28 Funadamental Beliefs

7/31/2019 28 Funadamental Beliefs

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1. THE HOLY1. THE HOLY

SCRIPTURESSCRIPTURES

The holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments,are the written Word of God, given by inspiration

through holy men of God who spoke and wrote asthey were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word,God has committed to man the knowledgenecessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are

the infallible revelation of his will. They are thestandard of character, the test of experience, theauthoritative revealer of doctrines, and thetrustworthy record of Gods acts in history.


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The sixty-six books of the Old and NewThe sixty-six books of the Old and New

Testament make up the Holy Scriptures. GodTestament make up the Holy Scriptures. God

has given us the Bible to reveal his will and tohas given us the Bible to reveal his will and topoint us to salvation. Scripture is:point us to salvation. Scripture is:

The source of the knowledge essential for

salvation. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 The revealer of right doctrine and Gods will.

John 17:17; Isaiah 8:20

The record of Gods dealings with mankind. 1

Corinthians 10:11 All Scripture is Christ-centered. John 5:39-40


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The Bible is Gods inspired and infallible

message to humanity and must be studied withhis guidance. We must not add to or subtractfrom it.

The Scriptures bear Gods authority, not mans.2 Peter 1:20-21

Human beings need the Holy Spirits guidanceto understand God as he is revealed inScripture. 1 Corinthians 2:9-14

We should study all parts of the Bible to findtruth. Luke 24:27,44

Daily Bible study is important to keep us fromdeception. Acts 17:11


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2. THE TRINITY2. THE TRINITY

There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, aunity of three co-eternal Persons. God isimmortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all,and ever present. He is infinite and beyond

human comprehension, yet known through hisself-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship,adoration, and service by the whole creation.


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There is only one God, yet we know him as

three persons who are revealed in Scripture asthe Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The

Bible makes no attempt to resolve the riddle ofthe Trinity, the three in one.

The Lord is one God. Deuteronomy 6:4

All three persons were involved in creation.Genesis 1:1-2; John 1:1, 14

All three persons were evident at Jesusbaptism. Matthew 3:16-17

The Apostolic blessing acknowledge of threepersons. 2 Corinthians 13:14


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God is beyond our comprehension, but he has

chosen to make himself known to those whoseek him.

We must seek God to know him. Jeremiah

29:13 Seeking God should be our first priority.

Matthew 6:33

Gods ultimate revelation of himself is in Jesus

Christ. Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:18, 14:9


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God is all-wise, all sufficient, and is worthy of our

worship. He is:

Eternal- He has always existed and always will.Psalm 90:2

Omnipresent- He is everywhere at all times. Psalm139:7-10

Omnipotent- He is all powerful. Matthew 19:26

Omniscient- He knows all, and is especiallyinterested in humanity. Isaiah 46:9-10, Matthew6:8

Immutable- He does not change. James 1:17

Interested in each person and the small details oflife. Matthew 10:29-30

Worthy of worship. Revelation 4:11


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3. THE FATHER3. THE FATHER

God the Eternal Father is the Creator, Source,

Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is justand holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and

abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Thequalities and powers exhibited in the Son and theHoly Spirit are also revelations of the Father.


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God the Father is the Creator, Source,

Sustainer and Ruler of all creation. He is in nosense detached or aloof from his created beingsand their needs but daily gives them life.

He created all things. Genesis 1:1; Revelation4:11

He is the source of all life. Acts 17:28-29;Psalm 36:9

He sustains all life. Psalm 104:27-30

He is Sovereign over all the universe for alleternity. 1 Corinthians 15:28

He abounds in love and faithfulness.Deuteronomy 7:9; Exodus 34:6


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Gods holiness and justice which requires that

sinners be destroyed are mingled with his love,mercy, and grace that make forgiveness andsalvation available to all who will receive them.

He is just, holy, and merciful. Exodus 34:7

He extends his grace to us. 1 John 1:9; John3:16


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The characteristics of the Father are also seenin the Son and Holy Spirit.

The Fathers character is revealed by Jesus.John 14:9; Hebrews 1:2-3

The Holy Spirit reveals the Father and Son tous. John 16:13-15


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4. THE SON4. THE SON

God the eternal Son became incarnate Jesus Christ.

Through him all things were created, the character of

God is revealed, the salvation of humanity isaccomplished, and the world is judged. Forever trulyGod, he became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. Hewas conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virginMary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human

being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness andlove of God. By his miracles he manifested Gods powerand was attested as Gods promised Messiah.


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4. THE SON CONTINUED4. THE SON CONTINUED

He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross

for our sins and in our place, was raised fromthe dead, and ascended to minister in theheavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will comeagain in glory for the final deliverance of his

people and the restoration of all things.


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God demonstrated his concern for humanity by

sending his Son, Jesus Christ, the promisedMessiah, to live on earth as a human being to

save us. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of

a virgin. Luke 1:26-27, 35

He is truly God and truly human. Colossians

1:15-16 He is our Creator. John 1:1-3, 10, 14;

Colossians 1:15-16

He is our Saviour and our Judge. Romans 6:23;

John 3:16; 5:22


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While on earth, Jesus gained victory over

Satan, revealed Gods true character, and diedfor us.

He experienced temptation, but did not sin.Hebrews 4:15; John 3:5

He demonstrated the power of God. John 6:14,20:30-31

He perfectly exemplified Gods character. John14:9

He voluntarily died in our place for our sins. 1Corinthians 15:3-4


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Jesus rose from the dead, returned to heaven, and

will come again in glory to take his people to bewith him.

His resurrection assures eternal life to all whoaccept him as Saviour. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

He is now serving as our high priest in heaven.Hebrews 7:25, 8:1-2, 9:24

He will come again to deliver his people. Acts 1:10-11; John 14:1-3

He will restore the earth to its original perfection.Revelation 21:1


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5. THE HOLY SPIRIT5. THE HOLY SPIRIT

God the Eternal Spirit was active with the Father andthe Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. Heinspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christs lifewith power. He draws and convicts human beings; and

those who respond he renews and transforms into theimage of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to bealways with his children, he extends spiritual gifts to thechurch, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and inharmony with the Scriptures, leads it into all truth.


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The Holy Spirit is one person of the Godhead.

He was active in the world even before Godcreated life on earth. He inspired the writing ofthe Bible.

He was active in the work of Creation. Genesis1:1-2

He was active in the incarnation of Christ. Luke1:35

He played an active role in Christs redemptivework on earth. Luke 4:18

He inspired those who wrote the Bible. 2 Peter1:21


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The Spirit is active today in drawing people to God and

in assisting Christians.

He attracts people to God. Revelation 22:17

He convicts people of their sinfulness and need of Godsforgiveness. John 16:7-13

He brings about the new birth. John 3:3-8 He leads the church into all truth. John 14:26, 15:26-27

The truth he leads to is in harmony with the Bible. Isaiah8:20

He is always with us, comforting and helping us. John14:16-18

He gives spiritual gifts to the church. Ephesians 4:11-12


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He empowers the the church to bear witness toChrist. Acts 1:8

He can be grieved away if we ignore hispromptings. Ephesians 4:30

The Christians body is the Spirits temple. 1Corinthians 6:19-20

We are sealed by the Spirit as children of God.Ephesians 1:13-14


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6. CREATION6. CREATION

God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in

Scripture the authentic account of his creative activity.In six days the Lord made the heaven and the earthand all living things upon the earth, and rested on theseventh day of that first week. Thus he established theSabbath as a perpetual memorial of his completedcreative work. The first man and woman were made inthe image of God as the crowning work of Creation,given dominion over the world, and charged with theresponsibility to care for it.


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God created all things through the Son, and

the Bible gives the authentic account of his

activity during creation week. The Sabbathmemorializes his work and the origin of ourworld.

He created all things through the Son. Hebrews1:1-2

God created all things by his word. Psalm 33:6

All life on earth was created during the six-daycreation week. Genesis 1&2

Everything was perfect in Gods originalcreation. Genesis 1:31

The Sabbath is a memorial of Gods completedcreative work. Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11


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Human beings, made in the image of God, are

the crowning work of Gods creation, and areplaced in the earth to care for it.

We are made in the image of God. Genesis1:26-27

We are given dominion over the world. Psalm 8


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7. THE NATURE OF MAN7. THE NATURE OF MAN

Man and woman were made in the image of God withindividuality, the power and freedom to think and to do.Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unityof body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for lifeand breath and all else. When our first parents

disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon himand fell from their high position under God. The image ofGod in them was marred and they became subject todeath.


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THE NATURE OF MAN CONTD.THE NATURE OF MAN CONTD.

Their descendants share this fallen nature andits consequences. They are born with

weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God inChrist reconciled the world to himself and byhis spirit restores in penitent morals the imageof their Maker. Created for the glory of God,they are called to love him and one another,and care for their environment.


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Human beings are Gods special creation---made in his

own image. Like God we have the power of choice . Godwants us to choose to love him and to care for our worldand its inhabitants.

We are created by God in his image. Genesis 1:26-27

God places the breath of life, or spirit, within us, makingus living souls-a unity of body and spirit. We have nosoul that can exist apart from this unity of body andspirit. Genesis 2:7

God gives the power of choice, but we remain dependentof him. Acts 17:24-28

God wants us to learn to love as he loves. Matthew22:35-40

We should take care of Gods creation. Psalm 8:4-8


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The image of God in mankind became marred

when Adam and Eve sinned in Eden. We are nowborn with tendencies toward evil and are subjectto sin and death.

Adam and Eves wrong use of the power of choiceresulted from trying to be independent of God.Genesis 3

Because of their sin, all their descendants aresubject to death. Romans 5:12-17

Our natural inborn tendencies are toward evil.Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:3


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Although we are born with sinful tendencies, God

does not reject us. He sees what we can becomethrough his grace.

Jesus life and death reconciles us to God. Romans

5:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 God gives us his Holy Spirit to restore his image in

us. Psalm 51:10-11;


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All humanity is now involved in a great controversy

between Christ and Satan regarding the character ofGod, his law, and his sovereignty over the universe.This conflict originated in heaven when a createdbeing, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-

exaltation became Satan, Gods adversary, and ledinto rebellion a portion of the angels. He introducedthe spirit of rebellion into this world when he ledAdam and Eve into sin.

8. THE GREAT8. THE GREAT

CONROVERSYCONROVERSY


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THE GREAT CONTROVERSYTHE GREAT CONTROVERSY

CONTINUEDCONTINUED

This human sin resulted in the distortion of theimage of God in humanity, the disordering ofthe created world, and its eventual devastation

at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed bythe whole creation, this world became thearena of the universal conflict, out of which theGod of love will ultimately be vindicated. To

assist his people in this controversy, Christsends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels toguide, protect, and sustain them in way ofsalvation.


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The root cause of all the evil we see on earth

today is Lucifers (Satan) rebellion against God,

which has led to a universe-wide conflict.

The conflict began in heaven. Revelation 12:4-9

Satan was created perfect. Ezekiel 28:12-18

Satans pride led him to want to be equal toGod. Isaiah 14:12-14


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When he was cast out of heaven, Satan came to

earth and tempted Adam and Eve to join hisrebellion. Their fall changed earth from a paradise to

a battlefield. All the inhabitants of the universe havewitnessed the results of Satans work here.

When Adam and Eve followed Satan in rebellion, allof mankind became tainted by sin. Genesis 3

Sin has distorted the image of God in mankind.Romans 1:19-32

Sin caused Gods beautiful creation to become sovile that he had to destroy it in a flood.

All of creation watches events here, waiting forredemption of Gods children. Romans 8:19-22


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Gods sends his Son, his spirit, and his angels to helpus in our struggles against evil. Romans 5:15-21

In the end, all the universe will see that Gods wayis right and Satans way wrong, and God will bevindicated as the only just ruler for the universe.

Every knee will finally bow to Christ. Philippians 2:5-11

All will acknowledge Christ as worthy of worship.Revelation 5:11-14


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9. THE LIFE, DEATH, &9. THE LIFE, DEATH, &

RESURRECTION OF CHRISTRESURRECTION OF CHRIST

In Christs life of perfect obedience to Gods will,his suffering, death, and resurrection, God providedthe only means of atonement for human sin, so that

those who by faith accept this atonement may haveeternal life, and the whole creation may betterunderstand the infinite and holy love of the Creator.


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This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness ofGods law and the graciousness of his character; for itboth condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness.

By dying, Christ took our place , canceled our guilt,reconciled us to God, and transforms us. Theresurrection of Christ proclaims Gods triumph over theforces of evil, and for those who accept the atonementassures their final victory over sin and death. It declaresthe Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee inheaven and on earth earth will bow.

THE LIFE, DEATH &THE LIFE, DEATH &

RESURRECTION CONTDRESURRECTION CONTD


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Christs life, death, and resurrection reveal Gods

righteous character and make eternal life available to

all who accept it. Only Christ could accomplish redemption. Acts 4:12;

Hebrew 7:26-27

Those who accept Christ as Lord and Saviour receive

eternal life. John 3:16 Christs life and death show that God deals justly

with us. Romans 3:23:26

Through his death, Jesus provided atonement for us

and demonstrated Gods great love for us. Inresurrection, he triumphed over Satan and death.


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He died in my place. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

He bore the penalty for my sin in my place. Romans

3:25-26, 4:25, 8:3 He triumphed over Satan at his resurrection.

Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 3:21-22 Christs life of perfect obedience and his atoningdeath show that obedience is possible as the HolySpirit empowers us. Christs resurrection providesassurance of eternal life for his children.

Jesus obeyed Gods law. John 15:10; 1 Peter 2:21-22

Jesus obedience and the Spirits empowering make ourobedience possible. Romans 8:3-4

Jesus resurrection assures ours. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

10 THE EXPERIENCE OF10 THE EXPERIENCE OF


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10. THE EXPERIENCE OF10. THE EXPERIENCE OF

SALVATIONSALVATION

In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who

knew him no sin, to be sin for us, so that in him wemight be made the righteousness of God. Led bythe Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge oursinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and

exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, asSubstitute and Example. This faith which receivessalvation comes through the divine power of theWord and is the gift of Gods grace.


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Through Christ we are justified, adopted as Gods

sons and daughters, and delivered from thelordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are bornagain and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds,writes Gods law of love in our hearts, and we aregiven the power to live a holy life. Abiding in him

we become partakers of the divine nature and havethe assurance of salvation now and in the

judgment.

THE EXPERIENCE OFTHE EXPERIENCE OF

SALVATION CONTINUEDSALVATION CONTINUED


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All human beings need to be saved. We are sinful by

nature and need to admit and repent of our sins, andreceive Christ as our sinless substitute.

We have all sinned and come short of Gods glory.Romans 3:23

Our sinfulness alienates us from God and alienationleads to further sin. Romans 8:5-8

The Holy Spirit points out our need for repentance.John 16:7-8

We need to recognize and admit our sinfulness. 1 John1:8-10

We need to repent. Acts 2:38 We cannot save ourselves, we need a Saviour. Titus

3::3-7


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Through faith we receive our Saviour who forgives us

for our past, gives us assurance of eternal life, bringsabout our adoption as sons and daughters of God,

and gives us power to live holy lives.

Faith and salvation are Gods gifts to us. Ephesians2:5-10, Luke 17:5

We receive faith through hearing the word of God.Romans 10:17

By faith we accept Jesus as our Saviour. John 3:16

By faith we receive forgiveness and justification.

Romans 3:21-26 By faith we are adopted as Gods children.


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By faith we are delivered from evil and given theassurance of eternal life. Galatians 1:4; 1 John 5:13

By faith we are born again to a new life. John 3:3-8;1 Peter 1:23 By faith we are changed to be more like God.

Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, 2 Peter 1:3-4 By faith we receive power to live a holy life. Ezekiel

36:25-27, Romans 8:1-4 God has promised to write his law of love on our

hearts to help us obey from the heart. Hebrew8:7-12

God promises to forgive us as we confess our sins. 1

John 1:7-9


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11. THE CHURCH11. THE CHURCH

The church is the community of believers who confessJesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with thepeople of God in Old Testament times, we are calledout from the world; and we join together for worship,

for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for thecelebration of the Lords Supper, for service to allmankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of thegospel.


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The church derives its authority from Christ , who is

the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, whichare the written Word. The church is Gods family;adopted by him as children, its members live on the

basis of the new covenant. The church is the body ofChrist, a community of faith of which Christ himself isthe head. The church is the bride for whom Christdied that he might sanctify and cleanse her. At his

return in triumph, he will present her to himself aglorious church, the faithful of all ages, the purchaseof his blood, not having a spot or a wrinkle, but holyand without blemish.

THE CHURCH CONTINUEDTHE CHURCH CONTINUED


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When we become Christians, we become a part of

Christs church. The church is described as Christsbody, and he is the head. Church members need to

keep in close contact with Christ and with each otherthrough meeting regularly for worship.

The church is Christs body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Christ is the head. Ephesians 1:22-23 The church is also described as Christ's bride which he

is preparing for the great marriage in heaven. 2Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 19:7-8

Acceptance of Christ brings adoption into the family ofGod. John 1:12-13, Ephesians 2:19-22

Acceptance of Christ leads to separation from worldly


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p p ypractices. 1 John 2:15, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18

God had a special congregation in Old Testament timestoo. Genesis 12:3, Acts 7:38

Christians need to meet together for worship andencouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25

We should invest our gifts, energies, and abilities inbuilding up the church. Ephesians 4:11-15

Christ has given his church authority and a mission onthe earth. Its authority is founded upon himself as theWord of God, and upon his word, the Bible.

My mission as a church member is to lead others fromthe world into Christs church. Matthew 28:19-20

In answer to prayers, Christ gives his church the abilityto make decisions in harmony with his will. Matt 16:13-20

12 THE REMNANT AND ITS12 THE REMNANT AND ITS


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12. THE REMNANT AND ITS12. THE REMNANT AND ITS

MISSIONMISSION

The universal church is composed of all who truly

believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time ofwidespread apostasy, a remnant has been called to keepthe commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Thisremnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour,

proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds theapproach of his second advent. This proclamation issymbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; itcoincides with the work of judgment in heaven andresults in a work of repentance and reform on earth.


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In these last days God has a special people called the

remnant. They may be described as those who remainloyal to him in a time of terrible apostasy.

Revelation predicts that the remnant will exist after thepersecution of the dark ages. Revelation 12:13-17

God calls out his special remnant in a time of terribleapostasy. Revelation 18:1-4

The remnant are faithful to Gods commandments.Revelation 12: 17, 14:12

The remnant have the testimony of Jesus (i.e.) The spiritof Prophecy- the prophetic gift. Revelation 12: 17, 19:10


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The remnant proclaim the urgent message about the

commencement of the time of judgment, salvation

through, and the nearness of his second coming.

They point to salvation through Christ alone. Revelation12:10-11

They proclaim the message of the judgment hour.Revelation 14:6-12

This message is a reference to the judgment that takesplace in heaven before Christ returns to earth. Daniel

7:9-10, 13-14 They proclaim the nearness of Christs return. 2 Peter

3:10-14

13. UNITY IN THE BODY OF13. UNITY IN THE BODY OF


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13. UNITY IN THE BODY OF13. UNITY IN THE BODY OF

CHRISTCHRIST

The church is one body with many members, called

from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. InChrist we are a new creation; distinctions of race,culture, learning, and nationality, and differencesbetween high and low, rich and poor, male and female,must not be divisive among us. We are all equal inChrist, who by one Spirit has bonded us into onefellowship with one another; we are to serve and beserved without partiality or reservation.


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One of Gods gifts to his church is unity.

Just as the Father, Son, and Spirit are one, so shouldthe members of the church be united. John 17:20 23

As Gods children we are a united family. Ephesians 4:1-6

Despite their widely varied backgrounds, Christians area new creation and are united in full equality in Christ.

No matter what we are like before we accepted Christ ,we become part of one body in Him. Romans 12:4-5; 1Cor 12:12-14

There are no class distinctions in Gods sight. 2 Cor

5:16-17; Acts 17:26-27


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Love toward one another should characterize themembers of Christs body. John 13:34-35; 1 John3:14

In Christ all class distinctions dissolve and webecome one people; joint heirs of Gods promises toAbraham. Galatians 3:27-29

14 BAPTISM14 BAPTISM


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14. BAPTISM14. BAPTISM

By baptism we confess our faith in the death andresurrection of Jesus Christ , and testify of our death to

sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thuswe acknowledge Christ as Lord and Savior, become hispeople, we are received as members by his church.Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, theforgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy

Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent onan affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence ofrepentance of sin. It follows instruction in the HolyScriptures and acceptance of their teachings.

Baptism is the door to the church and is essential for all


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Baptism is the door to the church and is essential for all

who to unite with the body of Christ.

We all need baptism. Acts 2:38

Belief in Jesus should be followed by baptism. Acts8:12, 16:30-33

Believers receive the promise of the Holy Spirit in theirlives. Acts 2:38

Baptism symbolizes forgiveness and cleansing. Acts22:16

Baptism unites us with Christ in his death andresurrection. Romans 6:1-6

Baptism unites us with the body of Christ, his church. 1Cor 12:12-13

Baptism is by immersion. Acts 8:36-38, John 3:23


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15. GROWING IN CHRIST15. GROWING IN CHRIST

By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over theforces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spiritsduring His earthly ministry has broken their power

and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus' victorygives us victory over the evil forces that still seek tocontrol us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, andassurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwellswithin us and empowers us. Continually committed

to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set freefrom the burden of our past deeds. No longer do welive in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance,and meaninglessness of our former way of life.


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In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow

into the likeness of His character, communing withHim daily in prayer, feeding on His Word,meditating on it and on His providence, singing Hispraises, gathering together for worship, andparticipating in the mission of the Church. As wegive ourselves in loving service to those around usand in witnessing to His salvation, His constant

presence with us through the Spirit transformsevery moment and every task into a spiritualexperience.

GROWING IN CHRISTGROWING IN CHRIST

CONTD.CONTD.


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Scriptural References

Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15;Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18;

1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28;

John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4;Heb 10:25


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16. THE LORDS SUPPER16. THE LORDS SUPPER

The Lord's Supper is a participation in the emblemsof the body and blood of Jesus as an expression offaith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience

of communion Christ is present to meet andstrengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfullyproclaim the Lord's death until He comes again.Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination,repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the

service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing,to express a willingness to serve one another inChrist-like humility, and to unite our hearts in love.The communion service is open to all believingChristians.


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(1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Matt. 26:17-30; Rev.3:20; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17.)

17. SPRITUAL GIFTS &17. SPRITUAL GIFTS &


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MINISTRIESMINISTRIES

God bestows upon all members of His church in everyage spiritual gifts which each member is to employ inloving ministry for the common good of the church

and of humanity. Given by the agency of the HolySpirit, who apportions to each member as He wills,the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed bythe church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions.According to the Scriptures, these gifts include suchministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation,teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion,and self-sacrificing service and charity for the helpand encouragement of people.


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Some members are called of God and endowed bythe Spirit for functions recognized by the churchin pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teachingministries particularly needed to equip the

members for service, to build up the church tospiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faithand knowledge of God. When members employthese spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God'svaried grace, the church is protected from thedestructive influence of false doctrine, grows witha growth that is from God, and is built up in faithand love.

SPRITUAL GIFTS & MINSTERIESSPRITUAL GIFTS & MINSTERIES

CONTDCONTD


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(Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph.4:8, 11-16; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter4:10, 11.)

18 THE GIFT OF PROPHECY18 THE GIFT OF PROPHECY


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18. THE GIFT OF PROPHECY18. THE GIFT OF PROPHECY

One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This

gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and

was manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White . Asthe Lord's messenger, her writings are a continuingand authoritative source of truth which provide forthe church comfort, guidance, instruction, and

correction. They also make clear that the Bible is thestandard by which all teaching and experience mustbe tested.

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(Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev.12:17; 19:10.)


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19. THE LAW OF GOD19. THE LAW OF GOD

The great principles of God's law are embodied in theTen Commandments and exemplified in the life ofChrist. They express God's love, will, and purposesconcerning human conduct and relationships and are

binding upon all people in every age. These preceptsare the basis of God's covenant with His people and thestandard in God's judgment. Through the agency of theHoly Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense ofneed for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of

works, but its fruitage is obedience to theCommandments. This obedience develops Christiancharacter and results in a sense of well-being. It is anevidence of our love for the Lord and our concern forour fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstratesthe power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore

strengthens Christian witness.


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(Ex. 20:1-17; Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 22:36-40;Deut. 28:1-14; Matt. 5:17-20; Heb. 8:8-10;John 15:7-10; Eph.2:8-10; 1 John 5:3; Rom.8:3, 4; Ps. 19:7-14.)


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20. THE SABBATH20. THE SABBATH

The beneficent Creator, after the six days of Creation,rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath forall people as a memorial of Creation. The fourthcommandment of God's unchangeable law requires the

observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day ofrest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teachingand practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. TheSabbath is a day of delightful communion with God andone another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ,

a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance,and a foretaste of our eternal future in God's kingdom.The Sabbath is God's perpetual sign of His eternalcovenant between Him and His people. Joyfulobservance of this holy time from evening to evening,sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God's creative and

redemptive acts.


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(Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; Luke 4:16; Isa.56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Matt. 12:1-12; Ex. 31:13-17; Eze.20:12, 20; Deut. 5:12-15; Heb. 4:1-11; Lev. 23:32; Mark 1:32.)


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21. STEWARDSHIP21. STEWARDSHIP

We are God's stewards, entrusted by Him with timeand opportunities, abilities and possessions, and theblessings of the earth and its resources. We are

responsible to Him for their proper use. Weacknowledge God's ownership by faithful service toHim and our fellow men, and by returning tithes andgiving offerings for the proclamation of His gospeland the support and growth of His church.

Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God fornurture in love and the victory over selfishness andcovetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessingsthat come to others as a result of his faithfulness.


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(Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; Matt.23:23; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; Rom. 15:26, 27.)

22 CHRISTIAN22 CHRISTIAN


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22. CHRISTIAN22. CHRISTIAN

BEHAVIOURBEHAVIOUR

We are called to be a godly people who think, feel,and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. Forthe Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lordwe involve ourselves only in those things which will

produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives.This means that our amusement and entertainmentshould meet the highest standards of Christian tasteand beauty. While recognizing cultural differences,our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befittingthose whose true beauty does not consist of outwardadornment but in the imperishable ornament of agentle and quiet spirit. It also means that becauseour bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we areto care for them intelligently.


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CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOUR CONTD.

Along with adequate exercise and rest, we areto adopt the most healthful diet possible andabstain from the unclean foods identified in theScriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco,and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcoticsare harmful to our bodies, we are to abstainfrom them as well. Instead, we are to engagein whatever brings our thoughts and bodies intothe discipline of Christ, who desires our

wholesomeness, joy, and goodness.


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(Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil.4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; Lev. 11:1-47; 3 John 2.)


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23. MARRIAGE & THE FAMIL23. MARRIAGE & THE FAMIL

Marriage was divinely established in Eden andaffirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between aman and a woman in loving companionship. For theChristian a marriage commitment is to God as wellas to the spouse, and should be entered into onlybetween partners who share a common faith. Mutuallove, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabricof this relationship, which is to reflect the love,

sanctity, closeness, and permanence of therelationship between Christ and His church.Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person whodivorces a spouse, except for fornication, andmarries another, commits adultery.

MARRIAGE & THE FAMILYMARRIAGE & THE FAMILY


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MARRIAGE & THE FAMILYMARRIAGE & THE FAMILY

CONTDCONTD

Although some family relationships may fallshort of the ideal, marriage partners who fullycommit themselves to each other in Christ mayachieve loving unity through the guidance ofthe Spirit and the nurture of the church. Godblesses the family and intends that its membersshall assist each other toward completematurity. Parents are to bring up their childrento love and obey the Lord. By their exampleand their words they are to teach them thatChrist is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and

caring, who wants them to become members ofHis body, the family of God. Increasing familycloseness is one of the earmarks of the finalgospel message.


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(Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; 2Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32; Mark10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Ex.20:12; Eph. 6:1-4; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6;

Mal. 4:5, 6.)

24 CHRISTS MINISTRY IN24 CHRISTS MINISTRY IN


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24. CHRIST S MINISTRY IN24. CHRIST S MINISTRY IN

THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARYTHE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY

There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernaclewhich the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ

ministers on our behalf, making available to believersthe benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once forall on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great HighPriest and began His intercessory ministry at the timeof His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic

period of 2300 days, He entered the second and lastphase of His atoning ministry. It is a work ofinvestigative judgment which is part of the ultimatedisposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of theancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement.

CHRISTS MINISTRY IN THECHRISTS MINISTRY IN THEHEAVENLY SANCTUARYHEAVENLY SANCTUARY


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HEAVENLY SANCTUARYHEAVENLY SANCTUARY

CONTD.CONTD.In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansedwith the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenlythings are purified with the perfect sacrifice of theblood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals toheavenly intelligences who among the dead are

asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemedworthy to have part in the first resurrection. It alsomakes manifest who among the living are abiding inChrist, keeping the commandments of God and thefaith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready fortranslation into His everlasting kingdom. This

judgment vindicates the justice of God in savingthose who believe in Jesus. It declares that those whohave remained loyal to God shall receive thekingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ willmark the close of human probation before the Second

Advent.

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Scriptural Reference

(Heb. 8:1-5; 4:14-16; 9:11-28; 10:19-22;1:3; 2:16, 17; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Lev. 16; Rev. 14:6,7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12.)


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25. THE SECOND COMING O25. THE SECOND COMING O

CHRISTCHRISTThe second coming of Christ is the blessed hope ofthe church, the grand climax of the gospel. TheSaviour's coming will be literal, personal, visible, andworldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead willbe resurrected, and together with the righteous livingwill be glorified and taken to heaven, but theunrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment

of most lines of prophecy, together with the presentcondition of the world, indicates that Christ's comingis imminent. The time of that event has not beenrevealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready

at all times.

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(Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Matt. 24:14; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:43, 44; 1Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:11-21; Matt. 24;

Mark 13; Luke 21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.)


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26. DEATH & RESURRECTION26. DEATH & RESURRECTION

The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is

immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Untilthat day death is an unconscious state for all people.When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrectedrighteous and the living righteous will be glorified and

caught up to meet their Lord. The secondresurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, willtake place a thousand years later.


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(Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Ps.146:3, 4; John 11:11-14; Col. 3:4; 1 Cor.15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; John 5:28, 29;Rev. 20:1-10.)

27. THE MILLENIUM & THE27. THE MILLENIUM & THE


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END OF SINEND OF SIN

The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christwith His saints in heaven between the first and

second resurrections. During this time the wickeddead will be judged; the earth will be utterlydesolate, without living human inhabitants, butoccupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christwith His saints and the Holy City will descend from

heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then beresurrected, and with Satan and his angels willsurround the city; but fire from God will consumethem and cleanse the earth. The universe will thusbe freed of sin and sinners forever.


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(Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18,19.)


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28. THE NEW EARTH28. THE NEW EARTH

On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells,

God will provide an eternal home for the redeemedand a perfect environment for everlasting life, love,joy, and learning in His presence. For here GodHimself will dwell with His people, and suffering and

death will have passed away. The great controversywill be ended, and sin will be no more. All things,animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love;and He shall reign forever. Amen.


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(2 Peter 3:13; Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. 5:5;Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15.)

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28 Funadamental Beliefs