Doctrine

We believe that the Bible, the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments, is the Word of God written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and consists of 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament. John 17:17, Romans 3:22.

The Bible is God's perfect revelation to humankind and the true source of the knowledge of God. It reveals God's will, contains His commandments, laws, and prophecies, and indicates the path to salvation. 2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Pet. 1:21, Jer. 1:9, Jer. 27:18, Jer. 36:1-4, 2 Pet. 1:15-20, Eph. 3:3, 1 Thess. 2:13, 1 Cor. 2:13, John 20:31, Rev. 22:18-19.

The Bible reveals the truth and proclaims God's love and eternal life in Christ Jesus. John 14:6, 1 John 4:10, 1 John 5:11, John 20:31.

Holy Scripture is the foundation of the Christian faith and the spiritual guide for believers. Rom. 10:17, 2 Pet. 1:19, Josh. 1:7-8, Matt. 22:29, Rom. 15:4, 2 Tim. 3:14-16, Heb. 4:12.

We believe in the one, living, true God. Deut. 4:35, Isa. 44:6, Isa. 45:5-6, Ps. 90:3, Jer. 10:10, Dan. 6:26, Mark 12:29, Mark 12:32, John 17:3.

We believe in the Eternal, All-wise, Omnipresent, All-knowing and Almighty God. Ps. 147:5, Ps. 139:2, Acts 15:18, Prov. 5:21, Prov. 15:3, Ps. 102:28, Ps. 139:7-10, Jer. 23:23-24, 1 Tim. 1:17, Heb. 4:13, Gen. 17:1

We believe in God the Creator, who created the heavens and the earth and all that fills them. Isa. 45:12, Ps. 24:1, Gen. 1:1-3, Ps. 107:25-29, Nah. 1:5, Isa. 40:26-29, Acts 17:24-28

We believe that God is Spirit, and as Spirit He is invisible to people. John 4:24, Ex. 33:20, John 1:18, John 4:12, 1 Tim. 6:16.

However, “His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made”. Rom. 1:20.

We believe that God is perfect, righteous and holy. Matt. 5:48, 1 Pet. 1:15-16, Deut. 32:4, Isa. 57:15.

God is merciful, just and compassionate. Luke 6:36, Ps. 119:37, Ps. 99:9, James 5:11, Ps. 86:5, Ps. 115:5, Luke 10:30-37, Matt. 9:36, Matt. 14:14, Luke 7:13, Heb. 4:15.

We believe that “God is love”, and this love is revealed to humanity in Jesus Christ. 1 John 4:9-16, John 13:15, John 14:21, John 16:27, John 17:23, 1 John 4:9-10, Rom. 5:8, Eph. 2:4-5, 1 Tim. 2:4.

We believe in the triune, consubstantial God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 1 John 5:7, Gen. 1:16, Gen. 3:22, Gen. 11:7, Isa. 6:8, Isa. 48:16, Matt. 3:16-17.

The Father 1 Pet. 1:12, 1 Cor. 8:6.

The Son – Jesus Christ. John 6:27, Rom. 9:5, 1 Tim. 3:16, John 1:1, John 10:30, Phil. 2:6, Matt. 28:19, 2 Cor. 13:13.

The Holy Spirit Acts 5:3-4, 1 Cor. 3:16.

We believe that every person born again has the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 2 John 9, 1 John 2:23, 1 Cor. 3:16, Rom. 8:9.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the eternally existing God 1 John 5:20, Rom. 9:5, John 1:3, Col. 1:16, Rev. 1:8, John 8:25, Col. 1:15-17, John 3:13, John 6:62, John 17:15-24, 1 Cor. 15:47.

Christ is omniscient, omnipresent, holy, and without any participation in evil John 2:24-25, Heb. 4:13, Matt. 9:3-4, John 1:48-49, John 4:29, Col. 2:3, Matt. 18:20, Matt. 28:20, Heb. 7:26.

We believe that from eternity God predestined His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to be the propitiatory sacrifice for the redemption and salvation of the human race Rom. 8:3, 1 Pet. 1:18, 1 Pet. 1:20, Isa. 53:5, 1 Pet. 2:24, 1 Pet. 3:18.

Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and united in Himself the divine nature with the human nature Isa. 7:14, Matt. 1:20, Luke 1:35, 1 Tim. 3:16, Rom. 1:3-4.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the one and only Mediator between God and man 1 Tim. 2:5, Col. 1:20.

We believe that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” 1 Cor. 15:3-4.

He “was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification” Rom. 4:25, Acts 13:39, Rom. 5:18, Heb. 7:21-28, Heb. 8:1-6, Heb. 9:11-26.

By His death He “destroyed him who had the power of death, that is, the devil” Heb. 2:14-15, 1 John 3:8, 2 Tim. 1:10, Rev. 1:17-18.

We believe that Christ is the promised Anointed One of God—the Messiah—and the only Savior of the world Acts 2:36, Luke 4:18-19, Acts 4:12.

“The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” Matt. 9:6, John 4:42, John 10:28, 1 Pet. 1:18-19, Gal. 1:4, Gal. 2:20, Eph. 5:2, 1 Tim. 2:6, Tit. 2:14, Heb. 9:12.

We believe that the risen Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, sat down at the right hand of God, and became our Advocate with the Father and the High Priest of the good things to come Mark 16:19, Heb. 9:24, 1 John 2:1, Heb. 7:24-25, 1 Tim. 2:5-6, 1 Tim. 3:16, Heb. 7:21-28, Heb. 8:1-6, Heb. 9:11-12.

We believe that the risen, ascended, and glorified Jesus Christ is the Founder and Head of the Church Matt. 16:18, Col. 1:18, Eph. 1:22-23, Eph. 5:23.

We believe that Jesus Christ will come again in power and glory to judge the living and the dead John 5:22, Acts 1:11, Acts 17:31, Rev. 19:11-16, Matt. 24:30, Mark 14:62, Luke 21:27, Acts 1:11.

We believe that the Holy Spirit possesses all divine attributes Acts 5:3-4 , namely:

• omnipotence Rom. 15:19 ,
• omniscience 1 Cor. 2:10 ,
• omnipresence Ps. 139:7 ,
• holiness Eph. 4:30 .

The Holy Spirit has been performing the works of God from all eternity. Job 33:4 , Ps. 104:30 .

The Holy Spirit inspired the prophets and apostles. 2 Pet. 1:21 .

We believe that the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost to bear witness about Christ, to glorify Him, and to build the Church. Acts 1:8, John 15:26, John 16:7, John 16:14, 1 Cor. 12:13.

The Holy Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment John 16:8, regenerates the believing person John 3:3-5, Titus 3:5, dwells in him 1 Cor. 3:16, Rom. 8:9 and contributes to his spiritual growth.

We believe that the Holy Spirit teaches, guides, instructs, convicts, encourages, and comforts believers. John 14:26, 1 Cor. 2:12-13, John 16:13, Acts 8:29, Acts 13:2, Acts 16:6-7, 1 John 2:20, 1 John 2:27, Eph. 3:16, Eph. 3:18-19, 1 Cor. 6:11, Rom. 8:13-14, 2 Cor. 3:17-18, 2 Tim. 1:7, Eph. 1:13, Eph. 4:30, 1 Cor. 3:16, 1 Cor. 6:19.

We believe that the Holy Spirit repeatedly fills the regenerated person with Himself and grants him power for a holy life and for testifying about Jesus Christ. Acts 4:31, Eph. 5:18, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:4, Acts 5:3, Acts 9:17, Acts 13:9, 1 Cor. 2:4.

The Holy Spirit grants the children of God the ability to bear fruit Gal. 5:22-23, Eph. 5:9.

The Holy Spirit strengthens us in our weaknesses and intercedes for us Rom. 8:26.

We believe that the Holy Spirit endows believers with gracious gifts for ministry in the Church: the gift of preaching the Gospel, spiritual edification, helping, unity in Christ, and others. 1 Cor. 12:7-11, 28.

Creation of man. We believe that man was created by God sinless, in His image and likeness. Gen. 1:26, Gen. 2:7, Gen. 5:1, Eccl. 7:29, Isa. 45:12.

Man possesses spirit, soul, and body Gen. 2:7, 1 Thess. 5:23.

God gave man wisdom and authority to rule over the surrounding world Gen. 1:28, Gen. 2:15, Ps. 8:7.

God created man with free will so that he could freely choose between good and evil Gen. 2:16-17, Josh. 24:15, Jer. 21:8, Deut. 30:19.

The fall of man. Man violated God’s commandments and fell into sin. Through Adam’s fall, all mankind inherited sin and death Rom. 5:12, Isa. 59:2.

Redemption of man. We believe that our redemption was accomplished on the cross of Calvary through the voluntary sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins. Matt. 20:28, Isa. 53:4-7, Acts 4:10-12, 1 Pet. 1:18-19, 1 Pet. 2:24, Heb. 9:11-15.

In Christ, God offers man salvation as a free gift Titus 2:11, Matt. 11:28-30, Matt. 18:11, 2 Pet. 3:9, 1 Tim. 2:4, Rom. 3:24.

It is up to the person whether to accept the offered salvation and eternal life by faith or to reject it Mark 16:16, John 12:46-48, John 3:18, John 5:39-40, Heb. 10:38, Acts 10:43.

We believe that for a sinner to turn to God, faith is necessary — faith that is given to a person through the work of the Holy Spirit and the hearing of God’s Word John 16:8-9, Rom. 10:17, Heb. 11:6, Acts 4:4.

Faith leads a person to repentance, turning from dead works, and salvation in Christ Jesus Acts 26:18, Acts 11:21, Eph. 2:8.

Faith motivates a person to tkjvt the Lord and be obedient to Him 2 Tim. 1:12, Rom. 4:18-21, Heb. 11:8.

Confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the confirmation of true faith 2 Cor. 4:13, John 20:28, Rom. 10:9-10, Matt. 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9, Acts 8:37, James 2:17, Gal. 5:6.

We believe that repentance is granted by God to people by grace. Mark 1:15, Acts 11:18, Rom. 2:4, Acts 2:37-38.

Repentance and conversion include sorrow for sin, confession before the Lord and forsaking of sin, and receiving Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior. 2 Cor. 7:10, Prov. 28:13, Ps. 37:19, Acts 26:20.

We believe that the consequence of conversion and receiving Jesus Christ as Savior is being born again from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God — the necessary condition for adoption and entrance into the Kingdom of God. John 1:12-13, John 3:5, James 1:18, 1 Cor. 4:15, Gal. 3:26.

Through being born again a person becomes a child of God, a partaker of the divine nature, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. 2 Cor. 5:17, Gal. 6:17, 1 Pet. 2:9, 2 Pet. 1:4, 1 Cor. 6:19.

The true marks of regeneration are a complete change of life, hatred of sin, love for the Lord and His Church, a longing for fellowship with Him, the desire to be conformed to Christ, and to do the will of God. Eph. 2:5, Ps. 96:10, Gal. 4:19, 2 Cor. 3:18, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 5:1, Gal. 5:13.

Those born again have within themselves the witness of the Holy Spirit that they are children of God and heirs of eternal life. 1 John 5:10-11, Rom. 8:16-17, Gal. 4:7, Eph. 2:19.

We believe that justification changes the position of the believing person before God, frees him from the sense of guilt and fear of condemnation for sin, because Christ took upon Himself all our guilt and punishment for sin. Rom. 5:9, Rom. 3:24-25, Rom. 4:25, Rom. 3:28, Gal. 2:16, 2 Cor. 5:21.

The consequences of justification are deliverance from eternal condemnation and the wrath of God, being clothed with Christ’s righteousness, peace with God, and possession of a glorious inheritance with Christ. Rom. 5:9, Rom. 8:1, Rom. 4:5, Rom. 5:1, Rom. 8:30.

We believe that without holiness no one will see the Lord. Heb. 12:14, 1 Thess. 4:3-7.

Sanctification is the consequence of the justification of sinners through Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 1:30, Heb. 10:10-14, 1 Cor. 1:2, 1 Cor. 6:11, Rom. 1:7.

A Christian needs continual sanctification throughout his entire life. Rev. 22:11, Eph. 5:27, 1 Thess. 5:23, 2 Cor. 3:18, Eph. 3:19.

Sanctification is separation from sin, dedication to God, and transformation into the image of Jesus Christ. Titus 2:14, 2 Pet. 3:14, Rom. 6:2, Rom. 6:6, Phil. 2:15, 2 Cor. 6:17-18, Col. 3:5-8, 2 Cor. 3:18, Phil. 2:5, 1 John 2:6, Rom. 8:29, Eph. 4:13, Col. 3:10-11, Gal. 4:19, 2 Cor. 5:15, Rom. 6:19, Rom. 8:12-13, 1 Thess. 3:13, 1 John 3:2, 1 Cor. 15:49, Rev. 19:7-8.

Sanctification is accomplished by God with the participation of the believer. The divine side consists of God’s action through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His Word, and the Holy Spirit. 1 Thess. 5:23, John 17:17, Eph. 5:25-26, 1 Pet. 1:2, Heb. 10:10, 2 Thess. 2:13.

The human side includes:

• faith in Jesus Christ as Savior 1 Cor. 1:30
• diligent study of Holy Scripture Eph. 5:26, 1 Tim. 4:16, John 5:39, John 15:3, James 1:21-22, 2 Tim. 3:15-16
• tkjvting the Lord in all circumstances of life 2 Tim. 1:12
• walking in holiness before God Rev. 22:11

Prayer is the means of communion between man and God. John 16:23, Phil. 4:6, Jer. 33:3, Luke 18:1, Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6, Matt. 26:41.

In prayer we open our desires to God, who is able to grant our requests, for He has promised to answer the prayers of those who call upon Him. Ps. 50:15, Zech. 13:9, Phil. 4:6.

We are to pray not only for ourselves but for all people: for the church, for ministers, for the success of the gospel, for all the saints, for relatives, for the suffering and the sick, for friends and enemies. 1 Tim. 2:1-2, Gen. 18:23-32, Ex. 32:11-14, Ex. 32:30-32, Ex. 34:8-10, Matt. 5:44, Luke 22:32, Luke 23:34, 1 John 5:16, James 5:14, 2 Thess. 1:11, 2 Thess. 3:1.

The children of God are called to give thanks always and for everything, because all of God’s purposes work together for the good of the believer. Rom. 8:28, 1 Thess. 5:17-18, Eph. 5:20.

We believe that God hears prayers offered according to His will and answers them. 1 John 5:14, John 16:23, Mark 11:24-25, John 14:13-14, John 15:7, Matt. 21:22, 2 Cor. 12:8-9.

Prayer may be accompanied by fasting. Matt. 17:21.

In the Old Testament, fasts were held during public calamities and God’s judgments. Ezra 8:21-23, Joel 1:14, Joel 2:12-15.

Prayer with fasting is also practiced in:

• times of distress and sorrow: Judg. 20:26, 2 Sam. 1:12, Dan. 10:2-3, Ps. 35:13, Ps. 69:10.
• the appointment of church ministers: Acts 13:2-3, Acts 14:23.
• other circumstances: Mark 9:29, 2 Cor. 6:4-5.

Jesus Christ taught that during fasting people should not appear gloomy like the hypocrites. Matt. 6:16-18.

Fasting consists not only in abstaining from food and spending time in prayer, but also in “loosing the bonds of wickedness” and bringing one’s relationships with people into proper order. Isa. 58:3-12, Zech. 7:3-10, Matt. 5:23-24.

We believe that Jesus Christ founded the Church. Matt. 16:18, Col. 1:26-27, Eph. 3:9-10.

Since the day of Pentecost there exist the Universal (invisible), local, and house churches.

The Universal Church of Christ consists of all people redeemed by the Blood of Christ from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation — both those in heaven and those on earth. Heb. 12:22-23, Rev. 5:9-10, Eph. 1:22-23, Eph. 5:25-27, Col. 1:12-22.

The Universal Church is called:

• The Body of Christ Col. 1:17-18, 1 Cor. 12:20-27, Eph. 1:22-23, Col. 1:18-27.
• A spiritual house or temple of God Eph. 2:19-21, 1 Pet. 2:4-6, Heb. 3:6.
• The flock of Christ John 10:16, John 21:15-17, 1 Pet. 5:2, Heb. 13:20.

We believe that all who have believed in Christ and been born again are baptized (immersed) by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ and are members of Christ’s Church. John 3:5, Eph. 1:13, Rom. 8:9, Titus 3:5-7, 1 Cor. 12:13, Acts 2:47, Eph. 4:5, Gal. 3:27, Col. 2:12.

We believe that at the end of the age of grace, the Church of Christ will be caught up from the earth to meet the Lord in the air, there to share eternal glory with Him. John 17:24, John 14:3, 1 Thess. 4:13-17, 1 Cor. 15:51-57, Phil. 3:20-21.

By the decision of the church, its members who have fallen away from Christ are excommunicated. Heb. 6:4-6, Matt. 18:15-18, John 20:23, 1 Cor. 5:3-5.

Membership in the Universal Church does not exempt one from the necessity of joining a local church. Acts 2:41.

A local church is an assembly of regenerated souls united by one faith (one confession), one love, and one hope, who have voluntarily come together for joint service to the Lord and to meet their spiritual needs. Acts 2:42, Matt. 18:17, Acts 14:23, 1 Cor. 12:13, Rom. 8:9-14.

The tasks of the local church are:

• preaching the Gospel Matt. 28:19, Mark 16:15, Acts 20:24.
• edification of believers toward holiness, Christian godliness, and obedience to Christ’s commandments Matt. 28:20, Eph. 4:11-13.
• increasing Christian love and strkjvthening the unity of believers according to the High Priestly prayer of the Lord John 17:21-23.

The condition for joining the membership of a local church is faith, repentance, and regeneration. A person testifies to this before God and the church through verbal confession, personal life, and water baptism. Rom. 10:9-10, 1 Tim. 6:12, Acts 19:2-5.

A believer becomes a member of the local church after receiving believer’s baptism. Acts 2:41.

To maintain church order, the following measures of church discipline are applied:

• admonition Titus 2:15, 1 Tim. 5:1-2.
• rebuke 2 Thess. 3:14.
• excommunication 1 Cor. 5:12-13.

Excommunication from the local church takes place in the case of:

• apostasy from faith in God Heb. 10:38, 1 Cor. 16:22.
• falling into heresy Titus 3:10.
• falling into sin and unwillingness to repent Matt. 18:15-18, 1 Cor. 5:11-13, 2 Thess. 3:6.

Every local church belongs to God 1 Cor. 1:2, Acts 20:28.

By God’s will, the church has its own structure and established order. 1 Cor. 14:33, 40.

The Lord appoints ministers through calling and election by the church. The right of election belongs to the church. Eph. 4:11-12, Acts 6:2-6, Acts 13:1-3, Acts 15:22, 1 Cor. 12:28, Titus 1:5.

Elders (presbyters) are obligated to:

• shepherd the church of the Lord Acts 20:28,
• instruct the members in sound doctrine 2 Tim. 2:15,
• support the weak Acts 20:35,
• refute those who oppose the truth Titus 1:9.

Deacons are called to assist presbyters in ministry Acts 6:1-4.

Ministers can have different roles 1 Cor. 12:28, Rom. 12:7-8.

Elders, deacons, and other elected ministers participate in discussing and deciding spiritual matters. Acts 15:6, Acts 15:22.

Church ministers may receive financial support from the church. 1 Cor. 9:14, Matt. 10:10, Gal. 6:6, 1 Tim. 5:17-18.

Elders (presbyters), deacons, and other ministers elected by the church must:

• meet the requirements of Holy Scripture Acts 6:3, 1 Tim. 3:1-12, Titus 1:6-9.
• be ordained to ministry through the laying on of hands by senior (higher in ministry) ministers Acts 6:1-6, Acts 13:3, Acts 14:23, 1 Tim. 4:14, 1 Tim. 5:22, Heb. 7:7.

A minister forfeits the right to serve if he commits a sin that leads to excommunication from the church Heb. 12:15-17, Ezek. 44:10-13, Mal. 2:7-9.

Ministers, like all other church members, are subject to church discipline, but with the mandatory participation of senior ministers 1 Tim. 5:19.

Church members are obligated to:

• maintain obedience and faithfulness to the Lord 1 Sam. 15:22-23, Rev. 2:10.
• live with one another in peace and mutual love 2 Thess. 1:3, John 13:34-35, 1 John 3:11, 1 Pet. 1:22, John 15:12, John 15:17.
• submit to the ministers 1 Pet. 5:5, Heb. 13:17.
• honor the ministers 1 Tim. 5:17.
• pray for the ministers Col. 4:3.
• preserve the unity of the church Phil. 1:27, Phil. 2:2, Rom. 15:5-6.
• actively participate in the life of the church and remember the ministry of giving 1 Cor. 12:25-26, Rom. 12:13, 2 Cor. 9:7-8, Heb. 13:16.

Every member of the church is called to regularly attend worship gatherings and to partake worthily of the Lord’s Supper Heb. 10:25, Ps. 16:3, Ps. 27:4, Ps. 122:1, 1 Cor. 11:26-28, Acts 2:42.

We believe that water baptism by faith is the fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s commandment concerning the Church, a testimony of faith and obedience to the Lord, and a solemn pledge to God of a good conscience Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, 41, Acts 22:16, 1 Pet. 3:21.

According to God’s Word, water baptism is administered to those who have believed in Jesus as their personal Savior and have experienced the new birth. Acts 8:36-38, Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 10:47, Acts 18:8, Acts 19:5.

Baptism is performed by ministers through a single immersion in water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matt. 28:19.

The baptism of a believer signifies his death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Rom. 6:3-5, Gal. 3:26-27, Col. 2:11-12.

During the baptism the minister asks the candidate: “Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Do you promise to serve God with a good conscience?” After an affirmative answer, the minister says: “Upon your faith I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The candidate says “Amen” together with the minister. After baptism, the ministers pray over the newly baptized and hold the Lord’s Supper. Acts 8:37, 1 Pet. 3:21.

We believe that the Lord’s Supper (the Breaking of Bread) is a commandment of Jesus Christ for remembering and proclaiming His sufferings and death on the cross. 1 Cor. 11:23-26, Matt. 26:26-28, Luke 22:17-20.

The Lord’s Supper expresses our communion with Christ and with one another. 1 Cor. 10:16-17.

The bread and the wine point to the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Matt. 26:26-28.

The Lord’s Supper is to be observed in the Church “until He comes.” 1 Cor. 11:26.

Only church members who are at peace with the Lord and with the church participate in the Breaking of Bread. 1 Cor. 11:27-29, Matt. 5:23-24.

We believe that the first day of the week is the day on which Jesus Christ rose for our justification Matt. 28:1, Mark 16:9, Rom. 4:25.

This day, being the day of Christ’s resurrection from the dead, proclaims the glorious triumph of our Redeemer and is a great feast for all Christians 1 Cor. 5:7-8.

Both the first and the second appearances of the risen Christ to His disciples took place on the first day of the week John 20:19-26.

The descent of the Holy Spirit also occurred on the first day of the week Acts 2:1.

On the Lord’s Day the apostle John was in the Spirit and received the Revelation from God Rev. 1:10.

The first day of the week is intimately connected with the Church and with heaven. It is a wonderful proof of the Church’s eternal acceptance by God and points to all that He has done for us in Christ Eph. 2:11-16.

The Lord’s Day is to be a day of holy service to the Lord — a day devoted to the study of God’s Word, prayer, worship gatherings, and the expression of Christian love through works of mercy Acts 2:42, 1 Cor. 16:1-2, James 1:27, 2 Pet. 1:5-9.

We believe that marriage was instituted by God Himself Gen. 2:18-24.

Marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman for mutual help and support, for the continuation of the human race, and for walking life’s path together in love and harmony until death separates them Gen. 2:18, 1 Cor. 7:38, 1 Pet. 3:1-7, Eph. 5:22-33.

In the event of the death of one spouse, God’s Word does not forbid the surviving spouse from remarrying, but only in the Lord 1 Cor. 7:39.

We hold that divorce is not permitted Matt. 19:6-9.

However, if an unbelieving spouse abandons the family, divorce may be permitted according to the Word of God 1 Cor. 7:15. Marriage, being both a divine institution and a civil act, is legally registered according to the laws of the country and receives the church’s blessing through instruction in God’s Word and prayer Col. 3:17, 1 Pet. 2:13.

We believe that children in the family are a precious gift from God Ps. 127:3.

Parents bear responsibility for the spiritual upbringing of their children in the faith Col. 3:21, Eph. 6:4, Matt. 18:6-7, Deut. 6:5-9, Ps. 78:3-8.

We believe in the personal, visible second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power and great glory. Acts 1:11, Matt. 25:31, Matt. 26:64, 1 Thess. 1:10, 2 Thess. 1:7, Rev. 1:7.

The second coming of Jesus Christ will be preceded by the resurrection of those who have died in Christ, the instantaneous transformation of believers who are still alive, the invisible (to the world) rapture of the Church, and its meeting with Christ in the air. 1 Thess. 4:16-17, 1 Cor. 15:51-52, Phil. 3:20-21, 1 John 3:2.

We believe in the Judgment Seat of Christ for the saved. 2 Cor. 5:10, 1 Pet. 5:4, 1 Cor. 9:24-25, 2 Tim. 4:7-8.

We also believe in the resurrection of all the dead and in the righteous judgment of God before the Great White Throne. Rev. 20:11-15.

After the Great White Throne judgment, eternity will come: for some — blessed life with Christ forever, for others — everlasting torment. John 5:28-29, Dan. 12:2, Rev. 22:20.

We believe that God Himself is the higher powers. Rom. 13:1-2.

A Christian must be an exemplary citizen of his homeland and is called to submit to the governing authorities “not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.” Rom. 13:5-7, Mark 12:17, 1 Pet. 2:13-17.

As citizens, Christians are called to “render to all their due” — that is, to obey the laws of the state. Luke 3:14, Acts 23:12-23, 1 Pet. 2:13-14, Rom. 13:1-7.

Through godly living and prayer, Christians are obligated to fight against all evil in society, promoting the triumph of goodness, freedom, justice, and peace for all people. Phil. 4:8, 1 Cor. 7:21, Rom. 12:17, 1 Pet. 3:11, Rom. 12:18, Rom. 14:19, Heb. 12:14.

We are called to pray for those in authority so that the power entengted power may preserve peace and justice. Jer. 29:7, 1 Tim. 2:1-2.

We believe that Christ’s Church is not of this world John 18:36. The Church, having Christ as her Head, by her very nature cannot be under secular rule, nor can she herself wield secular power or act in the spirit and by the methods of this world Matt. 20:25-28, Luke 12:13-14.

The separation of church and state is in full accord with the principles of the Gospel. We consider any human interference in the canonical exercise of our Christian faith and our relationship with God to be unacceptable. In its canonical activity toward the state, the Church is guided by the words of Christ: Matt. 22:21.