Bayou Barbary
19-05-2008, 02:20
The World Christian Assembly (WCA)
"Where Jesus is Lord, and Everyone is Loved"
http://www.nationstates.net/region=world_christian_assembly
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (Romans 1:16)
WCA Member Guidelines
Joining the WCA:
The WCA is primarily a Christian region, but all nations, regardless of beliefs are invited to join. We've been instructed to spread the Word to all nations, not just the Christian ones. Since the WCA is a Christian region, we ask that any non-Christian nations please respect this.
Member Participation:
Nations are not required to be very active or to log on everyday. However it is encouraged that members share their ideas on each upcoming resolution. Members are welcome to talk about and share their faith and testimonies. This can be done either via telegram, on the regional message board, or in the WCA thread in the forum.
WA Membership:
It is strongly encouraged that member nations apply for membership to the WA. There are two reasons as to why this is encouraged. First, WA members can vote on resolutions that effect all WA nations. Second, WA members can endorse a regional delegate.
Delegate Endorsement:
It is also strongly encouraged that nations with WA memberships endorse a regional delegate. Each endorsement gives the delegate one extra vote to cast on each WA Resolution. This gives the WCA more total votes and better standing in the World Assembly. Endorsing a nation does not take away the vote of the endorser, it only adds to the entire vote total for our region. No WCA nation will ever be obligated to endorse a certain member. Each nation may endorse whomever they choose.
Delegate Elections:
There will be no "formal" regional delegate elections. At the end of each day, the nation with the most endorsements will automatically acquire the delegate position. So, in a sense, there will be daily "elections". Members that wish to attain the delegate position may campaign for endorsements via telegram, the regional message board, or the WCA forum thread.
Offensive or Abusive Behavior:
It is not the intention of the WCA to keep anyone from joining and enjoying our fellowship; however, nations that continually take part in abusive, offensive, disrespectful, or hostile behavior, may be ejected or banned. These offending acts may include but are not limited to: name-calling, threats, blasphemy, and invasion attempts. If you feel that you have been banned or ejected unfairly, contact the founder or regional delegate via telegram.
Alliances, Foreign Conflicts, and Invasions:
The WCA will never join any alliance nor take up any enemy. Concurrently, the WCA will, under no circumstances, go to war with another region or nation. In addition, the WCA and its members will remain neutral in any conflict between two foreign regions. If an invasion seems imminent, any nation suspected to be an invader will be banned and contacted via telegram to determine their intentions. They will be dealt with accordingly.
WCA Doctrine:
The WCA's doctrine is based on ten points and is taken from the Bob Tebow Evangelical Association website. It's not necessary that a nation agree with the doctrine word-for-word to join the WCA, but please be respectful of the fact that it is the official basis of beliefs for the World Christian Assembly.
Amendments or Additions:
These member guidelines are open to amendments and/or additions. Any issues regarding changes or additions to the member guidelines should be first brought to the WCA founder or regional delegate via telegram. The founder or regional delegate will then present the issue to the WCA member nations, where a collective decision will be reached. The WCA doctrine will not be added-to or amended.
WCA Doctrine
I. The Inerrancy of the Scriptures
We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Scriptures. By this, we mean that the words (verbal) of Scripture recorded in the autographa are inspired, not just the concepts. By plenary, we mean that we hold all of Scripture to be equally inspired. We do not believe that one section, book, or testament is any more inspired than any other section, book, or testament. By inspired, we mean that we believe the Scriptures have been "breathed out" by God Himself. Man and God are co-authors of the Bible. God divinely prepared and used man in such a way that the personalities of the human authors were not in any way overridden; yet the divine message was not in any way diluted or corrupted by man's sinful nature. God superintended the authorship of Scripture to ensure an inerrant written record of the Word of God.
Because the Holy Scriptures were divinely superintended and because of the character of God, the Bible is completely inerrant. This is to say the written Word of God is totally without error of any kind. The Bible is wholly true in all that it affirms. We do not believe the Scriptures have errors or mistakes at all. In any place where the Bible speaks to an issue, whether in depth or on the surface, the Bible is wholly accurate. These truths about the Scriptures are based upon the character of God and the Biblical testimony (II Timothy 3:15-16; Proverbs 30:5-6; II Peter 1:20-21). We believe the Bible is to be understood in the literal, grammatical, historical sense that avoids the errors of allegorical, private interpretations that depart from the original intent of the Author.
II. The Nature of God
We believe God is a personal God, Who, although He cannot be fully comprehended, has, to a certain extent, revealed to man through creation and special revelation some perfections of His character. These perfections of God's character include aseity or self-existence (John 5:26; Is. 40; Ex. 3:14), immutability or changelessness (Mal. 3:6; Jas. 1:17), unity (Deut. 6:4), infinite- He has no limits except where He limits Himself (Is.40; Job 11:7-10). The infinity of God's character naturally leads to acknowledging His omnipotence (Rev. 19:6, Job 42:2, I Chron. 29:11), omniscience (Rom. 11:33-34; Is. 40:13-14), and omnipresence (Psalm 139: 7-12). Furthermore, the perfections of God include Holiness- infinite, incomprehensible fullness of purity (Is. 6:3, 57:15), righteousness- moral perfection to the highest standard (Psalm 145:17), justice- applying moral equity to every situation (Deut. 32:4), gracious- granting unmerited favor (Rom. 5:8; Psalm 86:15), merciful- not giving man what he deserves immediately (Ps. 86:5, Ps. 103:10-17, Is. 55:7), loving (I John 4:7-10), and sovereign (Eph. 1:11).
III. The Triunity of God
We believe there is one God (Deut. 6:4, I Tim. 2:5), and there are three distinct Persons of the Godhead that are co-eternal, co-equal, and co-existent (Matt. 28:18-20, Matt. 3:16-17). The Father is God (John 6:27), the Son is God (John 1:1, 14; John 14:7-9; John 20:28), and the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-5; Rom. 8:9-14). There is no subordination ontologically, for there is one Divine essence. All of the perfections of God are present in the same infinite degree in each Person. Economically, or in the outworking of God, there is a logical order in which the Persons of the Godhead are distinct, not in regard to essence but in regard to some functions. For example, the Scriptures attribute the different aspects of salvation to the distinct Persons of the Godhead, such as: The Father chose us for salvation (Eph. 1:3-5), Jesus accomplished that purpose through the sacrifice of His own blood (Eph. 1:5-7), and the Holy Spirit seals the transaction (Eph. 1:13-14). The full comprehension of the triunity of God is beyond the abilities of the finite mind, though statements must be made in accordance with Scripture and avoiding the errors of modalism, tritheism, and pantheism.
IV. The Works of God
A. Creation- We believe God created the heavens and the earth, the visible and the invisible out of nothing in six 24-hour days, according to the Biblical record. Creation is for the glory of God (Ps. 19:1-6), God is distinct from creation (John 1:1-3), and God preserves creation (Acts 17:24-25).
B. Providence- God is continuing to work out His plan for all creation, sustaining and maintaining all that is to His ultimate goal- the glory of God. The Providence of God provides for the care of the nations and individuals in gracious and merciful ways, to the end result God is glorified.
V. The Person of Christ
We believe Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God, the Second Person of the Godhead, the Son of God, existed co-equal with God from eternity past (John 1:1-2; 8:58). At the appointed time, He laid aside His outward appearance of Deity and the independent use of His Divine authority (Phil. 2:6-8) and took upon Himself the form of humanity. He was born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem (Luke 1:26- 2:20) as a supernatural working of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). His human nature was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
VI. The Person of the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead, possessing all of the divine perfection, yet distinct from the other two Persons of the Godhead (Luke 11:13; Acts 5:1-4). As God the Father and God the Son are, so is a Person not a mere influence. This is evidenced by Scripture revealing the Spirit's emotions (Ephesians 4:30) and references to His mind and will (I Corinthians 2:10-13, I Corinthians 12:11). That the Holy Spirit is fully God is clear from direct statement (Matthew 28:18-20), as well as attributing to Him Divine perfection that can only be true of God (Psalms 139:7-8; Luke 11:13; I John 5:6; Romans 8:2).
VII. The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit was working in creation (Genesis 1:1-2). He empowered Old Testament believers for special works, (Judges 14:5-7; I Samuel 10:6), and He descended upon Jesus at His baptism and continued with Him (Matthew 3:16; Matthew 4:1), raising Him from the dead (Romans 8:11). The Holy Spirit was also the means by which the Godhead revealed the written Word of God, providing absolute integrity in the revelation and inspiration of the Scriptures (II Peter 1:21; Matthew 22:41-46; Acts 4:25). At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit began permanently indwelling all believers, beginning at the point of conversion (Romans 8:9; Romans 5:5; II Corinthians 5:5). In the life of the believer, the Holy Spirit infills (Ephesians 5:18), instructs (John 14:26), produces fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), empowers for service (Acts 1:8), sanctifies (Romans 15:16), and gives gifts for the edification of the church (Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians), beginning at the point of conversion (Romans 8:9; Romans 5:5; II Corinthians 5:5). In the life of the believer, the Holy Spirit infills (Ephesians 5:18), instructs (John 14:26), produces fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), empowers for service (Acts 1:8), sanctifies (Romans 15:16), and gives gifts for the edification of the church (Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:11-12).
VIII. Salvation
We believe that the vicarious, substitutionary blood atonement of Christ makes possible the salvation of every living soul (I John 2:2; Revelation 22:17; Romans 10:13). The invitation to salvation is made to all. This justification is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8), through faith alone (Romans 3:20-28; Romans 4:4-5; John 5:24; John 6:35) in Christ alone (Acts 4:12; John 14:6) without works of any kind before or after salvation (Romans 3:20; Romans 4:4-5; Isaiah 64:6). Salvation is a free gift (Romans 6:23) that needs only to be received- by man putting his faith/trust/belief in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 4:19-5:1).
We believe that at the point in time a man places his faith in the Lord Jesus, he is born again. We believe at this time several elements of salvation happen simultaneously- conversion, regeneration, justification, Spirit baptism into the body of Christ, adoption, and union with Christ. It is at this time that he is forgiven of his sin, removed from God's wrath, and declared righteous on the basis of Christ's righteousness imputed to his account (Romans 3:20-28; Romans 5:12-21; II Corinthians 5:21).
We believe glorification is the element of salvation that will take place when the believer enters the presence of Christ and is changed into His likeness, free from the presence of sin (I John 3:2). All who are justified will be glorified. There will be none lost who were once saved; no man can lose his justification (John 6:35-40). We believe in the total eternal security of the believer (John 6:40).
IX. The Doctrine of the Church
We believe the church has as its foundation and Founder, the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of the time of its inception the church is separate from Israel. The Church Universal is composed of all believers since Pentecost, whether they are dead or living. Because of the nature of the Church Universal, it will only be complete at the rapture.
The local church is the physical assembly of believers on earth. The local church is the agency through which God works today. The local church is to be autonomous, governing itself independent of outside influence, whether religious or secular. Though the local church government is not answerable to outside influence, they are answerable to the Head of the Church- Christ (Ephesians 5:23). That the church is to be autonomous is evidenced by the authority to judge members (I Corinthians 5:13), elect its own officers (Acts 6:1-6), guard and observe ordinances (I Corinthians 11:23-34), and settle its own internal difficulties (I Corinthians 6:1-5). The membership of the local church is to be comprised of the regenerate only. All of the regenerate are to be members, all of the members are to be regenerate. Each individual member of the church is gifted for the edification of the body (I Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:7-16). The New Testament gives the pattern for church government and order in which there are local church officers (elders and deacons), to which proper submission to them is Scriptural (Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 5:1-5), rules for orderly practices (I Corinthians 11:1-34; 14:1-40), and an orderly system of church finances (I Corinthians 16:2). The local church is to be growing qualitatively and quantitatively. We believe in the unity of believers but not at the expense of the purity of doctrine. Therefore, we reject the modern ecumenical movement.
There are two ordinances to be kept by the local church - baptism and the Lord's Supper (Matthew 28:18-20; I Corinthians 11). Both are for believers only, have absolutely no value for justification, and are given to picture truth. Baptism pictures the Lord's death, burial and resurrection, and the Lord's Supper reminds the believer of the death Christ died and His soon return.
X. The Doctrine of the Things to Be
The personal, pretribulational return of the Lord Jesus Christ for the rapture of the church (Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16-17). At this time, the dead in Christ shall arise and be caught up together with those who are alive in Christ to meet Him in the air. At this time, every believer will stand before Christ at the Bema seat, or the judgment seat of Christ (I Corinthians 3:11-15; Luke 19; II Corinthians 5:10-11). The Bema seat is not to determine justification but to judge the service of the believer to determine rewards. The believer will be judged according to his works (I Corinthians 3:12-15), words (Luke 12:2-3), and faithfulness (Luke 16:10; Revelation 2:10; I Corinthians 4:2). A believer can receive rewards at this judgment, including ruling in the Millennial Kingdom with Christ; or he can suffer loss depending on his works after salvation (I Corinthians 3:15; Luke 19).
We believe in a literal Tribulation period after the rapture that will last seven years. This time period reflects the shift in God’s working from the Church to Israel. It is during this time that the antichrist will appear. There will be people saved during this period, but many will be martyred.
As the Tribulation period comes to a close, the armies of the world will gather at Armageddon. The Lord will then return to the earth to defeat the armies arrayed against Israel and to reign over the whole earth (Revelation 19:11-16; Zechariah 14:1-11). This is the physical, literal thousand-year Millennial rule of Christ on earth. The time will be marked by peace (Zechariah 8:45), righteousness (Isaiah 32:1), and prosperity (Isaiah 35:1-7), and the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord (Isaiah 2:2-3). During this time, Satan will be bound.
We believe that at the end of the Millennium there will be one final rebellion of man ending in a last battle and victory of God. The universe will be destroyed, followed by the judgment at the Great White Throne. Here, all of the unregenerate of all time will be raised from the dead (rather, reunited with their bodies, for the unsaved dead are in hell now [Luke 16:19-31]) and judged on the basis of their works. Everyone judged according to his or her works will be cast into the lake of fire for all eternity (Revelation 20:11-15). Satan and the fallen angels will also be judged at this time and likewise be confined to the lake of fire for eternity (Jude 6; Revelation 20:11-15). The believer, based on the meritorious work of Christ, will enjoy the glories and bliss of God's presence in heaven for all eternity.
"Where Jesus is Lord, and Everyone is Loved"
http://www.nationstates.net/region=world_christian_assembly
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (Romans 1:16)
WCA Member Guidelines
Joining the WCA:
The WCA is primarily a Christian region, but all nations, regardless of beliefs are invited to join. We've been instructed to spread the Word to all nations, not just the Christian ones. Since the WCA is a Christian region, we ask that any non-Christian nations please respect this.
Member Participation:
Nations are not required to be very active or to log on everyday. However it is encouraged that members share their ideas on each upcoming resolution. Members are welcome to talk about and share their faith and testimonies. This can be done either via telegram, on the regional message board, or in the WCA thread in the forum.
WA Membership:
It is strongly encouraged that member nations apply for membership to the WA. There are two reasons as to why this is encouraged. First, WA members can vote on resolutions that effect all WA nations. Second, WA members can endorse a regional delegate.
Delegate Endorsement:
It is also strongly encouraged that nations with WA memberships endorse a regional delegate. Each endorsement gives the delegate one extra vote to cast on each WA Resolution. This gives the WCA more total votes and better standing in the World Assembly. Endorsing a nation does not take away the vote of the endorser, it only adds to the entire vote total for our region. No WCA nation will ever be obligated to endorse a certain member. Each nation may endorse whomever they choose.
Delegate Elections:
There will be no "formal" regional delegate elections. At the end of each day, the nation with the most endorsements will automatically acquire the delegate position. So, in a sense, there will be daily "elections". Members that wish to attain the delegate position may campaign for endorsements via telegram, the regional message board, or the WCA forum thread.
Offensive or Abusive Behavior:
It is not the intention of the WCA to keep anyone from joining and enjoying our fellowship; however, nations that continually take part in abusive, offensive, disrespectful, or hostile behavior, may be ejected or banned. These offending acts may include but are not limited to: name-calling, threats, blasphemy, and invasion attempts. If you feel that you have been banned or ejected unfairly, contact the founder or regional delegate via telegram.
Alliances, Foreign Conflicts, and Invasions:
The WCA will never join any alliance nor take up any enemy. Concurrently, the WCA will, under no circumstances, go to war with another region or nation. In addition, the WCA and its members will remain neutral in any conflict between two foreign regions. If an invasion seems imminent, any nation suspected to be an invader will be banned and contacted via telegram to determine their intentions. They will be dealt with accordingly.
WCA Doctrine:
The WCA's doctrine is based on ten points and is taken from the Bob Tebow Evangelical Association website. It's not necessary that a nation agree with the doctrine word-for-word to join the WCA, but please be respectful of the fact that it is the official basis of beliefs for the World Christian Assembly.
Amendments or Additions:
These member guidelines are open to amendments and/or additions. Any issues regarding changes or additions to the member guidelines should be first brought to the WCA founder or regional delegate via telegram. The founder or regional delegate will then present the issue to the WCA member nations, where a collective decision will be reached. The WCA doctrine will not be added-to or amended.
WCA Doctrine
I. The Inerrancy of the Scriptures
We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Scriptures. By this, we mean that the words (verbal) of Scripture recorded in the autographa are inspired, not just the concepts. By plenary, we mean that we hold all of Scripture to be equally inspired. We do not believe that one section, book, or testament is any more inspired than any other section, book, or testament. By inspired, we mean that we believe the Scriptures have been "breathed out" by God Himself. Man and God are co-authors of the Bible. God divinely prepared and used man in such a way that the personalities of the human authors were not in any way overridden; yet the divine message was not in any way diluted or corrupted by man's sinful nature. God superintended the authorship of Scripture to ensure an inerrant written record of the Word of God.
Because the Holy Scriptures were divinely superintended and because of the character of God, the Bible is completely inerrant. This is to say the written Word of God is totally without error of any kind. The Bible is wholly true in all that it affirms. We do not believe the Scriptures have errors or mistakes at all. In any place where the Bible speaks to an issue, whether in depth or on the surface, the Bible is wholly accurate. These truths about the Scriptures are based upon the character of God and the Biblical testimony (II Timothy 3:15-16; Proverbs 30:5-6; II Peter 1:20-21). We believe the Bible is to be understood in the literal, grammatical, historical sense that avoids the errors of allegorical, private interpretations that depart from the original intent of the Author.
II. The Nature of God
We believe God is a personal God, Who, although He cannot be fully comprehended, has, to a certain extent, revealed to man through creation and special revelation some perfections of His character. These perfections of God's character include aseity or self-existence (John 5:26; Is. 40; Ex. 3:14), immutability or changelessness (Mal. 3:6; Jas. 1:17), unity (Deut. 6:4), infinite- He has no limits except where He limits Himself (Is.40; Job 11:7-10). The infinity of God's character naturally leads to acknowledging His omnipotence (Rev. 19:6, Job 42:2, I Chron. 29:11), omniscience (Rom. 11:33-34; Is. 40:13-14), and omnipresence (Psalm 139: 7-12). Furthermore, the perfections of God include Holiness- infinite, incomprehensible fullness of purity (Is. 6:3, 57:15), righteousness- moral perfection to the highest standard (Psalm 145:17), justice- applying moral equity to every situation (Deut. 32:4), gracious- granting unmerited favor (Rom. 5:8; Psalm 86:15), merciful- not giving man what he deserves immediately (Ps. 86:5, Ps. 103:10-17, Is. 55:7), loving (I John 4:7-10), and sovereign (Eph. 1:11).
III. The Triunity of God
We believe there is one God (Deut. 6:4, I Tim. 2:5), and there are three distinct Persons of the Godhead that are co-eternal, co-equal, and co-existent (Matt. 28:18-20, Matt. 3:16-17). The Father is God (John 6:27), the Son is God (John 1:1, 14; John 14:7-9; John 20:28), and the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-5; Rom. 8:9-14). There is no subordination ontologically, for there is one Divine essence. All of the perfections of God are present in the same infinite degree in each Person. Economically, or in the outworking of God, there is a logical order in which the Persons of the Godhead are distinct, not in regard to essence but in regard to some functions. For example, the Scriptures attribute the different aspects of salvation to the distinct Persons of the Godhead, such as: The Father chose us for salvation (Eph. 1:3-5), Jesus accomplished that purpose through the sacrifice of His own blood (Eph. 1:5-7), and the Holy Spirit seals the transaction (Eph. 1:13-14). The full comprehension of the triunity of God is beyond the abilities of the finite mind, though statements must be made in accordance with Scripture and avoiding the errors of modalism, tritheism, and pantheism.
IV. The Works of God
A. Creation- We believe God created the heavens and the earth, the visible and the invisible out of nothing in six 24-hour days, according to the Biblical record. Creation is for the glory of God (Ps. 19:1-6), God is distinct from creation (John 1:1-3), and God preserves creation (Acts 17:24-25).
B. Providence- God is continuing to work out His plan for all creation, sustaining and maintaining all that is to His ultimate goal- the glory of God. The Providence of God provides for the care of the nations and individuals in gracious and merciful ways, to the end result God is glorified.
V. The Person of Christ
We believe Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God, the Second Person of the Godhead, the Son of God, existed co-equal with God from eternity past (John 1:1-2; 8:58). At the appointed time, He laid aside His outward appearance of Deity and the independent use of His Divine authority (Phil. 2:6-8) and took upon Himself the form of humanity. He was born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem (Luke 1:26- 2:20) as a supernatural working of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). His human nature was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
VI. The Person of the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead, possessing all of the divine perfection, yet distinct from the other two Persons of the Godhead (Luke 11:13; Acts 5:1-4). As God the Father and God the Son are, so is a Person not a mere influence. This is evidenced by Scripture revealing the Spirit's emotions (Ephesians 4:30) and references to His mind and will (I Corinthians 2:10-13, I Corinthians 12:11). That the Holy Spirit is fully God is clear from direct statement (Matthew 28:18-20), as well as attributing to Him Divine perfection that can only be true of God (Psalms 139:7-8; Luke 11:13; I John 5:6; Romans 8:2).
VII. The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit was working in creation (Genesis 1:1-2). He empowered Old Testament believers for special works, (Judges 14:5-7; I Samuel 10:6), and He descended upon Jesus at His baptism and continued with Him (Matthew 3:16; Matthew 4:1), raising Him from the dead (Romans 8:11). The Holy Spirit was also the means by which the Godhead revealed the written Word of God, providing absolute integrity in the revelation and inspiration of the Scriptures (II Peter 1:21; Matthew 22:41-46; Acts 4:25). At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit began permanently indwelling all believers, beginning at the point of conversion (Romans 8:9; Romans 5:5; II Corinthians 5:5). In the life of the believer, the Holy Spirit infills (Ephesians 5:18), instructs (John 14:26), produces fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), empowers for service (Acts 1:8), sanctifies (Romans 15:16), and gives gifts for the edification of the church (Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians), beginning at the point of conversion (Romans 8:9; Romans 5:5; II Corinthians 5:5). In the life of the believer, the Holy Spirit infills (Ephesians 5:18), instructs (John 14:26), produces fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), empowers for service (Acts 1:8), sanctifies (Romans 15:16), and gives gifts for the edification of the church (Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:11-12).
VIII. Salvation
We believe that the vicarious, substitutionary blood atonement of Christ makes possible the salvation of every living soul (I John 2:2; Revelation 22:17; Romans 10:13). The invitation to salvation is made to all. This justification is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8), through faith alone (Romans 3:20-28; Romans 4:4-5; John 5:24; John 6:35) in Christ alone (Acts 4:12; John 14:6) without works of any kind before or after salvation (Romans 3:20; Romans 4:4-5; Isaiah 64:6). Salvation is a free gift (Romans 6:23) that needs only to be received- by man putting his faith/trust/belief in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 4:19-5:1).
We believe that at the point in time a man places his faith in the Lord Jesus, he is born again. We believe at this time several elements of salvation happen simultaneously- conversion, regeneration, justification, Spirit baptism into the body of Christ, adoption, and union with Christ. It is at this time that he is forgiven of his sin, removed from God's wrath, and declared righteous on the basis of Christ's righteousness imputed to his account (Romans 3:20-28; Romans 5:12-21; II Corinthians 5:21).
We believe glorification is the element of salvation that will take place when the believer enters the presence of Christ and is changed into His likeness, free from the presence of sin (I John 3:2). All who are justified will be glorified. There will be none lost who were once saved; no man can lose his justification (John 6:35-40). We believe in the total eternal security of the believer (John 6:40).
IX. The Doctrine of the Church
We believe the church has as its foundation and Founder, the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of the time of its inception the church is separate from Israel. The Church Universal is composed of all believers since Pentecost, whether they are dead or living. Because of the nature of the Church Universal, it will only be complete at the rapture.
The local church is the physical assembly of believers on earth. The local church is the agency through which God works today. The local church is to be autonomous, governing itself independent of outside influence, whether religious or secular. Though the local church government is not answerable to outside influence, they are answerable to the Head of the Church- Christ (Ephesians 5:23). That the church is to be autonomous is evidenced by the authority to judge members (I Corinthians 5:13), elect its own officers (Acts 6:1-6), guard and observe ordinances (I Corinthians 11:23-34), and settle its own internal difficulties (I Corinthians 6:1-5). The membership of the local church is to be comprised of the regenerate only. All of the regenerate are to be members, all of the members are to be regenerate. Each individual member of the church is gifted for the edification of the body (I Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:7-16). The New Testament gives the pattern for church government and order in which there are local church officers (elders and deacons), to which proper submission to them is Scriptural (Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 5:1-5), rules for orderly practices (I Corinthians 11:1-34; 14:1-40), and an orderly system of church finances (I Corinthians 16:2). The local church is to be growing qualitatively and quantitatively. We believe in the unity of believers but not at the expense of the purity of doctrine. Therefore, we reject the modern ecumenical movement.
There are two ordinances to be kept by the local church - baptism and the Lord's Supper (Matthew 28:18-20; I Corinthians 11). Both are for believers only, have absolutely no value for justification, and are given to picture truth. Baptism pictures the Lord's death, burial and resurrection, and the Lord's Supper reminds the believer of the death Christ died and His soon return.
X. The Doctrine of the Things to Be
The personal, pretribulational return of the Lord Jesus Christ for the rapture of the church (Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16-17). At this time, the dead in Christ shall arise and be caught up together with those who are alive in Christ to meet Him in the air. At this time, every believer will stand before Christ at the Bema seat, or the judgment seat of Christ (I Corinthians 3:11-15; Luke 19; II Corinthians 5:10-11). The Bema seat is not to determine justification but to judge the service of the believer to determine rewards. The believer will be judged according to his works (I Corinthians 3:12-15), words (Luke 12:2-3), and faithfulness (Luke 16:10; Revelation 2:10; I Corinthians 4:2). A believer can receive rewards at this judgment, including ruling in the Millennial Kingdom with Christ; or he can suffer loss depending on his works after salvation (I Corinthians 3:15; Luke 19).
We believe in a literal Tribulation period after the rapture that will last seven years. This time period reflects the shift in God’s working from the Church to Israel. It is during this time that the antichrist will appear. There will be people saved during this period, but many will be martyred.
As the Tribulation period comes to a close, the armies of the world will gather at Armageddon. The Lord will then return to the earth to defeat the armies arrayed against Israel and to reign over the whole earth (Revelation 19:11-16; Zechariah 14:1-11). This is the physical, literal thousand-year Millennial rule of Christ on earth. The time will be marked by peace (Zechariah 8:45), righteousness (Isaiah 32:1), and prosperity (Isaiah 35:1-7), and the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord (Isaiah 2:2-3). During this time, Satan will be bound.
We believe that at the end of the Millennium there will be one final rebellion of man ending in a last battle and victory of God. The universe will be destroyed, followed by the judgment at the Great White Throne. Here, all of the unregenerate of all time will be raised from the dead (rather, reunited with their bodies, for the unsaved dead are in hell now [Luke 16:19-31]) and judged on the basis of their works. Everyone judged according to his or her works will be cast into the lake of fire for all eternity (Revelation 20:11-15). Satan and the fallen angels will also be judged at this time and likewise be confined to the lake of fire for eternity (Jude 6; Revelation 20:11-15). The believer, based on the meritorious work of Christ, will enjoy the glories and bliss of God's presence in heaven for all eternity.