The Biblical passages used to further support and clarify the Basic Teachings were taken from Dr Moulton’s translation.
SECTION 1. GOD THE FATHER
We believe in the One Living God, and He is Sacred and True, an Eternal Spirit, the Creator, Keeper and Supreme Ruler of all things visible and non-visible. His Might, Wisdom and Justice are unlimited, and so are His Goodness and Love, and He rules and is considerate towards the betterment and salvation of all peoples, and thereby glorifies His Name.
We believe in the manifestation to us by God of the Trinity. God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, they are Three but are inseparable, and their Oneness in the Almighty is eternal.
That God, the Holy Spirit, is eternal, and His Being is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.
Isaiah 46:9. I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me.
Matthew 28:19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
[Genesis 1:1-10; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 64:8; Matthew 7:11; John 3:17; 4:24; 6:27: Romans 8:15; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Galatians 1:1; 1:3; Ephesians 5:20; 6:23; Philippians 2:11; Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2; 9; 1 Peter 1:17].
SECTION 2: JESUS CHRIST THE SON
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in the Flesh, true and completely existing in integrity, and His Being as God and Flesh is inseparable. He is the Eternal Word which became Flesh, the only Begotten Son of the Father. He was born of the Virgin Mary by the Power of the Holy Ghost. Because His mission was that of a servant, He lived, suffered, and died on the cross. He was buried, but He rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven to be with the Father, but He will return. He is the eternal Saviour who intercedes for us, and through Him, we will all be judged.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God from Eternity, who became Flesh, and thereafter became God and Flesh in two persons, but one Being. And will always be forever. He let Himself be born of the Virgin Mary, empowered by the Holy Spirit, thereby possessing human flesh and spirit, the only difference being that he had no sins.
Luke 1:35; The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the SON OF GOD.
John 1:1; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
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.
[Psalm 16:8-10; Matthew 1:1, 18, 21, 23; 4: 3,6; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:28; 26:63; 27:49, 43, 54, 62-66; 28:5-9, 16-17; Mark 1:1; 3:11; 10:45; 15: 1-47; 16:6-7; Luke 1:27, 31, 35; 24:4-8, 23; John 1:1, 14, 17-18,; 3:16-17; 17:3; 20: 26-29; Acts 1:2-3; 2: 24-31, 38; 3:6; 4:10, 12: 6:12; 9:34; 10:40; Romans 5:10, 18; 8:34; 14:9; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 14; 2 Corinthians 5: 18-19; Galatians 1:4; 2:20; 4:4-5; Ephesians5:2; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:5; Hebrews 2:17; 7:27; 9:14;, 28; 10:12; 13:20; ! Peter 2:24; 1 John 2:2; 4:14].
SECTION 3. THE HOLY SPIRIT/GHOST
We believe the Holy Spirit that has come from the Father and the Son, and in essence with them. The Holy Spirit reveals evil, righteousness and justice to the world. Each and every one is led in accordance with the true acceptance of the Gospel and in joining the fellowship of the Church. It comforts, ministers to, and empowers believers, leading them in truth.
The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Holy Trinity, and is one with God the Father and the Son. It participates in the creation of all things, their care, but most importantly, in their salvation. It encouraged those who wrote the Word and counselled them to maintain the Godly truth. It created the humanity of our Lord and enabled His being born of a sinner; and on becoming Messiah (the Anointed), he bestowed upon Himself Wisdom and Grace for His Salvation commitments. He calls on people to preach the Holy Word and perform the two Sacraments, and he endows and encourages their preaching to convert sinners and uplift believers; it represents the Lord Jesus Christ in all prayer meetings. It enlightens their thinking to know the meaning of the Word, and it bears witness together with their souls, as children of God; it assists with their prayers; it cleanses their sins; and it fills their hearts with perfect love and grace.
Matthew 28:19… baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
2 Peter 1:21… but Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
[Psalm 52:11; Isaiah 63:10; Matthew 1:18, 20; 3:11; 12:32; 28:19; Mark 1:8; 3:29; John 4:24; 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:13-15; Acts 2:4; 5:3-4; 13:4; 19:6; Romans 8:9, 16; 1 Corinthians 12:3-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 3:5; 4:6; Hebrews 2:4]
SECTION 4. THE HOLY BIBLE
We believe in the Holy Bible, the Old and New Testaments, wherein is revealed the Word of God, which enables our salvation. We should accept it as emanating from the Holy Spirit, as true instructions and a guide for believers and workers. Anything that is not in the Holy Bible should not become the basis for our belief or be insinuated as a basis for our salvation.
The Holy Bible is called the Word of God because it is through it that He makes known His Will. His Will is what we should believe in, and what we should do; and also what we should anticipate that He will do for us.
He has given His Word to be kept by the Church and to be used by all people, and to all the meetings to help in preaching the Word, in the midst of the people. It is useful to us individually, as a daily companion that teaches us about salvation.
John 5:39. Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.
Acts 17:11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
[Psalm 19:7; Matthew 5:17-19; 22:37-40; Luke 24:27, 44; John 1:45; 5:46; 17:17; Acts 17:2, 11; Romans 1:2; 15:4, 8; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Galatians 1:8; Ephesians 2:15-16; 1 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Hebrews4:12; 10:1; 11:39; James 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:19-21;1 John 2:3-7; Revelations22:18-19].
SECTION 5. THE CHURCH
We believe that the Christian Church is a fellowship of true believers that Jesus Christ is our Lord. We believe in the one Church, it is sacred, it is apostolic, and it is universal: a salvation fellowship where the Word is preached by people who have been called by God, and where the two Sacraments are used in accordance with the teachings of Christ. And in keeping with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Church therefore maintains religion, to teach the believers and to save the world.
The Church is a collection of people who believe in Christ as their God and Saviour and our Lord, and who pray to God in His Name. The Ever Visible Church is all those people who belong to the Christian Church, and the Invincible Church is all the people who are believers from the beginning up to now.
Acts 2:46—47. And they, continuing daily with one accord, in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Praising God, and having favour with all the people, and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
[Matthew 16:18; 18:17; Acts 2:41-47; 5:11; 8:1, 3; 9:31; 11:22.26; 12:1,5; 12:1; 14:23; 15:22; 20; 28; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 12:28; 16:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:2; Ephesians 1: 22-23; 2: 19-22; 3: 9-10,21; 5: 22-33; Colossians 1:18, 24; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 12:23; James 5:14].
SECTION 6. THE SACRAMENTS
We believe that the Sacraments were sanctified by Christ to signify and bear witness to our Christian beliefs and to our being loved by God. The Sacrament is the manifestation of God’s grace working within us, thereby strengthening and confirming our unwavering faith in Him. The two Sacraments directed by our Lord Jesus Christ, are the Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
We believe that baptism is a means of becoming a member of the Church. It is an important duty of the Church, bestowed on the parents of infants who are baptised. It is their duty to provide them with spiritual nourishment and moral instruction until they are able to accept Christ and manifest their faith, thereby confirming their baptism.
The outward symbol of Baptism is the use of water, either by immersion or by sprinkling on the face, and is called Baptism in the name of the Lord and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We are thereby liberated from the filth of our sins, leading us to a new life in Christ. The baptism of adults enables them to become members of the visible Church of Christ, and the confirmation (if they have truly repented) for them, of the blessings of the covenant. The baptism of infants also enables them to become members of the visible Church, and to them are the fruits of the outside, and they also inherit all the spiritual gifts contained in the covenant; if they are able later on in life to abide by its instructions. It is our duty, as a result of our baptism in the name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, first of all, to forsake the devil and all its doings, such as self pride and prejudice in this sinful world, as well as the undesirable cravings of the flesh; secondly, to believe in the doctrines of the Christian Church; and thirdly, to carry out the holy will of God and His commandments, and to abide by them for the rest of my life.
Mark 10:14. Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the Kingdom of God.
[Matthew 3:7, 13-17; 21:25; 28:19]
We believe that the Sacrament of the Lord is evidence of our salvation; a remembrance of the suffering and death of Christ, and is a manifestation of the unity and friendliness of Christians with Christ, and with all peoples. Those who are genuine in their partaking of the bread and drinking from the cup of thanksgiving, they are therefore spiritual inheritors of the body and of the blood of Christ, until his second coming.
The meaning of the word “sacrament” is an outward sign, commanded by Christ as a sign of an invincible and spiritual grace given to us; however, it is not just a sign, but the way to such grace, and a witness to us that such grace does exist. It is a confirmation and witness of the covenant of love in Christ, and the contents of such a covenant emanate from God in His goodness, and it is available to mankind if they are obedient to such commandments.
Luke 22:19-20. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and broke 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.
[Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14: 22-24; John 6:48-58; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; 10:3-4, 16-17; 11:20, 23-29].
SECTION 7. SIN AND LIBERTY
We believe the Christian is unable to attain holiness; had it not been for the forthcoming grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we would fall short of holiness and end up in the quagmire of evil. And if there is no reincarnation, there is no way of seeing the Kingdom of God. If we are to be dependent on our own power without the grace of God, there is no hope of any action gratifying to God. Nevertheless, we do believe that anyone empowered or compelled by the Holy Spirit, he is therefore able to make a willful decision, to do good.
Sin is disobedience to the commandments of God, both inside and outside. However, there is still hope, for in the beginning, there was someone ordained for salvation.
SECTION 8. RECONCILIATION IN CHRIST
We believe that God continues, through Christ, to reconcile the world to himself. The sacrifice that Christ so willingly offered upon the Cross was perfect and sufficient for the forgiveness of sins of the whole world, and thereby set all peoples at liberty from the bondage of all transgressions.
Christ dying for us is of the utmost importance; it is the justice of God, but it enabled the forgiveness of all our sins, because of that sacrifice, offered for our redemption.
1 Peter 3:18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.
1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[Isaiah 52:13-53; Luke 24:46-47; John 3:16; Acts 3:18; 4:14; Romans 3:20; 24-26; 5: 8-11, 13, 18-20;; 7:7; 8:34; 11:15; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 15:22; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Galatians 2:16; 3:2-3; Ephesians 1: 7; 2:13,16; 1 Timothy 2:5;-6; Hebrews 7:23-27; 9:11-15, 24-28;10:14].
SECTION 9. JUSTIFICATION AND REBIRTH
We believe that we cannot be considered appropriate in the sight of God, because we have performed good deeds or are pleasing because we have achieved something. The justification of a sinner who has repented, and considered appropriate in the sight of God, by their beliefs in our Lord Jesus Christ, and achieved by the power of the Holy Spirit, whereby we share equally in a God-like image, and achieve a new life. And because of the rebirth, the Christian is able to reconcile with God, enabling our willingness to obey the will of God.
We believe that although we are able to be born again, it is possible for that grace to be shed again, and revert us back to sin. But in such an event, the grace of God is again able to cause us purification to holiness.
The forgiveness of sins is to be born again, as well as purification. Any sinner who repents and believes unwaveringly in Jesus Christ has his sins forgiven unconditionally and without retribution. A sinner whose sins are forgiven is likened to one who is acquitted in a court of law, for God is working within such a person to liberate him because of Christ. To be born again is a work of God within our Spirit, enabled by the Holy Spirit; thus begins our new life in Jesus Christ
John 3:3. Except that a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.
Romans 5:1. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17. Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
[Habakkuk2:4; Matthew 18:21-22; John 15:4-6; Acts 13: 38-39; 115:11;16:31; Romans1:17; 3:28; 4:2-5; 25:5; 5:1-2; 16; Galatians 2:21; 3:6-14; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9; Hebrews 10:38; John 1:12-13; 3:3; 5-8; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:5,10,19; 4:24; Colossians 3:10; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 10: 35-39; Titus 3:5; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1: 3-4; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 1:9; 2:1; 24-25].
SECTION 10. DOING GOOD
We believe that doing good is the fruition of faith and rebirth, but it has nothing whatsoever to do with the extraction of our sins, or to waver the divine justice. We believe that doing good, that which is pleasing to the will of God through Christ, develops from a faith that is genuine and alive, and the good deeds bear witness to that faith.
Ephesians 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.
[Matthew 5:16; 7:16-20; John 10:32; 15:8; Acts 9:36; Romans 3:20; 4:6; Galatians 2:16; 5:6; Philemon 1:11; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Titus2:14; 3:5; Hebrews 10:24; James 2:18; 22; 1 Peter 2:9; 12].
SECTION 11. PURIFICATION AND CHRISTIAN PERFECTION
We believe that Purification is the work of the grace of God, in those that have been reborn by the Word and the Spirit, and have had their sins washed away from their presumptions, speech and actions, and have been compelled to live in obedience to the will of God, and to pursue such perfection, which if not attained, will prevent seeing the Lord.
The perfect purification is a heart full of compassion and love, and is truly clean and pure. It is for the life that is reborn and is free from the bondage of sin, and who loves God with all his heart, soul, might and power, and who loves his neighbour as he loves himself. Nevertheless, it is through faith in Jesus Christ that we are blessed with such gifts in this life, and this is why there should be vigilant searching by all the children of God.
We believe that we are not prevented from such iniquities as weakness, ill-temper and discrepancies that are human dispositions, and also we are prone to again committing sins. It is befitting, therefore, of the Christian, to abstain from vanity, and to conquer all the temptations of sin. It is befitting to be obedient to the will of God, and thereby render us free from all the bondage of sin; and in this world of the flesh and the devil can be easily overcome, because of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Purification is a work of the grace of God that cleanses the spirit from the filth of evil and dedicates such a life to God. We are sanctified together with the forgiveness of our sins and our rebirth. The complete sanctification is a life that is free from all injustices; it is a life that loves God with all power, heart, soul and spirit, and loves his neighbour as he loves himself.
Matthew 5:48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of Peace, sanctify you wholly.
[Genesis 17:1; Deuteronomy 30:6; Psalm 50:2; 119:96; 130:8;, Isaiah 6:1-6; Lamentations 2:15; Ezekiel 28:12; 36:25-29; Matthew 5:8, 48; Luke 1:74-75; 3:16-17; 24:49; John 17:1-26; Acts 1:4-5; 8; 2:1-4; 15:8=9; 26:18; Romans 6:19. 22; 8:3-4; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Ephesians 4:13, 24; 5:25-27; 1 Thessalonians 3:10, 12-13; 4:3.7-8; 5:23-24; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 10:14; 13:13; James 3: 17-18; 4:8; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 1:7, 9; 33:8-9; 4:17-18; Jude 24].
The Passages dealing with Homosexuality are Leviticus 18:22; 20:13.
Section 12. JUDGMENT AND LIFE AFTER
We believe that each and every one is encompassed by the Justice of Jesus Christ, now and in the life after. We believe in the resurrection from the dead and faithfulness leading to everlasting life; and the wrongdoers, to eternal suffering.
Acts 10:42. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.
[Genesis 15:14; Exodus 6:6; 7:4; 28:15; 29:30; Leviticus 19:15,35; Numbers 27:21; 35:12. Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 10:15; 19:16,29; 25:31-46; Mark 10:17,30; Luke10:25; 11:31-32; 18:18,30; John 3:15-16; Acts 10:42; 17:31; Romans 2:16; 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 9:27; 2 Peter 3:7; Revelations 20:11-13].
SECTION 13. WORSHIP
We believe that it is the fundamental duty and an opportunity to show gratification in the sight of God, for every Christian to bow in prayer of glorification and reverence and in earnest. We believe in the immense value of worship sessions to the Church; therefore, the gathering of the people of God to worship is a valuable opportunity for Christian fellowship and spiritual well-being.
We believe that all worshipping ceremonies are universal, but should be carried out with diligence, in accordance with time requirements and with suitability to the congregation. It should be conducted in a manner and language that is understood by the congregation, and also to be in line with the teachings and counselling of the Holy Bible, but to remain in accordance with the Laws and Regulations of the Church.
The major distinction of all Christian Churches worldwide is their gathering to worship God in the name of Jesus Christ and their carrying out the two Sacraments as He instructed.
Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts, they broke bread in their homes and ate together with sincere and glad hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 14:23. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for each church, and with prayer and fasting committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
[Matthew 16:18; 18:17,20; Mark 2:18-20; Acts 13:2-3;14:23; 15:10, 28-29; Romans 12:12; 14:2-6,15, 17,21; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 11:23-28; 14:26; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Galatians 5:1, 13; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 2:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14; 1 Timothy 1:4-6; 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Peter 2:2; 2:16; 3:18].
SECTION 14. THE DAY OF THE LORD
We believe that the Day of the Lord has been sanctified by God for worship, for resting from daily chores, and to give complete attention and devotion to the fulfilment of spiritual well-being, Christian fellowship and salvation. It is a day to commemorate the Resurrection of our Lord and to anticipate eternal life. It is a day for strengthening and spreading the ideals of the Christian Church and is useful for creating stability for the people.
Acts 20:7. On the first day of the week, we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people, and because he intended to leave the next day, he kept on talking until midnight.
[Genesis 2:3;Exodus 20:3, 7-11; Deuteronomy 5:11; Isaiah 58:13-14;Mark 2:27; Hebrews 4:9; Revelations 1:10].
SECTION 15 THE CHRISTIAN AND POSSESSIONS
We believe that all possessions are of God, and individual possessions are of that individual, and it is a divine responsibility for their stewardship. Individual possessions are to be used in the manifestation of kindheartedness and Christian offering, and to assist in the workings of the Church in the World. Individual, collective or community possessions should be administered and used wisely and with prudence, for the welfare of all peoples and in accordance with the will of the Almighty God.
Acts 20:35. In everything that I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work, we must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
[Genesis 23:431:10,23; 36:6; Exodus 22:11; Leviticus 22:11; 25:25; Proverb 3:9; Mark 3:10; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 25:34-40; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7; James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17].
SECTION 16. THE GOVERNMENT
We believe that the authority and rights of government are from the Almighty God. Therefore, all Christians should respect the government under which they are living. We believe that all governments should adopt as the foundation for development and function, the protection of Godly human rights and the dignity of all peoples. We believe that wars and bloodshed are not befitting of the Gospel and the spirit of Christ. We believe that it is the duty of all Christians to support the Government, and to do so with a gladness of heart and be faithful also.
Romans 13:1. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
[Exodus 22:28; 1 Samuel 24:6; Ezra 7:26; Proverbs 24:21; Ecclesiastes 8:2-4; Isaiah 0:6;9:7; Matthew 17:27; 22:21; Acts 23:5; Colossians 10:20; Titus 3:7; 1 Peter 2:13-14; Jude: 8].