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Introduction
During the Dark Ages many of the foundational truths of primitive Christianity were lost. Since the Reformation period, God has been progressively restoring biblical truth to the Church while the Holy Spirit, in these last days, continues to illuminate this restored truth. Therefore, the Church must hold fast to the revealed truth of the Bible and remain open for any further illumination of the existing Scriptures (John 16:13).
Biblical Subject Index...
The Bible
God (Trinity)
The Person and Work of Christ
Christ's Return
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
The Person and Work of Satan
Creation
The Fall of Mankind
Salvation
Redemption
Sanctification
Resurrection
The Great Commission
The Universal Church (The Body of Christ)
The Local Church (Assembly or Fellowship)
Local Church Government (Elders/Ecclesiology)
The Sacraments (Ordinances)
Water Baptism
The Lord’s Supper (Communion)
The Equipping Ministries
The Manifestations and Gifts of The Holy Spirit
The Fruit of the Spirit
The Laying On of Hands (Ordination)
Healing Sickness Through Prayer
Praise and Worship
The Question of Tithing
Fasting
Moral Standards for Believers...
Resolving Disputes Among Believers
Abortion (Infanticide)
Birth Control
Euthanasia
Suicide
Divorce and Remarriage
Homosexuality
War and Peace
The Bible
The Bible, inerrant in the original writings and consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is the only infallible, and authoritative Word of God to man. (2Tim.3:16-17; 2Pet.1:19-2). The Apocrypha and Deutero-canonical writings may shed questionable light on some historic aspects of biblical history, but none is inspired (lit. “God-breathed”) as are the sixty-six canonical books of the present-day protestant Bible.
God
There is one God (Deut. 6:4; Mark 12:29; I Tim. 2:5), eternally self-existent (Gen. 21:33; Deut. 33:27), one in nature and purpose, yet threefold in person and ministry (Matt.3:16-17, 28:19; 2Cor.13:14). Being triune in fullness, God is distinctively revealed in the scriptures as Father (Rom.1:7), Son (Heb.1:8), and Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4). During His earthly ministry Jesus (the Son) dwelt among mankind being at once fully man and fully God (Col.2:9). See also: Trinity
The Person and Work of Christ
Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (Isa.7:14, 9:6; Lk.1:35; John 1:1-2, 14; Gal.4:4-5; Phil.2:5-8).
Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice. Our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:18-36; Rom.3:24-25, 1Pet. 2:24; Eph.1:7; 1Pet.1:3-5).
Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:9-10), and is now exalted at the right hand of God where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Heb.9:24, 7:25; Rom.8:34; 1John 2:1-2).
Christ’s Return
Jesus Christ is personally and visibly coming again in glory to judge the world in righteousness, and to establish His visible kingdom upon the earth; and His kingdom will have no end (Acts 1:11; Matt.24:27-44; Mk.13:24-27; Lk.21:25-28).
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4), the third person of the Trinity, (Gen.1:2, 6:3; Isa.61:1; Matt.10:20, 28:19; Rom.8:1-2, 9) and was present and active together with the Father and the Son in the creation of the world (Gen.1:1-2; John 1:1-3; Col.1:16-17).
The Holy Spirit spoke through the Old Testament prophets (Acts 1:16-17, 28:25; Rev.19:10b), inspired all of scripture (2Tim.3:16), and even now convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8).
The Holy Spirit raised Jesus Christ from the dead (Rom.8:11), and will one day raise all believers from the grave (Rom.8:29; 1Cor.15:20-23).
The Holy Spirit is the Christian’s Divine Teacher, helping believers to understand and appropriate the Scriptures (John 14:26, 16:13; 1Cor.2:9-16; Eph.1:15-17).
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is part of every Christian's new birth experience (John 7:37-39; 1Cor.12:12-13). Yet, it is the privilege and duty of all believers to strive to be continually filled with, and controlled by, the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, 4:31, 9:17, 10:44-46, 11:15-16, 19:1-6; Lk.11:13; Eph. 5:18). Speaking in tongues is not a necessary element, nor proof of, one's new birth or baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17, 9:17-22).
The Person and Work of Satan
Satan is a fallen angelic being (Isa.14:12-17; Rev.12:9; Job 1:6-7). He is the confirmed author of sin and the deceiver/tempter of all mankind (John 8:44; Rev.12:9; Matt.4:2-11). Satan is also the open and declared enemy of God and man (Isa.14:13-14; 1Pet.5:8). He and his fallen angels (demons) shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire when Christ returns (Matt.25:41; Rev.20:10-15).
Creation
The Bible teaches the universe and all life came into being as an act of God’s creative power (Gen.1 & 2). In its original state, the world and everything God created, including mankind, was looked upon by God and considered to be “very good” (Gen.1:31). Since no one except God was present to observe His creative acts, creationists, scientists, and evolutionists alike must ultimately reject or accept the biblical account of creation by faith (Heb.11:3).
The Fall of Mankind
Originally created in the Image of God (Gen.1:26) with the blessing of God upon them (Gen.1:28a) Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, disobeyed God and brought spiritual death upon all mankind (Gen.3:19, 22-24; Rom.5:12). In so doing they also brought God’s curse upon all of creation (Gen.3:14-19).
Because of the fall in Adam mankind is unable of himself to believe the gospel. The sinner is spiritually dead, blind and deaf to the things of God. "The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time." (Gen. 6:5). "God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one." (Psalm 53:2,3). (See also Rom.3:10-18, 23; Isa.64:4-7)
In this present state of spiritual death mankind is unable to attain divine righteousness apart from the quickening of the Holy Spirit. "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved." (Eph.2:1-5).
Salvation (Also see Knowing God)
God chose certain individuals unto salvation, before the foundation of the world. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." (Eph.1:3-6 and 2Tim.1:8-10).
The salvation of sinners is always and only obtained by the gracious gift of God and never through a person’s own works or any foreseen response of obedience, faith, repentance, etc.. "For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." (Rom. 9:15-16). (See also Rom.3:20; Eph. 2:8-9; 2Tim.1:8-10).
The Holy Spirit extends to God's chosen people a special inward call which cannot be rejected and inevitably results in conversion and salvation. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: `They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me." (John 6:44-45).
Through confession of sin (John 1:8-9) and faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ and His shed blood, a repentant sinner obtains full forgiveness of sins (Eph.2:8-9; Rom.5:1, 9-11; Heb.9:12) and the renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
All who have been chosen by God, and given faith by the Spirit of God, are eternally saved. They are kept in faith by the power and promise of Almighty God and thus will persevere to the end. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are One." (John 10:27-30). (See also Rom. 8:33-39)
Redemption
While on earth, Jesus Christ led a perfect and sinless life (2Cor.5:21; 1John 3:5), yet willingly suffered and died for the sins of others (Matt.26:39, 47-54; Mk.14:36; Lk.22:42), that He might redeem us from all sin, and purify unto himself a people of his own, zealous of good works (Eph.2:10; Titus 2:14). The redemptive work of Christ on the cross also allows for (but does not mandate) healing of a believer’s illnesses and infirmities in God’s sovereign answer to prayer (Isa.53:4-5; 1Pet.2:24; Matt. 8:16-17; James 5:14-16).
Sanctification
Through the power and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a Christian is enabled to live a Spirit-filled life, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, as determined by the standard of God's Word, and not by the standards of the world (Rom.12:1-2; 1Cor.1:30; 2Cor.7:1; Eph.5:18). All Christians should endeavor to live in such a manner as to not bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord: to remain separate from all religious apostasy and unbelief (2Cor.6:14-16a), and to avoid those sinful pleasures and practices as commanded by God (2Tim.3:1-5; 1John 2:15-17; 2John 9-11). The ultimate goal of the sanctified believer is to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom.8:29).
Resurrection
I believe in the resurrection of both the just and the unjust; the just unto everlasting life with Christ (John 11:25;1Thess.4:16-18), and the unjust unto everlasting punishment (Matt.25:31-46; 2Thess.1:7-9; Rev.20:11-15, 21:8). The souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord (2Cor.5:8; Phil.1:23), where they await the first resurrection (Rev. 20:4-6), when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Lk.23:43; Phil.3:21; Rev.21:1-7).
The Great Commission
Jesus Christ commissioned the Church to proclaim his gospel to all nations so there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language who believe in him and receive eternal life. As ambassadors of Christ we should use every available means to disciple the nations, not waiting for them to come to us (Mark 15:16; Matt.28:19-20; Acts 1:8).
The Universal Church (The Body of Christ)
There is One worldwide universal body of Christ which is composed of the whole number of God’s chosen people (the elect) that have been, are, or will be, gathered into one body (1Cor.1:2; Eph.1:10, 22-23), every one having been baptized into the one body by the same (Holy) Spirit (1Cor.12:12-14; Eph.4:4-6). Christ as the head of this body (Col.1:18; Eph.1:22-23), which He purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28b). Membership in the body of Christ is by faith (Acts 2:41), with each member being set in the body as it pleases God (Acts 2:47; 1Cor.12:18). Every member of the body of Christ has his/her own particular function and gifting (Rom.12:4-8; Eph.4:11-13) and is exhorted to be committed to that God-given function/gifting for the building up of the local assembly or fellowship. See also: Life in the Body of Christ
The Local Church (Assembly or Fellowship)
Though One, the universal body of Christ has manifold and diverse local expressions and out-workings (Acts 8:1; Rom.1:7, 16:1, 5; Eph.1:1; Phil.1:1; Col.1:2; 1Thess.1:1; Rev.1-4). It may be touched, seen, and experienced in any one of these forms through regular fellowship in a local assembly or congregation of believers. The establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; 1Tim.3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11). Local churches should be autonomous, that is, free of any external authority or control, although it is quite proper and advantageous for local churches to cooperate and labor together for the sake of the kingdom of God and the good of the saints (Acts 13:1-4, 15:19-31, 20:28; Rom.16:1, 4; 1Cor.3:9, 16, 5:4-7, 13). See also: Life in the Body of Christ
The basic ministry of the local church/fellowship has many facets:
(1) to minister to God (1Pet. 2:5; Mark 12:29-30),
(2) to minister to the body of Christ (Eph.4:11-16; Rom.12:1-21; 1Cor.12:13-14),
(3) to administer discipline to the unruly (Acts 5:1-11; 2Cor.13:1-10),
(4) to guard scriptural truth (Acts 15:1-35; Gal.1:6-11; 2Tim.2:1-2),
(5) to promote unity among believers (Eph.4:1-6; 1Cor.1:10, 6:1-8; Phil.1:27),
(6) to engage in triumphant spiritual warfare against the “flesh” and the realm of darkness
(Eph.6:10-12; 2Cor.10:3-5; Gal.5:16-18; 1Pet.2:11-12),
(7) to extend God’s invitation of salvation to the world (Ps.2:8; Matt.28:18-20; Mark16:15-18;
Acts 1:8).
Local Church Government (Eldership/Ecclesiology)
The Bible teaches the local church is to be governed by a plurality of leaders (elders/overseers), recognized by the congregation as gifted by God for just such a purpose (1Tim.3:1-7; Titus 1:5-10). Together, the elders are charged with shepherding the flock and overseeing its activities (Acts 20:28; 1Tim.4:11-5:16; Heb.13:7, 17; 1Pet.5:1-4), equipping the saints for works of service (Eph.4:12), living a life worthy of the calling [they] have received (Eph.4:1), making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph.4:3), as well as teaching and defending the Scriptures (1Tim.4:6-13, 5:17; Titus 1:9). Deacons/Servants (men and women*) may also be appointed to assist the elders in this ministry in both spiritual and practical matters as deemed necessary (Acts 6:1-6; Rom.16:1-2*; 1Tim.3:8-13).
Notes
The modern-day corporate language of “boards” and/or “trustees,” etc., or their historical equivalent, are nowhere to be found in Scripture. Likewise, modern day expressions such as "the ministry" or "the pastor" are also completely absent from the New Testament!
Many modern churches claim to practice biblical eldership, but the elders are, in fact, temporary church board members. This is quite different from the New Testament model of spiritually-gifted pastoral eldership. Other times, a board member may in fact be spiritually-gifted for pastoral oversight of a congregation, yet is never considered a pastor or formally charged with the task. Both of these scenarios are at odds with the New Testament teaching on this subject.
For more on this subject please see The Biblical Qualifications for Elders and Deacons and
NT Church Leadership articles also located on this site.
The Sacraments (Ordinances)
Water baptism and the Lord's Supper (Communion) are scriptural ordinances of obedience to be celebrated by the local Church until Christ comes again (Matt.28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:18; 1Cor.11:23-26).
Water Baptism
Water baptism as an act of obedience to be experienced by every believer (Matt.28:19; Acts 2:38). It is a perpetual ordinance to be celebrated by the Church and constitutes identification with the Lord Jesus Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Rom.6:3-4).
Baptism in the New Testament is the Christian's circumcision in Christ (Col.2:8-13). Circumcision in the Old Testament is an aid and model to our understanding of NT baptism. Like circumcision, the ordinance of baptism, in itself, confers no meritorial form of grace (Gal.5:6; 1Cor.7:19).
Water baptism is to be administered in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matt.28:19). Rightly administered to a professing believer, baptism is an outward sign (Gen.17:7-11), of an inward gift of faith (Rom.2:28-29, 4:11a; Gal.3:6-14), made possible through the sovereign election of God (Eph.2:8-10).
Christ himself is the true mediator of the ordinance of baptism (Rom.15:8), which is rightly administered by immersion, though pouring or sprinkling may be acceptable forms depending upon circumstances (Eph.5:26-27, Titus 3:5-6).
Baptized believers retain their sinful nature after baptism and are obligated to strive against that nature until death (Rom.6:1-23).
The Lord’s Supper (Communion)
The frequent sharing of Communion by all believers is a command of Jesus Christ (Matt. 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; John 6:47-59), and the Apostle Paul (1Cor.11:23-25). Communion is a solemn ordinance of the Church and is to be partaken of by true believer’s (1Cor.10:14-21), only after personal examination of the conscience (1Cor.11:27-32). In so partaking we do proclaim (the benefits of ) the Lord's death and remember him till He comes again (1Cor.11:26).
The Equipping Ministries
Even in these last days God continues to give to the Church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, until we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God (Eph.4:7, 11-16; 1Cor.12:28).
The Manifestations and Gifts of The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit continues to show himself through various manifestations (phanerosis) in the local church. These various manifestations are listed in the scriptures as gifts (charismata), ministries (diakonia), and operations (energemata). All believers do not have the same gift(s) or office (Rom.12:3-8). The Holy Spirit allocates spiritual gifts to every believer as He determines best (1Cor.12:8-11), yet believers are encouraged to earnestly desire the “greater gifts” (1Cor.12:31). Though given to individual believers, spiritual gift(s) are to be employed for the common good of all (1Cor.12:7). Even the greatest gifts, when employed without love, are considered worthless in God’s economy (1Cor.13:1-3). For more on this topic see Intro to Spiritual Gifts also located on this website.
The Fruit of the Spirit
The Laying On of Hands (Ordination)
Healing Sickness Through Prayer
Praise and Worship
The Question of Tithing
Fasting
Moral Standards for Believers...
Resolving Disputes Among Believers
Abortion (Infanticide)
According to the Bible life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13-16; Jer.1:5; Luke 1:39-41). Therefore a fetus of any age constitutes a created life. The Christian Church has always held that all life is precious in the eyes of God. Since abortion (at any stage of pregnancy) stops a beating heart and terminates a soul (heart and mind) made in the image and likeness of God it is hard not to understand abortion as anything short of murder (at least for this author).
Some may counter that abortion is sometimes necessary to save the life of the mother. In these particular cases abortion may be justified. However, others assert in reality this scenario only accounts for a mere 2-3% of the thousands of abortions performed each year in America alone.
To make matters more difficult, the issue of a woman's choice to carry an unplanned baby to term, or to abort, is a very real dilemma. I can only offer a personal opinion at this point. It would seem only just that a woman have control of her own body and choices in such matters, but as a minister I would almost always hope and pray a woman chooses life for her unborn infant.
Birth Control
Euthanasia
Suicide
Divorce and Remarriage
Marriage was divinely instituted by God in Genesis 2:18-25 as a “one-flesh” covenant between a man and a woman (not two men, not two women). In God’s original plan there was to be no such thing as divorce. In fact, God hates divorce (Mal.2:16a). But due to the hardness of man’s heart Moses eventually came to allow it (Matt.19:8). The New Testament teaches there are only two circumstances wherein a one flesh covenant may be broken without consequence—adultery (Matt.19:9) and the death of one of the marriage partners (Romans 7:2-3). Divorce for any other reason forces both parties to live in the shadow of a broken covenant for the rest of their lives! Remarriage to another individual constitutes adultery (either voluntary or forced) by either one or both parties (Mark 10:10-12; Romans 7:3).
Notes
From this point on, any further discussion of this topic gets very "messy." Throwing the subject of ministry (spiritual service) into the discussion makes it all the more thorny a question. Some people would stop at what is “black and white” and say that if a person has been divorced for any reason he/she may not remarry or occupy a place of service or ministry in the church. But the issue of man’s hard heartedness and sin still remains. What about the man or woman who tries in vain to stop his/her cheating mate from divorcing them but fails? What about the woman who has only two dreadful options before her—live in a house with an abusive husband who may one day kill her, or get a divorce? Suppose neither of these two ever remarries again. Can either ever be involved in church ministry? What if one's divorce took place before he or she became a Christian?
Some would also ask, what role grace and forgiveness might play in all of this? In order that the grace of God prevail each case must be weighed individually, the Word of God must be applied to the facts at hand, and in certain limited cases allowances might graciously be made for certain individuals and circumstances.
Homosexuality
While a person may struggle with any number of sins and still be counted as a Christian, open and prideful practice and/or acceptance of any sin is counter to the Word of God (1Peter 1:15-16). Homosexuality (as well as incest and bestiality) is expressly condemned in the Old Testament (Genesis 19:1-28; Leviticus 18:1-30; 1Kings 14:22-24). The practice of homosexual acts (including lesbianism) is again condemned in the New Testament as well ( Romans 1:24-27). The idea of two (or more) persons of the same gender engaging in sexual relations also runs counter to God's created order of male and female beings in Genesis 1:27-28. It was for this very sin the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were judged and destroyed (Genesis 18:20-21; 19:1-28).
Notes
Despite what many postmodern minds of our age have to say on this subject, the Bible (in context) is clearly not tolerant of homosexuality (nor again, any other sin for that matter!). Therefore, the true Church of Christ may not condone the practice or lifestyle, even as it strives to love people into the kingdom of God. While biblical Christians must love and accept the struggling homosexual (as any other struggling sinner) we must be careful to never condone the practice of homosexuality itself since it clearly violates the plain teachings of both the Old and New Testaments.
Acts of physical violence against any sinner are equally incompatible with the teachings of Christ.
War and Peace
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