THE CONFESSION OF HARVEST BIBLE CHURCH OF ARIZONA
This confession is by no means original. It is a result of a mixture of parts of various other confessions and some original wording. At some points we have used sections of confessions word for word. While at other times we have put the thoughts of past confessions into the language of today. The confessions that we have relied upon are The Hampton Roads Confession of faith, The Confession of1689, The First London Confession, and The Westminster Confession of Faith.
1. Scripture
Inerrancy and Authority
Scripture (the Bible) is the Word of God, The Bible is the only infallible (being the Word of God it is incapable of error) and inerrant (even the words themselves are without error) written revelation of God that shall ever exist in this world. The Bible is without error even when it touches on history and science. It provides the absolute answers for all men, concerning how we are to be saved, what we are to believe, and how we are to live in order to please our Creator. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 10:34-35, Matthew 5:17-18
Inspiration
The Bible has both human and divine authorship. Though written over many centuries by men of differing perspectives, experiences, styles, temperaments, and languages, it is entirely free of contradictions. This unity is explained by the fact that the Holy Spirit of God is the true author of Holy Scripture. He inspired, or more precisely breathed out his message. He moved men to write what they wrote, incorporating their human personalities and literary styles into the text. 2 Peter 2:20-21, 2 Timothy 3:16-1 7, Luke 1:1-5, john 14:26. John 16:13-15, 2 Peter 3:15-16
The Canon of Scripture
By Scripture, we mean the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, excluding the Apocryphal writings (which are not divinely inspired). While the Apocryphal writings may be of some interest, they have no more authority over us than any other human writing. The Canon of Scripture is now complete and therefore no new claims of canonical revelation will be accepted. Hebrews 1:1-2
The Clarity of Scripture
While all Scripture does not contain the same degree of clarity either by design or due to our limited understanding, we affirm that the Bible is sufficiently clear in revealing for all to understand what one needs to know in order to come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Original Languages
The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and Aramaic. The New Testament was originally written in Greek.
The Autographs
All that has been said about the divine nature of the Bible applies strictly speaking to the original writings (the Autographs) and not to the translations. We believe that for all practical purposes we have the actual Word of God. Those parts of the Bible that we are not absolutely certain about do not affect anything essential in the Christian faith.
2. General Revelation
General or Natural Revelation is the knowledge of God that can be gained through his creation. This knowledge is limited and is not sufficient to bring someone to a saving faith. No one, as result of Natural Revelation, will find salvation or come to know the true God in a saving way. The knowledge of God revealed in creation serves to make all of mankind without excuse before the judge of all heaven and earth. Romans 1:18-20, Psalm 19:1-6
3. God
The Incomprehensibility of God
The God of Scripture, the only true God, is very different from man in his being. Man is like God, made in his image, in only some very limited ways. There is no way that man can fully grasp an infinite God with his limited capacity. There will always be incompleteness in our understanding of God. Some areas of incompleteness are the Incarnation, the Trinity, the relation between predestination and responsibility, and the concept of the eternality of God, that is, the truth that God has always existed. Deuteronomy 29:29, 1 Samuel 15:29, John 1:1, Romans 9:10-21
The Trinity
The Scriptures clearly teach that there is one God who is an infinite being and who exists in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person is wholly God, equal in power and glory and possesses precisely the same attributes and perfection. Though undivided in nature and being, they each have different roles, eternally functioning with perfect harmony.
The three roles are God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
God the Father is the first person of the Trinity. He is creator of all things and moves everything according to His sovereign will for His glory. His fatherhood involves both His designation within the Trinity and His relationship with mankind. As Creator He is Father to all men but He is spiritual Father only to believers. He has graciously chosen from eternity past those whom He would have as His own He saves from sin all who come to Him through Jesus Christ; He adopts as His own all those who come to Him; and He becomes, upon adoption, Father to His own.
God the Son (Jesus Christ) is the second person in the Trinity and carries out the will of the Father. He possesses all the divine excellencies, and in these He is coequal, consubstantial, and coeternal with the Father.
God the Father created according to His own will, all things through His Son, Jesus Christ, by whom all things continue in existence and in operation. In the incarnation (God becoming man) Christ surrendered only the prerogatives of deity but nothing of the divine essence, either in degree or kind. In His incarnation, the eternally existing second Person of the Trinity accepted all the essential characteristics of humanity and so became the God-Man. The purpose of the incarnation was to reveal God, redeem men, and rule over God’s kingdom. In the incarnation, the second Person of the Trinity laid aside His right to the full prerogatives of coexistence with God and took on an existence appropriate to a servant while never divesting Himself of His divine attributes.
The Lord Jesus Christ was virgin born and accomplished our redemption through the shedding of His blood and sacrificial death on the cross and that His death was voluntary, vicarious, substitutionary, propitiatory, and redemptive. On the basis of the efficacy of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, the believing sinner is freed from the punishment, the penalty, the power, and one day the very presence of sin; and that he is declared righteous, given eternal life, and adopted into the family of God. Our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead and that He is now ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He now mediates as our Advocate and High Priest.
In the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave, God confirmed the deity of His Son. The resurrection also gave proof that God has accepted the atoning work of Christ on the cross and Jesus’ bodily resurrection is also the guarantee of a future bodily resurrection and eternal life for all believers.
God the Spirit (The Holy Spirit), is the third person of the trinity and makes effective all that the Father ordains and Christ accomplishes. We recognize His sovereign activity in creation, the incarnation, the written Word (scriptures), and the work of salvation.
The work of the Holy Spirit in this age began at Pentecost, when He came from the Father as promised by Christ to initiate and complete the building of the Body of Christ, which is His church. The broad scope of His divine activity includes convicting the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ and transforming believers into the image of Christ. He is the supernatural and sovereign agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit also indwells, sanctifies, instructs, empowers them for service, and seals them unto the day of redemption.
Every believer possesses the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit from the moment of salvation, and it is the duty of all those born of the Spirit to be filled with (controlled by) the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit administers spiritual gifts to the church. The Holy Spirit glorifies neither Himself nor His gifts by ostentatious displays, but He does glorify Christ by implementing His work of redeeming the lost and building up believers in the most holy faith. God, the Holy Spirit is sovereign in the bestowing of all His gifts for the church and mercifully grants them to the church according to their need to perfect the saints of the day. Therefore speaking in tongues and the working of sign miracles in the beginning days of the church were for the purpose of pointing to and the apostles as revealers of divine truth, and were never intended to be characteristic of the lives of believers.
John 14:5-14, Acts 5:3-4, Ephesians 1:4-6, Ephesians 4:6, John1:12; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5, Hebrews 12:5-9Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:18-20,1 Corinthians 1:3, John 1:1-14, John 20:28, John 10:29-30, 14:9, John 1:3, Colossians 1:15-17, Hebrews 1:2, Psalm 2:7-9, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:29, Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 7:25-26, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Philippians 2:5-8, Colossians 2:9, John 10:15, Romans 3:24-25, 5:8, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23- 25, Luke 1:26-35, Romans 5:8-9, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18 Matthew 28:6, Luke 24:38-39, Acts 2:30-31, Romans 4:25; 8:34, 1 John 2:1, John 5:26-29; 14:19, Romans 1:4; 4:25; 6:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23, John 14:16-17; 15:26, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Romans 8:9, 2 Corinthians 3:6,Ephesians 1:13, John 16:13, Romans 8:9, Ephesians 5:18, 1 John 2:20& 27, John 16:13-14, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 13:8-10, 2 Corinthians 12:12, Ephesians 4:7-12, Hebrews 2:1-4.
The Attributes of God
God is a spirit who is infinite in being and perfection. He is unchangeable. He is eternal, without beginning or end. He fully exists everywhere, yet he is separate from his creation. He knows all things because he decrees all things. He is all-powerful, absolutely holy, and most wise. He is self-sufficient and is in no way dependent on his creation. He is a God of love, who is compassionate and forgiving. Yet, he is also the lawmaker who will perfectly judge all mankind according to his law. He will not pardon the guilty. God can do anything that is consistent with his nature and his eternal purpose. He cannot deny himself, nor can he lie. John 4:24, Isaiah 6:1-3, / Samuel 15:29, 1 John 1:5, Genesis 1:1, Psalm 139, Ephesians 1:11, Romans 16:25-2 7, 1 Timothy 1:17, Exodus 3:14, Acts 17:24-25, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 86:15, Nahum 1:2-3, 2 Timothy 2:13, Titus 1:2
4. God’s Decree
Eternal Decree
God never has been, nor ever will be taken by surprise. Of his own free will, without obligation to any, in infinite wisdom and goodness, he has decreed, or determined, before the foundation of the world, everything that has already happened as well as everything that will come to pass. Ephesians 1:11, Romans 9:10-21, 1 John 1:5
Foreknowledge
God does know everything that is going to happen because he has determined everything that is going to happen. With regard to salvation, foreknowledge has the meaning of God making a loving choice in eternity past to save some. God has not determined the future by looking forward it time to see what man will do and then decreeing it to come to pass. Romans 8:28-30, Amos 3:2, Deuteronomy 7:7-8, Romans 11:1-2, Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 9:10-13
Man is Responsible
Since God, in his being, is not like man, he is able to determine everything that will happen without forcing man, against his will, to carry out his decrees. Yet, God can never he blamed for the evil that is committed by man. Romans 9:19-21, / John 1:5, James 1:13-15, Acts 4:27-28
Redemption
God, in his grace, has decreed that a fixed number of men and angels will inherit eternal life. The rest he has determined to leave in their sin to suffer their just condemnation, thereby revealing his perfect justice. Ephesians 1:4-5,11, 1 Timothy 5:21, Matthew 25:4 1, Romans 6:23
Calling His Elect
God has, before the world began, predestined to eternal life all those who would believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. He chose them freely, according to the secret counsel of his own pleasure. to be in Christ and to share in his eternal glory. He did not choose them because he saw that they would believe, since saving faith is a gift of God. Neither did he choose them because he saw any goodness in them, because all men come into the world as God-haters and are incapable of performing any good work. The elect do not live perfect lives after their conversion, but they will struggle to obey their Lord and will give evidence of a changed life. Ephesians 1:4-5,11, John 6:44, Romans 3:10-18, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 9:10-13, 1 Corinthians 2:14. Galatians 5:16-18, Romans 8:1-14, Revelation 2:7
Means
As God has predestined the salvation of the elect, He has also determined the means of their salvation. They are redeemed from their fallen state in Adam through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross. They are called to Christ, in His time, by the Holy Spirit. They are justified, adopted into God’s family, and are guaranteed sanctification. They are also kept by his power throughout their lives by a God-given faith. God has also decreed their glorification, which must certainly come to pass. .John 6:44, John 3:16, Romans /0:1-15, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 5:12-21, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Romans 8:1-17, Romans 8:28-30, Romans 3:21-26, Galatians 4:1-7, Ephesians 1:4-5, Philippians 1:6
5. Creation
The Creation of All Things
In the beginning it pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, from nothing, to speak into existence the universe and everything in it, whether visible or invisible. God created the angels, assigning their various ranks and functions. There was nothing before him, and without him nothing came into existence. God created the universe and everything in it in six days. On the sixth day, after he had made man, God viewed everything that he had made and said that it was very good. Genesis 1:1-2:25, Hebrews 1:2, John 1:1-3, Job 33:4, Colossians 1:15-20
The Uniqueness of Man
After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female, with reasoning and immortal souls. Man was created in the image of God, a rational and moral being. Man was assigned to populate and have dominion over the earth. Genesis 1:1-28, Romans 1:28-31, Romans 2:12-16, Colossians 3:10, Ephesians 4:24,25
Man was created good
Adam and Eve were created righteous and inclined to do good. They were not outwardly forced to obey God, but they obeyed willingly. God provided for their every need and pleasure. They were given only one restriction: they were not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. As long as they obeyed they were happy in their relationship with God, they enjoyed one another, and they had dominion over the creatures, Genesis 1:26-2:25
6. God’s Providence
Meaning of Providence
God, who makes every creature for his own good pleasure, did not merely decree what should be, and then retire to heaven to watch what inevitably must come to pass in his universe. Rather, in his infinite wisdom and power, He controls all second causes (cause and effect events), upholding and governing all creatures and circumstances, making all things work together for the accomplishing of his own eternal plan. This invisible governing hand of God is called his providence. Colossians 1:16, Daniel 4:28-35, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:11
Second Causes
God’s eternal decree, unchangeably decided before the world began, is the first cause of everything that happens in the universe. Nothing is left to chance, nor happens apart from his providence. Like-wise, providence is brought about by the use of second causes (cause and effect events). The answer to the question, “What caused you to become a believer?” is two-fold. The first cause is God’s sovereign choice. The second cause is whatever he used in your experience to bring you to himself .4cts 427-28, Genesis 50:19-21
Miracles
A miracle is an event where God does not use the normal means to cause something to happen. He intervenes in a direct manner to cause an event to happen. Examples of miracles are the virgin birth and the long day of Joshua. Luke 1:26-38, Joshua 10:1-15
The Problem of Evil
God’s providence is all-inclusive. His invisible hand is behind the rebellion of Satan, the temptation in the Garden of Eden, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and all other evil acts. He determined before the creation of the world to use everything, even the acts of evil men, in his eternal plan. The wicked are fully responsible for what they do. God cannot be blamed. Acts 4:27-28. Genesis 50:19-20, Proverbs 16:4, Romans 9:10-21, Romans 11:33-3& 1 John 1:5
7. The Fall of Man
The Temptation
The Lord God, in the Garden of Eden, gave Adam and Eve the command not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil or they would die. The woman was deceived by Satan and ate the fruit of the forbidden tree. She then gave some of the fruit to Adam and he willingly ate it. This first sin of Adam and Eve was part of God’s wise plan. Genesis 2:15-1 7, Genesis 3:1-7, Romans’ 5:12-21, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
The Consequences
As a result of eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve died spiritually and, and in Gods mercy, only began to die physically. Their lives were not immediately required. Adam was our representative. When he sinned we sinned, or at least we were blamed for his sin. As a result of Adam’s sin all mankind is born spiritually dead. Spiritual death consists of two parts, guilt (a BAD RECORD), and corruption (a BAD HEART). All mankind inherits the guilt of Adam’s sin. Therefore we all come into this world with a BAD RECORD. Even if it were possible to live a perfect life one would still have the guilt of Adam’s sin on his record to condemn him. We also inherit a BAD HEART from Adam. We come into this world a God-hater. No one would ever naturally desire to know or please the true God. All of mankind would willingly choose eternal damnation rather than embrace the God of all creation. From the point of conception everyone stands under the wrath of God. Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 3:1-2~, Romans 5:12-21, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:1-3
8. The Doctrines of Grace (TULIP)
(These are taken from Appendix D of Steele and Thomas’ ROMANS 5 An Interpretive Outline.)
Total Depravity
Because of the fall, man is unable of himself to savingly believe the gospel. The sinner is dead, blind, and deaf to the things of God; his heart is deceitful and desperately corrupt. His will is not free, it is in bondage to his evil nature; therefore, he will not--indeed he cannot--choose good over evil in the spiritual realm. Consequently, it takes much more than the Spirit’s assistance to bring a sinner to Christ--it takes regeneration by which the Spirit makes the sinner alive and gives him a new nature. Faith is not something man contributes to salvation but is itself a part of God’s gift of salvation--it is God’s gift to the sinner, not the sinner’s gift to God. Genesis 2:15-17, Romans 5:12. Psalm 5 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:h, Romans 3:10-18, Jeremiah 17:9, .John 6:44, Ephesians 2:1-10
Unconditional Election
God’s choice of certain individuals unto salvation before the foundation of the world rested solely in His own sovereign will. His choice of particular sinners was not based on any Foreseen response or obedience on their part. such as Faith, repentance, etc. On the contrary, God gives faith and repentance to each individual whom He selected. These acts are the result, not the cause of God’s choice. Election therefore was not determined by or conditioned upon any virtuous quality or act foreseen in man. Those whom, in God’s sovereignty, elected He brings through the power of the Spirit to a willing acceptance of Christ. Thus God’s choice of the sinner, not the sinner’s choice of Christ, is the ultimate cause of salvation. Romans 9:10-21, Ephesians 1:4-11, Ephesians 2:4-10, Romans 8:29-30, Acts 11:18, Acts 13:48
Limited Atonement
Christ’s redeeming work was intended to save the elect only and actually secured salvation for them. His death was a substitutionary endurance of the penalty of sin in the place of certain specified sinners. In addition to putting away the sins of His people, Christ’s redemption secured everything necessary for their salvation, including faith which united them to 1-lim. The gift of faith is infallibly applied by the Spirit to all for whom Christ died, thereby guaranteeing their salvation. Matthew 1:21, Romans 5:12-21, Romans 3:21-26, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5-6, Philippians 1:6, John 10:11-30, John 176-12, Romans 8:28-30, John 6:44, Acts 20:28
Irresistible Grace
In addition to the outward general call to salvation which is made to everyone who hears the gospel, the Holy Spirit extends to the elect a special inward call that inevitably brings them to salvation. The external call (which is made to all without distinction) can he, and often is. rejected; whereas the internal call (which is made only to the elect) cannot be rejected, it always results in conversion. By means of this special call the Spirit irresistibly draws sinners to Christ. He is not limited in His work to applying salvation by man’s will, nor is He dependent upon man’s cooperation for success. The Spirit graciously causes the elect sinner to cooperate, to believe, to repent, to come freely and willingly to Christ. God’s grace, therefore, is invincible; it never fails to result in the salvation of those to whom it is extended. John 3:16, Matthew 22:14, Acts 17:29-31. Matthew 23:37-39, John 6:44, Romans 8:28-30, John 1:12-13, .John 3:1-8, Ephesians 2:8-10
Perseverance of the Saints
All who were chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and given faith by the Spirit are eternally saved. They are kept in faith by the power of Almighty God and thus persevere to the end. John 3:16, John 6:35-40, John 6:44. Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:12-13, Jude 24-25, Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 8:28-30, Romans 8:35-3 9
9. God’s Covenants
Although there were many covenants that God had entered into with man (ie. Noahic= the maintaining of seasons by God and the rainbow as its reminder to God and man, Davidic= His progeny will inherit the throne), God has used three in particular to revel His plan for saving His Elect from all tribes, nations and times.
Abrahamic Covenant
This is the agreement between God and Abraham and his descendants. It is a picture of God’s plan of salvation that was revealed through the physical descendants of Abraham. God promised to give Abraham many descendants, the land of Canaan, and to make him a blessing to others. Jesus Christ is the true seed of Abraham. All of those who were represented by Jesus Christ on the cross are the true children of Abraham. The fulfillment of the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant that were made to Abraham’s physical descendants functioned as a picture of the ultimate fulfillment that only true believers experience. The ultimate descendants of Abraham are all the elect in Christ and the ultimate land is heaven. The promise that Abraham would be a blessing to all the earth is fulfilled in the Great Commission when the gospel is taken to the entire world to bring in the elect from every tribe nation and tongue. Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 13:14-17, Genesis 15, Genesis 17, Genesis 22:15-18, Galatians 3, Galatians 4:21-3 1, Hebrews 3:7-4:11, Revelation S
Old Covenant
The Old Covenant is also called the Mosaic Covenant or the First Covenant. This was a legal agreement between God and the nation of Israel that was given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This covenant was not a gracious covenant. Although God is gracious and He had a gracious purpose in giving this covenant, the covenant itself was a legal covenant that demanded perfect obedience. The failure to obey would result in the curse of God. This covenant was used to prepare the way for the Messiah. Israel, as a whole, was not a believing people. The Old Covenant caused the Israelites to sin all the more. It was never the means of anyone’s salvation. The Old Covenant functions as a physical picture of many spiritual truths that can be used to teach believers today. The Ten Commandments are the essence of the Mosaic Law or Mosaic Covenant. The pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost brought to a close the Old Covenant era. 2 Corinthians 3, Hebrews 7-10, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Exodus 20:1-21, Deuteronomy 5, Deuteronomy 2 7-28, Hebrews 3:7-19, Romans 5:20, Romans 9:1-5, Galatians 3-4, Colossians 2:16-23, Acts 2
New Covenant
This is the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham and is founded on the saving work of Jesus Christ. He purchased a people who He redeems and changes He gives them a new heart and new desires. They will all be God-lovers. Because of Gods work, each of those who are a part of the New Covenant will necessarily experience a changed life. All true believers are part of the New Covenant no matter when they lived. The New Covenant era as a unique historical period began with the pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost. Hebrews 7-8, Hebrews 10:1-18, Romans 5:15-19, Romans 6, Romans 4. Matthew 27:45-56, Acts 2
10. Christ the Mediator
The Eternal Mediator
It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose the Lord Jesus, his one and only Son, to be the mediator between God and man. He was to be the Prophet, Priest, and King, the head and Savior of his church, the heir of all things and judge of the world. To the Lord Jesus the Father gave, from all eternity, a people to redeem, call, justify, sanctify, and glorify. I Peter 1:1 7-21, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Hebrews 1:1-4, Hebrews 5:1-10, Luke 1:26-33, Ephesians 1:15-23, Romans 8:28-30, John 5:16-30
Fully God and Fully man
Jesus Christ, the Son of God and second person of the Trinity, is God. He is of the same essence as the Father and equal to him. At just the right time, according to the predestined plan of God, the eternal Son became a man. He was made like us in every way, except He was born and remains forever sinless. He neither inherited Adams sin nor did He commit any sin personally. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary. This union of the divine and human made Jesus forever both God and man in one person. He is fully God and fully man. His divine and human natures are neither altered, blended, nor confused. Jesus Christ, the only mediator between God and man, was, and is, fully God and fully man. John 1:1-14, Romans 1:1-4, John 3:16, Matthew 28:18-20, John 14:5-14. John 10:22-39, Galatians 4:1-7, Hebrews 4:14-16, Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-24, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Hebrews 2:5-18
His Humiliation and Exaltation
The Lord Jesus willingly accepted his appointment as mediator and perfectly fulfilled that office. He endured the most severe tortures of soul and body, was crucified, buried, and remained under the power of death for three days, without seeing corruption. He rose from the dead on the third day. He ascended into heaven, where he sat down at the Father’s right hand and intercedes for his people. From the Father’s right hand he shall physically return at the end of the world to judge all men and angels. John /0:14-18, Galatians 3:10-14, Isaiah 53, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8~ Acts’ 1:1-11, Acts 13:34-3 7, Romans 8:31-34, 2 Timothy 4:1-5
He Perfectly Satisfied the Justice of God
By his perfect obedience (active obedience) and sacrifice of himself to God (passive obedience), the Lord Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, satisfied fully the justice of God and purchased for his people their complete salvation. Romans 3:21-26, Hebrews 9:11-15, Hebrews 10:1-18
He is the Only Redeemer of Those Saved in the Old Testament as well
The price of redemption was not paid by Jesus Christ until after his coming in human flesh. But the benefits of his finished work were applied retroactively to God’s elect living before the cross, as well as to those of us who have followed. By means of promises, types, sacrifices, and ceremonies, the Messiah is progressively revealed to be the woman’s “offspring” who would crush the head of the serpent. He is “the lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.” He is the same Savior for all the elect “yesterday, today, and forever.” Galatians 4:1-7, Romans 3:21-26, Romans 4:1-8, John 3:16. Genesis 3, Hebrews 10:1-18, Colossians 2:13-23, Revelation 5, Revelation 13:1-10, Hebrews 13:1-8
Jesus Christ, as our Prophet, Priest, and King
The three offices of Jesus Christ, our Messiah, are necessary for us. Because of our ignorance we need him to be our Prophet. Because of our separation from God we need him to be our Priest so that we can be made to be acceptable to him. Because we have rebelled against him and have become God-haters there is absolutely no way for us to return to him, therefore we need him to be our King to convince, draw, deliver, and preserve us for his heavenly kingdom. 1 Timothy 2:1-7, John 1:15-I& Colossians 1:21-22, Romans 5:9-1/, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 6:44
11. The Will of Man
The Freedom of the Will
All men have been created with freedom of choice. They are free to do whatever they want to do. God never forces men to do anything against their will. Genesis 1:26-2 7, Genesis 2:15-16, John 3:16, Romans 9:10-21, Romans 3:9-20
The Bondage of the Will
As a result of the Fall man not only lost eternal life, but also his power to choose God or good. This is not to say that fallen man does not have the ability to choose~ he does. What we are saying is that as a result of the Fall man is now a God-hater and is in bondage to his nature. He will on his own never choose to trust in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. He will as an exercise of his freedom of choice freely choose eternal damnation rather than eternal life. Ephesians 2:1-10, John 6:44,1 Corinthians 2:14
The Will of the Believer in This Life
When God saves us, he works in us in such a way that we want to repent of our sins and receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. As a believer God makes us willing to choose that which pleases him, and gives us the power to do it. God works in such a way as to make us want what he wants without forcing us to do it. Nevertheless, in this life, the believer will never be able to live perfectly for his Lord. John 1:12-13, Romans 6:15-18, Ac/s 11:18, Acts 16.11-15, Ephesians 2:1-10, Galatians 5:16-18
The Will of the Believer After Death
It is not until the believer dies and enters into heaven that he will be made perfectly and unchangeably free to will only what is good. He will want to do good and good alone for all eternity. Galatians 5:16-18, Revelation 21,22
12. God’s Irresistible Call
The Outward Call
The outward or general call of God is the free offer of the gospel to all without exception. God desires all to come to faith in Jesus Christ, yet he has not provided atonement for the sins of all. This outward call can be, and is, resisted by the reprobate. The reprobate is the non-elect. They will never believe the gospel. John 3:16, Acts 17:29-31, Matthew 22:1-14. Matthew 23:3 7-3 9, I Timothy 2:3-7, 2 Peter 3:1-9, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Romans 9:10-24
The Inward Call
Only the elect receive the inward or specific call of God. At a time appointed by God, those whom he has predestined to eternal life are irresistibly drawn, by his Word and Spirit, out of the state of spiritual death which they are in by nature, to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our God enables them to understand the things of God, convicts them of their sin and danger, moves them to genuine sorrow and
repentance. He changes their hearts, and makes them willing to believe and obey the gospel. In his irresistible call he does not force anyone to come against their will. They come because they want to come. They want to come because he has made them want to come. Romans 8:28-30, John 6:35-40, Matthew 11:25-26, John 6:44, John 3:1-8, Romans 9:10-2], Romans 10:14-15, Ephesians 2:1-10, Acts 11:18, Romans 6
God Alone Gets the Credit
The irresistible call of God is not based on anything man has done, is doing, or will do. For anyone to respond and embrace the free offer of the gospel he must first be empowered by the Spirit of God. This is the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Romans 9:10-2]. John 6:44, John 1:12-13, John 3:1-8, Romans 8:5-11, Titus 3:3-8
Infants and Mentally Disabled
Infants, pre-born or newly born, and the mentally disabled are guilty of Adam’s sin and deserve eternal damnation. If God so desired he could elect and save all of them in Jesus Christ. But, the Bible is silent concerning this matter. Though we don’t know the fate of these individuals we can entrust them to our God who will do what is right. Romans 5:12-21, Romans 6:23
Those not Chosen
Those not chosen by our God, the non-elect or reprobate, will never respond to the outward call of the gospel. Their end is eternal damnation. All who go to hell go as God-haters. They do not want to go to heaven, choosing rather eternal separation from their Creator . Matthew 7:13-23, Revelation 20:11-15, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Romans 3:10-18
13. Justification
Justification through Faith
God freely justifies, that is, declares them to be accepted, all those he irresistibly calls to himself He does not justify by infusing righteousness in them, but by pardoning their sins and viewing them as righteous. He does not justify them because of anything they have done, but for Christ’s sake alone. God imputes, or places, in their account the righteousness of Jesus Christ, which is his perfect obedience to the law (active obedience) and his death on the cross as the payment for the penalty of sin (passive obedience). They receive this justification by faith in Jesus Christ. This justifying faith is a gift of God and is not something that we are able to produce or attain on our own. Romans 3:21-3], John 6:44. Romans 4:1-25, Romans 5:12-21, Ephesians 2:4-10, Romans 10:3-4
The Payment for Justification
Jesus Christ, through his obedience and death on the cross, completely paid the debt for sin that was owed by those who were to believe and be justified. He fully satisfied all the claims which God’s justice had upon them. The justification of the elect is a work of God’s grace, for no one deserves or wants to be saved. Hebrews /0:1-14, Romans 3:19-31, Isaiah 53, Ephesians 2:1-10
When are the elect Justified?
From eternity past, God decreed the justification of his elect. At just the right time Jesus Christ died for their sins and was resurrected for their justification. Nevertheless, the elect are not personally justified until the Holy Spirit, at the appointed time, applies the saving work of Jesus Christ to them, then they believe and are justified. Ephesians 1.2, Titus 3:3-7, Romans 5:6-11, Romans 4:1-8, Romans 10:9-15
Justification in the Old Testament
Believers in the Old Testament were justified in the same way as believers in the New Testament. Romans 4, Galatians 3
14. Adoption
God adopts all those he justifies into his eternal family. When they are adopted they become children of God and inherit rights and privileges, which include receiving the Holy Spirit, by whom they cry “Abba” or “Father,” access in prayer to the throne of grace, and the Father’s provision, protection, and loving concern. They also receive the discipline of the Father so that they will become more and more like him in holiness. Once someone has been adopted by the Father he will never be rejected or lost. As joint-heirs with Jesus Christ they inherit eternal life. Ephesians 1:5-6, Romans 8:5-39, Hebrews 121-13
15. Sanctification
The New Heart
Those who have received Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord have been regenerated and have received a new heart. This new heart consists of a new desire created by God the Holy Spirit to make Jesus Christ the Lord of their life. Before someone becomes a believer he is a God-hater. He is in bondage to his sin. This means that he is unable to do, and doesn’t want to do, anything that pleases the true God. As a result of conversion he now is a God-lover who desires to please the God of Scripture. Romans 6, Hebrews 8:7-13, Romans 8:1-17, Ephesians 2:1-10
Struggling with Sin
It is God’s good pleasure that believers struggle with evil desires throughout their entire Christian life. Perfection will never be experienced by the believer in this life. There will never be a time, this side of heaven when the child of God will be able to do anything that is perfectly good. Galatians 5:16-18, Romans 7:14-25
Growth is Guaranteed
Because of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross spiritual growth is guaranteed to the believer. Jesus purchased on the cross a transformed life for everyone who believes. Though the rate and amount of growth will be different for each believer, all Christians will experience a changed life and will bear the fruit of the Spirit. Believers’ may get caught in sin for a season, but they will eventually repent and be restored to fellowship with the Father. Romans 6, Romans 8:1-17, Philippians 1:3-6, 1 John 9-11, Matthew 13:1-23, Revelation 2:7
Ultimate Victory is Guaranteed
It is promised to the believer that he will be preserved till the end. Jesus not only purchased a saving faith and a changed life for his people, he also purchased a guarantee that they will persevere in their faith and enter into heaven. Philippians 1:3-6, Romans 8:28-39, Jude 24-25
16. Saving Faith
Saving Faith is a Gift
Saving faith is a gift of God given to his elect at the appointed time by the Holy Spirit. This gift causes the elect to believe the gospel and enter into the family of God. This faith does not originate with man, nor does it come from any other source; it is a gift of God. Ephesians 2:4-10, Acts 11:18, Acts’ /3:48, John 1:12-13. Titus 3:4-7, John 3: 16, Corinthians 2:6-16
The Effects of Saving Faith
By this saving faith a Christian believes the Bible to be the authoritative Word of God. lie is enabled to believe the Scriptures in all that they teach. The first and primary effect of saving faith is to cause one of the elect to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord, to rest upon him alone for his salvation. Saving faith will result in a life characterized by good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 John 2:3-6. Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 4
17. Repentance
Definition of Repentance
At the appointed time the Holy Spirit grants to each of the elect repentance which causes them to understand their rebellion against God and their guilt which made the death of Jesus Christ necessary for their salvation. Repentance moves all those who receive it to be genuinely sorry for having wronged their God and enables them to turn from their state of self-centeredness to a state of God-centeredness with Jesus Christ as their Lord with a corresponding desire to reflect their Lord to the world through attitude, speech and action. Luke 3:1-20, Acts 2:37-41, Acts 20:21, Acts 11:18, 2 Corinthians 7:2-12, Romans 6:15-18
The Necessity of Repentance
The message of the Gospel, which is to be proclaimed in the entire world, is to turn from our sins in repentance and have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Although repentance is not to be trusted as payment for sins, or as a means of earning pardon (that comes through Jesus Christ alone), there can be no real salvation without it. Acts 2:3 7-41, Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
Continuing Repentance
Besides that initial repentance, without which no one can he saved, repentance is a lifelong concern for the believer since it involves not only new thinking but new actions. Since the believer is not free from sin until he dies and enters into God’s presence, it is his desire, and responsibility to repent of all known sin. All true believers will exhibit a life marked by repentance due to their continuing desire to put off the old with its sins and practices and put on the new in holiness and righteousness. I.John 1:5-2:2, Matthew 5:1-7:27, I John 3:9-10
18. Good Works
Definition of Good Works
Good works are only those works that are in agreement with the Word of God and motivated by a desire to please the God of Scripture. Only believers are capable of doing good works. I Corinthians 10:31, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 3:9-20, Ephesians 2:8-10
Good Works are Proof of Saving Faith
Good works are the evidence of a true saving faith. Although you are not saved because of your works, you are not saved without them. Good works are part of that salvation that Jesus purchased on the cross for the elect. You cannot receive one part of salvation, such as faith, without also receiving good works or a changed life. Ephesians 2:8-10, James 2:14-26, Romans 8:5-17, 1 John 2:3-6
The Source of Good Works
The motivation and ability to do good works does not come from the believer, but from the work of the Holy Spirit who is working in him. All credit for good works must go to God alone. Ephesians 2:8-10, John 15:1-4, Hebrews 8:7-13, Titus 3:4-7, Philippians 1:6
Salvation is Not Earned
The believer’s best good works cannot earn him eternal life. Everything the believer does is tainted with sin. The only reason the believer’s good works are accepted as good works is because he is viewed as being in Christ. Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 4, Galatians 3:1-14, Galatians 5:16-18, Philippians 3:12-14, Ephesians 1:11-14
The Works of the Unsaved
The only works that are acceptable to God and bring him pleasure are those works that come from a regenerate heart, done according to his Word, and done for the purpose of pleasing him. Religious or humanitarian works done by unregenerate people may be called great in the eyes of the world, and helpful to themselves and others, yet they cannot please God. Romans 3:9-20, 1 Corinthians /0:31
19. Assurance of Salvation
Definition of Assurance
Assurance is the conviction that the promises of the gospel apply to you. The Holy Spirit gives assurance to all believers at conversion. Therefore, all who have saving faith will also have assurance of salvation. Romans 8:5-17, John 10:22-30, /0, Acts 13:48
Struggles with Assurance
A true believer will never completely lose his assurance of salvation. He may struggle with his assurance for a period of time, but he will eventually regain his full assurance. The objective promises of the gospel and evidence of a changed life are used by the Holy Spirit to aid the believer in recovering his full assurance. Romans 8:5-17, 2 Peter 1:10-li, John 3:16, 1 John 3:9-10
20. The Law of God
The Essence of All Law
The essence of all Law is summed up in these two commandments, “Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:3 7-40
The Moral Law
The Moral Law is the law that is applicable at any particular period of time. The Moral Law is not described as the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:1-17, Ephesians 4:1 7-6:9
The First Law
God, the Creator and Lawgiver, gave Adam the law that he must not eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The penalty for disobedience to this law was death, while the promise for obedience was life. From this point on, all of mankind is responsible to obey every law which God requires of them. Genesis 2:15-17, I John 3:4, Romans 6:23
The Oral Law
These are the laws that were given to Adam and Eve that are not recorded in Scripture. One can only assume that these laws were passed down to each succeeding generation. Genesis 4:1-16
The Law of the Conscience
This describes that sense of right and wrong that everyone experiences but no one is able to live up to. This law is the result of man being made in the image of God. Even with the sin of Adam and the resulting distortion of the image in man there is still some part of the image remaining. This law is not exact and can be distorted. Yet, the law of the conscience condemns all men for no one is able to live up to its expectations. Romans 1:26-32, Romans 2:12-16
The Mosaic Law
This is the body of law that was given by the Lord to Moses on Mount Sinai for the nation of Israel. The Ten Commandments are the essence of the Mosaic Law. The Mosaic Law was directly applicable during the period of time from the giving of the law at Mount Sinai to the ushering in of the New Covenant Era at Pentecost. The Mosaic Law is the Moral Law in an Old Covenant setting. This law, in its entirety has been fulfilled through the death of Christ on the cross and does not have any claim on the believer today. Exodus 19,20, Exodus 34:27-28, Deuteronomy 4:12-14, Deuteronomy 9:7-10, Galatians 3:15-25, Hebrews 7:11-i 9, Hebrews 8:7-13, Galatians 4:21-31,Col. 2:14, Acts 2:1-21
The Law of Christ
This is the body of law that came through Jesus and the Apostles that is directly applicable to believers today. The Law of Christ is the Moral Law in a New Covenant Setting. I Corinthians 9:19-23, Galatians 6:1-5
21. Worship
The Object of our Worship
True worship is to be given to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to him alone. Worship is not to be offered to angels, saints, Mary the mother of Jesus, or any other creature. Since the fall of man into sin, worship cannot be offered to God without the mediation of Jesus Christ, our great high priest. The mediation of the priests in the Old Testament era served only to foreshadow the redeemer, who is the only mediator between God and man. Matthew 22:34-40, Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 4:8-1/, Hebrews 9:1-10:18, 1 Timothy 2:1-7
The Place of Worship
The “House of the Lord” is an Old Covenant concept that referred first to the Tabernacle, and then to the Temple. True worship, in the New Covenant era, is not confined to any particular location or building. Believers, both individually and corporately, are now the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Exodus 23:19, 1 Kings 8:41-43, .John 4:1-2& Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 6J8-20
The Day of Worship
Although the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the first day of the week, called the Lord’s Day, believers are not commanded to meet together on this day. Sunday is not the Christian Sabbath. The Sabbath was a picture of our salvation and has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The commandment requiring the keeping of the Sabbath day came to an end at the close of the Old Covenant era. In the New Covenant era believers are commanded to gather together with the people of God, the church. Matthew 28:1-10, Acts 20:2 7, Colossians 2:6-23, lIe brews 4:1-11, Hebrews 10:24-25
22. Civil Government
Ordained by God
All governing authorities have been appointed by God. Therefore, to rebel against any of these authorities is to rebel against God. Romans 13:1-7, 15
Governing Authorities have Limited Authority
The believer is bound to obey the governing authorities as long as he is not required to do something that the Word of God prohibits or is prohibited from doing something that the Word of God commands. Romans 13:1-7, Acts 4:1-22
Participation in Civil Government
Since civil government is ordained by God, it is proper for the believer to participate in it in any capacity. In his participation, though, he must not violate his conscience as it is held captive to the Word of God. Romans 13:1-7, Luke 3:1-14. Acts 10:1-8
Giving Civil Authorities Their Due
Believers are commanded in Scripture to pray for those in authority, to treat them with respect, to pay taxes and to obey their commands. The spiritual condition of those in authority is irrelevant. I Timothy 2:1-7. Romans 13:1-7
23. Marriage and Divorce
Definition of Marriage
Marriage was established by God to join a man and a woman together for life. A believer is only allowed to marry another believer. Genesis 2:18-25, Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Corinthians 7:39-40, Romans 7:1-3
Purpose of Marriage
Marriage serves a variety of God-ordained purposes. Its primary purpose is that it functions as a picture of the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. It is a Covenant of Companionship and is given by God to provide Man with a companion. A secondary purpose is procreation and along with that it provides a legitimate outlet for our sexual drive. Genesis 2:18-25, Genesis 1:26-31, Malachi 2:13-14, 1 Corinthians 7.1-7, Ephesians 5:22-33
The Legitimacy of Singleness
Although most individuals will get married, there is a special enabling for some to be single. Singleness provides a greater freedom for service to the Lord and is to be honored in the church. Biblical singleness is a state without immorality. Matthew 19:10-12, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, 1 Corinthians 7:8-9
Grounds for Divorce
There are two legitimate reasons for a believer to seek a divorce. The first reason is adultery. The second reason is when the unbelieving spouse leaves. This is also called willful desertion. Matthew 19:1-12, 1 Corinthians 7:10-16
Grounds for Remarriage
Remarriage is always allowed after a divorce, except for the professed believer who, as a believer, divorces someone for an unbiblical reason. Matthew 19:8-9, 1 Corinthians 7:10-16
24. The Role of Women
Men and Women are Equal
The Scriptures clearly state that men and women are equal before the Lord. The priesthood of all the believers, both men and women, teaches this truth in a straightforward way. Galatians 3:26-29, I Peter 2:4-12
Men and Woman have Different Roles
In the beginning God made man male and female. He made Adam first, and then made Eve from Adam’s rib. This order of creation, and Gods decree, subordinates wives to their husbands in marriage, and women to men in the church. As an act of submission to their Creator women are commanded to submit to their husbands and to male leadership in the church. Women are not allowed to teach or have authority over men in any formal capacity in the church. Genesis 2:4-25, 1 Timothy 2, Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
25. The Church
The Universal Church
All of God’s elect who have ever lived, are now living, or ever will live; make up the one true universal or catholic church. Under Jesus Christ, the head, the church is his bride, his building, his body, and his kingdom. though his authority is by no means confined to the church alone. Ephesians 1:3-14. Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Corinthians 3:5-11, Colossians 1:15-20, Matthew 28:18-20
The Local Church
In addition to that one catholic or universal church, which is fully known only by God, Scripture also speaks of the local church. All professed believers are commanded to gather together in local bodies for worship, teaching, and encouragement. The local church is God’s primary vehicle for building up the believer in the faith. Revelation 1:4-3:22, Galatians 1: 1-2, Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47, 1Corinthians 14:26, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:9-16
Church Officers
Local churches, when biblically ordered, have elders and deacons as their officers. Elders are responsible to shepherd and teach the local church. The elders are the final authority in the church. They are to be qualified according to the qualifications of I Timothy 3 and Titus I. They are never allowed to lord it over the people. There ought to be more than one elder. All the elders have equal authority and are the pastors of the church. Titus 1:5-16, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Ephesians 4:9-16, Philippians 1:1-2, Acts 14:2/-25, Hebrews 13:17, Matthew 20:20-28
Deacons are Elders helpers. They are called to serve when the elders decide that they need to delegate some of their work. Deacons are to meet the qualifications of I Timothy 3. Women are not allowed to be elders or deacons. I Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6.1-6, I Timothy 2:11-15
Church Discipline
It is the responsibility of the local church to exercise church discipline. The method to be used is described in Matthew 18:1 5-17. The first step is to appeal to the offender alone, if there is no repentance then you appeal to him with one or two others. Finally, you bring him before the church and appeal to him once more to repent. If he does not repent he is put out of the church and is viewed as an unbeliever. Those in the church are responsible to call him to repentance. They are not allowed to have normal relations with him as long as he remains in an unrepentant condition. Any verifiable sin is grounds for church discipline. When someone is removed from the church, or excommunicated, he is denying that he wants Jesus Christ to be his Lord. Denial of the Lordship of Christ is a denial that one has saving faith. That is why all those who are put out of the church are viewed as unbelievers. Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Galatians 6:1-5, 1 Timothy 5:17-20, 1 John 2:3-6
26. The Ordinances
The New Covenant people of God have been given two ceremonies to perform. They are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Both of these ordinances were instituted by Jesus Christ and are to be observed by the church until the Lord returns. The ordinances are outward pictures of spiritual truths. There is no saving power in the ordinances. Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 6:1-4, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Luke 22:7-38, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
26.a. Baptism
The Meaning of Baptism
The ordinance of Baptism is the outward profession of faith for the believer. It is an outward sign of an inward reality. When someone is baptized they are saying that they are now trusting in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation, and desire that He and He alone be the Lord of their life. Baptism is a necessary part of the Great Commission of Jesus Christ and is to be practiced by his church until the end of the world. Romans 6:1-4. 1 Peter 3:18-22, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:37-4117
The Mode of Baptism
The key element in the ordinance of baptism is water. The method of baptism that seems to fit the picture of Scripture is immersing the believer in water, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This symbolizes death, burial and resurrection with Jesus Christ. Immersion is the preferable method of baptism but sprinkling and pouring have also been recognized as accepyable forms of the ordinance of baptism. I Peter 3:18-22, Romans 6:1-4, Acts 8:36-40
The Practice of Baptism
Scripture recognizes every believer as a priest. Therefore, any believer is authorized to perform the ordinance of baptism. Since baptism is the believer’s formal profession of faith, and since many of the baptisms recorded in Scripture are private, it is not necessary for there to he a public service of baptism. It is perfectly proper for a believer to baptize someone once they have professed faith in Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:9-10, Acts 26-40, Acts 16:16-40
26.b. The Lord’s Supper
Institution
The Lord’s Supper was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ on the night he was betrayed. This ordinance of the New Covenant age is to be observed in the church until the end of the world. Matthew 26:1 7-30, / Corinthians 11:17-34
The Meaning of the Lord’s Supper
The elements, the bread and the fruit of the vine, are a reminder of the sacrifice on the cross of Jesus Christ for his people. The bread symbolizes his body which was cursed on our behalf, and the fruit of the vine symbolizes his blood which was poured out for the forgiveness of our sins and the purchase of our salvation. The elements of the Lord’s Supper do not become the actual body and blood of the Lord (Transubstantiation). Jesus is not physically present even though the elements remain bread and the fruit of the vine (Consubstantiation or Real Presence). Jesus is not spiritually present in a way that he is not present at any other time. The Lords Supper is a memorial. It is time to remember the most important part of our faith, the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, as a payment for our salvation. Luke 22:7-23, I Corinthians 11: / 7-34
The Warning
Any believer who takes part in the Lord’s Supper in an irreverent manner, or is willfully hanging on to a sin, is eating and drinking judgment on himself. Our Lord promises to discipline all those who do not take to heart the seriousness of commemorating the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Sickness and death are two forms of discipline mentioned in Scripture. 1 Corinthians 11:27-32
27. The State of Men After Death and the Resurrection of the Dead
What Happens at Death
When we die our bodies decompose and return to dust. Our souls or spirits (both terms refer to the real you) live on forever. At .death believers are received into heaven where they will be with the Lord and will await the full redemption of their bodies. Unbelievers are immediately ushered into hell, where they experience conscious torment while they are awaiting the great Day of Judgment. The Bible knows of no other place for souls at death. Genesis 3:19, Matthew 16:24-28, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 8:18-25, Philippians 1:21-26, Mat/hew /3:24-43
What Happens When Christ Comes
Believers who are alive at the second coming of Jesus Christ will not die. They will be instantly changed while the bodies of the dead ill he raised and forever united with their souls. / Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 24. / Corinthians 15:12-58
What Happens at the Resurrection of the Dead
By the power of Jesus Christ, the bodies of all men will be raised and united to their souls. The Unbeliever will be sent to the Lake of Fire, while the believer, in a perfected body, will be with the Lord forever. I Corinthians 15:12-58, Revelation 20:/I-IS, Philippians 3:20-21, John 5:28-30
28. The Last Judgment
God has appointed a day when he will judge the world with perfect justice through Jesus Christ, to whom he has given all power and authority. On that day the fallen angels will be judged as well as everyone who has ever lived on the earth. All must appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give account for everything they have done, their thoughts, words, and actions, while they lived on the earth. The Lord Jesus will give his unchangeable verdict on that day, forever sealing the destinies of all. The wicked will be sent into the Lake of Fire to experience eternal torment, while the righteous, those whom Jesus purchased on the cross, will be rewarded and will enter into eternal life. John 5:16-30, Jude 5-7, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 20:11-15
Our Constitution and Confession of Faith
THE CONSTITUTION OF HARVEST BIBLE CHURCH OF ARIZONA
NAME
The name of this fellowship of believers is Harvest Bible Church of Arizona (HBC). HBC is a REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH holding to New Covenant Theology.
PURPOSE
The purpose of HBC is to build up the believer in the Faith so that he or she will be able to function as a believer/priest in the body of Christ, and as an ambassador for the King of Kings to the world.
GOVERNMENT
1. The Fellowship shall he guided in all matters by the Elders.
2. The Elders shall have the final say in all matters pertaining to the Fellowship.
3. Elders shall be chosen by the then existing Elders.
4. The term of an Elder is for life, unless he removes himself or is removed by his fellow Elders.
5. The Deacon is an Elders’ helper.
6. Deacons shall be appointed by the Elders as the Elders deem necessary.
7. Deacons shall serve for as long as the Elders deem necessary.
MEMBERSHIP
I. Harvest Bible Church has no formal membership.
2. One is viewed by the Elders as being an informal member when he has fulfilled the following requirements:
A. He attends Harvest Bible Church.
B. He seems to have a genuine profession of faith.
C. He gives evidence of desiring to be a part of the life of the Fellowship.
D. He calls Harvest Bible Church his church home.
3. One will not be asked to be involved in the ministry of the church if he has not fulfilled the informal membership requirements.
CHURCH DISCIPLINE
Harvest Bible Church recognizes its need to exercise Biblical discipline to bring fellow believers caught in sin to repentance and restoration, and to protect the purity of the Fellowship. This discipline will be administered according to the guidelines of the Word of God.
Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, Titus 3:9-11
AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION
The constitution may by changed by the decision of the Elders.
NAME
The name of this fellowship of believers is Harvest Bible Church of Arizona (HBC). HBC is a REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH holding to New Covenant Theology.
PURPOSE
The purpose of HBC is to build up the believer in the Faith so that he or she will be able to function as a believer/priest in the body of Christ, and as an ambassador for the King of Kings to the world.
GOVERNMENT
1. The Fellowship shall he guided in all matters by the Elders.
2. The Elders shall have the final say in all matters pertaining to the Fellowship.
3. Elders shall be chosen by the then existing Elders.
4. The term of an Elder is for life, unless he removes himself or is removed by his fellow Elders.
5. The Deacon is an Elders’ helper.
6. Deacons shall be appointed by the Elders as the Elders deem necessary.
7. Deacons shall serve for as long as the Elders deem necessary.
MEMBERSHIP
I. Harvest Bible Church has no formal membership.
2. One is viewed by the Elders as being an informal member when he has fulfilled the following requirements:
A. He attends Harvest Bible Church.
B. He seems to have a genuine profession of faith.
C. He gives evidence of desiring to be a part of the life of the Fellowship.
D. He calls Harvest Bible Church his church home.
3. One will not be asked to be involved in the ministry of the church if he has not fulfilled the informal membership requirements.
CHURCH DISCIPLINE
Harvest Bible Church recognizes its need to exercise Biblical discipline to bring fellow believers caught in sin to repentance and restoration, and to protect the purity of the Fellowship. This discipline will be administered according to the guidelines of the Word of God.
Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, Titus 3:9-11
AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION
The constitution may by changed by the decision of the Elders.