Our creed, discipline, and doctrine is the Word of God as revealed by the Holy Ghost. We believe the Bible is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative written Word of God. (John 14:26; I Corinthians 2:9-13; II Timothy 3:16-17).
The basic and fundamental doctrine of this organization shall be the Bible standard of full salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. (Acts 2:38; 8:15-17; 10:44-48; 19:2-6).
Forgiveness of sins is received by obeying and identifying with the gospel message according to Acts 2:38. The word “repentance” comes from several Greek words which mean, change of views and purpose, change of heart, change of mind, change of life, to transform, etc. Jesus said, “…Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3). Luke 24:47 says, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name along all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
We believe that the scriptural mode of water baptism (immersion) is only for believers who have fully repented having turned from their sins and a love of the world, and must be administered by a duly authorized minister of the Gospel, in obedience to the Word of God, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the Acts of the Apostles 2:38; 8:16; 10:47; 19:5, thus fulfilling Matthew 28:19.
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Ghost for believers, obtained by obedience, (Acts 2:38-39; 5:31-32), by asking (Luke 11:13). It is evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4). Also that it is the standard of the normal Christian experience since Pentecost. John the Baptist, in Matthew 3:11, said, “…he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” Jesus said, “…ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” (Acts 1:5) Luke tells us in Acts 2:4, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” It is scriptural to expect all who receive the gift, infilling, or baptism of the Holy Ghost to receive the same, physical, initial sign of speaking with other tongues. The speaking with other tongues, as recorded in Acts 2:4, 10:46, and 19:6, and the gift of tongues, as explained in I Corinthians chapters 12 and 14, are the same in essence, but different in use and purpose. The Lord, through the prophet Joel, said, “…I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh…” (Joel 2:28) Peter, in explaining this phenomenal experience, said, “…having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” (Acts 2:33) Further, “…the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:39)
God is one, who was manifest as the Father in Creation; as the Son in Redemption; and as the Holy Ghost in the believer individually and the Church collectively. Not three persons, but three simultaneous manifestations of One True God. We believe in the One Everlasting, Eternal God; Infinite in power, Holy in Nature, Attributes and Purpose; and possessing absolute, indivisible deity. As eternal Spirit, He is everywhere at once, and cannot be seen, except in the person and face of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 1:3; John 14:4-9; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 44:6-8; John 1:1-14; I John 5:20; Matthew 28:18-19; I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; II Corinthians 5:19; Joel 2:28) The scripture does more than attempt to prove the existence of God; it asserts, assumes and declares that the knowledge of God is universal. (Romans 1:19,21,28,32; Romans 2:15). God is invisible, incorporeal, without parts, without body, and therefore free from all limitations. He is Spirit, John 4:24, and “…a spirit hath not flesh and bones…” (Luke 24:39) “…The first of all commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord” (Mark 12:29, Deuteronomy 6:4). “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:6) This one true God manifest Himself in the Old Testament in dividers ways; in the Son while He walked among men; as the Holy Ghost after the Ascension.
“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“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
A Christian, to keep saved, must walk with God and keep himself in the love of God (Jude 21) and in the grace of God. The word “grace” means “favor” and also means “enablement to live the Christian life”. When a person transgresses and sins against God, he loses his favor. If he continues to commit sin and does not repent, he will eventually be lost and cast into the lake of fire. (Read John 15:2,6; II Peter 2:20-21) Jude speaks of the backsliders of his day, and their reward. (Also, read Hebrews 6:4-6)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
There is one Body or Church; and but one way to enter it. Namely, by faith, as evidenced by true repentance; water baptism in Jesus name; and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which constitutes the new birth. (Ephesians 4:4-6; Acts 2:38,39; John 3:1-11) We are primitive Christians who trace our scriptural history back to Pentecost, and not just another sect. But rather, a part of that great company of true believers, that hold the scriptural form of doctrine and practice.
The work of the church is to evangelize or reach the entire world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This was expressed by Jesus himself; “Go ye therefore…” Matthew 28:19, “…ye shall be witnesses…” Acts 1:8. This necessary duty of evangelism requires the teaching and training of men and women and should be continued not only in regular church services, but in ancillary schools, both in the course of childhood education and in extended adult education. (Acts 5:42, I Timothy 4:11, Deuteronomy 6:7)
Sanctification means to be set apart unto God for a holy purpose. It is the result: The Blood, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. It begins with a work of grace and continues in a walk of grace. No one may claim to be a Christian who is not sanctified. (Hebrews 13:12; Romans 15:16; I John 1:6-7)
Godly living should characterize the life of every living child of the Lord, and we should live according to the pattern and example given in the Word of God. “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) “For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:” (I Peter 2:21-23) See also: Hebrews 12:14; I Timothy 2:9-10; I Peter 3:1-5; I Corinthians 11:1-16, II Corinthians 6:13-18, Romans 12:1-2.