LOGOS APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF GOD
ARTICLES OF FAITH

INTRODUCTION

These are the articles of faith for LOGOS APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF GOD worldwide, showing what we, as a church, believe and accept as true doctrine. As their basis is the Word of God alone, these articles of faith are the basis of what we do and practice. To become a member of LOGOS APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF GOD a person must accept these articles of faith in principle. That does not mean that they must believe or understand everything that is written here, as belief and understanding comes through patient study, and that takes time.

#1.THE ONE TRUE GOD

We believe that there is only one true God (Deut 6:4; Isa 44:6; John 17:3; 1 Cor 8:6), who is eternal, or everlasting (Gen 21:33; Deut 33:27; Isa 40:28; Jer 10:10; Rom 16:26), self-sufficient, that is, he needs no one else to sustain him (Exo 3:14), immutable, that is, he does not change (Mal 3:6; Jam 1:17), omnipotent, that is, all powerful (Gen 17:1; 18:14; Job 42:2; Luke 1:37; Rev 19:6), omnipresent, that is, present everywhere (1 Kin 8:27; Psa 139:3-10; Jer 23:23), omniscient, that is, all knowing (1 Chr 28:9; Job 37:16; Isa 46:10; Mat 24:36), holy (Exo 15:11; 1 Pet 1:15-16; Rev 4:8; 15:4), and possessing absolute, indivisible deity.
God is invisible (Col 1:15; 1 Tim 1:17; Heb 11:27; 1 John 4:12), word in form (John 1:1) and Spirit in substance (John 4:24).
Other characteristics or moral attributes of God are: love (1 John 4:8; 4:16), light (1 John 1:5), mercy (Psa 103:8; 136:1-26), gentleness (2 Sam 22:6; Psa 18:35), righteousness (Ezra 9:15; Psa 129:4), goodness (2 Chr 7:10; Rom 2:4), justice (Deut 33:21; Isa 45:21), faithfulness (1 Cor 10:13; 1 John 1:9), truth (Deut 32:4; Psa 31:6; John 17:17), and grace (Psa 103:3; 1 Pet 5:10).
This one true God manifested himself in the Old Testament in various ways, in a fire and in a cloud (Exo 13:21; 14:24; Num 14:14), and through the prophets (Heb 1:1). In the New Testament he is revealed as the Father (John 6:27; 1 Cor 8:6; Gal 1:1; Eph 4:6; 1 Pet 1:2), who manifested himself in his son Jesus Christ (Mat 1:23; John 1:1 with 1:14; 2 Cor 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16), and as the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor 3:16 with 6:19).

#2. JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF GOD

Jesus was born of a virgin (Isa 7:14; Mat 1:21-23), but God was his Father (Mat 1:18; 1:20), so that on his Father's side he was divine, but on his mother's side, he was human. Therefore he was known as the Son of God and also the Son of man. The fact that Jesus Christ was the son of God was confirmed by the Father himself (Mat 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22), by angels (Mat 1:18:23; Luke 1:28-32), by John the Baptist (John 1:34), by Jesus' disciples (Mat 16:16; John 1:49; 6:69; 20:31), and by many others.
Jesus was more than just the son of God, he was a manifestation of God in human form; "God was manifest in the flesh," (1 Tim 3:16), "God was in Christ," (2 Cor 5:19), "The Word was God" (John 1:1) and "the Word was made flesh" (John 1:14). The apostle Paul wrote, "in him (Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Col 2:9), "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell" (Col 1:19). Therefore, in his humanity Jesus was man, but in his deity he was and is God.
Jesus lived a sinless life on earth (Heb 4:14-15; 1 Pet 2:21-22; 1 John 3:5), and when he died on the cross he paid for the sins of the world to be forgiven (Isa 53:5-6; 1 Pet 2:24; 1 John 2:2). Therefore, he was and is the saviour of the world (Luke 1:11; John 4:42; Phps 3:20; 2 Tim 1:10; Titus 2:13), he is now the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), and has all authority in heaven and on earth (Mat 28:18). He will return again to the earth, in the future, to destroy with fire all the armies who have gathered themselves together against Jerusalem (Zec 14:1-5; 14:12-15; 2 Thes 1:7-9; 2 Pet 3;10-12; Rev 19:11-16), raise up the righteous dead, on the last day of this present age (John 6:39-40; 6:44; 6:54; 11:24), and rapture those who are alive and remain (1 Cor 15:51-52; 1 Thes 4:16-17). Jesus will then set up God's kingdom on the earth, and reign for the one thousand years.

#3. THE HOLY SPIRIT

The truth, that the holy Spirit is God himself, is obvious because God is spirit (John 4:24), and he is holy (Exo 15:11; 1 Pet 1:15-16; Rev 4:8; 15:4), and there is only one Spirit (Eph 4:4). Other scripture also confirm this:
(Acts 5:3-4) "But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit , ... you have not lied to men, but to God ."
Also compare:
(1 Cor 3:16) "Do you not know that you are the temple of God , and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"
(1 Cor 6:19) "What? do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?"

#4. THE NAME OF GOD

In the Old Testament God used many different words, names, or titles, referring to himself. "El", "Eloah", and "Elohim" are all translated "God" in various places, "El" being used in a number of compounds. The four letters YHVH are extremely common, and are usually translated LORD. It is used in many compound names, and the exact pronunciation of it is not now known with any certainty, but possibilities are "Yahveh", "Yahoh", and "Yahuh". However we can say that it is not "Jehovah", because this comes from putting the vowel points of "adonai" (which means "Lord") under the consonants YHVH, and is in fact a made up word.
In the New Testament God revealed himself through his son Jesus Christ, who taught us to worship the Father (John 4:24), and to pray to the Father (Mat 6:9; Luke 11:2; John 16:23). So for a born again Christian, who has a relationship with the only true God, "Father" is the correct name to use (Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:3; 2 Cor 1:2 etc.).

#5. THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

God promised the baptism of the Holy Spirit for his people through the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-29), through John the Baptist (Mat 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33), through Jesus (Mark 16:17; Luke 11:13; John 7:38-39; 14:16-7; 14:26; Acts 1:5), and through the apostle Peter (Acts 2:15-18; 2:38-39). The purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to endue us with power for service (Luke 4:14; Acts 1:5; Rom 15:13, 15:19), enable us to speak in tongues (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6), enable us to receive spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:1-11), and to seal us in Christ (2 Cor 1:21-22; Eph 1:13-14; 4:30).
The first outpouring of this was on the day of Pentecost:
(Acts 2:4) "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues (languages), as the Spirit gave them utterance."
This baptism can sometimes be an experience that people get when they first believe, Cornelius and his household for example (Acts 10:44-46), but in the vast majority of cases this is an experience which follows some time after being born again (Acts 8:5-17; 19:1-6). It is an experience which all Christians need in order to be successful in their Christian walk, because it provides the supernatural power that we need to live spiritual lives, and be witnesses for Christ (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8).

#6. SPEAKING IN TONGUES

Speaking in tongues is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit, who gives people the utterance (Acts 2:4) to speak either with tongues (languages) of men, or of angels (1 Cor 13:1). Speaking in tongues is a sign following true believers, "And these signs shall follow those who believe ... they shall speak with new tongues." (Mark 16:17), and the ability to do it comes with the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:6).
Why should we speak in tongues? It is a sign to unbelievers (Isa 28:11; Mark 16:17; 1 Cor 14:21-22), it builds up our faith (1 Cor 14:4; Jude 20), it enables us to pray in line with God's perfect will (Rom 8:26-27; Eph 6:18), and it enables us to give thanks to God well (1 Cor 14:14-17).
There is a difference between speaking in an unknown tongue which should manifest with the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the gift of tongues (1 Cor 12:28-31). The gift of tongues is referring only to one of the spiritual gifts which God has set in the church, and the questions asked (v29-30) refer to the gifts mentioned in (v28) and (v31). "Do all speak with tongues?" (v29) refers to the gift of "diversities of tongues." (v28), and not to the "unknown tongue" of (1 Cor 14:2,4,14,19,27), which we receive with the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It is true that all do not have the gift of diversities of tongues, but that should not be confused with the tongues which is evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

#7. SPIRITUAL GIFTS

There are nine spiritual gifts which can be manifested through any person who is baptised in the Holy Spirit. They are, the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, the gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, various kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues (1 Cor 12:8-10). They are to profit everybody (1 Cor 12:7), and enable the church to prepare itself for the second coming of Jesus (Rev 19:7). Some say that spiritual gifts have passed away, but this is obviously false, as in the very last days two prophets will prophesy in Jerusalem (Rev 11:3), work miracles (Rev 11:6), and be killed by the Antichrist, who is known as "the beast" (Rev 11:7). Paul told us, "covet earnestly the best gifts:" (1 Cor 12:31), so they are to be sought for, and received by faith.

#8. SALVATION

Because everyone has sinned against God (Rom 3:10; 3:23; 1 John 1:8; 1:10), everyone needs to be saved. God provided this salvation when he sent his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross, and to pay for the sins of the world to be forgiven (Isa 53:5-6; Rom 5:8; 1 Pet 2:24; 1 John 2:2). Salvation therefore is only through Jesus Christ:
(Acts 4:12) "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved."
God's will is for all men to be saved (1 Tim 2:3-4; 2 Pet 3:9), and it is offered to us as a gift:
(Eph 2:8) "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
The first step to salvation is to be born again, for Jesus said, "except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3), "Except a man is born of water, and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5), and "You must be born again." (John 3:7). This is when the spirit of Jesus Christ first enters into a person, not in its fullness, but like a babe (1 Cor 3:1; 1 Pet 2:2). From then on it is a process of growth (1 Pet 2:2), until a mature Christ lives in us (Gal 4:19; 1 John 5:18). No one can be saved without some measure of the spirit of Jesus Christ (Rom 8:9; 2 Cor 13:5; Col 1:27; 1 John 5:12).
Because salvation is through faith (Eph 2:8; 2 Tim 3:15; 1 Pet 1:5), which is "the basis of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen." (Heb 11:1), then we do not have it complete in a manifested sense now, but it will be received in the future (Mark 16:16; Acts 15:11; Rom 13:11; Phps 2:12; 1 Pet 1:5; 1:9), when Jesus returns (Heb 9:28).
On our part, a believer must repent of sin (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30), believe in Jesus Christ (John 1:12; 3:16; 3:36), confess him (Mat 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10), and by faith become conformed to be obedient (Heb 5:9), and do God's will (Mat 7:21; John 14:12; 1 John 2:17).
Study: RP101 #1 The First Step To Salvation.

#9. REPENTANCE AND THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

The Greek word for repentance is "Metanoia" which literally means "after thought". The verb to repent is the Greek word "Metanoeō", from two words, "meta" which means "after", and "nous", which means "mind, thought, understanding". Repentance is to have the mind, thinking, and understanding changed.
Sins do not automatically disappear from our heart the moment we believe in Jesus, therefore repentance is very important, because it removes sin from the heart (Eze 18:30-31; Mark 1:4; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38). There are at least nine steps to repentance, which are as follows:
    (1) Believe in Jesus (Acts 10:43; 13:38). There can be no true forgiveness without this because he has paid the price for our sins to be forgiven (Isa 53:5; 1 Pet 2:24; 1 John 3:5), and he is the one who delivers us from sin (Mat 1:21; Acts 3:26; 1 Pet 2:24).
    (2) Pray to God for forgiveness (2 Chr 7:14; Psa 32:5-6; Acts 8:22).
    (3) Confess each sin to God (Psa 32:5; 51:2-3; Pro 28:13; 1 John 1:9).
    (4) Be sorry for your sin (Psa 38:18; Ecc 7:3; 2 Cor 7:8-11).
    (5) Forsake the sin (Isa 1:16-18; Jer 36:3; Eze 18:21-22; 2 Tim 2:19).
    (6) Destroy all association with past sin (Josh 7:11-12; Isa 27:9; Acts 19:18-19).
    (7) Make restitution where possible (Exo 22:1-7; Eze 33:14-16; Luke 19:8).
    (8) Renew your heart and mind with God's word (Josh 1:8; Psa 1:2; 119:11; Rom 12:2; Eph 4:23; Col 3:10; Heb 8:10-12).
    (9) Obey God's word and do good (Isa 1:16-18; Eze 18:21-22; 33:14-16; Eph 4:28; Jam 4:17).
Every Christian should repent diligently, as God has commanded all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). Jesus said, "Except you repent you shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3), and that, "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:47).

#10. DIVINE HEALING

Divine healing is a supernatural healing brought about on a physical body by the supernatural power of God alone. God does not need drugs, medicines or surgery to heal, and he has always healed his people when they have called upon him in faith. The first covenant that God made with the children of Israel after they were brought out of Egypt was a covenant of healing, conditioned upon their obedience, where he revealed himself as, "the LORD who heals you" (Exodus 15:26).
During his earthly ministry Jesus healed, "all who were oppressed of the devil." (Acts 10:38), "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." (Mat 4:23), "all who were sick." (Mat 8:16), "every sickness and every disease among the people." (Mat 9:35), "them all:" (Mat 12:15), "their sick." (Mat 14:14), the "lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others," (Mat 15:30), "the blind and the lame" (Mat 21:14), "as many as touched him" (Mark 6:56), "every one of them" (Luke 4:40), "they that were vexed with unclean spirits:" (Luke 6:18), "them all." (Luke 6:19), and "them that had need of healing." (Luke 9:11); proving beyond any doubt that it is God's will for every believer to be healed. Nowhere can a scripture be found where Jesus failed to heal anybody who asked him, or refused to heal anybody who asked him, and he is "the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." (Heb 13:8).
He also gave power and authority to his disciples to heal every sickness, and every disease (Mat 10:1; Luke 9:1; 10:19), and commanded them, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons," (Mat 10:8)
When the Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross, he paid for the healing of our bodies, as well as for the salvation of our souls:
(Isaiah 53:5) "with his stripes we are healed."
(Mat 8:17) "Himself took our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses."
(1 Peter 2:24) "by whose stripes you were healed."
We see from this that divine healing for the body is in the atonement, and healing is available to all who believe. Jesus said of believers, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:18).
Gifts of healing have been set in the church by God (1 Cor 12:28), and in his epistle to all the churches James wrote: "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." (James 5:14-16).
Divine healing is always God's will for his people, and the promise of it is for the church today.
Study: RP 112 #2. It's Always God's Perfect Will to Heal Every Believer.

#11. THE ORDINANCE OF WATER BAPTISM

In the New Testament, water baptism was always administered as soon as possible after a person became a believer in Jesus (Acts 8:36-38; 10:47; 19:1-5). The correct method is by immersion, typifying us following Jesus into:
    (1) His death (going down into the water) (Romans 6:3; 6:4),
    (2) His burial (going under the water) (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12), and
    (3) His resurrection (rising from the water) (Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21).
The correct name (meaning authority) to be baptized in (Greek: en) is the Lord Jesus Christ, which is the way the apostles always did it (Acts 2:38; 10:48; Col 3:17). The name (meaning character) of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), is what we are baptised into (Greek: eis), not the name (authority) that we are baptised with, and is therefore not a formula for water baptism.
Study: RP 108 #1 Water Baptism By Immersion
Study: RP 108 #2 Water Baptism In The Name Of The Lord Jesus Christ.

#12. THE ORDINANCE OF FEET WASHING

During the Passover supper ["supper being ended" (John 13:2 KJV) is a mistranslation] Jesus washed his disciple's feet:
(John 13:4-5) "He rose from supper and laid aside his garments: and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded."
He then said, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (John 13:14-15). Therefore, because of these words of Jesus, we observe this ordinance of feet washing before the Lord's Supper, where practical. Men should wash men's feet, and women should wash women's feet.

#13. THE ORDINANCE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

On the night of our Lord's betrayal, he ate the Passover supper with his apostles. After Jesus had washed his disciples" feet (John 13:2-17), and Judas had left (John 13:27-30), Jesus instituted the ordinance of eating bread and drinking wine (Mat 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-25). We keep this ordinance because of the words of Jesus:
(Luke 22:19; 1 Cor 11:24) "this do in remembrance of me."
(John 6:53) "Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you."
(1 Cor 11:24-25) "Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
Jesus instituted the use of unleavened bread, and the fruit of the vine, which are partaken of literally, as emblems of his broken body and shed blood.

#14. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

When God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel (Exo 20:2-17; Deut 5:6-21), he spoke them audibly himself (Exo 20:1; 20:22; Deut 5:4; 5:22) to around two million people. He has said that he will, "not alter the thing that has gone out of my lips." (Psa 89:34), and as he cannot lie (Num 23:19; Titus 1:2), the Ten Commandments still stand today. He also wrote them himself on two tablets of stone (Deut 5:22), they were "the work of God" (Exo 32:16), and all "his work is perfect" (Deut 32:4). We also need to fulfill them in a spiritual sense, "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Rom 8:4), and this is done by love (Mat 22:37-40).
Jesus himself endorsed the ten commandments:
(Mat 5:17-19) "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For amen I say to you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no way pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
(Mat 19:16-19) And, behold, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
And he said to him, Why do you call me good? there is no one good but one, that is, God: but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments.
He says to him, Which? Jesus said, You shall do no murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,
Honour your father and your mother: and, you shall love your neighbour as yourself."
Because of these words of Jesus, we believe that we should still keep the spirit of the Ten Commandments, including the Sabbath day, which Jesus himself habitually kept (Mat 4:23; 9:35; Mark 6:2; Luke 4:16; 4:31; 6:6; 13:10). As part of the New Covenant the Ten Commandments are now to be written in the heart of the believer (Jer 31:33; Heb 8:10; 10:16).
Study: RP 208 The Sin Of Forsaking The Sabbath Day.
Study: RP 323 Seven Reasons Why Some Christians Go To Church On the Sabbath Day.

#15. JUSTIFICATION AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

Justification and righteousness are different translations of the same Greek and Hebrew words, and mean essentially the same thing. It may refer to a state of being declared to be in right standing with God, or to a state of actually being in right standing with God, being free from past sin (Isa 43:25-26; Acts 13:39; Rom 3:25; 4:6-8), being free from current sin (Ecc 7:20; Eze 3:20; Rom 3:9-10; 6:18-20; 1 Cor 15:34; 1 Pet 2:24), operating in faith motivated by love (Comp. Eph 6:14 with 1 Thes 5:8; Rom4:11-13; Gal 5:6), believing God's word (Rom 4:3; 4:21-24; Gal 3:6; Jam 2:23), having God's law in one's heart (Psa 37:30-31; Isa 51:7), and walking in obedience to God's word (Isa 48:18; 58:6-8; Eze 18:5-9; Rom 2:13; 6:16-18; Comp Mat 7:24-25 with Pro 12:7).
In the New Testament justification is a free gift from God by grace (Rom 3:24; 5:15-18; Titus 3:7),
which is the grace of Jesus Christ (John 1:16-17; Rom 5:1-2; Gal 1:6; Titus 3:5-7). We are justified by his righteousness (Rom 5:18; 8:10; 1 Cor 1:30; Phps 1:11), by his faith (Rom 3:22; Gal 2:16; 3:22; Phps 3:9), by his resurrection (Rom 4:25; 1 Cor 15:16-18; 1 Pet 1:3-4), by his blood (Rom 5:9; 1 John 1:7; Rev 1:5; 7:13-14), by his knowledge (Isa 53:11; 1 Cor 15:34; Phps 3:7-10), and in his name by God's spirit (1 Cor 6:11). It is therefore the indwelling spirit of Jesus Christ that justifies us, without which we cannot be saved (Rom 8:9; 2 Cor 13:5; 1 John 5:11-12).

#16. HOLINESS

Godly living should characterize the life of every child of God, and we should live according to the pattern and example given in the Word of God.
(Titus 2: 11-12) "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world".
(1 Pet 2:22-23) "For to this you were called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, did not revile again; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but committed himself to him who judges righteously.".
(Heb 12:14) "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord".
(1 Pet l:15-16) "But as he who called you is holy, so you be holy in all manner of conduct; because it is written, Be holy; for I am holy."
We disapprove of our people indulging in any activities which are not conducive to good Christianity and godly living, such as theaters, dances, mixed bathing, women cutting their hair short (Deut 22:5; 1 Cor 11:6; 11:15), men having long hair (Deut 22:5; 1 Cor 11:14), wearing of make-up (2 Kin 9:30; Eze 23:40) and jewelry (Hos 2:13; 1 Tim 2:9; 1 Pet 3:3; Rev 17:4), body piercing and tattoos (Lev 19:28).
We disapprove of any clothing that is unnecessarily expensive, immodestly exposes the body (1 Tim 2:9), or is likely to incite lust in people, such as skin tight (Mat 5:28), or men wearing women's clothes, or women wearing men's clothes (Deut 22:5). Women should not breast feed in public without some means of covering themselves. We disapprove of all worldly sports and amusements, and unwholesome radio programs, popular music, and especially worldly television programs. We admonish all of our people to refrain from any of these practices in the interest of spiritual progress.
Study: RP 212 When is Watching Television a Sin?.

#17. DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE

In the beginning God created one man and one woman to be together as man and wife (Gen 1:27; 2:18; 2:21-24), and they are now meant to live together until death separates them (Rom 7:1-3; 1 Cor 7:39). Jesus commanded that man and wife should not be put apart (Mat 19:6; Mark 10:9), and was therefore against divorce. He went on to say that putting away one's partner and marrying another was adultery (Mat 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18; Rom 7:3), and made only one exception, which was "fornication" (Mat 5:32; 19:9). This fornication does not refer to adultery by one of the partners with someone outside of that relationship, but rather it refers to fornication inside unlawful marriage relationships, which were forbidden by God at some point in time. These include:
   (a) Any type of incestuous relationship with close family (Lev 18:6-18; 20:11-12; 20:14; 20:17; 20:19-20). This is fornication.
   (b) Any type of homosexual (or lesbian) relationship (Lev 18:22; 20:12; Deut 22:5; Rom 1:24-29). This is fornication.
   (c) Any adulterous relationship involving someone who has been married before, and who's first partner is still alive (Mat 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18; Rom 7:3). This is fornication, and adultery also for one partner at least. Any person who has been set free from one of these unlawful marriage relationships, and who has not been married before, may marry his own lawful partner, without committing adultery (Mat 5:31-32; 19:9).
   (d) Any polygamous marriage (1 Tim 3:2; 3:12), this is fornication and adultery. If putting a partner away and marrying someone else is adultery (Mat 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18; Rom 7:3), then not putting a partner away and marrying someone else must also be adultery.
Widows are free to remarry if they so choose, but "only in the Lord." (1 Cor 7:39; 1 Tim 5:14).
Study: RP 209 When Is Divorce And Remarriage A Sin?

#18. HUMAN GOVERNMENT

We recognize the institution of human government as being of divine ordination, and therefore affirm loyalty to our Government and to the laws of our country (Rom 13:1-6; 1 Pet 2:13-14).
However, there are exceptions to this, and they are as follows:
   (1) When the laws of the country forbid preaching in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:17-20).
   (2) In the New Testament the scripture teaches that we should not take up arms against human life, "Do violence to no man," (Luke 3:14), "That you do not resist evil" (Mat 5:39); "follow peace with all men" (Heb 12:14). (See also Mat 26:52; Rom 12:19; Jam 5:6; Rev 13:10.)
We believe and interpret these scriptures to mean that Christians should not shed blood, nor take human life. We are therefore against participating in combat and service in war, armed insurrection, property destruction, aiding or abetting in any of these, or in the actual destruction of human life.
   (3) When any law of the country is contrary to the word of God.
Therefore, as far as is possible, we encourage all members to be law abiding citizens, and to acknowledge our responsibility to pray for our Government (1 Tim 2:1-4).

#19. SECRET SOCIETIES

We firmly believe that the members of the Church should have no connection whatever with secret societies, or any other organization or body, in which there is a fellowship with unbelievers, bound by an oath (Mat 5:33-37; 2 Cor 6:14-18; Eph 5:11; Jam 5:12).

#20. TITHES AND OFFERINGS

A tithe is one tenth of a person's gross income, or increase. Tithing is part of God's financial plan to provide for his work, and has been since the days of Abraham (Gen 14:18-20; Heb 7:1-4). It continued with Jacob (Gen 28:20-22), and was a part of the law given by Moses (Lev 27:30; Deut 14:22; Mal 3:10). The tithe belonged to God (Lev 27:30-34), but was used for the service of the Levites (Num 18:21-29; Deut 26:12), and to support strangers, widows, and orphans (Deut 14:28; 26:12; Acts 6:1-3). Tithing is really an act of faith, because God has promised a blessing if we do it, and a curse if we don't (Mal 3:8-11). Because the tithe belongs to God (Lev 27:30-34), he considers not paying it as robbing him (Mal 3:8). Modern day tithes should be paid to the church treasury for the support of the ministry, and widows and orphans in the church (Acts 6:1-3). Some functions of the Levites, such as teaching the word of God (Exo 18:20; Deut 24:8; 2 Chr 15:3; Ezra 7:10), are now part of the ministry of the church (Acts 13:1; 1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11).
We believe in tithing because the Lord Jesus Christ endorsed it (Matthew 23:23).
Study: RP206 The Sin of Robbing God

Offerings are any donations given to the church treasury which are on top of, and separate to, tithes. These are given as a matter of freewill, and not an obligation.
(2 Cor 9:7) "Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver."
Sacrificial giving was commended by Jesus (Mark 12:42-44; Luke 21:2-4), and was taught by him for discipleship and perfection (Luke 14:33; Mat 19:21). It was practised willingly by the New Testament church (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-37; 2 Cor 8:1-4).

#21. SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

We disapprove of school students attending shows, dances, dancing classes, theaters, engaging in school activities against their religious principles, or being taught false religious teaching (Pro 22:6).
We disapprove of school students being forced to take part in co-educational classes, which involve boys and girls being mixed together in swimming, calisthenics, sport of any kind, and other mixed athletics, while being clothed in ungodly attire which immodestly exposes the body (Exo 20:26; Pro 22:6; Mat 5:28).
We disapprove of school students being forced to take any classes in which, under the guise of health classes, sex education is taught co-educationally, or films or lectures are given, that promote immoral or unnatural behavior.
We disapprove of school students being forced to be taught by, or listen to, those who promote or advocate sexual activity of any kind other than that within the bonds of the lawful marriage relationship of husband and wife, which is ordained by God.

#22. CHRISTMAS

Christmas is nowhere taught in scripture. Neither Jesus, nor the apostles, nor any New testament Church ever celebrated it, and therefore we encourage every member of the church to have nothing to do with it. It is not the birthday of Jesus, and it is pagan in origin. Its fruits are feasting and gluttony, merrymaking, drunkenness, lies and idolatry (Father Christmas), pagan religious customs, such as the Christmas tree, evergreens, and mistletoe, none of which are godly, and should be avoided by every sincere Christian.
Study: RP 207 The Sin Of Observing Christmas.

#23. CREATION OF MAN AND HIS FALL

In the beginning God created man innocent, pure and holy (Gen 1:27; 1:31), but through the sin of disobedience, Adam and Eve allowed the knowledge of good and evil into this world, and fell from their pure, holy state. God banished them from the paradise of Eden, and the ground was cursed to bring forth thorns and thistles (Gen 3:17-18). Since that time man has lived in an imperfect world, with the knowledge of good and evil ever present, and all of mankind has been corrupted, such that, "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Rom 3:23; Rom 5:12). Therefore all men now are in need of salvation.

#24. THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST

The fact that Jesus is coming again the second time in person, was clearly taught by the words of the Lord Jesus himself (Mat 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27; John 14:3), by an angel (Acts 1:11), and in the early Christian church by the apostles and others (1 Cor 11:26; l Thes 4:16-17; 2 Thes 1:7-8; Titus 2:13). Therefore, the children of God today can earnestly, and hopefully, look forward to this glorious event.
At his second coming Jesus will destroy all the armies who have gathered themselves together against Jerusalem with fire (Zec 14:1-5; 14:12-15; 2 Thes 1:7-9; 2 Pet 3;10-12; Rev 19:11-16), he will raise up the righteous dead, on the last day of this present age (John 6:39-40; 6:44; 6:54; 11:24), and those who are alive and remain will be changed (1 Cor 15:51-52), and caught up to meet him in the clouds (1 Thes 4:16-17). This second coming of Jesus will end this present age, and set up God's kingdom on the earth for the one thousand year reign of Jesus Christ.
Study: RP 355 No Pre-Tribulation Rapture, No Mid-tribulation Rapture.

#25. THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD

The scripture teaches that there will come a time when the dead will all be raised up (Job 14:12; Dan 12:2; John 5:28-29). The righteous dead will be raised to everlasting life (Dan 12:2) on the last day of this present age when Jesus returns (Mat 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27; John 6:39-40; 6:44; 6:54; 11:24;1 Thes 5:15-18), and the unrighteous dead will be raised after the millennium reign of Jesus Christ (Rev 20:5), to judgement (Rev 20:11-13) and the lake of fire (Rev 20:15; 21:8).

#26. THE MILLENNIUM REIGN OF JESUS CHRIST

When Jesus Christ returns for the second time, he will set up his kingdom upon this earth, and will reign with his saints for one thousand years (Rev 20:4; 20:6). During this time the Devil, Satan, will be bound in the bottomless pit (Rev 20:1-3) and therefore there will be no war (Isa 2:4). At the end of the one thousand years, the Devil will be loosed from the bottomless pit, and shall gather all nations to war against the saints, but they will be destroyed by fire (Rev 20:7-9).

#27. THE FINAL JUDGMENT OF THE UNSAVED

When the thousand year millennium reign of Jesus Christ is finished, there will be a resurrection of all the unrighteous dead, who will be summoned before the great white throne for their final judgment (Rev 20:11-12). The Devil, Satan himself, will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:10), along with Death and Hades (Rev 20:14), and all whose names are not found written in the Book of Life shall be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:15; 21:8).

#28. THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

When the millennium reign of Jesus Christ has ended, God will create a new heaven and a new earth, upon which the righteous shall live for ever (Mat 5:5; Isa 65:17; 2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1-7).

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