Tenets Of The Apostolic Church
1. The one and living God, eternally existent in three persons in unity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Don’t be alarmed if you can’t understand everything about God…He simply asks us to believe in Him. [Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14]
2. The divine inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is a complete manual for living. It shows that God deals with real people…remaining a Lord of mercy at all times. [2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21]
3. The inherent corruptness of man through the Fall; the necessity of repentance and regeneration by grace and through faith alone, and the eternal separation from God of the finally impenitent. Every part of human nature is deeply damaged by the fall. We require the new spiritual birth which the Holy Spirit gives. Any who refuse God’s command and offer of life will suffer everlasting separation from him in hell. [Rom 3:23; Eph 2; Acts 20:21; 2 Cor 5:17; Rev 20:11-15]
4. The virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, triumphant resurrection, ascension and abiding intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ. His second coming and millennial reign upon earth. God’s eternal Son was born to a virgin, from whom He received his humanity. Fully human, He was without sin, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit. He bore in His death the penalty of all others‟ sin. After the Father raised Him from death He returned in triumph to heaven where He represents his people. He will come again to rule over the earth for a thousand years. Jesus did all this for you. Just consider for a moment, how much He must love you. [Matt 1:18-25; Heb 2:9; 1 Pet 2:21-24; Acts 2:29-32]
5. Justification and sanctification of the believer through the finished work of Christ, and the resurrection of the believer in an incorruptible body. Imagine you were guilty, expecting to be condemned, but the One who was wronged says – “you are no longer guilty, but forgiven…and accepted into the family”. [Rom 3:21-24; 2 Cor 3:17-18; Eph 4:23-24]
6. The ordinances of baptism by Immersion, and of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus commanded that new believers be plunged in water to symbolise our sharing in the benefits of His saving work. His death and resurrection are the permanent basis of Christian life. Therefore He also ordained that the church should meet to remember Him by eating bread and drinking wine as symbols of His body and blood. [Matt 28:19; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Rom 6:3-14]
7. The security of the believer as he abides in Christ. God is faithful and gracious to His people, earnestly desiring and providing for our salvation. It is possible, however, for a Christian to forfeit salvation by a wilful failure to continue in faith and obedience. [1 Cor 10:12; 1 Tim 1:19; Heb 3:12]
8. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit for believers, with signs following. The signs could be "speaking in tongues‟, or maybe speaking a word of encouragement (prophecy) which is clearly inspired by God. [Acts 2; Acts 10:44-48]
9. The Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit for the edification, exhortation and comfort of the church, which is the Body of Christ. God does not leave us alone; He knows we need encouraging and when this happens, God can dynamically work in a situation by using the gifts he has given. [1 Cor 12:4-11; 1 Cor 13:9-12]
10. Church Government by Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons. God has gifted people in the church to lead it. God’s gift in them is recognised, nurture, tested and they may be “set” into their place of ministry (servicing). [Eph 4:11; 1Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11]
11. The privilege and responsibility of bring tithes and offering to the Lord. God has given us everything; life, health and strength – and given our finances. If we are obedient in this aspect, He has promise to bless us far more. [Mal 3:10-12]