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III. THE FAITH AND PRACTICE OF THE CHURCH OF GOD.

      The Church of God has no authoritative constitution, ritual, creed, catechism, book of discipline, or church standard, but the Bible. The Bible she believes to be the only creed, discipline, church standard, or test-book, which God every intended his church to have. Nevertheless, it may not be expedient, pro bono publico, to exhibit a short manifesto, or declaration, showing her views, as to what may be called leading matters of faith, experience and practice.

      1. She believes the Bible, or the canonical books of the Old and New Testament to be the word of God, a revelation from God to man, and the only authoritative rule of faith and practice.

      Lu 16:29. Abraham saith to him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear
them.
      2Ti 3:16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
      2Pe 1:19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereto ye do well that ye take heed, as to a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.
      20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
      21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

      2. She believes in one Supreme God, consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that these three are co-equal and co-eternal.

      Mt 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.
      2Co 13:14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
      1Jo 5:7. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

      3. She believes in the fall and depravity of man; that is to say, that man by nature is destitute of the favor and image of God.

      Ro 5:10. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son; much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
      Ro 8:7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
      Ro 3:11. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
      12. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
      13. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips.
      1Co 15:49. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
      Col 1:21. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.
      22. In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.

      4. She believes in the redemption of man through atonement, or vicarious sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

      Ro 5:6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
      11. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
      2Co 5:19. God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and hath committed to us the word of reconciliation.
      20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
      21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
      Ga 3:13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.
      Ga 4:4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
      5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
      Heb 9:12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
      13. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh; [176]
      14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
      15. And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
      1Pe 3:18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.
      1Jo 2:2. And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

      5. She believes in the gift and office-work of the Holy Spirit; that is, in the enlightening, regenerating, and sanctifying influence and power of the Spirit.

      Joh 16:7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send him to you.
      8. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
      9. Of sin; because they believe not on me:
      10. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more:
      11. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
      Joh 14:16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.
      17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
      26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you.
      Ac 1:5. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
      Tit 3:5. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

      6. She believes in the free, moral agency of man; that he has moral ability, because commanded to repent and believe, in order to be saved; and that the doctrine of unconditional election and reprobation, has no foundation in the oracles of God.

      Mt 23:27. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
      Mt 25:14. For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods.
      15. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
      16. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
      17. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
      18. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
      19. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
      20. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst to me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
      21. His lord said to him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
      22. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst to me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
      23. His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
      24. Then he which had received the one talent came, and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
      25. And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
      26. His lord answered and said to him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed:
      27. Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
      28. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it to him which hath ten talents.
      29. For to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
      30. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
      Joh 5:40. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
      Mr 1:15. The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
      Ac 10:43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
      Ac 13:38. Be it known to you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins:
      39. And by him, all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
      Ac 17:30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.
      1Jo 3:23. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

      7. She believes that man is justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, or by works of his own righteousness.

      Ro 3:28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
      Ro 4:4. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt;
      5. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
      Ga 2:16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
      Php 3:9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

      8. She believes in the necessity of regeneration or the new birth; or, in the change of man's moral nature, after the image of God, by the influence and power of the word and spirit of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.

      Joh 3:5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say to thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
      Tit 3:5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
      6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; [177]
      7. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
      Jas 1:18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures.
      1Pe 1:23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

      9. She believes in three positive ordinances of perpetual standing in the church, namely, Baptism, Feet-washing, and the Lord's Supper.

      Ac 2:38. Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
      Joh 13:14. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
      15. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
      1Co 11:23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
      24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
      25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
      26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come.
      27. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
      28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
      29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

      10. She believes two things essential to the validity of baptism, namely, faith and immersion; and that where either is wanting, there can be no scriptural baptism.

      Mr 16:16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
      Ac 8:37. And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
      Ro 6:3. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
      4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
      5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
      Col 2:12. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
      1Pe 3:21. The like figure whereto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

      11. She believes that the ordinance of feet-washing, that is, the literal washing of the saints' feet, according to the words and example of Christ, is obligatory upon all Christians, and ought to be observed by all the churches of God.

      Joh 13:3. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God,
      4. He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
      5. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
      12. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said to them, Know ye what I have done to you?
      13. Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
      14. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
      15. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
      Mt 28:20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.

      12. She believes that the Lord's Supper should be often administered, and to be consistent, to Christians only, in a sitting posture, and always in the evening.

      Mt 26:26. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
      27. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
      28. For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
      1Co 11:23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
      24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: do this in remembrance of me.
      25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
      26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
      Lu 22:19. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
      20. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
      Mr 14:22. And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
      23. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
      24. And he said to them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
      25. Verily I say to you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
      Ac 2:42. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

      13. She believes in the institution of the Lord's day, or Christian sabbath, as a day of rest and religious worship.

      Mr 2:27. And he said to them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the
sabbath.
      Lu 23:56. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath-day according to the commandment.
      Ac 13:27. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
      Re 1:10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.

      14. She believes that the reading and preaching of God's word, the singing of psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, and the offering up of prayers, are ordained of God, and ought to be regularly [178] and devoutly observed by all the people and churches of God.

      Joh 5:39. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
      Mt 6:6. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
      7. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
      8. Be not ye therefore like to them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
      9. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
      10. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
      11. Give us this day our daily bread.
      12. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
      13. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
      Mt 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;
      Mt 28:20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.
      Eph 5:19. Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
      Col 3:16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
      Php 4:6. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

      15. She believes in the propriety and utility of hold fast-days, experience meetings, anxious meetings, camp meetings, and other special meetings of united and protracted efforts for the edification of the church and the conversion of sinners.

      1Co 14:31. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
      Lu 6:12. And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
      Ac 11:26. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
      Ac 12:12. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
      Ac 14:27. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

      16. She believes that the gospel ministry, sabbath schools, education, the religious press, the Bible missionary, temperance, and all other benevolent causes, ought to be heartily and liberally supported.

      1Co 9:11. If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
      12. If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
      13. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple, and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
      14. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
      Ga 6:6. Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things.
      Jas 4:17. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

      17. She believes that the church ought to relieve and take care of her own poor saints, superannuated ministers, widows and orphrans.

      Ac 6:1. And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
      2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
      Ac 11:29. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren which dwelt in Judea.
      Ro 12:13. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
      Ga 6:2. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
      1Ti 5:9. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man.
      1Th 5:14. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
      Php 4:15. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
      Heb 13:16. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

      18. She believes that the manufacture, traffic, and use of ardent spirits, as a beverage or common drink, is injurious and immoral, and ought to be abandoned.

      1Co 10:31. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
      1Pe 2:11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
      12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
      1Th 5:22. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

      19. She believes the system or institution of involuntary slavery to be impolite or unchristian.

      Mt 7:12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
      Mt 19:19. Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
      Ga 3:28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

      20. She believes that all civil wars are unholy and sinful, and in which the saints of the Most High ought never to participate.

      2Co 10:4. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.
      Heb 12:14. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
      Mt 7:12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
      Mt 26:52. Then said Jesus to him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
      Mt 5:39. But I say to you, That ye resist not [179] evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
      44. But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

      21. She believes that civil governments are ordained of God for the general good; that Christians ought to be subject to the same in all things, except what is manifestly unscriptural; and that appeals to the law, put of the church, for justice, and the adjustments of civil rights, are not inconsistent with the principles and duties of the Christian religion.

      Ro 13:1. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
      2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
      3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
      4. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
      5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
      Ac 25:11. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me to them. I appeal to Cesar.
      21. But when Paul had appealed to be reserved to the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cesar.
      1Co 6:1. Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
      2. Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
      3. Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
      4. If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
      5. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
      6. But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
      7. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

      22. She believes in the necessity of a virtuous and holy life, and that Christ will save those only who obey him.

      Heb 12:14. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
      Heb 5:9. And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.
      1Pe 1:16. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

      23. She believes in the visibility, unity, sanctity, universality, and perpetuity of the church of God.

      Mt 5:14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
      Joh 17:21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
      1Co 10:17. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
      Eph 5:27. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
      Mt 13:33. Another parable spake he to them; The kingdom of heaven is like to leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
      Mt 16:18. And I say also to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

      24. She believes in the personal coming and reign of Jesus Christ.

      Mt 24:42. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
      43. But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
      44. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
      Ac 1:11. Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
      Php 3:20. For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
      21. Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like to his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things to himself.
      1Th 4:16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
      17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
      1Jo 3:2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
      Re 1:7. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

      25. She believes in the resurrection of the dead, "both of the just and the unjust"; that the resurrection of the just will precede the resurrection of the unjust; that the first will take place at the beginning, and the second at the end of the millennium.

      Joh 5:28. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
      29. And shall come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation.
      Ac 24:15. And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
      1Th 4:16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
      Re 20:4. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given to them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
      5. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
      6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. [180]

      26. She believes in the creation of new heavens and a new earth.

      Isa 65:17. For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
      Isa 66:22. For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.
      2Pe 3:13. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
      Re 21:1. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

      27. She believes in the immortality of the soul; in a universal and eternal judgment; and in future and everlasting rewards and punishments.

      Mt 25:31. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
      32. And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
      33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
      34. Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
      35. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
      36. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came to me.
      37. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
      38. When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
      39. Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came to thee?
      40. And the King shall answer and say to them, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it to me.
      41. Then shall he say also to them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.
      42. For I was a hungred, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
      43. I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
      44. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee a hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to thee?
      45. Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
      46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life
eternal.
      Mr 8:36. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
      Mr 12:25. For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
      Lu 16:19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
      20. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
      21. And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores.
      22. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried:
      23. And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
      24. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
      25. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
      26. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
      27. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
      28. For I have five brethren; that he may testify to them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
      29. Abraham saith to him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
      30. And he said, Nay, father Abraham; but if one went to them from the dead, they will repent.
      31. And he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
      Ac 17:31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

      Such then, is an outline of the avowed principles of the Church of God in the United States.

 
 
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