DOCTRINAL STATEMENT FROM PENDLETON'S CHURCH MANUAL DECLARATION OF FAITH
I. OF THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction;1 that it has God for its author, salvation for its end,2 and the truth without any mixture of error for its matter; 3 that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us;4 and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union,5 and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1II Tim. 3:16, 17. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Also II Peter 1:21; II Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16;3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Ps. 119:111; Rom. 3:1,2.
2II Tim. 3:15. -able to make thee wise unto salvation. Also I Peter 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5: 38,39.
3Prov. 30:5, 6. Every word of God is pure,-Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Also 17:17; Rev. 22:18,19; Rom. 3:4.
4Rom. 2:12. As many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law. John 12:47,48. If any man hear my words-the word that I have spoken-the same shall judge him in the last day. Also 1 Cor. 4:3,4. Luke 10:10-16; 12:47,48.
5Phil. 3:16. Let us walk in the same rule; let us mind the same thing. Also Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1, 2; I Cor. 1:10; I Peter 4:11.
6I John 4:1. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God. Isa. 8:20. To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. I Thess. 5:21. Prove all things. II Cor. 13:5. Prove your own selves. Also Acts 17:11; I John 4:6; Jude 3:5; Eph. 6:17; Ps. 119:59, 60; Phil. 1:9-11.
II. OF THE TRUE GOD
We believe that there is one, and only one living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth;`1 inexpressibly glorious in holiness,2 and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love;3 that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost;4 equal in every divine perfection,5 and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1John 4:24. God is a Spirit. Ps. 147:5. His understanding is infinite. Ps. 83:18. Thou whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the Most High over all the earth. Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10.
2Exod. 15:11. Who is like unto Thee-glorious in holiness? Isa. 6:3; I Peter 1:15, 16; Rev. 4:6-8.
3Mark 12:30. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Rev. 4:11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12, 13.
4Matt. 28:19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. John 15:26. When the Comforter is come, whom will I send you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. I Cor. 12:4-6; I John 5:7.
5John 10:30. I and my Father are one. John 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3, 4; I Cor. 2:10, 11; Phil. 2:5,6.
6Eph. 2:18. For through Him [the Son] we both have an access by one Spirit unto the Father. II Cor. 13:14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Rev. 1:4, 5-Comp. 2:7.
III. OF THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker;1 but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state;2 in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners,3 not by constraint but choice;4 being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin,5 without defense or excuse.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1Gen. 1:27. God created man in his own image. Gen. 1:31. And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Eccl. 7:29; Acts 15:26; Gen. 2:16.
2Gen. 3:6-24. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise; she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Therefore the Lord God drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden, Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life. Rom. 5:12.
3Rom. 5:19. By one man's disobedience many were made sinners. John 3:6; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:15-19; 8:7.
4Isa. 53:6. We have turned, every one to his own way. Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-18.
5Eph. 2:1-3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath even as others. Rom. 1:18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Rom. 1:32; 2:1-16; Gal. 3:10; Matt. 20:15.
6Ezek. 18:19, 20. Yet say ye, why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father?-the soul that sinneth it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. Rom. 1:20. So that they are without excuse. Rom. 3:19. That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Gal. 3:22.
IV. OF THE WAY OF SALVATION
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace;1 through the Mediatorial offices of the Son of God;2 who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin;3 honored the divine law by his personal obedience,4 and by his death made a full atonement for our sins;5 that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven;6 and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest symphaties with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour.7
Places in the Bible where taught.
1Eph. 2:5. By grace ye are saved. Matt. 18:11; I John 4:10; I Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11.
2John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24.
3Phil. 2:6, 7. Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Heb. 2:9, 14; II Cor. 5:21.
4Isa. 42:21. The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law and make it honorable. Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4, 5; Rom. 3:21.
5Isa. 53:4, 5. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Matt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25; 3:21-26; I John 4:10; 2:3; I Cor. 15:1-3; Heb. 9:13-15.
6Heb. 1:8. Unto the Son he saith, thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. Heb. 1:3; 8:1; Col. 3:1-4.
7Heb. 7:25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Col. 2:9. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Heb. 2:18. In that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. Heb. 7:26; Ps. 89:19; 45.
V. OF JUSTIFICATION
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ1 secures to such as believe in him is justification;2that justification includes the pardon of sin,3 and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness;4that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood;5 by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God;6 that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.7
Places in the Bible where taught.
1John 1:16. Of his fullness have all we received. Eph. 3:8.
2Acts 13:39. By him all that believe are justified from all things. Isa. 3:11, 12; Rom. 8:1.
3Rom. 5:9. Being justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43.
4Rom. 5:17. They which receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Titus 3:5, 6; I Peter 3:7; I John 2:25; Rom. 5:21.
5Rom. 4:4, 5. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Rom. 5:21; 6:23; Phil. 3:7-9.
6Rom. 5:19. By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Rom. 3:24-28; 4:23-25; I John 2:12.
7Rom. 5:1, 2. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. 5:3. We glory in tribulations also. Rom. 5:11. We also joy in God. I Cor. 1:30, 31; Matt. 6:33; I Tim. 4:8.
VI. OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel;1 that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial penitent and obedient faith;2 and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel;3 which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1Isa. 55:1. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters. Rev. 22:17. Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Luke 14:17.
2Rom. 16:26. The gospel-according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. Mark 1:15. Rom. 1:15-17.
3John 5:40. Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46.
4John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27; II Thess. 1:8.
VII. OF GRACE IN REGENERATION
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again;1 that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind;2 that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth,3 so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel;4 and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life.5
Places in the Bible where taught.
1John 3:3. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:6, 7; I Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9; 21:27.
2II Cor. 5:17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28, 29; 5:5; I John 4:7.
3John 3:8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but cannot tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 1:13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. James 1:16-18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth. I Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13.
4I Peter 1:22-25. Ye have purified your souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit. I John 5:1. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. Eph. 4:20-24; Col. 3:9-11.
5Eph. 5:9. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, and righteousness and truth. Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 3:14-21; Matt. 3:8-10; 7:20; I John 5:4, 18.
VIII. OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God;1 whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ,2 we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy;3 at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1Mark 1:15. Repent ye, and believe the gospel. Acts 11:18. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Eph. 2:8. By grace ye are saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. I John 5:1. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.
2John 16:8. He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement. Acts 2:37, 38. They were pricked in their heart, and said-Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins. Acts 16:30, 31.
3Luke 18:13. And the publican-smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Luke 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; II Cor. 7:11; Rom. 10:12, 13; Ps. 51.
4Rom. 10:9-11. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Acts 3:22, 23; Heb. 5:14; Ps. 2:6; Heb. 1:8; 8:25; II Tim. 1:12.
IX. OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners;1 that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end;2 that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable;3 that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy;4 that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree;5 that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel;6 that it is the foundation of Christian assurance;7 and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.8
Places in the Bible where taught.
1II Tim. 1:8, 9. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, according to the power of God; who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Eph. 1:3-14; I Peter 1:1, 2; Rom. 11:5, 6; John 15:16; I John 4:19; Hosea 12:9.
2II Thess. 2:13, 14. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth; whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14.
3Exod. 33:18, 19. And Moses said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory. And he said, I will cause all my goodness to pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee, and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. Matt. 20:15. It is not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Is thine eye evil because I am good? Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23, 14; Jer. 31:3; Rom. 11:28, 29; James 1:17, 18; II Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32-36.
4I Cor. 4:7. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not receiveth it? I Cor. 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; I Cor. 3:5-7; 15:10; I Peter 5:10; Acts 1:24; I Thess. 2:13; I Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; Eph. 1:16; I Thess. 2:12.
5II Tim. 2:10. Therefore I endure all things for the elects' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. I Cor. 9:22. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; II Peter 1:10.
6I Thess. 1:4-10. Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God; for our gospel came unto you, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance, etc.
7Rom. 8:28-31. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called, and whom he called them he also justified, and whom he justified them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29.
8II Peter 1:10, 11. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fail; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11.
X. OF SANCTIFICATION
We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness;1 that it is a progressive work;2 that it is begun in regeneration;3 and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means-especially, the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1I Thess. 4:3. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. I Thess. 5:23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. II Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4.
2Prov. 4:18. The path of the just is as the shining light which shineth more and more unto the perfect day. II Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; II Peter 1:5-8; Phil. 3:12-16.
3If ye know that he [God] is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Rom. 8:5. They that are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. John 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:13, 14.
4Phil. 2:12, 13. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do, of his good pleasure. Eph. 4:11, 12; I Peter 2:2; II Peter 3:18; II Cor. 13:5; Luke 11:35; 9:23; Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18; 4:30.
XI. OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end;1 that their presevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors;2 that a special providence watches over their welfare,3 and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1John 3:81. Then said Jesus-If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. I John 2:27, 28; 3:9; 5:18.
2I John 2:19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out that it might be made manifest that they were not all of us. John 13:18; Matt. 13:20, 21; John 6:66-69; Job 17:9.
3Rom. 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good unto them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Matt. 6:30-33; Jer. 32:40; Ps. 121:3; 91:11, 12.
4Phil. 1:6. He who hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 2:12, 13; Jude 24, 25; Heb. 1:14; II Kings 6:16; Heb. 13:5; I John 4:4.
XII. OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL
We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government;1 that it is holy, just, and good;2 and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin;3 to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1Rom. 3:31. Do we make void the law through faith? God forbid. Yea, we establish the law. Matt. 5:17: Luke 16:17; Rom. 3:20; 4:15.
2Rom. 7:12. The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Rom. 7:7,14,22; Gal. 3:21; Ps.119.
3Rom. 8:7,8. The carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be/ So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Josh. 24:19; Jer. 13:23; John 6:44; 5:44.
4Rom. 8:2,4. For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the rightouesness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. Rom. 10:4; I Tim.1:5; Heb. 8:10; Jude 20, 21; Heb. 12:14; Matt. 16:17,18; I Cor. 12:28
XIII. OF A GOSPEL CHURCH
We beleive that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized beleivers,1associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel;2 observing the ordinances of Christ;3 governed by his laws;4 and excercising the gifts, rights, and priviledges invested in them by his word;5 that its only scriptural officers are bishops of pastors and deacons,6 whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
Places in the Bible where taught.
1I Cor:1-13/ Paul-unto the church of God which is at Corinth. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucufied for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? Matt.18:17; Acts 5:11;8:1; 11:31; I Cor. 4:17; 14:23; 3 John 9; I Tim 3:5.
2Acts 2:41;42. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls. II Cor. 8:5/ They first gave their ownselves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Acts 2:47; I Cor. 5:12,13.
3I Cor. 11:2. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I delivered them unto you. II Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20; I Cor. 11:23; Matt. 18:15-20; I Cor. 5:6; II Cor. 2:7; I Cor. 4:11
4Matt. 28:20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. John 14:15; 15:12; I John 4:21; John 14:21; I Thess. 4:2; II John 6; Gal. 6:2 All the Epistles.
5Eph. 4:7. Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. I Cor. 14:12. Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Phil. 1:27. That I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. I Cor. 12:14
6 Phil. 1:1. With the bishops and deacons. Acts 14:23; 15:22; I Tim. 3; Titus 1.
XIV. OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer,1 into the name of the Father, and Son , and Holy Ghost:2 to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in ourdeath to sin and resurrection to a new life;3 that it is prerequisite to the priviledges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper,4 in which the members of the church by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ;5 preceded always by solemn self examination.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1Acts 8:36-39. And the eunuch said, See, here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart thou mayest. And they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Matt. 3:5, 6; John 3:22, 23; 4:1, 2; Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8.
2Matt. 28:19. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Acts 10:47, 48; Gal. 3:27, 28.
3Rom. 6:4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Col. 2:12; I Pet. 3:20, 21; Acts 22:16.
4Acts 2:41, 42. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized, and there were added to them, the same day, about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Matt. 28:19, 20. Acts and Epistles.
5I Cor. 11:26. As often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20.
6I Cor. 11:28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. I Cor. 5:1, 8; 10:3-32; 11:17-32; John 6:26-71.
XV. OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath;1 and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes,2 by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations,3 by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private4 and public;5 and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1Acts 20:7. On the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them. Gen. 2:3; Col. 2:16, 17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; I Cor. 16:1, 2.
2Exod. 20:8. Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Rev. 1:10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day. Ps. 118:24. This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it.
3Isa. 58:13, 14. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the Holy of the Lord honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thy own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob. Isa. 56:2-8.
4Ps. 118:15. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous.
5Heb. 10:24, 25. Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is. Acts 11:26. A whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. Acts 13:44. The next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. Lev. 19:30; Exod. 46:3; Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2, 3; Ps. 26:8; 87: 3.
6Heb. 4:3-11. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest.
XVI. OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society;1 and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed;2 except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ,3 who is the only Lord of the conscience and the Prince of the kings of the earth.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1Rom. 13:1-7. The powers that be are ordained of God. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Deut. 16:18; II Sam. 23:3; Exod. 18:23; Jer. 30:21.
2Matt. 22:21. Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's. Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13; I Tim. 2:1-8.
3Acts 5:29. We ought to obey God rather than man. Matt. 10:28. Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20.
4Matt. 23:10. Ye have one Master, even Christ. Rom. 14:4. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? Rev. 19:16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Ps. 72:11; 2; Rom. 14:9-13.
XVII. OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked;1 that such only as through faith are justfied in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem;2 while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse;3 and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 Mal. 3:18. Ye shall discern between the righteous and the wicked; between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Prov. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; Acts 10:34, 35; Rom. 6:16.
2Rom. 1:17. The just shall live by faith. Rom. 7:6. We are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held, that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. I John 2:29. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. I John 3:7; Rom. 6:18, 22; I Cor. 11:32; Prov. 11:31; I Peter 4:17, 18.
3I John 5:19. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. Gal. 3:10. As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse. John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Ps. 10:4; Isa. 55:6,7.
4Prov. 14:32. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, But the righteousness hath hope in his death. See also the example of the rich man and Lazarus, Luke 12:4, 5; 9:23-26; John 12:25; 26; Eccl. 3:17; Matt. 13, 14.
XVIII. OF THE WORLD TO COME
We believe that the end of this world is approaching;1 that at the last Day Christ will descend from heaven,2 and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution;3 that a solemn separation will then take place;4 that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy;5 and that this judgement will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1I Pet. 4:7. But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. I Cor. 7:29-31; Heb. 1:10-12; Matt. 24:35; I John 2:17; Matt. 28:20; 13:39, 40; II Peter 3:3-13.
2Acts 1:11. This same Jesus which is taken up from into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Rev. 1:7; Heb 9:28; Acts 3:21; I Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-11
3Acts 24:15. There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. I cor. 15:12-59; Luke 14:14; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28, 29; 6:40; 11:25. 26; II Tim. 1:10; Acts 10:42.
4Matt. 13:49. The angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just. Matt. 13:37-43; 24:30, 31; 25: 31-33.
5Matt. 25:35-41. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal. Rev. 22:11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that us righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. I Cor. 6:9,10; Mark 9:43-48; II Peter 2:9; Jude 7; Phil. 3:19; Rom. 6:22; II Cor. 5:10, 11; John 4:36; II Cor. 4:18.
6Rom. 3:5,6. Is God unrighteous, who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man.) God forbid; for how then shall God judge the world? II Thess. 1:6-12. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you, and to you who are troubled, rest with us-when he shall come to be glorified in his saints and to be admired in all them that believe. Heb. 6:1,2; I Cor. 4:5; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:2-16; Rev. 20:11, 12; I John 2:28; 4:17.