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The
Fundamentals of Belief
of
Church of God, the Eternal
The
"Fundamentals of Belief" of Church of God, The Eternal,
enumerated herein, are taken verbatim from the "Fundamentals of
Belief" of the Radio Church of God (later incorporated as the
Worldwide Church of God).
The
Church of God, The Eternal, believes the Worldwide Church of
God was the true Church of God until its acceptance of
unauthorized doctrinal changes, which occurred in
1973–74. Since that time, we believe, God's true servants
have been basically scattered—yet have continued to
maintain and practice the original "Fundamentals of Belief" of
the Worldwide Church of God.
In
those instances where there is a variation from the original
Radio Church of God "Fundamentals of Belief," a notation is
made. Also noted are those inclusions not found in the original
Radio Church of God "Fundamentals of Belief."
Biblical
support for the "Fundamentals of Belief" is not included in
this summary, since detailed doctrinal proofs are found in our
other material. It is not the purpose of this summary to give
supportive evidence for the various beliefs found therein, but
rather to give a synopsis of each belief. The reader can
determine—by either his own Bible study or those proofs
made available by Church of God, The Eternal—the validity
of each fundamental of belief.
1. The
Nature of God
We
believe in ONE GOD, eternally existing in the heavens, who is a
Spirit, a personal Being of supreme intelligence, knowledge,
love, justice, power, and authority, the Creator of the heavens
and the earth and all that in them is, and the source of
life.
2.
Jesus Christ
We
believe Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, the Christ, the
divine Son of the living God, begotten of the Holy Spirit, born
in the human flesh of the virgin Mary, and that He is true God
and true man, that God created all things by Jesus Christ, and
without Him was not anything made that was made.
3. The Holy Spirit
We
believe in the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of God and of Christ
Jesus; the power of God with which all things were created and
made; that thru the Holy Spirit, God is everywhere present;
that the Holy Spirit is divine Love, Faith, Understanding,
Power, Joy and all the attributes of God—the Spirit of
life eternal.
4. The Holy Scriptures
We
believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are God's
revelation and complete expressed will to man, inspired in
thought and word, and infallible in the original writings; that
they are of supreme and final authority in faith and in life,
and the source of Truth. We believe all teachings contrary to
the Holy Bible are false. We accept the Bible alone, and not
the Bible and "something else."
5.
Satan
We
believe Satan is a personality, a spirit being; and as the
Devil is the adversary of God and the children of God; and that
he now has dominion over the world which God allowed him for a
definite "week" of seven thousand-year days—the first six
of which are his six working days for his labor of deception,
leading the children of Adam into rejection of God's law and
therefore rebellion against God—the seventh thousand-year
day of which will be the DAY OF THE LORD (the seventh day is
the Sabbath of the Lord thy God), during which Satan will be
forced to rest from his work of deception while Christ rules
the nations of the earth. Satan's power is merely to influence
and lead, not to force men arbitrarily against their will. He
has ruled by deception with the aid of a host of demons which
are rebellious angels, spirit beings, who have followed Satan
in his rebellion.
6. The Nature of Man
We
believe man was created in the image of God, formed of flesh,
which is material substance, living by the breath of life, and
is wholly mortal, subject to corruption and decay, without
possibility of eternal life inherent in himself, except as the
gift of God under God's terms and conditions as expressed in
the Bible; that God placed before the first man, Adam, his free
choice of eternal life through obedience to God's commandments,
or death through sin; that Adam sinned, thereby incurring the
death penalty without having received eternal life, having
yielded to the temptation of Satan, and that the sinful fleshly
nature with its sensual desires and its pride passed on all
men, so that all become sinners, thus bringing upon themselves
the penalty, death.
7.
Sin and Law
We
believe sin is the transgression of the Law; that the Law is
spiritual, perfect, holy, just, and good, summed up in the word
"LOVE;" that it involves the two great principles of love to
God, and love to neighbor, and that the Ten Commandments
compose the ten points of that Law, and that the breaking of
only one point makes one guilty of sin. We believe this
fundamental spiritual Law reveals to us the only right and true
way to life—the only possible way of happiness, peace and
joy; that it has existed from Adam, is immutable and binding
thru-out eternity; and that all unhappiness, misery, poverty,
anguish, and woe has come from its transgression.
8. Christ's Sacrifice
We
believe God so loved this world of helpless sinners that He
GAVE His only begotten Son, who, though in all points tempted
as we are, lived without sin in the human flesh, and died for
us as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice thus
making it legally possible for man's sins to be forgiven and
for God to release him from their penalty, since Jesus, whose
life was of greater value than the sum-total of all other human
lives (because it was He who brought them into being) has thus
paid the penalty in man's stead.
9. Christ's Resurrection
We
believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead after His
body reposed three days and three nights in the grave, thus
making immortality possible for mortal man; that He thereafter
ascended into heaven where He now sits at the right hand of God
the Father, as our High Priest and Advocate.
10. Spiritual Conversion
We
believe that all who truly repent of their sins in full
surrender and willing obedience to God, accepting Jesus Christ
as personal Saviour in faith believing, are forgiven their sins
by an act of divine GRACE, justified, pardoned from the penalty
of past sins, reconciled to God, and receive the gift of the
Holy Spirit which literally comes and abides within, supplying
the divine LOVE which alone can fulfill the law and produce
righteousness; and thus are baptized by the Spirit into the
body of Christ which is the true CHURCH OF GOD. We believe in a
true change in life and attitude and that only those who have
the indwelling presence of, and are being led by the Holy
Spirit are Christ's. Bible evidence of being thus baptized by
the Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit in one's life. (See
Matthew 7:20; Galatians 5:22, 23). "Manifestations" regulated
by I Corinthians 14.
11. Baptism and Passover
We
believe in TWO ORDINANCES for this age; water baptism by
immersion, into Jesus Christ (not a denomination) for the
remission of sins, following genuine repentance; and Lord's
Supper as continuation of the Passover, observed at night on
the anniversary of the death of our Saviour, the 14th of
Abib.
12. The Weekly Sabbath
We
believe that from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, the seventh
day of the week is the Sabbath of the Lord our God. On this day
we must rest from our labors following the commands and example
of the Apostle Paul, the New Testament Church, and
Jesus.
13. The Annual Festivals
We
believe the seven Annual Holy Days as given to ancient Israel
by God through Moses, kept by Christ, the Apostle Paul, and the
New Testament Church, as evidenced by the books of Acts and
Corinthians, are to be kept today. The sacrifices, which were
added, are not to be kept on those days nor any other day of
the year. During the spring festival of seven days, leavening
in any form is not to be eaten, as Paul instructed the
Corinthians.
14.
Dietary Laws
We
believe that certain foods called "unclean" are not to be eaten
under any circumstances as they are harmful to body and health
and also violate our bodies which are called the temple of the
Holy Spirit of God.
15. Military Service
We
believe that Christian disciples of Christ are forbidden by Him
and the commandments of God to kill, or in any manner directly
or indirectly to take human life; by whatsoever means; we
believe that bearing arms is directly contrary to this
fundamental doctrine of our belief; we therefore
conscientiously refuse to bear arms or to come under the
military authority.
16. Promises to Israel
We
believe the PROMISES were made to Abraham and his "seed,"
Christ, and that the Covenants (including the New Covenant),
and the promises pertain alone to ISRAEL. That our white,
English-speaking peoples of today are enjoying the national
phases of the promises—that of MATERIAL
blessings—called the "Birthright," which was handed down
thru the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, whose
descendants we are; but that the "Scepter"—the promise of
kings, and the SPIRITUAL phase of the promises, including
Christ and salvation thru Him—was given to and shall not
depart from Judah of whom are the race we know today as the
Jews. We believe eternal life is God's gift resting upon the
promises made to Abraham and his "seed," Christ, designating
this earth (made new), not heaven, as our eternal home and
reward. That salvation is thru Christ alone, and not inherited
thru the Birthright (right of birth) and that salvation is
freely open to Gentiles, who, thru Christ, become Abraham's
children and are adopted into the family of Israel and become
heirs according to the promises.
17. Redemption, Reward, and
Faith
We
believe God's purpose is the creation of high spiritual
character, and therefore the very object of redemption is to
rescue mankind from SIN (transgressing the fundamental
spiritual law), and its resulting degradation, misery and
unhappiness; and that the object of the present dispensation is
to fit those whom God now calls, with their consent, thru a
life of trial and test and overcoming sin, growing in grace and
knowledge to possess the KINGDOM and to become kings and
priests reigning with Christ after His return. We believe
Christians must therefore live a clean, pure, holy life by
faith according to the Bible standard, with constant Bible
study and surrendered prayer, trusting God in and for all
things, that yielding to pride and lust of the flesh is sin,
that God hears and literally answers the believing prayers of
His children who keep His commandments—according as He
has promised in His Word, including physical healing,
deliverance from temptation and trouble, providing the way for
every actual need.
18. The Church of God
We
believe the Church is merely that body of believers who have,
and are being led by the Holy Spirit; that the true Church of
God is not a denomination; that the inspired name for this
spiritual organism is "THE CHURCH OF GOD;" that the Bible name
for each local assembly is "THE CHURCH OF GOD," and, considered
collectively, "The Churches of God;" that the mission of the
Church in this time is to preach the Gospel (Good News) of the
coming KINGDOM OF GOD . . . to reconcile to God, and to save,
thru Christ, such people as are now called; and to minister to
the Church of God, strengthening and edifying the brethren in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord. [Note, regarding the
commission to the Church: The phrase, "with special stress on
the warning to America and Britain of the prophecies pertaining
to them, into all nations as a witness, reaching the vast
multitudes with power and conviction"—which is included
in the original Radio Church of God "Fundamentals of
Belief"—is excluded from the beliefs of Church of God,
The Eternal. We believe this commission may well have been
fulfilled by the Worldwide Church of God prior to 1973. If this
commission has not been fulfilled, or if there is to be a
further commission, God will in due time make His will known
and raise up a Work to fulfill it.]
19. The Resurrections
We
believe the only hope of eternal life for mortal man lies in
the resurrection; thru the indwelling (now) of the Holy Spirit;
and that there shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and
unjust—the just to eternal life as spirit beings upon
earth, the unjust to receive the second and final death in hell
(Gehenna) fire in which they shall perish in eternal
punishment.
20. The Kingdom of God
We
believe in the personal, visible, premillennial, imminent
return of the Lord Jesus Christ to rule the nations of earth as
King of Kings, and to continue His priestly office as Lord of
Lords; that at that time He will sit upon the throne of David
restoring all things during a thousand year reign upon earth
and establish the KlNGDOM OF GOD upon earth forever.
The
following six fundamentals of belief are an addendum to the
original Radio Church of God "Fundamentals of Belief":
21. Pentecost—Monday
We
believe that Pentecost always falls on a Monday—following
a complete fifty-day count from the Sabbath occurring within
the Days of Unleavened Bread. That this day pictures the
receipt of God's Holy Spirit and the beginning of the New
Testament Church.
22. Church Administration
We
believe proper administration of church government does not
include the exercising of authority over the personal lives of
members. It is the responsibility of the ministry to proclaim
the Truth, to maintain peace and harmony among the brethren, to
stop heresy within the Body of Christ, and to remove blatant
sin from within the Church if it occurs. The responsibility of
the ministry is limited, therefore, to those areas which affect
the church membership as a whole. Beyond that, it is the
responsibility of each member to live up to his own conviction
and level of faith. Each member, whether minister or lay
member, will be judged as an individual before God (Rom.
14:12).
We
believe free moral agency involves the right of free choice,
without coercion from the ministry or lay members. Therefore,
the basis of baptism and the hand of fellowship must not
involve conformity to outward appearance. Each member must be
given the right to develop individually and is responsible
before God for his own actions. It is not the Church's
responsibility to force members into conformity resulting from
fear of disfellowship or ostracism. It is through patience and
understanding that each member must be allowed to develop his
own character and level of true Christianity, and this
development can come only by each individual constantly
examining himself before God.
23.
Prophecy
We
believe prophecy is a forecast of future events, signifying
God's intent and purpose. A prophecy is a charge placed upon
the one who proclaims it, as well as upon the one who receives
it. Prophecies are either short or long in range: a)
Short-range prophecies are given to substantiate both God and
the prophet representing Him. Such prophecies are understood
quickly, due to the limited time period which they involve. b)
Long-range prophecies do not concern themselves with the
prophet's substantiation, except as a historical record. These
prophecies, therefore, are intended to substantiate God only.
They are understood only after they happen.
Hence,
there is no Bible authority for any prophet foretelling the
future based on conclusions derived from personal Bible study.
General prophetic understanding can be derived from Bible
study, as a result of inspiration by the Holy Spirit; however,
specific dates cannot be discerned except by direct revelation.
Every Bible example of true prophetic insight is that of direct
revelation.
While
the Bible indicates prophetic gifts will be manifested "in the
latter days," the substantiation of any prophet is the
fulfillment of his prophecy. Prophecies which fail to
materialize are a proof of the presumption of the prophet who
gave them.
24. Divine Revelation
We
believe spiritual truth is divinely revealed. This revelation
comes directly as a result of the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit (John 14:16–17, 26). While Bible study and
research are valuable aids to understanding God's Word, we
believe they are not the basis for spiritual understanding. The
basis for spiritual truth is the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit, motivating the mind and heart of each true Christian
(John 16:13; 6:44). Therefore, Bible truth and understanding do
not come by "scholarship," research, or superior human
intelligence (Matt. 11:25–27; I Cor.
2:9–14).
Furthermore,
we believe divine truth to be unalterable and unchanging.
Spiritual truth is permanent and cannot be changed. While God
exercises the prerogative to change His mind, relative to His
dealings with man—He never changes His Law, His overall
purpose, or His plan for mankind. Therefore, "doctrinal
changes" cannot reflect "new insight" or "new understanding,"
for original truth is revealed and unalterable. The only
legitimate "doctrinal changes" are those which the Bible
clearly indicates (e. g., sacrificial system, priesthood,
etc.). All other "doctrinal changes" are illegitimate and do
not have Biblical substantiation.
Such
absolute defense of unalterable truth does not preclude godly
growth and progressive expansion of understanding. We believe
God continues to inspire His Church as a living and thriving
entity, but that new understanding will never contradict past
revelations of that immutable Word of God.
Every
word of God is important and worthy of fear and respect. No
converted mind will take exception with that fact. Yet, what
ought to be especially evident is the fact that due to times,
conditions, circumstances, and other factors a slight variation
of emphasis may not only be practical but absolutely essential.
For example, the acceptance of Christ in His human form and the
belief of the words which He espoused took on monumental
significance only after He was born of woman. In like manner
other concepts vary in significance based on time and
circumstance. The general relevancy of God's truths is
perpetually the same. But, at times a specific doctrine assumes
a special relevance due to the times in which human beings
live. On the basis of this concept two issues are of grave
significance in these times of last-day turmoil. They are the
doctrine of divorce and remarriage and the teaching concerning
holidays of this world. Therefore, these two concepts will be
specifically added to the fundamental beliefs of The Church of
God, The Eternal.
25.
Marriage
Marriage
is sacred to God. If for no other reason—and there are
many—marriage as instituted by God pictures the spiritual
relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5). True
marriage pictures an unending relationship between Christ and
His chosen bride. Divorce would and does, do violence to this
eternal principle.
On
the basis of ervah (Deuteronomy 24) of the Old Testament
and the porneia of the exception clause introduced by
Christ (Matthew 5) there are cases where a marriage never
really took place. That is, God did not bind the marriage
because He, reading hearts and minds, knew some type of fraud
was involved. God does not bind the innocent to those who
employ deception and subtlety to gain advantage over another
person. Separation at the time such knowledge surfaces is not
divorce. It would be better called annulment. Employment of the
exception clause is serious and must not be practiced lightly.
The party who employs the exception clause lightly faces a
terrifying future. Marriage is absolute. It must be honored and
respected. Trivializing it for the sake of personal advantage
is abominable in the sight of God. There is no
remarriage.
26. Worldly Holidays
Church
of God, The Eternal believes the true way of life is found in
the true Holy Days given to Israel at the time of Moses. These
were statutes practiced by Jesus Christ, taught by the
apostles, and given to Gentiles by the Apostle Paul. These Holy
Days were established within a calendar given to Israel by
God.
Most
holidays of this world have roots in a heathen system of
worship God allowed Gentiles to practice. These holidays form
no part of the true way of life which Christ taught, gave to
the apostles to teach, and in these last days gave to a chosen
vessel to proclaim. Such holidays are a part of this world. The
faithful must come out of the world.
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