My Church and Others
My Church and Others
A Summary of the Teachings of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church
As Distinguished From Those of Other Denominations
Sixth Edition
By John Theodore Mueller
PART I
Doctrine
l. OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
WE BELIEVE
(a) that the Holy Scriptures in contradistinction to all other writings
in the world are the Word of God, because the holy writers wrote them not
of their own accord, but by inspiration of the Holy Ghost: (b) that since
the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God, no errors or contradictions of
any kind are found in them, but they are throughout infallible
truth; (c) that the Holy Scriptures are the only fountain from
which all doctrine taught in the Church must be drawn, and the only infallible
standard and rule by
which all doctrines and teachings must be estimated.
a) 2 Tim. 3, 16-17 All Scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works.
2 Pet. l, 21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy
men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
(Joh 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou
gavest me.)
(I Co. 2:13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.)
b) John 10,35b The Scripture cannot
be broken.
John 17,17 Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy
Word is truth.
c) Eph. 2,20 And are built upon the foundation
of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the
chief Cornerstone.
I Pet. 4,11
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles
of God.
John 5,39 Search
the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye
have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me.
WE REJECT as
unscriptural the following teachings:
Note:
Since a great many denomination today do not attach a great deal of importance
to doctrine it is difficult to determine just what they profess.
1.
That also the apocryphal books and the “traditions of the fathers” are
the source and norm of faith; Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox
Church. Deut. 4:2; Luke 16,27; John 8,31,32. (Mark 7:13;
Col. 2:8)
2. That also “new revelations”
are the fountain and standard of faith: Modern Sectarian churches; Salvation
Army, Mormons (revelations in the Book of Mormon), Quakers (revelations
through the inner light of the Spirit), Shakers (special revelations of
Ann Lee), Churches of the New Jerusalem (revelations of Swedenborg), Spiritists
(new revelations from the spirit world), Christian Scientists (Mrs. Mary
Baker G. Eddy’s “Science and Health”), Christian Cath. Church in Zion (or
Dowieites), Heb. 1, 1.2: Gal. 1,8; Matt. 28, 19.20: 2 Tim. 3, 15-17; Luke
16:31.
3. That the Holy Scriptures are
the fountain and standard of faith only so far as they agree with reason:
Unitarians, Universalists, Rationalists, Modernists, etc. I Cor.
1,21; Col 2,8; 2 Cor. 10,5; I Cor. 2,4,5,14. (I Tim. 6:20-21)
4. That the Holy Scriptures are
not the Word of God, but merely contain
the Word of God: Unitarians, Rationalists, Quakers, modern
Sectarian churches; (Modernists in many denominations). Matt. 5,18,19,
(I Cor. 15:54 Greek: the word which is written).
5. That not all that is contained
in the Scriptures is inspired,
but that the holy writers were liable to error. Unitarians, Rationalists,
Spiritists, Churches of the New Jerusalem, (Congregational) Christian Church,
modern Sectarian churches. Heb. 4,12: John 12:48, Gal. 6,16; (Prov.
30:6; Matt. 4:4; 2 Pet. 1:16).
6. That the Holy Scriptures are incomplete:
Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Shakers, Mormons; that
they are obscure and require
the interpretation of the Church (Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox
Church), or of the inner light (Quakers, Mennonites); or of Christian Science
(Christian Scientists); or of man’s reason (Christian Churches, Unitarians,
Universalist, Arminians, Modernists) Ps. 119,105. 130; 2 Cor. 4,3.4;
John 20,31; John 5,39; (Eph. 3:3-4; Ps. 19:8)
7. That the Holy Scriptures are
in themselves without power to
quicken and convert sinners: Quakers, Calvinistic Churches, Congregationalists,
Presbyterians, Methodists, Campbellities (Disciples of Christ), Modernists.
John 6.63; Rom. 1,16; James 1,21, John 17,20.
8. That the reading of the Holy
Scriptures by the laity must be forbidden: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern
Orthodox Church. Matt. 23.13; I Thess. 5,27; John 5,39; 2 Tim. 3:15*
NOTE: Many
of these false doctrines are taught also within other denominations.
Our age is rationalistic, and only few churches today teach the doctrine
of verbal and plenary inspiration.
*NOTE : This
principle still stands, though Roman priests, to meet Protestant competition,
urge their people to read the Bible translated and annotated by the “Church.”
II. OF THE NATURAL KNOWLEDGE OF GOD
WE
BELIEVE (a) that all men have by nature a natural knowledge of God: (b)
that this natural knowledge is obtained not only from God’s works in nature,
but also from man’s own conscience since God has written the Law in his
heart; (c) but that this natural knowledge is not sufficient to salvation.
a) Rom. l, 18-20. For the wrath of God
is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of
men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because
that which may be known of God
is manifest in them; for God showed
it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation
of the world are clearly seen, being
understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead,
so that they are without excuse.
b) Rom. 2, 14,15. For when the Gentiles, which have not
the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not
the law, are a law unto themselves, which
show the work of the law written
in their hearts, their conscience
also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing
or else excusing one another.
c) Rom. 10,17 So then faith
cometh by hearing, and hearing
by the Word of God.
John 17,3. And this is life
eternal, that they might know
Thee, the only true
God, and Jesus Christ, whom
Thou hast sent.
Acts 4, 12 Neither is there salvation
in any other: for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Cf. Eph. 2, 11, 12: Rom. 16,25; I Cor. 1, 18-30
WE REJECT as unscriptural
the following teachings:
l. That man by nature is without
a natural knowledge of God: Unitarians, Mormons. Acts 17: 27; Ps.
94, 9; Ps. 10, 1-3
2. That man can be saved through his
natural knowledge, without the revealed knowledge of the Gospel: Quakers,
Arminians, Unitarians, Universalists, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Salvation
Army, Calvinistic Churches, Modernists, John 1, 18; John 17, 3.
NOTE: This error is very
common, and it is spread also by Lodgery, whose slogan it is that anyone
is saved who does as much good as he can. Modern Liberalism has done
much to spread this error.
III. OF GOD
WE BELIEVE
(a) the sublime article of the Holy Trinity, that is, that the one true
God is Father, Son and Holy Ghost, three distinct persons, of the same
divine essence, equal in power, in eternity, and in majesty, because each
person possesses the one divine essence entire; (b) that since this article
of faith is fundamental, all teachers and denominations that deny the doctrine
of the Holy Trinity are outside the Christian Church
and have no hope of salvation.
a) I Cor. 8, 4. There
is none other God but one.
Matt.
28, 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
John
10,30. I (Jesus) and My Father
are one.
b) I John 2, 23. Whosoever denieth
the Son, the same hath
not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son, hath the
Father also.
This condemns
Lodgery.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the
following teachings:
l. That God is a material
being, and not a Spirit:
Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists. John 4, 24; (Isa. 57:15).
2. That God is not the only
eternal Being, but there are other eternal beings besides God:
Unitarians, Mormons. Ps. 90,2, Rom. 11,36, (John 1:1-3)
3. That God does not know
all things that will happen: Unitarians. Heb. 4, 13; Ps. 139,
1-4
4. That God is not
omnipresent: Unitarians, Arminians, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists.
Acts 17,27.28; Isa. 6,3; (Ps. 139:7-13).
5. That God is not Triune: Unitarians,
Universalists, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Christian Church, Quakers,
Mormons, Shakers, Seventh Day Adventists, Spiritists, Christian Scientists,
Modernists. (John 3:36; 5:23; I John 5:12).
6. That the Son is not
true and very God, of the same divine essence with the Father and the Holy
Ghost: Arminians, Unitarians, Universalists, Churches of the New
Jerusalem, Quakers, Mormons, Shakers, Seventh Day Adventists, Spiritists,
Russellites, Christians Scientists, Modernists, Lodgery. John 10,30,
John 14,9; John 20,28; Rom. 9,5; I John 5,20; John 5,23;
I John 2,23.
7. That the Holy Ghost
is not true and very God, of the same divine essence with the Father and
Son: Arminians, Unitarians, Universalists, Churches of the New Jerusalem,
Campbellites, Quakers, Mormons, Shakers, Seventh Day Adventists, Spiritists,
Christian Scientists, Modernists. Acts 5, 3, 4; I Cor. 3, 16;
2 Cor. 13, 13.
8. That the Holy Spirit
does not proceed from the Son as well as from the Father. Eastern
Orthodox Church, Irvingites, Old Catholics, Moravian Brethren. John
15, 26; Gal. 4, 6; John 16, 14, 15.
NOTE: Modernists,
or Liberalists, are rationalists, who do not believe the Bible, but follow
their blind reason. The Sectarian churches today are full of Modernists.
Their errors are not modern, but very old.
IV. OF THE ANGELS
WE
BELIEVE (a) that the foremost among the invisible creatures are the angels;
(b) that the good angels are holy spirits, already confirmed in their bliss,
and of great power, who praise God, carry out His commands, and serve
mankind; (c) that the evil angels are fallen spirits, forever rejected,
who are the declared enemies of God and man, and endeavor to destroy the
works of God.
a) Ps. 103, 20, 21. Bless the
Lord, ye His angels that excel in strength, that do
His commands, hearkening unto the voice of His Word. Bless
ye the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of
His that do His pleasure.
b) Heb. 1, 14. Are they
not all ministering spirits, sent
forth to minister for them who shall be
heirs of salvation!
Matt. 25, 31. When the Son of man shall
come in His glory, and all the holy
angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory.
Ps. 91, 11,12. For He shall give
His angels charge over thee, to keep
thee in all they ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands,
lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
c) Jude 6. And the angels
which kept not their first estate, but left
their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting
chains, under darkness, unto
the judgment of the great day.
Eph. 6, 12. For we wrestle not
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places.
I Pet. 5, 8. Be sober, be vigilant,
because your adversary the devil, as
a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking
whom he may devour.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the
following teachings:
l. That angels are spirits of departed men:
Churches of the New Jerusalem, Spiritists. John 8, 44; (Matt. 22:30
“as”).
2. That the good angels are departed
spirits that have risen to a higher plane of development, while the evil
angels are unholy and unhappy departed spirits: Mormons, Spiritists.
Matt. 25, 41; I Pet. 5, 8; Jude 6; (2 Pet. 2:4; cp. Rev. 12:7-9).
3. That the angels possess sex:
Shakers, Mormons. Matt. 22, 30.
4. That the angels are the thoughts
and communications of God to man: Christian Science. See passages
above.
5. That there is no personal
devil: Christian Scientists, Spiritists, Unitarians, Churches of
the New Jerusalem, Universalists. See passages above.
NOTE: All
modernists deny the existence of a personal devil, and claim that the word
“devil” simply stands for “evil.”
V. OF CREATION
WE BELIEVE (a)
that God created heaven and earth in the manner and time recorded in the
Holy Scriptures, namely, by His almighty Word and in six days; (b)
and that since man was not present when it pleased God to create the world,
the only reliable information we have of this event is God’s own report
which we have in the Bible.
(a and b) Gen. 1, 1 In
the beginning God created,
the heaven and the earth. Cf. Gen. 1, 31:: “The sixth day.”
Ex. 20, 11: “In six days.”
Heb. 11, 3. Through
faith we understand that the worlds
were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were
not made of things which do appear.
Ps. 115, 3. But our God is in the heavens.
He hath done whatsoever He hath
pleased.
Col. 1, 16: For by
him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are
in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions,
or principalities, or power: all
things were created by Him, and for
Him.
(2 Peter 1:16 For we have not followed
cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the coming and power
of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.)
WE REJECT as unscriptural every doctrine, by
which the divine work of creation as revealed in Scripture is denied or
limited, as this is done by all who teach that the world has evolved out
of itself in immense periods of time: Evolutionists. Ps. 33,
6; John 1, 1-3; Ps. 148, 5.
NOTE: Most Sectarian preachers
today accept the pernicious error of evolution, though some favor theistic evolution.
This, however, is as unscriptural as is atheistic Evolution.
VI. OF MAN AND THE
IMAGE OF GOD
WE
BELIEVE that God created our first parents neither like brutes, nor morally
neutral, nor merely capable of development, but in His own image, that
is, in true knowledge of God and in perfect righteousness and holiness,
and endowed with a truly scientific knowledge of nature.
Gen. 1, 26, 27. And God said,
Let us make man in our image,
after our likeness…So God created man in
His own image, in the image of God created He him.
Eph. 4, 24. And that ye
put on the new man, which after
God is created in righteousness
and true holiness.
Col. 3, 10. And have put on the new man,
which is renewed in knowledge
after the image of Him that created him.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following
teachings:
l. That the image of God consists
essentially in the free will of
man and the the dominion
of his reason over his desires; also that the original righteousness was
not a part of the image of God, but an additional gift: Roman Catholic
Church. Eph. 4, 24; Col. 3, 10.
2. That the image of God does
not consist in concreated righteousness and holiness, but in man’s dominion
over the creatures of earth: Roman Catholic Church, Unitarians, Arminians,
Rationalists. See passage above.
3. That man originally had no
concreated righteousness, but by his own power developed in himself the
image of God. Churches of the New Jerusalem. See passage above.
4. That Adam was indeed innocent, but
not perfectly holy: Adventists.
Gen. 1, 26, 27 See also passages above.
5. That man was not created in
the image of God, and that there is no essential difference between man
and the brute: Russellites, Evolutionsts, Modernists. See passages
quoted above.
6. That the body of man became
immortal only by special divine grace: Roman Catholic Church.
Gen. 2, 17.
7. That the body of man was created
mortal. Unitarians, Arminians, Rom. 5, 12: Rom. 6, 23.
8. That not only the body, but
also the soul of man was created mortal. Seventh Day Adventists.
Gen. 2, 17; Rom. 6, 23; Matt. 10, 28.
9. That man is truly immortal
even after the fall: Christian Scientist. See passages above.
NOTE; The
image of God, in the proper sense of the term, consists in true knowledge
of God, holiness, and righteousness.
VII. OF SIN
WE BELIEVE (a) that sin
entered into the world by the fall of our first parents; (b) that
by this fall not only our first parents, but also all their natural descendants
have lost their original righteousness; (c) that therefore all men
are by nature dead in sin and children of wrath; (d) that men
cannot, by any efforts of their own, or any good works, progress, or culture
become reconciled to God and overcome death and damnation; (e)
but that all men are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, the
divine Redeemer of the world.
a) Gen. 3, 1-7. Now the serpent was
more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.
And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not
eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent,
We may eat of the fruit of the tree of the garden: but of the fruit
of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said:
Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And
the serpent said unto the woman, Ye
shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof,
then your eyes shall be opened; and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and
evil.
l. I John 3, 8. He that committeth
sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from
the beginning.
James 1, 13, 14. Let no man say when he is
tempted, I am tempted of God,
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth
He any man but every
man is tempted when he is drawn
away of his own lust, and enticed.
(Romans 5:12 By one man sin entered into the
world.)
b and c) Eph. 2, 1-3 And you hath He
quickened, who were dead in trespasses
and sin, wherein in times past ye walked according to the course
of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit
that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also
we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling
the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were
by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Gen. 8, 21. The imagination
of man’s heart is evil from his youth.
John 3: 5-7 Except
a man be born of water and of
the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which
is born of the flesh, is flesh; and
that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel
not that I said unto thee, Ye
must be born again.
d) Rom. 7, 18. For I know that in
me, (that is, in my flesh,), dwelleth
no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform
that which is good I find not.
James 2, 10. For whosoever shall keep the
whole law, and yet offend in
one point, he is guilty
of all.
2 Cor. 3,5. Not that we are sufficient
of ourselves to think any thing, as of ourselves, but our
sufficiency is of God.
(Psalm 130:3 If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities,
O Lord, who shall stand?)
e) Rom. 3, 28. Therefore, we conclude that
a man is justified by faith without
the deeds of the law.
Rom. 8, 1. There is, therefore, now no
condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom. 5, 16-18. And not as it was by one that
sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment
was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences
unto justification. For if by one
man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive
abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life
by one, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as by
the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even
so by the righteousness of one the
free gift came upon all unto justification of life.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That God so created man that he had
to sin: Calvinistic Churches. Ps. 5, 5; John 3, 16; I
John 2,16; (Deut. 32:4; Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1-3).
2. That the sin of our first parents consisted
in the transgression of the command of chastity: Shakers,
Christian Israelites. Gen. 3, 6.
3. That the Scriptural account of the fall of man
is not an actual historical report by an allegory: Church of the
New Jerusalem, Modernists. Rom 5, 12; I Cor. 15, 21, 22: I Cor. 11,
3.
4. That original sin is not the total depravity
of the whole human nature, but only a weakening of the free will and the
loss of the additional gifts of grace: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern
Orthodox Church. John 3, 5, 6; Eph. 2: 1; Rom 3, 23.
5. That there is no original sin, and that
human nature has not been entirely corrupted and perverted by original
sin: Unitarians, Arminians, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Campbellites,
Adventists, Modernists. Rom 7, 18: Gen. 8, 21; Rom. 5, 12; (Ps. 14:1;
Matt. 7:17-18; Eph. 4:22).
6. That there is no sin in the true sense of
the word: Christian Scientists. See passages above.
7. That concupiscence, that is, all evil lusts
and desires in the regenerate are not sin: Roman Catholic Church.
Rom. 7< 7; Gal. 5< 17; James 1, 15.
8. That Mary was not conceived and born in sin:
Roman Catholic Church. John 3, 6; Job. 14, 4; Luke 1, 46-47.
9. That on account of Adam’s sin man has not
become subject to the wrath and condemnation of God: Unitarians,
Arminians, Mennonites, Quakers, Shakers, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists,
Universalist, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Modernists. Eph. 2,
3; Gen. 2, 17; Rom. 5, 12.
10. That some sins are in themselves venial while
others are in themselves mortal: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox
church, Socinians, Arminians, James 2, 10; Gal. 3, 10; Matt. 5, 18.
19; (Ezek. 18:20).
11. That children are without actual sin: Unitarians,
Campbellites, Mormons, Adventists, free Will Baptists, Arminians, Mennonites,
Modernists. Gen. 6, 5; Ps. 58, 3; (51:5); Isa. 48,8.
12. That some sins are punished only temporally
and not eternally: Roman Catholic Church. Deut. 27, 26; Gal.
3, 10; Matt. 12, 36.
13. That man in spite of the fall, has retained his
free will and also some power to do good: Roman Catholic Church,
Eastern Orthodox Church, Arminians, Methodists, Evangelical Congregational,
Moravians, Campbellites, Presbyterians, Mennonites, Free Will Baptist,
Unitarians, Church of the New Jerusalem, Spiritists, Quakers, Shakers,
Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists. 2 Cor. 3, 5; Eph. 2, 1; Rom. 3,
11. 12; (7:18).
NOTE: Today the Scriptural doctrine
of original sin is generally denied by modern Sectarian churches, which
are thoroughly corrupted by rationalism. Even some Fundamentalists
deny this doctrine.
VIII. OF THE ELECTION
OF GRACE OR PREDESTINATION
WE BELIEVE (a) in an election
of grace, or a predestination to salvation; but (b) we reject an election
of wrath, or a predestination to damnation; (c) we reject also every
doctrine, by which it is claimed that not solely the grace of God and the
merits of Christ are the cause of our eternal election unto salvation,
but that God foresaw also in us something good which prompted Him to elect
us (good works, correct conduct, (non-resistance), self-determination,
persevering faith, etc.); (d) we believe that God does not desire the damnation
of any one, but that His love to the sinful world is universal and that
the redemption of Christ pertains to all men.
a) Rom. 11, 5. 6. Even so then at this
present time also there is a remnant
according to the election of grace.
Rom. 8, 28-30. And we know that all things
work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called
according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate
to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn
among many brethren. Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He
also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom
He justified them He also glorified.
Cf. 2 Pet. 3, 9; John 3, 16.
c) Rom. 9, 11-12, 16. (For the children
being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose
of God, according to election might stand, not of works, but
of him that calleth), it was said unto her. The elder shall
serve the younger. So then it is not of him
that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth
mercy.
2 Tim. 1,9 Who hath saved us, and called us
with a holy calling, not according
to our works, but according to his own
purpose and grace, which was given
us in Christ Jesus before
the world began.
Cf. Rom. 8, 29. 30; Eph. 1, 3-5
d) John 3, 16. 17. For God so
loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. For God sent not His son into the world to condemn the
world, but that the world through
Him might be saved.
Matt. 23, 37.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, though that killest the prophets, and stonest them
which are sent unto thee, how often
would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen
gathereth her chickens under her wings, and
ye would not!
Cf. I Tim. 2, 4-6; Acts 13, 46;
Acts 7, 51.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That God’s saving grace is not universal,
but pertains only to the elect: Calvinistic Baptists, Calvinistic
Methodist, etc. Rom 11, 32: (3:19). See passages above.
2. That the election of grace depends to some
extent upon the good conduct of man: Eastern Orthodox Church, Campbellites,
Free Will Baptists, Synergists, Arminians, Sectarian churches. Rom.
11, 5. 6; Eph. 1, 3-6; 2 Tim. 1, 9; Rom. 9, 11f.
3. That the election of grace is not from eternity
but takes place in time: Arminians, Methodists, Cumberland Presbyterians,
Unitarians, Shakers, Salvation Army. 2 Tim. 1, 9; Rom. 9, 11:
Eph. 1: 3, 5. Also many Synergists.
4. That there is no election of grace in the
proper sense, since man himself determines his election and salvation:
Churches of the New Jerusalem, Unitarians, Mormons, Eph. 1, 3-6;
2 Thess. 2, 13; John 15, 16, All Modernists in the various churches,
(Arminians).
5. That the election of grace was an absolute
act of sovereign God and was decreed without consideration of Christ and
His vicarious satisfaction for the sins of the world: Presbyterians, Congregational
Christians, Calvinistic Baptists, Calvinistic Methodists, etc. Eph. 1,
3-6; 2 Tim. 1, 9.
6. That the elect cannot altogether fall from
grace or wholly lose their faith even in spite of the greatest sins:
Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Calvinistic Baptists, Calvinistic
Methodist, etc. Ps. 51, 10-13; Matt. 26, 69f; 2 Sam. 12:1-13;
Ps. 37, 24; John 20, 25, 29.
7. That the elect cannot be sure of their salvation
in spite of their faith in Christ: Roman Catholic Church. Rom
8, 38. 39; 2 Tim. 1, 12; Phil. 1, 6; Luke 10, 20;
I Thess. 1, 4; I Pet. 5, 12; 2 Pet. 1, 10.
8. That the wicked are lost not through their own
sin and unbelief, but because of the absolute
decree of God, by which He withheld from them His grace and
mercy. Calvinistic churches, Reformed Presbyterians, Calvinistic
Baptists, Calvinistic Methodists, Congregational Christians, etc.
Hosea 13, 9; Matt. 23, 37; Acts 7, 51; Acts 13, 46;
John 3, 19; I Thess. 5, 9; Luke 14, 16-24; Gal. 5, 4;
Ezek. 18, 26; I Tim. 1, 19.
9. Lastly, we reject every doctrine of Calvinism
which denies universal grace, and every doctrine of synergism which denies
salvation by grace alone.
I Tim. 2, 4: 2 Pet. 3, 9; Tom. 4, 4.5; Rom. 3, 20-28.
NOTE: Today many rationalistic
and modernistic churches still use the terms “deity of Christ,” “atonement,”
“salvation by faith,” & “election by grace,” etc., but they have
changed their meaning so as to suit their rationalism.
IX. OF CHRIST THE SON
OF GOD
WE BELIEVE that
the Son of God assumed the human nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin
Mary, so that there are two natures, the divine and the human, inseparably
united in the one person, the one Christ, who is true God and true man,
born of the Virgin Mary.
Rom. 9, 5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom
as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God
blessed forever.
I Tim. 2, 5. 6. For there is one
God, and one mediator between God and men, the man
Christ Jesus: who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified
in due time.
John 1, 14. And the Word
was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the
glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace
and truth.
I John 5, 20. And we know that the Son
of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we
may know Him that is true and we are in Him that is true, even in
His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. –Cf.
John 20. 28, Jer. 23,6; John 5,23; Matt. 1.21; I Tim. 3,16; I Cor. 15,
47.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That the eternal Son of God, the second
Person in the Godhead, did not become incarnate: Unitarians, Churches
of the New Jerusalem, Quakers, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Spiritists,
Russellites, Christian Scientists, Rationalists. Heb. 2, 14; Heb.
4, 15; Gal. 4, 4.5; I Tim. 2,5; John 1, 14;
Matt. 16, 13, 16. Also, all Modernists.
2. That the Son of God did not assume our human
nature in the body of Mary, but that also His human nature came forth from
the essence of the Father:
Mennonites, Schwenkfeldians. Heb. 2, 16. 17; Rom. 1, 3;
Eph. 5, 30; Luke 1, 42
3. That Christ has but one nature, namely,
the divine nature of
the Son of God: Seventh Day Adventists. John 1, 14; I John
4, 2.3; I Tim. 3, 16.
4. That Christ has but one nature, namely,
the human nature: Unitarians,
Russellites, Universalists, Shakers, Modernists. I Tim. 3, 16;
John 1, 14.
5. That there are not two natures in Christ,
since there is no essential differences between the divine and human:
Mormons, Modernists. John 1, 14;
I Tim. 3, 16; Col. 2, 9.
6. That in the person of Christ the human nature
and the divine nature were fused together. Schwenkfeldians.
Matt. 16, 13.16; I Tim. 2, 5.6.
7. That also after the incarnation, the divine
nature is not only in but
also outside the personal
union: Calvinistic Churches. John 1, 14; I Cor. 8, 6;
I Tim. 3, 16; Col. 2, 9; 2 Cor. 5, 19; (John 3:13; Matt.
28:20).
(They teach that since the exaltation the divine
nature is present on earth, but the human nature is enclosed in heaven.)
8. That the communion of the two natures is
not true and real, but that the statements, “God is man,” and “Man
is God” are only figures of speech:
Calvinistic Churches. Luke 1, 35; I Cor. 15, 47;
Matt. 16, 16; Rom. 9, 5.
9. That the communication of the attributes
of both natures is not real, but
only nominal; Calvinistic
Churches. I Pet. 3: 18, 22; Acts 20, 28; Rom. 8,32.
10. That Christ, according to His humanity,
does not possess divine majesty, but only limited
power and created
gifts, which the human nature received after His exaltation:
Calvinistic Churches, Evangelical Congregationalists, Schwenkfeldians,
Christian Israelites, Mormons, Socinians, Unitarians, Shakers, Universalists,
Arminians, John 1, 14: John 2, 11; Matt. 28, 18; Ps. 2, 8;
Col. 2, 3; Eph. 4, 10; Phil. 2, 9; John 5, 26, 27.
(This error is based on the rationalistic axiom,
that the finite is incapable of the infinite.)
11. That Christ’s human nature received glory
and majesty only through His exaltation: Evangelical
Congregational, Calvinistic Churches, Schwenkfeldians. See passages.
above.
(Christ’s human nature received the divine glory
when He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, John 1, 14.)
12. That the man Christ received the fulness
of divine majesty only in Baptism: Mormons.
John 1, 14: Col. 2, 9; I John 4, 2. 3.
13. That the man Jesus Christ is not divine,
does not possess divine majesty, and must not be worshiped and adored as
God: Unitarians, Shakers, Universalists, Modernists. John 5,
33; Rom. 14, 10-11; (Phil. 2:9-10).
14. That Christ, as the Savior and Mediator,
is subordinate to the Father in essence, majesty, and glory: Arminians,
Modernists. John 5, 23.
15. That since there is no communion of natures
in Christ, each nature works independently of the other in the execution
of Christ’s divine office: Calvinistic Churches. I Tim. 2,
5; I John 3, 8; I Cor. 15, 3; Gal. 1, 4; Eph. 5, 2. 25.
(In that case Christ’s redemption would have been
that of a mere man.)
16. That Christ has performed His office only
as man: Irvingites. See passages above.
17. That Christ is our Mediator only according
to the human nature: Moravian Brethren, Irvingites. I Tim 2,
5; Titus 2, 13; I Tim. 3, 16.
Note: The doctrine concerning
Christ’s true deity and humanity has always been an offense to human reason.
X. OF CHRIST’S WORK
AND OFFICE
WE BELIEVE
(a) that Jesus Christ, true God and true man truly suffered, was
crucified, died and was buried, that He might reconcile us unto God and
be our sacrifice not only for original guilt, but also for all actual sins
of men; (b) that He descended into hell and truly rose again
the third day; (c) that afterwards He ascended into heaven
to sit at the right hand of the Father and forever reign and have dominion
over all creatures, and, in particular, to gather, guide, and protect His
Church on earth; (d) and that the same Christ shall finally
come again to judge the quick and the dead.
a) Gal. 4, 4. 5. But when the fulness
of the time was come, God sent
forth His Son, made of a woman, made under
the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might
receive the adopton of sons.
Isa. 53, 4.5 Surely He hath borne our
griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him
stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our
transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement
of our peace was upon Him: and with
His stripes we are healed.
I Pet. 2, 24. Who His
own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we,
being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.
b) I Pet. 3, 18.19. For Christ also
hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that
He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh,
but quickened by the Spirit:
by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.
Col. 2, 15. And having spoiled principalities
and powers, He made a show of them
openly, triumphantly over them in it.
Eph. 4, 9, 10. (Now that He ascended, what
is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
He that descended is
the same also that ascended up
far above all heavens, that He might fill all things), –Cf.
I Cor. 15, 17,18; Rom 4, 25.
c) Acts. 1, 9. And when He had spoken
these things, while they beheld, He
was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Ps. 68, 18. Thou hast ascended
on high, Thou hast led
captivity captive: Thou hast received
gifts for men: yea, for
the rebellious also, that the Lord might dwell among them.
Ps. 110, 1. The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit
thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.
–Cf. also Eph. 1, 20-22; John 14. 16. 17;
I Cor. 6, 11.
d) Acts 17, 31. Because He hath appointed
a day, in the which He will judge
the world in righteousness, by that
man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance
unto all men, in that He hath
raised Him from the dead.
2 Cor. 5, 10. For we
must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every
one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath
done, whether it be good or bad.
I. Thess. 4, 16. For the Lord
Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of
the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall
rise first. –Cf. also Matt. 25, 31-46; 2 Pet. 3, 10.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That Christ has not fulfilled the Law in
our stead; Arminians, Moravians, Methodists, Unitarians, Churches of the
New Jerusalem, Mormons, Free Protestants, Christian Israelites, Modernists.
Rom. 5, 19; Phil. 2, 7.8; Gal. 4, 4.5.
2. That Christ has fulfilled the Law only for
the elect: Calvinistic Churches, Presbyterians, Congregational Christians,
Calvinistic Baptists, Calvinistic Methodists, etc. 2 Cor. 5, 15-19;
John 1, 29; I Tim. 4, 10; 2 Pet. 2, 1; Tit. 2, 11.
3. That Christ came into the world as a Law-giver
to proclaim new laws of righteousness: Roman Catholic Church, Unitarians,
Arminians, Methodists, Mennonites, Campbellites. Gal. 3, 24; John
5, 45: Gal. 4, 4.5; Matt. 22, 37-40.
4. That Christ has made satisfaction only for original
sin and has borne only the eternal punishments of sin, so that
man must make satisfaction for all actual sins committed after Baptism
and bear their temporal punishments: Roman Catholic Church.
Heb. 10, 10-14; I Pet. 3, 18; I John 2, 1.2; Rom 5, 10.
5. That Christ has died only for the elect
and has made satisfaction only for their sins: Calvinistic churches,
Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Calvinistic Baptists, Calvinistic
Methodists, Waldensians. 2 Cor. 5: 15,18; John 1, 29; I Tim.
2, 5. 6; Rom. 8, 32; Heb. 2, 9; Tit. 2, 11; 2 Pet. 2, 1.
6. That Christ’s death is not in itself a perfect
satisfaction for our sins, but was so judged only by the special grace
of the Father: Arminians. Rom. 5, 10; John 19, 30; I Pet. 2,24.
7. That Christ indeed died for the sins of
the world, but that the atonement, which is limited to believers, began
only in the year 1844; Seventh Day Adventists. Heb. 1,3; Rom.
8,34; I Tim. 4,10; Tit. 2,11; 2 Pet. 2,1; I Cor. 15,57; I John
1,7.
8. That Christ has not rendered satisfaction
for man’s sins, since such satisfaction is not needed. Unitarians,
Universalists, Free Protestants, Shakers, Spiritists, Christian Scientists,
Modernists. Ps. 49, 8,9; Rev. 14,13: (5:9); Isa. 53,6; Rom. 3, 23-26; Acts
4,12; Matt. 20,28; I Tim. 2,6; Rom. 8,32; 2 Cor. 5,19-21.
9. That Christ by His death has not paid the
penalty of our sins, but only has made it possible for God’s love to forgive
the sins of the penitent: Salvation Army and many Calvinists.
2 Cor. 5,14-15; John 1,29; I John 3,8.
10. That Christ has not redeemed us by His
suffering and death, but has merely secured for us the opportunity during
the Millennium to earn eternal life by our own obedience: Russellites,
Isa. 53, 6; Matt. 20,28; John 14, 6; Luke 16, 26; I John
1, 7; I John 2, 1.2.
11. That Christ is not our only Mediator before
God, but that also the saints, especially Mary, whose merits are precious
before God, may intercede for us.
Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox church. John 14. 6;
Acts 4, 12; I Tim. 2,5.
12. That Christ is not the only Savior of the
world: Modernists, Shakers. Isa. 42,8; Isa. 43,11.
13. That Christ’s human nature received only
limited divine attributes and these in His exaltation: Calvinistic
Churches, Schwenkfeldians. Ps. 102,27;
John 2, 11; Heb. 1, 12-13; Eph. 1, 20,21.
14. That Christ according to his human nature
in the state of humiliation did not possess divine majesty, since this
was given Him only at His exaltation: Arminians, Evangelical Congregational,
Campbellites, Irvingites, Calvinistic Churches in general. John 2,11;
John 1,14; (John 3:13); John 11,40; John 13,31;
John 18,6; (Isa 9:6-7).
15. That Christ’s soul did not really suffer
agony in His passion: Roman Catholic Church. Matt. 27,46; Matt.
26,38; Luke 22,42; Heb. 2,17.18; (Heb.5:7-8).
16. That Christ did not suffer the wrath of
God and the agony of hell: Unitarians, Arminians, Evangelical Association,
Universalists, Free Protestants, Modernists. Gal. 3,13; Gal. 3,10;
Rom. 6,23; (Ps. 16:10).
17. That Christ’s soul after His death entered
into the limbus patrum
(Hades) in order to free the saints of the Old Testament from bondage:
Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic church. I Pet. 3,18.19; Col.
2,15; I Cor. 15,55; (Luke 16:23).
18. That Christ did not really and truly descend
into hell: Calvinistic Churches, Arminians, Unitarians, Evangelical
Congregational Church. Eph. 4,9; I Pet. 3, 18.19; Col. 2,14.
19. That Christ did not arise bodily from the
dead: Russellites, Christian Scientists. John 2,19; Phil. 3,20-21;
Matt. 28,2f; John 20, 19.26; Matt. 17, 1f;
(Ps. 16:9-11).
20. That Christ after His exaltation had a
new and different body: Unitarians. Luke 24, 39; Phil 2,8.9;
Acts 7,55.
21. That Christ’s sitting at the right hand
does not signify His supreme and universal rule, power and majesty, according
to the human nature, but only limited power, and His confinement to a certain
place in heaven: Calvinistic Churches, Episcopalians, Congregational
Christians, Baptists, Methodists, Evangelical Congregational, Arminians,
Unitarians, Seventh Day Adventists, etc. Ps. 110,1: Heb. 1,3;
Eph. 1, 20-23; I Pet. 3,22.
22. That Christ is not present upon earth,
but is here represented only by the Holy Spirit: Mormons. Matt.
28.20.
IX. OF CONVERSION
WE BELIEVE (a)
that saving faith in Christ is not found by nature in any man, but is the
gift of the Holy Ghost granted freely in conversion; (b) that
conversion is neither wholly nor in part the work of man, but solely the
work of God, who by His grace and power, for Christ’s sake, converts sinners
through the Gospel; (c) that the Holy Spirit is willing to work conversion
not only in a few, but in all hearers of the Word, and that if some hearers
nevertheless remain unconverted, this is due, not to any deficiency in
the grace of God, but solely to their obstinate resistance. (d)
We reject every doctrine of synergism which teaches that conversion is
brought about, not solely by the grace of God, but in part also by
man’s cooperation, correct conduct, self-decision and lesser guilt as compared
with others; (e) we reject also every doctrine of Calvinism which
asserts that God would not earnestly convert all hearers of the Word, but
only the elect.
a) I Pet. 1, 3.4. Blessed be the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according
to His abundant mercy hath begotten
us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that
fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.
John 3, 5.6 Jesus answered, Verily, verily,
I say unto thee, Except a man be
born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom
of God. That which is born
of the flesh is flesh and that which
is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Eph. 2, 1. And you hath
He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. –Cf.
also James 1, 18; Ps. 103; John 8, 21; Ps. 51, 7;
Ps. 51, 12; Jer. 31, 18; Rom. 3, 23; Rom. 7, 18.
b) I Cor. 2, 14 But the natural man receiveth
not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto
him; neither can he know them, because
they are spiritually discerned.
Eph. l, 19.20 And what is the exceeding greatness
of His power to usward who believe,
according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought
in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right
hand in the heavenly places.
Rom. 10, 17. So then faith
cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
c) Matt. 23, 37. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
thou that killest the prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee,
how often would I have gathered thy
children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under
her wings and ye would not!
Acts 7, 51. Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised
in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your father
did, so do ye.
(d) I Cor. 2, 14. But the natural man receiveth
not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness
unto him; neither can he know them, because they
are spiritually discerned.
Eph. 4, 18. Having
the understanding darkened, being alienated
from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them,
because of the blindness of their
heart.
Phil. 2, 13. For it is God
which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. –Cf.
also Luke 19, 41.42; Rom. 3, 23; Rom. 8, 7.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That conversion is not solely the
gracious work of God, but in part also the work of man: Campbellites,
Presbyterians, Quakers, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Shakers, Unitarians,
Synergists, Roman and Eastern Orthodox Churches, Arminians, Modernists,
Mennonites, Free Will Baptists, Methodists, Mormons, Adventists, Evangelical
Association, Universalists. See passages above.
2. That children cannot be converted:
Unitarians, Campbellites, Baptists. Mark 10, 14; Matt. 18, 6;
Matt. 18, 10.11. (See also Isaiah 28:9).
3. That the elect, having once been converted,
cannot again lost faith and fall from grace: Calvinistic Churches,
Campbellites, Presbyterians, etc. Gal. 4, 19; Luke 8, 13.
(See also Gen. 3)
4. That the non-elect are not called
earnestly and efficaciously: Calvinistic Churches, Presbyterians,
Congregational Christians, Calvinistic Baptists.
Matt. 11, 28; Mark 16, 15.16; Acts 17, 30; Matt. 28, 19.20.
(Prov. 1:24; Isa. 1:5, 18-20; Ezek. 33:11)
5. That the Holy Ghost works faith and repentance
not through God’s Word, but rather through the inner light which He gives
to man: Quakers.
Rom 10,17; James 1, 18; I Pet. 2,2.
6. That faith is not solely the gracious gift
of God the Holy Ghost, but men can believe the Gospel even without the
Holy Ghost: Unitarians, Campbellites, Arminians, Cumberland Presbyterians.
I Cor. 12, 3; Col. 2, 12; Matt. 16, 17; John 6, 44. 65.
7. That the grace of God in conversion is irresistible:
Calvinistic Churches, Congregational Christians, Calvinistic Baptists,
etc. Isa. 65, 2; Luke 7, 30;
John 5, 40; (Acts 7:51).
XII. OF FAITH IN CHRIST
WE BELIEVE (a) that since through Christ’s
vicarious satisfaction all mankind is reconciled to God and this reconciliation
is proclaimed to men in the Gospel to the end that all should believe the
message of God’s grace, faith
in Christ is the only means by which to obtain forgiveness of sin and salvation; (b)
that faith in Christ is properly a firm trust and confidence in the forgiveness
of sins for Christ’s sake alone.
a & b) Acts 10, 43 To Him give all
the prophets witness, that through
His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.
John 3, 16.17.36. For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that
the world through Him might be saved. He
that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.
Heb. 11, 1. Now faith is the substance
of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen. –Cf. also Rom. 4, 20. 21.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following
teachings:
l. That faith is not confidence in the Gospel
promises, but the acceptance of what the Church teaches: Roman Catholic
Church. John 3, 36; Rom. 4, 20. 21; 2 Tim. 1, 12; John
20, 28f.
2. That saving faith is not a sinner’s trust
in the forgiveness of his sins for Christ’s sake, but only assent to the
truth of the Gospel: Roman Catholic Church; Universalists,
etc. Rom. 8, 38. 39; Heb. 10, 22; (Rom. 5:4; Heb. 6:18; 10:38-39).
3. That the object of faith is not the crucified
Christ and His righteousness: Unitarians, Churches of the New Jerusalem.
Quakers, Modernists, Acts 16,31;
Rom. 3, 24.25; Rom. 8, 34; Gal. 2, 20; (I Cor. 1:18, 23; 2:2).
4. That love and obedience are
the essence, not the fruits of faith; Unitarians, Arminians, Roman
Catholic Church, Mennonites, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Modernists;
Gal. 5. 4.6, Heb. 11,1.
5. That saving faith may exist in the hearts
of the elect together with mortal sins: Roman Catholic church, Calvinistic
Churches. I John 2, 3-4; I John 5, 4; John 3, 36; (Rom. 3:31;
Jas. 2:14-26; Eph. 2:10).
XIII. OF JUSTIFICATION
WE BELIEVE
(a) that God does not receive men on the basis of their own works, (b)
but that without the deeds of the Law, by grace alone, on account of the
perfect merit of Christ. He justifies them, that is, He regards as
righteous all those who believe that for Christ’s sake their sins are forgiven.
(c) that by this doctrine alone Christ is given the honor due Him,
and through it alone sinners receive the abiding comfort that God is surely
gracious to them; (d) that the Christian religion is centered in
the precious doctrine that we obtain forgiveness of sin without works of
our own, solely by the grace of God, for Christ’s sake, through faith.
a) Ps. 130, 3.4. If Thou, Lord, shouldest
mark iniquities, O Lord, who
shall stand? But there is forgiveness
with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared.
Ps. 31, 1. In
Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed:
deliver me in Thy righteousness.
Ps. 143, 2. And enter
not into judgment with Thy servant: for
in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.
b) Rom. 3, 28. Therefore we conclude that a
man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Rom. 3, 22-24. Even the righteousness of God,
which is by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe: for
there is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory
of God; Being justified
freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus.
I Cor. 1, 30. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus,
who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and
sanctification, and redemption.
–Cf. also
Rom. 8, 33. 34.
c) I Tim. 2, 5. For there is one
God, and one Mediator between
God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
Rom. 8, 38. 39 For I am persuaded, that neither
death, nor life, nor
angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things
to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to
separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Cor. 1, 19. 20. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who
was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was
not yea and nay, but in Him was yea. For all
the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the
glory of God by us. –Cf. also Rom. 3, 22-25.
d) Rom. 3, 28. Therefore we conclude
that a man is justified by faith
without the deeds of the law.
2 Tim. 1, 9. Who
hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not
according to our works, but according to His own
purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began.
Rom. 4, 5. But to him that
worketh not, but believeth on
Him that justified the ungodly, His
faith is counted for righteousness.
Eph. 2: 8-9 For by grace are ye saved through
faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works,
lest any man should boast.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That justification is not a judicial act
of God whereby He imputes to the believer Christ’s righteousness, but that
it consists in the sinners’ renewal and sanctification through infused
grace: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox church, Mennonites,
Irvingites, Quakers, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Schwenkfeldians,
Salvation Army. Rom. 3, 24. 25; Rom. 8, 33. 34; (Rom.
11:6).
2. That sins are indeed forgiven, but not for
Christ’s sake and through the imputation of His righteousness: Unitarians,
Arminians, Modernists, Universalists. Eph. 1, 7; Rom.
11, 6; Acts 10, 43; 2 Cor. 5, 21; Phil. 3, 9.
3. That justification does not consist in the
present forgiveness of sins (since the atonement is not yet complete),
but in the promise of future forgiveness made to those who confess and
forsake sin: Seventh Day Adventists. Rom. 3, 24, 35;
(Ps. 103:3).
4. That sin is not forgiven, but rather annihilated:
Christian Scientists. I John 1, 8. 9.
5. That God in forgiving sin does not remit
all punishment, but man himself must render satisfaction for the temporal
punishments of sin: Roman Catholic Church, Universalists. Eph.
2, 4.5; I John 4, 10; Col. 2, 13; Rom. 4, 5; Rom. 10,
4; (Heb. 10:14).
6. That man is indeed justified by faith, yet
not because faith trusts in the merit of Christ, but because it is a willing
obedience to His Word: Eastern Catholic church, Mennonites, Churches
of the New Jerusalem, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Irvingites, Arminians,
Unitarians, Free Protestants, Campbellites. Phil. 3, 9; Acts
10, 43; Eph. 2, 8.9; Rom. 4, 16; (Rom. 10:1-4).
7. That man is justified through “the act of
faith,” and that his salvation rests upon his good works: Campbellites,
Quakers, Christian Israelites. Rom. 3,22;
(Rom. 11:6).
8. That a Christian cannot be sure of
the forgiveness of his sins, but must remain in doubt concerning his salvation:
Roman Catholic Church. Rom. 5, 1. 2; Rom. 8, 15. 16.
9. That only he may be sure of the forgiveness
of sins, who feels the assurance of God’s grace in his heart: Methodists,
Moravians, Evangelical Congregational, Salvation Army, Calvinistic
Churches. John 20, 29; I John 3, 20; Rom. 4, 18-22;
James 1, 6; (Ps. 51: 3,8, 10-12; Ps. 28:1).
XIV. OF REPENTANCE
WE BELIEVE (a) that repentance is the true
conversion to God through faith in Christ Jesus of a poor sinner who by
the law has knowledge of his sins and experiences sorrow for them: (b)
that hence repentance consists of two parts, namely, contrition and faith;
(c) that contrition is the true and sincere sorrow of a heart which, on
account of its sins as revealed by the divine Law, is terrified and distressed
in view of the wrath of God and His righteous punishments; (d) that
faith is that act of the soul by which it, through the power of the Holy
Ghost, lays hold of the grace and mercy of God, set forth in the Gospel,
for the purpose of obtaining eternal life.
a) Luke 18, 13. And the publican, standing
afar off, would not lift up so
much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God
be merciful to me a sinner.
b & c) Ps. 51, 17. The sacrifices
of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and a contrite heart, O God,
thou wilt not despise.
Acts 16, 30. 31. And brought them out, and said,
Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And
they said, Believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and thou shalt
be saved, and they house.
d). 2 Tim. 1, 12. for the which cause
I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded
that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him
against that day.
I Cor. 12, 3. Wherefore I give you to understand,
that no man speaking by the Spirit of God, calleth Jesus accursed:
and that no man can say that Jesus
is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That repentance is a Sacrament of the New
Testament for the forgiveness of mortal sins committed after Baptism, and
that it consists in the contrition of the heart, the confession of all
sins before the priest, and satisfaction by works; Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Orthodox Church. Acts 19, 4; Rev. 2, 5;
Isa. 54, 10; (66:2; Hos. 14:2); Luke 24, 46. 47; Heb. 11, 6; (Jer.
31:19).
2. That faith is not an essential part of repentance:
Calvinistic churches, Methodists, Evangelical Congregational Church, Moravians,
Salvation Army, Free Will Baptists. Matt. 3:2; Matt. 5, 6;
John 3, 16.
3. That repentance consists essentially in
the renunciation of sin and renewal of the heart: Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Orthodox church, Mennonites, Mormons, Free Will Baptists,
Churches of the New Jerusalem, Unitarians, Universalist, Free Protestants,
Seventh Day Adventists, Campbellites, Calvinistic Reformed Churches, Methodists,
Evangelical Congregational, Moravians. Ps. 6, 3,4; Rom. 4,
6; (I Kgs. 8:47; Ezek. 14:6; Luke 17:4; Acts 26:20).
XV. OF SANCTIFICATION AND GOOD WORKS
WE BELIEVE
(a) that good works are all works of the regenerate, performed in
the power of the Holy Spirit, proceeding from true faith, conforming to
God’s commandments, and designed to glorify God and manifest due gratitude;
(b) that since sanctification in this life is only imperfect, also the
good works which the regenerate perform are imperfect, being tainted by
the infirmities of the flesh; (c) that good works must be done, not
in order to atone for sins or merit eternal life, but to manifest faith
and give thanks for the divine benefits received.
a) Matt. 15, 9. But in
vain they do worship
Me, teaching for doctrines
the commandments of men.
John 15, 5. I am the Vine, ye
are the branches, He that abideth
in Me, and I in Him, the same
bringeth forth much fruit: for without
Me ye can do nothing.
I Cor. 10. 31. Whether therefore ye eat,
or drink, do all to the glory of
God. –Cf. also Col. 3, 7.
b) Rom. 7, 21-24 I find
then a law, that when I would do good, evil
is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the
inward man. But I see another law in my members warring
against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity
to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am!
who shall deliver me from the
body of this death?
Gal. 5, 17. For the flesh
lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit
against the flesh: and these
are contrary the one of to the other: so that ye
cannot do the things that ye
would.
c) Matt. 5, 16. Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven.
(Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved, through
faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not
of works, lest any man should boast.)
Eph. 2, 10. For we are His
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
James 2, 17. 18. Even so faith,
if it hath not works, is dead, being alone, Yea, a man may say, Thou hast
faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will
show thee my faith by my works.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the
following teachings:
l. That perfect sanctification
and perfectly good works are possible already in this life: Roman
Catholic Church, Arminians, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical
Congregational, Salvation Army, Schwenkfeldians, Unitarians, Mormons, Shakers,
Holiness Churches. Phil 3, 12; I Thess. 4, 1; 2 Cor.
4, 16; Eph. 4, 15; James 3, 2; (Jer. 17:9; Rom. 8:7).
2. That also the unregenerate
can perform good works: Arminians, Campbellites, Unitarians, Churches
of the New Jerusalem, Quakers. Eph. 2, 10; Rom. 14, 23;
Matt. 7, 16; John 15, 5.
3. That also such deeds are good
works which are done without the special command of God, according to the
commands of the Church: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church.
Col. 2, 16-23; I Tim. 4: 1-5.
4. That it is possible for a
just man to perform supererogatory works for the benefit of others:
Roman Catholic Church. Isa. 64, 6; Luke 17,10; Ps. 49,7.8.
5. That the good works of the
Christians are perfectly good and holy: Quakers. Heb. 12, 1;
Rom. 7, 8.23; Gal. 5, 17; (Isa. 64:6).
6. That good works are necessary
to merit salvation: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox church,
Waldensians, Mennonites, Campbellites, Seventh Day Adventists, Quakers,
Churches of the New Jerusalem, Mormons, Christian israelites. Matt.
5, 16; Eph. 2, 9-10; John 3, 16; Hab. 2, 4; John 3, 36. Also
Lodgery, Modernists, and Sectarian churches in general.
XVI. OF PRAYER
WE BELIEVE (a) that
prayer is that divine service in which Christians confidently call upon
the true and living God in the name of their Mediator Jesus Christ for
those things which they need, and in which they give to Him praise and
thanks for the blessings received: (b) that Christians should pray
for themselves and others without distinction, but especially for
those who are of the household of faith; (c) that Christians should
not pray for the dead: (d) but that, otherwise, they should pray
at all times and in all places for themselves and all men, trusting in
Christ and leaving to God the time and manner of granting their wishes.
a) Ps. 10, 17. Lord, Thou
hast heard the desire of the humble: Thou
wilt prepare their heart, Thou wilt cause Thine ear to hear.
Ps. 27, 8. When Thou saidst, Seek
ye My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
Phil. 4, 6. Be careful for nothing; but in
everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made
known unto God.
b) I Tim. 2, 1-3. I exhort, therefore,
that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks, be made for all men; for
kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, for this is good and acceptable
in the sight of God our Savior.
c) Heb. 9, 27. And as it is appointed
unto me once to die, but
after this the judgment.
d) I Tim. 2, 8. I will therefore that
men pray everywhere, lifting
up holy hands, without wrath and
doubting.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That also angels and departed saints, especially
Mary, “the Mother of Mercy,” should be called upon for help, and the pictures
and relics of the saints should be venerated: Roman Catholic Church,
Eastern Orthodox church. Matt. 4, 10; Ps. 65, 2; Rev.
19, 10; Is. 63, 16; Luke 11, 2-4; (Isa. 45:22).
2. That only God the Father, and not the Son
and the Holy Ghost, should be addressed in prayer: Universalists,
Unitarians, Modernists, Calvinistic Churches, Lodges. Rom. 10, 13-14;
John 5, 23; (Isa. 48:16-17; Ps. 2:12).
3. That also the spirits of the departed should
be called upon: Spiritists. Rev. 19, 10; Isa. 63, 16.
4. That Christians must pray for the dead:
Roman and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Deut. 4, 2; I Cor. 3,
8; (Heb. 9:27).
XVII. OF THE MEANS OF GRACE
WE BELIEVE (a) that
God does not offer and communicate the spiritual
blessings secured by Christ, such as the forgiveness of sin,
the Holy Ghost, etc., except through the means
of grace ordained by Him; (b) that these means
of grace are the Gospel, and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper;
(c) that this is amply proved of the Gospel by Acts. 20, 24. 32;
Rom. 10, 17; of Baptism by Acts 2, 38; Tit. 3, 5; of
the Lord’s Supper by Luke 22,19. 20; Matt. 26, 28; (d) that for this
reason, namely because the Gospel and the Sacraments are the only means
of grace ordained by God, Christ has charged the Church to go forth into
all the world preaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments (Mark
16, 15. 16); (e) that, therefore, all other man-made means for building
the Church are “new measures,” by which the Church is not built, but harmed.
a) I Cor. 1, 21. For after that in
the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased
God by the foolishness of preaching to
save them that believe.
I Cor. 12, 13. For by one Spirit are we
all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles,
whether we be bond or free: and have been all
made to drink into one Spirit.
b & c) Acts 20, 24. 32. But none of these things
move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish
my course with joy, and the
ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel
of the grace of God. And now, brethren, I commend you to God,
and to the Word of His grace, which
is able to build you up, and
to give you an inheritance among
all which are sanctified.
Rom. 10, 17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and
hearing by the Word of God.
Acts 2, 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent,
and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for
the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift
of the Holy Ghost.
Matt. 26, 28. For this is My blood
of the New Testament which is
shed for many for the remission of sins. –Cf.
also Tit. 3, 5; Luke 22, 19. 20.
d) Mark 16, 15. 16. And He said unto
them, Go ye into all the world, and Preach
the Gospel to every creature, He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall
be damned.
e) For other
foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ.
(John 6:63b. The words that I speak unto you,
they are spirit, and they are life.)
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That there are seven Sacraments, and that
these are the means of grace: Roman and Eastern Orthodox churches.
Matt. 28, 19; Matt. 26, 26-28.
2. That the Sacraments, Holy Baptism and the
Lord’s Supper, are not means of grace through which God bestows His grace
and Spirit: Calvinistic Churches, Presbyterians, Congregational Christians,
Baptists, Mennonites, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical
Congregational Church, etc. See Passages above.
3. That God does not offer and communicate
the spiritual blessings purchased by Christ alone through the means of
grace, but also immediately, with the means of grace: Calvinistic
Churches, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Salvation Army. Isa.
55, 10. 11; John 6, 68; Acts. 13, 26; Acts 4, 12; I Cor. 6,
11; Gal. 3, 26. 27; Eph. 5, 25. 26; Luke 7, 30.
XVIII. OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL
WE BELIEVE (a) that in order
to preach the Word of God rightly, a proper distinction must be observed
between the Law and the Gospel; (b) that the Law reveals sin, proclaims
the wrath of God, condemns those who do not perfectly obey Him, and commands
what, according to the will of God, men should do and leave undone, without,
however, granting power to do the works demanded, so that no man can be
saved by the works of the Law; (c) that the Gospel is the gracious
message of salvation through Christ Jesus, by which the Holy Spirit works
faith in men and thus saves them; (d) that the whole Law must be
preached in its whole severity and the Gospel in its full sweetness.
a & b) Rom. 4, 15.
Because the law worketh wrath.
Gal. 3, 21. Is the law then against
the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a
law given which could have given life, verily righteousness
should have been by the law. (Cf. also Rom. 3:27; Eph.
2:8-9).
Deut. 27, 26. Cursed be
he that confirmeth not all the
words of this law to do them. –Cf.
also Rom. 3, 20; Ps, 143, 2.
c) I Tim. 1, 15. This is
a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
John 3, 16. For God so
loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Luke 2, 10. And the angel said
unto them, Fear not: for behold I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
d) Gal. 3, 10. For as many
as are of the works of the law are under
the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth
not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Rom. 1, 17. For therein
(in the Gospel), is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as
it is written, the just shall live by faith.
WE REJECT
as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That also the Gospel is the
doctrine concerning good works: Roman Catholic Church, Arminians,
Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational.
I Tim. 1, 15; John 1, 17; John 3, 16; (Rom. 10:15; Gal. 1:6-9;
Eph. 6:15; 2 Thess. 2:14; 2 Tim. 1:10).
2. That the Gospel is the inner
light given to man as an immediate gift of the Holy Ghost: Quakers.
Luke 4, 18. 19; Eph. 1, 13; Eph. 2, 17; (Rom. 10:17).
3. That the promises of the Gospel
are conditional, and are given only to those who obey the laws of the Church
and God: Roman Catholic Church. (Rom. 10:5-8; 11:6); Rom. 4,
16; Acts 16:31.
4. That a man becomes a Christian
by obeying the Law: Methodists, Roman Catholic Church. Gal. 3. 2,5;
Gal. 3, 21.22; 2 Cor. 3,6.
5. That also in the New Testament
Christians are subject to ceremonial laws: Roman Catholic Church
(the ordinances of the apostles and their successors), the Eastern Orthodox
Church, Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Free Will Baptists, Baptists,
Mennonites, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational
Church, Moravians, Quakers, Mormons (ceremonial laws respecting the Sabbath
must now be applied to Sunday), Seventh Day Adventists (observations of
the Sabbath or the Seventh Day), Irvingites (laws concerning tithing).
Heb. 10,1; Col 2,16; Gal. 5,12-13; Acts 15,10. 28-29; Rom. 14,5,6;
Gal. 4.10.11; Mark 2, 27; Gal. 5, 3; Gal. 2, 3-5.
XIX. OF THE SACRAMENTS
WE BELIEVE (a)
that the Sacraments are true means of grace ordained by God, in which,
through certain external means connected with His Word, He offers, conveys
and seals unto men the grace which Christ has merited by His suffering
and death; (b) that Christ has instituted only two Sacraments,
namely, Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
a) John 3, 5. Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Tit. 3, 5. Not by
works of righteousness which we have done, but according
to His mercy He saved us, by
the washing of regeneration and renewing
of the Holy Ghost.
b) Matt. 28, 18-20 And Jesus came and
spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in Heaven and in earth.
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them
to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Mark 16, 15. 16. And He said unto them,
Go ye into all the world, and preach
the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be
damned.
Luke 22, 19. 20 And He took bread, and gave
thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This
is My Body, which is given for you: this do in remembrance
of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This
cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is
shed for you. –Cf. also Matt. 26, 28.
WE REJECT as uncriptural the following teachings:
l. That Christ has instituted five other Sacraments
besides Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, namely, Confirmation, Penitence,
Extreme Unction, Ordination of Priests, and Marriage; Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Orthodox Church. See passages above.
2. That besides Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
there are “ordinances” of God that are equally binding: Mennonites,
Irvingites, Mormons, Six Principle Baptists, (Foot-washing, laying on of
hands, anointing the sick with oil, etc.) See passages above.
3. That the Sacraments are not means of grace,
but simply signs and symbols of grace: Calvinistic Churches, Episcopalians,
Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Baptists, Mennonites, Arminians,
Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational Church,
Free Protestants, etc. Eph. 5, 25-27; Luke 7, 30; (I Pet. 3:21).
Passages above. Also Modernists.
4. That the Sacraments were not instituted
for all Christians, at all times, and that they are not in any sense true
means of grace: Quakers, Unitarians.
Luke 7, 30; (Matt. 26:27; I Cor. 11:26; I Pet. 3:21).
5. That the Sacraments impart grace ex
opere operato, that is, by the mere performance of the act,
even without faith on the part of the recipient: Roman Catholic Church.
Acts 8, 36. 37; I Cor. 11, 27. 29; Rom. 4, 11; Heb. 11,
6.
XX. OF HOLY BAPTISM
WE BELIEVE (a) that
Baptism is not simple water only but water comprehended in God’s command
and connected with God’s Word; (b) that Baptism works forgiveness
of sins; delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation
to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare;
(c) that it is not the water of Baptism which bestows these blessings,
but the Word of God which is in and with the water, and faith which trusts
such Word of God in the water; for without the Word of God the water
is simple water and not Baptism, but with the Word of God it is a Baptism,
that is, a gracious water of life, and washing of regeneration in the Holy
Ghost; (d) that Baptism signifies that the old Adam in us should
by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and
evil lusts, and again a new man daily come forth and arise, who shall live
before God in righteousness and purity forever.
a) Matt. 28, 19. 20. Go ye, therefore,
and teach all nations baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
(Literal translation: Make disciples of all nations by baptizing
them, etc.)
Mark 16, 15. 16. And He said unto them, Go
ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He
that believeth and is baptized shall
be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned.
b) Acts 2, 38. Then Peter said unto them,
Repent and be baptized every one
of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and
ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
John 3, 5. Jesus answered, Verily, Verily,
I say unto thee, Except a man
be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
kingdom of God.
Gal. 3, 26. 27. For ye are all the children
of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as
many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
–Cf. also Tit. 3, 5. 7; Eph. 5, 25-27; Mark 16, 16; Mark 1,
4.
c) Mark 16, 16. He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not,
shall be damned.
Tit. 3, 5 7. Not
by works of righteousness which we
have done, but according to His
mercy He saved us, by
the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
Eph. 5, 26. That He might sanctify and cleanse
it with the washing of water by
the Word. –Cf. also
Gal. 3, 26. 27.
d) I Cor. 12, 13. For by
one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether
we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That Baptism was instituted only for the
primitive Christian Church and is no longer in force: Unitarians,
Quakers, Salvation Army, Shakers, Modernists. Matt. 28, 19;
John 3, 5. 6.
2. That only truly ordained ministers of the
Church may perform Baptism: Calvinistic Churches, Episcopalians,
Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Baptists, Mormons. (Since Baptism
is a necessary means of grace, any Christian should perform it in case
of emergency). John 3, 5.
3. That immersion is the only proper mode of
performing Baptism: Eastern Orthodox Church, Baptists, Campbellites,
Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons.
(The Greek word for baptizing means, not only immersion, but also pouring
and sprinkling.) Mark 7, 4; Luke 11, 38; Acts 1, 5;
Acts 2, 16, 17; Heb. 10, 22; (11:29); Acts 22, 16.
4. That Baptism does not profit for the whole
life of a Christian, but removes only original sin and the actual sins
committed before Baptism, and these wholly and entirely: Roman Catholic
and Eastern Orthodox Churches. I Cor. 6, 11; Gal. (2:27); 5,
24; Rom. 7, 18-21; (I Tim. 1:15).
5. That Baptism does not work forgiveness of
sins, but is simply a sign and picture of the cleansing from sin:
Calvinistic Churches, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregational Christians,
Baptists, Mennonites, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical
Congregational, Moravians, Church of the New Jerusalem, Adventists,
Mark 1, 4; Rom. 6, 3; Tit. 3, 5.
6. That Baptism works forgiveness of sins as
an act of obedience and faith: Campbellites, Mormons. (In that
case salvation is obtained by good works.) Mark 16, 16; Tit.
3, 5; Rom. 6, 3; Gal. 3, 26. 27; (I Cor. 6:11).
7. That Baptism does not work forgiveness of
sins, but is necessary for the forgiveness of sins to be granted during
the millennium: Seventh Day Adventists. (I Pet. 3:21).
8. That Baptism is not a washing of regeneration,
but simply the solemn reception into the church: Unitarians, Free
Protestants, Calvinistic Churches.
See passages above.
9. That the Baptism of the Spirit and not the
Baptism of water works salvation: Quakers, Salvation Army.
(Baptism is that washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost,
Tit. 3, 5). See above passages.
10. That those baptized in childhood must be
re-baptized when grown up: Mennonites, Campbellites, Baptists.
2 Tim. 2, 13; Rom. 3, 3. 4; Rom. 11, 29;
(I Pet. 3:21; Col. 2:11-12; Eph. 5:25-27).
11. That men may be baptized for the benefit
of the dead: Mormons. Acts. 2, 38; Hab. 2, 4; (Heb.
9:27).
12. That children born of Christian parents
are holy in the sight of God even without Baptism: Calvinistic Churches,
Presbyterians, Mennonites. John 3, 5. 6; Eph. 2, 3; Ps.
51, 7; John 1, 13.
13. That all children are innocent and holy
by nature: Modernists, Mormons, Sectarian churches in general.
Passages above.
14. That children should not be baptized:
Mennonites, Baptists, Campbellites, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists.
Matt. 28, 20; John 3, 5. 6; Mark 16, 15. 16; Mark 10, 13-16.
15. That Baptism of infants is an ordinance
of the Church, which may be observed or omitted: Unitarians, Salvation
Army, Arminians, Quakers, Evangelical United Brethren. Mark 10, 14;
Matt. 18, 10. 11.
16. That children cannot believe: Roman
Catholic church, Eastern Orthodox church, Calvinistic Churches in general,
Episcopalians, Arminians, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical
Congregational, Mennonites, Campbellites, Seventh Day Adventists, Modernists.
Matt. 18, 10. 11;
Matt. 18, 1-6; Mark 10, 15.
XXI OF THE SACRAMENT
OF THE ALTAR OR THE LORD’S SUPPER
WE BELIEVE (a) that the Sacrament of
the Altar is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the
bread and wine, for us Christians to eat and to drink, instituted by Christ
Himself; (b) that the benefit of sacramental eating and drinking
is shown by these words: “Given and shed for you for the remission
of sins,” namely, that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life
and salvation are given us through these words; for where there is forgiveness
of sins there is also life and salvation; (c) that it is not the bodily
eating that imparts these blessings, but the words here written:
“Given and shed for you for the remission of sins,” which words,
besides the bodily eating and drinking, are as the chief thing in the Sacrament,
and he that believes these words has what they say and express, namely,
the forgiveness of sins; (d) that fasting and bodily preparation
is indeed a fine outward training, but that he is truly worthy and well
prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for
the remission of sin,” but he that does not believe these words,
or doubts, is unworthy and unprepared, for the words “for you” require
all hearts to believe.
a) Luke 22, 19. 20. And took bread, and
gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My
body which is given
for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also
the cup, after supper, saying, This
cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you.
Matt. 26, 26-28. And as they were eating, Jesus
took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples,
and said, take, eat; this is My body. And He took the cup, and gave
thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink
ye all of it; for this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed
for many for the remission of sins.
Gal. 3, 15. Brethren, I speak after the manner
of men: Though it be but a
man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth
or addeth thereto. –Cf. also I Cor. 11, 24-26; Mark
14, 22-24.
b) Matt. 11,28. Come
unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest.
I Cor. 11, 28. 29. But let a man examine
himself and so let
him eat of that bread, and drink
of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth
and drinketh damnation to himself, not
discerning the Lord’s body.
c) Mark 9, 24. And straightway the father
of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord,
I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
d) Ps. 22, 26. The meek
shall eat and be satisfied; they shall praise the Lord
that seek him: your heart shall live forever.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That Christ has not instituted Holy communion
for all times, and that therefore Holy Communion may be observed or omitted:
Quakers, Shakers, Salvation Army. Mark 14, 24; I Cor. 11, 24.
25; Gal. 3, 15.
2. That the words of institution must not be
taken in a literal, but in a figurative sense: Calvinistic Churches,
Congregational Christians, Baptists, Methodists, Arminians, Presbyterians,
Mennonites, Unitarians, Evangelical Congregational Church,
Moravians. Gal. 3, 15; I Cor. 10, 16; I Cor. 11, 26-28.
3. That only the bread should be given to the
laity: Roman Catholic church. Mark 14, 23; Gal. 3, 15.
NOTE; Lately wine, in some parishes,
has also been served the Laity, which may become universal.
4. That other elements than those
presented by Christ may be used in communion: Mormons. Matt.
26, 26-29; Luke 22, 18; Gal. 3, 15.
5. That the bread as a symbol
of the body of Christ must be broken in order to signify the breaking of
the Lord’s body on the cross: Calvinistic Churches, Presbyterians,
Congregational Christians, Baptists, Arminians, Mennonites, Campbellites,
Unitarian, Quakers, (Christ’s bones were not broken on the cross.)
John 19, 33.
6. That Christ’s body and blood
are not really present in Holy Communion, and are not really given to the
recipient under the bread and wine: Calvinistic Churches, Episcopalians,
Presbyterians, Congregational Christians, Baptists, Arminians, Methodists,
Evangelical United Brethren, Unitarians, Mennonites, Seventh Day Adventists,
Universalists, Campbellites, Mormons, Matt. 26, 26-28; I Cor. 10, 16; Ps.
33, 4; Luke 1, 37.
7. That Christ’s body and blood
are received only spiritually by faith, not really: Calvinistic Churches,
Evangelical Congregational Church, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregational
Christian, Baptists, Arminians, Moravians, Methodists, Salvation Army,
Evangelical United Brethren, etc. I Cor. 10, 16;
I Cor. 11, 27; Matt. 26, 26-28.
8. That the bread and wine are
transubstantiated into Christ’s body and blood: Roman Catholic Church.
I Cor. 10, 16.
9. That the consecrated host,
as Christ’s true body, must be worshiped as Christ Himself. Roman
Catholic Church. Matt. 26, 26. 27.
10. That the Holy Supper does
not offer, convey, and seal forgiveness of sins, since it is only a memorial
of Christ’s death: Calvinistic Churches, Congregational Christian,
Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical
Congregational Church, Mennonites, Free Will Baptists, Campbellites, Mormons,
Swedenborgians, Unitarians, Universalists. Luke 22, 19. 20;
Matt. 26, 26-28.
11. That unworthy communicants
do not receive Christ’s true body and blood: Calvinistic Churches
in General, Episcopalians, Congregational Christians, Baptists, Methodists,
Evangelical Congregational. I Cor. 11, 27-29.
12. That Holy Communion should
be offered also to children: Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox
Churches. I Cor. 11, 28. 29.
13. That in Holy Communion Christ’s
body must be sacrificed by the priest in an unbloody manner for the sins
of the living and the dead: Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
(The unbloody sacrifice of Christ’s body in Holy communion is a blasphemy
of the Lord’s Supper). Matt. 26, 26. 27;
I Cor. 11, 26; Heb. 10, 18; Heb. 9, 22;
I Pet. 3, 18.
XXII. OF THE CHURCH
WE BELIEVE (a) that
there is on earth one holy Christian Church, which is gathered, preserved
and governed by Christ through His Word; (b) that members of this
Christian Church are those only who believe in Christ as their true Savior;
(c) that this one Holy Christian Church, which is the invisible communion
of all believers, is found only in those visible Church communions which
teach the Christian doctrine and administer the Sacraments; (d)
that although by the mercy of God believers are found in heterodox churches,
still such churches do not exist by the will of God, but are earnestly
prohibited since God desires that His Word should be preached and believed
without human addition or subtractions; (e) that it is, therefore,
the will of God that Christians should unite only with orthodox churches
and that those Christians who have strayed in heterodox churches should
leave them and seek the communion of orthodox churches; (f)
that every kind of unionism, or church fellowship, with false teachers
is disobedience to the express command of Christ, threatening the entire
loss of the Word of God, and the real cause of divisions in the Church;
(g) that since all Christians are the original possessors of all
the spiritual rights and privileges with which Christ has endowed His Church,
the spiritual power belongs properly and originally in every part to all
believers, and not to individual persons, such as popes, bishops,
ministers, secular princes, or church councils; (h) that to
all Christians belong both the right and the duty of judging and deciding
matters of doctrine; (i) that the administration of public offices
in the Church by individual persons is by delegation from the original
possessors and must remain under their supervision.
a) Eph. 2, 19. 22. Now therefore ye are
no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow
citizens with the saints, and of the household
of God… In whom ye also are builded together, for a habitation
of God through the Spirit.
Rom. 12, 5. So we, being
many are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
I Cor. 12, 27. Now ye are the
body of Christ, and members in particular.
b) Matt. 16, 18. And I say also unto
thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this
rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it. (This rock: the confession that Jesus is
the Christ, the Son of the living God.)
John 11, 51. 52. And this spake he not of himself:
but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for
that nation: and not for that nation only, but that also He
should gather together in one the children of God that were
scattered abroad.
Acts 16, 31. And they said, Believe
on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt
be saved, and thy house. Cf. also John 10, 27.
28.
c) Matt. 28, 19. 20. Go ye therefore,
and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and
lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Mark 16, 15. 16. And He said unto them, Go
ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not shall be damned.
I Pet. 4, 11. If any man speak, let him speak
as the oracles of God; if
any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that
God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise
and dominion for ever and ever.
d) Matt. 7, 15. Beware of false
prophets, which come to you in sheep’s
clothing, but inwardly
they are ravening wolves.
2 John 10, 11. If there come any unto you,
and bring not this doctrine, receive
him not into your house, neither bid him godspeed: for
he that biddeth him godspeed, is partaker
of his evil deeds.
I John 4, 1. Beloved, believe
not every spirit, but try
the spirits whether they are of God: because many
false prophets are gone out into the world.
Cf. also Ps. 26, 5. 6; Matt. 10, 32. 33; Gal. 5, 9.
e) Gal. 5, 9. A little leaven leaveneth
the whole lump. (Also a “little false doctrine” works great injury.)
2 Tim. 2, 17. And their
word will eat as doth a canker. (False
doctrines result in others and thus work ever greater harm.)
Rom. 16, 17. 18. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark
them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which
ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve
not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by
good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the
simple.
Cf. also I Cor. 10, 21.
f) I Kings 18, 21. And Elijah came unto
all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If
the Lord be God follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.
Eph. 4, 3-5. Endeavoring to keep the unity
of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one
body, and one Spirit,
even as ye are called in one hope of
your calling; one Lord, one faith,
one Baptism.
2 Cor. 6, 14-18. Be
ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what
fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion
hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial?
or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement
hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living
God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will
be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore
come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith
the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto
you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Cf. also 2 John 10, 11.
g) I Cor. 3, 21. Therefore let no man glory
in men. For all things
are yours.
Matt. 16, 15-19. He saith unto them, But whom
say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered, and said, Thou
art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered
and said unto him, Blessed are thou, Simon Bar-jona; for
flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father
which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee That
thou are Peter, and upon this Rock I will build My Church; and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give
unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou
shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou
shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
Matt. 18, 17-20. And if he shall neglect to
hear them, tell it unto the church;
but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee
as a heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever
ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Again I
say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching
any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which
is in heaven. –Cf. also John 20, 22. 23; Matt. 28, 19. 20.
h) I Cor. 10, 15. I speak as to
wise men; judge ye what I say.
I Pet. 4, 11. If any man speak, let him speak
as the oracles of God; if
any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth;
that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be
praise and dominion for ever and ever.
Rom. 16, 17. 18. Now I beseech you brethren,
mark them which cause divisions
and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;
and avoid them. For they
that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and
by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
i) Col. 4, 17. And say to Archippus, take
heed to the ministry which thou hast received
in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.
Matt. 18, 17-20. And if he shall neglect to
hear them, tell it unto the church: but
if he neglect to hear the church
let him be unto thee as an heathen men and a publican. Verily I say
unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven;
and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
Again I say unto you, That if two
of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that
they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.
For where two or three are gathered
together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.
I John 4, 1. Beloved, believe
not every spirit, but try
the spirits whether they are of
God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That the Church, outside of which there
is no salvation, is the visible communion of all, either good or bad, who
submit to the authority of the Pope:
Roman Catholic Church: 2 Thess. 2, 8-10; Rom. 12, 5;
I Cor. 12, 27; Heb. 3, 6; Eph. 2, 19-22; I Pet. 2, 5;
(Matt. 23:8).
2. That the Church is the communion of all
those who are illumined by the inner light, no matter whether they are
Christians, Turks, Jews, or heathen: Quakers. Ps. 147,
20; Acts 5, 12; John 14, 6; I Cor. 12, 3.
3. That the only Church of Jesus Christ in
the latter day is the Church of Mormon, and that all who do not belong
to this Church are Gentiles: Mormons.
Rev. 2, 9; (Gal. 6:16).
4. That the Church can never be without the
hierarchy and apostolic succession: Roman Catholic Church, Episcopal
Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Catholic Apostolic Church. (The
apostolic succession is not taught in Scripture.) 2 Tim. 2, 19;
I Cor. 10, 17; I Pet. 2, 5; (Matt. 23:8).
5. That the Word and Sacraments are not the
only signs of the true Church: Calvinistic churches, Mennonites,
Methodists, Arminians. Matt. 28, 19. 20;
I Cor. 10, 17; Mark 16, 15. 16; (Isa. 55:10-11).
6. That there are no hypocrites or impostors
in the visible Church: Mennonites, Methodists, Evangelical United
Brethren. Matt. 25, 1. 2; Matt. 13, 24-26; Matt. 13, 17. 48;
Matt. 22, 10-14; Acts 20, 29. 30.
7. That the Church (the Roman Catholic Church)
cannot err: Roman Catholic Church. (The Roman Catholic Church
has erred; only Christ and His Word are infallible.) 2 Tim. 2, 19;
John 8, 31. 32.
8. That the true Christian Church has perished:
Shakers. Ps. 46, 5. 6; Matt. 28, 19. 20; (Matt. 16:18; Matt.
24:14, cf. Luke 21:24).
9. That the miraculous gifts of the Spirit
have been restored to the Church of the latter time: Irvingites,
Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, Christian Catholic Church (Dowieites).
Deut. 13, 1-3; Matt. 24, 24; Similar views are held by the
Holiness Churches, (Pentecostals, and the charismatic movement).
(2 Cor. 2:12).
10. That Christians of the various denominations
may fellowship in spite of differences in doctrine, since purity of doctrine
cannot be obtained: Calvinistic Churches, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians,
Congregational Christians, Arminians, Moravians, Evangelical Congregational,
Campbellites, Unitarians, Christian Catholic Church (Dowieites).
Eph. 4, 3-5; Gal. 5, 9; Rom, 16, 17. 18; Tit. 3, 10. 11;
2 John 10, 11: I Cor. 10, 21; I Kings 18, 21; I John 4, 1;
(Jeremiah 23:31; Rev. 18:4).
XXIII. OF THE MINISTRY
WE BELIEVE (a) that the office of the
ministry is a divine ordinance, that is, Christians living at certain places
are enjoined by divine precept to preach the Word of God, not only privately
within the circle of their families, but also publicly through persons
qualified for such work, and to have the Sacraments administered according
to the institution of Christ (Tit., ch. 1); (b) but that the office
of the ministry possesses no other power than the power of the Word, that
is, it is the duty of Christians to yield unconditional obedience to the
office of the ministry only, wherever and whenever the minister proclaims
to them the Word of God. On the other hand, if the minister in his
teachings, goes beyond the Word of God, Christians must disobey, so as
to remain faithful to Christ.
a) Acts 14, 23. And when they had ordained
them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting,
they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
2 Tim. 2, 2. And the things that thou hast
heard of me among many witnesses, the same
commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Eph. 4, 11. And He
gave some, apostles; and
some, prophets; and
some evangelists, and
some, pastors and teachers. –Cf.
also Acts 20, 28; I Cor. 4, 1.
b) I Pet. 4, 11 If any man speak, let
him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as
of the ability which God giveth; that
God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise
and dominion for ever and ever.
Tit. 1, 14. Not giving heed to Jewish fables,
and commandments of men that turn
from the truth.
Heb. 13, 17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and
submit yourselves: for they watch
for your souls, as they that must
give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief:
for that is unprofitable for you. Cf. also Luke 10, 16; Matt. 23,
8; Matt. 18, 17-20; John 20, 22. 23.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That God has not instituted the office
of the ministry: Quakers, Eph. 4, 11; Acts. 20, 28; I
Cor. 4, 1; (Tit. 1:5).
2. That Christ has given the office of the
ministry not to the Church as such, but only to His apostles, who bequeathed
it to their successors, the bishops: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern
Orthodox Church, Episcopalians, etc. Matt. 18, 17-20; Matt. 16, 15-19;
John 20, 22. 23; Matt. 28, 19, 20; (I Pet. 2: 5,9).
3. That the office of the ministry does not
belong to the whole Church, but only to certain persons within the Church;
Calvinistic Churches, Presbyterians, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren,
Evangelical Congregational, Irvingites. I Cor. 3, 21-23; 2
Cor. 4, 5; Ps. 68, 11; I Cor. 4, 1; I Pet. 2,9; I Pet. 5. 20, 3.
4. That any one may publicly teach in the Church,
without being duly called: Quakers, Unitarians, Spiritists, some
Calvinistic Churches, Methodists, etc. Jas. 3, 1; Jer. 23,
21; Rom. 10, 15; I Cor. 12, 29; Heb. 5, 4.
5. That God even today calls His ministers
immediately, that is, without the instrumentality of His Church:
Irvingites, Quakers, Methodists, etc. I Tim. 3, 2;
2 Tim. 2, 2; Tit. 1, 5, etc.
6. That the calling of ministers is a privilege
granted not to the whole Church, but only to the spiritual heads of the
Church, such as bishops, elders, etc.: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox
church, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational
Church, Moravians, etc. Matt. 18, 17-20; John 20, 22, 23; I
Cor. 3, 21-23; 2 Cor. 4, 5; I Pet. 2, 9; I Pet. 5, 2.
3.
7. That the ordination of priests is a Sacrament
instituted by Christ for the bestowal of the Holy Spirit, the imparting
of grace, and the imprinting of an indelible character: Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Orthodox Church. (The ordination is not a divine
institution, but only an apostolic and churchly rite by which the call
is publicly confirmed. Similar doctrines are held by the Irvingites
and Mormons.)
8. That only such are true ministers of the
Church as have been ordained by bishops (Roman Catholic Church, Eastern
Orthodox Church, Episcopalians), by prophets and apostles (Irvingites),
by elders (Mormons). Matt. 18, 17-20; Acts. 1, 15-26;
Acts 6, 1-6.
9. That also women may publicly teach and preach
as ministers of the Church: Quakers, Evangelical United Brethren,
Salvation Army, Calvinistic Churches. I Cor. 14, 34; I Tim.
2, 11. 12.
10. That the different offices and ranks of
the clergy are not of human but of divine origin: Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Irvingites.
I Pet. 5, 1; I Cor. 3, 5; John 13, 13. 14; Matt. 23, 8-10.
(The Gospel ministry is the supreme office in the Church, from which all
other offices are derived, and Christ has prescribed no differences in
rank or office, for He is the only Master, and all the offices of the Church
are brethren. Matt. 23, 8-10).
11. That not all believers, but only ordained
ministers of the Word are priests in the proper sense of the term:
Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Irvingites, Mormons.
I Pet. 2, 9; Rev. 1, 5. 6; Rev. 5, 10; I Cor. 3, 5. (According
to the clear teachings of the Bible, all Christians are priests before
God; hence ministers do not form a particular priesthood in the Levitical
sense of the Old Testament.) Heb. 7, 17. 18; I Tim. 2, 5; Heb.
4, 16.
12. That only priests can forgive sins:
Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church. I Pet. 2, 9;
Matt. 18, 17-20; John 20, 22. 23. (When the called and ordained
ministers of the Word forgive sins, they pronouce absolution in the name
of God and in the place of the whole Christian Church to which Christ has
granted the office of the keys; hence their absolution is “as valid and
certain, in heaven also, as if Christ, our dear Lord, dealt with us Himself.”)
13. That the ministers of the Word cannot really
and truly forgive sins, but only proclaim absolution: Calvinisttic
Churches, Episcopalians, Irvingites, Unitarians, Free Protestants, etc.
Mark 2, 7-10; Matt. 9, 8; John 20, 22. 23; I Cor. 3, 21-23;
2 Cor. 4, 5.
14. That private confession (before the priest)
is commanded by God and is a part of the Sacrament of Repentance:
Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox church. John 20, 22. 23;
Matt. 9, 2; 2 Sam. 12, 13. (Private confession is not commanded
by God, but is an excellent voluntary practice.)
15. That private confession (before the minister
of the Word) must be rejected as papistical: Calvinistic Churches.
2 Sam. 12, 13; James 5, 16.
16. That in private confession it is necessary
to enumerate all sins in order that the priest as the judge may determine
the penance by which the sinner must render satisfaction: Roman Catholic
Church. Ps. 19, 12; Matt. 6, 12; Rev. 1, 5. 6;
I Tim. 2, 5. (The called and ordained minister of the Word has no
other function than the preaching of the Word and the administering of
the Sacraments. He is not the judge to determine penances by which
sinners may render satisfaction for their sins. Sinners cannot be
saved by their works, but are justified by grace alone through faith in
Christ.)
17. That the power of excommunication (the
office of the keys) does not belong to the whole congregation, but to the
spiritual rulers of the Church: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox
Church, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren,
Evangelical Congregational, etc.
Matt. 18, 15-20; I Tim. 5, 20; I Cor. 5, 11-13; 2
Cor. 2, 6-8.
(18. That a pastor is an employee, to be hired
and fired. Tit. 2:15, Heb. 13:7, 17)
NOTE; The Scriptural doctrine
concerning the ministry is rejected both by the Catholic and the Calvinistic
Churches.
XXIV. OF ANTICHRIST
WE BELIEVE (a) that
the great Antichrist has appeared in the Roman papacy, because the abominations
which have been predicted in Scripture, especially in 2 Thess. 2, regarding
the Antichrist, agree with the hierarchy of the Pope and his members; for
we behold the Pope, under the name and title of an infallible viceregent
of Christ on earth, continually drawing men away from the Word and merits
of Christ, and instead alluring them to his own word and to the righteousness
of human works, and thus leading them into eternal damnation; and we behold
him doing all this under the enticing form of external church ceremonies
and great sanctity, and appealing to all manner of lying powers, signs
and wonders. (b) Accordingly, we recognize in popery that great
enemy of the Christian Church predicted in 2 Thess. 2, and we hold that
those err and cannot duly warn souls against the seducing power of popery
who expect the coming of the great Antichrist, or the full manifestation
thereof, to be an event of the future.
a & b) 2 Thess. 2. Let no man deceive
you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a
falling away first, and that man
of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who
opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that
is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth
in the temple of God, showing
himself that he is God…For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:
only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom
the Lord shall consume with the spirit
of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His
coming. Even him, whose coming is after the working
of Satan, with all power
and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of
unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love
of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall
send them strong delusion, that
they should believe a lie: that
they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in
unrighteousness.
I Tim. 4, 2. 3. Speaking lies in hypocrisy,
having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and
commanding to abstain from meats, which
God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe
and know the truth.
2 Pet. 2, 19-21. While they promise them liberty,
they themselves are the servants
of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is
he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions
of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the
latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had
been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than,
after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto
them. –Cf. also Dan. 11; Rev. 17, 9. 18, Rev. 13,13; Jude 8.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That the Pope is the visible head of the
Church, the viceregent of Christ, and the infallible teacher of the true
Church. Roman Catholic Church.
Eph. 1, 22. 23; Col. 1, 18; Luke 22, 25. 26; Matt. 20,
25-28; I Pet. 5, 2. 3; Matt. 23, 7-11.
2. That the government of the Church has been
assigned by Christ to the clergy and not to the whole Church: Eastern
Orthodox Church, Episcopalians, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren,
Mormons, Irvingites, etc. 2 Cor. 1, 24; James 4, 12; Acts 6,
6; Acts. 15, 22. 23; Acts 21, 22; (3 John 9).
3. That all Christians must be subject to the
Roman Catholic Church as the mother and teacher of all believers:
Roman Catholic Church. I Cor. 7, 23;
John 3, 29. 30; I Pet. 5, 2. 3; Matt. 23, 7-11.
4. That the Church has power to make laws and
to command even where God does not command: Roman and Eastern Catholic
Churches, Methodists, Evangelical United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational
Church, United Brethren in Christ, Churches of the New Jerusalem,
Salvation Army.
2 Thess. 2, 3.4; I Cor. 7, 23; James 4, 12; Matt.
28, 19. 20; I Pet. 5, 2.3; Col. 1, 18; Isa. 8, 19. 20;
Col. 2, 8, Gal. 1, 8; Matt. 15, 3-9; Josh. 23,6; Deut. 4,2.
5. That the ordinances of the Church must be
observed as conscientiously as the command of God: Roman and Eastern
Orthodox Churches, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Evangelical
United Brethren, Evangelical Congregational, United Brethren in Christ,
Salvation Army. I Cor. 7, 35;
Rom. 12, 1; Col. 2, 16.
6. That lay Christians have no right to judge
concerning doctrine, to vote and counsel in church assemblies, or to share
in the government of the Church: Roman Catholic Church. I Cor.
2, 15; I Cor. 10, 15; I John 4, 1; Matt. 7,15;
Acts 15, 22; Acts 21, 22; Rom. 14, 12; Acts 17, 11.
XXV. OF CHURCH AND STATE
WE BELIEVE (a) that
although both Church and State are ordinances of God, they must not be
mingled, since they have entirely different aims; (b) that by the
Church God purposes to save men, whereas by the State He purposes to maintain
external order among men; (c) that therefore also the means which
Church and State employ to gain their ends are entirely different;
(d) that the church must not employ any other means than the preaching
of the Word of God and must reject all external force and coercion, while
the State, on the other hand, makes laws bearing on civil life and rightly
employs for their execution also the sword and other punishments.
a & b) Matt. 22, 21. Render therefore unto
Caesar the things
which are Caesar’s and unto
God the things that are God’s.
I Tim. 2, 2. For kings, and for all that
are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness and honesty.
c & d) John 18, 11.36. Then said
Jesus unto Peter, Put up they sword into the sheath; the cup which My Father
hath given Me, shall I not drink it?…
Jesus answered, My kingdom
is not of this world: If My kingdom were of this world, then
would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now
is My kingdom not from hence.
Rom. 13, 4. For he is the minister
of God to thee for good. But
if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth
not the sword in vain: for he is the minister
of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That the power of the State must be employed
in the interest of the Church, and that the Church must assist in governing
the State by the Word of God: Roman Catholic Church, Calvinistic
Churches. Rom. 13, 1. 2; I Tim. 2, 1-3; I Pet. 2, 13-15;
Matt. 17, 27; Matt. 22, 21.
2. That no Christian may hold a public office
in civil affairs: Quakers, Mennonites, Shakers, Dunkards. Matt.
22, 21; Rom. 13, 1. 2.
3. That a Christian may hold public office
in civil affairs only if in the Constitution of the State God is recognized
as the source of all power: Reformed Presbyterians. Matt. 22,
21; I Tim, 2. 1-3.
4. That the civil government has not by divine
right the power to declare wars or to execute corporal punishment:
Mennonites, Quakers. Rom. 13, 4;
Gen. 9, 6; Matt. 26, 52.
5. That Christians must not serve the government
as soldiers: Mennonites, Shakers, Quakers, Dunkards, Churches of
the New Jerusalem; (Jehovah’s Witnesses). Luke 3, 14; Matt.
8, 5-7; Acts. 10, 28.
6. That a Christian must not take or administer
an oath: Mennonites, Dunkards, Quakers, etc. Heb. 6, 16; Gen.
14, 22 .23; John 14,9; 2 Sam. 21, 7;
2 Cor. 1, 23; Phil. 1, 8.
XXVI. OF MARRIAGE
WE BELIEVE (a) that the divine institution
of matrimony is a union for life, consisting of one man and one woman;
(b) that it is established and sustained by their actual consent
for the procreation of children, mutual aid and assistance, as a curb to
licentiousness and an incentive to good habits and good fellowship among
men; (c) that there is but one cause for the dissolution of marriage,
namely, adultery; (d) that, however, an innocent party maliciously
deserted by the other, is not bound; (e) that marriage must be entered
into by rightful betrothal, which includes the consent of parents and the
observance of the laws of affinity and consanguinity; (f) that marriage
must not be prohibited to the clergy; (g) that Christians should
so conduct themselves in marriage that also this estate may redound to
God’s glory and to the welfare of their own souls and of others.
a) Rom. 7, 2. For the woman which hath
a husband is bound by the law to
her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband
be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Gen. 2, 24. Therefore shall a man leave his
father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall
be one flesh.
Matt. 19, 4-6. And He answered and said unto
them, Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning,
made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father
and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be
one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
b) Gen. 24, 58. And they called Rebekah,
and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I
will go.
Gen. 1, 28. And God blessed
them, and God said unto them, Be
fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, and subdue it;
and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Eph. 5, 33. Nevertheless, let every one of
you in particular so love his wife
even as himself; and the wife
see that she reverence her husband.
I Cor. 7, 2-5. Nevertheless, to
avoid fornication, let every man have his
own wife, and let every woman have her
own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence:
and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife
hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise
also the husband hath not power
of his own body, but the wife. Defraud
ye not one the other, except it be with
consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting
and prayer, and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your
incontinency. –Cf. also Gen. 2, 22-24; Ps. 128, 2. 3.
c) Matt. 5, 32. But I say unto you, That
whosoever shall put away his wife, saving
for the cause of fornication, causeth
her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry
her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Matt. 19, 3-6. The Pharisees also came unto
Him, tempting Him, and saying unto Him, Is it lawful for a man to
put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto
them, Have ye not read that He which made them at the beginning, made them male
and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave
father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they twain
shall be one flesh. Wherefore they are no wise twain, but one
flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
Rom. 7, 2. For the woman which hath an husband
is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the
husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
d) I Cor. 7, 15. But if the unbelieving
depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not
under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
e) Gen. 24, 58. And they called Rebekah,
and said unto her, Wilt thou
go with this man? And she said, I
will go.
Eph. 6, 2. 3. Honor
thy father and mother, which is the first
commandment with promise, that it may be well with thee, and
thou mayst live long on the earth.
I Cor. 5, 1 It is reported commonly that
there is fornication among
you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles,
that one should have his father’s
wife. –Cf. also Lev. 18, 6ff.; Lev. 20, 11f.
I Cor. 9, 5. Have
we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other
apostles, and as the
brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
g) Rom. 13, 13. Let us walk honestly
as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not
in chambering and
wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and make not provision
for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.
Eph. 5, 3. 4. But fornication, and
all uncleanness, or covetousness,
let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints, neither filthiness,
nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which
are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Phil. 4, 8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things
are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things
are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That marriage is a Sacrament instituted
by Christ and imparting grace, though it must not be preferred to celibacy,
a state more pleasing to God: Roman Catholic Church. Gen. 2,
18; Matt. 19, 4; John 2, 1-11, Ps. 128; I Tim. 5, 14. (Marriage
is not a Sacrament. The enforcing of celibacy upon the clergy is
an act of tyranny by which also the Pope reveals himself as the Antichrist.)
Matt. 19, 10-12; I Tim. 4, 1-5.
2. That marriage is a part of religion, and
that without marriage no one can attain to the fulness of salvation:
Mormons. I Cor. 7, 7. 9. 25. 40.
3. That believers, as the children of the resurrection,
must not marry: Shakers. Heb. 13, 4; Eph. 5, 3-5; I Cor.
6, 9. 10; (7:2; 9:5).
4. That the clergy must not marry: Roman
Catholic Church. I Tim. 3, 2. 4; Heb. 13, 4; I Tim. 4,
3ff.; I Cor. 9, 5. Matt. 4, 7.
5. That polygamy is not forbidden in Scripture
but rather commanded: Mormons. Matt. 19, 4-6.
6. That the consent of parents is not necessary
for lawful betrothal: Roman Catholic Church. Ex. 20, 12; Col.
3, 20; Ex. 22, 16. 17; Num. 30, 4-6.
7. That the Church has power to release from
the Scriptural commands concerning consanguinity and affinity: Roman
Catholic Church, James 4, 12;
I Cor. 7, 23; Matt. 22, 13; Matt. 15, 3-9; Deut.
4, 2; Josh. 23, 6.
8. That no divorce may be granted for any reason,
and that remarriage of the innocent party must not be permitted:
Roman Catholic Church, Matt. 5, 32;
I Cor. 7, 10. 11. 15.
XXVII. OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD
WE BELIEVE that
on the last day the dead will rise, their souls clothed with the bodies
which they possessed in the present life.
Dan. 12, 2. And many
of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some
to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Job. 19, 25-27. For I know that my Redeemer
liveth, and that He shall stand at
the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms
destroy this body, yet in the flesh
shall I see God: whom I shall see for
myself, and mine
eyes shall behold, and not another.
John 11, 24. 25. Martha said unto Him,
I know that He shall rise again in
the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am
the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he
were dead, yet shall he live.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
l. That the souls of those who have not
yet atoned for the temporal punishment of their sins must be purged in
purgatory before they may enter eternal life, but that they may be released
from the purgatorial punishment through the prayers of the living:
Roman Catholic Church. Luke 23, 43; Luke 16, 22. 23; John 3,
36; John 5, 24; Phil. 1, 23; Gal. 6, 8. 10; Heb.
9, 27. Also the Greek Catholic Church.
2. That the souls of the righteous do not possess
full salvation before Judgment Day, that the souls of the damned do not
suffer the full torment of hell till Judgment, and that souls may be freed
from the bonds of woe by intercessions, alms, and the unbloody sacrifice
of the Eucharist: Eastern Orthodox Church.
Luke 23, 43; Luke 2, 29; Eccl. 11, 3; Matt. 7, 13.
14; Prov. 11, 7.
3. That souls may be converted after death
and before the Judgment: Shakers, Spiritists, Mormons. John
9, 4; Eccl. 11, 3; Prov. 11, 7.
4. That the departed spirits experience neither
bliss nor damnation. Unitarians. Heb. 9, 27; Luke 16,
19-31; Luke 23, 43.
5. That also souls are mortal, and that hence
the departed are neither in heaven nor hell, but asleep in the grave:
Adventists, Seventh Day Adventists.
Gen. 25, 8; John 17, 24; Rev. 6, 10; Luke 16, 19-31;
(2 Cor. 5;6-8).
6. That all men
after death enter into a better world: Universalists, Spiritists,
Christian Scientists, Modernists. Luke 16, 19-31; Matt. 22, 31. 32;
Matt. 10, 28; (Matt. 25:41).
7. That there is no resurrection of the body:
Unitarians, Quakers, Shakers, Churches of the New Jerusalem, Universalists,
Russellites, Christian Scientists, Modernists, Dan. 12, 2;
John 11, 24. 25; Matt. 22, 31. 32; I Cor. 15, 12.
8. That before Judgment Day there will be a
Millennium, during which the righteous shall reign for a thousand years
with Christ upon earth: Irvingites, Adventists, Mormons, Russellites,
Premillenarians in general, (Dispensationalists). John 5, 28.
29; 2 Thess. 1, 7; Acts. 17, 31; (Rev. 20:4).
XXVIII. OF THE JUDGMENT
WE BELIEVE (a) that
on the last day Christ will come visibly to judge the quick and the dead;
(b) that He will receive into glory all those who have believed in Him
to the end: (c) and that He will pronounce the eternal doom upon
all who have refused to acknowledge Him as their Redeemer.
a) Acts. 1, 11. This
same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall
so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.
Acts 17, 31. Because He
hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world
in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given
assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.
Rom. 14, 10. But why dost thou judge thy brother?
or why dost thou set at naught thy brother? for
we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Cf. also Matt. 25, 31-46.
b & c) 2 Cor. 5, 10. For we
must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every
one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath
done, whether it be good or bad.
Matt. 25, 31-46 When the Son of man shall come
in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then
shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered
all nations. and He shall separate them one from another, as
a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
1. That Christ will not return to judge the
quick and the dead: Church of the New Jerusalem, Shakers, Unitarians,
Universalists, Christian Scientists, Modernists. I Thess. 5, 1-3;
Matt. 25, 31-46.
2. That not all must appear before the judgment
seat of Christ. Seventh Day Adventists. 2 Cor. 5, 10;
Rom. 14, 10.
3. That the time of the Second Advent of Christ
may be determined beforehand. Adventists, Russellites. Matt. 24,36; Luke
21, 34-36; Mark 13,32;
2 Pet.3, 10
4. That before Judgment Day Christ will establish
on earth the millennium: Congregation Christians, Irvingites, Mormons,
Adventists, Russellites, Premillenarians. Luke 17, 20. 21;
Rom. 14, 17; John 18, 36; I Cor. 3, 21-23; 2 Tim. 4, 18;
I Thess. 4, 16; John 14, 3; Matt. 25, 31-46.
XXIX. OF ETERNAL LIFE AND ETERNAL DAMNATION
WE BELIEVE (a) that as
the life of the blessed is eternal, so (b) also the damnation of the unrighteous
in hell is eternal.
a) I Thess. 4, 16. 17. For the Lord Himself
shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel,
and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them
in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and
so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Rev. 2, 10. Fear none of those things which
thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into
prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. be
thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
John 14, 2. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come again, and receive you unto myself, that
where I am, there ye may be also.
—Cf. also Matt. 25, 31-46.
b) 2 Thess. 1, 7-10. And to you who are
troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven
with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know
not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who
shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the
Lord, and from the glory of His power. Cf. Matt. 25,
35-46.
WE REJECT as unscriptural the following teachings:
1. That all men inherit eternal salvation in
heaven: Unitarians, Modernists, Lodgery. Heb. 4, 3. 9. 11;
Mark 16, 16; John 3, 18. 36.
2. That the wicked will not suffer eternal
damnation: Universalists, Unitarians, Shakers, Mormons, Spiritists,
Rationalists, Russellites, Seventh Day Adventists, Modernists. 2
Thess. 2, 7-10; Isa. 16, 24; Dan. 12, 2; Matt. 25, 10;
Matt. 25, 41; Matt. 5, 26.
3. That the wicked will be completely annihilated:
Seventh Day Adventists, Russellites. Rev. 14, 11; Rev. 21, 8;
Matt. 25, 41; Mark 9, 43-48.