen. 2:17; Gen. 3:1-7; Eccl. 7:29; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 5:12,19; Rom. 6:23; 1Jn. 1:8-10).
Sin renders man totally depraved, alienated from the life and fellowship of God, dead in trespasses and sin, dead spiritually though alive physically, spiritually blind, lost and in need of salvation, which he cannot obtain by anything that he does, but only by what God does in grace and love for him and to him (1Kngs. 8:46; Job 14:4; Ps. 51:5; Jn. 6:44; Rom. 3:9-23; Rom. 5:12; Rom. 7:18; Rom. 8:7-8; Eph. 2:1,3,5,8-9,12; Col. 2:13; 1Thess. 1:10; Heb. 2:14-15; 1Jn.1:8-10).
What I Believe About Christ
“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell” - Col. 1:19
All of God’s plans are wrapped up in Christ Jesus (Pro. 8:23; Eph. 3:9,11; Col. 1:26; 1Pet. 1:20).
He is the central person in the universe (Eph. 1:23; Rev. 1:8,11; Rev. 5:9-14; Rev. 22:13).
All the fullness of Deity dwells in Him (Jn. 5:26; Eph. 1:23; Col. 2:9; Heb. 1:3).
He is God (Ps. 45:6; Isa. 7:14; Isa. 9:6; Isa. 40:9-11; Matt. 1:23; Jn. 1:1; Jn. 3:13; Jn. 10:30,33; Jn. 20:28; Rom. 9:5; Phil. 2:6; Col. 2:9; 1Tim. 3:16; Rev. 13:8).
He is the unique person in the universe, being the one and only mediator between God and man (Jn. 3:13; 1Tim. 2:5; Rom. 8:34).
He is the God-man (fully God and fully man) (Matt. 1:23; John 1:1,14; 10:30-33; 20:28; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 2:9; Heb. 1:8).
He was the object of Old Testament types, shadows, prophecies, and history (Mic. 5:2. Rom. 16:25-26; Heb. 1:1-2).
He was born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18,23; Lk. 1:35; Gal. 4:4) .
He was God incarnate in human flesh, with a body of flesh and bones (Luke 24:39; Jn. 1:14; Jn. 3:13; Gal. 4:4; Phil.2:6; 1Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:8-13; Heb 2:6-17; 1Jn. 5:7,20).
He is worshiped (Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33).
He is prayed to (Acts 7:59).
He knows all things (John 21:17).
He gives eternal life (John 10:28)
He was absolutely sinless, and positively righteous in all things (1 Pet. 2:22; Heb. 2:14,16-17; Heb. 4:15).
He came to effectuate all parts of God’s plan of salvation by grace (Jn. 17:4; Jn. 19:30; 2Cor. 5:18-19; Eph. 1:7; 2Tim. 1:9-10; Heb. 9:12; 1Jn.3:16; 1Jn. 4:9).
He died a vicarious, sin atoning death on the cross (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 3:24-25; Rom. 5:8,11; Rom. 14:9; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 10:12; Heb. 12:2; 1Jn. 2:2; 1Pet.1:18-20; 1Pet. 2:24; 1Pet. 3:18).
He paid the purchase price and the penalty of sin (Matt. 20:28; Acts. 20:28; Rom. 3:24-25; Rom. 6:28; 1Cor. 6:20; Gal. 3:13; Gal. 4:4-5; Col. 1:14; Eph. 1:7; 1Tim. 2:5-6,14; Heb. 9:12; 1Pet. 1:18-19; 1Jn. 2:2).
He expiated our sin, and propitiated the wrath of God. Every one who believes is save by his finished work. (Rom. 3:24-25; Rom. 5:18-19; 2Cor. 5:18-19; Heb. 2:17; Heb. 8:12; 1Jn. 1:9; 1Jn. 2:2; 1Jn. 4:10).
He justified all those who ever were or shall be saved (Rom. 3:24; Rom. 3:9-24; Rom. 3:25-26; Rom. 4:5; Rom. 5:15-17).
He literally rose from the dead in resurrection power (Jn. 2:19; Jn. 10:17-18; Rom. 6:4; Rom. 14:9; Eph. 1:19-20).
He ascended into heaven to take His place on the everlasting throne of the universe in His never-ending kingdom of glory (Mk. 16:19; Lk. 24:50-51; Jn. 14:2; Jn. 20:17; Rom. 8:34; 1Cor. 15:27; Eph. 1:19-23; Phil 2:5-11; 1Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:3; Heb. 2:8; Heb. 10:12; Heb. 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22).
He is both Lord and Savior, but men are called to acknowledge him and receive Him as such (Acts 2:36; Acts. 10:36; Acts. 15:11; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 16:24; 1Cor. 1;2; Phil. 2:11; Phil. 3:20; 1Thess. 5:23; 2Thess. 1:12; 2Thess. 2:14; 1Tim. 1:1; 2Pet. 2:20; 2Pet. 3:18).
There is no other name whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Christ is the Only way to God (Jn. 14: 6)
His law is God's law for this age and the ages to come (Rom. 8:2; Rom. 10:4; Gal. 6:2)
He is literally coming again, at the end of the world, to wrap things up, to raise the dead, judge the world, to reign in righteousness, and to create a new heaven and new earth, finally expunging all sin and evil out of His universe (Isa. 65:17; Isa. 66:22; Matt. 24:30; Mk. 14:6; Acts. 1:11; Acts. 3:21; Acts. 17:31; 2Cor. 5:10; 1Thess. 4:15; 2Thess. 2:8; Tit. 2:13; 2Pet. 3:13; Rev. 1:7; Rev. 21;1).
Believers anticipate His second coming as their blessed hope, and so shall they be forever with the Lord (1Cor. 1:7,8; 2Cor. 8:9; Phil. 3:12; 1Thess. 4:16; 2Thess. 2:1; Tit. 2:13; 2Pet. 3:13).
What I Believe About The Holy Spirit
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which
proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me” - Jn. 15:26
The Holy Spirit is God, the third person of the Trinity (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 5:3-4; Rom. 15:30; 1Cor. 3:16; 1Cor. 6:19; 1Cor. 12:4-6; 2Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6).
He is the Spirit of Truth, and He is concerned with anything to do with “Truth” (Jer. 31:33-34; Jn. 14:17; Jn. 15:26; Jn. 16:13-14; 1Cor. 2:10-13; Eph. 1:17; Eph. 5:9; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:22; 1Jn. 2:20,27; 1Jn. 4:6; Rev. 2:11).
He was the active agent of creation (Gen. 1:2; Ps.33:6; Job 26:12; Isa. 40:12-13).
He gives life to man (Gen. 2:7; Job 33:4).
He inspired the writing of the scriptures, God-breathing them in their entirety (2Tim. 3:16; 2Pet. 3:15-16).
Because He wrote the scriptures, He is the authoritative interpreter of them (Jn. 16:14; 1Cor. 2:9-14; Eph. 1:17).
He is the re-creator of men through the new birth (Jn. 3:5-8; Jn. 6:63; Rom. 8:2,5,9; 1Jn. 3:9).
He convicts the world of sin (Jn. 8:9; Jn. 16:8; Jude 1:15).
He calls men to Christ effectually creating a new creation, regenerating them, applying the finished work of Christ to them, giving them justification and union with Him (Rom. 3:22-26; Rom. 8:30; 1Cor. 6:11; Tit. 3:4-7).
He sanctifies believers and calls them to a life of Christ-likeness (Rom. 6:19, Rom. 6:22; 1Cor. 1:30; Eph. 1:4; Eph. 5:26; 1Thess. 4:7; Tit. 1:8; 1Pet. 1:15).
He is the Lord who is present in the church, who nurtures, governs, empowers her, and who causes fruit to be in her (Acts 2:1-4; Rom. 5:5; Rom. 8:23; 1Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 1:22-23; Gal. 5:22-23;Col. 1:8).
He provides anointing, illumination and guidance for the church (2Cor. 1:21-22; 1Jn. 2:20,27).
He indwells every believer (Jn. 14:16,26; Jn. 15:26; Jn. 16:7; Jn. 20:22; Acts 2:4,38; Acts. 4:8; Acts 8:15; Acts 10:47; Acts 19:2; Rom. 8:9-11; Gal. 3:2).
He confers gifts and graces upon the church for life, ministry and edification of the Body of Christ (Gal. 5:22-23; Rom. 5:5; Rom. 8:23; Rom. 12:6-8; 1Cor. 12:4-11,28-31; Col. 1:8).
He has supervision over the guidance, government and the direction of the church (Acts 5:3-4; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 15:28; Acts 20:28; 1Cor. 12:8-11;Eph. 4:8-12).
Preaching derives its inspiration, effectiveness, power and authority directly from the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37; Acts 10:44;1Cor. 2:1-5; 1Thess. 1:5-6; 1Pet. 1:12).
Prayer and praise derive acceptableness, power, spontaneity and effectuality directly from the Holy Spirit (Matt. 18:19; Jn. 4:24; Rom. 8:26-27; Eph. 2:18; Eph. 6:18; Jude 20).
Church musical worship derives its character, reverence, power, teaching ability and effectiveness directly from the Holy Spirits’ fullness (1Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:18-19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15).
Genuine officers, ministers, missionaries, teachers, servants and deacons in the church, originate from the Holy Spirit. They are selected by Him, ordained by Him, presided over by Him, and should be sought out and acknowledged by the church which is blessed by their presence and labors. God's chosen and gifted servants should be received as gifts of His grace to the body of Christ (Acts 1:8; Acts 13:2-9; Acts 16:6-7; Acts 15:8,28; Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:8-12).
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit was a one time event (just like any other type of baptism, example: believers baptism). It happened on the day of Pentecost, and included Speaking in Tongues, which were known languages, and not babbling noises or indistinguishable sounds. (see Acts 1:5). All believers are now included in it, and we should not falsely seek a repetition of it, because it was a once and for all time event. If you are a believer you have already been included in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It never will be repeated. (Matt. 3:11; Lk. 3:16; Lk. 11:13; Jn. 1:33; Acts 1:5; Acts 2:13-18; Rom. 6:3-6; 1Cor. 12:13; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:11-12; Tit. 3:5-6; 1Pet. 3:21).
Believers are commanded to seek to be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit day by day, moment by moment. The filling of the Holy Spirit equates to His control and our humble submission, yielding, repentance and obedience to Him in all things (Acts 11:24; Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:22-25). The filling of the Spirit makes us like Christ, and furthers us along in our progressive sanctification. (Lk.4:1).
The Holy Spirit seals us unto the day of redemption so that we persevere and will not loose our salvation (Rom. 8:11; Rom. 8:23; Eph. 1:13-14; Eph. 4:30).
What I Believe About Salvation
“Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Matt. 1:21
Salvation is something that God does, and not man. “Salvation is of the Lord.” (Ps. 37:39; Ps. 68:20;Ps. 130:7-8; Isa. 62:11; Lam. 3:26; Jn. 1:29; Jn. 2:9; Acts 3:26; Acts 4:12; Acts 5:31; Acts 13:23,38-39; Eph. 5:25-27; Col. 1:20-23; Tit. 2:4; Heb. 7:25; 1Jn. 1:7; 1Jn. 2:2; 1Jn. 3:5; Rev. 1:5-6).
God planned salvation according to the Divine doctrines of foreknowledge, election, and predestination. God designed salvation, and not one part of it is accidental or left to the will or whims of creatures. (Rom. 9:11; Rom. 11:5,7,28; 1Thess. 1:4; 2Pet. 1:10).
According to God's Eternal plan some men will be saved..."the elect" (Mk. 13:27; Lk. 18:7; Acts 13:48; Rom. 9:11-16; Eph. 1:4-5,9,11; Col.3:12; 2Thess.2:13).
His choice of these elect ones is a matter of His perfect knowledge, pure grace, unmerited love and Divine Sovereignty. They are "chosen in Christ" according to the foreknowledge of God. (Eph. 1:5-9; Eph. 2:8-9; 2Tim. 1:9). Election is God's business, and really is of very little concern to us. God knows all things perfectly, including who will or will not believe in Christ. All things are the expression of God's perfect will and infinite knowledge.
The Father has given the elect to the Son (Jn. 6:37; Jn. 17:2,6,9; Eph. 1:14; Heb. 2:13: 1Pet. 2:9).
The elect are “chosen to salvation” through faith in Christ (Deut. 7:6; Ps. 32:12; Isa. 43:20; Matt. 20:15-16; Matt. 22:14; Jn. 13:16; Jn. 15:16,19; Acts 9:15; Acts 22:14; Acts 10:41; 1Cor. 1:27; Eph. 1:4; 2Thess 2:13; Ja. 2:5; 1Pet. 2:9; Rev. 17:4). Nobody is elect who does not also have faith and trust Christ as His Savior. Election is according to the foreknowledge of God (1Pet. 1: 2; Acts 15:18; Rom 8:29; Rom 11:2)
The salvation of the elect is infallibly secured by Christ’s finished vicarious atonement on the cross. They shall never perish because He gives unto them Eternal Life. (Isa. 53:6,11-12; Matt. 1:21; Matt. 20:28; Matt. 26:28; Jn. 10:10-11,15; Jn. 15:13; Jn. 17:1ff; Acts 20:28; Rom. 5:8; 1Cor. 5:7; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 1:7; Eph. 5:25; Tit. 2:14; Heb. 2:13; Heb. 9:28; 1Pet. 2:24; Rev. 1:5-6; "His death saves to the uttermost all that come to God through him" (Heb 7:25).
Since we do not know who the elect are, God has commanded us to preach the good news, the gospel message to all men without discrimination, and to urge all men everywhere to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the “gospel call” which is to be heard unto the uttermost parts of the world, and which the church is commanded to proclaim. (Prov. 11:24; Isa. 55:11; Matt. 13:3-9; Matt. 22:14; Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 4:3-9; Lk. 8:5-8; Acts. 17:30; Acts 20:31; Col. 1:28). All men are invited to Christ by the gospel. When men hear they are expected to make a decision which confirms and establishes their salvation in association with the New Birth which God simultaneously works in them. The gospel calls men to faith and to turn from sin and trust Christ. Preaching aims at decisions, and soul-winning is the means whereby men turn to Christ. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10: 17). How shall they Hear without a preacher? (Rom 10:14)
The Holy Spirit takes the gospel as it is presented indiscriminately to everyone, and He turns it into a “specific call“ when he opens the hearts and minds of sinners, and calls them to faith in Christ. That is when “the sheep hear His voice" (Jn.10:27). The gospel call is “external” and falls on everyone’s ears. The inward call is “internal” and enters deep into the hearts of sinners through the direct agency of the Holy Spirit convicting and converting them. (Ps. 65:4; Jn. 3:6; Jn. 6:44,65; Rom. 2:4; Rom. 8:28-30; Rom. 9:11; Eph. 2:4-5; 2Tim. 2:25; 2Pet. 1:10). The Holy Spirit actively convicts men and draws them to Christ through the faithful preaching of the Bible. "How shall they hear without a preacher?" God still speaks to men through his word, and He still saves all who come to God in simple faith.
The new birth is a prerequisite to entering heaven. All humans in heaven have been born again while here on earth (Jn. 3:3,5-8; 1Pet. 1:23; 1Jn.3:9; 1Jn. 5:18).
When a person is regenerated (new birth) several things happen immediately as He flees to Christ for salvation (Isa. 45:22; Isa. 55:1-3; Matt. 11:28; Jn. 6:37; Jn.7:37-38; Acts 4:12; Rev. 22:17). He repents of sin (Mk. 6:12; Lk. 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; 2Tim. 2:25; Rev. 3:19). He believes on the Lord Jesus Christ (Mk. 16:16; Jn. 1:12; Jn. 3:15-16,36; Jn. 7:37-38; Jn. 11:25-26; Jn. 20:31; Acts 8:37; Acts 13:38-39; Acts 15:11; Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:9-10; Gal. 3:22), He has all the finished work of the cross effectively applied in his life by the Holy Spirit (Jn. 1:13; 1Cor. 2:12; 1Cor. 6:11; 2Tim 2:25; 1Jn. 5:6-8). He is justified by faith (Rom. 5:1-2; Gal. 3:26), which is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8-9).
All believers, are sanctified “positionally” (set apart for Gods holy uses), and are being sanctified “progressively” day by day as they strive to live holy lives by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in them (Lk. 1:75; Jn. 17:17,19; Acts 20:32; Acts 26:18; Rom. 6:19,22; Rom. 15:16; 1Cor. 1:2; 1Cor. 6:11; 2Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:24; Eph. 5:26; 2Tim.2:21; 1Thess. 3:13; 1Thess. 4:7; 1Thess. 5:23; Tit. 2:3; Heb. 2:11; Heb. 12:10,14; Heb. 13:12; Heb. 10:10,14,29; 1Pet. 3:15; Jude 1).
Every Born again person is so intimately connected to Christ that they have union with Him, solidarity with him, salvation in Him, an eternal position in Him, and He is in them. They share in His inheritance, are they actual and legal sons of God. Their union in Him gives them union with each other as members of His body - the church. They share in the divine nature (2Pet.1:4). They are one with the Lord (1Cor. 6:17). And God freely gives them all the blessings that come with salvation (Matt. 28:20; Jn. 6:53,56-57; Jn. 10:28; Jn. 14:20,23; Jn. 17:21-23; Rom. 8:1,9-10,35,39; Rom. 9:1; 2Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 1:4; Eph. 2:13; Eph. 3:16-17; Eph. 5:29-30,32; Col. 1:27; Col. 3:3-4; 1Thess. 4:14,17; Heb. 2:11; 1Jn. 4:16; 2Pet. 1:4).
Every genuinely born-again believer has a home in heaven that has been prepared by Jesus for their arrival (Jn. 13:33,36; Jn. 14:2; Jn. 17:24; Heb. 11:16; Rev. 21:2). There is not even a slim possibility that they will not arrive safely to their eternal home, it is waiting for them (Jn. 6:37,39-40; Jn. 10:27-28; Jn. 17:12; Jn. 18:9). Believers are eternally secure and can never lose their salvation which is a gift from God. God is not an Indian giver.
Every aspect of our salvation comes only from the infinite, undeserved, unearned Grace of God. God did it all. We do nothing. Salvation is by Grace alone, plus nothing (+) and minus nothing (-). (Jn. 1:12-13; Jn. 6:37,44,65; Acts 16:14; Rom. 3:24; Rom. 10:14,17; Eph. 1:19; Eph. 2:5,8-10; Col. 2:12; Jas. 1:17-18).
Children dying in infancy, or before birth, and certain mentally deficient people, are the elect of God, are instantly regenerated and received unto God, "for of such is the kingdom of heaven"(Matt. 19:14; Mk. 10:14; Lk. 18:16).
“Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Matt. 1:21
Salvation is something that God does, and not man. “Salvation is of the Lord.” (Ps. 37:39; Ps. 68:20;Ps. 130:7-8; Isa. 62:11; Lam. 3:26; Jn. 1:29; Jn. 2:9; Acts 3:26; Acts 4:12; Acts 5:31; Acts 13:23,38-39; Eph. 5:25-27; Col. 1:20-23; Tit. 2:4; Heb. 7:25; 1Jn. 1:7; 1Jn. 2:2; 1Jn. 3:5; Rev. 1:5-6).
God planned salvation according to the Divine doctrines of foreknowledge, election, and predestination. God designed salvation, and not one part of it is accidental or left to the will or whims of creatures. (Rom. 9:11; Rom. 11:5,7,28; 1Thess. 1:4; 2Pet. 1:10).
According to God's Eternal plan some men will be saved..."the elect" (Mk. 13:27; Lk. 18:7; Acts 13:48; Rom. 9:11-16; Eph. 1:4-5,9,11; Col.3:12; 2Thess.2:13).
His choice of these elect ones is a matter of His perfect knowledge, pure grace, unmerited love and Divine Sovereignty. They are "chosen in Christ" according to the foreknowledge of God. (Eph. 1:5-9; Eph. 2:8-9; 2Tim. 1:9). Election is God's business, and really is of very little concern to us. God knows all things perfectly, including who will or will not believe in Christ. All things are the expression of God's perfect will and infinite knowledge.
The Father has given the elect to the Son (Jn. 6:37; Jn. 17:2,6,9; Eph. 1:14; Heb. 2:13: 1Pet. 2:9).
The elect are “chosen to salvation” through faith in Christ (Deut. 7:6; Ps. 32:12; Isa. 43:20; Matt. 20:15-16; Matt. 22:14; Jn. 13:16; Jn. 15:16,19; Acts 9:15; Acts 22:14; Acts 10:41; 1Cor. 1:27; Eph. 1:4; 2Thess 2:13; Ja. 2:5; 1Pet. 2:9; Rev. 17:4). Nobody is elect who does not also have faith and trust Christ as His Savior. Election is according to the foreknowledge of God (1Pet. 1: 2; Acts 15:18; Rom 8:29; Rom 11:2)
The salvation of the elect is infallibly secured by Christ’s finished vicarious atonement on the cross. They shall never perish because He gives unto them Eternal Life. (Isa. 53:6,11-12; Matt. 1:21; Matt. 20:28; Matt. 26:28; Jn. 10:10-11,15; Jn. 15:13; Jn. 17:1ff; Acts 20:28; Rom. 5:8; 1Cor. 5:7; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 1:7; Eph. 5:25; Tit. 2:14; Heb. 2:13; Heb. 9:28; 1Pet. 2:24; Rev. 1:5-6; "His death saves to the uttermost all that come to God through him" (Heb 7:25).
Since we do not know who the elect are, God has commanded us to preach the good news, the gospel message to all men without discrimination, and to urge all men everywhere to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the “gospel call” which is to be heard unto the uttermost parts of the world, and which the church is commanded to proclaim. (Prov. 11:24; Isa. 55:11; Matt. 13:3-9; Matt. 22:14; Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 4:3-9; Lk. 8:5-8; Acts. 17:30; Acts 20:31; Col. 1:28). All men are invited to Christ by the gospel. When men hear they are expected to make a decision which confirms and establishes their salvation in association with the New Birth which God simultaneously works in them. The gospel calls men to faith and to turn from sin and trust Christ. Preaching aims at decisions, and soul-winning is the means whereby men turn to Christ. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10: 17). How shall they Hear without a preacher? (Rom 10:14)
The Holy Spirit takes the gospel as it is presented indiscriminately to everyone, and He turns it into a “specific call“ when he opens the hearts and minds of sinners, and calls them to faith in Christ. That is when “the sheep hear His voice" (Jn.10:27). The gospel call is “external” and falls on everyone’s ears. The inward call is “internal” and enters deep into the hearts of sinners through the direct agency of the Holy Spirit convicting and converting them. (Ps. 65:4; Jn. 3:6; Jn. 6:44,65; Rom. 2:4; Rom. 8:28-30; Rom. 9:11; Eph. 2:4-5; 2Tim. 2:25; 2Pet. 1:10). The Holy Spirit actively convicts men and draws them to Christ through the faithful preaching of the Bible. "How shall they hear without a preacher?" God still speaks to men through his word, and He still saves all who come to God in simple faith.
The new birth is a prerequisite to entering heaven. All humans in heaven have been born again while here on earth (Jn. 3:3,5-8; 1Pet. 1:23; 1Jn.3:9; 1Jn. 5:18).
When a person is regenerated (new birth) several things happen immediately as He flees to Christ for salvation (Isa. 45:22; Isa. 55:1-3; Matt. 11:28; Jn. 6:37; Jn.7:37-38; Acts 4:12; Rev. 22:17). He repents of sin (Mk. 6:12; Lk. 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; 2Tim. 2:25; Rev. 3:19). He believes on the Lord Jesus Christ (Mk. 16:16; Jn. 1:12; Jn. 3:15-16,36; Jn. 7:37-38; Jn. 11:25-26; Jn. 20:31; Acts 8:37; Acts 13:38-39; Acts 15:11; Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:9-10; Gal. 3:22), He has all the finished work of the cross effectively applied in his life by the Holy Spirit (Jn. 1:13; 1Cor. 2:12; 1Cor. 6:11; 2Tim 2:25; 1Jn. 5:6-8). He is justified by faith (Rom. 5:1-2; Gal. 3:26), which is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8-9).
All believers, are sanctified “positionally” (set apart for Gods holy uses), and are being sanctified “progressively” day by day as they strive to live holy lives by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in them (Lk. 1:75; Jn. 17:17,19; Acts 20:32; Acts 26:18; Rom. 6:19,22; Rom. 15:16; 1Cor. 1:2; 1Cor. 6:11; 2Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:24; Eph. 5:26; 2Tim.2:21; 1Thess. 3:13; 1Thess. 4:7; 1Thess. 5:23; Tit. 2:3; Heb. 2:11; Heb. 12:10,14; Heb. 13:12; Heb. 10:10,14,29; 1Pet. 3:15; Jude 1).
Every Born again person is so intimately connected to Christ that they have union with Him, solidarity with him, salvation in Him, an eternal position in Him, and He is in them. They share in His inheritance, are they actual and legal sons of God. Their union in Him gives them union with each other as members of His body - the church. They share in the divine nature (2Pet.1:4). They are one with the Lord (1Cor. 6:17). And God freely gives them all the blessings that come with salvation (Matt. 28:20; Jn. 6:53,56-57; Jn. 10:28; Jn. 14:20,23; Jn. 17:21-23; Rom. 8:1,9-10,35,39; Rom. 9:1; 2Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 1:4; Eph. 2:13; Eph. 3:16-17; Eph. 5:29-30,32; Col. 1:27; Col. 3:3-4; 1Thess. 4:14,17; Heb. 2:11; 1Jn. 4:16; 2Pet. 1:4).
Every genuinely born-again believer has a home in heaven that has been prepared by Jesus for their arrival (Jn. 13:33,36; Jn. 14:2; Jn. 17:24; Heb. 11:16; Rev. 21:2). There is not even a slim possibility that they will not arrive safely to their eternal home, it is waiting for them (Jn. 6:37,39-40; Jn. 10:27-28; Jn. 17:12; Jn. 18:9). Believers are eternally secure and can never lose their salvation which is a gift from God. God is not an Indian giver.
Every aspect of our salvation comes only from the infinite, undeserved, unearned Grace of God. God did it all. We do nothing. Salvation is by Grace alone, plus nothing (+) and minus nothing (-). (Jn. 1:12-13; Jn. 6:37,44,65; Acts 16:14; Rom. 3:24; Rom. 10:14,17; Eph. 1:19; Eph. 2:5,8-10; Col. 2:12; Jas. 1:17-18).
Children dying in infancy, or before birth, and certain mentally deficient people, are the elect of God, are instantly regenerated and received unto God, "for of such is the kingdom of heaven"(Matt. 19:14; Mk. 10:14; Lk. 18:16).
What I Believe About The Church
But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” -Heb. 12:22-23
The church of God was purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28).
That makes the church of God equivalent to the sum total of all believers of all time, the general assembly, the church of the firstborn; every true believer (including every Old Testament saint) is a part of it (Heb.12:23).
Some have called this the invisible church, but that is a poor term, because there are always visible members of it, and the ones in heaven are visible up there. John saw them, so they are not invisible. Others have called it the church universal (catholic), and that also is a poor term, because there is nothing universal about it. It excludes most people, so how could it be universal? If by this they mean that it includes people from all different races and ethnicity's, then perhaps there is some sense in which it is universal? I think it is better to simply call it “the body of Christ” or “the church”, forget all that "invisible, universal and catholic" stuff, and stick with the way that God identifies it in the Bible.
It is called “His body” (Rom. 12:5; 1Cor. 12:12,27; Col. 1:18).
He is it’s head (Eph. 1:22; Eph. 5:23).
It is called “the fullness of Him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:23).
It is the Bride of Christ (Isa. 61:10; Isa. 62:5; 2Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-32; Rev. 21:2,9; Rev. 22:17).
It is to be “a glorious church“ (Ps. 45:13; Ps. 87:3; Isa. 62:3; Eph. 5:27;Rev. 7:9-17).
It is not to have "spot or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Song of Sol. 4:7; Eph. 5:27; 2Pet. 3:14).
It is to be holy and without blemish (Eph. 1:4; Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22,28; 1Thess. 5:23).
The doctrine of the union of every believer to Christ as the church is a great mystery (Eph. 5:32).
The church was not born on Pentecost. (Men invented that doctrine). The church existed from all eternity (Matt. 25:34; Acts. 15:18; Eph. 1:4; Rev. 13:8; Rev. 17:8). Moses and the people of God who were with him, and who received the oracles of God, were called “the church in the wilderness” (Acts 7:38 cf. Matt. 8:11).
It is called “the household of God” (Matt. 10:25; Eph. 2:19; Gal. 6:10; Heb. 3:6).
Every believer is a “member” of God’s household, a member of the royal family of God (Rom. 8:29; 1Cor. 12;12,27; Eph. 3:15; Heb. 2:11-15; 1Jn. 3:1; Rev. 1:5-6).
It is called “the Temple of the Holy Spirit” (1Cor. 3:9,16; 2Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21-22).
It is “a spiritual house” (Eph. 2:21-22; 1Pet. 2:5).
It is built of “living stones” (Eph. 2:22; 1Pet. 2:5).
It is built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone (Isa. 28:16; Matt. 16:18; 1Cor. 3:9-11; 1Cor. 12:28; Gal. 2:29; Eph. 2:20; Rev. 21:14).
It is called “the kingdom of heaven”, “the kingdom of God”, “the kingdom of Christ”, and Christ called it “My kingdom”(Lk. 22:30; Jn. 18:36), “My Father’s Kingdom“ (Matt. 26:29), “Thy kingdom” (Matt. 6:10, Matt. 20:21; Lk. 11:2; Lk. 23:42). These terms are to always be understood of the church, either on earth or in heaven, or both, (note context determines which). These terms apply to nothing else but the church, (Ps. 45:6; Dan. 2:44; Dan. 7:27; Matt. 3:2; Matt. 4:17; Matt. 5:3,10,19-20; Matt. 6:33; Matt. 7:21; Matt. 8:11; Matt. 10:7; Matt. 11:11-12; Matt. 12:28; Matt. 13:11; Matt. 19:24; Matt. 21:31,43; Mk. 1:14; Mk. 4:11; Mk. 4:26,30; Matt. 25:34; Lk. 22:29; Jn. 3:3,5; Acts 1:3; Acts 8:12; Acts. 14:22; Rom. 14:17; 1Cor. 4:20; 1Cor. 6:9-10; 1Cor. 15:50; 1Thess. 2:12; 2Thess. 1:5; Heb. 1:8; Jas. 2:5; Rev. 1:9; Rev. 12:10; ).
This kingdom is an everlasting kingdom (Ps. 145:13; Dan. 2:44; Dan. 4:3; Dan. 7:14,27; 2Pet. 1:11).
This kingdom is not materialistic in any sense (Ps. 45:6; Dan. 7:14; Lk. 17:20-21; Jn. 18:36; Jn. 6:15; Rom. 14:17; Col. 1:13). The Millenial Kingdom is Something Different. See Rev. 20: 1-7.
The church is “the remnant”, the true believers within any group of people (Ezra 9:8,14; Isa. 1:9; Isa. 10:20-21; Isa. 11:11; Rom. 9:27; Rom. 11:4-7).
The church is often referred to as Jerusalem and Zion in a spiritual sense (Ps. 2:6; Ps. 48:1-3; Ps. 122:6; Ps. 132:13-14; Isa. 12:6; Isa. 14:32; Isa. 52:1; Matt. 5:35; Gal. 4:25-26; Heb. 11:10; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 3:12; Rev. 14:1; Rev. 21:2,10; Rev. 22:19).
The church is also “the flock” belonging to the Good Shepherd (Matt. 26:31; Lk. 12:32; Jn. 10:27-29; Acts. 20:28-29; 1Pet. 5:2-3).
The church is “the branches” belonging to “the True Vine” (Jn. 15:5).
The church is “the wheat” growing in God‘s field (Matt. 3:12; Matt. 13:25, 29-30,36-43; Lk. 3:17; Lk. 22:31).
The only way the church grows is when people are born again and are added to it. (Acts. 2:47; Acts 5:14; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:30; Rom. 9:17; Tit. 3:4-5).
When believers gather together as assemblies or congregations, we call them local “churches“, but technically, εκκλησία (ekklesia), means “called out ones”. Some have assumed that this is referring to people who were called out of their homes to attend an important meeting, and thus they gave it the connotation of “assembly“, or “convocation“. That is a doubtful interpretation which is usually given by people who want “church“ to only mean something local, something assembled. According to that view, “church“ is always local (the church at Corinth, the church of Laodicea etc). In actuality when the term is used in a localized sense, it is still referring to true believers (called out ones), only in a geographical or spatial sense. There are 36 verses in the Bible where localized groups of true believers are called “churches”. But this has nothing to do with them being assembled. Some have thought that without being assembled there is no church. Acts. 9:31, Acts 16:5; and Rom. 16:6 are sufficient to disprove that notion, but there are many other verses like this, where churches are said to exist without being assembled. The term church is never used in the Bible of a building of brick, mortar and stone. Cathedrals and Meeting houses are not “churches”, nor are they "the houses of God". "God dwelleth not in temples made by hands" (Acts 7:48; Acts 17:24)
So we have a true sense in which the members of Christ’s kingdom, residing in a particular area, or joined together in a local covenantal fellowship, are called a church. Groups of these covenant communities are called “churches”. They function as local churches under the presence and power of Christ every time the meet together (Matt. 18:20; 1Cor. 5:4-5). Every one of these ought to be composed of only true believers, but unfortunately we cannot tell with certainty or accuracy who is who, so tares and wheat grow together. The separation of them will not occur till the second coming of Christ. So while we strive for purity in our churches, as we should, there is really no way to achieve it, because all churches are composed of sinners. It is true that they are all supposed to be saved, but the reality is that all of them are not.
The Supreme and Sovereign head of the church is Christ (Col. 1:18).
This extends to local churches as well. He is their sole administrator, and not some Pope, Bishop, denomination or outside agency.
Where even as little as two or three are gathered together, He is present in their midst so that they can fully function as a church (Matt. 18:20; Jn. 20:19; 1Cor. 5:4; Phm. 1:2).
He leads his church through Biblical officers and through teaching gifts which function in the local covenant communities (Eph. 4:11-12).
He has given it all the authority, tools and guidance necessary for self-governance in the local congregations, so that it can perform it’s twofold job of preaching the word of God, and edifying the body of Christ, and can keep itself focused on it’s mission of winning souls, and always pursing “holiness without which no man shall see the Lord” (Matt. 18:17-18,20; 1Cor. 5:4-5; 1Cor. 5:13; 2Cor. 2:6-8).
Each local congregation chooses and ordains their own officers, as they seek out among them the men qualified and gifted according to the Biblical requirements. The two offices in every church are Pastors (also called bishops, elders, overseers), and Deacons. Church leadership and preaching is restricted to males only. (Acts 6:1-6; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1; 1Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9).
Officers are installed within the local churches by fasting and prayer, together with the symbolic laying on of hands of the existing elders if there are any, if not with the laying on of hands of the whole church (Acts 6:3,5-6; Acts 8:17; Acts 13:3; Acts 14:23; Acts 19:6; 1Tim. 4:14; 1Tim. 5:22; 2Tim. 1:6).
The work of pastors is to watch, care, feed and guide the souls of men in their flock, to which the church must render due submission and honor. They must give themselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word. The senior pastor, ought to be supported by the congregation, so that his needs are met and so that he does not become encumbered by the cares of this world, but can concentrate on being a faithful minister and servant of Christ. They that preach the gospel should live of the gospel (Acts 6:4; 1Cor. 9:6-14; Gal. 6:6-7; 1Tim. 5:17-18; 2Tim. 2:4-6; Heb. 13:17; 1Pet. 4:10-11).
People joining themselves to a local congregation must willingly submit to it’s governance and discipline, agree with it’s teachings, and support it with their substance (Amos 3:3; Matt. 10:10; 1Cor. 9:9-14; 1Cor. 16:2; 2Cor. 6:14-16; Gal. 6:6-7; Eph. 4:3; 1Thess. 5:14; 2Thess. 3:6,14-15).
The church assists people in their restoration should they fall into hurtful sinning (Matt. 18:15-18; Eph. 4:2-3).
Prayer should be made for churches everywhere, and all true Christians should be welcomed and received as Christians. Judging should be left to God. (Ps. 122:6; Matt. 21:13; Mk. 11:17; Rom. 15:30; Rom. 16: 1-2; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1Tim. 2:1; 2Thess. 3:1; 3Jn. 1:8-10).
Churches can and should fellowship with other churches of like faith and order, and when controversies of doctrine or discipline arise which cannot be settled in the local church by itself. Pastors from several churches can meet together and through prayer and the study of God’s word come to conclusions which may be helpful, but under no circumstance ought any such convocations be deemed to have judicial authority over any local self-governing independent congregation. Congregations are never to be run by any man made ecclesiastical hierarchy outside the local assembly (Acts 15:2,4,6,22,23,25; 2Cor. 1:24; 1Jn. 4:1).
But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” -Heb. 12:22-23
The church of God was purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28).
That makes the church of God equivalent to the sum total of all believers of all time, the general assembly, the church of the firstborn; every true believer (including every Old Testament saint) is a part of it (Heb.12:23).
Some have called this the invisible church, but that is a poor term, because there are always visible members of it, and the ones in heaven are visible up there. John saw them, so they are not invisible. Others have called it the church universal (catholic), and that also is a poor term, because there is nothing universal about it. It excludes most people, so how could it be universal? If by this they mean that it includes people from all different races and ethnicity's, then perhaps there is some sense in which it is universal? I think it is better to simply call it “the body of Christ” or “the church”, forget all that "invisible, universal and catholic" stuff, and stick with the way that God identifies it in the Bible.
It is called “His body” (Rom. 12:5; 1Cor. 12:12,27; Col. 1:18).
He is it’s head (Eph. 1:22; Eph. 5:23).
It is called “the fullness of Him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:23).
It is the Bride of Christ (Isa. 61:10; Isa. 62:5; 2Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-32; Rev. 21:2,9; Rev. 22:17).
It is to be “a glorious church“ (Ps. 45:13; Ps. 87:3; Isa. 62:3; Eph. 5:27;Rev. 7:9-17).
It is not to have "spot or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Song of Sol. 4:7; Eph. 5:27; 2Pet. 3:14).
It is to be holy and without blemish (Eph. 1:4; Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22,28; 1Thess. 5:23).
The doctrine of the union of every believer to Christ as the church is a great mystery (Eph. 5:32).
The church was not born on Pentecost. (Men invented that doctrine). The church existed from all eternity (Matt. 25:34; Acts. 15:18; Eph. 1:4; Rev. 13:8; Rev. 17:8). Moses and the people of God who were with him, and who received the oracles of God, were called “the church in the wilderness” (Acts 7:38 cf. Matt. 8:11).
It is called “the household of God” (Matt. 10:25; Eph. 2:19; Gal. 6:10; Heb. 3:6).
Every believer is a “member” of God’s household, a member of the royal family of God (Rom. 8:29; 1Cor. 12;12,27; Eph. 3:15; Heb. 2:11-15; 1Jn. 3:1; Rev. 1:5-6).
It is called “the Temple of the Holy Spirit” (1Cor. 3:9,16; 2Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21-22).
It is “a spiritual house” (Eph. 2:21-22; 1Pet. 2:5).
It is built of “living stones” (Eph. 2:22; 1Pet. 2:5).
It is built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone (Isa. 28:16; Matt. 16:18; 1Cor. 3:9-11; 1Cor. 12:28; Gal. 2:29; Eph. 2:20; Rev. 21:14).
It is called “the kingdom of heaven”, “the kingdom of God”, “the kingdom of Christ”, and Christ called it “My kingdom”(Lk. 22:30; Jn. 18:36), “My Father’s Kingdom“ (Matt. 26:29), “Thy kingdom” (Matt. 6:10, Matt. 20:21; Lk. 11:2; Lk. 23:42). These terms are to always be understood of the church, either on earth or in heaven, or both, (note context determines which). These terms apply to nothing else but the church, (Ps. 45:6; Dan. 2:44; Dan. 7:27; Matt. 3:2; Matt. 4:17; Matt. 5:3,10,19-20; Matt. 6:33; Matt. 7:21; Matt. 8:11; Matt. 10:7; Matt. 11:11-12; Matt. 12:28; Matt. 13:11; Matt. 19:24; Matt. 21:31,43; Mk. 1:14; Mk. 4:11; Mk. 4:26,30; Matt. 25:34; Lk. 22:29; Jn. 3:3,5; Acts 1:3; Acts 8:12; Acts. 14:22; Rom. 14:17; 1Cor. 4:20; 1Cor. 6:9-10; 1Cor. 15:50; 1Thess. 2:12; 2Thess. 1:5; Heb. 1:8; Jas. 2:5; Rev. 1:9; Rev. 12:10; ).
This kingdom is an everlasting kingdom (Ps. 145:13; Dan. 2:44; Dan. 4:3; Dan. 7:14,27; 2Pet. 1:11).
This kingdom is not materialistic in any sense (Ps. 45:6; Dan. 7:14; Lk. 17:20-21; Jn. 18:36; Jn. 6:15; Rom. 14:17; Col. 1:13). The Millenial Kingdom is Something Different. See Rev. 20: 1-7.
The church is “the remnant”, the true believers within any group of people (Ezra 9:8,14; Isa. 1:9; Isa. 10:20-21; Isa. 11:11; Rom. 9:27; Rom. 11:4-7).
The church is often referred to as Jerusalem and Zion in a spiritual sense (Ps. 2:6; Ps. 48:1-3; Ps. 122:6; Ps. 132:13-14; Isa. 12:6; Isa. 14:32; Isa. 52:1; Matt. 5:35; Gal. 4:25-26; Heb. 11:10; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 3:12; Rev. 14:1; Rev. 21:2,10; Rev. 22:19).
The church is also “the flock” belonging to the Good Shepherd (Matt. 26:31; Lk. 12:32; Jn. 10:27-29; Acts. 20:28-29; 1Pet. 5:2-3).
The church is “the branches” belonging to “the True Vine” (Jn. 15:5).
The church is “the wheat” growing in God‘s field (Matt. 3:12; Matt. 13:25, 29-30,36-43; Lk. 3:17; Lk. 22:31).
The only way the church grows is when people are born again and are added to it. (Acts. 2:47; Acts 5:14; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:30; Rom. 9:17; Tit. 3:4-5).
When believers gather together as assemblies or congregations, we call them local “churches“, but technically, εκκλησία (ekklesia), means “called out ones”. Some have assumed that this is referring to people who were called out of their homes to attend an important meeting, and thus they gave it the connotation of “assembly“, or “convocation“. That is a doubtful interpretation which is usually given by people who want “church“ to only mean something local, something assembled. According to that view, “church“ is always local (the church at Corinth, the church of Laodicea etc). In actuality when the term is used in a localized sense, it is still referring to true believers (called out ones), only in a geographical or spatial sense. There are 36 verses in the Bible where localized groups of true believers are called “churches”. But this has nothing to do with them being assembled. Some have thought that without being assembled there is no church. Acts. 9:31, Acts 16:5; and Rom. 16:6 are sufficient to disprove that notion, but there are many other verses like this, where churches are said to exist without being assembled. The term church is never used in the Bible of a building of brick, mortar and stone. Cathedrals and Meeting houses are not “churches”, nor are they "the houses of God". "God dwelleth not in temples made by hands" (Acts 7:48; Acts 17:24)
So we have a true sense in which the members of Christ’s kingdom, residing in a particular area, or joined together in a local covenantal fellowship, are called a church. Groups of these covenant communities are called “churches”. They function as local churches under the presence and power of Christ every time the meet together (Matt. 18:20; 1Cor. 5:4-5). Every one of these ought to be composed of only true believers, but unfortunately we cannot tell with certainty or accuracy who is who, so tares and wheat grow together. The separation of them will not occur till the second coming of Christ. So while we strive for purity in our churches, as we should, there is really no way to achieve it, because all churches are composed of sinners. It is true that they are all supposed to be saved, but the reality is that all of them are not.
The Supreme and Sovereign head of the church is Christ (Col. 1:18).
This extends to local churches as well. He is their sole administrator, and not some Pope, Bishop, denomination or outside agency.
Where even as little as two or three are gathered together, He is present in their midst so that they can fully function as a church (Matt. 18:20; Jn. 20:19; 1Cor. 5:4; Phm. 1:2).
He leads his church through Biblical officers and through teaching gifts which function in the local covenant communities (Eph. 4:11-12).
He has given it all the authority, tools and guidance necessary for self-governance in the local congregations, so that it can perform it’s twofold job of preaching the word of God, and edifying the body of Christ, and can keep itself focused on it’s mission of winning souls, and always pursing “holiness without which no man shall see the Lord” (Matt. 18:17-18,20; 1Cor. 5:4-5; 1Cor. 5:13; 2Cor. 2:6-8).
Each local congregation chooses and ordains their own officers, as they seek out among them the men qualified and gifted according to the Biblical requirements. The two offices in every church are Pastors (also called bishops, elders, overseers), and Deacons. Church leadership and preaching is restricted to males only. (Acts 6:1-6; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1; 1Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9).
Officers are installed within the local churches by fasting and prayer, together with the symbolic laying on of hands of the existing elders if there are any, if not with the laying on of hands of the whole church (Acts 6:3,5-6; Acts 8:17; Acts 13:3; Acts 14:23; Acts 19:6; 1Tim. 4:14; 1Tim. 5:22; 2Tim. 1:6).
The work of pastors is to watch, care, feed and guide the souls of men in their flock, to which the church must render due submission and honor. They must give themselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word. The senior pastor, ought to be supported by the congregation, so that his needs are met and so that he does not become encumbered by the cares of this world, but can concentrate on being a faithful minister and servant of Christ. They that preach the gospel should live of the gospel (Acts 6:4; 1Cor. 9:6-14; Gal. 6:6-7; 1Tim. 5:17-18; 2Tim. 2:4-6; Heb. 13:17; 1Pet. 4:10-11).
People joining themselves to a local congregation must willingly submit to it’s governance and discipline, agree with it’s teachings, and support it with their substance (Amos 3:3; Matt. 10:10; 1Cor. 9:9-14; 1Cor. 16:2; 2Cor. 6:14-16; Gal. 6:6-7; Eph. 4:3; 1Thess. 5:14; 2Thess. 3:6,14-15).
The church assists people in their restoration should they fall into hurtful sinning (Matt. 18:15-18; Eph. 4:2-3).
Prayer should be made for churches everywhere, and all true Christians should be welcomed and received as Christians. Judging should be left to God. (Ps. 122:6; Matt. 21:13; Mk. 11:17; Rom. 15:30; Rom. 16: 1-2; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1Tim. 2:1; 2Thess. 3:1; 3Jn. 1:8-10).
Churches can and should fellowship with other churches of like faith and order, and when controversies of doctrine or discipline arise which cannot be settled in the local church by itself. Pastors from several churches can meet together and through prayer and the study of God’s word come to conclusions which may be helpful, but under no circumstance ought any such convocations be deemed to have judicial authority over any local self-governing independent congregation. Congregations are never to be run by any man made ecclesiastical hierarchy outside the local assembly (Acts 15:2,4,6,22,23,25; 2Cor. 1:24; 1Jn. 4:1).
What I Believe About Last Things
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away -Rev.21:1
Please Note: The Bible does not give any chronological sequence chart of final events. There is no passage where you can turn and see a chronology of end time events. So various human viewpoints have formed around the speculative piecing together of various passages. I believe Jesus could come at any moment, and when He does, at least as far as I am concerned, that is the end of this world for me. What happens after I am raptured (caught up in the clouds to meet Him) does not really concern me. That's my simplistic view. These are the clear things that I see. Other things that are not so clear I have left out. I try to refrain from speculative piecing together, and formulating my own timelines of events, because that is unprofitable. I should be spending my time winning souls and building up churches in the things that will actually benefit them. Speculation is unprofitable and unnecessary, because when you are done cutting and pasting and splicing together what you think might happen, you might end up actually being wrong? I stick with clear things only. The things I am unsure of, I pray to God about giving me light. But until I actually understand something, I am not going to teach it just because I studied a mans charts or some humanly contrived ideas. These things that I have included here are the clear things that I see, and I do not go beyond what I see. Anybody can understand that Christ could come at any moment. That's clear and simple. This simple statement that I have put together does agree with all the historic Baptist confessions (except the post-millennial ones which place a literal thousand year millennium before the rapture of the church. That view prevents a belief in the eminent return of Christ, as does the view that says He will come after a seven year tribulation period). Christ could return at any moment and we are taught to look up because He will come as a thief in the night. We are to be always ready and waiting. It could be today. That is my view. I endorse and teach a Premillenial Pretribulation Rapture doctrine.
But my eschatology in a nutshell is "Even so come Lord Jesus". Beyond that I need not worry about anything else. The plan of God spans the whole course of history, from creation to the creation of a new heaven and a new earth. God has left nothing out, and put everything in that He wanted. As Christians we look for the return of Christ as the momentous event toward which all history moves. He will come again “in like manner” as he left (Acts 1:11). That means He will come literally and visibly. “Every eye shall see Him” (Rev. 1:7). Simultaneous with that event, and in conjunction with it, several other notable events are mentioned in the Bible. Nobody has complete or perfect knowledge about any of these things but they are mentioned in connection with the end time Scriptures, so that's why I am showing them here. I am not offering an interpretive chronology, I do not believe in doing that because it is purely subjective and opinion based. I am showing what the Bible mentions, and I am not pretending to understand anything other than "Christ Might return today, and we all need to be ready to meet Him!" .The next step is the return of Christ to catch us up "and so shall we ever be with the Lord". After that I really don't care, because I'll already be in my eternal home "with Him". Better minds than mine can argue if the wish. I don't wish to be involved. Scripture mentions these main ideas in no particular order. You figure them out if you think you need to. I'll just believe this the way I see it..."Earl Jackson better be ready today, because Jesus is coming soon. He may come today!"
These things are literally mentioned in connection with the return of Christ (But I find them in no specified order in Scripture). I believe in all these things. They will happen absolutely as God has designed them to happen, and I don't perfectly understand any of them, and neither does anybody else, including the so called prophecy experts.
1). The resurrection of all the dead (believers and unbelievers) of all time - (Dan. 12:2; Jn. 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
2). The rapture of all living Christians, “and so shall we ever be with the Lord” - (1Thess. 4:17).
3). A Seven Year Tribulation Period following the Rapture of the Church (Dan 7:25; Rev 12; Mat 24:21)
3). A thousand year literal reign of Christ called the millenium (Revelation 20:1-7).
4). The battle of Armageddon and the final destruction of all of God's enemies (Rev. 20:8).
5). The judgment of all men and fallen beings, of all time, resulting in either eternal bliss or woe
(Matt. 25: 31-46; Rev. 19:20; Rev. 20:10,14-15).
6). Heaven and earth shall pass away. The end of the world. (Matt. 24:35; 2Pet. 3:7,10; Rev. 20:11).
7). A new Heaven and a New Earth where there will be no possibility of sin and death in it (Rev. 21-22). We will live forever with God in it.
All these things are associated with the next big main event which we call the second Coming of Christ, the blessed hope of every true child of God. This coming could happen at any moment, and is at the trumpet blast of God.
Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly:
Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away -Rev.21:1
Please Note: The Bible does not give any chronological sequence chart of final events. There is no passage where you can turn and see a chronology of end time events. So various human viewpoints have formed around the speculative piecing together of various passages. I believe Jesus could come at any moment, and when He does, at least as far as I am concerned, that is the end of this world for me. What happens after I am raptured (caught up in the clouds to meet Him) does not really concern me. That's my simplistic view. These are the clear things that I see. Other things that are not so clear I have left out. I try to refrain from speculative piecing together, and formulating my own timelines of events, because that is unprofitable. I should be spending my time winning souls and building up churches in the things that will actually benefit them. Speculation is unprofitable and unnecessary, because when you are done cutting and pasting and splicing together what you think might happen, you might end up actually being wrong? I stick with clear things only. The things I am unsure of, I pray to God about giving me light. But until I actually understand something, I am not going to teach it just because I studied a mans charts or some humanly contrived ideas. These things that I have included here are the clear things that I see, and I do not go beyond what I see. Anybody can understand that Christ could come at any moment. That's clear and simple. This simple statement that I have put together does agree with all the historic Baptist confessions (except the post-millennial ones which place a literal thousand year millennium before the rapture of the church. That view prevents a belief in the eminent return of Christ, as does the view that says He will come after a seven year tribulation period). Christ could return at any moment and we are taught to look up because He will come as a thief in the night. We are to be always ready and waiting. It could be today. That is my view. I endorse and teach a Premillenial Pretribulation Rapture doctrine.
But my eschatology in a nutshell is "Even so come Lord Jesus". Beyond that I need not worry about anything else. The plan of God spans the whole course of history, from creation to the creation of a new heaven and a new earth. God has left nothing out, and put everything in that He wanted. As Christians we look for the return of Christ as the momentous event toward which all history moves. He will come again “in like manner” as he left (Acts 1:11). That means He will come literally and visibly. “Every eye shall see Him” (Rev. 1:7). Simultaneous with that event, and in conjunction with it, several other notable events are mentioned in the Bible. Nobody has complete or perfect knowledge about any of these things but they are mentioned in connection with the end time Scriptures, so that's why I am showing them here. I am not offering an interpretive chronology, I do not believe in doing that because it is purely subjective and opinion based. I am showing what the Bible mentions, and I am not pretending to understand anything other than "Christ Might return today, and we all need to be ready to meet Him!" .The next step is the return of Christ to catch us up "and so shall we ever be with the Lord". After that I really don't care, because I'll already be in my eternal home "with Him". Better minds than mine can argue if the wish. I don't wish to be involved. Scripture mentions these main ideas in no particular order. You figure them out if you think you need to. I'll just believe this the way I see it..."Earl Jackson better be ready today, because Jesus is coming soon. He may come today!"
These things are literally mentioned in connection with the return of Christ (But I find them in no specified order in Scripture). I believe in all these things. They will happen absolutely as God has designed them to happen, and I don't perfectly understand any of them, and neither does anybody else, including the so called prophecy experts.
1). The resurrection of all the dead (believers and unbelievers) of all time - (Dan. 12:2; Jn. 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
2). The rapture of all living Christians, “and so shall we ever be with the Lord” - (1Thess. 4:17).
3). A Seven Year Tribulation Period following the Rapture of the Church (Dan 7:25; Rev 12; Mat 24:21)
3). A thousand year literal reign of Christ called the millenium (Revelation 20:1-7).
4). The battle of Armageddon and the final destruction of all of God's enemies (Rev. 20:8).
5). The judgment of all men and fallen beings, of all time, resulting in either eternal bliss or woe
(Matt. 25: 31-46; Rev. 19:20; Rev. 20:10,14-15).
6). Heaven and earth shall pass away. The end of the world. (Matt. 24:35; 2Pet. 3:7,10; Rev. 20:11).
7). A new Heaven and a New Earth where there will be no possibility of sin and death in it (Rev. 21-22). We will live forever with God in it.
All these things are associated with the next big main event which we call the second Coming of Christ, the blessed hope of every true child of God. This coming could happen at any moment, and is at the trumpet blast of God.
Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly:
Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
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©2013 Earl Jackson ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
