IMPORTANT BIBLE TRUTHS
These prominent teachings of the Church do not constitute a creed or complete statement of beliefs, for the Church of God of Prophecy accepts the whole Bible as the inspired Word of God.
These “Important Bible Truths” constitute the doctrinal distinctives, which help make the Church of God of Prophecy unique among the many other organizations preaching the fundamental principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These Truths, which are listed along with selected scriptural reference, are an indication of our continuing commitment to walk in the light to the best of our knowledge and ability.
REPENTANCE: Repentance is both a condition and an act; it is the state of being in godly sorry for sins committed and the act of turning from and forsaking those sins. “For Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10. Read Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19. Repentance is a prerequisite for justification
JUSTIFICATION: Justification is both a state and an act; it is the state of being void of offense toward God brought about by the act of God in forgiving actual transgressions for which one has repented. It is the result of repentance and faith. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1. Read Romans 3:23-26; Titus 3:7. Justification precedes regeneration.
REGENERATION: Regeneration is an act of God performed in the justified heart whereby new, spiritual life is generated. Man is dead in trespasses and sin through Adam; he must be quickened or regenerated through Christ. It is a vital part of the plan of salvation by faith. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. Also read Ephesians 2:1-2 & 4-5; John 5:24. Regeneration is simultaneous with the new birth.
BORN AGAIN: To be born again is to become a new creature in Christ and a child of God. This new birth is the result of repentance and justification. It is a definite and instantaneous experience wrought in the heart accompanied by a definite inner witness. There is no other way to enter the kingdom of God. (However, the new birth does not make one a member of the Church of God.) Read John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23. The new birth is a prerequisite for the experience of sanctification.
SANCTIFICATION: Sanctification is the second definite work of grace, subsequent to justification. It is an instantaneous work wrought in the regenerated heart by the Holy Ghost with the blood of Jesus. Whereas in justification an individual’s personal transgressions are blotted out, in sanctification the Adamic nature, or inbred sin, is eradicated by the blood of Christ, or crucified. “knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6: 6, 7. Read Romans 5:2; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4, 7; Hebrews 13:12,13; 1 John 1:9. Sanctification restores man to holiness in Christ and enables him, by God’s grace, to live a life of holiness. It also makes one eligible for the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
HOLINESS: Holiness is the state of being free from sin, a condition made possible by the experience of sanctification. God requires man to live without sin in the present world and provided the means through the shed blood of Christ. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11,12. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14. Read Luke 1:74, 75; I Thessalonians 4:7; Ephesians 4:24; I Peter 1:15, 16. Holiness is a necessity not only for the individual but also for the Church, the Holy Body of Christ. Read also Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Psalms 93:5.
WATER BAPTISM: Water baptism is the act of being immersed completely in water according to the commandment and instructions of Christ. This ordinance has no power to wash away sin but is the answer of a good conscience toward God, representing the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ through which one has obtained new life. Only those who have already been born again are eligible for water baptism. “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God.) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21. Jesus teaches us to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 28:19. Read Mark 1:8–10; 16:15,16; John 3:22,23, Acts 10:47, 48; 16:33; Romans 6:3-5.
BABTISM WITH THE HOLY GHOST: When a person is sanctified wholly he is eligible for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. This indwelling is a definite and instantaneous experience described in the Scriptures by the word “baptism.” And is always accompanied by the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. It has no reference to water baptism, regeneration, or sanctification. It is the filling of the temple already made clean by sanctification. It is not a work of grace but a gift of God in answer to the prayer of Christ. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is an enduement of power for service. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8. Read Matthew 3:11; Luke 11:13; Acts 1:4; 19:2; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17.
SPEAKING IN TONGUES: Speaking in tongues, as the Spirit gives utterance, is the initial, physical evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. No one ever receives the Holy Ghost without speaking in tongues. This is separate and distinct from the gift of tongues, which is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit. “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4. Read Acts 10:44-46 and 19:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 11; 14:2, 4,15.
FULL RESTORATION OF THE GIFTS TO THE CHURCH: The gifts of the Spirit were set in the Church to be operated by the Spirit according to the will of God. They are manifested through individual members, but individuals do not personally posses the gifts. Therefore, since the gifts are given to the Church and not to individuals, a spiritual gift cannot be taken away by one who leaves the Church. These gifts were all operated in the Church before it went into the Dark Ages, and were all restored to the Church when it arose out of darkness. Read Romans 12:6–9; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28-31; Ephesians 4:8-13.
SIGNS FOLLOWING BELIEVERS: Miraculous signs and wonders will accompany the works and ministry of true believers. These signs are recorded in Mark 16:17 – 20, And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Read Romans 15:18, 19; Hebrews 2:4.
FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT: The Spirit-filled life will manifest the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit cannot be manifested by the flesh or by human nature. It is divine in origin and must spring from a Spirit-filled heart. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23. The fruit of the Spirit cannot be manifested by the flesh or by human nature. It is divine in origin and must spring from a Spirit filled heart. Read Ephesians 5:9
DEVINE HEALING; provided for all in the atonement…Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross, provided not only for the salvation of the souls of men but also for the healing of man’s physical ailments. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy disease.” Psalms 103:2,3. Divine healing is accomplished by the power of God without the aid of medicine or surgical skills. This healing virtue is available to all who believe, the same as salvation. Read Isaiah 53: 4,5; Matthew 8:17; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24.
THE LORD’S SUPPER: The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ and is a sacred ordinance which we are commanded to observe. The Supper consists of unleavened bread, which represents His body broken on the cross for our sins, and the wine (unfermented grape juice), which represents the blood of Christ shed for our sanctification. This ordinance is observed in commemoration of Christ and his death. Only sinless and consecrated Christians are eligible to partake of this Supper. Read Luke 22: 17-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16,17; 11:23-30.
WASHING THE SAINT’S FEET: Feet washing was instituted by Jesus on the night of the Last Supper and is a New Testament ordinance we are commanded to observe, as much so as communion. Its observance was taught by the apostles and practiced by the Early Church. Charity and good works do not fulfill this obligation. Read John 13: 4-17; 1 Timothy 5:10.
TITHING AND GIVING: Tithing is the paying of one tenth of our increase into the treasury of the Church. It began with Abraham, continued under the law, and received Christ’s approval. The obligation of tithing is not fulfilled by giving ten percent to the poor or to some good cause but only by paying it into the Church treasury. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint: and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Matthew 23:23. The obligation for tithing is not fulfilled by giving ten percent to the poor or to some good cause but only by paying it into the Church treasury. Giving differs from and is in addition to tithing. Both are parts of God’s plan to finance His work on earth. Read Genesis 14:18-20, Malachi 3:10; Luke 11:42; 1 Corinthians 9:13; 14; 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Hebrews 7:1-10.
RESTITUTION WHERE POSSIBLE: Restitution is the act of restoring something wrongfully taken or the satisfying of one who has been wronged. God requires those who become converted to perform such tasks if at all possible.
“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” Luke 19: 8 – 9. Read Matthew 3:8; Romans 13:8.
PRE-MILLENNIAL SECOND COMING OF JESUS: Christ is coming back to earth again. First, to resurrect the dead saints and to catch away the living saints to meet Him in the air, where they will attend the marriage supper of the Lamb. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 20:4,5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:51,52.
Second, to return with the saints to reign on earth “…And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” Revelation 20:4,5. Read Zechariah 14:4-9; Revelation 5”10’ 19:11-16; 20:4-6.
RESURRECTION: All the dead, both righteous and wicked, will be resurrected. The righteous dead will be raised in the first resurrection, which is at Christ’s appearing. The resurrection of the wicked dead will occur after the thousand years reign of Christ on earth. “And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” Acts 24:15. Read Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; 1 Corinthians 15:12-23, 41-58; Revelation 20:5,6
ETERNAL LIFE FOR THE RIGHTEOUS: Those who die in the Lord and those who are serving Him when He returns will receive a reward of eternal life – eternal happiness in the presence of the Lord. “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46. Read Luke 18:29,30; John 10”27,28; Romans 6:22; 1 John 5:11-13.
ETERNAL PUNISHMENT FOR THE WICKED: Our life in this present world determines our eternal reward. The unconverted and the wicked are doomed to eternal punishment, from which there is no escape – no liberation or annihilation. “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:8.
TOTAL ABSTINENCE FROM ALL LIQUOR OR STRONG DRINKS: The Bible expressly forbids the use of intoxicating beverages. Even slight indulgence is sinful and not in keeping with scriptural standards of holiness. The wine Jesus made was unfermented “new” wine. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived there by is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. Read Isaiah 28:7; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:18.
AGAINST USE OF TOBACCO IN ANY FORM, OPUM, MORPHINE, ETC…: The use of tobacco is forbidden, as well as the habitual use of narcotics. These sinful attractions defile the temple of the Holy Ghost, and are outward evidence of an un-pure heart. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1. Read Isaiah 55:2; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 10:31; Ephesians 5:3-8; James 1:21.
ON MEATS AND DRINKS: The New Testament makes no rigid rule concerning what the Christian shall eat or drink (with the exception of strong drink). Thus, we have no right to judge what our brother eats or what he drinks. The legal restrictions of Jewish law concerning these were not extended into the Grace Dispensation. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink: but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17. Read Romans 14:2-17; 1 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
ON THE SABBATH: The observance of the Sabbath was a requirement of Jewish law and, as such, was not carried over into the Grace Dispensation. Sunday is not the Sabbath but is merely a day set aside to give special attention to the worship of God. Instead of keeping only the Sabbath day holy, we are required in this dispensation to keep every day holy. The Jewish Sabbath is a type of Christ, who is our rest rather than the day. “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” Colossians 2:16,17. Read Romans 14:5,6; Hebrews 4:1-11.
ADORNMENT: Jewelry is an idol. Scripture explicitly prohibits the use of adornment for occultic, lascivious, and idolatrous practices. “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing gold, or of putting on of apparel.” 1 Peter 3:3. “In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon. The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers. The bonnets, and the ornaments of their legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings. The rings, and nose jewels.” Isaiah 3:18-22. Read 1 John 2:15-17; Isaiah 42:8
AGAINST BELONGING TO LODGES: The Bible is opposed to the people of God being unequally yoked together with unbelievers; and is opposed to deeds done in secret: and it demands the complete and undivided loyalty of God’s children. “Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I have taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.” John 18:20. Also, many secret societies require the taking of an oath, which is expressly forbidden by Scripture. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; Ephesians 5:12,13.
AGAINST SWEARING: The taking of an oath is a vain thing and condemned by the Scriptures. An affirmation to the truth of anything is sufficient. Also the use of profanity is forbidden. “But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne.” Matthew 5:34. Also the use of profanity is forbidden. Read Exodus 20:7; James 5:12.
DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE EVIL: Jesus affirmed the sanctity of marriage when He said: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mark 10:9. Divorce with a biblically valid marriage, followed by remarriage, constitutes the sin of adultery. “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” Matthew 5:32. Read Matthew 19:3-19. Fornication is not merely marital unfaithfulness or adultery, but, as used in this context, is the state of being in a marriage which God disallows, such as, being married to another person’s wife or husband. Biblically, such marriages are not valid. Therefore, according to Jesus, forsaking it would make the one without a living spouse eligible to enter into a validmarriage with anotherwho alsohas noliving spouse. “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife. And let every woman have her own husband.” I Corinthians 7:2. The only allowable cause for remarriage following a biblically valid marriage is the death of one’s spouse. Read Romans 7:2,3; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 13:1; 1 Corinthians 6:16-18.