7.Last things:
Death,
The Rapture of the Church,
The Tribulation Period,
The Second Coming&
the Millenial reign,
The
Judgement of the Lost,
Eternity.
I.
CONCERNING THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
We
teach that the Bible is the written revelation of God, and the
sixty-six books of the Bible thus constitute the plenary Word
by the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 2:7-14, II Peter 1:20-21).
We
teach that the Word of God is an objective (Ex. 17:14), prepositional
revelation (I Thess, 2:13), verbally inspired (in every word)
(II Tim. 3:16), in the original documents absolutely inerrant
(Isa. 30:8), infallible, and God-breathed.
We
teach that it constitutes the only infallible rule of faith and
practice (Matt. 5:18. 24:34; John 10:35, 16:12,13. 17:17; I Cor.
2:13; II Tim. 3:15-17; II Peter 1:20,21,3:15,16; Heb. 4:12).
We
teach that God spoke in His written Word by a process of dual
authorship, in which the Holy Spirit so superintended the human
authors that through their individual personalities and different
styles of writing. they composed and recorded God's Word to man
(II Pet. 1:20-21), without error in the whole or in the part (Isa.
30:5.40:8; Matt. 5:18; II Tim. 3:16).
We
teach that, whereas there may be several applications of any given
passage of Scripture, there is but one true interpretation, and
it is to be found as one diligently applies the grammatical-historical
method of interpretation under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit
(John 7:17, 16:12-15; I Cor. 2:7-15; I John 2:20).
II.
CONCERNING GOD
We
teach that there is but one living and true God (Deut. 6:4; Isa.
45:5-7, I Cor. 8:4), an infinite, intelligent Spirit (John 4:24),
perfect in all His attributes, one in essence but eternally existing,
and subsistent in three Persons Father. Son and Holy Spirit
(Matt. 28:19; Ps. 139:8; II Cor. 13:14) - each equally deserving
same worship and obedience (Acts 17:24-29; I Cor. 8:6; Rev. 19:10).
1.
God the Father
God
the Father the first person of the Trinity orders and disposes
all things according to His own purpose and grace (Ps. 145:8.9;
I Cor. 8:6). As the absolute and highest ruler in the universe.
He is sovereign in creation, providence, and redemption (Ps. 103:19;
Job 1:6; Rom. 11:33). He is the creator of all things (Gen.1).
His Fatherhood denotes a spiritual relationship, first of all
within the Trinity; and secondly, within mankind, creatively in
relation to all men, but spiritually only in relation to believers.
He has decreed for His own glory all things that come to pass,
and continually upholds, directs, and governs all creatures and
events (I Chron. 29:11). This He does so as in no way to be the
author and approver of sin (John 8:38-44), nor to abridge the
accountability of moral, intelligent creatures (I Peter 1:17).
He has graciously chosen from all eternity those whom He would
have as His own (Eph.1:3-6); He saves from sin all who come to
Him through Jesus Christ; and He relates Himself to His own as
their Father (Luke 3:38;John 1:12,18; Eph. 1:3-6; Heb. 12:5-9).
2.
God the Son
Jesus
Christ the second person of the Trinity possesses all the
divine excellencies, and in these He is coequal with the Father,
and He is consubstantial and co-eternal with Him (John 10:27-30;
John 14:9).
We
teach that in the incarnation He surrendered only the prerogatives
of deity but nothing of the divine essence, either in degree or
kind. In His incarnation Christ's divine nature united with a
true nature in an indissoluble union, and so He became the God-man
(Phil. 2:5-8).
We
teach that Jesus Christ represents the fusion of humanity and
deity into an indivisible oneness (Micah 5:2; Col. 2:9; John 14:9,10;
I John 5:20; Jude 25).
We
teach that the Lord Jesus Christ was virgin-born (Isa 7:14; Matt
1:25; Luke 1:26-35). that He was God incarnate (John 1:1,3,14,18:
I John 1:3), and that the purpose of the incarnation was to reveal
God, redeem men, and rule over God's kingdom (Psalm .2:7-9; Isa.
9:6; Heb. 7:26; I Peter 1:19. 2:22; John 1:29).
We
teach that in the incarnation the second person of the trinity
laid aside His right to the full prerogatives of co-existence
with God to assume the place of a Son and an existence appropriate
to a servant; however. He did not divest Himself of His divine
attributes (Phil. 2:5-8).
We
teach that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through
His death on the cross, that His death was voluntary, vicarious,
substitutionary, propitiatory, and redemptive (I Peter 2:24; Rom.
3:25, 5:8).
We
teach that, upon the basis of the efficacy of His death, the believing
sinner is freed from punishment, the penalty, the power, and one
day the very presence of sin, declared righteous, given eternal
life, and admitted to the family of God (John 10:15; II Cor. 5:14,15;
I Peter 2:24, 3:18; Rom. 3:25; 5:8).
We
teach that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical
resurrection from the dead, that He is now ascended to the right
hand of the Father where He is now ministering as our Advocate
and High Priest. (Matt. 28:6; Luke 24:38.39; Acts 2:30.31; Heb.
7:25. 9:24. Rom. 4:25).
We
teach that in the resurrection of Christ from the grave, God confirmed
the deity of Christ; God accepted the atoning work of Christ on
the cross, and His bodily resurrection as the guarantee of a future
resurrection life for all believers (John 14:19; Rom. 1:4; 4:25;
6:5-10; I Cor. 15:20, 23; John 5:28,29).
We
teach that He will return to receive the Church which is His Body,
unto Himself at the Rapture, and returning with His Church in
glory, will establish His kingdom in its millennial manifestation
(Acts 1:9-11; I Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 20).
We
teach that the Lord Jesus Christ is the one through whom God will
judge all mankind (John 5:22-23):
a.
Believers (II Cor. 5:10; I Cor. 3:10-151;
b.
Living inhabitants of the earth at His glorious return (Matt.
25:31-46);
c.
Unbelieving dead at the Great White Throne (Rev. 21:11-15).
As
the mediator between God and man (I Tim. 2:5), the head of His
Body, the Church (Eph. 5:23, 1:22; Col. 1:18), the coming universal
King who will reign on the throne of David (lsa. 9:6). He is the
final judge of all who fail to place their trust in Him as the
Lord of life and the only Savior (Luke 1:31-33; Acts 17:30,31;
Matt. 25:14-46; Heb. 7:25).
3.
God the Holy Spirit
We
teach that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person, eternal, underived,
possessing all the divine excellencies, and that in these He is
coequal with the Father and the Son, and is consubstantial with
them. (Acts 5:3,4; also:
a. compare Isa. 6:8,9 with Acts 28:25.26:
b."intellect" I Cor. 2:10-13, "emotion" - Eph. 4:30,
"will"
- 1 Cor. 12:11;
c. compare Jer. 31:31-34 with Heb. 10:15-17;
d. Coequal- Matt. 28:19; II Cor. 13:14; I Cor. 12:4-6;
e. eternal - Heb. 9:14;
f. Omnipresent Ps. 139:7-10;
g. Omniscient Isa. 40:13,14;
h. OmnipotentI Cor. 12:11;
i. Truth -(John 16:13).
We teach that it
is the work of the Holy Spirit to execute the divine will with
relation to the world of men. We recognize His sovereign activity
in creation. the incarnation, the written revelation, and the
work of salvation (Gen. 1:2; Matt. 1:18; John 3:5-7; II Peter
1:20.21).
We
teach that the work of the Holy Spirit in this age began at Pentecost
when He came from the Father, as promised by Christ, (John 14:16,17,
15:26) to initiate and complete the building of the Body of Christ
which is His Church (I Cor. 12:13). The broad scope of His divine
activity includes convicting the world of sin, of righteousness,
and of judgment; of glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ, and transforming
believers into Christ-likeness (John 16:7-9; Acts 1:5. 2:4; II
Cor. 3:18. Eph. 2:22).
We
teach that the Holy Spirit is the supernatural and sovereign agent
in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the Body of Christ
(I Cor. 12:13), indwelling, sanctifying, instructing, empowering
for service; and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John
16:8-11: II Cor. 3:6: Rom. 8:9; Eph. 1:13).
We
teach that the Holy Spirit is the divine Teacher who guided the
apostles into all truth, as they submitted to God's revelation
in Scripture. Every believer possesses the indwelling presence
of the Holy Spirit from salvation on, and it is the duty of all
those born of the Spirit to be filled with the Spirit (John 16:13;
Rom. 8:9; Eph. 5:18. I John 2:20,27).
We
teach that the Holy Spirit alone administers spiritual gifts to
the Church, not to glorify Himself or the gifts by ostentatious
displays, but to glorify Christ and implement His work of redeeming
the lost and building up believers in the most holy faith (John
16:13-14; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11: II Cor. 3:18).
We
teach, in this respect, that God the Holy Spirit is sovereign
in the bestowing of all His gifts for the perfecting of the saints
today; and that speaking, in tongues (unlearned languages) and
the working of sign miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament
Scriptures were completed and their authority became established
(I Cor. 12:4-11; Il Cor. 12:12; Eph, 4:7-12; Heb. 2:1-4; 1 Thess.5:
11).
III.
CONCERNING MAN
We
teach that man was directly and immediately created by God in
His image and likeness. He was created free of sin with a rational
nature, intelligence, (volition), self-determination, and moral
responsibility to God (Gen. 1:26-28: 2:15-25: I Thess. 5:23; James
3:9).
We
teach that the purpose of man's creation was with the divine intention
that he should glorify God, enjoy His fellowship, live his life
in the will of God, and by this accomplish His purpose for man
in the world (Gen. 1:26-30; Isa. 43:7; Col. 1:16: Rev. 4:11).
We
teach that in Adam's sin of disobedience to the revealed will
and Word of God, he lost his innocence; incurred the penalty of
spiritual and physical death became subject to the wrath of God;
inherently corrupt, and utterly incapable of choosing or doing
that which is acceptable to God, apart from divine grace. With
no recuperative powers to enable him to recover himself, he is
hopelessly lost, apart from the salvation which is in the redemptive
work of the Lord Jesus Christ (Gen. 2:16,17. 3:1-19; John 3:36:
Rom. 3:23, 6:23; I Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:1-3; I Tim. 2:13.14; I John
1:8).
We
teach that all men were in the loins of Adam, and that the consequence
of that sin has been transmitted (imputed) to all men of all ages,
Jesus Christ being the exception. All men thus are sinners by
divine declaration, by nature, and by choice (Ps. 14:1-3; Jer.
17:9; Rom. 3:9-18,23, 5:12-10; James 2:10).
IV.
CONCERNING SALVATION
We
teach that salvation is wholly of God by grace through the redemption
of Jesus Christ, the merit of His shed blood; not on the basis
of human merit, or works (John 1:12; Eph. 1:7,2:8-10:1 Peter 1:18,19).
1.Regeneration
We
teach that regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit
by which the divine nature and divine life are communicated (John
3:3-7). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the
power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word
of God (John 5:24), so as to secure voluntary obedience to the
Gospel. Regeneration will be manifested by repentance, faith,
and righteous living. Good works are its proper evidence and fruit
(1Cor. 6:19,20; Eph. 2:10). and will be experienced to the extent
that the believer submits to the control of the Holy Spirit in
his life through faithful obedience to the Word of God (Eph. 5:17-21:
Phil. 2:12b; Col. 3:16: II Peter 1:4-10) This obedience causes
the believer to be increasingly conformed to the image of the
Lord Jesus Christ (II Cor. 3:18). Such conformity is climaxed
in the believer's glorification at Christ's coming (Rom. 8:17;
11 Cor. 5:17; I Peter 1:23;II Peter 1:4; I John 3:2-3).
2.
Election
We
teach that election is the act of God by which, before the foundation
of the world. He chose in Christ those whom He graciously regenerates,
saves and sanctifies (Mark 13:27; Eph. 1:4-11; 11 Thess. 2:13;
II Tim. 2:10; 1 Peter 1:1-2; Romans 8:28-33).
We
teach that election is consistent with responsibility of man,
because it comprehends all the means in connection with the end
achieved (John 6:37,44; Acts 13:48).
We
teach that election should not be looked upon as based merely
on abstract sovereignty. God is truly sovereign, but He exercises
this sovereignty in harmony with His other attributes, especially
His omniscience, justice, holiness, and wisdom (Rom. 9:11-16).
This sovereignty must never exalt the will of God as separate
and apart from His character, as revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ
(Matt. 11:25-28; John 1:13; II Tim. 1:9).
3.
Justification
We
teach that justification before God is an act of God by which
He declares righteous those who believe in Christ (Rom. 8:33).
This righteousness is apart from any virtue or work of man (Rom.
3:20) and involves the imputation of our sins to Christ (Col.
2:14; 1 Peter 3:18), and the imputation of Christ's righteousness
to us (Rom. 4:6; I Cor. 1:30; II Cor. 5:21). By this means God
is enabled to "be just, and the justifier of him which believeth
in Jesus" (Rom. 3:20. 26; 4:3-5).
4.
Sanctification
We
teach that every believer is "set apart" (sanctified) unto God
by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every believer is therefore
declared to be holy and identified as a saint. This is not a progressive
sanctification; this santification has to do with the believer's
standing, not his present state (Acts 20:32; I Cor. 1:2.30. 6:11
Peter 1:2; Heb. 2:11. 3:1. 10:10.14, II Thess. 2:13; 1 Peer 1:2;
Heb.2 :11; 3:1; 10;10,14; 13:12; Jude 1).
We
teach that there is, by the work of the Holy Spirit, an experiential
sanctification, by which the state of the believer is progressively
brought closer to the standing, the believer enjoys through justification.
Through obedience to the Word of God and the empowering of the
Holy Spirit, the believer is able to live a life of increasing
holiness in conformity to the will of God, becoming more and more
like the Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17,19; Rom. 6:1-22; II Cor.
3:18; Eph. 5:26; 1 Thess. 4:3,4; 5:23).
In
this respect, we teach that every saved person is involved in
a conflict the new creation in Christ is set against the flesh
but adequate provision is made for victory through the power
of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The struggle stays with the believer
all through this earthly life and is never completely ended. All
claims to the eradication of sin in this life are unscriptural-
Eradication of sin is not possible, but the Holy Spirit does provide
for victory over it (Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:9,10;
I Peter 1:14-16; I John 3:5-9; Phil. 3:12).
5.
Security
We
teach that all the redeemed once saved are kept by God's power
and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 5:24, 6:37-50,1 10:27.30;
17:15,20; Rom. 5:9.10. 8:1,31-39; I Cor I: 4-8; Eph. 4:30. Heb.
7:25, 13; 5; I Peter 1:5: Jude 1:24).
We
teach that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the
assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word,
which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as
an occasion for sinful living and carnality (Rom. 6:15-22, 13:
13,14; Gal. 5:13,25.26; Titus 2:11-15).
6.
Separation
We
teach that the doctrine of separation from sin is clearly evident
throughout the Old and New Testaments, and that the Scriptures
clearly indicate that in the last days apostasy and worldliness
shall increase (11 Cor. 6:14-7: II Tim. 3:1 -5).
We
teach that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to
bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord and that separation
from all religious apostasy, and worldly and sinful practices
is commanded of God (Rom. 12:1.2. 14:13; II Cor. 6:14-7:11: ll
Tim. 3:1-5: I John 2:15-17: ll John 9-11. 1 Cor. 5:9-13).
We
teach that believers should be separated unto the Lord Jesus Christ!
(Lev. 19:2: John 15:1-5; Gal. 5:16; I Thess. 2:11.12; llThess.
1:11,l2;Heb. 12:1-2).
V.
CONCERNING THE CHURCH
We
teach that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately
baptized by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual Body the
Church (I Cor. 12:12,13) of which Christ is the Head (Eph.1:22,
4:15; Col. 1:18), and which is His espoused Bride (II Cor. 11:2;
Eph. 5:23-32; Rev. 19:7,8).
We
teach that the formation of this Body began on the day of Pentecost
(Acts 2:1-21, 38-47), and will be completed at the coming of Christ
for His own in the Rapture (I Cor. 15:15-47; I Thess. 4:13-18).
We
teach that the Church is, then, a unique spiritual organism (Matt.
16:18) made up of all born again believers in this present age
(Eph. 2:11-22, 3:1-6). The Church is distinct from Israel (I Cor.
10:32), a mystery not revealed until this age (Eph. 3:1-6, 5:32).
We
teach that the establishment and continuity of local churches
is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures
(Acts 14:23.27, 20:17,28; Gal. .1:2; Phil. 1:1; 1 Thess. 1:1;
II Thess. 1:1), that the members of this one spiritual
Body are directed to associate themselves together in local assemblies
(I Cor. 11:18-20; Heb. 10:25).
We
teach that the one, the supreme authority for the Church is Christ
(1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18) and that the order, discipline,
and worship are appointed through His sovereignty. The biblically
designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly
are elders, also called bishops, pastors and pastor-teachers (Acts
20:28; Eph. 4:11). and deacons who must fit biblical qualifications
(I Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-5).
We
teach that these leaders lead or rule in the place of Christ (I
Tim. 5:17-22) and have His authority in directing the Church.
The congregation is to submit to their leadership (Heb. 13:7,17).
We
teach the disciplining of sinning members of the congregation
in accord with the standards of Scripture (Matt. 18:15-22; Acts
5: 1ff., I Cor. 5:1-13; II Thess. 3:6-15; I Tim. 1:19.20; Titus
1:10-16).
We
teach the autonomy of the local church, free from any external
authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom
from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations
(Titus 1:5). It is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with
each other for the presentation and propagation of the faith.
However, each local church through its elders and their interpretation
and application of Scriptures is the sole judge of the measure
and method of its cooperation as well as on all matters of membership,
policy, discipline, benevolence, and government. (Acts 15:19-31.
20:28; I Cor. 5:4-7,13; I Peter 5:1-4).
We
teach that the purpose of the Church is to glorify God (Eph. 3:21)
by building itself up in the faith (Eph. 4:13-16), by instruction
of the Word (ll Tim. 2:2,15, 3:16,17), by fellowship (Acts 2:42;
I John 1:3). by keeping the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42),
and by advancing and communicating the Gospel to the entire world
(Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8, 2:42).
We
teach the calling of all saints to the work of the ministry (I
Cor. 15:58; Eph. 4:12; Rev. 22:12).
We
teach the accomplishment of God's purpose in the world. For the
accomplishment of that purpose He has given the Church spiritual
gifts. First, He gave gifted men for the purpose of equipping
the saints for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:7-12), and He
also gives unique and special spiritual abilities to each member
of the Body of Christ (Rom. 12:5-8; I Cor. 12:4-31; I Peter 4:10,11).
At the moment of spiritual birth every believer receives such
a gift or gifts (I Cor. 12:4-13). These gifts are sovereignly
bestowed and cannot be sought (I Cor. 12:11). It is essential
that every believer discovers, develops, and employs his spiritual
gift or gifts for the edification of the Body and the accomplishment
of the work of Christ in the world (Rom. 12:3-8; I Peter 4:10.11).
We
teach that there were two kinds of gifts: temporary confirming
gifts and permanent edifying gifts. With the New Testament
revelation at last complete. the confirming gifts are no longer
a necessary (I Cor. 13:8-12) criteria for evaluating the validity
of a man and his message, since they can be counterfeited by Satan
so as to deceive even believers (llCor.11:13.14; Col. 2:18; Rev.
13:13,14).
We
teach that the temporary confirming gifts healing, speaking
in tongues (unlearned languages), interpretation, and the working
of sign miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures
were completed and their authority became established (I Cor.
13: 8-10; II Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:3,4; Acts 19:11,12 with I Cor.
12:1-31) until the eternal state (1 Cor. 13:8-12).
We
teach that no one possesses the gift of healing today,
but that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith on
the part of every believer, and will answer in accordance with
His own perfect will, for the sick, suffering, and afflicted (Luke
18:1-6; John 5:7; II Cor. 12:6-10; James 5:13-16:1 John 5:14,15).
We
teach that two ordinances have been committed to the local church:
Baptism and the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:38-42). Christian baptism
(by immersion) is the testimony of a believer, showing forth in
solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried
and risen Savior, and our union with Him in death to sin, and
resurrection to a new life (Rom. 6:1-11; Acts 8:36-39). It is
also a sign of fellowship, identification with the visible body
of Christ (Acts 2:41,42).
We
teach that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration and proclamation
of His death until He comes, and should be preceded always by
solemn self-examination (I Cor. 11:23-38). We also teach that
while Christ's flesh and blood is not present actually, the Lord's
Supper is an actual communion with the risen Christ who is present
in a unique way, fellowshipping with His people (I Cor. 10:16).
VI.
CONCERNING ANGELS
1.
Holy Angels
We
teach that angels are created beings, and therefore are not to
be worshipped, although they are a higher order of creation than
man, created to serve God and to worship Him (Luke 2:9-14; Heb.
1:6,7.14,2:6,7; Rev. 5:11. Rev. 19:10; 22:9).
2.
Fallen Angels
We
teach that Satan is a created angel and the author of sin. He
incurred the judgment of God by rebelling against his Creator,
involving numerous angels in his fall (Job 1:6.7; Isa. 14:12-17;
Ezek. 28:11-19) and introducing sin into the human race by his
temptation of Eve (Gen. 3:1-15 We teach that Satan is the open
and declared enemy of God and man Matt. 4:1-11, 25:41), and the
prince of this world who was defeated through the death and resurrection
of Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:20), and he shall be eternally punished
in the lake of fire (Job 1:6.7; Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19;
Rev. 20:10).
VII.
CONCERNING LAST THINGS (Eschatology)
1.
Death
We
teach that physical death (Rev.6:9) involves no loss of consciousness
(Rev. 6:9-11; Matt. 10:28), that the soul of the redeemed passes
immediately into the presence of Christ (Luke 23:43; Phil. 1:23),
that there is a separation of soul and body (II Cor. 5:8), and
that such separation will continue until the first resurrection
(Rev. 20:4-6), when spirit, soul, and body will be reunited to
be glorified forever with the Lord (I Thess. 4:16.17; Phil. 3:21;
I Cor. 15:35-44. 50-54). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed
in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ
(II Cor. 5:8).
We
teach the bodily resurrection of all men (Dan. 12:2; Rev. 20:11-15;
John 5:28,29), the saved to eternal life (Rom. 8:10.11. 19-23;
IICor. 4:14; John 5:29; Dan 12:2: Rev. 20:6), and the unsaved
to judgment and everlasting punishment (Dan. 12:2; John 5:29;
Rev. 20:6.13-15 We teach- that the souls of the unsaved at death
descend immediately into Hades (Job 3:13-19; Luke '16:19-26),
where they are kept under punishment until the second-resurrection
(Luke 16:19-26; Rev. 20:1-15), when the soul and a resurrection
body are united (John 5:28,29). They shall then appear at the
Great White Throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-15) and shall be cast
into the lake of fire (Matt. 25:41-46) cut off from the life of
God forever (II Thess. 1: 7-9; Dan. 12:2; Matt. 25:41-46).
2.
The Rapture of the Church
We
teach the personal bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ (I Thess.
4:16: Titus 2:11-13), to translate His Church from this earth
(John 14:1-3; I Cor. 15:51-53; I Thess. 4:15-5:11), and to reward
them according to their works (Rom 14:10-12; I Cor. 3:11-15; II
Cor. 5:10), with sufficient time elapsing between this event and
His glorious return with His Church to allow for the judgment
of believers' works and the marriage supper of the Lamb, and that
this period includes the 70th week of Daniel's prophecy (Dan.
9:24-27; Matt. 24:15-31,25:31-46).
3.
The Tribulation Period
We
teach that immediately following the removal of the Church from
the earth (John 14:1-3; I Thess. 4:13-18), the righteous judgments
of God will be poured out upon an unbelieving world (Jer. 30:7;
Dan. ,9:27. 12:1; II Thess. 2:7-12; Rev. 16:1-21). These judgments
will be climaxed by the return of Christ in glory to the earth
(Matt. 24:15-31,25:31-46; II Thess. 2:7-12; I Tim. 6:14), at which
time the Old Testament and tribulation saints will be raised and
the living will be judged (Rev. 20:4-6; Daniel 12:2-3; Rev. 6:9-11).
4.
The Second Coming and the Millennial Reign
We
teach that, after the tribulation period, Christ will come to
earth to occupy the throne of David (Matt. 25:31; Luke 1:31-33;
Acts 1:10,11, 2:29,30), and establish His Messianic kingdom for
a thousand years on the earth (Rev. 20:1-7). During this time
the resurrection saints will reign with Him over Israel and all
the nations of the earth Ezek. 37:21 28; Dan. 7:17-22: Rev. 19:11-16).
This reign will be preceded by the overthrow of the antichrist
and the false prophet, and by the removal of Satan from the world
(Dan. 7:17-27; Rev. 20:1-7).
We
teach that the kingdom itself will be the fulfillment of God's
promise to Israel (Deut. 30:1-10; Ezek. 37:21-28; Zech. 8:1-17),
to restore them to the land which they forfeited through disobedience
(Deut. 28:15-68, 30:1-10), with the result that Israel was temporarily
set aside (Matt. 21:43; Rom. 11:1-26), but who will once again
be awakened through repentance (Jer. 31:31-34;Ezek. 36:22-32 Rom.11:
25-29), to enter into the land of blessing (Rev. 20:4-6).
We
teach that this time of our Lord's reign will be characterized
by harmony, justice, peace, righteousness, and long life (lsa.
11:1-16, 65:17-25: Ezek. 36:33-38), and will be brought to an
end with the release of Satan (Rev. 20:7).
5.
The Judgment of the Lost
We
teach that following the release of Satan after the thousand year
reign (Rev. 20:7), Satan will deceive the nations of the earth
and gather them to battle against the saints and the beloved city
(Rev. 20:9), at which time Satan and his army will be devoured
by fire from heaven. (Rev. 20:9). Following this. Satan will be
thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Matt. .25:41;
Rev. 20:10), whereupon Christ, who the Judge of all men (John
5:22) will resurrect and judge the great and small at the Great
White Throne judgment.
We
teach that this resurrection of the unsaved dead will be a physical
resurrection, whereupon receiving their judgment (Rom. 14:10-13).
they will be committed to an eternal conscious punishment (Matt.
25:41; Rev.20: 11-15).
6.
Eternity
We
teach that after the closing of the millennium, the temporary
release of Satan, and the judgment of unbelievers (II Thess. 1:9;
Rev. 20:7-15) the saved will enter the eternal state (Rev. 22:14)
of glory with God; that the elements of this earth are to be "dissolved"
(II Peter 3:1 0) and replaced with a new earth wherein only righteousness
dwells (Eph. 5:5; Rev. 20:15, 21 & 22); that the heavenly
city that comes down out of heaven (Rev. 21:2) is to be the dwelling
place of the saints where they will enjoy forever fellowship with
God and one another (John 17:3; Eph. 2:11-16; Rev. 21 & 22).
The Lord Jesus Christ having fulfilled His redemptive mission,
will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father, (Eph. 1:18-23;
I Cor. 15:24-28), that in all spheres the triune God may reign
forever and ever (I Cor. 15:28). Amen!
