BASIC TEACHINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

Prepared by M. G. McLuhan, D.D.

for MOUNT PARAN CHURCH OF GOD

Copyright 1982

ARTICLE I

THE DIVINE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE

We accept the Holy Scriptures in their original form as the Divinely inspired revelation of the mind

and will of God because:

1. They declare themselves to be inspired of God. (II Timothy 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:19-21;

Revelation 22:19)

2. The Lord Jesus Christ accepted them as Divinely inspired. (Matthew 5:17 & 18; 24:35)

3. To those who accept them as inspired and act upon them they prove themselves to be

inspired.(Romans 10:8-13)

ARTICLE II

THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

We believe in one God, existing eternally in three persons, identified as the Father, the Son, and the

Holy Spirit, and referred to as the Holy Trinity. We understand the words "trinity" and "persons,"

when used of God, as expressions of our understanding of what the scriptures teach regarding the

being of God. We understand the triune God as one being in three persons. (Hebrews 1:1-8;

Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 5:3 & 4; Matthew 3:16 & 17; Hebrews 9:14)

ARTICLE III

THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

We accept the Lord Jesus Christ as the only begotten son of God the Father, conceived of the Holy

Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. We believe that he was crucified, buried, raised from the dead the

third day, that he ascended to heaven, and is today at the right hand of the Father as our intercessor.

(John 3:16; Matthew 1:18-20; Luke 1:26- 31)

ARTICLE IV

THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person in the Holy Trinity; that he proceeds from the

Father, and the Son, and is of one substance, majesty, glory and power with them. We accept him as

the Executive of the Holy Trinity during this age and we understand that the church owes it existence,

its life, its growth and ministry to his presence in the earth. (Matthew 3:16; John 14:16, 17, 26;

15:16; 16:8-11; Acts 1:8, 2:4, 13:2-4; Galatians 5:21-23; Ephesians 4:30; I Thessalonians 4:8)

ARTICLE V

THE DOCTRINE OF THE MAN

We believe that God created man in his own image and placed him as supreme over this earthly

creation. The scriptures teach:

1. Mankind was created male and female.

2. That man and woman were equal in intelligence, opportunity and responsibility.

3. That they were created in a state of untried innocence.

4. That at the moment of creation man became a living soul possessed of a human spirit and

dwelling in a self-propagating physical body.

5. That the first man and woman were historical persons, who through disobedience fell into

sin.

6. That as a result of their fall their posterity are born in a fallen state and become the objects of

God's redemptive plan.

7. That as redeemable those of the human race who accept God's plan of redemption will

experience eternal life.

(Genesis 1:26-29, 2:7, 15-23, 3:1-7; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 3:23 & 24, 5:12,

6:23; I Corinthians 15:22)

ARTICLE VI

THE DOCTRINE OF SATAN

We believe that Satan or the Devil is a personal powerful spiritual being in the world today. We

understand his origin, existence and activities as follows:

1. That he was originally a created angelic being of great beauty and power.

2. That he exercised unusual authority in the presence of God.

3. That he rebelled against God and as a result of this transgression was cast down.

4. That other angelic beings who followed Satan were cast down at the same time with him.

5. That Satan, by his temptation and influence, brought about the fall of man.

6. That presently he seeks to destroy the faith of every Christian.

7. That those spirits which fell with him are now under his control and are possessing, afflicting

and tormenting human beings.

8. That every truly born again believer has been given mastery over Satan and his hosts of evil

spirits through the power of the name of Jesus Christ.

9. That through a Christian may be oppressed and otherwise attacked and afflicted by evil

spirits, he cannot be possessed by one.

(Matthew 16:17-20, 25:41; Luke 4:32, 9:42, 10:18 & 19; Genesis 3:14 & 15; Acts 10:38; I John 4:

3-5, 5:18; Isaiah 14:12-19; Ezekiel 28:11-17)

ARTICLE VII

THE DOCTRINE OF SIN

We believe that sin is any lack of conformity in a free moral agent to the character, nature, and will of

God; whether it be in act, disposition, state, thought or will. Our understanding of sin is as follows:

1. It came into existence in heaven as a result of Satan's rebellion.

2. It entered the human family through the fall of Adam.

3. That as a result of Adam's fall sin and spiritual death passed upon all his posterity.

4. That repentance of sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are required of all who would be

cleansed from it.

(Genesis 3:1-7; Ezekiel 28:15; Isaiah 14:12-17; Romans 3:23, 5:12-19, 10:8-13; Acts 17:30; I

Corinthians 15:22; Galatians 3:22)

ARTICLE VIII

REPENTANCE

The scriptures teach that repentance is a complete turning away from sin and a turning to God in

submission and faith. We believe that a Godly sorrow brings about repentance but that sorrow in

itself is not necessarily repentance. (Acts 26:18-20, 11:18, 17:30; II Corinthians 7:10)

ARTICLE IX

REGENERATION

The scriptures teach that regeneration is the impartation of a Divine new nature into the heart of every

repentant believer, thus causing him to become a new creature in Christ. (John 1:12 & 13, 3:3, 5 & 6;

II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-5; Titus 3:5-7 I Peter 1:23; I John 5:1)

ARTICLE X

RECONCILIATION

Reconciliation is the bringing together of God and man on the grounds of Christ's redemptive work.

This reconciliation brings the believer into a state of fellowship and communion with God. (II

Corinthians 5:18-21; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:21; I John 1:3; *Romans 5:11)

* The word "atonement" in the Authorized Version of Romans 5:11 should be translated

"reconciliation".

ARTICLE XI

REDEMPTION

The scriptures teach that redemption is the act of God whereby through the death of his son he paid

the price which his own holiness demanded for the release of fallen men. (Luke 1:68; Romans 3:23 &

24; I Corinthians 6:20; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:18 & 19; Revelation 5: 9& 10)

ARTICLE XII

JUSTIFICATION

Justification is that act of God's free grace whereby he absolves the sinner of all the guilt of his past

transgressions and from the condemnation of the depravity into which he was born. This free pardon

and forgiveness of all past sins is granted on the sole grounds of repentance and saving faith in

Christ. The justified person stands positionally sanctified in the sight of God through the imputed

righteousness of Jesus Christ, and upon this basis he enters into peace with God. (Romans 3:25 &

26, 5:1,9, 8:30; Galatians 3:24)

ARTICLE XIII

WATER BAPTISM

The scriptures teach that the mode of water baptism practiced by the apostles was single, total

immersion in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Since our Lord

commanded it, we believe it should be observed. It is to be understood as an act of faith and

testimony subsequent to regeneration and as an outward sign of the inward spiritual work brought

about in our hearts through the new birth. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38 & 39, 10:48,

22:16; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27)

ARTICLE XIV

SINS OF CHRISTIANS

God has made provisions whereby every Christian through the power of the indwelling Spirit may

live victoriously over sin. However, due to failure to walk in the Spirit, Christians often fail and

commit sin. Under such circumstances a Christian is to immediately confess his sin to God and to

turn to the Holy Spirit for help and guidance. (Romans 6:1 & 2; I John 1:6 to 2:2)

ARTICLE XV

HOLINESS AND SANCTIFICATION

God demands holiness in heart and life of all those who are his children by faith and regeneration.

God is holy in himself and so the obligation to be holy rests upon all of the members of His family.

(Psalm 22:3; I Peter 1:15 & 16; II Corinthians 7:1; I Thessalonians 4:7). Sanctification is represented

in the following three aspects in the New Testament:

1. Positional

Positional sanctification is that state of holiness that results from the initial imputation of Christ's

righteousness. It is the new holy standing of the regenerated person before God, which standing is

based upon the imputed holiness of Christ to all who believe. (Hebrews 10:10; I Corinthians 1:30,

6:11; II Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 4:24; I Thessalonians 3:13; I Peter 1:2)

2. Experiential

While positional sanctification has to do with the believer's standing before God at the moment of

regeneration, experiential sanctification has to do with the spiritual quality of the believer's daily life

thereafter. Since the attainment of experiential sanctification is possible only through the power and

leadership of the indwelling Spirit, it is subsequent to regeneration and to positional sanctification. It

is the work of the Holy Spirit enabling the believer to live outwardly what the Holy Spirit has made

him to be inwardly. It manifests itself in a spiritually transformed daily life style. It is experienced

progressively as a believer walks in the light and in the Spirit. (I John 1:7; Romans 8:13, 12:1)

Experiential sanctification is attained through the following:

A. Yieldedness to God. (Romans 6:17-22, 12:1)

B. Recognizing freedom form the power of sin. (Romans 6:11-13, 8:2-4; I John 2:1 &2)

C. Growth in the knowledge of the word of God. (Philippians 3:12-16; Ephesians 4:12- 15)

3. Ultimate

Ultimate sanctification relates to the believer's final perfection in glory. This completeness in holiness

will take place at the time when the church is presented faultless before the presence of the glory of

God, free from every spot and wrinkle. (I Thessalonians 5:23; Ephesians 5:27; Colossians 1:22;

Philippians 3:20 & 21; Jude v. 24)

The Agents and Means of Sanctification

The agents and means of the believer's sanctification are emphasized in the Holy Scriptures as

follows:

1. From God's Side

A. God the Father. (Thessalonians 5:23 & 24; Philippians 2:12 & 13)

B. God the Son. (Hebrews 2:11, 10:10; Ephesians 5:25-27)

C. God the Holy Spirit. (I Corinthians 6:11; II Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:2)

D. The Word of God. (John 15:3, 17:17; Hebrews 4:12)

E. The Blood of Christ. (Hebrews 10:29, 12:13; Ephesians 1:7)

2. From Man's Side

A. By faith in the redemptive sanctifying work of Christ. (Acts 26:18)

B. By accepting God's promises by faith. (II Peter 1:4)

C. Through careful study of the scriptures. ( Ephesians 5:26)

D. By earnestly following after peace and purity. (Hebrews 12:14)

E. By striving to understand the purpose of Divine chastening. (Hebrews 12:10 & 11)

F. By action of the will to separate oneself from things that are incompatible with Christian

character and the nature of God. (II Corinthians 6:17, 7:1; Romans 6:19- 22)

ARTICLE XVI

THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The New Testament teaches that every believer at the moment of regeneration is indwelt by the Holy

Spirit. (John 14:15-17; Romans 8:9-16; I Corinthians 3:16, 6:19 & 20; II Corinthians 1:22; Galatians

4:6; Ephesians 3:14-19). The person of the Holy Spirit Himself is God's "gift" to every Christian at

the moment of the New Birth. (Acts 2:38, 10:45) and His indwelling creates the new nature within the

believer and produces true sanctification and the development of spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22 & 23;

Ephesians 5:9; John 15:2-16). The progressive works of the Holy Spirit in the spirit, soul and mind

of the believer are as follows:

1. Inner conviction by the Holy Spirit. (John 16:8; Acts 2:37

2. Indwelling of the Spirit bringing about spiritual rebirth or regeneration. (John 3:5 7 6;

Galatians 4:4-6; Romans 8:14-16)

3. Baptism of the regenerated believer into the body of Christ by the indwelling Holy Spirit. (I

Corinthians 12:13)

4. Experiential sanctification and spiritual fruit-bearing through the indwelling Holy Spirit. (I

Corinthians 6:11; II Corinthians 2:13; I Peter 1:2)

ARTICLE XVII

THE BAPTISIM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

The scriptures teach that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is that enduement with power which results

form the Holy Spirit coming upon the believer after regeneration. It is promised to all believers. (Luke

24:49; Acts 1:5-8, 2:38 & 39; 5:32). We can distinguish indwelling of the Spirit and baptism in the

Spirit by noting the experience of the apostles recorded in John 20:19-23 when the Lord Jesus

breathed the Spirit into them and then noting their baptism in the Spirit as He came upon them in Acts

2:1-4. This profound experience is therefore distinct from, in addition to, and subsequent to

regeneration or the new birth.

ARTICLE XVIII

INITIAL EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

The New Testament scriptures do not dogmatically assert that speaking with other tongues is the only

initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, however, the following points must be observed.

1. It was the initial sign on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:4)

2. It was the initial sign when Gentile believers received the experience. (Acts 10:46)

3. It was the initial sign when the former converts of John received the experience. (Acts 19:6)

4. It is the confirmation of the promise of Jesus in Mark 16:17.

5. The Apostle Paul indicates that it was one of the most meaningful Charismatic enablements.

(I Corinthians Chapters 12, 13, 14)

6. It is the most suitable of the nine Charismatic gifts as an initial evidence of the baptism in the

Spirit. (Acts 2:4,7, 8)

7. Though there is no indication that the Apostle Paul spoke with tongues when he received the

fullness of the Spirit, yet his own writings indicate that he looked upon this Charismatic

enablement as one of the most valuable in his Life. (Acts 9: 17 & 18; I Corinthians 14:2, 18

ARTICLE XIX

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

The fruit of the Spirit is distinct from his Charismatic enablements or gifts, although there are nine of

each. (Galatians 5:22 & 23; I Corinthians 12:7-11) The fruit of the Spirit is the outward manifestation

of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the new nature. Charismatic gifts are supernatural provisions

in the mind and heart of the born again person enabling him to minister and to contribute properly,

fully and spiritually to the outreach, nurture and direction of the church. The fruit of the Spirit is more

important in the life of the believer than are the Charismatic gifts, because they are the manifestation of

the true character of God, whereas the Charismatic gifts are an impartation of wisdom, knowledge

and power from God. (John 15:1-9; Romans 6: 20- 22, 7:4; Ephesians 5:9)

ARTICLE XX

THE CHARISMATIC ENABLEMENTS OR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The scriptures teach that during the entire church age Christian believers may seek and experience the

operation of the ninefold ministration of the Holy Spirit known as Charismatic enablements or

spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14, they are referred to as "graces" or "enablements," as

the Greek word for gift does not appear in any of these three chapters. The scriptures indicate the

following points regarding these Charismatic enablements.

1. The are operated and directed solely by the Holy Spirit and when where He deems fit. (1

Corinthians 12:11)

2. Since they are spontaneous Charismatic enablements operated by the Holy Spirit they are

never the personal possession of any believer. (1 Corinthians 12:30 & 31)

3. Their operation through a believer is not to be taken as an indication that the person has

reached some new degree of spiritual perfection. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

4. Christians in all stages of spiritual development are encouraged to follow after, and desire

spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:1)

5. Their very names indicate their purpose in the life of the believer, in his ministry among the

lost, his ministry to other believers, and his personal prayer ministry.

6. Their operation both privately and publicly must always conform to the scriptural order

outlined in 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14.

7. Believers should earnestly seek and look forward to being divinely enabled to meet the

spiritual challenges that may confront them, and to being used of the Holy Spirit in the

manifestation of these Charismatic enablements. (1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:1-13, 14:1-40)

ARTICLE XXI

DIVINE HEALING

We believe that through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ divine provision was made for the

physical, mental and spiritual healing of the believer, (Exodus 15:26; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:17; 1

Peter 2:24). Divine healing, by its very title, indicates that it operates according to the sovereign will

of God. Believers therefore are to minister to the sick in one or more of the following ways, and to

leave the time, manner and means of healing to God alone.

1. Through prayer and the laying on of hands. (Mark 16:18)

2. Through the prayer of faith and anointing with oil. (James 5:14-16)

3. Through Charismatic enablements of healing in action (Acts 3:1-11, 28: 8 & 9; 1 Corinthians

12:9)

4. Through spiritual counsel and guidance. (Galatians 6:1 & 2; Hebrews 12:12 & 13)

ARTICLE XXII

HOLY COMMUNION

We believe that every Christian should participate in Holy Communion, which consists of the

partaking of the elements of bread and wine. By participating in this holy ordinance we are:

1. Expressing our remembrance of the Lord's death until He comes.

2. Expressing our faith in the new covenant which was brought about through His shed blood.

3. Expressing our participation by faith in the body of Jesus Christ.

4. Expressing our spiritual communion with Christ and with all those who make up His spiritual

body.

5. Declaring our faith in His second coming.

(Matthew 26:26-28;Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16 & 17, 11:23-29)

ARTICLE XXIII

THE CHURCH

1. Etymology of the Word

The word "church" comes from the Greek word "Ekklesia," which means "a called company." This

refers to those who have been called out of the world through regeneration and brought into vital

living spiritual union with Jesus Christ. It is through the Spirit a self-perpetuating spiritual organism

comprised of all those who have been regenerated since the church began. (Ephesians 1:18-23, 4:16;

Romans 8:30; Acts 15:14-18; 1 Peter 2:9)

2. The Origin of the Church

The following scriptural facts indicate that the church is distinct from old Testament Israel.

A. During His ministry, our Lord declared the church to be yet future. (Matthew 16:18)

B. Saving faith in a crucified risen Christ brings about regeneration and membership in His

body. Therefore the church could not have existed prior to His death. (Galatians 3:23-25)

C. The church could not have existed until the blood which purchased it had been shed

(Ephesians 5:25-27)

D. The church could not live until Christ arose to give it resurrection life. (Romans 6:4 & 5;

Colossians 3:1-3)

E. The church could not exist as His body until He had ascended to heaven to be the head over

all things to it. (Ephesians 1:20-23)

F. The church could not exist and perpetuate itself except through the various ministries brought

into existence through the resurrection of Christ. (Ephesians 4:7-12)

G. These various ministries could not have carried out their functions until they were endued

with power on the day of Pentecost. (Luke24:49; Acts 1:8, 2:4)

3. The Church -- A New Testament Doctrine

The church was an unrevealed mystery to Old Testament saints, but was revealed to New Testament

apostles and prophets. It is therefore to be clearly understood that the doctrine of the church relates to

this present age only, and that the doctrine, discipline and order of the church are given in the New

Testament only. (Ephesians 3:1-10)

ARTICLE XXIV

THE RETURN OF CHRIST FOR HIS CHURCH

We believe that according to the Holy Scriptures our Lord will return for His church prior to the great

tribulation. At that time He will resurrect those who have died in Him and together with believers who

are alive when He returns, they will be caught up together to meet Him. We believe that this is the

imminent and blessed hope of the church. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus2:13; 1 Corinthians

15:51-55)

ARTICLE XXV

THE GREAT TRIBULATION

We believe that the closing day of this age will witness a period of unprecedented tribulation on this

earth. (Matthew 24:21-31) We believe that during this time regathered Israel will accept Jesus Christ

as her true Messiah.

ARTICLE XXVI

THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF JESUS CHRIST

We believe in the literal return of our Lord Jesus Christ to the earth together with His saints. At this

time He will judge the nations and institute a reign of righteousness which will last for a thousand

years. The scriptures indicate that this has been the expectation of all true believers of all ages up to

the present time. (Psalm 72:8 & 11, 96:10-13; Isaiah 11:1-16, 24:23; Daniel 7:22; Revelation 19:11 -

20:6; Micah 4:1-7; Zechariah 14:1-9; Matthew 24:29 & 30; Jude 1:14 & 15)

ARTICLE XXVII

THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

The scriptures teach that as believers we should look for a new heaven and a new earth, in which

righteousness shall dwell and over which God shall reign with His people forever. (2 Peter 3:13;

Revelation 21:1-22:5)

ARTICLE XXVIII

PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED

We believe in the everlasting punishment of the wicked. (Matthew 13:49 & 50, 25:46; Luke 16:23 &

24; Romans 6:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:8 & 9; Revelation 14:11, 20:6-15, 21:8)

BASIC TEACHINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

Prepared by M. G. McLuhan, D.D.

for MOUNT PARAN CHURCH OF GOD

Copyright 1982