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Pastor James Uba

Pastor James Uba serves as the lead pastor and overseer of Comfort Bible Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to founding Comfort Bible Church, he served as a zonal leader in Nigeria and as a board member and Pastor at Lifeway Church of Christ, USA.

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BIBLE DOCTRINE

BIBLE DOCTRINE 1: THE HOLY BIBLE

God’s Word teaches:

That the Holy Bible, consisting of 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament, is the inspired

Word of God. We take the Bible as the final authority in all matters concerning Christian conduct and work – 2

Timothy 3: 16,17; Proverbs 30: 5,6; Revelation 22:18,19. The Holy Bible is the inspired word of God and is the only

source of knowledge from the Almighty God to all mankind. It is the contact point between finite man and the Infinite

God; and its prime purpose is to give mankind a revelation of God (2 Timothy 3:15-17). The Bible is severally referred

to as the Holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15), the oracles of God (Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12), the Book of

the Lord (Isaiah 34:16), the word of God (Mark 7:13), the word of Christ (Colossians 3:16) and the word of life

(Philippians 2:16). It is in two major parts; the Old and the New Testaments. It consists of 66 books; 39 of which are in

the Old Testament, 27 in the New Testament. The Bible was originally written predominantly in Hebrew and Greek.

The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic, while the New Testament was written in the Greek language.

Over 40 authors drawn from disparate generations spanning a period of over 1800 years were used by God to write

the Bible. Even though their occupations, education and social classes were divergent, their theme was the same as

they were inspired by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:20). The inspiration of the authors can be attested to by some

peculiar characteristics of the Bible, which are not found in any other book written by man. Such characteristics

include its wonderful unity despite the fact that the authors lived in different ages; its versatility as it meets the needs

of all people irrespective of race and language (Matthew 4:4). Its superiority to other books, the influence on

individuals and nations; its preservation over the centuries, its fulfilled prophecies (Isaiah 7:4; Ezekiel 36:19; 2

Chronicles 7:19,20) and its perfection (Psalms 19:7; James 1:25).

The Pre-eminence of the Bible (Isaiah 8:20; Psalm 119:89) makes it indispensable to all men today. While other

books have limited influence on man, because they are products of finite minds, the Bible which is God’s revelation to

man has the solution to every problem today. Therefore, no man’s education is complete if he is ignorant of the

provisions of the Bible. No Christian can live successfully without an adequate grasp of the Bible, and no Christian

minister is really qualified for the ministry of the church of Christ without a thorough knowledge of the Bible (2 Timothy

2:15). Without a ready knowledge of the Bible, the Christian worker cannot be effective. The central theme of the

Bible is CHRIST and HIS WORK OF REDEMPTION (John 20:31; Luke 24:25-27; Revelation 1:1). He is The Old

Testament concealed, and He is The New Testament revealed. To fully understand the Bible and to rightly interpret its

messages; we must first receive Jesus Christ as Saviour and have a clear and definite experience of conversion.

Those who do not know Christ and those whohave wrong conceptions about The Bible has a Ministry to unbelievers

as well as to believers too. To unbelievers, the Bible brings conviction for sin, which leads to repentance and faith in

Christ Jesus. To believers the goals of the Bible are various. It is to make believers perfect (Psalm 119:9, 11), to

reveal the condition of their hearts (Hebrews 4:12; Jeremiah 17: 9, 10), it is a light to the believers feet (Psalms

119:105; 130), the food of the soul (Deuteronomy 8:3; John 21:17; psalm 19:10; Matthew 4:4), a medicine to the body

and soul (Proverbs 4:20-22; Psalms 107:20; Matthew 8:8) and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17; Matthew

4:1-11). It is a mirror to reflect (James 1:23); a hammer to convict, and a fire to refine (Jeremiah 23:29); seed to

multiply (1 Peter 1:23); leaver to cleanse (Ephesians 5:26; John 15:3); rain and snow to refresh (Isaiah 55:10); gold to

enrich (Psalm 19:7-10); and power to create life and faith (1 Peter 1:23; Romans 10:17). Deeper Christian Life

Ministry Liverpool Region The Bible is God’s inspired revelation of the origin and destiny of all things. It is the power

of God unto eternal salvation and it is the source of present help to the body, soul, and spirit (Romans 1:16; John

15:7). It is God’s will and testament to man in all ages, revealing His plan for man here and now and in the next life. It

is the record of God’s dealing with men; past, present and future. It contains God’s message of eternal salvation to all

who believe in Christ and of eternal damnation to those who rebel against the gospel (John 3:18,36). The purpose of

the Bible then is to reveal God to man, reveal man’s need of God and show man the way to God. Man by searching

cannot find God except God makes Himself known to him (Job 11:7). The Bible also reveals to man how to live, and

through the fulfillment of its prophecies all human needs are met. We receive salvation, sanctification, Holy Ghost

baptism, healing, deliverance, protection, etc. For us to profit maximally from the study of the Bible, all hindrances to

spiritual receptivity must be removed: such as hardened heart (Matthew 13:3-6, 18-21), double-mindedness (James

1:8; Mark 4:15- 17), pride (Deuteronomy 8:11-14; Psalm 101:5; Proverbs 18:12), carnality (1 Corinthians 3:1-5) and

unbelief (Matthew 13:58). Every believer in the church today can benefit from the hidden treasures in the Bible. But

this would require sacrifices on our part. Treasures are not found except by searching or digging earnestly. Likewise,

deep Bible truths need to be sought for and in doing this we will discover Christ the more (Colossians 2:9; John 5:39).

Certain spiritual preparations are required from believers in order to discover these treasures that would make them

develop into the fullness of the stature of Christ. There must be earnest love for the truth for its own sake (Psalm

119:40,47,54,72,103); supreme love for God (Matthew 22:37; Deuteronomy 30:6; Psalm 73:25); and an intense

desire to know more of Him (Psalm 42:1,2; 63:1). Also there should be a strong desire to make Him known to others

(Proverbs 11:24-26;

Romans 9:1-3), willingness to make personal sacrifice to study (Matthew 13:44-46; 12:42), a sense of

ignorance and dependence upon divine teaching and willingness to practice as far as you learn

(Psalm119: 60,101,106; James 1:22-25; Ezra 7:10). Other requirements are a fixed purpose to know,

and do the whole truth (Psalm 119:63; 57:7; 108:1) and a cultivating state of mind that will not be

diverted to make provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14; Matthew 26:41).

Above all, you need also a regular habit of prayer, resignation to the whole will of God and His word

that will make you discover the treasures hidden in the Bible.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 2: THE GODHEAD

God’s Word teaches:

That the Godhead consists of three separate, distinct, and recognizable personalities and

qualities, perfectly united in one. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are different

Persons in the Godhead, not merely three names for one Person – Matthew 3:16,17; 2

Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19,20.

The Godhead consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Bible clearly teaches that each

member of the Godhead is God; separate, distinct and recognizable personalities and qualities perfectly

united in one. The Father is called God (1 Corinthians 8:6; Psalm 89:26; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Matthew

6:9), the Son, Jesus Christ, is called God (Isaiah 9:6,7; John 20:28; Hebrews 1:8), and the Holy Ghost is

called God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16,17; 6:19,20; Hebrews 3:7-9; 10:15,16; Jeremiah 31:31-34).

From the foregoing it is clear that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct Persons,

co-eternal, co-existent and co-equal in power and divine attributes that make each God. The word

“GOD” in Genesis 1:1 means Elohim and in Hebrew language this is the plural of El (The Strong One).

“Elohim” (The Strong Ones) appear more than 2,700 times in the Old Testament and this plurality is

seen in: “Let us make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness”; “The LORD said.... let us go down, and

there confound their language” (Genesis 1:26; 3:22; 11:6,7; John 14:23; Psalm 2:3). The Godhead is

also referred to as the Holy Trinity (Romans 1:20).

The unity of the Godhead is scripturally evidenced in the execution of all divine plans and purposes. At

creation, a significant fact about the Godhead emerged with the use of the plural noun “us”, by God

Himself (Genesis 1:26). Elementarily, this implies the involvement of more than one personality in the

creation of man. The same word continued to recur first, after the fall of man (Genesis 3:22), and on

the threshold of God’s perfection to curb the foolish excesses of man, by wisely confounding him with

diverse languages (Genesis 11:7).

The testimony of scriptures on the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ reveals the perfect unity of the

Godhead. It was God’s anointing and the Power of the Holy Ghost that enabled Jesus to fulfill His

ministry (Acts 10:38). The divine-human relationship also confirms God in three persons perfecting the

relationship of man with the triune God (Ephesians 2:18). The complimentary functions of the Trinity

are referred to in almost all the books of the New Testament (Matthew 3:16,17; 28:19; Mark 1:10; John

16:7-15; 6:37,44; Romans 8:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Corinthians

12:4,7; Acts 10:38).

The three personalities in the Godhead acted together in the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. God

the Father did not only make His Son available to assume the garb of human flesh preparatory for His

vicarious mission (John 3:16), He dispatched an angel to announce the impending birth of the Saviour

of the whole world by a virgin. This was a supernatural work that was subsequently fully perfected by

the power of the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:26,35).

Further proof of the truth about the Godhead became clear at the baptism of Jesus Christ, when the

Father sent the Holy Ghost in bodily form as a dove upon Christ, and God Almighty Himself made a

public proclamation of Jesus as His beloved Son (Matthew 3:16,17). Even at the onset of His ministry,

Jesus affirmed the companionship of God the Father and the Holy Ghost with Him. It was only by their

combined workings that He was to fulfill His multi-pronged ministry of preaching the gospel, healing the

sick, delivering the captives, etc. (Luke 4:18). Truly, the work of redemption, which Christ completed by

submitting Himself to die on the cross, was a joint venture with the Father and the Holy Ghost

(Hebrews 9:14), as was the second work of grace, sanctification or holiness, by which man is cleansed

from his in-bred depravity, the fallen nature he inherited form Adam (John 17:17; Romans 15:16). Also,

the Godhead is at work in empowering believers through the baptism in the Holy Spirit, to discharge the

duties handed them by God (John 15:26; 16:7-15; Luke 11:13). Christ’s command as He handed down

the Great Commission to His disciples was to baptize all that repent and believe the gospel, in the name

of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). Even today, our prayer involves the three

personalities in the Godhead. We direct our prayers to God the Father (Luke 11:2; 22:42; 23:34,46;

John 17:1,5,24-26; James 1:5) through Jesus Christ, the Son (John 14:13,14; 15:16), and of course,

without the help of the Holy Spirit all our prayers will be in vain (Romans 8:26).

The Godhead is the universal testimony of the scriptures, for “there are three that bear record in

heaven, the Father, the Word (Son) and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1 John 5:7). It is

only the perfect work of the Godhead that has continued to sustain us on a day-to-day basis as

believers (2 Corinthians 13:14). The Godhead is a great mystery, which is clearly beyond the finite mind

of the unsaved natural man (1 Corinthians 2:14). The believer accepts the gospel truth of the Trinity by

faith, recognizing that God remains the eternal repository of all mysteries (Deuteronomy 29:29); that

with respect to His being or essence, God is one; with respect to His personality, God is three; and the

essence must neither be divided nor the persons confused. In spite of the great mystery surrounding it,

the doctrine of the Godhead has always proved to be eminently rich in spiritual and practical values.

And for all those willing, the Lord Jesus Christ promises the advent of a blissful reign by the Godhead

(John 14:23; Revelation 3:20).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 3: THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS

God’s Word teaches:

The virgin birth of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. The crucifixion, death, burial, and

bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 1:4; 1

Corinthians 15:3,4.

“The virgin birth” teaches that Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, was miraculously conceived by the

virgin Mary. Prophetically, this was foretold in the Old Testament and became literally fulfilled later in

the New Testament (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14). The virgin birth is thus an essential doctrinal truth,

which must be upheld for its fact and significance. Disputing this cardinal doctrine is by implication,

denying Christ’s Deity and His distinctive spotlessness, which the natural man lacked that disqualified

every other man from satisfying God’s demand at Calvary. He, therefore, became the spotless Lamb of

God found in fashion as a man. God was the first to unveil the virgin birth of Christ when He referred to Him as the

“seed of the woman” (Genesis 3:15). This was alluding to the fact that Christ would be conceived by a woman who

had never known a man. The prophet Isaiah in his proclamation said, “Behold, a virgin shall

conceive, and bear a son....” (Isaiah 7:14). The word virgin as used in this reference, has obvious

meaning and can be nothing else but a woman that has Not known a man. Luke in his Gospel narrative

recorded that the angel Gabriel was sent to a virgin, betrothed to a man and that the virgin’s name was

Mary (Luke 1:34). Matthew in his Gospel narrated that Mary was espoused to Joseph and that before

they came together, she was found with a child of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:18). He further recorded

that Joseph knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born son, and he called His name JESUS.

Jesus sometimes referred to people as His mother, His brothers and sisters, but never referred to any

mortal man as His Father, not even Joseph (Matthew 12:49,50; 22:41-46; John 8:54-58). He always

referred to God as His Father and this is another proof of His virgin birth. Paul, under the inspiration of

the Holy Ghost, wrote that in the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman. This was

still pointing to the fact that Christ was born of a virgin (Galatians 4:4). The Bible says that Joseph was

a just man (Matthew 1:19). This means he was not a transgressor of God’s law. If Mary as an espoused

virgin had conceived through a strange man, it would then be right for Joseph to have her out of the

way (Deuteronomy 22:23,24; Matthew 19:9). The penalty was even more grave than merely putting

her away. The angel could not have prevented Joseph from putting her away; the angel even bore

witness that what was conceived in her was of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:20). On the other hand, if Joseph had

known Mary before Christ was conceived, or was responsible for the conception, it would be unlawful for him to put

her away (Malachi 2:14-16). The scriptures would not have qualified him as a just man if he were transgressing the

Lord’s commandment. Joseph was instructed to take her as his wife. The virgin birth of Christ was a unique sign from

God. The prophet Isaiah was very clear and definite about it (Isaiah 7:14). It distinguished Him from any other mortal

and marked Him out as the only true Messiah. God bears witness to His approved ministers in various ways. Some of

the signs that were recorded concerning Christ and His ministry were also recorded concerning a few other

essengers of God. The virgin birth, however, is probably the most unique and unprecedented sign. A voice from the

cloud witnessed to the ministry of Christ but that was not as unique as the virgin birth because we see a similar

witness in the ministry of Moses (Numbers 12:5-8; Matthew 17:5). An angel announced the conception of Christ but

we also know that the births of Samson and John the Baptist were announced by angels too (Judges 13:2-5; Luke

1:11-15,26-33). Moses, Samson, and John were all descendants of Adam’s fallen race. The virgin birth is therefore a

unique sign from the Lord, conferred on Christ and Him alone, and no other living soul has ever or will ever be

conceived by a virgin.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 4: TOTAL DEPRAVITY, SINFULNESS AND GUILT OF ALL MEN

God’s Word teaches:

The total depravity, sinfulness and guilt of all men since the fall, rendering them subject to God’s wrath and

condemnation – Psalm 51:5; Job 14:4; Romans 3:23; 5:12-17; Mark 7:21- 23; Ephesians 2:1. The total depravity,

sinfulness and guilt of all men since the fall renders all sinners subject to God’s wrath and condemnation (Genesis

2:15-17; 3:1-6; Romans 5:17,19; Psalm 51:1-5). Man was created in the image of God, and he was righteous and

holy. Man was a crown of God’s creation (Genesis 1:26,27; Psalm 8:5-8; Genesis1:31). Through voluntary

disobedience and transgression, man fell into the depths of sin. In consequence of this, every one born through our

first parents (Adam and Eve) became sinners, shapen in iniquity and utterly void of the holiness of God. Every man

became totally inclined to evil (Psalm 51:1-5; Romans 3:10-18,23; 7:14-21; John 3:18,36; Romans 5:12-17; Job 14:4;

Isaiah 48:8). As a result of the fall of man (Adam and Eve) all men born through man and woman became sinners

through inheritance. By inheriting the nature of sin, man became depraved. There is nothing in the natural man that

has not been affected by the power of sin. The entire nature of man, mentally, physically, morally and spiritually has

been affected by sin. The testimony of the scriptures is that the image of God in man has been seriously marred by

this great fall. As a result of the fall, and the nature of sin inherited, man became separated from God, totally

alienated from the perfect, holy and pure God. This separation is the cause of the beginning of sorrow, shame, fear,

heartaches, and manifold problems, spiritually and mentally. Man became a transgressor and debtor to God (Romans

1:32; 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4; Hebrews 9:27). All these have brought man under the wrath and condemnation of God, for

“the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” There is nothing we can do for ourselves to commend us to a righteous and holy

God. There is nothing the natural man (Fallen away from grace) can offer to appease God for man to escape His

righteous judgment. The Bible describes the fallen nature of man in various terms. Jesus Christ referred to sinners

outside the kingdom of God as swine and dogs. “Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast your pearls

before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you (Matthew 7:6; Mark 7:25-28). He

also referred to them as goats (Matthew 25:33). Paul in his epistle to the Philippian church warned them to beware of

evil workers and dogs (Philippians 3:2). Also, in his epistle to the Romans, he referred to the fallen nature of man as

“there is none righteous, no, not one”, “they are together become unprofitable”, “their throat is an open sepulcher”,

“whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness”, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans

3:10-18,23). Jesus and John the Baptist described men as “vipers” (Matthew 3:7; 12:34). Variously, the

unregenerated man is characterized by reprobate mind, being filled with all unrighteousness – immorality,

covetousness, full of envy, murder, man is defiled and polluted (Romans 1:28-37; Mark 7:21-23), treacherous,

transgressors, “workers of iniquity”, “their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasters and destroyers” (Isaiah 48:8;

59:5-8), cunning and crafty, full of wickedness, blind, foolish with darkened understanding, children of wrath

(Ephesians 2:3; 4:14). The Bible says that the whole head of man is sick. The heart devices wicked imaginations, and

has come far short of the glory of God. All men have become enslaved to sin, and because sin dwells in the natural

man, man is conceived in sin, born in sin, grows up in sin – by nature and habit, he is a sinner. The natural man

cannot resist sin. The consequence of the fall of man is that man became totally depraved, and the immediate effect

was his separation from the holy God, and a curse upon Adam and his descendants (Genesis 3:1-6,14- 19,23,24;

Romans 5:12; 8:22). God’s judgment also came upon all men: “the soul that sinneth, it shall die”, “for the wages of sin

is death” (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). The human race has rebelled against God and broken His law, but the love of

God constrained the holy God to plan for man’s redemption to fulfill the law that “without shedding of blood is no

remission” (Hebrews 9:22). Therefore God undertook the redemption work for man by sending Jesus Christ to die for

him. Jesus Christ became the Divine Provision of a Perfect Substitute and Sin-bearer (Genesis 22:7,8,14; 3:15; John

3:16; Hebrews 9:22). He became the Lamb of God (John 1:29; Matthew 1:21). By the perfect sacrifice of His blood (1

Corinthians 5:7) and through His blood man has complete protection from the fatal and eternal consequence of the

fall, from the curse of the broken law (Exodus 12:13; Galatians 3:13), complete removal of the guilt and

condemnation of sin, and full redemption by faith in Him (Isaiah 53:4-8; Acts 8:32-35; 1 Peter 1:18-21; 2:24).

The atonement is the reconciliation of sinful, fallen man to God made possible through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus

Christ. The vicarious death of Jesus Christ is the substitution of the sufferings of Christ for the punishment of all

sinners in the world. The prime purpose of this is the full redemption of fallen mankind. Through this “mercy-seat”,

sinners are reconciled to God. The power of sin over the natural man can only be broken by the Lord Jesus Christ

(John 3:16; Romans 5:17-19). “For as by one man’s disobedience, many were made sinners, so by the obedience of

one man shall many be made righteous.” God demands repentance from all sinners to avail themselves of the

provision of redemption made in Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:5-7; Matthew 20:28; 26:28; John 3:14,15; 1 Corinthians 5:7;

John 1:12; 3:18,36). Repentance is the change that takes place in the penitent’s attitude towards sin. It is turning

away from sin to God. Sincere and total repentance and godly sorrow for sin through the agency of the Holy Spirit are

important pre-requisites for salvation. Repentance is the deep inward experience, which makes the sinner turn from

sin to God. Therefore, God demands repentance from all men (Mark 1:15; Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3,5; 24:47; Acts

2:38; 3:19; 17:30). When a sinner hears the gospel empowered by the Holy Spirit, the sinner will have deep, godly

sorrow for his sins and acknowledge them by confessing all manner of sins. He goes before God n the merit of the

atonement of made by Jesus Christ through His vicarious death and accepts the sacrifice as a substitute for the

punishment of his own personal sins. On the basis of this process of genuine repentance, the sinner asks for

forgiveness and pardon based on the promises of God in the scriptures (Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:6,7; 1 John 1:9;

Ezekiel 18:21,22). As the sinner repents genuinely, he receives forgiveness and pardon (Romans 8:16; 2 Corinthians

5:17; 1 John 2:2,3).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 5: REPENTANCE

God’s Word teaches:

That Repentance is a complete turning away from all sins and its deceitful pleasures and that it is required from every

sinner before he can truly and effectively believe in Jesus with saving faith – Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel

18:21-23; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:46,47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:20,21; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Hebrews 6:1-3 Repentance is a

conscious turning away from evil, disobedience, sin or idolatry. It is also turning fromSatan unto the living God (Jonah

3:8-10; Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 12:41). Repentance evokes a change of one’s mind and purpose in life and

changes all past actions. It elicits a form of godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10), which makes an erstwhile sinner regard

sin with utter revulsion. Godly sorrow makes the sinner or backslider to turn away from sin. It also causes an

abhorrence or hatred for sin. The need for repentance is the heartache of a deeply compassionate God (2 Peter 3:9).

Repentance is the genesis of the process of restoration for backsliders and sinners. It differs from tearful remorse,

which is merely an expression of sorrow over an embarrassing outcome of sin (2 Chronicles 7:14; 2 Corinthians

7:10). It is a universal command by God to all people (Ezekiel 14:6; 18:30; Acts 17:30) Repentance is the central

theme of the gospel. The doctrine and teaching of repentance is fundamental to the propagation of the gospel. It is a

foundation stone in the cardinal doctrines of the New Testament Church. Its vital place in scripture, particularly in the

New Testament, is underscored by the regularity of its usage. Repentance, repent or repenting occurs over sixty

times in the New Testament alone. It was the keynote of Christ’s preaching as well as the sum and substance of the

evangelistic apostolic message. He repeatedly emphasized that His mission was to provide repentance for the sinner

(Matthew 9:13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32; Acts 3:18,19,26; 11:18). Also, John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Lord

anchored his fiery messages in the wilderness on repentance (Luke 3:3-8). At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus

preached repentance (Matthew 4:17). His valedictory message to His disciples shortly before He was taken to

heaven was hinged upon repentance (Luke 24:45-47). This was principally because repentance is cardinal to the

sinner’s reconciliation with God. From His eminent position in glory, the Lord yet admonished the backslidden church

to repent (Revelation 2:4,5; 3:3). Peter and the other Apostles took a cue from the Lord and made the doctrine of

repentance the fundamental theme of their gospel homilies (Acts 2:38; 17:30). Paul the Apostle sent to preach to the

Gentiles did not differ with either the Lord or the other Apostles on the necessity of repentance for the sinner or

backslider to gain the mercy of God. Repentance must therefore be preached to all men in the name of the Lord

Jesus Christ (Luke 24:47). Sinners and backsliders must be made to know that no one is excluded from the challenge

of the gospel to repent, for it is only through repentance that the manifold blessings, arising from the remission of

sins, could be appropriated. Repentance, however, does not exist in isolation of faith. Saving faith is taken as

implying the change of mind, which is repentance (Hebrews 11:9; Zechariah 8:14; Acts 20:21). Both are a response

to grace, creating a completely different orientation for the penitent sinner. Works do not elicit repentance (2

Timothy 1 :9; Romans 3:27,28; 4:1-8; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8). Paradoxically, repentance must necessarily produce

works otherwise it is unreal (James 2:14-26; Ephesians 2:9,10; Titus 2:5-8). True repentance manifests in a proper

attitude towards sin (2 Corinthians 7:10,11; Psalm 38:18; 51:17; 2 Samuel 12:13). The repentant heart henceforth

treats sin with disdain. No sinner or backslider can be said to have genuinely repented if he still condones sin. This is

because essentially sin is exceedingly abominable. Consequently, the need for repentance by the sinner must be the

pivot around which the redemption message must be woven. Repentance opens the way and makes us to receive

the grace of God. It provides pardon and remission of sins (Isaiah 55:7; Proverbs 28:13; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19).

Through it sinners receive justification and acceptance (John 1:12,13; Galatians 3:8; 2:16; Romans 8:1; 5:12). Above

all, there is joy in heaven, joy to God, Christ, and heavenly hosts when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7,10-24).

Repentanc e is a profitable doctrine that makes inward change of life a reality while activating a life of Faith. The

practical side of repentance is restitution, which is the act of correcting all past wrongs and having a conscience void

of offence towards God and man. God expects the repentant sinner or backslider to correct every wrong committed

against others. Restitution is incontrovertibly an integral part of true repentance (Genesis 20:1-18; Numbers 5:6-8; 2

Kings 8:1-6; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Matthew 5:23,24; Acts 24:16). Through repentance, self-centredness gives way to

God- or Christ-centeredness. The forgiveness of sin is available only to those who repent, for they alone are worthy

of God’s mercy.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 6: RESTITUTION

God’s Word teaches:

That Restitution is making amends for wrongs done against our fellow men, restoring stolen things to their rightful

owners, paying debts, giving back where one has defrauded, making confessions to the offended and apologizing to

those slandered so as to have a conscience void of offence toward God and man – Genesis 20:1-8,14-18; Exodus

22:1-7; Leviticus 6:1-7; Numbers 5:6-8; 2 Samuel 12:1-6; Proverbs 6:31; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Matthew 5:23,24; Luke

19:8,9; Acts 23:1-5; 24:16; James 4:17; 5:16 Restitution is the act of making amends for wrongs done against our

fellowmen; restoring stolen or misappropriated things, properties or persons to their rightful owners; paying back just

debts, giving back where one has defrauded, making confessions to the offended and apologizing to those slandered

so as to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men. This is done whether the person

injured knew it or not, for God knows (Hebrews 4:13). We receive forgiveness when we confess and forsake our sins.

We get cleansed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). When a man sins against God,

we often find that other people suffer as a result of that sin. It is also true that when a man sins against his neighbour,

he sins against God in the same act, because one of God’s commandments ahs been broken. God willingly forgives

the sins committed against Him when there is repentance and forsaking of sin. However, God requires that a man

make amends to any person he has injured or wronged as a mark among other things, that repentance is genuine.

We need to bear fruit that signify to all that we have become new creatures indeed (Luke 3:8-14; Romans 8:1,2; Acts

24:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Making restitutions ensure that we have right relationship with our fellowmen after we are

reconciled with God. The Bible doctrine on restitution in practice and precept spans virtually all the dispensations of

God’s dealings with men till present day. The revelation of God’s will and word before the Mosaic laws demands that

we make restitution (Romans 1:19,20). Therefore, this teaching or doctrine of God’s word, which had been

established many years before the law cannot be abolished with the law. Restitution is part of the moral law. Most

sins committed by men are against God as well as their neighbour. So repentance toward God for the children of

Israel included restoration to man of all properties gained by fraud, lying or pretence of whatever kind (Exodus

21:18,19,22,26-36; 22:1-15; Leviticus 6:2-5; Numbers 5:6-8). Rulers in Israel reflected and embraced this teaching on

restitution. It is vital today that rulers, temporal and spiritual reflect this commitment to God’s moral requirement for all

men (cf.2 Samuel 16:5-8 with 19:16-23; Proverbs 6:30,31; 1 Kings 20:34; 2 Kings 8:1-6). The prophets of Israel also

preached, explained, and emphasized the need to make restitution by every backslidden Israelite who is returning

to God (Nehemiah 5:6-13). The prophets proclaimed and prophesied much of the coming Christ and the atoning

sacrifice. They were quick to recognize the need for the blood of the lamb to cleanse sins, yet they did not lessen

God’s requirement of the necessity of restitution. The ministry of preachers today is akin to that of the Old Testament

prophets. Restitution is a doctrine of Christ, confirming his word that “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle

shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled”. Every believer must earnestly and whole- heartedly contend for

and practice all that Christ taught (Matthew 18:15-17; Luke 17:3-5; 19:8-10). Zacchaeus’ encounter with the Lord

Jesus Christ is an object lesson. He wanted nothing to stand between himself and salvation – not even his wealth,

especially that part that was ill-gotten. Though the people murmured that Jesus was going to be a sinner’s guest,

Jesus pronounced that salvation has come to Zacchaeus’ house since he as a son of Abraham not only by birth but

now by faith, is ready to make right his life and wholly follow the Lord. The salvation experience makes a person feel

like returning all possessions that rightfully belong to others.

The Apostles in the early church also practiced and taught restitution. In fact, the whole church of God lived by this

teaching (Matthew 28:19,20; John 14:26; Acts 2:42; 16:4,5; Philemon 7-21). The rules of righteous living are just as

high (or even higher), under the dispensation of grace, as those in the Old Testament. Restitution is as much a part

of the gospel as conversion or water baptism. It is not a self- righteous act to merit pardon. When a man is saved, he

will not only make right matters of money such as theft, dishonest gains and unpaid bills; he will also confess his lies,

slanderous reports, unjust criticisms, hatred, malice – those things in which one may have injured others in word or in

deed. One may say, “my brother or sister does not know that I talked evil of him.” But what about the person to

whom you talked? Without doubt you have harmed him, and perhaps he repeated it to others. You should go to the

one to whom you talked and confess it. It is better that we make right all previous wrongs here and now than face it in

eternity. The great ‘Counsellor’ who never lost a case can go before us and soften the hearts of those whom we have

wronged (1 Timothy 5:24). Making restitution can be likened to a spiritual warfare in which we need God’s help and

wisdom to undertake for us and quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:10-12,16). Some restitutions

are delicate. These are restitutions that may implicate or bring injuries or harm to others that may be unsaved or the

need to settle issues with individuals or organizations that may affect other people in an adverse way. These also

include cases in which we do not have clear leading from God’s word as to what steps to take. For delicate

restitutions, we need fervent prayers, wisdom and counseling from Spirit-filled preachers of God’s word who believe

and teach the whole counsel of God (Proverbs 11:14;15:22; 24:6). The civil laws in a country may not always govern

in matters of restitution. For example, the law may provide a time limit for certain classes of debts and obligations,

after which they become lapse; but no debts are outlawed with God. Time cannot cancel moral obligations.

Restitution is usually considered at the time of salvation because God will only forgive when a man is willing, so far as

it lies within his power, to make right every wrong that he has committed against others. There would be need,

however, throughout life as a Christian to be ready to make restitution where need be, when others are offended, for

example, out of human error of judgment (Acts 23:1-5; Matthew 5:23,24). God demands that restitution be made. A

far-reaching benefit in God’s plan as regards restitution is that an undeniable testimony is directed to the people who

otherwise might never seriously hear the story of the gospel. A religion that compels a man to pay his just debts,

restore back the things he has stolen, and uncover his crimes demands confidence from the men of the world.

When restitutions are made, and past wrongs are settled, the peace of God floods the believer’s heart. There is

confidence towards God in prayer and the believer makes progress in the Christian life as sense of guilt is removed

(Romans 8:1,2).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 7: JUSTIFICATION

God’s Word teaches:

That Justification (or regeneration) is the act of God’s grace whereby one receives forgiveness and remission of sins

and is counted righteous before God, through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus, standing before God as though he

had never sinned – Psalm 32:1,2; Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:19; John 3:3-8; Acts 13:38,39; Romans 3:24-30; 4:6-16; 5:1,2;

2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:16; Acts 2:38; 8:8,9; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23. Justification is the act of God’s grace

through which one receives forgiveness and remission of sins and is counted righteous before God, through faith in

the atoning blood of Jesus. Having thus been cleared of every guilt of sin, the regenerated stands before God as

though he had never sinned. Now totally forgiven and the sins forgotten, God looks at the redeemed sinless not on

the basis of any personal merit but in the light of what Christ had accomplished for mankind by His substitutionary

death on the cross of Calvary (Psalm 32:1,2; Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:19; Acts 13:38). In order to fully appreciate the

benefits of salvation in Christ Jesus, the utter helplessness and hopelessness of man should be noted. Man being

incapable of personally providing a solution to his problem of sin or change his eternal destiny of damnation (Isaiah

59:8), the need for justification becomes obvious. To meet the standard of divine justice due price needed to be paid.

Man lacked both the capacity and the purity to afford this. It therefore required the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of

God, untainted and without blemish in Himself to pay the necessary ransom with His blood for the expiation of man’s

sins. It is instructive here to note that the nature of sin is not such that man could handle on his own or by the merit of

his good works (Ephesians 2:8,9). Just as circumcision cannot justify the Jew nor water baptism the Gentile, so by

the standards of God’s righteousness and holiness, church membership or confirmation does not suffice to justify any

one. Only faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross can assure a penitent soul the full justification by the

grace of Jesus. As has been outlined above, three aspects of the doctrinal question need be examined closely:

Redemption by the blood of Christ, Necessity of Faith, and the Evidence of Justification. Genesis 2:16,17 reads: “And

the LORD God commanded the man, saying of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the

knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die.”

God’s indelible words as revealed in the Holy Scriptures cannot be changed (Isaiah 55:11). “Heaven and earth shall

pass away, but my words shall not pass away (Matthew 24:25). Adam and Eve, though still physically present in the

garden of Eden after eating the forbidden fruit, were consequently spiritually dead and became alienated from God

and from the commonwealth of His kingdom. This verdict they could not set aside, which emphasizes the

insufficiency of man’s works and personal endeavour in gaining salvation, except by being born again (John 3:3). It

needed a Messiah – one qualified and of a high integrity to meet the divine standard and thus satisfy God’s

imperative Judgment. Christ therefore became the sin-bearer, based on the fact of God’s provision and what the

Scripture says (Romans 3:25). “And He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins

of the whole world” (1 John 2:2; Acts 4:12). And by Christ’s finished work of grace, solution was provided to the

problem of sin to ensure man’s reconciliation with God (Isaiah 44:22; Romans 5:9). Although Christ’s atonement on

the cross guarantees universal provision of salvation or all mankind, this could only be appropriated on a personal

basis through faith in Christ Jesus. The sinner who seeks salvation must take the necessary step of faith in the blood

of Jesus. Paul gives proof of this in his Epistle to the Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace

with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word

preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2; 11:6). Having been saved

through faith in our Lord Jesus, the redeemed has evidence in his new life to show for his justification (2 Corinthians

5:17). In keeping with this expectation, apostle Paul exhorts the Ephesian converts: “Be ye therefore followers of God

as dear children. And work in love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a

sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour” (Ephesians 5:1,2). Before he was justified, the sinner had works of the

flesh as catalogued in Galatians 5:19-21, but as a new creature, the fruit of the Spirit become manifest (Galatians

5:22,23). Therefore, in lifestyle, speech, conduct, and disposition, the redeemed is more like Christ, having been

quickened by the Spirit of God. The misleading concept of justification by works, as an article of man’s religion, is

opposed to

justification by faith because it denies the grace of God and dishonours the blood of Christ. The

reference in James 2:14-26 may be interpreted amiss by a cursory reader of the scriptures, where it

asks: “But wilt thou know O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” The underlying point being

stressed by James is that works as referred to in this context are complementary to justification by

faith. So then, though in one sense a man is justified by faith without works, in another sense we see

“how by works a man is justified, and not by faith only”. Justification by faith before God; justification

by works before men. Properly understood, none really is mutually exclusive.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 8: WATER BAPTISM

God’s Word teaches:

That Water Baptism is essential to our obedience after reconciliation with God. Water Baptism is one immersion (not

three) “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”, as Jesus commanded – Matthew 28:19;

3:13-17; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; 8:38,39; 19:1-6; Romans 6:4,5. Water baptism is one of the cardinal doctrines of

the Lord Jesus Christ, yet one of the most misunderstood teachings by contemporary teachers and preachers. Some,

at one extreme, believe that it is not necessary because of its abuse by nominal Christians while at the other extreme;

others believe that without water baptism, one cannot be saved. In the middle is yet another group that believes that

though it is necessary, it must be administered in the name of Jesus only.

All of them are wrong because Jesus Christ commanded that water baptism should be administered in the name of

the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19; John 1:14; John 2:5). Doing otherwise therefore is

to disobey Jesus Christ. The word ‘baptize’ is a Greek word ‘baptiso’, which means to immerse, ‘dip inside liquid’.

This shows the proper form of baptism is by immersion inside water. The immersion signifies identification with the

burial of Christ in His death and rising up in newness of life with Him at His resurrection (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians

2:12). In baptism, the believer shows his faith that Christ died for his sins and rose again for his justification: that if he

dies he will be raised again in the resurrection and that he dies to his old life and rises to walk in the new life with

Christ. The immersion is done only ONCE and not THRICE. Jesus Christ was dipped inside River Jordan only

once (Matthew 3:16); the eunuch of Ethiopian was immersed in water once (Acts 8:38). When we submit for water

baptism it is an acknowledgement of Christ in a public way. Therefore it is a public ceremony, which witnesses to all

that one has put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). Jesus commanded that the gospel be preached to sinners and as they

repent and believe the gospel, they should be baptized. This confirms that water baptism is for those who fully repent

of their sins (Acts 2:38). This also confirms that only adults who can exercise faith to believe can be baptized Matthew

28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Acts 10:9,10; 20:21; Mark 1:14,15). It is fundamentally wrong to baptize infants who

have not reached the stage of accountability as practiced by some orthodox churches. The pages of the

NewTestament are filled with references on water baptism. In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus submitted Himself to John the

Baptist for water baptism to fulfill all righteousness. The testimony of God the Father to the ministry of His Son, Jesus

Christ, through the descent of the Holy Ghost on Him as He came out of the water after the water baptism was in

agreement with it. Christ’s command of Matthew 28:19 was re-echoed in Mark 16:16. The Apostles also continued to

baptize in obedience to the command of Christ: the converts on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37:-42,47); the

Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:36-38), Samaritan converts (Acts 8:12,13), Cornelius and his kinsmen (Acts 10:47,48); the

Philippian jailor (Acts 16:30-33); the Ephesian disciples (Acts 19:5). Salvation does not come through water baptism

but by grace through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8,9; 1 John 1:7,9; Hebrews 9:22;

Matthew 26:28; John 1:12; 3:16,17; 1 Peter 3:21). The Scripture records a catalogue of those who got saved without

water baptism being a pre- condition: the sick of the palsy healed by Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:1-7); the woman who

washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and cleansed them with her hair (Luke 7:36-50); Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10);

the thief on the cross (Luke 24:39-43); Eunuch of Ethiopia (Acts 8:30-37); those who believed in Antioch (Acts

11:20,21); Saul of Tarsus was addressed as Brother Saul by Ananias before he submitted himself for water baptism

(Acts 9:17). Jesus laid down the standard for water baptism and it is to be carried out in the name of the Father, and

of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). Every believer in obedience to Christ’s command should th

erefore submit to this ordinance of water baptism. The importance of water baptism was expressed by Jesus Christ in

His parting words. He said: “He that believeth and is BAPTIZED shall be saved”. The opinions of men cannot

contradict the stand of the Scripture (Matthew 28:19). Once a person repents of his sins, it is mandatory that he

submits himself to water baptism as provided for in the Scriptures (Romans 6:3,4). The practice was upheld in the

early church. Converts were baptized in water soon after their salvation experience (Acts 2:41; 8:37,38; 16:30,31,33).

Every convert is therefore enjoined to yield to this important injunction. Pastors must do their utmost best to

encourage their flocks to attach great importance to this practice. Acts 20:28 says: “Take heed therefore unto

yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,

which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Peter encouraged his hearers to “repent and be BAPTIZED everyone

of you......for the remission of sin....”

BIBLE DOCTRINE 9: THE LORD’S SUPPER

God’s Word teaches:

That the Lord’s supper was instituted by Jesus Christ so that all believers (all members of the family of God) might

partake thereof regularly, to “shew the Lord’s death until He come.” The emblems used are “unleavened bread” and

the juice of “fruit of the vine.” Anyone who eats and drinks unworthily brings “damnation,” punishment and

hastisement upon himself – Matthew 26:29; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30. In setting the worship service in

the tabernacle, Moses was enjoined to do according to the pattern revealed unto him by God (Exodus 25:9,20; 26:30;

Numbers 8:4). This is a command we ought to obey as we consider the doctrine and practice of The Lord’s Supper.

The institution of the Lord’s Supper is clearly shown in the gospels (Matthew 26:17-30; Luke 22:1,7-20). Paul

Amplified the doctrine in 1 Corinthians 11:20-30. In the gospel according to Saint Luke, we see the links between the

Feast of Passover or Unleavened Bread and the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:15-20). The Lord’s Supper in the New

Testament is a type of the Feast of the Passover or Unleavened Bread in the Old Testament (Exodus 12:1-28,40-51).

This implies that just as the vicarious death of the Lord Jesus Christ replaced the Sacrifice of the Aaronic or Levitical

Priesthood for atonement of sin, so for us Christians the Lord’s Supper has replaced the Feast of the Passover, as an

ordinance. Some churches refer to the Lord’s Supper as the “SACRAMENT”: Latin-sacramentum, meaning Holy

Ordinance (1 Corinthians 11:2). The Theologians call it the “EUCHARIST” (Greek - GIVING OF THANKS); still others

name it “THE LORD’S TABLE” or the “HOLY COMMUNION” (1 Corinthians 10:16). Those who participate in eating of

the Lord’s Supper are called the “Communicants.” The universal name is the Lord’s Supper as used by our Lord.

In spite of the fact that the Lord’s Supper has replaced the Feast of the Passover, if we apply the LAW OF FIRST

MENTION as a means of studying the doctrine at hand, vital lessons and inspiration can be drawn from critically

looking at the pattern of the celebration of the Feast of Passover in Exodus 12:1- 51; Deuteronomy 16:1-8 and 2

Chronicles 30:1-27. This can be accomplished if we ask ourselves and answer the following questions: When and

why was the Passover instituted? (ii) Who was qualified to partake in the ordinance? (iii) What were the tokens or

emblems employed in the service? (iv) Who officiated in the service and how did they prepare for the ordinance i.e.

place, provision, cost and personal sacrifices? (v) What was the spiritual impact and how often was it done? Parallel

questions and answers apply to the Lord’s Supper. The PASSOVER (Hebrews ‘Pesah’) means, “to pass over” i.e. “to

spare” (Exodus 12:13,27). The Israelites were in bondage in Egypt (Exodus 2:11). They cried unto the Lord for

deliverance (Exodus 3:7-10). Pharaoh did not set them free until God sent vicious plagues upon Egypt. The Passover

ordinance was instituted the night when the destroyer killed all the firstborn in Egypt but “passed over” or spared the

Jews because of the blood on the lintel and side posts of their doors (a type of Calvary’s cross). The Feast of

unleavened Bread was co-joined with that of the Passover. The two then became known as “The Passover”

(Deuteronomy 16:1-8). Sanctified elders and the priests handled the emblems (the blood of pure lamb and

unleavened bread). The lamb was to be roasted and not eaten raw. No bone of the lamb was broken (Exodus 12:46;

John 1:29; 19:36). This typifies Christ. The defiled, uncircumcised strangers and Gentiles did not participate (Exodus

12:43-49). However, a qualified person would be cut off from among the Israelites if he refused to eat the Passover

(Numbers 9:13). The Jews who did not observe it in the first month because they were not levitically pure, a second

chance of eating the Passover was offered in the second month, if they were clean (Deuteronomy 16:1-8; 2 hronicles

30:1-27). The preparations made in terms of personal and corporate cleansing, provision of the emblems and the

place for the ordinance was elaborate and thorough. History tells us that in the New Testament, a candle light search

was made to root out any trace of leaven (impurity) from the location of the Passover. The HALLEL, Psalm 113 to 118

was sung (Matthew 26:30) and the story of Exodus 12:1-14 recounted, bringing to remembrance the deliverance from

Egypt. Prayers were also offered. It was a holy convocation. For the Jews, the dates for the Passover now became

the beginning of months. It is to be observed forever as a memorial. It brought joy and renewed strength to God’s

people (2 Chronicles 30:25,26; 31:1-19). However, by the deeds of the law no man shall be justified. By the time of

Christ, the Passover activities had been commercialised (John 2:13-17). Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper at

the last Passover, for the New Testament believers, thus signifying the end of the latter (Luke 22:1-20). Our Lord

Jesus Christ is our Paschal Lamb or Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7). He has delivered us from all bondages, sin

sickness, and Satan. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, no unbeliever, fornicator, polygamist, or drunkard could join in the

breaking of bread. The syncretic and the occultic did not have part in it. Some became unworthy because of fighting,

keeping malice, divisive, and having unforgiving spirit. Any restitution should be settled before the hour of the

ordinance (Matthew 5:23,24).

The Lord’s Supper is not the common love feast or marriage reception food (1 Corinthians 11:20-22) We DISCERN

the Lord’s Body (1 Corinthians 11:29). This implies we recognize that the emblems, “the fruit of the vine” and the

“Unleavened Bread” REPRESENT or SYMBOLISE the Lord’s broken body and His blood that was shed respectively.

They are not the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. This calls for holiness of life and solemnity on our part as we

come to the Lord’s table. We take the emblems to SHEW FORTH the Lord’s death. We call to remembrance His love

and passion on Calvary’s Cross. The Lord’s Supper is to be taken as practicable, doing it in remembrance of our

Lord, till He comes (Matthew 26:17-30; Luke 22:7-13; 1 Corinthians 11:26). We look forward to the Rapture and the

Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). Adequate preparations should be made by the leadership of the

church to secure the emblems and a location for the ordinance. More importantly we must keep our total being worthy

of it. In a Bible-believing church, grave consequences can befall those who eat it unworthily. Weakness, sickness or

even death could ensue (1 Corinthians 11:30). If you always feel disqualified it is not certain that you will be qualified

for the Rapture and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-18). Adults, youth, and children who have

current testimony of salvation and holy living can partake of it.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 10: ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION

God’s Word teaches:

That entire sanctification is a definite act of God’s grace, subsequent to the New Birth, by which the believer’s heart is

purified and made holy. Works, struggle, or suppression cannot attain it progressively, but it is obtained by faith in the

sanctifying blood of Jesus Christ. Holiness of life and purity of heart are central to Christian living – Luke 1:74,75;

John 17:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3,7,8; 5:22-24; Ephesians 5:25-27; Hebrews 2:11; 10:10,14; 13:11,12; Titus

2:11-14; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:14-16. The doctrine of entire sanctification is central in the mind of the

Godhead. The doctrine is at the hub or nucleus of Christian teaching. What then is the meaning of the word,

Sanctification? Sanctification is an English word which means: to make sacred or holy; to set apart for holy or

religious use; to make free from sin; to cleanse from moral corruption and pollution; the act of God’s grace by which

the affections of men are purified or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to supreme love to God; to purify in

order to prepare for divine service and for partaking of holy things; to free from the power of sin; being set free from

the power of cancelled sin. A gracious work of the Holy Spirit, not of works, not of growth, not of death, not of

purgatory. God has the ability to destroy sin. Sanctification is an operation of the Spirit of God on those who are

already in Christ. They who are effectually called and regenerated having a new heart and a new spirit created in

them need to be further sanctified through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection, His word and His Spirit.

Sanctification is an instantaneous experience given to a believer to enable him cleave to God without the tendency to

want to go astray or go away from the Lord. It is not a protracted or tedious process of growth. You do not grow INTO

sanctification, but you can grow IN sanctification. We can never grow into what God must of necessity do for us.

Again, sanctification is not brought about by death. To assume that is to say that death is no longer our last enemy to

be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26). Neither are we cleansed from the original stain (the nature we brought into the

world) through Water Baptism. Entire sanctification is not of works, but is the work of God, divinely wrought by the

Holy Spirit. ‘Holiness’, ‘Perfection’ and ‘Sanctification’ are the definitive terms used interchangeably. Holiness means

entire freedom from sin, wholeness, spiritual health, moral integrity and purity. Our health means the absence of

sickness. Therefore, holiness means the absence of sin (Luke 1:74,75; Psalm 29:2; 93:5; 1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews

12:14). ‘Perfection’ means that which is not lacking in what it ought to have. The perfection, which God requires and

accomplishes in those who earnestly ask in faith, is the purifying of our hearts; loving every believer as Christ loves

us, and loving our neighbours as ourselves. Nothing less than this is desirable and nothing more is required

(Colossians 1:28). Entire sanctification is described as ‘clean heart’ or ‘pure heart’. This descriptive term shows the

experience in a way one can understand in his heart (Psalm 24:3,4; Matthew 5:8). The Bible teaches us that all of

God’s children can be like Jesus in separation from the world, in purity and in love. We must be inwardly pure and

peaceful otherwise be left defeated. A blameless life is a life in which God sees nothing to condemn. We may not

be blameless to our contemporaries, but we can be blameless before God. When God examines a sanctified heart

He finds all that is possessed to be in harmony with Himself. The heart of the sanctified is a throne on which God

reigns without a rival; an empire wherein He exercises unchecked, undisputed dominion and authority. How does the

earnest seeker get sanctified? There must first be a definite separation and withdrawal from all sins and appearance

of evil, immorality, and all unclean things (1 Thessalonians 5:22; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 2 Timothy 2:21). There must,

secondly, be ENTIRE Consecration. This is giving ourselves unto God in a vivid manner. First, we give ALL we are to

God. Here we no longer lay any claim on ourselves (Luke 9:60; Romans 12:1,2). Second, we give our body unto the

glory of God, not for any selfish motive or purpose in view, but with the consideration and knowledge that we are

bought with the precious blood of Jesus. Third, we give OURSELVES FOR SERVICE (John 13:12-17). We should

not stress our being priests and kings unto God but also being servants. Here Jesus shows how to consecrate and

dedicate ourselves for service. Washing the feet was the work of a slave. So, we must learn to do the meanest job in

the midst of believers and not waiting for compliments. Fourth, we must die to self. “Verily, verily I say unto you,

EXCEPT a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit....” (John

12:24,25). Consecration is coming before God with our past, present, future, personality, possession, wisdom,

alents, intellect, money, influence, position in the family and in the church and dedicating all to God. We separate and

dedicate ourselves to God, He readily willing to do His part and give us the definite experience of Entire

danctification. This is the operation of God, a definite act of God’s grace in a believer’s heart (Hebrews 2:11;

13:12,13). By what means of grace does the believer get into this experience? The means of sanctification

includes: a) The word of God (John 15:3); b) The blood of Jesus (Hebrews 13:12,13); c) Faith in the Lord (Acts

26:18); d) The Spirit of God, and e) God Himself (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We do not get sanctified by studying the

word alone. We need to pray in faith. We must believe in its possibility before we can ask in faith. Also, we must

realize that it is the will of God that we are made holy (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; 1 John 5:14,15). Without holiness, no

man shall see the Lord. Holiness here is not just the judicial kind of holiness, but the practical holiness of which

believers are partakers because they have surrendered their entire life unto God through Christ. This holiness does

something in our hearts that makes us live right. We must desire it (Mark 11:24), and ask with a genuine burning

desire. What should be our response to this doctrine? The Bible teaches that all believers can be wholly sanctified (1

Thessalonians 5:23). We should not be guilty of taking away from the word. This teaching places a great and solemn

responsibility upon all preachers of the word to teach this doctrine; be a partaker of the experience (1 Timothy 4:12; 2

Timothy 2:6), and endeavour to understand and know how to present it by study (2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 1:9; John

7:46); faithfully and effectively teach all believers without fear or compromise, for in all things of the Spirit, we should

not withhold or withdraw the truth from our congregation (2 Timothy 2:2). Let us encourage all believers to partake of

the blessing. This gracious Christian experience could be kept all through life provided that the recipient keeps

abiding in Christ, watching, and praying (John 15:4; Mark 13:32-35). Having been warned to hold fast that which is

good, the only reasonable thing for the Sanctified Believer to do is to stop grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians

4:30,31); Refuse to relapse into bitterness and harshness of spirit, never engage in unprofitable conversation

(Ephesians 5:3,4), unkind criticisms, evil speaking and fault finding, self indulgence and prejudice, impatience,

indolence and negligence, uncontrolled temperament, self- dependence and self-management and interest in objects

of temptation. Why should any Christian doubt the possibility of complete deliverance from sin? Jesus should not be

limited as a Saviour. Complete deliverance from sin is Christ’s purpose (Titus 2:11-15). The white lily grows up from

mire, but with no dust on it. Christians can grow up in this dirty world yet without spot on their lives (Romans 12:1,2).

It is our privilege to be totally separated from the evil of the world. It isa promise from God that we should be purged

and sanctified. “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

BIBLE DOCTRINE 11: HOLY GHOST BAPTISM

God’s Word teaches:

That the Baptism in the Holy Ghost is the enduement of power from on High upon the sanctified believer. It is “the

promise of the Father” and when one receives this “gift of the Holy Ghost”, it is accompanied by the initial evidence of

speaking a language unlearned previously, referred to as speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance – Matthew

3:11; Acts 1:8; Luke 3:16; 24:49; John 1:30-33; 7:7-39; 14:16; 17:26; 15:26; 15:26; 16:12-15; Acts 1:5-8; Mark 16: 17;

Acts 2:1-18; 10:44-46; Acts 19:1-6. We do not teach or instruct people how to speak in tongues: the Holy Spirit gives

utterance. We also stress the necessity of Purity before Power. The gifts of the Spirit are for today – 1 Corinthians

12:1- 31; 14:1-40. The baptism in the Holy Ghost is the endowment of power from on High upon the sanctified

believer. It is the promise of the Father. When one receives this gift of the Holy Ghost it is accompanied by the

initial evidence of speaking a language unlearned previously, referred to as speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives

utterance (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:8; John 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:30-33; 7:37).

We do not teach or instruct people how to speak in tongues; the Holy Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4). Jesus Christ

the great Teacher preached it and promised it. (John 7:37-39; Luke 24:49; and Acts 1:4-8). The Baptism in the Holy

Ghost is not the new birth, salvation, conversion or regeneration (John 7:37- 39; 14:17; 17:6-9, 14-16; Luke 10:19-24;

24:49). It is not sanctification experience (John 17:9; 17:21- 23; Acts 2:1-4). Jesus prayed for the sanctification of His

disciples and yet commanded them to wait for the enduement of power, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Moreover,

sanctification is for purity whereas the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is for power. It is not also illumination, feeling of

joy, liberty, and victory in prayer, Self-denial or zeal (Luke 24:27, 31-32,44,45; Acts 8:8, 14-17; Matthew 19:27; 16:17).

The Holy Spirit is not a mere impersonal force. He is not a mere power that we can get hold of and use. He is not a

mere influence that we feel. He is a person who seeks to get hold of us and use us. The Holy Spirit is Divine

Personality who we must honour, worship, fellowship with, and listen to. He is called the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit,

the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of the Living God, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of Holiness, the Spirit of Life, the Spirit of

wisdom, the Spirit of your Father, the Comforter, the Eternal Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Luke 11:13;

Hebrews 9:14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Peter 1:11; 4:14; Romans 1:4; Matthew 10:20). The Holy

Ghost is Eternal, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Holy. He is the inspirer of the Holy Scriptures, the

general Overseer of the militant Church, the Great Teacher, helper and Guide of all the saints, the Character

Builder of all members of the Body of Christ (Hebrews 9:14; Psalm 139:7-10; Acts:10:38; Matthew 12:28; Luke

11:20-22; 1 Corinthians 2:10,11; John 14:17-26; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22,23; The Holy Ghost is the third

person in the Trinity (1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:3-6; Matthew 28:19).

The Holy Spirit:

1 Searches all hearts (John 16:8-11; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

2 Convicts of sin (John 16:7-11)

3 Regenerates (Titus 3:5).

4 Bears witness with us (Romans 8:14-16).

5 Adopts into God’s family (Romans 8:15).

6 Helps and gives victory in temptation (Romans 8:2,26-27).

7 Helps in prayer (Romans 8:26,27; Zechariah 12:10).

8 Fills believers with joy, peace, and boldness (Acts 13:49-520.

9 Sanctifies (Romans 1:4; 5:5).

10 Quickens and heals our body (Romans 8:11).

11 Comforts, counsels, and commands (Isaiah 11:1-2).

12 Intercedes for saints (Romans 8:26,270.

13 Illuminates and inspires (2 Peter 1:21).

14 Searches and reveals the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-12).

15 Teaches (John 14:26)

16 Guides into all truth (John 16:13).

17 Creates (Psalm 104:30).

18 Empowers (Acts 1:8).

19 Directs gospel work (Act 8:26-29).

20 Confirms the gospel (Hebrews 2:3,4).

The mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit is promised to all flesh; and those who meet God’s conditions can receive

God’s abundance (Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Joel 2:28,29; John 7:37-39. Few (very few) of the Old Testament

saints had the Spirit upon them for some special task that the Lord gave them to do. The Bulk of the Israelites lived all

their lives without the “special privilege” of having “the Spirit upon” them. Even those who had this privilege did not all

enjoy His continuous abiding presence (Numbers 11:25; 24:2; Judges 3:10; 6:34; 14:6; 1Samuel 10:9,10; 16:13; 2

Peter 1:21). There were great expectations and a “diligent searching” by the Old Testament prophets. They looked

forward to the glorious Gospel days in which we live. Even the angels dared to look into these things. In as much as

Christ’s incarnation, birth, life, dominion, rejection, suffering, meekness, death and resurrection were all foretold and

messianic prophecies were fulfilled in every detail, so also all prophecies concerning the outpouring of the Holy Spirit

must be fulfilled. Today, we can all receive the Spirit in baptismal measure. We can be baptized in the Holy Spirit if:

1 We thirst – have strong desire (Isaiah 44:3; John 7:37,39).

2 We receive “A new heart”, “an heart of flesh”, after removal of “the stony heart”, “circumcision of heart” (Ezekiel

36:26,27).

3 We have “faith” to “receive” (Galatians 3:2,14; Mark 11:22,24).

4 We pray to receive (Luke 11:13).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 12: REDEMPTION, HEALING AND HEALTH

God’s Word teaches:

That Redemption from the curse of the law, Healing of sickness and disease as well as continued Health are provided

for all people through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ – Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 7:15; Psalm 103:1-5;

Proverbs 4:20-22; Isaiah 53:4,5;Matthew 8:16,17; 1 Peter 2:24; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 13:16; John 14:12-14; 10:10;

Acts 10:38; James 5:14-16; John 3:8; 3 John 22: Galatians 3:13,14. Redemption is a release or liberation from

captivity or death by paying a price called a ransom. It simply connotes buying back unto freedom someone in

servitude, slavery, or captivity. The fall of man brought all human race under sin, Satan and condemnation as a result

of man’s disobedience to God, and the consequence of the broken law. Man lost his purity and favour with God in the

fall. Man cannot, by himself regain it. The whole creation was bought under the curse and all men (in Adam) became

sinners and captives to sin, Satan, and sickness (Romans 5:12). Consequently, man being under the sentence of

death, could not pay his own death penalty and live again to enjoy freedom from sin and carry out the divine purpose

for which he has been created. God then undertook the redemption of man by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus

Christ to die in man’s place. He being capable of redeeming man met the demands of the law and became the legal

substitute by paying the redemptive price for those who are condemned to death for breaking the law. This is

absolute protection from eternal punishment through the blood of the perfect and spotless substitute (Exodus 12:13;

John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7; Romans 3:24; Revelation 5:9; Romans 8:3; Isaiah 53:4-8; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23;

Matthew 26:28; 1 Peter 1: 18-21; Genesis 3:16,24). It was Christ who bore the curse of the law and suffered its

condemnation of death in our stead. No sinner can be acquitted except he accepts Christ as his Redeemer (Acts

4:12). Man’s redemption is not limited to removal of guilt; it covers all consequences of the broken law, which are

sickness, disease, and satanic oppression. Healing of sickness and disease as well as continued health are provided

for all men through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, there was a divine plan by which God

heals all those who were in covenant relationship with Him. Not everyone can enjoy this unfailing healing and health

plan made by God for all mankind based on the fact that not all men are in covenant relationship with Him. The

promise to keep the Israelites from diseases by which the Egyptians were afflicted was made at the instance of the

healing covenant Israel had with God. Diverse sickness, pestilences and; plagues came upon them when they

disobeyed God and broke His covenant (Deuteronomy 28:28-61; Psalm 107:17-20). But when they repented and

prayed, fulfilling the covenant conditions, they were healed (Numbers 21:4-9; 2 Chronicles 7:13,14; Psalm

107:17-20). God is in the business of healing today where the conditions of the covenant are Met. Jesus not only

bore our sins, He also bore our sicknesses and diseases. He became our sickness-bearer in exactly the same way

He became our sin-bearer. Christ was scourged and striped for our healing; nailed to the cross for our sin (John

3:14;12:22-23; Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; Psalm 103:2,4). The Holy Spirit concluded by saying, “Christ hath

redeemed us from the curse of the law: sickness- pestilence, fever, cancer, ulcer, boils, as well as nameless

sicknesses found in people’s life today and other infirmities recorded or not recorded in scriptures (Deuteronomy

28:15-29, 58-61; Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 7:12-15). Christ has been made manifest to destroy the works of the

devil (1 John 3:8; Acts 10:38; Hebrews 13:8). Divine healing and health, like salvation, have remained the right of

every child of God. It is a vital part of complete salvation once we belong to the commonwealth of Israel and not

strangers to the covenant of promise (Matthew 15:26-28; Ephesians 2:12-21; 1 Peter 2:9,10). Sickness in whatever

form is of the devil. God calls it captivity (Job 42:10), Jesus calls it bondage (Luke 13:16,12), and the Holy Spirit calls

it oppression (Acts 10:38). The victory of Jesus is our victory. He did nothing for Himself. He conquered

sin, Satan, disease and sickness on our behalf. He shares His victory with all who will repent and believe on His

name. He bore our infirmities, sicknesses, and diseases so that we could claim full release and deliverance. As much

as disobedience to God’s word, misuse of tongue and unbelief will make the covenant of no effect, for the people of

God, no more can anyone enjoy the blessing of healing without a current relationship with God through Christ,

obedience to the Word of God and fulfilling the terms and conditions for healing (Exodus 15:26; 23:25,26;

Deuteronomy 7:12-15,6-9; Psalm 91; Isaiah 1:19; Mark 2:5,9,11; 3 John 2). It then goes without saying that “curse

causeless shall not come ....” Most often infirmities come as a consequence of disobeying God (Genesis 20: 1-18; 1

Chronicles 10:13), through Satan, the very source of sickness and affliction (Job 2:6,7; Matthew 4:23,24; John 10:10;

8:44; 5:14; Acts 10:38), backsliding (Exodus 10:10; 2 Chronicles 16:12-14; Matthew 12:43-45), misuse of tongue

(Numbers 21:4-6; 11:1-3; 12:1-10), sin, covetousness or merchandising God’s gift (2 Kings 5:20-27); rebellion (Psalm

107:17-20; Deuteronomy 32: 39-41) or even breaking God’s law of nature. The Scripture reveals that evil spirits,

devils, and demons also assist Satan in his destructive work on human bodies. They possess, oppress, afflict,

torment, obsess people and cause dumbness and deafness (Matthew 9:32,33; Mark 9:25-27), blindness (Matthew

12:22), grievous vexation and torments (Matthew 15:22), lunacy (Matthew 4:24; Luke 9: 38-42) and suicide (Matthew

17:15). Satan and his cohorts gain entrance into men when men sin, consult with familiar spirits, palm reading, magic,

witchcraft, fortune telling, not guarding the mind

or refusal to resist the devil. As long as you have any of the devil’s property, he will stay around you. Renounce and

destroy the works of the devil for total emancipation from his claws ( 1 Peter 1:1,13; 5:8,9; Acts 19:18,19). The bible

sets forth the conditional precedence to enjoying the benefits and blessings of our relationship with God, which are

our redemptive rights: genuine conversion (Psalm 103: 2-5; Matthew 13:15; mark 9:23; Matthew 21:21,22; Mark 11

22-24; John 14: 12; James 1:6-8), obedience to God and His Word (Exodus 15:26; 23:25,26; Proverbs 4:20-22);

abiding in Him (Psalm 91:1-7; John 15:1-7); making peace with fellow men (Mark 11:22-26; James 5:14-16; Genesis

20:14), serving God in holiness (Exodus 23:25,26; Colossians 2:6,7; John 5:14; 1 John 3:21-22), appropriating the

benefits of Calvary through prayer of faith (2 Peter 1:3,4; Hebrews 6:18; 1 Peter 2:24; James 1:16,.17; Hebrews 13:8;

Matthew 8:17). From the foregoing, God heals those who are under His healing covenant (Psalm 105:37; 2

Chronicles 30:18-20) by His Word (Psalm 1077:20; Hebrews 4:20; Matthew 8:8), through His Mercy (Matthew

20:30-34), by His Power (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:16,17; Luke 5:17), by His Spirit (Acts 10:38; Isaiah 61: 1,2;

Luke 10:18,19; Romans 8:2,11; Matthew 12:280, in His Name (Acts 3:6; Luke 10:17,18; Mark 16:17,18; Proverbs

18:10; Philippians 2:9-11), by His Will (1 John 5:14,15; John 5:30; 3 John 2). What a sure word of prophecy! No need

therefore for private interpretation; according to your faith it shall be done unto to you. It is then left with every believer

to fulfill the terms of the divine conditions in order to live in the reality of this marvellous provision. Healing and health

is for us today. We can lay claim boldly to this redemptive grace: not with uncertainty, but with confidence of faith and

prayer to get healed and remain healthy all the days of our lives. Now we are redeemed, purchased, bought back

again to be God’s peculiar possession (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23; Obadiah 17). We shall live to possess

our possession.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 13: PERSONAL EVANGELISM

God’s Word teaches:

That Personal Evangelism is a God-given and God-ordained ministry for every believer, Jesus commanded and God

requires every believer to be a compassionate and fruitful soulwinner, bringing others to Christ - Matthew 28:19,20;

Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; John 17:18; Acts 1:8; 1-4; Psalm 126:5,6; Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3; Ezekiel 3:17-21.

Personal evangelism is a God-given and God-ordained ministry for every believer. The Greek word “euangelion”

(Gospel) actually means Good News. It is good news from a loving God to a lost world that through the death, burial,

and resurrection of Christ, there is salvation (John 3:16,17). Personal evangelism is the person-to-person sharing of

this good news of salvation with the aim of soul-winning – leading the sinner to repent and turn wholly to God through

Jesus Christ, the Saviour (John 1:40-42; Acts 8: 26-37). Jesus commanded and God requires every believer to be a

compassionate and fruitful soul winner (Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1;8). Although mass evangelism is good

and necessary, it will never take the place of personal evangelism. Illustrating the efficacy and superiority of personal

evangelism, one godly man said, “If you had one hundred empty bottles before you, and threw a pail of water over

them some would get a little in them, but most would fall outside. If you wish to fill the bottles, the best way is to take

each bottle separately and put a vessel full of water to each bottle’s mouth “. Another man of God said, “The world is

never going to be brought to Christ whole-sale but one by one. Men are not born collectively, they do not die

collectively, and they do not accept or reject Christ collectively”. Personal evangelism is essential and mandatory

because (a) Jesus commanded it (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19,20); (b) God is happy at its result (Luke 15:10); (c)

Jesus did it (John 4:21-30; Matthew 4:19); (d) God the Father started it (Genesis 3:9); (e) Jesus prayed for the

believers’ sanctification to make personal evangelism effective (John 17:17,18); (f) The Holy Spirit is given because

of it (Acts 1:8); (g) Jesus Christ willed it (Matthew 4:19); (h) It is the heart desire of God (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9);

(i) Jesus’ earthly ministry illustrates it (Luke 19:10); (j) The early apostolic church practised it (Acts 8:30-37; Mark

16:20; Acts 8:4; (k) It is a mark of true wisdom (Proverbs 11:30); (l) Every genuine believer is equipped for it (John

1:37-45; 4:28,290; (m) It is the primary purpose for our salvation (John 15:16; 20:21); (n) There is great reward for

those who carry it out (Daniel 12:3); (o) The harvest

is plenteous but the labourers are few (Matthew 9:36,37; John 4:35-38); (p) Life is short while eternity is endless

(John 9:4; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31); (q) Souls are precious to God (Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36,37; Psalm 49:6-90; (r)

Hell is the end of all who die in sin (Mark 9:43-48; Psalm 9:17; Revelation 20:10-15); (s) Powers of darkness and

cults are growing (2 Timothy 3:13; 1 Timothy 4:1); (t) Neglect hinders prayer and progress (Proverbs 21:13;24:11,120;

(u) It can be done without any expense. No loud speakers and microphones needed. No permission from the

government, church, or school is needed for the use of their compound (Acts 8:4) Finally, (v) there are tremendous

possibilities in personal evangelism when pursued vigorously and scripturally. It produces abundant results through

the law of spiritual multiplication. For instance, if a church of 100 dedicated and witnessing members will share the

gospel, with the unsaved, each member with effective follow-up will within a period of four months disciple a new

convert till he becomes a soul winner. If each convert were in turn to win one person to Christ, for example, spending

four months helping him to grow in faith, and then each of them in turn were to win another soul, there would be in

one year four hundred Christians. If they spend four months with the new converts and if each of the four hundred

believers wins another, they would be eight hundred. Continuing in that schedule, the membership of the church

would be over three million in five years. Precisely, if there were only one Christian in the world and he worked a year,

and won a friend to Christ, and if these two continued each year to win another, and if every man they led into the

kingdom of God continued to win another, then, in thirty years every person in the world would be won for Christ.

To be involved in personal evangelism, personal experience of conversion is indispensable (2 Timothy 2:6,7,19-21; 2

Corinthians 5:17). Also, the soul winner must live a holy life (2 Timothy 2:4; Isaiah 52:11). Secondly, the true soul

winner must have a strong, unshakable conviction (John 9:4; 1 Corinthians 9:16; Acts 26:22-24; 21:8-14). He must,

therefore, see himself as an ambassador of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19,20) and must thus devote his time, talents,

strength, and money to the furtherance of the Gospel. The world will never see Christ again until He comes back in

judgment, except as it sees Him in us. There should therefore be a strong conviction about God, the Bible, Salvation,

Christ’s death, resurrection, and His second coming. Thirdly, the soul winner must accept that the responsibility of

preaching the gospel is not optional but a debt (Romans 1:14; Proverbs 24:11, 12; Ezekiel 33:6; 1 Corinthian 9:16).

Furthermore, there is the need for a deep, burning Christ-like compassion (Matthew 9:36; Romans 9:1-3; 10:1). This

should be the basis for the sacrifices we make, effectual fervent prayers offered, tears shed and hardship endured for

the souls of men to be won to the Lord (Jeremiah 9:11). Specifically, there must be quite a lot of secret praying

because there is no substitute for expectant, secret waiting upon God for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, for

wisdom, for strength and power, courage, hope, faith and for a glowing burning and appropriate message from God

(2 Timothy 1:7).This prayer must be importunate to open the hearts of men to God (Psalm 2:8). The soul winner must

be skilful in the use of the Word, which is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 2:15). He must also have

a definite message, and recognize first that the Gospel is a fact that must be told cheerfully; and it is an entrusted

fact, therefore, it should be told faithfully. The soul winner must preach the gospel with earnestness, love, simplicity,

tact, and wisdom (1 Corinthians 9:20-23; 2 Timothy 2:24-26). He must not give in to discouragement. Opportunities

for personal evangelism abound daily on the streets, hospitals, motor parks, bus stops, inside the bus or taxi, prisons,

homes of neighbours, schools, markets etc. The soul winner does not wait for a perfect opportunity as every situation

is an opportunity (Ecclesiastics 11:4,6; 2 Timothy 4:2). An effective way of conducting personal evangelism is through

friendship. Friendship evangelism is theart of leading a soul to Christ by cultivating his friendship. Deed of kindness,

love, service, and friendliness can be the bait that will get a sinner interested in the gospel message. The soul winner

must do things that will demonstrate that he cares for the person’s earthly welfare as well as his eternal soul.

Friendship evangelism reflects genuine and true Christ love in action. Jesus Christ our Lord did not count it ungodly

to dine with sinners (Luke 15:12). Tracts, cassettes, good books, magazines, and even letter writing could be

employed for personal evangelism. When do we start personal evangelism? Now (John 4:35). This is because we

cannot be guiltless before God if we neglect it (Ezekiel 3:18,19). Millions of souls are rushing towards a lost eternity.

Believers must, therefore, throw aside all flimsy excuses as there is no trouble too great, no humiliation too deep, no

suffering too severe, no labour too hard, no expenses too much in saving souls. We must arise therefore, pray and do

the work.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 14: MARRIAGE

God’s Word teaches:

That Marriage is binding for life. Monogamy is the uniform teaching of the Bible. Polygamy is contrary to God’s

perfect will and institution. Also, under the New Testament dispensation, no one has a right to divorce and remarry

while the first companion lives. When a person becomes converted, necessary restitution, on this line, must be done

without delay if he has married wrongly - Genesis: 2:24; Deuteronomy 7:1-4; Job 23:11-13; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18;

Proverbs 31:10-31; Malachi 2:14, 15; Romans 7:2,3; Ephesians 5:31-33; Matthew 5:31,32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12;

Luke 16:18; John 4:15-19; Genesis 20:3- 7. Marriage is a holy union, a living symbol, a precious relationship that

needs tender self-sacrificing care. It is God’s idea and not a derivative of any culture. It is a gift from God to man and

it has three basic aspects: (i) The man leaves his parents, and in a public act, pledges himself to his wife; (ii) The

man and woman are joined together by taking responsibility for each other’s welfare and by loving the partner above

all others; (iii) The two become one flesh in the intimacy and commitment to the wonderful union which is reserved for

marriage. By so doing, marriage provides the needed fellowship, comfort, companionship, and partnership. It is one

of God’s methods to keep men and women free from fornication and immorality. With very few exceptions, most men

and women are to marry. These few exceptions are to receive God’s guidance and are not to be the product of

infantile decisions, misguided imitations, faithless consecration or frivolous religious compassion (Genesis 2:18-20,

22-24; Matthew19:4,5; Ephesians 5:31; 1 Corinthians 7:1,2,25-29,32). Marriage is part of God’s plan to raise the

Christian family. But the believer is not to go searching for a wife or husband, neither are they to resort to the

abominable method of ‘sampling’ or ‘picking and choosing’. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man

should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). God seems to be saying, “I am not going to

allow the man to choose for himself”. “And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made He a woman, and

brought her unto him” (Genesis 2:22). God did not bring a girl, an immature female, or a teenager, but He brought

a woman (intelligible, sensible, and mature) unto the man. He brought a perfect fit – two of a kind! God still leads His

children to His will even today. He does this through (i) His word (Psalm 119:105; 130; 2 Timothy 3:16,17) (ii) the

inner voice of the Holy Spirit, prompting, directing, influencing or checking (John 10:4,5,27; Romans 8:14; Proverbs

20:27; 1 Samuel 9:15-21; 16:13; Joel 2:28,29; Acts 9:10-15). However, any revelation that is received must be

diligently compared with the Scripture. If any revelation, visions, or dreams contradict the Scripture in anyway, such

revelations, visions, or dreams are to be rejected as false (Isaiah 8:19,20; Jeremiah 23:21-32; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15;

Revelation 22: 18,19). Once the will of God is known, believers are to seek and obtain their parents’ consent before

going on with any further plans (Genesis 24:15-29; 34:3-12; Exodus 22:16; Deuteronomy 7:3; 1 Samuel 18:20,21; 1

Corinthians 7:36-38). It is ungodly for any believer to elope with a woman or man no matter the divergent and

unyielding stance of their parents (Genesis 31:20-29). People in such a situation must pray and trust in the Lord

who gave the revelation of His will, to finish the work, for “with God all things are possible” (Psalm 37:4; Philippians

4:6; Proverbs 21:1 Mark 10:27). Thereafter, payment of Bride price or dowry shall be executed in line with the

Scripture. It is an ungodly practice to borrow money or go into debt to impress the women’s parents or relatives or

invitees. It is also considered sinful for two people to live together without meeting the requisite obligations to their

parents (Exodus 22:17; 1 Samuel 18:25-27; Hosea 3:2,3; 1 Corinthians 14:40; Romans 13:7,8). The parents’ consent

will lead, naturally, to a period of courtship to be determined by the church leadership but preferably not longer than

nine months. This affords the intending couple the opportunity to understand one another and plan for the future

together. It is a time to be spent together not in secrecy but in the home of a Christian family where movement of

people is not restricted. It is during courtship that the intending couple will discuss their expectations of each other (on

finance, size of family anticipated, extended family etc). Purity must be maintained before, during, and after the

courtship (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 5:22). Visitations and exchange of gifts at this stage are not acceptable, before the

wedding. The Christian wedding is preceded by ‘filing in of notice’ at the Marriage Registry. This is to enable the

public inform the Magistrate should there be any objection to the proposed marriage. The church wedding will take

place after the Pastor had received a certificate from the magistrate. The church will not join a couple in marriage

where i) one of them had been previously married and is separated from his or her former partner (Matthew 19:4-6;

John 4:18); ii) the lady has not obtained the consent of her parents; iii) the couple is in unequal yoke - one of them is

not born again (Deuteronomy 7:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14); iv) the lady is already pregnant. Therefore no believer will

marry an unbeliever or a divorced person. Moreover, God’s word forbids the believer marrying “any that is near of

kin”, that is “a relative” (Leviticus 18:6). Marrying relatives was prohibited by God for physical, social, and moral

reasons. Children born to near relatives may experience serious health problems. When improper sexual relations

begin, family life is destroyed. “For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you,

and the land is defiled...” (Leviticus 18:27-29). From the parables and actual marriages in the Scripture, weddings

were moments of rejoicing and feastings (Jeremiah 16:8,9; 33:11; John 2:1-11; 3:29; Isaiah 62:5) and special

garments were provided for the bridegroom, bride, and guests at the wedding (Matthew 22:12; Revelation 19:7,8). Yet

Christian practice must be guided by the uniform teaching of Christian living in the New Testament (1 Corinthians

7:29-31; 6:12; 8:9,13; Romans 14:15; 1 John 2:6; 3:2-4). The believers therefore must shun every form of worldliness

and worldly imitations in dressing and in the manner of entertaining guests. Simplicity and modesty must characterize

the wedding and God’s name glorified. The first step in creating a new union with one’s spouse is the dissolving of the

old one. A severance of relationship with one’s parents (Genesis 2:23,24; Ephesians 5:30,31). He is to leave father

and mother, which means departing, loosing oneself, finding freedom from something. Many who have violated this

scriptural principle have discovered to their chagrin a hurt to their marital joy. Marriage is “until death do us part”, and

God did not make any provisions for divorce or remarriage. In marriage, lack of spiritual, emotional, and intellectual

intimacy usually precedes a break down of physical intimacy. When couples fail to expose their secret thoughts to

one another, they shut off the line of communication to one another. The great secret of conjugal happiness is mutual

love, kindness, tenderness, and loveliness of character in the home. The wife should respect and obey the husband

and the husband should love and care for the wife (Ephesians 5:22-31). “Wives submit yourselves unto your own

husbands as unto the Lord...” Submission is not the obliteration or nullification of the woman’s personality. It is neither

subjugation nor an imposed obedience. Submission is a voluntary subordination. It is obedience motivated by love

(Philippians 2:5-8). “Likewise, ye wives be in subjection to your own husbands...” (1Peter 3:1-6). Such a life speaks

loudly and clearly, and is often the most effective way to influence a family member. Christian wives should develop

inner beauty rather than being overly concerned about their appearance. When the wife lives the Christian faith

quietly and consistently in the home, her family would see Christ in her “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ

also loved the church, and gave himself for it...so ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth

his wife, loveth himself” (Ephesians 5:25-28). Christ is the model of love. The husband can never love his wife too

much, yet that love is inconsequential when compared to his love for the Lord. The husband’s love makes him to be

considerate, understanding, and able to bear with his wife. The husband is also the head of the family. This headship

has the idea of authority, an authority after the analogy of Christ’s Headship. In that sense, the husband is the

spiritual head of the family and his wife goes along with his leadership. A wise and Christ-honouring husband will not

take advantage of his role, and a wise and Christ-honouring wife will not try to undermine her husband’s leadership.

“Nevertheless let every on of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence

her husband” (Ephesians 5:33).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 15: THE RAPTURE

God’s Word teaches:

That the Rapture (commonly referred to as the first phase or stage of the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST) is the

atching away from the earth of all living saints and all who died in the Lord. The Rapture will take place before the

Great Tribulation and can happen any time from now. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,...” without a moment’s

warning, “the trumpet shall sound”, “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” –

John 14:1-3; Luke 21:34-36; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:4-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:5-7;

Philippians 3:11,20,21; 1 John 3:1-3. The Rapture is the greatest event of all ages that the church is waiting for. It is

the catching away of all true believers in Christ to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Christ at the end of

His first advent was in like manner taken up in the air to go and prepare a place for His own. The parting promise

from God was that Jesus will return in like manner to receive His ‘Bride’ to be with Him for ever (Acts 1:9-11; John

14:1-3). The Rapture is not the same as the Second Coming of Christ. At the Rapture, Christ will appear in the

air. He will not be visible to the inhabitants of the earth. His mission then will be to resurrect all dead saints, who along

with the living believers will put on immortality and shall be caught up to be with the Lord. In the twinkling of an ‘eye’

before the great and terrible day of the Lord, when the wrath of God will be poured down from His cup of indignation

without mixture – an event fitly called the Great Tribulation (1 Corinthians 15:52). The Second Advent will not take

place until after the great tribulation. The time of the Rapture is unknown, even by the angels (Matthew 24:36; 2

Thessalonians 2:1-5). The Rapture will be heralded by the voice of the archangel and the blowing of trumpets,

signalling the end of the Church age (1 Thessalonians 4:13-15). The Rapture was a mystery, unknown to the Old

Testament saints and prophets. God has underlined this great event in two different ways in the Scriptures to assure

us of its certainty. First, it was illustrated in Enoch and Elijah, the two living saints who did not taste death but were

translated in a moment of time and caught up in the air (Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11,12). Second, it was illustrated in

Christ in the New Testament. He died, was buried, and resurrected. While he talked with His disciples on Mount

Olivet, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9-11). The Rapture, which was mystery to

the Old Testament prophets, marks the end of the Church age, also referred to as the times of the Gentiles (Luke

21:24). This truth was veiled to the saints of old. However, known unto God are all His works from the foundation of

the earth. In His mercy, He interrupted His programme for Israel with the Church age. Christ, the Messiah, came for

His people but they rejected Him (John 1:11), and God turned to the Gentiles to take a people for Himself. The

Rapture will mark the end of this special period of grace. Does this mean that God has forsaken his people, Israel, for

ever? Far from it, God will resume His programme with Israel immediately after the Rapture, thus ushering in the

beginning of the Seventieth week in Daniel’s Prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27). Any moment from now, the trumpet shall

sound and He that shall come will come and will not tarry. It is very certain that Christ is coming back again. He

assured the Church of the certainty of His coming (John 14:1-3). Angels proclaimed it, apostles and saints throughout

the ages preached it. All the signs of His coming are daily being fulfilled.

Christ, answering a pertinent question asked by His disciples on “...What shall be the sign of thy

coming...” (Matthew 24:3), gave in details what would be happening on earth shortly before His coming

(Matthew 24:5-12,30-39). He highlighted the following as what to expect:

i) Many false Christ will arise deceiving many unsuspecting believers.

ii) There will be wars and rumours of war.

iii) There will be international wars.

iv) Famines (Global economic recession).

v) Pestilences.

vi) Earthquakes in divers places.

vii) There will be persecution of Christ’s followers and some cases of martyrdom.

viii) The emergence of many false prophets.

ix) Backsliding from the faith on the increase.

x) More people given to pleasure and merry-making than those seeking the Lord.

The Scriptures also predict the conditions, characterized by a system of denials that will be prevalent within the

visible church, shortly before Christ’s return. There will be a denial of God (2 Timothy 3:1-5), a denial of Christ (1 John

2:18; 4:3), a denial of Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:3,4), a denial of the faith of Christian living (Jude 18) and a denial of

authority. All these signs are being fulfilled before our eyes. To qualify to partake in the Rapture: one must be

born-again, living a transparent holy life, walking daily in the light, working the works of God, watching daily, praying

with all prayer, and maintaining these experiences at the time of the Rapture or the time of death, as the case may be

(John 3:3; Hebrew 12:14; John 4:35-38; 9:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17).

All the signs preceding the Second Advent of Christ are fulfilled, telling us that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is

very close and the time of the Rapture is much closer. Sinning church members will not be able to go at the Rapture

though, saved before and baptized in water. Careless and compromising preachers will miss the Rapture; it does not

matter what Christian work they may have done in the past. All such people, together with backsliders and sinners

outside the Church, will be left behind to face the Great Tribulation. Knowing that these things shall be, that the

Rapture will occur unannounced, and it is very imminent, what manner of persons ought believers to be? Sinners are

to make haste to repent and embrace Christ as their Saviour. The saints of God are to watch and pray lest that day

come upon them unprepared (Matthew 24:42-44).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 16: THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD

God’s Word teaches:

That the Resurrection of the dead is taught in the Bible as clearly as the immortality of the soul. Every individual who

has ever lived will be resurrected, some to honour and glory and others to everlasting shame and contempt – Job

19:25-27; Psalm 71:20; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; 1 Corinthians 15:12-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16;

Hebrews 6:1,2; Philippians 3:8-11; Revelation 20:4,6,12,13.

The Resurrection of the dead is a cardinal and an important doctrine of the Bible. As a matter of fact, all who die in

this world will undergo physical resurrection before the Great White Throne Judgment. This doctrine shows that there

will be a resurrection of body joined with the soul to meet the Lord either in peace and joy, or meet Him as Judge in

condemnation, eternal punishment, and torment of hell fire. Jesus, the Prophet come from God, declared in John

5:25, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of

God: and they that hear shall live.” The fact of the Resurrection of the just and unjust rings through the teachings of

Jesus Christ (John 6:40; 11:25; Matthew 16:21; 22:23-31). Job spoke of his eyes and flesh seeing God after worms

have destroyed his body (Job 19:25-27). Isaiah spoke of the earth casting out the dead (Isaiah 26:14- 19). Daniel

spoke of the awakening of many that sleep in the dust, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting

contempt (Daniel 12:2). In like manner spoke David (Psalm 16:10; 17:15). Old Testament saints (Hebrews 11:35),

New Testament saints (Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-18; Luke 24:1- 49; John 19-21), including Paul (Acts 17:18,32),

Peter (1 Peter 1:3; 3:21), even Herod the wicked king and the generality of the people of his day believed in the

resurrection of the dead (Mark 6:14-16). The form to be associated with the resurrected body of the just is exemplified

by the glorified body that Jesus, the first fruit, had after His resurrection (Luke 24:26-43 John 20:11-20,24-31; 1 John

3:2). All resurrected bodies will be immortal (Daniel 12:2; Mark 9:42-48). The resurrection bodies of saints will

possess different degrees of glory. “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of

the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians

15:39-54). In the intervening period between death (when the body and soul are separated) and the resurrection,

one may ask: Where is the soul? The soul of a saint of God goes immediately to meet God in heaven.

The repentant malefactor on the cross received forgiveness and assurance of Jesus: “Today shall thou be with me in

paradise” (Luke 24:39-43). Righteous Lazarus died and was “carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom” where he was

comforted (Luke 16:19-31). Stephen at death said, “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the

right hand of God” ready to receive him (Acts 7:54-60). Paul was “willing rather to be absent from the body and to be

present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:1- 8). Many other references of Scripture confirm that the soul of the saint

rejoices in God’s presence at death (Philippians 1:21-23; Ecclesiastes 12:1,7). On the other hand, when a sinner dies

his soul goes immediately to hell. In hell fire, he is conscious; he can see, feel and hear (Luke 16:19-31). The timing

for the resurrection to life of the just and resurrection to judgment of the unjust is well spelt out in the Scripture in

accordance with the ordained programme of God. The resurrection of the saints of God also variously described in

Scriptures as resurrection of life (John 5:28,29), resurrection of the just (Luke 14:13,14), a better resurrection

(Hebrews 11:35) and the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6), has four phases:

i) The resurrection of Christ, the first fruit (1 Corinthians 15:3,4,12,20,23).

ii) The resurrection of the Church age saints at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-16).

iii) The resurrection of the tribulation period saints (Revelation 20:3-5).

iv) The resurrection of Old Testament saints at the second advent of Christ to the earth

(Daniel 12:2; Isaiah 26:19).

All the saints of God that ever died would resurrect in the first resurrection. Not a soul will be left

behind. What joy! What triumph!! (Revelation 20:6). “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first

resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ,

and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

The second resurrection is still part of God’s programme but deals with the unsaved dead. There is a

difference in time of one thousand years between the first and second resurrection (Revelation 20:5-

15). The second resurrection is also described as the resurrection to damnation (John 5:29). There will be everlasting

punishment and torment in the lake of fire for all who partake in the second resurrection who missed the first

resurrection and whose names are not found in the Book of Life (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:11-15). As in the early

church when Hymenaeus and Philetus erred concerning the truth by teaching that the resurrection was past already,

thereby making shipwreck of their faith and that of all those who followed their false doctrine, there are many false

teachers today who “know not the scriptures nor the power of God” and overthrow the faith of many (2 Timothy

2:17,18; Matthew 22:23-32). Today many false teachings on the resurrection of the dead abound having the same

devastating effects on all who believe them. Among such doctrines are a) Annihilation and b) Purgatory. The doubt,

unbelief and scoffing of sinners will not prevent the complete resurrection programme of God for both the saved and

the unsaved, the same way it did not hinder the resurrection from the dead of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ

(Acts 23:8; 2 Timothy 2:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:12-23; Romans 3:3,4). The resurrection of Christ and the future

resurrection of the saints of God form the foundation of our Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:16-20). “For if the dead

rise not, then is not Christ raised; and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also

which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most

miserable. BUT NOW IS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD”!

To partake in the first resurrection, the resurrection of the saved, there must of necessity first be a spiritual

resurrection while in this present life, whereby the spirit is quickened from death in trespasses and sins, and the

whole being renewed in the glorious likeness of God to a life of righteousness and holiness, without which no man

shall see the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:14,16; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19; Hebrews 12:14).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 17: THE GREAT TRIBULATION

God’s Word teaches:

That the Great Tribulation will occur after the Rapture and will be a time of terrible suffering on earth. It is also

referred to as the time of “Jacob’s trouble” – Matthew 24:21,22,29; Revelation 9:16; Mark 13:19; 2 Thessalonians

2:3-12; Revelation 13. During this time, the Antichrist will take possession of this world for a reign of terror. He will not

be a system or organization but a person - a supernatural, diabolical being, in form of a man who will blaspheme and

proclaim himself to be God (Daniel 8:23-25; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelation 13:1-10). The marriage supper of the

Lamb will take place above while the tribulation continues on earth (Revelation 19:1-10). The Great Tribulation is

described as the “...time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), “...great tribulation such as was not since the beginning

of the world nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21); “...the day of the Lord” (Joel 1:15); “...a day of darkness and of

gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness” (Joel 2:1,2); “...wasteness and desolation” (Zephaniah 1:14,15);

“...a time of trouble” (Daniel 12:1). The purpose of the Great Tribulation is to make Israel suffer so that they can be

ready to cry to the messiah (the Lord Jesus Christ whom they at present reject) to come back to them. It is also to

judge the unbelieving men and women of all ages (Zechariah 12:10,11; 13:1-9; 14:12,13). The bible shows that

the Great Tribulation will take off after the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; revelation 4:1) and will last

seven (7) years. It will end at the second advent of Jesus Christ when He alights on Mount Olives (Zechariah 14:4;

Matthew 25:31; Revelation 19:11,12; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Jude 14,15; Acts 1:11); settles on earth (Jerusalem) for

a thousand-year reign called the Millennium (Revelation 20:4,5). This means that it is post-rapture and pre-millennium

or the 70th of Daniel’s seventy weeks (i.e. after the 69th week, the last week, the 70th – Daniel 9:26,27; Revelation

4:1-19,21; Matthew 24:15-31; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-8). It is post-rapture because God will not like His children to

suffer the Great Tribulation, its judgments and destructions. He saved Noah (a preacher of righteousness) and his

family before destroying the world with flood (Genesis 6:8-10; 7:1-13,16-24; 8:15-22). He rescued Lot (who was

vexed with the filthy conversation of Sodom) and his family before destroying it with fire (Genesis 19:10-29). So God

will take away His children from the earth before the Great Tribulation begins. The great Tribulation reaches its peak

of destructions, judgments, terrors, frightening wars and desolations from the middle of the 7-year duration and ends

with Christ’s advent. This is when the antichrist breaks his 7-year peace covenant with Israel and attacks Jerusalem

(Revelation 11:15-19:21; Matthew 24:15-22; Daniel 12:1; Jeremiah 30:6-9). The Great Tribulation is described as

being full of woes, judgments, famines, bloody wars, explosions, plagues (incurable epidemics which become

pandemic), terror, men calling for mountains to fall upon them, anguish, earthquakes, burning rocks falling from

heaven upon the earth and scorching it, seas polluted, cattle and vegetation destroyed, millions dying from

catastrophes, “as if a man did flee from a lion and a bear met him...leaned his hand on the wall and a serpent bit

him.” Beasts and men will be in trouble, even mighty men will weep. “Neither their silver nor their gold (riches) shall

be able to deliver them”. Whole cities and nations will be under great distress, perplexities, seas and waves roaring,

hypertension and confusion as the powers of heaven are shaken by God (Amos 5:18,19; Isaiah 2:19; 24:1-3,6,19;

mark 13:24; Joel 1:15; Luke 21:25,26; Matthew 24:11-26; Revelation 19:1-21). The Great Tribulation opens with the

rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 14:1) then the rising of the antichrist (2 Thessalonians

2:7,8). He wins nations, some by war while others concede authority to him (Daniel 7:8,24,25; Revelation 17:8-14).

The False Prophet popularize him, making men to worship even his image. No one buys or sells without the mark or

number (666) of the beast. While these go on, saints receive rewards in heaven (Revelation 2:17,25-28; 3:12). There

will be great apostasy, more of false religions and increase in the power of the devil who will be driven down to the

earth (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; Revelation 12:10-12;13:2,12-18). God’s planned judgments will fall on men in a divine

sequence producing supernatural phenomena and demonic creatures unknown to man. These will come as Christ

opens seven seals of a scroll on which they occur, then the blowing of seven trumpets each harbinger of more woes.

144,000 Jews will be sealed and raptured as well as countless tribulation saints from all over the world (Revelation

7:1-17). Saints in tribulation will be martyred (Revelation 6:9-11; 14:13; 20:4-6). A mighty angel appears with rainbow

on his head, a little book opened and swears that “there should be time no longer” (Revelation 10:1-11). After this the

high point of catastrophes called “the great tribulation” begins for the remaining 31/2 years (Revelation 11:1-19;

Daniel 12:1-7; Jeremiah 30:6,7). Jerusalem falls to the antichrist and Israel is defeated (Matthew 24;15-22; Daniel

11:40-45). Israel runs for refuge in old Edom (Revelation 12:6,13-17; Isaiah 16:1-5). There will be more woes on

earth through the pouring out on it of the content 7 vials (Revelation 15:1-6; 16:21; 18:1-24). God’s two witnesses

appear, killed and later resurrects (Revelation 11:1,12). The marriage supper of the Lamb takes place (Revelation

19:1-10). And saints prepare to return to earth with Christ (Jude 14,15; Revelation 19:11). The scope will cover Israel,

the Middle East, and the whole earth. The powers at work will be a) the antichrist called the Beast, the King of the

north, the Syrian, the Assyrian, the king of Babylon, the Extortioner, the man of sin, the little horn, the Prince that shall

come, a king of fierce countenance and understanding dark saying, spoiler, the son of perdition and that wicked one,

empowered personally by Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:1-10; Daniel 7:8,24; 8:9,23; 9:26,27,36-45; Revelation 13:1-18;

14:9-11; Isaiah 10:20-27; 30:18-33; Micah 5:3-15; Isaiah 14:4; 16:4; Daniel 7:11). b) The false prophet

(Revelation 13:1-19; 14:9-11; 15:2-4; 16:2-12; 19:20; Daniel 9:27; 11:35,45; 12:7; Matthew 24:15). C)

God’s powerful judgments (Joel 1:15; 2:12; Amos 5:18; Revelation 4:1-9; 19:1-21). d) The devil (Revelation 12:7-17;

20:1,2; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). While terrors are unleashed on earth saints will be a) receiving rewards; crowns,

mansions, new names, white stones etc. at the judgment (Bema) sit of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Luke 14:14; 1

Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10,12; Matthew 16:27; John 14:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 2:19;

James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:17,25-28; 3:12,21; 22:12-16). The believers’ time of judgment and reward

only means the evaluation of the believers’ works for which they may receive reward or loss of reward. All raptured

believers will be eternally saved. b) Rejoicing and feasting at the marriage supper in heaven (Revelation 19:6-9). C)

Worshipping God with the angels (Revelation 7:9-17; 14:1- 5; 4:5,7), and d) preparing for the second advent of Christ

upon white horses (Jude 14,15; Revelation 19:11-14; Matthew 25:31).

The Great tribulation ends when Jerusalem is ravished by the antichrist with two thirds of it capture at the end of the

7th year, and the children of Israel repent in great mourning and tears, calling for the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to come

back to earth and establish the millennial reign over all humanity (Zechariah 14:4-8; Micah 1:3,4; Zechariah 11:25-27;

Hebrews 8:8-12; 10:17; Zechariah 12:10-13:1; Isaiah 66:7,8). Jesus then descends, destroys the antichrist, the false

prophet and cast them into the Lake of fire and destroys his armies at the battle of Armageddon (valley of Megiddon),

then an angel binds the devil and cast him into the bottomless pit for 1000 years (Revelation 19:20; Ezekiel 38 and

39; Revelation 20:1-3; Zechariah 14; Revelation 20:1-10; 19:11-21; Isaiah 34; Jude 14,15). Jesus Christ

then builds a millennial temple at Jerusalem from where He rules the whole world.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 18: THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

God’s Word teaches:

That the Second Coming of Christ will be just as literal and visible as His going away, and He is coming to execute

judgment upon the ungodly. He will also, then, set up His Kingdom and reign on this present earth for a thousand

years – Zechariah 14:3,4; Matthew 25:31- 46; 26:64; Mark 13:24-37; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2:8; Jude 14,15.

The Scriptures abound with evidence that speaks of the certainty of Christ’s Second Coming. Our Lord Jesus spoke

of His return several times once leading the disciples to enquire about the signs that would herald that certain event.

A study of the Scriptures indicates that certain prophecies concerning Christ and some future programme of God are

not yet fulfilled and would only be after the Second Advent of Christ. However, all the signs preceding the Second

Advent are being fulfilled daily. Going through the Olivet discourse of Matthew 24 and 25, the following signs of His

coming are clear. Jesus Himself said there would be deceptions (Matthew 24:4,5,11,24), false Christs (Matthew

24:5,23-26), wars and rumours of wars (Matthew 24:6,7), famines (Matthew 24:7), pestilences and earthquakes, Anti-

Semitism (Matthew 24:9; Mark 13:9,13), offences (Matthew 24:10), betrayals, hatred, false prophets (Matthew 24:11),

lawlessness and martyrdom. He said the impact of the Second Coming would be as universal as when “the lightening

cometh out of the east and shineth unto the west...” It would make all “the tribes of the earth to mourn”. They will be

deep in spiritual lethargy and indifference as was the case in the time of Noah’s flood (Matthew 24:27,30,37). The

Holy Spirit through the apostle confirmed that Christ shall appear “the second time” (Hebrews 9:28) and would then

reward His faithful servants with crowns of glory, praise and honour and His adversaries with fiery indignation (1 Peter

5:4; 1:7; Hebrews 10:27). James the apostle also encouraged the believers: “Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts:

for the coming of the Lord draweth near.” The angel of God confirmed that “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 1:11) The prophecy in

Isaiah 9:6, that the government (of the whole world) would be on His (Christ’s) shoulders is yet to be fulfilled. Also

some prophecies in Isaiah 61 concerning our Lord Jesus Christ were only partially fulfilled at His first coming. Christ

Himself confirmed in Luke 4:21 that “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears”. The rest of the prophecies in that

chapter will be fulfilled after His second advent. The exactitude with which the old time prophecies concerning the first

coming of Christ were fulfilled points to the infallibility of the Scriptures and to the certainty of those prophecies

concerning His second advent. Prophecies on His virgin birth, details of His earthly life, His death and resurrection

were all literally fulfilled to the letter, and so would those relating to His Second Coming. Apart from the fulfillment of

the prophecies concerning Christ, other divine purposes which the second advent would fulfilled include: 1) the

comfort of the Church (John 14:1-3; 16:20-22); 2) the restoration of Israel to her sovereignty as prophesied in the

scripture (Isaiah 32:18; 33:20-24); 3) the judgment of the earth (Revelation 20:11-15; John 5:22); 4) the renovation of

the earth (Isaiah 66:22; Revelation 21:1); 5) the restoration of all things as God wants it (Romans 8:20-23; Jeremiah

12:4,11). The greatest event that will precede the Second Coming of Christ is the rapture – the catching away of the

saints to meet the Lord in the air and to be with Him forever. The rapture lies in the valley between the mountains of

Christ’s first and second coming. It is a part of the mystery of the Church, which in the Old Testament age “was not

made known unto the sons of men” as it was revealed in the New Testament to “His holy apostles and prophets by

the Spirit”.The rapture should, however, not be confused with the Second Coming. The two events are distinct and

separated by seven years. Specifically, the Second Coming refers to Christ’s coming to the earth to live as He did in

the first coming to be seen by every eye. In the rapture, Christ would come to the earth but stop in the air where the

saints will meet Him. It is not every eye that will see Christ at the rapture. When Christ meets the saints in the air He

will take them to heaven where they would remain for the period of the great tribulation. It is during this seven-year

period that the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:18,19) and the judgment of saints for reward will take

place in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). In other words, the rapture is the time Christ comes for

the saints to take them to heaven. In the Second Coming, however, He will come to the earth to live and fulfill a

definite part of God’s timetable for the earth and man. Christ would come with the saints raptured seven years earlier.

Whereas can take place any moment without warning, the second coming cannot happen until after both the rapture

and the great tribulation. At His second coming, Christ will reign on earth for one thousand years with the saints.

Christened the Millennial Reign, Christ’s rule would be characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity and

blessings on the earth (Isaiah 11:1-9). Satan, the author of heartache, strife, and contention would be bound for the

duration of Christ’s Millennial Reign (Revelation 20:2,3).

Satan and his cohorts will mobilize forces Christ and to frustrate His coming again to establish the Millennial Reign,

just in the same way he tried to use Herod to stop Christ’s survival at His first coming (His birth). He was defeated at

that time and again he would be defeated. The battle against Christ and His host is called the Battle of Armageddon

(Revelation 19:11-21; 20:1-4). There will be a great and terrible slaughter of the army of the antichrist gathered from

the nations of the earth through the efforts of the evil spirits sent out over the earth by Satan, the antichrist and the

false prophet (Revelation 17:13,14). This Satan’s last attempt to wrongfully take the kingdom from Christ will fail. The

world and the Church are called to prepare for this great event. The world is admonished to repent and come to

Christ before the day of the Lord (John 3:1-8). The Church as a bride is called to be ready, holy, spotless, watchful,

prayerful and busy preaching His word until He comes (Hebrews 12:14; 1 John 3:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:1,2; Ephesians

5:25-27). “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 19: CHRIST MILLENNIAL REIGN

God’s Word teaches

That Christ’s Millennial Reign is the 1,000 years literal reign of Jesus on earth, which will be ushered in by the coming

of Jesus back to earth with ten thousands of His saints. At this time, He will judge the nations that dwell upon the face

of the earth – Jude 14,15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. During this time the devil will be bound – Revelation 20:2,3. It will

be a reign of peace and blessing - Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25; Hosea 2:18; Zechariah 14:9-20; Isaiah 2:2-4. The word

Millennium is a compound derivative from Latin, which simply translates into a thousand years. Thus, Christ’s

Millennial reign is a thousand years of full manifestation of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is sequel to the great

tribulation period, which is a period of intense suffering for every one on earth. According to God’s revealed timetable,

the Church will suddenly be taken away by Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) in a mysterious event known as the

“Rapture”. Then will follow a seven-year period of great suffering for sinners left behind (Matthew 24:21,22). At the

end of the seven-year period, Jesus will come again with the Church to establish His government (Jude 14). The

government of this world at that time will resist His coming. But the Lord will overcome at the battle of Armageddon

(Revelation 19:15-21). Satan will be bound and imprisoned for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). The kingdom of this

world will then become the kingdom of our God and His Christ (Revelation 11:15). Christ’s Millennial reign will be a

time when the purpose of God will be fully realized on earth as theocracy (government of the state under the firm

control and direction of God) will be established. Christ, as the divine representative of God will at this time speak and

act for God. He will be given a universal and glorious dominion with absolute power to govern (Isaiah 9:6; Psalm

45:4; Isaiah 11:4; Psalm 72:4). It will be the responsibility of Christ at this age to announce God’s will and law (Isaiah

2:3,4; 33:21,22; 42:4; Acts 3:22). Christ’s Millennial reign will be a manifestation of the promise God gave David that

his throne shall have no end. Christ, as David’s “son”, will first establish a glorious house and throne over an equally

glorious kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 72; Isaiah 11;10). Divine mercy, goodness, and truth will be displayed

through Christ as the glory associated with His deity, Omniscience, Omnipotence and righteousness will be fully

made manifest. The Gentile world system (humanity without Christ) as it is at present organized under the direct

influence of Satan, will thus become an outmoded set-up. In its stead comes Christ’s Millennial reign, void of sin and

all forms of unrighteousness. Satan, having been defeated and bound, will lack the power to induce people to sin

(Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 19:28; Ephesians 5:25-27). What are the components of the Millennium? 1) The

Millennium shall witness an unprecedented of national and individual peace. There will be a complete cessation of

the scourge of wars, as the kingdoms of the world will be fused together under the reign of Christ. The ensuing peace

will herald an era of economic boom and prosperity. The beauty of this age is that hitherto antagonistic and

irreconcilable foes will henceforth co-habit as “sheep and lambs”; 2) There will be joy unspeakable (Isaiah 9:3,4;

Jeremiah 30:18,19); 3) There will be holiness (Ezekiel 43:7-12; Isaiah 1:26,27); 4) Glory (Isaiah 24:23; 60:1-9); 5)

Comfort (Isaiah 12:1,2; Jeremiah 33:23-25); 6) Justice (Isaiah 9:7; 11:5; 42:1-4); 7) Full knowledge (Isaiah 11:1,2,9;

41:19,20; 54:13; Habakkuk 2:14). Additionally, the following benefits will also accrue to the inhabitants of the age: a)

The original curse placed upon mankind at creation will be removed, resulting in abundant productivity of the earth

(Isaiah 11:6-9; 35:9; 65:25), b) Sicknesses will become a thing of the past (Isaiah 33:24; Jeremiah 30:17;

Ezekiel 34:16); c) Healing will be naturally available to the deformed (Isaiah 29:17-19). Against the background of the

above there shall be a) preservation of life (Isaiah 41:8-14; 62:8,9; Jeremiah 32:27; Ezekiel 34:27; Joel 3:16,17;

Amos 9:15; Zechariah 14:10,11) and b) complete freedom from all forms of oppression that at present ravage

mankind (Isaiah 14:3-6; 42:6,7; 49:8,9; Zechariah 9:11,12).

Who are those expected to partake in Christ’s Millennial Reign? i) The glorious Church (Ephesians 5:25- 27). This will

exclude the apostate church that is married to the world (Revelation 17:1-7). ii) The poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3).

These are those who recognize and admit their state of spiritual poverty (life on earth without assurance of salvation)

and are willing to turn away from sin and surrender to Christ. Iii) The watchful, prayerful (Hebrews 9:28; Matthew

25:34).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 20: THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT

God’s Word teaches:

That the Great White Throne Judgment is when God finally judges all (the living and the dead small and great) who

have ever lived on the face of the earth, according to their works. This is after the Millennium. At this time the final

judgment known as the Great White Throne Judgment will be held. All those, from all ages, who have not yet been

judged (believers’ judgment, as sinners was accomplished by Christ on the cross – John 5:24; 3:17-19) will stand

before God at this time. The devil and his angels are judged at this time also and sent to the lake of fire forever -

Daniel 12:2,3; Matthew 10:15,21-24; 12:41,42; John 5:28,29; Romans 2:15,16; 14:12; 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 6; 1

Corinthians 6:1-4; Acts 10:42; Revelation 20:11-15.

In this teaching on the events of the last days or eschatology, the Lord is graciously unveiling the curtain of eternity to

reveal to humanity His programme for this present evil world. The doctrine of “The Great White Throne Judgment”

opens our eyes to see a time to come when all wicked ungodly people (the living and the dead, small and great who

have neglected God’s salvation) will face the final judgment of the living God (Romans 14:12). We caution that the

teaching must not be approached with doubtful disputations or viewed as fable or fiction but fact. These are true

sayings of God written for our learning and admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come (Romans 15:4; 1

Corinthians10:11; Revelation 19:9).

The Bible (God’s revelation to man) clearly presents the order of events preceding the Great White Throne Judgment

and constantly enjoins, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches...” (Revelation 2:7).

At the close of the Millennium, the devil will be released from “the bottomless pit” (Revelation 20:3) and he will

deceive thousands of people and will gather them to fight against the King (Jesus Christ) and His Saints. This will be

the battle of Gog and Magog but at the end of the battle, when the rebellious have been killed, and destroyed by the

fire of His indignation, whichcomes from heaven, the devil will be cast into the Lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). After

this, the Great White Throne Judgment will be set. God will sit on a throne so white, magnificent and terrible at sight

that the whole face of the earth and heaven (the atmospheric heaven) will tremble and flee from Him.

All those who died unrepentant from the time of Adam till the time of the Great White Throne Judgment will be

resurrected (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15). This is called the second resurrection. And they will all stand

before God to account for their deeds. This final judgment of sinners (the living and the dead, small and great) is

known as the Great White throne Judgment (Psalm 9:17; Daniel 7:9,10; Matthew 11:20-24; 10:15; John 5:28,29;

Revelation 20:11-15). The Bible is replete with pointers to this great and notable day of the Lord (Ecclesiastes 12:14;

Matthew 11:21-24; 12:41,42; Romans 2:15,16; 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 14,15; 1 John 4:17). The world is corrupt and

polluted. Man is rebellious and disobedient against God. For a long time it has repented the Lord that he has made

man on the earth, for every imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart has been evil continually (Genesis 6:5,6).Will

man continue in his willful disobedience and rebellion against God? No, for “...he hath appointed A DAY in which He

will judge the world in righteousness...” (Acts 17:30,31). No true believer whose name is written in the Book of Life will

face the Great White Throne Judgment since their judgment as sinners was accomplished by Christ on the cross

(John 3:17-19,30; Romans 8:1; John 5:20,24). Besides, “...God has not appointed us unto wrath but to obtain

salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ:” (1 Thessalonians 5:9), “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and

murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and

brimstone, which is the second death’ (Revelation 21:8). That great congregation will consist of: i) All categories of

sinners (dead and alive) from Adam to date. They will be judged for neglecting the salvation of God (Hebrews 2:3). Ii)

All backsliders in all dispensations who denied the faith of Him that once bought them (Exodus 32:33). Iii) All who

deny the deity of Jesus Christ (John 3:18,36). These are the skeptics, the atheists, and the idol worshippers. “Every

idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment”. Every gossiping, backbiting

and slander against our neighbours, fellow believers or church leaders will be judged. All foolish unedifying words,

corrupt, graceless words, defamatory and abusive words against others will be accounted for at the Great White

Throne Judgment. “For by thy words thy shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew

12:37). God will judge every unrepentant sinner and backslider according to His divine will of righteousness (Proverbs

11:21). God’s judgment will be fair, without partiality or respect of persons (Romans 2:2-12; Job 34:18-22). He will

judge the small and the great, the rich and the poor, the educated and the illiterate, the highly respected and the most

despised. “For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty and terrible which

regardeth not persons nor taketh rewards (bribe)” (Deuteronomy 10:17). The righteous Judge of the universe will

receive no bribe to pervert judgment on the great day of His wrath, but ...in righteousness He doth judge and make

war (Revelation 19:11). Without partiality “WHOSOEVER was NOT found WRITTEN in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast

into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 21: THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

God’s Word teaches:

That the New Heaven and the New Earth “wherein dwelleth righteousness” will be made by God and the redeemed

shall dwell with God forever. This present earth, which has been polluted by sin, will pass away after the Great White

Throne Judgment – (Psalm 102:25,26; Isaiah 51:6; 65:17; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1)

No unclean thing will be there. We shall know each other, our knowledge having been perfected. There will be no

more curse upon anything. There will be no more night; the glory of the Lord will be the light thereof – Isaiah 66:22; 2

Peter 3:12,13; 1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2,3; Revelation 21:1-7; 22:1-5.

The present age in which we live is referred to in Scriptures as the “last days” (Hebrews 1:1,2). This age is very

significant in the plan of God as it ushers us into another important series of events often called in theology as

“Eschatology”. Also called the Church age, our present age is marked by evil, the dominion of Satan, darkness,

ungodliness, lust, murder, lying and all manner of sins (Ephesians 6:12; Galatians 1:4). The Church is not left out.

There is and there will be a denial of God, Christ, faith, sound doctrine, and Christian living (1 Timothy 4:1-4; 2

Timothy 4:3,4; 3:1-8). The land is under a curse (Genesis 3:17). The devil and all his fallen angels walk to and fro the

whole earth. The atmospheric heavens are polluted by the activities of Satan. The believers today grow under the

harsh and hard conditions of the earth. They look forward to a change – a New Heaven and a New Earth wherein

dwelleth righteousness and holiness. God has the ultimate plan to judge sinners. “And whosoever was not found

written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire”. With the final judgment of sinners, God’s divine plan is to

replace this polluted, evil earth and atmospheric heavens with a New Earth and a New Heaven that will match His

glory, holiness, and righteousness (Revelation 21:1-8). “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the

former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17). This gives a good picture of what shall become

of the present earth and heavens. All what we may call beautiful edifices and empires today will melt away in fervent

heat because “...the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store; reserved unto fire

against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7,10-14). The glories of men and all the

so-called “wonders” of the world shall not stand this fervent heat. Herein is wisdom: believers should lay up their

treasures in heaven, not on earth “where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal”

(Matthew 6:19). This new creation is entirely free from any taint of sin and therefore the consequences and effect of

sin are absent. Here there is neither death, sorrow, pain, tears, nor separation from God (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation

21:4). As God created the present heavens and earth, so will He create the New Heavens and the New Earth – NEW

in quality and in TIME. The great, holy, and eternal heaven will have New Jerusalem as its capital. This is the capital

of the eternal state called the “Bride” because of its virgin beauty, unstained with sin. Here Christ and all the saints,

rom all ages will reside forevermore. Indeed, all things will be new. “Behold, I make all things new”. This is the eternal

destiny of the saints from all ages. This is the place Jesus spoke about, “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 (John 14:3). We shall appear with

Him in glory and be like Him (Revelation 21:3; Colossians 3:4). The Holy City, New Jerusalem, is a material city not a

mystical one. Its beauty is beyond human description. About 15,000 miles in length and a breadth and height of about

15,000 miles, the streets are made of pure gold, as clear as glass. With walls of jasper and its twelve foundations

garnished with all manner of precious stones, it has twelve gates of twelve pearls. The entire city wall is pure gold, as

clear as glass. This is a city without any temple. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. “The city

has no need of sun, neither of the moon to shine in it; for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light

thereof.” The redeemed of all the earth shall bring their glory and honour into the city. This is a city whose gates are

never shut (Revelation 21:16-26). The pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeds out the throne of God and

of the Lamb. The tree of life by the sides of this river bears twelve manner of fruits monthly. These fruits and leaves

are for the healing of the nations. “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the

sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever: (Revelation 22:1-5). Words are

insufficient to describe this new creation. But what will it take to partake in this inheritance? In order to partake in this

new inheritance, sinners must repent and believers must overcome. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things and I

will be his God and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7). We must overcome the world (1 John 5:4,5; 2:15-17) and

Satan (Revelation 12:11). False prophets, sin, and evil must not have dominion over us. We must flee from all

appearances of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22; Romans 12:17-21). Whether they be persecutions or temptations, we

must overcome to be part of this great inheritance (Revelation 2:10,26-28). The overcomer is the one that

prevails and triumphs over all the works of the devil (Acts 19:16). The sinner must be thirsty for righteousness and

salvation. “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” It will be too costly to miss this

glorious experience. Sinners must repent today. Backsliders must return to the Saviour immediately! The life of the

redeemed in this eternal city will be glorious. It will be a life of fellowship (1 Corinthians 13:12), rest (Revelation

14:13), full knowledge (1 Corinthians 13:12), holiness (Revelation 21:27), joy (Revelation 21:4), service (Revelation

22:3), abundance (Revelation 21:6), glory (2 Corinthians 4:17) and worship (Revelation 19:1; 7:9-12). “But the fearful,

and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars

shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

There is punishment for the unrepentant and coward who would rather chose to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a

season. They will suffer torment eternally in the lake of fire. We have only one life to live (Hebrews 9:27), therefore

the believer must remain faithful and steadfast in the Lord, the sinner must repent and be saved, and the backslider

must come back home and be restored. Negligence of this so great salvation will be unfortunate. We should not miss

the glories of the New Heaven and the New Earth. Let him that hath ear, listen to what the Spirit is saying unto the

hurches. “Behold I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will

I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God,

and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I

will write upon him my new name.” (Revelation 3:11,12).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 22: HELL

God’s Word teaches:

That Hell fire is a place of everlasting punishment where sinners (all who do not have their names in the book of life)

will suffer torments for ever and ever. It was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41) but God has

decreed that the wicked and those who forget Him and reject Christ will also be cast there because of their sin and

neglect of His salvation – Psalm 9:17; Matthew 25:46; Luke 12:4,5; 16:19-31; Matthew 5:22,30; Mark 9:43-47;

Revelation 14:10,11; 20:10,12,15. The fact and reality of Hell is an important and recurring theme in the Scriptures. It

is vividly captured as a place of agonizing torment and everlasting punishment in unquenchable fire for the

unconverted (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:23,28). Owing to its frightful credentials, there are those who

merely explain away hell as a biblical truth. Many have even drawn up the broken cisterns of erroneous assertion to

rationalize their gross inadequacies. The Bible, however, unambiguously provides ample illuminations of hell, as the

indisputable abode of sinners (Psalm 9:17; Proverbs 9:13-18; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:22-28; Revelation 20:13-15;

21;8). Hell is a fearsome ‘rest place’ for transgressors. And the Lord Jesus Christ spent considerable time lending

weight to this reality. He told the city of Capernaum, for instance, that it would be turned into hell because of its

iniquities (Matthew 11:23). He warned repeatedly on the danger of hell and the need for His listeners to steer clear of

it (Matthew 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:8,9; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 12:5). He offered vivid explanations on hell as a place of

everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:41,46; Mark 9:43- 48; Luke 16:22-28; Revelation 14:10,11). He revealed that

sinners who die unsaved would have their lot in hell (Matthew 7:15-19; 13:40-42,50; 23:33; 25:41-46; Luke 16:23;

Revelation 19:20; 20:14,15; 21:8).

The Apostle also followed the same thematic explanations of hell as offered by the Lord (Romans 2:5-9

2 Thessalonians 1:8,9; Hebrews 10:26,27; James 3:5,6; 2 Peter 2:4,9; 3:7; Jude 7,23; Matthew 3:7- 10). The church

today cannot afford to assume a less specific position on the teaching of hell, without subverting the sacredness and

completeness of Scriptures. The word ‘Hell’ is found about fifty-four times in the King James Version of the Bible. Its

translation in Hebrew, ‘Sheol’, occur thirty-one times, while the Greek interpretations ‘Gehena’ and ‘Tartarus’ occur

twelve times and once respectively. Its regular usage in Scriptures, apart from the allusions drawn to it by the Lord

and other bible characters, lend sufficient validity to its reality. When a sinner dies, his soul immediately proceeds to

hell where, with full consciousness, he tastes the excruciating pain that hell offers. The story of poor Lazarus and the

rich man best exemplifies the eternal punishment awaiting the sinner (Luke 16:23,24). Hell is also a place where the

memory of the damned comes alive. The rich man in Luke 16:23,24 remembered his riotous living while on earth as

well as five other brothers yet unsaved. Apart from the acute discomfort of hell, the regret of an error of judgment

while on earth on the part of the unsaved, presents an everlasting torment of its own.

The teaching of the doctrine of hell must scrupulously avoid erroneous and unscriptural views of false

teachers. The concept of purgatory, representing a so-called intermediate state between death and appearance

before God has no biblical foundation. Neither is the notion of the annihilation of the wicked correct. The future

punishment of the wicked is eternal while the sinner at death automatically receives an express translation into hell

“Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44- 48; Deuteronomy 32:22; Job 26:6; Isaiah 5:14;

Amos 9:2; 2 Peter 2:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). The needless controversy over the reality of hell is not strange as the

Scriptures clearly allude to this: “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” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Since

God is holy, sin must be punished in the person of the sinner or in the person of the sinner’s substitute, The Lord

sus Christ. No man believes in Hell because he simply wants to. He believes in Hell because he is compelled to. It

is true that eternal punishment is not a pleasant subject for discussion, yet it is a fearful reality, an awful

BIBLE DOCTRINE

BIBLE DOCTRINE 1: THE HOLY BIBLE

God’s Word teaches:

That the Holy Bible, consisting of 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament, is the inspired

Word of God. We take the Bible as the final authority in all matters concerning Christian conduct and work – 2

Timothy 3: 16,17; Proverbs 30: 5,6; Revelation 22:18,19. The Holy Bible is the inspired word of God and is the only

source of knowledge from the Almighty God to all mankind. It is the contact point between finite man and the Infinite

God; and its prime purpose is to give mankind a revelation of God (2 Timothy 3:15-17). The Bible is severally referred

to as the Holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15), the oracles of God (Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12), the Book of

the Lord (Isaiah 34:16), the word of God (Mark 7:13), the word of Christ (Colossians 3:16) and the word of life

(Philippians 2:16). It is in two major parts; the Old and the New Testaments. It consists of 66 books; 39 of which are in

the Old Testament, 27 in the New Testament. The Bible was originally written predominantly in Hebrew and Greek.

The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic, while the New Testament was written in the Greek language.

Over 40 authors drawn from disparate generations spanning a period of over 1800 years were used by God to write

the Bible. Even though their occupations, education and social classes were divergent, their theme was the same as

they were inspired by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:20). The inspiration of the authors can be attested to by some

peculiar characteristics of the Bible, which are not found in any other book written by man. Such characteristics

include its wonderful unity despite the fact that the authors lived in different ages; its versatility as it meets the needs

of all people irrespective of race and language (Matthew 4:4). Its superiority to other books, the influence on

individuals and nations; its preservation over the centuries, its fulfilled prophecies (Isaiah 7:4; Ezekiel 36:19; 2

Chronicles 7:19,20) and its perfection (Psalms 19:7; James 1:25).

The Pre-eminence of the Bible (Isaiah 8:20; Psalm 119:89) makes it indispensable to all men today. While other

books have limited influence on man, because they are products of finite minds, the Bible which is God’s revelation to

man has the solution to every problem today. Therefore, no man’s education is complete if he is ignorant of the

provisions of the Bible. No Christian can live successfully without an adequate grasp of the Bible, and no Christian

minister is really qualified for the ministry of the church of Christ without a thorough knowledge of the Bible (2 Timothy

2:15). Without a ready knowledge of the Bible, the Christian worker cannot be effective. The central theme of the

Bible is CHRIST and HIS WORK OF REDEMPTION (John 20:31; Luke 24:25-27; Revelation 1:1). He is The Old

Testament concealed, and He is The New Testament revealed. To fully understand the Bible and to rightly interpret its

messages; we must first receive Jesus Christ as Saviour and have a clear and definite experience of conversion.

Those who do not know Christ and those whohave wrong conceptions about The Bible has a Ministry to unbelievers

as well as to believers too. To unbelievers, the Bible brings conviction for sin, which leads to repentance and faith in

Christ Jesus. To believers the goals of the Bible are various. It is to make believers perfect (Psalm 119:9, 11), to

reveal the condition of their hearts (Hebrews 4:12; Jeremiah 17: 9, 10), it is a light to the believers feet (Psalms

119:105; 130), the food of the soul (Deuteronomy 8:3; John 21:17; psalm 19:10; Matthew 4:4), a medicine to the body

and soul (Proverbs 4:20-22; Psalms 107:20; Matthew 8:8) and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17; Matthew

4:1-11). It is a mirror to reflect (James 1:23); a hammer to convict, and a fire to refine (Jeremiah 23:29); seed to

multiply (1 Peter 1:23); leaver to cleanse (Ephesians 5:26; John 15:3); rain and snow to refresh (Isaiah 55:10); gold to

enrich (Psalm 19:7-10); and power to create life and faith (1 Peter 1:23; Romans 10:17). Deeper Christian Life

Ministry Liverpool Region The Bible is God’s inspired revelation of the origin and destiny of all things. It is the power

of God unto eternal salvation and it is the source of present help to the body, soul, and spirit (Romans 1:16; John

15:7). It is God’s will and testament to man in all ages, revealing His plan for man here and now and in the next life. It

is the record of God’s dealing with men; past, present and future. It contains God’s message of eternal salvation to all

who believe in Christ and of eternal damnation to those who rebel against the gospel (John 3:18,36). The purpose of

the Bible then is to reveal God to man, reveal man’s need of God and show man the way to God. Man by searching

cannot find God except God makes Himself known to him (Job 11:7). The Bible also reveals to man how to live, and

through the fulfillment of its prophecies all human needs are met. We receive salvation, sanctification, Holy Ghost

baptism, healing, deliverance, protection, etc. For us to profit maximally from the study of the Bible, all hindrances to

spiritual receptivity must be removed: such as hardened heart (Matthew 13:3-6, 18-21), double-mindedness (James

1:8; Mark 4:15- 17), pride (Deuteronomy 8:11-14; Psalm 101:5; Proverbs 18:12), carnality (1 Corinthians 3:1-5) and

unbelief (Matthew 13:58). Every believer in the church today can benefit from the hidden treasures in the Bible. But

this would require sacrifices on our part. Treasures are not found except by searching or digging earnestly. Likewise,

deep Bible truths need to be sought for and in doing this we will discover Christ the more (Colossians 2:9; John 5:39).

Certain spiritual preparations are required from believers in order to discover these treasures that would make them

develop into the fullness of the stature of Christ. There must be earnest love for the truth for its own sake (Psalm

119:40,47,54,72,103); supreme love for God (Matthew 22:37; Deuteronomy 30:6; Psalm 73:25); and an intense

desire to know more of Him (Psalm 42:1,2; 63:1). Also there should be a strong desire to make Him known to others

(Proverbs 11:24-26;

Romans 9:1-3), willingness to make personal sacrifice to study (Matthew 13:44-46; 12:42), a sense of

ignorance and dependence upon divine teaching and willingness to practice as far as you learn

(Psalm119: 60,101,106; James 1:22-25; Ezra 7:10). Other requirements are a fixed purpose to know,

and do the whole truth (Psalm 119:63; 57:7; 108:1) and a cultivating state of mind that will not be

diverted to make provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14; Matthew 26:41).

Above all, you need also a regular habit of prayer, resignation to the whole will of God and His word

that will make you discover the treasures hidden in the Bible.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 2: THE GODHEAD

God’s Word teaches:

That the Godhead consists of three separate, distinct, and recognizable personalities and

qualities, perfectly united in one. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are different

Persons in the Godhead, not merely three names for one Person – Matthew 3:16,17; 2

Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19,20.

The Godhead consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Bible clearly teaches that each

member of the Godhead is God; separate, distinct and recognizable personalities and qualities perfectly

united in one. The Father is called God (1 Corinthians 8:6; Psalm 89:26; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Matthew

6:9), the Son, Jesus Christ, is called God (Isaiah 9:6,7; John 20:28; Hebrews 1:8), and the Holy Ghost is

called God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16,17; 6:19,20; Hebrews 3:7-9; 10:15,16; Jeremiah 31:31-34).

From the foregoing it is clear that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct Persons,

co-eternal, co-existent and co-equal in power and divine attributes that make each God. The word

“GOD” in Genesis 1:1 means Elohim and in Hebrew language this is the plural of El (The Strong One).

“Elohim” (The Strong Ones) appear more than 2,700 times in the Old Testament and this plurality is

seen in: “Let us make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness”; “The LORD said.... let us go down, and

there confound their language” (Genesis 1:26; 3:22; 11:6,7; John 14:23; Psalm 2:3). The Godhead is

also referred to as the Holy Trinity (Romans 1:20).

The unity of the Godhead is scripturally evidenced in the execution of all divine plans and purposes. At

creation, a significant fact about the Godhead emerged with the use of the plural noun “us”, by God

Himself (Genesis 1:26). Elementarily, this implies the involvement of more than one personality in the

creation of man. The same word continued to recur first, after the fall of man (Genesis 3:22), and on

the threshold of God’s perfection to curb the foolish excesses of man, by wisely confounding him with

diverse languages (Genesis 11:7).

The testimony of scriptures on the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ reveals the perfect unity of the

Godhead. It was God’s anointing and the Power of the Holy Ghost that enabled Jesus to fulfill His

ministry (Acts 10:38). The divine-human relationship also confirms God in three persons perfecting the

relationship of man with the triune God (Ephesians 2:18). The complimentary functions of the Trinity

are referred to in almost all the books of the New Testament (Matthew 3:16,17; 28:19; Mark 1:10; John

16:7-15; 6:37,44; Romans 8:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Corinthians

12:4,7; Acts 10:38).

The three personalities in the Godhead acted together in the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. God

the Father did not only make His Son available to assume the garb of human flesh preparatory for His

vicarious mission (John 3:16), He dispatched an angel to announce the impending birth of the Saviour

of the whole world by a virgin. This was a supernatural work that was subsequently fully perfected by

the power of the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:26,35).

Further proof of the truth about the Godhead became clear at the baptism of Jesus Christ, when the

Father sent the Holy Ghost in bodily form as a dove upon Christ, and God Almighty Himself made a

public proclamation of Jesus as His beloved Son (Matthew 3:16,17). Even at the onset of His ministry,

Jesus affirmed the companionship of God the Father and the Holy Ghost with Him. It was only by their

combined workings that He was to fulfill His multi-pronged ministry of preaching the gospel, healing the

sick, delivering the captives, etc. (Luke 4:18). Truly, the work of redemption, which Christ completed by

submitting Himself to die on the cross, was a joint venture with the Father and the Holy Ghost

(Hebrews 9:14), as was the second work of grace, sanctification or holiness, by which man is cleansed

from his in-bred depravity, the fallen nature he inherited form Adam (John 17:17; Romans 15:16). Also,

the Godhead is at work in empowering believers through the baptism in the Holy Spirit, to discharge the

duties handed them by God (John 15:26; 16:7-15; Luke 11:13). Christ’s command as He handed down

the Great Commission to His disciples was to baptize all that repent and believe the gospel, in the name

of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). Even today, our prayer involves the three

personalities in the Godhead. We direct our prayers to God the Father (Luke 11:2; 22:42; 23:34,46;

John 17:1,5,24-26; James 1:5) through Jesus Christ, the Son (John 14:13,14; 15:16), and of course,

without the help of the Holy Spirit all our prayers will be in vain (Romans 8:26).

The Godhead is the universal testimony of the scriptures, for “there are three that bear record in

heaven, the Father, the Word (Son) and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1 John 5:7). It is

only the perfect work of the Godhead that has continued to sustain us on a day-to-day basis as

believers (2 Corinthians 13:14). The Godhead is a great mystery, which is clearly beyond the finite mind

of the unsaved natural man (1 Corinthians 2:14). The believer accepts the gospel truth of the Trinity by

faith, recognizing that God remains the eternal repository of all mysteries (Deuteronomy 29:29); that

with respect to His being or essence, God is one; with respect to His personality, God is three; and the

essence must neither be divided nor the persons confused. In spite of the great mystery surrounding it,

the doctrine of the Godhead has always proved to be eminently rich in spiritual and practical values.

And for all those willing, the Lord Jesus Christ promises the advent of a blissful reign by the Godhead

(John 14:23; Revelation 3:20).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 3: THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS

God’s Word teaches:

The virgin birth of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. The crucifixion, death, burial, and

bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 1:4; 1

Corinthians 15:3,4.

“The virgin birth” teaches that Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, was miraculously conceived by the

virgin Mary. Prophetically, this was foretold in the Old Testament and became literally fulfilled later in

the New Testament (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14). The virgin birth is thus an essential doctrinal truth,

which must be upheld for its fact and significance. Disputing this cardinal doctrine is by implication,

denying Christ’s Deity and His distinctive spotlessness, which the natural man lacked that disqualified

every other man from satisfying God’s demand at Calvary. He, therefore, became the spotless Lamb of

God found in fashion as a man. God was the first to unveil the virgin birth of Christ when He referred to Him as the

“seed of the woman” (Genesis 3:15). This was alluding to the fact that Christ would be conceived by a woman who

had never known a man. The prophet Isaiah in his proclamation said, “Behold, a virgin shall

conceive, and bear a son....” (Isaiah 7:14). The word virgin as used in this reference, has obvious

meaning and can be nothing else but a woman that has Not known a man. Luke in his Gospel narrative

recorded that the angel Gabriel was sent to a virgin, betrothed to a man and that the virgin’s name was

Mary (Luke 1:34). Matthew in his Gospel narrated that Mary was espoused to Joseph and that before

they came together, she was found with a child of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:18). He further recorded

that Joseph knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born son, and he called His name JESUS.

Jesus sometimes referred to people as His mother, His brothers and sisters, but never referred to any

mortal man as His Father, not even Joseph (Matthew 12:49,50; 22:41-46; John 8:54-58). He always

referred to God as His Father and this is another proof of His virgin birth. Paul, under the inspiration of

the Holy Ghost, wrote that in the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman. This was

still pointing to the fact that Christ was born of a virgin (Galatians 4:4). The Bible says that Joseph was

a just man (Matthew 1:19). This means he was not a transgressor of God’s law. If Mary as an espoused

virgin had conceived through a strange man, it would then be right for Joseph to have her out of the

way (Deuteronomy 22:23,24; Matthew 19:9). The penalty was even more grave than merely putting

her away. The angel could not have prevented Joseph from putting her away; the angel even bore

witness that what was conceived in her was of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:20). On the other hand, if Joseph had

known Mary before Christ was conceived, or was responsible for the conception, it would be unlawful for him to put

her away (Malachi 2:14-16). The scriptures would not have qualified him as a just man if he were transgressing the

Lord’s commandment. Joseph was instructed to take her as his wife. The virgin birth of Christ was a unique sign from

God. The prophet Isaiah was very clear and definite about it (Isaiah 7:14). It distinguished Him from any other mortal

and marked Him out as the only true Messiah. God bears witness to His approved ministers in various ways. Some of

the signs that were recorded concerning Christ and His ministry were also recorded concerning a few other

essengers of God. The virgin birth, however, is probably the most unique and unprecedented sign. A voice from the

cloud witnessed to the ministry of Christ but that was not as unique as the virgin birth because we see a similar

witness in the ministry of Moses (Numbers 12:5-8; Matthew 17:5). An angel announced the conception of Christ but

we also know that the births of Samson and John the Baptist were announced by angels too (Judges 13:2-5; Luke

1:11-15,26-33). Moses, Samson, and John were all descendants of Adam’s fallen race. The virgin birth is therefore a

unique sign from the Lord, conferred on Christ and Him alone, and no other living soul has ever or will ever be

conceived by a virgin.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 4: TOTAL DEPRAVITY, SINFULNESS AND GUILT OF ALL MEN

God’s Word teaches:

The total depravity, sinfulness and guilt of all men since the fall, rendering them subject to God’s wrath and

condemnation – Psalm 51:5; Job 14:4; Romans 3:23; 5:12-17; Mark 7:21- 23; Ephesians 2:1. The total depravity,

sinfulness and guilt of all men since the fall renders all sinners subject to God’s wrath and condemnation (Genesis

2:15-17; 3:1-6; Romans 5:17,19; Psalm 51:1-5). Man was created in the image of God, and he was righteous and

holy. Man was a crown of God’s creation (Genesis 1:26,27; Psalm 8:5-8; Genesis1:31). Through voluntary

disobedience and transgression, man fell into the depths of sin. In consequence of this, every one born through our

first parents (Adam and Eve) became sinners, shapen in iniquity and utterly void of the holiness of God. Every man

became totally inclined to evil (Psalm 51:1-5; Romans 3:10-18,23; 7:14-21; John 3:18,36; Romans 5:12-17; Job 14:4;

Isaiah 48:8). As a result of the fall of man (Adam and Eve) all men born through man and woman became sinners

through inheritance. By inheriting the nature of sin, man became depraved. There is nothing in the natural man that

has not been affected by the power of sin. The entire nature of man, mentally, physically, morally and spiritually has

been affected by sin. The testimony of the scriptures is that the image of God in man has been seriously marred by

this great fall. As a result of the fall, and the nature of sin inherited, man became separated from God, totally

alienated from the perfect, holy and pure God. This separation is the cause of the beginning of sorrow, shame, fear,

heartaches, and manifold problems, spiritually and mentally. Man became a transgressor and debtor to God (Romans

1:32; 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4; Hebrews 9:27). All these have brought man under the wrath and condemnation of God, for

“the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” There is nothing we can do for ourselves to commend us to a righteous and holy

God. There is nothing the natural man (Fallen away from grace) can offer to appease God for man to escape His

righteous judgment. The Bible describes the fallen nature of man in various terms. Jesus Christ referred to sinners

outside the kingdom of God as swine and dogs. “Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast your pearls

before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you (Matthew 7:6; Mark 7:25-28). He

also referred to them as goats (Matthew 25:33). Paul in his epistle to the Philippian church warned them to beware of

evil workers and dogs (Philippians 3:2). Also, in his epistle to the Romans, he referred to the fallen nature of man as

“there is none righteous, no, not one”, “they are together become unprofitable”, “their throat is an open sepulcher”,

“whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness”, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans

3:10-18,23). Jesus and John the Baptist described men as “vipers” (Matthew 3:7; 12:34). Variously, the

unregenerated man is characterized by reprobate mind, being filled with all unrighteousness – immorality,

covetousness, full of envy, murder, man is defiled and polluted (Romans 1:28-37; Mark 7:21-23), treacherous,

transgressors, “workers of iniquity”, “their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasters and destroyers” (Isaiah 48:8;

59:5-8), cunning and crafty, full of wickedness, blind, foolish with darkened understanding, children of wrath

(Ephesians 2:3; 4:14). The Bible says that the whole head of man is sick. The heart devices wicked imaginations, and

has come far short of the glory of God. All men have become enslaved to sin, and because sin dwells in the natural

man, man is conceived in sin, born in sin, grows up in sin – by nature and habit, he is a sinner. The natural man

cannot resist sin. The consequence of the fall of man is that man became totally depraved, and the immediate effect

was his separation from the holy God, and a curse upon Adam and his descendants (Genesis 3:1-6,14- 19,23,24;

Romans 5:12; 8:22). God’s judgment also came upon all men: “the soul that sinneth, it shall die”, “for the wages of sin

is death” (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). The human race has rebelled against God and broken His law, but the love of

God constrained the holy God to plan for man’s redemption to fulfill the law that “without shedding of blood is no

remission” (Hebrews 9:22). Therefore God undertook the redemption work for man by sending Jesus Christ to die for

him. Jesus Christ became the Divine Provision of a Perfect Substitute and Sin-bearer (Genesis 22:7,8,14; 3:15; John

3:16; Hebrews 9:22). He became the Lamb of God (John 1:29; Matthew 1:21). By the perfect sacrifice of His blood (1

Corinthians 5:7) and through His blood man has complete protection from the fatal and eternal consequence of the

fall, from the curse of the broken law (Exodus 12:13; Galatians 3:13), complete removal of the guilt and

condemnation of sin, and full redemption by faith in Him (Isaiah 53:4-8; Acts 8:32-35; 1 Peter 1:18-21; 2:24).

The atonement is the reconciliation of sinful, fallen man to God made possible through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus

Christ. The vicarious death of Jesus Christ is the substitution of the sufferings of Christ for the punishment of all

sinners in the world. The prime purpose of this is the full redemption of fallen mankind. Through this “mercy-seat”,

sinners are reconciled to God. The power of sin over the natural man can only be broken by the Lord Jesus Christ

(John 3:16; Romans 5:17-19). “For as by one man’s disobedience, many were made sinners, so by the obedience of

one man shall many be made righteous.” God demands repentance from all sinners to avail themselves of the

provision of redemption made in Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:5-7; Matthew 20:28; 26:28; John 3:14,15; 1 Corinthians 5:7;

John 1:12; 3:18,36). Repentance is the change that takes place in the penitent’s attitude towards sin. It is turning

away from sin to God. Sincere and total repentance and godly sorrow for sin through the agency of the Holy Spirit are

important pre-requisites for salvation. Repentance is the deep inward experience, which makes the sinner turn from

sin to God. Therefore, God demands repentance from all men (Mark 1:15; Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3,5; 24:47; Acts

2:38; 3:19; 17:30). When a sinner hears the gospel empowered by the Holy Spirit, the sinner will have deep, godly

sorrow for his sins and acknowledge them by confessing all manner of sins. He goes before God n the merit of the

atonement of made by Jesus Christ through His vicarious death and accepts the sacrifice as a substitute for the

punishment of his own personal sins. On the basis of this process of genuine repentance, the sinner asks for

forgiveness and pardon based on the promises of God in the scriptures (Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:6,7; 1 John 1:9;

Ezekiel 18:21,22). As the sinner repents genuinely, he receives forgiveness and pardon (Romans 8:16; 2 Corinthians

5:17; 1 John 2:2,3).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 5: REPENTANCE

God’s Word teaches:

That Repentance is a complete turning away from all sins and its deceitful pleasures and that it is required from every

sinner before he can truly and effectively believe in Jesus with saving faith – Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel

18:21-23; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:46,47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:20,21; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Hebrews 6:1-3 Repentance is a

conscious turning away from evil, disobedience, sin or idolatry. It is also turning fromSatan unto the living God (Jonah

3:8-10; Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 12:41). Repentance evokes a change of one’s mind and purpose in life and

changes all past actions. It elicits a form of godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10), which makes an erstwhile sinner regard

sin with utter revulsion. Godly sorrow makes the sinner or backslider to turn away from sin. It also causes an

abhorrence or hatred for sin. The need for repentance is the heartache of a deeply compassionate God (2 Peter 3:9).

Repentance is the genesis of the process of restoration for backsliders and sinners. It differs from tearful remorse,

which is merely an expression of sorrow over an embarrassing outcome of sin (2 Chronicles 7:14; 2 Corinthians

7:10). It is a universal command by God to all people (Ezekiel 14:6; 18:30; Acts 17:30) Repentance is the central

theme of the gospel. The doctrine and teaching of repentance is fundamental to the propagation of the gospel. It is a

foundation stone in the cardinal doctrines of the New Testament Church. Its vital place in scripture, particularly in the

New Testament, is underscored by the regularity of its usage. Repentance, repent or repenting occurs over sixty

times in the New Testament alone. It was the keynote of Christ’s preaching as well as the sum and substance of the

evangelistic apostolic message. He repeatedly emphasized that His mission was to provide repentance for the sinner

(Matthew 9:13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32; Acts 3:18,19,26; 11:18). Also, John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Lord

anchored his fiery messages in the wilderness on repentance (Luke 3:3-8). At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus

preached repentance (Matthew 4:17). His valedictory message to His disciples shortly before He was taken to

heaven was hinged upon repentance (Luke 24:45-47). This was principally because repentance is cardinal to the

sinner’s reconciliation with God. From His eminent position in glory, the Lord yet admonished the backslidden church

to repent (Revelation 2:4,5; 3:3). Peter and the other Apostles took a cue from the Lord and made the doctrine of

repentance the fundamental theme of their gospel homilies (Acts 2:38; 17:30). Paul the Apostle sent to preach to the

Gentiles did not differ with either the Lord or the other Apostles on the necessity of repentance for the sinner or

backslider to gain the mercy of God. Repentance must therefore be preached to all men in the name of the Lord

Jesus Christ (Luke 24:47). Sinners and backsliders must be made to know that no one is excluded from the challenge

of the gospel to repent, for it is only through repentance that the manifold blessings, arising from the remission of

sins, could be appropriated. Repentance, however, does not exist in isolation of faith. Saving faith is taken as

implying the change of mind, which is repentance (Hebrews 11:9; Zechariah 8:14; Acts 20:21). Both are a response

to grace, creating a completely different orientation for the penitent sinner. Works do not elicit repentance (2

Timothy 1 :9; Romans 3:27,28; 4:1-8; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8). Paradoxically, repentance must necessarily produce

works otherwise it is unreal (James 2:14-26; Ephesians 2:9,10; Titus 2:5-8). True repentance manifests in a proper

attitude towards sin (2 Corinthians 7:10,11; Psalm 38:18; 51:17; 2 Samuel 12:13). The repentant heart henceforth

treats sin with disdain. No sinner or backslider can be said to have genuinely repented if he still condones sin. This is

because essentially sin is exceedingly abominable. Consequently, the need for repentance by the sinner must be the

pivot around which the redemption message must be woven. Repentance opens the way and makes us to receive

the grace of God. It provides pardon and remission of sins (Isaiah 55:7; Proverbs 28:13; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19).

Through it sinners receive justification and acceptance (John 1:12,13; Galatians 3:8; 2:16; Romans 8:1; 5:12). Above

all, there is joy in heaven, joy to God, Christ, and heavenly hosts when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7,10-24).

Repentanc e is a profitable doctrine that makes inward change of life a reality while activating a life of Faith. The

practical side of repentance is restitution, which is the act of correcting all past wrongs and having a conscience void

of offence towards God and man. God expects the repentant sinner or backslider to correct every wrong committed

against others. Restitution is incontrovertibly an integral part of true repentance (Genesis 20:1-18; Numbers 5:6-8; 2

Kings 8:1-6; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Matthew 5:23,24; Acts 24:16). Through repentance, self-centredness gives way to

God- or Christ-centeredness. The forgiveness of sin is available only to those who repent, for they alone are worthy

of God’s mercy.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 6: RESTITUTION

God’s Word teaches:

That Restitution is making amends for wrongs done against our fellow men, restoring stolen things to their rightful

owners, paying debts, giving back where one has defrauded, making confessions to the offended and apologizing to

those slandered so as to have a conscience void of offence toward God and man – Genesis 20:1-8,14-18; Exodus

22:1-7; Leviticus 6:1-7; Numbers 5:6-8; 2 Samuel 12:1-6; Proverbs 6:31; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Matthew 5:23,24; Luke

19:8,9; Acts 23:1-5; 24:16; James 4:17; 5:16 Restitution is the act of making amends for wrongs done against our

fellowmen; restoring stolen or misappropriated things, properties or persons to their rightful owners; paying back just

debts, giving back where one has defrauded, making confessions to the offended and apologizing to those slandered

so as to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men. This is done whether the person

injured knew it or not, for God knows (Hebrews 4:13). We receive forgiveness when we confess and forsake our sins.

We get cleansed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). When a man sins against God,

we often find that other people suffer as a result of that sin. It is also true that when a man sins against his neighbour,

he sins against God in the same act, because one of God’s commandments ahs been broken. God willingly forgives

the sins committed against Him when there is repentance and forsaking of sin. However, God requires that a man

make amends to any person he has injured or wronged as a mark among other things, that repentance is genuine.

We need to bear fruit that signify to all that we have become new creatures indeed (Luke 3:8-14; Romans 8:1,2; Acts

24:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Making restitutions ensure that we have right relationship with our fellowmen after we are

reconciled with God. The Bible doctrine on restitution in practice and precept spans virtually all the dispensations of

God’s dealings with men till present day. The revelation of God’s will and word before the Mosaic laws demands that

we make restitution (Romans 1:19,20). Therefore, this teaching or doctrine of God’s word, which had been

established many years before the law cannot be abolished with the law. Restitution is part of the moral law. Most

sins committed by men are against God as well as their neighbour. So repentance toward God for the children of

Israel included restoration to man of all properties gained by fraud, lying or pretence of whatever kind (Exodus

21:18,19,22,26-36; 22:1-15; Leviticus 6:2-5; Numbers 5:6-8). Rulers in Israel reflected and embraced this teaching on

restitution. It is vital today that rulers, temporal and spiritual reflect this commitment to God’s moral requirement for all

men (cf.2 Samuel 16:5-8 with 19:16-23; Proverbs 6:30,31; 1 Kings 20:34; 2 Kings 8:1-6). The prophets of Israel also

preached, explained, and emphasized the need to make restitution by every backslidden Israelite who is returning

to God (Nehemiah 5:6-13). The prophets proclaimed and prophesied much of the coming Christ and the atoning

sacrifice. They were quick to recognize the need for the blood of the lamb to cleanse sins, yet they did not lessen

God’s requirement of the necessity of restitution. The ministry of preachers today is akin to that of the Old Testament

prophets. Restitution is a doctrine of Christ, confirming his word that “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle

shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled”. Every believer must earnestly and whole- heartedly contend for

and practice all that Christ taught (Matthew 18:15-17; Luke 17:3-5; 19:8-10). Zacchaeus’ encounter with the Lord

Jesus Christ is an object lesson. He wanted nothing to stand between himself and salvation – not even his wealth,

especially that part that was ill-gotten. Though the people murmured that Jesus was going to be a sinner’s guest,

Jesus pronounced that salvation has come to Zacchaeus’ house since he as a son of Abraham not only by birth but

now by faith, is ready to make right his life and wholly follow the Lord. The salvation experience makes a person feel

like returning all possessions that rightfully belong to others.

The Apostles in the early church also practiced and taught restitution. In fact, the whole church of God lived by this

teaching (Matthew 28:19,20; John 14:26; Acts 2:42; 16:4,5; Philemon 7-21). The rules of righteous living are just as

high (or even higher), under the dispensation of grace, as those in the Old Testament. Restitution is as much a part

of the gospel as conversion or water baptism. It is not a self- righteous act to merit pardon. When a man is saved, he

will not only make right matters of money such as theft, dishonest gains and unpaid bills; he will also confess his lies,

slanderous reports, unjust criticisms, hatred, malice – those things in which one may have injured others in word or in

deed. One may say, “my brother or sister does not know that I talked evil of him.” But what about the person to

whom you talked? Without doubt you have harmed him, and perhaps he repeated it to others. You should go to the

one to whom you talked and confess it. It is better that we make right all previous wrongs here and now than face it in

eternity. The great ‘Counsellor’ who never lost a case can go before us and soften the hearts of those whom we have

wronged (1 Timothy 5:24). Making restitution can be likened to a spiritual warfare in which we need God’s help and

wisdom to undertake for us and quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:10-12,16). Some restitutions

are delicate. These are restitutions that may implicate or bring injuries or harm to others that may be unsaved or the

need to settle issues with individuals or organizations that may affect other people in an adverse way. These also

include cases in which we do not have clear leading from God’s word as to what steps to take. For delicate

restitutions, we need fervent prayers, wisdom and counseling from Spirit-filled preachers of God’s word who believe

and teach the whole counsel of God (Proverbs 11:14;15:22; 24:6). The civil laws in a country may not always govern

in matters of restitution. For example, the law may provide a time limit for certain classes of debts and obligations,

after which they become lapse; but no debts are outlawed with God. Time cannot cancel moral obligations.

Restitution is usually considered at the time of salvation because God will only forgive when a man is willing, so far as

it lies within his power, to make right every wrong that he has committed against others. There would be need,

however, throughout life as a Christian to be ready to make restitution where need be, when others are offended, for

example, out of human error of judgment (Acts 23:1-5; Matthew 5:23,24). God demands that restitution be made. A

far-reaching benefit in God’s plan as regards restitution is that an undeniable testimony is directed to the people who

otherwise might never seriously hear the story of the gospel. A religion that compels a man to pay his just debts,

restore back the things he has stolen, and uncover his crimes demands confidence from the men of the world.

When restitutions are made, and past wrongs are settled, the peace of God floods the believer’s heart. There is

confidence towards God in prayer and the believer makes progress in the Christian life as sense of guilt is removed

(Romans 8:1,2).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 7: JUSTIFICATION

God’s Word teaches:

That Justification (or regeneration) is the act of God’s grace whereby one receives forgiveness and remission of sins

and is counted righteous before God, through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus, standing before God as though he

had never sinned – Psalm 32:1,2; Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:19; John 3:3-8; Acts 13:38,39; Romans 3:24-30; 4:6-16; 5:1,2;

2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:16; Acts 2:38; 8:8,9; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23. Justification is the act of God’s grace

through which one receives forgiveness and remission of sins and is counted righteous before God, through faith in

the atoning blood of Jesus. Having thus been cleared of every guilt of sin, the regenerated stands before God as

though he had never sinned. Now totally forgiven and the sins forgotten, God looks at the redeemed sinless not on

the basis of any personal merit but in the light of what Christ had accomplished for mankind by His substitutionary

death on the cross of Calvary (Psalm 32:1,2; Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:19; Acts 13:38). In order to fully appreciate the

benefits of salvation in Christ Jesus, the utter helplessness and hopelessness of man should be noted. Man being

incapable of personally providing a solution to his problem of sin or change his eternal destiny of damnation (Isaiah

59:8), the need for justification becomes obvious. To meet the standard of divine justice due price needed to be paid.

Man lacked both the capacity and the purity to afford this. It therefore required the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of

God, untainted and without blemish in Himself to pay the necessary ransom with His blood for the expiation of man’s

sins. It is instructive here to note that the nature of sin is not such that man could handle on his own or by the merit of

his good works (Ephesians 2:8,9). Just as circumcision cannot justify the Jew nor water baptism the Gentile, so by

the standards of God’s righteousness and holiness, church membership or confirmation does not suffice to justify any

one. Only faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross can assure a penitent soul the full justification by the

grace of Jesus. As has been outlined above, three aspects of the doctrinal question need be examined closely:

Redemption by the blood of Christ, Necessity of Faith, and the Evidence of Justification. Genesis 2:16,17 reads: “And

the LORD God commanded the man, saying of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the

knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die.”

God’s indelible words as revealed in the Holy Scriptures cannot be changed (Isaiah 55:11). “Heaven and earth shall

pass away, but my words shall not pass away (Matthew 24:25). Adam and Eve, though still physically present in the

garden of Eden after eating the forbidden fruit, were consequently spiritually dead and became alienated from God

and from the commonwealth of His kingdom. This verdict they could not set aside, which emphasizes the

insufficiency of man’s works and personal endeavour in gaining salvation, except by being born again (John 3:3). It

needed a Messiah – one qualified and of a high integrity to meet the divine standard and thus satisfy God’s

imperative Judgment. Christ therefore became the sin-bearer, based on the fact of God’s provision and what the

Scripture says (Romans 3:25). “And He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins

of the whole world” (1 John 2:2; Acts 4:12). And by Christ’s finished work of grace, solution was provided to the

problem of sin to ensure man’s reconciliation with God (Isaiah 44:22; Romans 5:9). Although Christ’s atonement on

the cross guarantees universal provision of salvation or all mankind, this could only be appropriated on a personal

basis through faith in Christ Jesus. The sinner who seeks salvation must take the necessary step of faith in the blood

of Jesus. Paul gives proof of this in his Epistle to the Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace

with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word

preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2; 11:6). Having been saved

through faith in our Lord Jesus, the redeemed has evidence in his new life to show for his justification (2 Corinthians

5:17). In keeping with this expectation, apostle Paul exhorts the Ephesian converts: “Be ye therefore followers of God

as dear children. And work in love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a

sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour” (Ephesians 5:1,2). Before he was justified, the sinner had works of the

flesh as catalogued in Galatians 5:19-21, but as a new creature, the fruit of the Spirit become manifest (Galatians

5:22,23). Therefore, in lifestyle, speech, conduct, and disposition, the redeemed is more like Christ, having been

quickened by the Spirit of God. The misleading concept of justification by works, as an article of man’s religion, is

opposed to

justification by faith because it denies the grace of God and dishonours the blood of Christ. The

reference in James 2:14-26 may be interpreted amiss by a cursory reader of the scriptures, where it

asks: “But wilt thou know O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” The underlying point being

stressed by James is that works as referred to in this context are complementary to justification by

faith. So then, though in one sense a man is justified by faith without works, in another sense we see

“how by works a man is justified, and not by faith only”. Justification by faith before God; justification

by works before men. Properly understood, none really is mutually exclusive.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 8: WATER BAPTISM

God’s Word teaches:

That Water Baptism is essential to our obedience after reconciliation with God. Water Baptism is one immersion (not

three) “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”, as Jesus commanded – Matthew 28:19;

3:13-17; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; 8:38,39; 19:1-6; Romans 6:4,5. Water baptism is one of the cardinal doctrines of

the Lord Jesus Christ, yet one of the most misunderstood teachings by contemporary teachers and preachers. Some,

at one extreme, believe that it is not necessary because of its abuse by nominal Christians while at the other extreme;

others believe that without water baptism, one cannot be saved. In the middle is yet another group that believes that

though it is necessary, it must be administered in the name of Jesus only.

All of them are wrong because Jesus Christ commanded that water baptism should be administered in the name of

the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19; John 1:14; John 2:5). Doing otherwise therefore is

to disobey Jesus Christ. The word ‘baptize’ is a Greek word ‘baptiso’, which means to immerse, ‘dip inside liquid’.

This shows the proper form of baptism is by immersion inside water. The immersion signifies identification with the

burial of Christ in His death and rising up in newness of life with Him at His resurrection (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians

2:12). In baptism, the believer shows his faith that Christ died for his sins and rose again for his justification: that if he

dies he will be raised again in the resurrection and that he dies to his old life and rises to walk in the new life with

Christ. The immersion is done only ONCE and not THRICE. Jesus Christ was dipped inside River Jordan only

once (Matthew 3:16); the eunuch of Ethiopian was immersed in water once (Acts 8:38). When we submit for water

baptism it is an acknowledgement of Christ in a public way. Therefore it is a public ceremony, which witnesses to all

that one has put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). Jesus commanded that the gospel be preached to sinners and as they

repent and believe the gospel, they should be baptized. This confirms that water baptism is for those who fully repent

of their sins (Acts 2:38). This also confirms that only adults who can exercise faith to believe can be baptized Matthew

28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Acts 10:9,10; 20:21; Mark 1:14,15). It is fundamentally wrong to baptize infants who

have not reached the stage of accountability as practiced by some orthodox churches. The pages of the

NewTestament are filled with references on water baptism. In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus submitted Himself to John the

Baptist for water baptism to fulfill all righteousness. The testimony of God the Father to the ministry of His Son, Jesus

Christ, through the descent of the Holy Ghost on Him as He came out of the water after the water baptism was in

agreement with it. Christ’s command of Matthew 28:19 was re-echoed in Mark 16:16. The Apostles also continued to

baptize in obedience to the command of Christ: the converts on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37:-42,47); the

Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:36-38), Samaritan converts (Acts 8:12,13), Cornelius and his kinsmen (Acts 10:47,48); the

Philippian jailor (Acts 16:30-33); the Ephesian disciples (Acts 19:5). Salvation does not come through water baptism

but by grace through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8,9; 1 John 1:7,9; Hebrews 9:22;

Matthew 26:28; John 1:12; 3:16,17; 1 Peter 3:21). The Scripture records a catalogue of those who got saved without

water baptism being a pre- condition: the sick of the palsy healed by Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:1-7); the woman who

washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and cleansed them with her hair (Luke 7:36-50); Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10);

the thief on the cross (Luke 24:39-43); Eunuch of Ethiopia (Acts 8:30-37); those who believed in Antioch (Acts

11:20,21); Saul of Tarsus was addressed as Brother Saul by Ananias before he submitted himself for water baptism

(Acts 9:17). Jesus laid down the standard for water baptism and it is to be carried out in the name of the Father, and

of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). Every believer in obedience to Christ’s command should th

erefore submit to this ordinance of water baptism. The importance of water baptism was expressed by Jesus Christ in

His parting words. He said: “He that believeth and is BAPTIZED shall be saved”. The opinions of men cannot

contradict the stand of the Scripture (Matthew 28:19). Once a person repents of his sins, it is mandatory that he

submits himself to water baptism as provided for in the Scriptures (Romans 6:3,4). The practice was upheld in the

early church. Converts were baptized in water soon after their salvation experience (Acts 2:41; 8:37,38; 16:30,31,33).

Every convert is therefore enjoined to yield to this important injunction. Pastors must do their utmost best to

encourage their flocks to attach great importance to this practice. Acts 20:28 says: “Take heed therefore unto

yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,

which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Peter encouraged his hearers to “repent and be BAPTIZED everyone

of you......for the remission of sin....”

BIBLE DOCTRINE 9: THE LORD’S SUPPER

God’s Word teaches:

That the Lord’s supper was instituted by Jesus Christ so that all believers (all members of the family of God) might

partake thereof regularly, to “shew the Lord’s death until He come.” The emblems used are “unleavened bread” and

the juice of “fruit of the vine.” Anyone who eats and drinks unworthily brings “damnation,” punishment and

hastisement upon himself – Matthew 26:29; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30. In setting the worship service in

the tabernacle, Moses was enjoined to do according to the pattern revealed unto him by God (Exodus 25:9,20; 26:30;

Numbers 8:4). This is a command we ought to obey as we consider the doctrine and practice of The Lord’s Supper.

The institution of the Lord’s Supper is clearly shown in the gospels (Matthew 26:17-30; Luke 22:1,7-20). Paul

Amplified the doctrine in 1 Corinthians 11:20-30. In the gospel according to Saint Luke, we see the links between the

Feast of Passover or Unleavened Bread and the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:15-20). The Lord’s Supper in the New

Testament is a type of the Feast of the Passover or Unleavened Bread in the Old Testament (Exodus 12:1-28,40-51).

This implies that just as the vicarious death of the Lord Jesus Christ replaced the Sacrifice of the Aaronic or Levitical

Priesthood for atonement of sin, so for us Christians the Lord’s Supper has replaced the Feast of the Passover, as an

ordinance. Some churches refer to the Lord’s Supper as the “SACRAMENT”: Latin-sacramentum, meaning Holy

Ordinance (1 Corinthians 11:2). The Theologians call it the “EUCHARIST” (Greek - GIVING OF THANKS); still others

name it “THE LORD’S TABLE” or the “HOLY COMMUNION” (1 Corinthians 10:16). Those who participate in eating of

the Lord’s Supper are called the “Communicants.” The universal name is the Lord’s Supper as used by our Lord.

In spite of the fact that the Lord’s Supper has replaced the Feast of the Passover, if we apply the LAW OF FIRST

MENTION as a means of studying the doctrine at hand, vital lessons and inspiration can be drawn from critically

looking at the pattern of the celebration of the Feast of Passover in Exodus 12:1- 51; Deuteronomy 16:1-8 and 2

Chronicles 30:1-27. This can be accomplished if we ask ourselves and answer the following questions: When and

why was the Passover instituted? (ii) Who was qualified to partake in the ordinance? (iii) What were the tokens or

emblems employed in the service? (iv) Who officiated in the service and how did they prepare for the ordinance i.e.

place, provision, cost and personal sacrifices? (v) What was the spiritual impact and how often was it done? Parallel

questions and answers apply to the Lord’s Supper. The PASSOVER (Hebrews ‘Pesah’) means, “to pass over” i.e. “to

spare” (Exodus 12:13,27). The Israelites were in bondage in Egypt (Exodus 2:11). They cried unto the Lord for

deliverance (Exodus 3:7-10). Pharaoh did not set them free until God sent vicious plagues upon Egypt. The Passover

ordinance was instituted the night when the destroyer killed all the firstborn in Egypt but “passed over” or spared the

Jews because of the blood on the lintel and side posts of their doors (a type of Calvary’s cross). The Feast of

unleavened Bread was co-joined with that of the Passover. The two then became known as “The Passover”

(Deuteronomy 16:1-8). Sanctified elders and the priests handled the emblems (the blood of pure lamb and

unleavened bread). The lamb was to be roasted and not eaten raw. No bone of the lamb was broken (Exodus 12:46;

John 1:29; 19:36). This typifies Christ. The defiled, uncircumcised strangers and Gentiles did not participate (Exodus

12:43-49). However, a qualified person would be cut off from among the Israelites if he refused to eat the Passover

(Numbers 9:13). The Jews who did not observe it in the first month because they were not levitically pure, a second

chance of eating the Passover was offered in the second month, if they were clean (Deuteronomy 16:1-8; 2 hronicles

30:1-27). The preparations made in terms of personal and corporate cleansing, provision of the emblems and the

place for the ordinance was elaborate and thorough. History tells us that in the New Testament, a candle light search

was made to root out any trace of leaven (impurity) from the location of the Passover. The HALLEL, Psalm 113 to 118

was sung (Matthew 26:30) and the story of Exodus 12:1-14 recounted, bringing to remembrance the deliverance from

Egypt. Prayers were also offered. It was a holy convocation. For the Jews, the dates for the Passover now became

the beginning of months. It is to be observed forever as a memorial. It brought joy and renewed strength to God’s

people (2 Chronicles 30:25,26; 31:1-19). However, by the deeds of the law no man shall be justified. By the time of

Christ, the Passover activities had been commercialised (John 2:13-17). Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper at

the last Passover, for the New Testament believers, thus signifying the end of the latter (Luke 22:1-20). Our Lord

Jesus Christ is our Paschal Lamb or Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7). He has delivered us from all bondages, sin

sickness, and Satan. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, no unbeliever, fornicator, polygamist, or drunkard could join in the

breaking of bread. The syncretic and the occultic did not have part in it. Some became unworthy because of fighting,

keeping malice, divisive, and having unforgiving spirit. Any restitution should be settled before the hour of the

ordinance (Matthew 5:23,24).

The Lord’s Supper is not the common love feast or marriage reception food (1 Corinthians 11:20-22) We DISCERN

the Lord’s Body (1 Corinthians 11:29). This implies we recognize that the emblems, “the fruit of the vine” and the

“Unleavened Bread” REPRESENT or SYMBOLISE the Lord’s broken body and His blood that was shed respectively.

They are not the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. This calls for holiness of life and solemnity on our part as we

come to the Lord’s table. We take the emblems to SHEW FORTH the Lord’s death. We call to remembrance His love

and passion on Calvary’s Cross. The Lord’s Supper is to be taken as practicable, doing it in remembrance of our

Lord, till He comes (Matthew 26:17-30; Luke 22:7-13; 1 Corinthians 11:26). We look forward to the Rapture and the

Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). Adequate preparations should be made by the leadership of the

church to secure the emblems and a location for the ordinance. More importantly we must keep our total being worthy

of it. In a Bible-believing church, grave consequences can befall those who eat it unworthily. Weakness, sickness or

even death could ensue (1 Corinthians 11:30). If you always feel disqualified it is not certain that you will be qualified

for the Rapture and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-18). Adults, youth, and children who have

current testimony of salvation and holy living can partake of it.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 10: ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION

God’s Word teaches:

That entire sanctification is a definite act of God’s grace, subsequent to the New Birth, by which the believer’s heart is

purified and made holy. Works, struggle, or suppression cannot attain it progressively, but it is obtained by faith in the

sanctifying blood of Jesus Christ. Holiness of life and purity of heart are central to Christian living – Luke 1:74,75;

John 17:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3,7,8; 5:22-24; Ephesians 5:25-27; Hebrews 2:11; 10:10,14; 13:11,12; Titus

2:11-14; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:14-16. The doctrine of entire sanctification is central in the mind of the

Godhead. The doctrine is at the hub or nucleus of Christian teaching. What then is the meaning of the word,

Sanctification? Sanctification is an English word which means: to make sacred or holy; to set apart for holy or

religious use; to make free from sin; to cleanse from moral corruption and pollution; the act of God’s grace by which

the affections of men are purified or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to supreme love to God; to purify in

order to prepare for divine service and for partaking of holy things; to free from the power of sin; being set free from

the power of cancelled sin. A gracious work of the Holy Spirit, not of works, not of growth, not of death, not of

purgatory. God has the ability to destroy sin. Sanctification is an operation of the Spirit of God on those who are

already in Christ. They who are effectually called and regenerated having a new heart and a new spirit created in

them need to be further sanctified through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection, His word and His Spirit.

Sanctification is an instantaneous experience given to a believer to enable him cleave to God without the tendency to

want to go astray or go away from the Lord. It is not a protracted or tedious process of growth. You do not grow INTO

sanctification, but you can grow IN sanctification. We can never grow into what God must of necessity do for us.

Again, sanctification is not brought about by death. To assume that is to say that death is no longer our last enemy to

be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26). Neither are we cleansed from the original stain (the nature we brought into the

world) through Water Baptism. Entire sanctification is not of works, but is the work of God, divinely wrought by the

Holy Spirit. ‘Holiness’, ‘Perfection’ and ‘Sanctification’ are the definitive terms used interchangeably. Holiness means

entire freedom from sin, wholeness, spiritual health, moral integrity and purity. Our health means the absence of

sickness. Therefore, holiness means the absence of sin (Luke 1:74,75; Psalm 29:2; 93:5; 1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews

12:14). ‘Perfection’ means that which is not lacking in what it ought to have. The perfection, which God requires and

accomplishes in those who earnestly ask in faith, is the purifying of our hearts; loving every believer as Christ loves

us, and loving our neighbours as ourselves. Nothing less than this is desirable and nothing more is required

(Colossians 1:28). Entire sanctification is described as ‘clean heart’ or ‘pure heart’. This descriptive term shows the

experience in a way one can understand in his heart (Psalm 24:3,4; Matthew 5:8). The Bible teaches us that all of

God’s children can be like Jesus in separation from the world, in purity and in love. We must be inwardly pure and

peaceful otherwise be left defeated. A blameless life is a life in which God sees nothing to condemn. We may not

be blameless to our contemporaries, but we can be blameless before God. When God examines a sanctified heart

He finds all that is possessed to be in harmony with Himself. The heart of the sanctified is a throne on which God

reigns without a rival; an empire wherein He exercises unchecked, undisputed dominion and authority. How does the

earnest seeker get sanctified? There must first be a definite separation and withdrawal from all sins and appearance

of evil, immorality, and all unclean things (1 Thessalonians 5:22; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 2 Timothy 2:21). There must,

secondly, be ENTIRE Consecration. This is giving ourselves unto God in a vivid manner. First, we give ALL we are to

God. Here we no longer lay any claim on ourselves (Luke 9:60; Romans 12:1,2). Second, we give our body unto the

glory of God, not for any selfish motive or purpose in view, but with the consideration and knowledge that we are

bought with the precious blood of Jesus. Third, we give OURSELVES FOR SERVICE (John 13:12-17). We should

not stress our being priests and kings unto God but also being servants. Here Jesus shows how to consecrate and

dedicate ourselves for service. Washing the feet was the work of a slave. So, we must learn to do the meanest job in

the midst of believers and not waiting for compliments. Fourth, we must die to self. “Verily, verily I say unto you,

EXCEPT a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit....” (John

12:24,25). Consecration is coming before God with our past, present, future, personality, possession, wisdom,

alents, intellect, money, influence, position in the family and in the church and dedicating all to God. We separate and

dedicate ourselves to God, He readily willing to do His part and give us the definite experience of Entire

danctification. This is the operation of God, a definite act of God’s grace in a believer’s heart (Hebrews 2:11;

13:12,13). By what means of grace does the believer get into this experience? The means of sanctification

includes: a) The word of God (John 15:3); b) The blood of Jesus (Hebrews 13:12,13); c) Faith in the Lord (Acts

26:18); d) The Spirit of God, and e) God Himself (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We do not get sanctified by studying the

word alone. We need to pray in faith. We must believe in its possibility before we can ask in faith. Also, we must

realize that it is the will of God that we are made holy (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; 1 John 5:14,15). Without holiness, no

man shall see the Lord. Holiness here is not just the judicial kind of holiness, but the practical holiness of which

believers are partakers because they have surrendered their entire life unto God through Christ. This holiness does

something in our hearts that makes us live right. We must desire it (Mark 11:24), and ask with a genuine burning

desire. What should be our response to this doctrine? The Bible teaches that all believers can be wholly sanctified (1

Thessalonians 5:23). We should not be guilty of taking away from the word. This teaching places a great and solemn

responsibility upon all preachers of the word to teach this doctrine; be a partaker of the experience (1 Timothy 4:12; 2

Timothy 2:6), and endeavour to understand and know how to present it by study (2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 1:9; John

7:46); faithfully and effectively teach all believers without fear or compromise, for in all things of the Spirit, we should

not withhold or withdraw the truth from our congregation (2 Timothy 2:2). Let us encourage all believers to partake of

the blessing. This gracious Christian experience could be kept all through life provided that the recipient keeps

abiding in Christ, watching, and praying (John 15:4; Mark 13:32-35). Having been warned to hold fast that which is

good, the only reasonable thing for the Sanctified Believer to do is to stop grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians

4:30,31); Refuse to relapse into bitterness and harshness of spirit, never engage in unprofitable conversation

(Ephesians 5:3,4), unkind criticisms, evil speaking and fault finding, self indulgence and prejudice, impatience,

indolence and negligence, uncontrolled temperament, self- dependence and self-management and interest in objects

of temptation. Why should any Christian doubt the possibility of complete deliverance from sin? Jesus should not be

limited as a Saviour. Complete deliverance from sin is Christ’s purpose (Titus 2:11-15). The white lily grows up from

mire, but with no dust on it. Christians can grow up in this dirty world yet without spot on their lives (Romans 12:1,2).

It is our privilege to be totally separated from the evil of the world. It isa promise from God that we should be purged

and sanctified. “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

BIBLE DOCTRINE 11: HOLY GHOST BAPTISM

God’s Word teaches:

That the Baptism in the Holy Ghost is the enduement of power from on High upon the sanctified believer. It is “the

promise of the Father” and when one receives this “gift of the Holy Ghost”, it is accompanied by the initial evidence of

speaking a language unlearned previously, referred to as speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance – Matthew

3:11; Acts 1:8; Luke 3:16; 24:49; John 1:30-33; 7:7-39; 14:16; 17:26; 15:26; 15:26; 16:12-15; Acts 1:5-8; Mark 16: 17;

Acts 2:1-18; 10:44-46; Acts 19:1-6. We do not teach or instruct people how to speak in tongues: the Holy Spirit gives

utterance. We also stress the necessity of Purity before Power. The gifts of the Spirit are for today – 1 Corinthians

12:1- 31; 14:1-40. The baptism in the Holy Ghost is the endowment of power from on High upon the sanctified

believer. It is the promise of the Father. When one receives this gift of the Holy Ghost it is accompanied by the

initial evidence of speaking a language unlearned previously, referred to as speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives

utterance (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:8; John 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:30-33; 7:37).

We do not teach or instruct people how to speak in tongues; the Holy Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4). Jesus Christ

the great Teacher preached it and promised it. (John 7:37-39; Luke 24:49; and Acts 1:4-8). The Baptism in the Holy

Ghost is not the new birth, salvation, conversion or regeneration (John 7:37- 39; 14:17; 17:6-9, 14-16; Luke 10:19-24;

24:49). It is not sanctification experience (John 17:9; 17:21- 23; Acts 2:1-4). Jesus prayed for the sanctification of His

disciples and yet commanded them to wait for the enduement of power, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Moreover,

sanctification is for purity whereas the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is for power. It is not also illumination, feeling of

joy, liberty, and victory in prayer, Self-denial or zeal (Luke 24:27, 31-32,44,45; Acts 8:8, 14-17; Matthew 19:27; 16:17).

The Holy Spirit is not a mere impersonal force. He is not a mere power that we can get hold of and use. He is not a

mere influence that we feel. He is a person who seeks to get hold of us and use us. The Holy Spirit is Divine

Personality who we must honour, worship, fellowship with, and listen to. He is called the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit,

the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of the Living God, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of Holiness, the Spirit of Life, the Spirit of

wisdom, the Spirit of your Father, the Comforter, the Eternal Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Luke 11:13;

Hebrews 9:14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Peter 1:11; 4:14; Romans 1:4; Matthew 10:20). The Holy

Ghost is Eternal, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Holy. He is the inspirer of the Holy Scriptures, the

general Overseer of the militant Church, the Great Teacher, helper and Guide of all the saints, the Character

Builder of all members of the Body of Christ (Hebrews 9:14; Psalm 139:7-10; Acts:10:38; Matthew 12:28; Luke

11:20-22; 1 Corinthians 2:10,11; John 14:17-26; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22,23; The Holy Ghost is the third

person in the Trinity (1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:3-6; Matthew 28:19).

The Holy Spirit:

1 Searches all hearts (John 16:8-11; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

2 Convicts of sin (John 16:7-11)

3 Regenerates (Titus 3:5).

4 Bears witness with us (Romans 8:14-16).

5 Adopts into God’s family (Romans 8:15).

6 Helps and gives victory in temptation (Romans 8:2,26-27).

7 Helps in prayer (Romans 8:26,27; Zechariah 12:10).

8 Fills believers with joy, peace, and boldness (Acts 13:49-520.

9 Sanctifies (Romans 1:4; 5:5).

10 Quickens and heals our body (Romans 8:11).

11 Comforts, counsels, and commands (Isaiah 11:1-2).

12 Intercedes for saints (Romans 8:26,270.

13 Illuminates and inspires (2 Peter 1:21).

14 Searches and reveals the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-12).

15 Teaches (John 14:26)

16 Guides into all truth (John 16:13).

17 Creates (Psalm 104:30).

18 Empowers (Acts 1:8).

19 Directs gospel work (Act 8:26-29).

20 Confirms the gospel (Hebrews 2:3,4).

The mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit is promised to all flesh; and those who meet God’s conditions can receive

God’s abundance (Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Joel 2:28,29; John 7:37-39. Few (very few) of the Old Testament

saints had the Spirit upon them for some special task that the Lord gave them to do. The Bulk of the Israelites lived all

their lives without the “special privilege” of having “the Spirit upon” them. Even those who had this privilege did not all

enjoy His continuous abiding presence (Numbers 11:25; 24:2; Judges 3:10; 6:34; 14:6; 1Samuel 10:9,10; 16:13; 2

Peter 1:21). There were great expectations and a “diligent searching” by the Old Testament prophets. They looked

forward to the glorious Gospel days in which we live. Even the angels dared to look into these things. In as much as

Christ’s incarnation, birth, life, dominion, rejection, suffering, meekness, death and resurrection were all foretold and

messianic prophecies were fulfilled in every detail, so also all prophecies concerning the outpouring of the Holy Spirit

must be fulfilled. Today, we can all receive the Spirit in baptismal measure. We can be baptized in the Holy Spirit if:

1 We thirst – have strong desire (Isaiah 44:3; John 7:37,39).

2 We receive “A new heart”, “an heart of flesh”, after removal of “the stony heart”, “circumcision of heart” (Ezekiel

36:26,27).

3 We have “faith” to “receive” (Galatians 3:2,14; Mark 11:22,24).

4 We pray to receive (Luke 11:13).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 12: REDEMPTION, HEALING AND HEALTH

God’s Word teaches:

That Redemption from the curse of the law, Healing of sickness and disease as well as continued Health are provided

for all people through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ – Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 7:15; Psalm 103:1-5;

Proverbs 4:20-22; Isaiah 53:4,5;Matthew 8:16,17; 1 Peter 2:24; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 13:16; John 14:12-14; 10:10;

Acts 10:38; James 5:14-16; John 3:8; 3 John 22: Galatians 3:13,14. Redemption is a release or liberation from

captivity or death by paying a price called a ransom. It simply connotes buying back unto freedom someone in

servitude, slavery, or captivity. The fall of man brought all human race under sin, Satan and condemnation as a result

of man’s disobedience to God, and the consequence of the broken law. Man lost his purity and favour with God in the

fall. Man cannot, by himself regain it. The whole creation was bought under the curse and all men (in Adam) became

sinners and captives to sin, Satan, and sickness (Romans 5:12). Consequently, man being under the sentence of

death, could not pay his own death penalty and live again to enjoy freedom from sin and carry out the divine purpose

for which he has been created. God then undertook the redemption of man by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus

Christ to die in man’s place. He being capable of redeeming man met the demands of the law and became the legal

substitute by paying the redemptive price for those who are condemned to death for breaking the law. This is

absolute protection from eternal punishment through the blood of the perfect and spotless substitute (Exodus 12:13;

John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7; Romans 3:24; Revelation 5:9; Romans 8:3; Isaiah 53:4-8; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23;

Matthew 26:28; 1 Peter 1: 18-21; Genesis 3:16,24). It was Christ who bore the curse of the law and suffered its

condemnation of death in our stead. No sinner can be acquitted except he accepts Christ as his Redeemer (Acts

4:12). Man’s redemption is not limited to removal of guilt; it covers all consequences of the broken law, which are

sickness, disease, and satanic oppression. Healing of sickness and disease as well as continued health are provided

for all men through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, there was a divine plan by which God

heals all those who were in covenant relationship with Him. Not everyone can enjoy this unfailing healing and health

plan made by God for all mankind based on the fact that not all men are in covenant relationship with Him. The

promise to keep the Israelites from diseases by which the Egyptians were afflicted was made at the instance of the

healing covenant Israel had with God. Diverse sickness, pestilences and; plagues came upon them when they

disobeyed God and broke His covenant (Deuteronomy 28:28-61; Psalm 107:17-20). But when they repented and

prayed, fulfilling the covenant conditions, they were healed (Numbers 21:4-9; 2 Chronicles 7:13,14; Psalm

107:17-20). God is in the business of healing today where the conditions of the covenant are Met. Jesus not only

bore our sins, He also bore our sicknesses and diseases. He became our sickness-bearer in exactly the same way

He became our sin-bearer. Christ was scourged and striped for our healing; nailed to the cross for our sin (John

3:14;12:22-23; Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; Psalm 103:2,4). The Holy Spirit concluded by saying, “Christ hath

redeemed us from the curse of the law: sickness- pestilence, fever, cancer, ulcer, boils, as well as nameless

sicknesses found in people’s life today and other infirmities recorded or not recorded in scriptures (Deuteronomy

28:15-29, 58-61; Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 7:12-15). Christ has been made manifest to destroy the works of the

devil (1 John 3:8; Acts 10:38; Hebrews 13:8). Divine healing and health, like salvation, have remained the right of

every child of God. It is a vital part of complete salvation once we belong to the commonwealth of Israel and not

strangers to the covenant of promise (Matthew 15:26-28; Ephesians 2:12-21; 1 Peter 2:9,10). Sickness in whatever

form is of the devil. God calls it captivity (Job 42:10), Jesus calls it bondage (Luke 13:16,12), and the Holy Spirit calls

it oppression (Acts 10:38). The victory of Jesus is our victory. He did nothing for Himself. He conquered

sin, Satan, disease and sickness on our behalf. He shares His victory with all who will repent and believe on His

name. He bore our infirmities, sicknesses, and diseases so that we could claim full release and deliverance. As much

as disobedience to God’s word, misuse of tongue and unbelief will make the covenant of no effect, for the people of

God, no more can anyone enjoy the blessing of healing without a current relationship with God through Christ,

obedience to the Word of God and fulfilling the terms and conditions for healing (Exodus 15:26; 23:25,26;

Deuteronomy 7:12-15,6-9; Psalm 91; Isaiah 1:19; Mark 2:5,9,11; 3 John 2). It then goes without saying that “curse

causeless shall not come ....” Most often infirmities come as a consequence of disobeying God (Genesis 20: 1-18; 1

Chronicles 10:13), through Satan, the very source of sickness and affliction (Job 2:6,7; Matthew 4:23,24; John 10:10;

8:44; 5:14; Acts 10:38), backsliding (Exodus 10:10; 2 Chronicles 16:12-14; Matthew 12:43-45), misuse of tongue

(Numbers 21:4-6; 11:1-3; 12:1-10), sin, covetousness or merchandising God’s gift (2 Kings 5:20-27); rebellion (Psalm

107:17-20; Deuteronomy 32: 39-41) or even breaking God’s law of nature. The Scripture reveals that evil spirits,

devils, and demons also assist Satan in his destructive work on human bodies. They possess, oppress, afflict,

torment, obsess people and cause dumbness and deafness (Matthew 9:32,33; Mark 9:25-27), blindness (Matthew

12:22), grievous vexation and torments (Matthew 15:22), lunacy (Matthew 4:24; Luke 9: 38-42) and suicide (Matthew

17:15). Satan and his cohorts gain entrance into men when men sin, consult with familiar spirits, palm reading, magic,

witchcraft, fortune telling, not guarding the mind

or refusal to resist the devil. As long as you have any of the devil’s property, he will stay around you. Renounce and

destroy the works of the devil for total emancipation from his claws ( 1 Peter 1:1,13; 5:8,9; Acts 19:18,19). The bible

sets forth the conditional precedence to enjoying the benefits and blessings of our relationship with God, which are

our redemptive rights: genuine conversion (Psalm 103: 2-5; Matthew 13:15; mark 9:23; Matthew 21:21,22; Mark 11

22-24; John 14: 12; James 1:6-8), obedience to God and His Word (Exodus 15:26; 23:25,26; Proverbs 4:20-22);

abiding in Him (Psalm 91:1-7; John 15:1-7); making peace with fellow men (Mark 11:22-26; James 5:14-16; Genesis

20:14), serving God in holiness (Exodus 23:25,26; Colossians 2:6,7; John 5:14; 1 John 3:21-22), appropriating the

benefits of Calvary through prayer of faith (2 Peter 1:3,4; Hebrews 6:18; 1 Peter 2:24; James 1:16,.17; Hebrews 13:8;

Matthew 8:17). From the foregoing, God heals those who are under His healing covenant (Psalm 105:37; 2

Chronicles 30:18-20) by His Word (Psalm 1077:20; Hebrews 4:20; Matthew 8:8), through His Mercy (Matthew

20:30-34), by His Power (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:16,17; Luke 5:17), by His Spirit (Acts 10:38; Isaiah 61: 1,2;

Luke 10:18,19; Romans 8:2,11; Matthew 12:280, in His Name (Acts 3:6; Luke 10:17,18; Mark 16:17,18; Proverbs

18:10; Philippians 2:9-11), by His Will (1 John 5:14,15; John 5:30; 3 John 2). What a sure word of prophecy! No need

therefore for private interpretation; according to your faith it shall be done unto to you. It is then left with every believer

to fulfill the terms of the divine conditions in order to live in the reality of this marvellous provision. Healing and health

is for us today. We can lay claim boldly to this redemptive grace: not with uncertainty, but with confidence of faith and

prayer to get healed and remain healthy all the days of our lives. Now we are redeemed, purchased, bought back

again to be God’s peculiar possession (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23; Obadiah 17). We shall live to possess

our possession.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 13: PERSONAL EVANGELISM

God’s Word teaches:

That Personal Evangelism is a God-given and God-ordained ministry for every believer, Jesus commanded and God

requires every believer to be a compassionate and fruitful soulwinner, bringing others to Christ - Matthew 28:19,20;

Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; John 17:18; Acts 1:8; 1-4; Psalm 126:5,6; Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3; Ezekiel 3:17-21.

Personal evangelism is a God-given and God-ordained ministry for every believer. The Greek word “euangelion”

(Gospel) actually means Good News. It is good news from a loving God to a lost world that through the death, burial,

and resurrection of Christ, there is salvation (John 3:16,17). Personal evangelism is the person-to-person sharing of

this good news of salvation with the aim of soul-winning – leading the sinner to repent and turn wholly to God through

Jesus Christ, the Saviour (John 1:40-42; Acts 8: 26-37). Jesus commanded and God requires every believer to be a

compassionate and fruitful soul winner (Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1;8). Although mass evangelism is good

and necessary, it will never take the place of personal evangelism. Illustrating the efficacy and superiority of personal

evangelism, one godly man said, “If you had one hundred empty bottles before you, and threw a pail of water over

them some would get a little in them, but most would fall outside. If you wish to fill the bottles, the best way is to take

each bottle separately and put a vessel full of water to each bottle’s mouth “. Another man of God said, “The world is

never going to be brought to Christ whole-sale but one by one. Men are not born collectively, they do not die

collectively, and they do not accept or reject Christ collectively”. Personal evangelism is essential and mandatory

because (a) Jesus commanded it (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19,20); (b) God is happy at its result (Luke 15:10); (c)

Jesus did it (John 4:21-30; Matthew 4:19); (d) God the Father started it (Genesis 3:9); (e) Jesus prayed for the

believers’ sanctification to make personal evangelism effective (John 17:17,18); (f) The Holy Spirit is given because

of it (Acts 1:8); (g) Jesus Christ willed it (Matthew 4:19); (h) It is the heart desire of God (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9);

(i) Jesus’ earthly ministry illustrates it (Luke 19:10); (j) The early apostolic church practised it (Acts 8:30-37; Mark

16:20; Acts 8:4; (k) It is a mark of true wisdom (Proverbs 11:30); (l) Every genuine believer is equipped for it (John

1:37-45; 4:28,290; (m) It is the primary purpose for our salvation (John 15:16; 20:21); (n) There is great reward for

those who carry it out (Daniel 12:3); (o) The harvest

is plenteous but the labourers are few (Matthew 9:36,37; John 4:35-38); (p) Life is short while eternity is endless

(John 9:4; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31); (q) Souls are precious to God (Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36,37; Psalm 49:6-90; (r)

Hell is the end of all who die in sin (Mark 9:43-48; Psalm 9:17; Revelation 20:10-15); (s) Powers of darkness and

cults are growing (2 Timothy 3:13; 1 Timothy 4:1); (t) Neglect hinders prayer and progress (Proverbs 21:13;24:11,120;

(u) It can be done without any expense. No loud speakers and microphones needed. No permission from the

government, church, or school is needed for the use of their compound (Acts 8:4) Finally, (v) there are tremendous

possibilities in personal evangelism when pursued vigorously and scripturally. It produces abundant results through

the law of spiritual multiplication. For instance, if a church of 100 dedicated and witnessing members will share the

gospel, with the unsaved, each member with effective follow-up will within a period of four months disciple a new

convert till he becomes a soul winner. If each convert were in turn to win one person to Christ, for example, spending

four months helping him to grow in faith, and then each of them in turn were to win another soul, there would be in

one year four hundred Christians. If they spend four months with the new converts and if each of the four hundred

believers wins another, they would be eight hundred. Continuing in that schedule, the membership of the church

would be over three million in five years. Precisely, if there were only one Christian in the world and he worked a year,

and won a friend to Christ, and if these two continued each year to win another, and if every man they led into the

kingdom of God continued to win another, then, in thirty years every person in the world would be won for Christ.

To be involved in personal evangelism, personal experience of conversion is indispensable (2 Timothy 2:6,7,19-21; 2

Corinthians 5:17). Also, the soul winner must live a holy life (2 Timothy 2:4; Isaiah 52:11). Secondly, the true soul

winner must have a strong, unshakable conviction (John 9:4; 1 Corinthians 9:16; Acts 26:22-24; 21:8-14). He must,

therefore, see himself as an ambassador of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19,20) and must thus devote his time, talents,

strength, and money to the furtherance of the Gospel. The world will never see Christ again until He comes back in

judgment, except as it sees Him in us. There should therefore be a strong conviction about God, the Bible, Salvation,

Christ’s death, resurrection, and His second coming. Thirdly, the soul winner must accept that the responsibility of

preaching the gospel is not optional but a debt (Romans 1:14; Proverbs 24:11, 12; Ezekiel 33:6; 1 Corinthian 9:16).

Furthermore, there is the need for a deep, burning Christ-like compassion (Matthew 9:36; Romans 9:1-3; 10:1). This

should be the basis for the sacrifices we make, effectual fervent prayers offered, tears shed and hardship endured for

the souls of men to be won to the Lord (Jeremiah 9:11). Specifically, there must be quite a lot of secret praying

because there is no substitute for expectant, secret waiting upon God for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, for

wisdom, for strength and power, courage, hope, faith and for a glowing burning and appropriate message from God

(2 Timothy 1:7).This prayer must be importunate to open the hearts of men to God (Psalm 2:8). The soul winner must

be skilful in the use of the Word, which is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 2:15). He must also have

a definite message, and recognize first that the Gospel is a fact that must be told cheerfully; and it is an entrusted

fact, therefore, it should be told faithfully. The soul winner must preach the gospel with earnestness, love, simplicity,

tact, and wisdom (1 Corinthians 9:20-23; 2 Timothy 2:24-26). He must not give in to discouragement. Opportunities

for personal evangelism abound daily on the streets, hospitals, motor parks, bus stops, inside the bus or taxi, prisons,

homes of neighbours, schools, markets etc. The soul winner does not wait for a perfect opportunity as every situation

is an opportunity (Ecclesiastics 11:4,6; 2 Timothy 4:2). An effective way of conducting personal evangelism is through

friendship. Friendship evangelism is theart of leading a soul to Christ by cultivating his friendship. Deed of kindness,

love, service, and friendliness can be the bait that will get a sinner interested in the gospel message. The soul winner

must do things that will demonstrate that he cares for the person’s earthly welfare as well as his eternal soul.

Friendship evangelism reflects genuine and true Christ love in action. Jesus Christ our Lord did not count it ungodly

to dine with sinners (Luke 15:12). Tracts, cassettes, good books, magazines, and even letter writing could be

employed for personal evangelism. When do we start personal evangelism? Now (John 4:35). This is because we

cannot be guiltless before God if we neglect it (Ezekiel 3:18,19). Millions of souls are rushing towards a lost eternity.

Believers must, therefore, throw aside all flimsy excuses as there is no trouble too great, no humiliation too deep, no

suffering too severe, no labour too hard, no expenses too much in saving souls. We must arise therefore, pray and do

the work.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 14: MARRIAGE

God’s Word teaches:

That Marriage is binding for life. Monogamy is the uniform teaching of the Bible. Polygamy is contrary to God’s

perfect will and institution. Also, under the New Testament dispensation, no one has a right to divorce and remarry

while the first companion lives. When a person becomes converted, necessary restitution, on this line, must be done

without delay if he has married wrongly - Genesis: 2:24; Deuteronomy 7:1-4; Job 23:11-13; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18;

Proverbs 31:10-31; Malachi 2:14, 15; Romans 7:2,3; Ephesians 5:31-33; Matthew 5:31,32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12;

Luke 16:18; John 4:15-19; Genesis 20:3- 7. Marriage is a holy union, a living symbol, a precious relationship that

needs tender self-sacrificing care. It is God’s idea and not a derivative of any culture. It is a gift from God to man and

it has three basic aspects: (i) The man leaves his parents, and in a public act, pledges himself to his wife; (ii) The

man and woman are joined together by taking responsibility for each other’s welfare and by loving the partner above

all others; (iii) The two become one flesh in the intimacy and commitment to the wonderful union which is reserved for

marriage. By so doing, marriage provides the needed fellowship, comfort, companionship, and partnership. It is one

of God’s methods to keep men and women free from fornication and immorality. With very few exceptions, most men

and women are to marry. These few exceptions are to receive God’s guidance and are not to be the product of

infantile decisions, misguided imitations, faithless consecration or frivolous religious compassion (Genesis 2:18-20,

22-24; Matthew19:4,5; Ephesians 5:31; 1 Corinthians 7:1,2,25-29,32). Marriage is part of God’s plan to raise the

Christian family. But the believer is not to go searching for a wife or husband, neither are they to resort to the

abominable method of ‘sampling’ or ‘picking and choosing’. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man

should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). God seems to be saying, “I am not going to

allow the man to choose for himself”. “And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made He a woman, and

brought her unto him” (Genesis 2:22). God did not bring a girl, an immature female, or a teenager, but He brought

a woman (intelligible, sensible, and mature) unto the man. He brought a perfect fit – two of a kind! God still leads His

children to His will even today. He does this through (i) His word (Psalm 119:105; 130; 2 Timothy 3:16,17) (ii) the

inner voice of the Holy Spirit, prompting, directing, influencing or checking (John 10:4,5,27; Romans 8:14; Proverbs

20:27; 1 Samuel 9:15-21; 16:13; Joel 2:28,29; Acts 9:10-15). However, any revelation that is received must be

diligently compared with the Scripture. If any revelation, visions, or dreams contradict the Scripture in anyway, such

revelations, visions, or dreams are to be rejected as false (Isaiah 8:19,20; Jeremiah 23:21-32; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15;

Revelation 22: 18,19). Once the will of God is known, believers are to seek and obtain their parents’ consent before

going on with any further plans (Genesis 24:15-29; 34:3-12; Exodus 22:16; Deuteronomy 7:3; 1 Samuel 18:20,21; 1

Corinthians 7:36-38). It is ungodly for any believer to elope with a woman or man no matter the divergent and

unyielding stance of their parents (Genesis 31:20-29). People in such a situation must pray and trust in the Lord

who gave the revelation of His will, to finish the work, for “with God all things are possible” (Psalm 37:4; Philippians

4:6; Proverbs 21:1 Mark 10:27). Thereafter, payment of Bride price or dowry shall be executed in line with the

Scripture. It is an ungodly practice to borrow money or go into debt to impress the women’s parents or relatives or

invitees. It is also considered sinful for two people to live together without meeting the requisite obligations to their

parents (Exodus 22:17; 1 Samuel 18:25-27; Hosea 3:2,3; 1 Corinthians 14:40; Romans 13:7,8). The parents’ consent

will lead, naturally, to a period of courtship to be determined by the church leadership but preferably not longer than

nine months. This affords the intending couple the opportunity to understand one another and plan for the future

together. It is a time to be spent together not in secrecy but in the home of a Christian family where movement of

people is not restricted. It is during courtship that the intending couple will discuss their expectations of each other (on

finance, size of family anticipated, extended family etc). Purity must be maintained before, during, and after the

courtship (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 5:22). Visitations and exchange of gifts at this stage are not acceptable, before the

wedding. The Christian wedding is preceded by ‘filing in of notice’ at the Marriage Registry. This is to enable the

public inform the Magistrate should there be any objection to the proposed marriage. The church wedding will take

place after the Pastor had received a certificate from the magistrate. The church will not join a couple in marriage

where i) one of them had been previously married and is separated from his or her former partner (Matthew 19:4-6;

John 4:18); ii) the lady has not obtained the consent of her parents; iii) the couple is in unequal yoke - one of them is

not born again (Deuteronomy 7:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14); iv) the lady is already pregnant. Therefore no believer will

marry an unbeliever or a divorced person. Moreover, God’s word forbids the believer marrying “any that is near of

kin”, that is “a relative” (Leviticus 18:6). Marrying relatives was prohibited by God for physical, social, and moral

reasons. Children born to near relatives may experience serious health problems. When improper sexual relations

begin, family life is destroyed. “For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you,

and the land is defiled...” (Leviticus 18:27-29). From the parables and actual marriages in the Scripture, weddings

were moments of rejoicing and feastings (Jeremiah 16:8,9; 33:11; John 2:1-11; 3:29; Isaiah 62:5) and special

garments were provided for the bridegroom, bride, and guests at the wedding (Matthew 22:12; Revelation 19:7,8). Yet

Christian practice must be guided by the uniform teaching of Christian living in the New Testament (1 Corinthians

7:29-31; 6:12; 8:9,13; Romans 14:15; 1 John 2:6; 3:2-4). The believers therefore must shun every form of worldliness

and worldly imitations in dressing and in the manner of entertaining guests. Simplicity and modesty must characterize

the wedding and God’s name glorified. The first step in creating a new union with one’s spouse is the dissolving of the

old one. A severance of relationship with one’s parents (Genesis 2:23,24; Ephesians 5:30,31). He is to leave father

and mother, which means departing, loosing oneself, finding freedom from something. Many who have violated this

scriptural principle have discovered to their chagrin a hurt to their marital joy. Marriage is “until death do us part”, and

God did not make any provisions for divorce or remarriage. In marriage, lack of spiritual, emotional, and intellectual

intimacy usually precedes a break down of physical intimacy. When couples fail to expose their secret thoughts to

one another, they shut off the line of communication to one another. The great secret of conjugal happiness is mutual

love, kindness, tenderness, and loveliness of character in the home. The wife should respect and obey the husband

and the husband should love and care for the wife (Ephesians 5:22-31). “Wives submit yourselves unto your own

husbands as unto the Lord...” Submission is not the obliteration or nullification of the woman’s personality. It is neither

subjugation nor an imposed obedience. Submission is a voluntary subordination. It is obedience motivated by love

(Philippians 2:5-8). “Likewise, ye wives be in subjection to your own husbands...” (1Peter 3:1-6). Such a life speaks

loudly and clearly, and is often the most effective way to influence a family member. Christian wives should develop

inner beauty rather than being overly concerned about their appearance. When the wife lives the Christian faith

quietly and consistently in the home, her family would see Christ in her “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ

also loved the church, and gave himself for it...so ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth

his wife, loveth himself” (Ephesians 5:25-28). Christ is the model of love. The husband can never love his wife too

much, yet that love is inconsequential when compared to his love for the Lord. The husband’s love makes him to be

considerate, understanding, and able to bear with his wife. The husband is also the head of the family. This headship

has the idea of authority, an authority after the analogy of Christ’s Headship. In that sense, the husband is the

spiritual head of the family and his wife goes along with his leadership. A wise and Christ-honouring husband will not

take advantage of his role, and a wise and Christ-honouring wife will not try to undermine her husband’s leadership.

“Nevertheless let every on of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence

her husband” (Ephesians 5:33).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 15: THE RAPTURE

God’s Word teaches:

That the Rapture (commonly referred to as the first phase or stage of the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST) is the

atching away from the earth of all living saints and all who died in the Lord. The Rapture will take place before the

Great Tribulation and can happen any time from now. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,...” without a moment’s

warning, “the trumpet shall sound”, “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” –

John 14:1-3; Luke 21:34-36; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:4-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:5-7;

Philippians 3:11,20,21; 1 John 3:1-3. The Rapture is the greatest event of all ages that the church is waiting for. It is

the catching away of all true believers in Christ to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Christ at the end of

His first advent was in like manner taken up in the air to go and prepare a place for His own. The parting promise

from God was that Jesus will return in like manner to receive His ‘Bride’ to be with Him for ever (Acts 1:9-11; John

14:1-3). The Rapture is not the same as the Second Coming of Christ. At the Rapture, Christ will appear in the

air. He will not be visible to the inhabitants of the earth. His mission then will be to resurrect all dead saints, who along

with the living believers will put on immortality and shall be caught up to be with the Lord. In the twinkling of an ‘eye’

before the great and terrible day of the Lord, when the wrath of God will be poured down from His cup of indignation

without mixture – an event fitly called the Great Tribulation (1 Corinthians 15:52). The Second Advent will not take

place until after the great tribulation. The time of the Rapture is unknown, even by the angels (Matthew 24:36; 2

Thessalonians 2:1-5). The Rapture will be heralded by the voice of the archangel and the blowing of trumpets,

signalling the end of the Church age (1 Thessalonians 4:13-15). The Rapture was a mystery, unknown to the Old

Testament saints and prophets. God has underlined this great event in two different ways in the Scriptures to assure

us of its certainty. First, it was illustrated in Enoch and Elijah, the two living saints who did not taste death but were

translated in a moment of time and caught up in the air (Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11,12). Second, it was illustrated in

Christ in the New Testament. He died, was buried, and resurrected. While he talked with His disciples on Mount

Olivet, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9-11). The Rapture, which was mystery to

the Old Testament prophets, marks the end of the Church age, also referred to as the times of the Gentiles (Luke

21:24). This truth was veiled to the saints of old. However, known unto God are all His works from the foundation of

the earth. In His mercy, He interrupted His programme for Israel with the Church age. Christ, the Messiah, came for

His people but they rejected Him (John 1:11), and God turned to the Gentiles to take a people for Himself. The

Rapture will mark the end of this special period of grace. Does this mean that God has forsaken his people, Israel, for

ever? Far from it, God will resume His programme with Israel immediately after the Rapture, thus ushering in the

beginning of the Seventieth week in Daniel’s Prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27). Any moment from now, the trumpet shall

sound and He that shall come will come and will not tarry. It is very certain that Christ is coming back again. He

assured the Church of the certainty of His coming (John 14:1-3). Angels proclaimed it, apostles and saints throughout

the ages preached it. All the signs of His coming are daily being fulfilled.

Christ, answering a pertinent question asked by His disciples on “...What shall be the sign of thy

coming...” (Matthew 24:3), gave in details what would be happening on earth shortly before His coming

(Matthew 24:5-12,30-39). He highlighted the following as what to expect:

i) Many false Christ will arise deceiving many unsuspecting believers.

ii) There will be wars and rumours of war.

iii) There will be international wars.

iv) Famines (Global economic recession).

v) Pestilences.

vi) Earthquakes in divers places.

vii) There will be persecution of Christ’s followers and some cases of martyrdom.

viii) The emergence of many false prophets.

ix) Backsliding from the faith on the increase.

x) More people given to pleasure and merry-making than those seeking the Lord.

The Scriptures also predict the conditions, characterized by a system of denials that will be prevalent within the

visible church, shortly before Christ’s return. There will be a denial of God (2 Timothy 3:1-5), a denial of Christ (1 John

2:18; 4:3), a denial of Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:3,4), a denial of the faith of Christian living (Jude 18) and a denial of

authority. All these signs are being fulfilled before our eyes. To qualify to partake in the Rapture: one must be

born-again, living a transparent holy life, walking daily in the light, working the works of God, watching daily, praying

with all prayer, and maintaining these experiences at the time of the Rapture or the time of death, as the case may be

(John 3:3; Hebrew 12:14; John 4:35-38; 9:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17).

All the signs preceding the Second Advent of Christ are fulfilled, telling us that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is

very close and the time of the Rapture is much closer. Sinning church members will not be able to go at the Rapture

though, saved before and baptized in water. Careless and compromising preachers will miss the Rapture; it does not

matter what Christian work they may have done in the past. All such people, together with backsliders and sinners

outside the Church, will be left behind to face the Great Tribulation. Knowing that these things shall be, that the

Rapture will occur unannounced, and it is very imminent, what manner of persons ought believers to be? Sinners are

to make haste to repent and embrace Christ as their Saviour. The saints of God are to watch and pray lest that day

come upon them unprepared (Matthew 24:42-44).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 16: THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD

God’s Word teaches:

That the Resurrection of the dead is taught in the Bible as clearly as the immortality of the soul. Every individual who

has ever lived will be resurrected, some to honour and glory and others to everlasting shame and contempt – Job

19:25-27; Psalm 71:20; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; 1 Corinthians 15:12-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16;

Hebrews 6:1,2; Philippians 3:8-11; Revelation 20:4,6,12,13.

The Resurrection of the dead is a cardinal and an important doctrine of the Bible. As a matter of fact, all who die in

this world will undergo physical resurrection before the Great White Throne Judgment. This doctrine shows that there

will be a resurrection of body joined with the soul to meet the Lord either in peace and joy, or meet Him as Judge in

condemnation, eternal punishment, and torment of hell fire. Jesus, the Prophet come from God, declared in John

5:25, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of

God: and they that hear shall live.” The fact of the Resurrection of the just and unjust rings through the teachings of

Jesus Christ (John 6:40; 11:25; Matthew 16:21; 22:23-31). Job spoke of his eyes and flesh seeing God after worms

have destroyed his body (Job 19:25-27). Isaiah spoke of the earth casting out the dead (Isaiah 26:14- 19). Daniel

spoke of the awakening of many that sleep in the dust, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting

contempt (Daniel 12:2). In like manner spoke David (Psalm 16:10; 17:15). Old Testament saints (Hebrews 11:35),

New Testament saints (Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-18; Luke 24:1- 49; John 19-21), including Paul (Acts 17:18,32),

Peter (1 Peter 1:3; 3:21), even Herod the wicked king and the generality of the people of his day believed in the

resurrection of the dead (Mark 6:14-16). The form to be associated with the resurrected body of the just is exemplified

by the glorified body that Jesus, the first fruit, had after His resurrection (Luke 24:26-43 John 20:11-20,24-31; 1 John

3:2). All resurrected bodies will be immortal (Daniel 12:2; Mark 9:42-48). The resurrection bodies of saints will

possess different degrees of glory. “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of

the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians

15:39-54). In the intervening period between death (when the body and soul are separated) and the resurrection,

one may ask: Where is the soul? The soul of a saint of God goes immediately to meet God in heaven.

The repentant malefactor on the cross received forgiveness and assurance of Jesus: “Today shall thou be with me in

paradise” (Luke 24:39-43). Righteous Lazarus died and was “carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom” where he was

comforted (Luke 16:19-31). Stephen at death said, “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the

right hand of God” ready to receive him (Acts 7:54-60). Paul was “willing rather to be absent from the body and to be

present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:1- 8). Many other references of Scripture confirm that the soul of the saint

rejoices in God’s presence at death (Philippians 1:21-23; Ecclesiastes 12:1,7). On the other hand, when a sinner dies

his soul goes immediately to hell. In hell fire, he is conscious; he can see, feel and hear (Luke 16:19-31). The timing

for the resurrection to life of the just and resurrection to judgment of the unjust is well spelt out in the Scripture in

accordance with the ordained programme of God. The resurrection of the saints of God also variously described in

Scriptures as resurrection of life (John 5:28,29), resurrection of the just (Luke 14:13,14), a better resurrection

(Hebrews 11:35) and the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6), has four phases:

i) The resurrection of Christ, the first fruit (1 Corinthians 15:3,4,12,20,23).

ii) The resurrection of the Church age saints at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-16).

iii) The resurrection of the tribulation period saints (Revelation 20:3-5).

iv) The resurrection of Old Testament saints at the second advent of Christ to the earth

(Daniel 12:2; Isaiah 26:19).

All the saints of God that ever died would resurrect in the first resurrection. Not a soul will be left

behind. What joy! What triumph!! (Revelation 20:6). “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first

resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ,

and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

The second resurrection is still part of God’s programme but deals with the unsaved dead. There is a

difference in time of one thousand years between the first and second resurrection (Revelation 20:5-

15). The second resurrection is also described as the resurrection to damnation (John 5:29). There will be everlasting

punishment and torment in the lake of fire for all who partake in the second resurrection who missed the first

resurrection and whose names are not found in the Book of Life (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:11-15). As in the early

church when Hymenaeus and Philetus erred concerning the truth by teaching that the resurrection was past already,

thereby making shipwreck of their faith and that of all those who followed their false doctrine, there are many false

teachers today who “know not the scriptures nor the power of God” and overthrow the faith of many (2 Timothy

2:17,18; Matthew 22:23-32). Today many false teachings on the resurrection of the dead abound having the same

devastating effects on all who believe them. Among such doctrines are a) Annihilation and b) Purgatory. The doubt,

unbelief and scoffing of sinners will not prevent the complete resurrection programme of God for both the saved and

the unsaved, the same way it did not hinder the resurrection from the dead of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ

(Acts 23:8; 2 Timothy 2:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:12-23; Romans 3:3,4). The resurrection of Christ and the future

resurrection of the saints of God form the foundation of our Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:16-20). “For if the dead

rise not, then is not Christ raised; and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also

which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most

miserable. BUT NOW IS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD”!

To partake in the first resurrection, the resurrection of the saved, there must of necessity first be a spiritual

resurrection while in this present life, whereby the spirit is quickened from death in trespasses and sins, and the

whole being renewed in the glorious likeness of God to a life of righteousness and holiness, without which no man

shall see the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:14,16; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19; Hebrews 12:14).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 17: THE GREAT TRIBULATION

God’s Word teaches:

That the Great Tribulation will occur after the Rapture and will be a time of terrible suffering on earth. It is also

referred to as the time of “Jacob’s trouble” – Matthew 24:21,22,29; Revelation 9:16; Mark 13:19; 2 Thessalonians

2:3-12; Revelation 13. During this time, the Antichrist will take possession of this world for a reign of terror. He will not

be a system or organization but a person - a supernatural, diabolical being, in form of a man who will blaspheme and

proclaim himself to be God (Daniel 8:23-25; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelation 13:1-10). The marriage supper of the

Lamb will take place above while the tribulation continues on earth (Revelation 19:1-10). The Great Tribulation is

described as the “...time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), “...great tribulation such as was not since the beginning

of the world nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21); “...the day of the Lord” (Joel 1:15); “...a day of darkness and of

gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness” (Joel 2:1,2); “...wasteness and desolation” (Zephaniah 1:14,15);

“...a time of trouble” (Daniel 12:1). The purpose of the Great Tribulation is to make Israel suffer so that they can be

ready to cry to the messiah (the Lord Jesus Christ whom they at present reject) to come back to them. It is also to

judge the unbelieving men and women of all ages (Zechariah 12:10,11; 13:1-9; 14:12,13). The bible shows that

the Great Tribulation will take off after the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; revelation 4:1) and will last

seven (7) years. It will end at the second advent of Jesus Christ when He alights on Mount Olives (Zechariah 14:4;

Matthew 25:31; Revelation 19:11,12; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Jude 14,15; Acts 1:11); settles on earth (Jerusalem) for

a thousand-year reign called the Millennium (Revelation 20:4,5). This means that it is post-rapture and pre-millennium

or the 70th of Daniel’s seventy weeks (i.e. after the 69th week, the last week, the 70th – Daniel 9:26,27; Revelation

4:1-19,21; Matthew 24:15-31; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-8). It is post-rapture because God will not like His children to

suffer the Great Tribulation, its judgments and destructions. He saved Noah (a preacher of righteousness) and his

family before destroying the world with flood (Genesis 6:8-10; 7:1-13,16-24; 8:15-22). He rescued Lot (who was

vexed with the filthy conversation of Sodom) and his family before destroying it with fire (Genesis 19:10-29). So God

will take away His children from the earth before the Great Tribulation begins. The great Tribulation reaches its peak

of destructions, judgments, terrors, frightening wars and desolations from the middle of the 7-year duration and ends

with Christ’s advent. This is when the antichrist breaks his 7-year peace covenant with Israel and attacks Jerusalem

(Revelation 11:15-19:21; Matthew 24:15-22; Daniel 12:1; Jeremiah 30:6-9). The Great Tribulation is described as

being full of woes, judgments, famines, bloody wars, explosions, plagues (incurable epidemics which become

pandemic), terror, men calling for mountains to fall upon them, anguish, earthquakes, burning rocks falling from

heaven upon the earth and scorching it, seas polluted, cattle and vegetation destroyed, millions dying from

catastrophes, “as if a man did flee from a lion and a bear met him...leaned his hand on the wall and a serpent bit

him.” Beasts and men will be in trouble, even mighty men will weep. “Neither their silver nor their gold (riches) shall

be able to deliver them”. Whole cities and nations will be under great distress, perplexities, seas and waves roaring,

hypertension and confusion as the powers of heaven are shaken by God (Amos 5:18,19; Isaiah 2:19; 24:1-3,6,19;

mark 13:24; Joel 1:15; Luke 21:25,26; Matthew 24:11-26; Revelation 19:1-21). The Great Tribulation opens with the

rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 14:1) then the rising of the antichrist (2 Thessalonians

2:7,8). He wins nations, some by war while others concede authority to him (Daniel 7:8,24,25; Revelation 17:8-14).

The False Prophet popularize him, making men to worship even his image. No one buys or sells without the mark or

number (666) of the beast. While these go on, saints receive rewards in heaven (Revelation 2:17,25-28; 3:12). There

will be great apostasy, more of false religions and increase in the power of the devil who will be driven down to the

earth (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; Revelation 12:10-12;13:2,12-18). God’s planned judgments will fall on men in a divine

sequence producing supernatural phenomena and demonic creatures unknown to man. These will come as Christ

opens seven seals of a scroll on which they occur, then the blowing of seven trumpets each harbinger of more woes.

144,000 Jews will be sealed and raptured as well as countless tribulation saints from all over the world (Revelation

7:1-17). Saints in tribulation will be martyred (Revelation 6:9-11; 14:13; 20:4-6). A mighty angel appears with rainbow

on his head, a little book opened and swears that “there should be time no longer” (Revelation 10:1-11). After this the

high point of catastrophes called “the great tribulation” begins for the remaining 31/2 years (Revelation 11:1-19;

Daniel 12:1-7; Jeremiah 30:6,7). Jerusalem falls to the antichrist and Israel is defeated (Matthew 24;15-22; Daniel

11:40-45). Israel runs for refuge in old Edom (Revelation 12:6,13-17; Isaiah 16:1-5). There will be more woes on

earth through the pouring out on it of the content 7 vials (Revelation 15:1-6; 16:21; 18:1-24). God’s two witnesses

appear, killed and later resurrects (Revelation 11:1,12). The marriage supper of the Lamb takes place (Revelation

19:1-10). And saints prepare to return to earth with Christ (Jude 14,15; Revelation 19:11). The scope will cover Israel,

the Middle East, and the whole earth. The powers at work will be a) the antichrist called the Beast, the King of the

north, the Syrian, the Assyrian, the king of Babylon, the Extortioner, the man of sin, the little horn, the Prince that shall

come, a king of fierce countenance and understanding dark saying, spoiler, the son of perdition and that wicked one,

empowered personally by Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:1-10; Daniel 7:8,24; 8:9,23; 9:26,27,36-45; Revelation 13:1-18;

14:9-11; Isaiah 10:20-27; 30:18-33; Micah 5:3-15; Isaiah 14:4; 16:4; Daniel 7:11). b) The false prophet

(Revelation 13:1-19; 14:9-11; 15:2-4; 16:2-12; 19:20; Daniel 9:27; 11:35,45; 12:7; Matthew 24:15). C)

God’s powerful judgments (Joel 1:15; 2:12; Amos 5:18; Revelation 4:1-9; 19:1-21). d) The devil (Revelation 12:7-17;

20:1,2; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). While terrors are unleashed on earth saints will be a) receiving rewards; crowns,

mansions, new names, white stones etc. at the judgment (Bema) sit of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Luke 14:14; 1

Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10,12; Matthew 16:27; John 14:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 2:19;

James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:17,25-28; 3:12,21; 22:12-16). The believers’ time of judgment and reward

only means the evaluation of the believers’ works for which they may receive reward or loss of reward. All raptured

believers will be eternally saved. b) Rejoicing and feasting at the marriage supper in heaven (Revelation 19:6-9). C)

Worshipping God with the angels (Revelation 7:9-17; 14:1- 5; 4:5,7), and d) preparing for the second advent of Christ

upon white horses (Jude 14,15; Revelation 19:11-14; Matthew 25:31).

The Great tribulation ends when Jerusalem is ravished by the antichrist with two thirds of it capture at the end of the

7th year, and the children of Israel repent in great mourning and tears, calling for the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to come

back to earth and establish the millennial reign over all humanity (Zechariah 14:4-8; Micah 1:3,4; Zechariah 11:25-27;

Hebrews 8:8-12; 10:17; Zechariah 12:10-13:1; Isaiah 66:7,8). Jesus then descends, destroys the antichrist, the false

prophet and cast them into the Lake of fire and destroys his armies at the battle of Armageddon (valley of Megiddon),

then an angel binds the devil and cast him into the bottomless pit for 1000 years (Revelation 19:20; Ezekiel 38 and

39; Revelation 20:1-3; Zechariah 14; Revelation 20:1-10; 19:11-21; Isaiah 34; Jude 14,15). Jesus Christ

then builds a millennial temple at Jerusalem from where He rules the whole world.

BIBLE DOCTRINE 18: THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

God’s Word teaches:

That the Second Coming of Christ will be just as literal and visible as His going away, and He is coming to execute

judgment upon the ungodly. He will also, then, set up His Kingdom and reign on this present earth for a thousand

years – Zechariah 14:3,4; Matthew 25:31- 46; 26:64; Mark 13:24-37; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2:8; Jude 14,15.

The Scriptures abound with evidence that speaks of the certainty of Christ’s Second Coming. Our Lord Jesus spoke

of His return several times once leading the disciples to enquire about the signs that would herald that certain event.

A study of the Scriptures indicates that certain prophecies concerning Christ and some future programme of God are

not yet fulfilled and would only be after the Second Advent of Christ. However, all the signs preceding the Second

Advent are being fulfilled daily. Going through the Olivet discourse of Matthew 24 and 25, the following signs of His

coming are clear. Jesus Himself said there would be deceptions (Matthew 24:4,5,11,24), false Christs (Matthew

24:5,23-26), wars and rumours of wars (Matthew 24:6,7), famines (Matthew 24:7), pestilences and earthquakes, Anti-

Semitism (Matthew 24:9; Mark 13:9,13), offences (Matthew 24:10), betrayals, hatred, false prophets (Matthew 24:11),

lawlessness and martyrdom. He said the impact of the Second Coming would be as universal as when “the lightening

cometh out of the east and shineth unto the west...” It would make all “the tribes of the earth to mourn”. They will be

deep in spiritual lethargy and indifference as was the case in the time of Noah’s flood (Matthew 24:27,30,37). The

Holy Spirit through the apostle confirmed that Christ shall appear “the second time” (Hebrews 9:28) and would then

reward His faithful servants with crowns of glory, praise and honour and His adversaries with fiery indignation (1 Peter

5:4; 1:7; Hebrews 10:27). James the apostle also encouraged the believers: “Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts:

for the coming of the Lord draweth near.” The angel of God confirmed that “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 1:11) The prophecy in

Isaiah 9:6, that the government (of the whole world) would be on His (Christ’s) shoulders is yet to be fulfilled. Also

some prophecies in Isaiah 61 concerning our Lord Jesus Christ were only partially fulfilled at His first coming. Christ

Himself confirmed in Luke 4:21 that “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears”. The rest of the prophecies in that

chapter will be fulfilled after His second advent. The exactitude with which the old time prophecies concerning the first

coming of Christ were fulfilled points to the infallibility of the Scriptures and to the certainty of those prophecies

concerning His second advent. Prophecies on His virgin birth, details of His earthly life, His death and resurrection

were all literally fulfilled to the letter, and so would those relating to His Second Coming. Apart from the fulfillment of

the prophecies concerning Christ, other divine purposes which the second advent would fulfilled include: 1) the

comfort of the Church (John 14:1-3; 16:20-22); 2) the restoration of Israel to her sovereignty as prophesied in the

scripture (Isaiah 32:18; 33:20-24); 3) the judgment of the earth (Revelation 20:11-15; John 5:22); 4) the renovation of

the earth (Isaiah 66:22; Revelation 21:1); 5) the restoration of all things as God wants it (Romans 8:20-23; Jeremiah

12:4,11). The greatest event that will precede the Second Coming of Christ is the rapture – the catching away of the

saints to meet the Lord in the air and to be with Him forever. The rapture lies in the valley between the mountains of

Christ’s first and second coming. It is a part of the mystery of the Church, which in the Old Testament age “was not

made known unto the sons of men” as it was revealed in the New Testament to “His holy apostles and prophets by

the Spirit”.The rapture should, however, not be confused with the Second Coming. The two events are distinct and

separated by seven years. Specifically, the Second Coming refers to Christ’s coming to the earth to live as He did in

the first coming to be seen by every eye. In the rapture, Christ would come to the earth but stop in the air where the

saints will meet Him. It is not every eye that will see Christ at the rapture. When Christ meets the saints in the air He

will take them to heaven where they would remain for the period of the great tribulation. It is during this seven-year

period that the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:18,19) and the judgment of saints for reward will take

place in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). In other words, the rapture is the time Christ comes for

the saints to take them to heaven. In the Second Coming, however, He will come to the earth to live and fulfill a

definite part of God’s timetable for the earth and man. Christ would come with the saints raptured seven years earlier.

Whereas can take place any moment without warning, the second coming cannot happen until after both the rapture

and the great tribulation. At His second coming, Christ will reign on earth for one thousand years with the saints.

Christened the Millennial Reign, Christ’s rule would be characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity and

blessings on the earth (Isaiah 11:1-9). Satan, the author of heartache, strife, and contention would be bound for the

duration of Christ’s Millennial Reign (Revelation 20:2,3).

Satan and his cohorts will mobilize forces Christ and to frustrate His coming again to establish the Millennial Reign,

just in the same way he tried to use Herod to stop Christ’s survival at His first coming (His birth). He was defeated at

that time and again he would be defeated. The battle against Christ and His host is called the Battle of Armageddon

(Revelation 19:11-21; 20:1-4). There will be a great and terrible slaughter of the army of the antichrist gathered from

the nations of the earth through the efforts of the evil spirits sent out over the earth by Satan, the antichrist and the

false prophet (Revelation 17:13,14). This Satan’s last attempt to wrongfully take the kingdom from Christ will fail. The

world and the Church are called to prepare for this great event. The world is admonished to repent and come to

Christ before the day of the Lord (John 3:1-8). The Church as a bride is called to be ready, holy, spotless, watchful,

prayerful and busy preaching His word until He comes (Hebrews 12:14; 1 John 3:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:1,2; Ephesians

5:25-27). “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 19: CHRIST MILLENNIAL REIGN

God’s Word teaches

That Christ’s Millennial Reign is the 1,000 years literal reign of Jesus on earth, which will be ushered in by the coming

of Jesus back to earth with ten thousands of His saints. At this time, He will judge the nations that dwell upon the face

of the earth – Jude 14,15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. During this time the devil will be bound – Revelation 20:2,3. It will

be a reign of peace and blessing - Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25; Hosea 2:18; Zechariah 14:9-20; Isaiah 2:2-4. The word

Millennium is a compound derivative from Latin, which simply translates into a thousand years. Thus, Christ’s

Millennial reign is a thousand years of full manifestation of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is sequel to the great

tribulation period, which is a period of intense suffering for every one on earth. According to God’s revealed timetable,

the Church will suddenly be taken away by Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) in a mysterious event known as the

“Rapture”. Then will follow a seven-year period of great suffering for sinners left behind (Matthew 24:21,22). At the

end of the seven-year period, Jesus will come again with the Church to establish His government (Jude 14). The

government of this world at that time will resist His coming. But the Lord will overcome at the battle of Armageddon

(Revelation 19:15-21). Satan will be bound and imprisoned for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). The kingdom of this

world will then become the kingdom of our God and His Christ (Revelation 11:15). Christ’s Millennial reign will be a

time when the purpose of God will be fully realized on earth as theocracy (government of the state under the firm

control and direction of God) will be established. Christ, as the divine representative of God will at this time speak and

act for God. He will be given a universal and glorious dominion with absolute power to govern (Isaiah 9:6; Psalm

45:4; Isaiah 11:4; Psalm 72:4). It will be the responsibility of Christ at this age to announce God’s will and law (Isaiah

2:3,4; 33:21,22; 42:4; Acts 3:22). Christ’s Millennial reign will be a manifestation of the promise God gave David that

his throne shall have no end. Christ, as David’s “son”, will first establish a glorious house and throne over an equally

glorious kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 72; Isaiah 11;10). Divine mercy, goodness, and truth will be displayed

through Christ as the glory associated with His deity, Omniscience, Omnipotence and righteousness will be fully

made manifest. The Gentile world system (humanity without Christ) as it is at present organized under the direct

influence of Satan, will thus become an outmoded set-up. In its stead comes Christ’s Millennial reign, void of sin and

all forms of unrighteousness. Satan, having been defeated and bound, will lack the power to induce people to sin

(Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 19:28; Ephesians 5:25-27). What are the components of the Millennium? 1) The

Millennium shall witness an unprecedented of national and individual peace. There will be a complete cessation of

the scourge of wars, as the kingdoms of the world will be fused together under the reign of Christ. The ensuing peace

will herald an era of economic boom and prosperity. The beauty of this age is that hitherto antagonistic and

irreconcilable foes will henceforth co-habit as “sheep and lambs”; 2) There will be joy unspeakable (Isaiah 9:3,4;

Jeremiah 30:18,19); 3) There will be holiness (Ezekiel 43:7-12; Isaiah 1:26,27); 4) Glory (Isaiah 24:23; 60:1-9); 5)

Comfort (Isaiah 12:1,2; Jeremiah 33:23-25); 6) Justice (Isaiah 9:7; 11:5; 42:1-4); 7) Full knowledge (Isaiah 11:1,2,9;

41:19,20; 54:13; Habakkuk 2:14). Additionally, the following benefits will also accrue to the inhabitants of the age: a)

The original curse placed upon mankind at creation will be removed, resulting in abundant productivity of the earth

(Isaiah 11:6-9; 35:9; 65:25), b) Sicknesses will become a thing of the past (Isaiah 33:24; Jeremiah 30:17;

Ezekiel 34:16); c) Healing will be naturally available to the deformed (Isaiah 29:17-19). Against the background of the

above there shall be a) preservation of life (Isaiah 41:8-14; 62:8,9; Jeremiah 32:27; Ezekiel 34:27; Joel 3:16,17;

Amos 9:15; Zechariah 14:10,11) and b) complete freedom from all forms of oppression that at present ravage

mankind (Isaiah 14:3-6; 42:6,7; 49:8,9; Zechariah 9:11,12).

Who are those expected to partake in Christ’s Millennial Reign? i) The glorious Church (Ephesians 5:25- 27). This will

exclude the apostate church that is married to the world (Revelation 17:1-7). ii) The poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3).

These are those who recognize and admit their state of spiritual poverty (life on earth without assurance of salvation)

and are willing to turn away from sin and surrender to Christ. Iii) The watchful, prayerful (Hebrews 9:28; Matthew

25:34).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 20: THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT

God’s Word teaches:

That the Great White Throne Judgment is when God finally judges all (the living and the dead small and great) who

have ever lived on the face of the earth, according to their works. This is after the Millennium. At this time the final

judgment known as the Great White Throne Judgment will be held. All those, from all ages, who have not yet been

judged (believers’ judgment, as sinners was accomplished by Christ on the cross – John 5:24; 3:17-19) will stand

before God at this time. The devil and his angels are judged at this time also and sent to the lake of fire forever -

Daniel 12:2,3; Matthew 10:15,21-24; 12:41,42; John 5:28,29; Romans 2:15,16; 14:12; 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 6; 1

Corinthians 6:1-4; Acts 10:42; Revelation 20:11-15.

In this teaching on the events of the last days or eschatology, the Lord is graciously unveiling the curtain of eternity to

reveal to humanity His programme for this present evil world. The doctrine of “The Great White Throne Judgment”

opens our eyes to see a time to come when all wicked ungodly people (the living and the dead, small and great who

have neglected God’s salvation) will face the final judgment of the living God (Romans 14:12). We caution that the

teaching must not be approached with doubtful disputations or viewed as fable or fiction but fact. These are true

sayings of God written for our learning and admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come (Romans 15:4; 1

Corinthians10:11; Revelation 19:9).

The Bible (God’s revelation to man) clearly presents the order of events preceding the Great White Throne Judgment

and constantly enjoins, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches...” (Revelation 2:7).

At the close of the Millennium, the devil will be released from “the bottomless pit” (Revelation 20:3) and he will

deceive thousands of people and will gather them to fight against the King (Jesus Christ) and His Saints. This will be

the battle of Gog and Magog but at the end of the battle, when the rebellious have been killed, and destroyed by the

fire of His indignation, whichcomes from heaven, the devil will be cast into the Lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). After

this, the Great White Throne Judgment will be set. God will sit on a throne so white, magnificent and terrible at sight

that the whole face of the earth and heaven (the atmospheric heaven) will tremble and flee from Him.

All those who died unrepentant from the time of Adam till the time of the Great White Throne Judgment will be

resurrected (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15). This is called the second resurrection. And they will all stand

before God to account for their deeds. This final judgment of sinners (the living and the dead, small and great) is

known as the Great White throne Judgment (Psalm 9:17; Daniel 7:9,10; Matthew 11:20-24; 10:15; John 5:28,29;

Revelation 20:11-15). The Bible is replete with pointers to this great and notable day of the Lord (Ecclesiastes 12:14;

Matthew 11:21-24; 12:41,42; Romans 2:15,16; 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 14,15; 1 John 4:17). The world is corrupt and

polluted. Man is rebellious and disobedient against God. For a long time it has repented the Lord that he has made

man on the earth, for every imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart has been evil continually (Genesis 6:5,6).Will

man continue in his willful disobedience and rebellion against God? No, for “...he hath appointed A DAY in which He

will judge the world in righteousness...” (Acts 17:30,31). No true believer whose name is written in the Book of Life will

face the Great White Throne Judgment since their judgment as sinners was accomplished by Christ on the cross

(John 3:17-19,30; Romans 8:1; John 5:20,24). Besides, “...God has not appointed us unto wrath but to obtain

salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ:” (1 Thessalonians 5:9), “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and

murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and

brimstone, which is the second death’ (Revelation 21:8). That great congregation will consist of: i) All categories of

sinners (dead and alive) from Adam to date. They will be judged for neglecting the salvation of God (Hebrews 2:3). Ii)

All backsliders in all dispensations who denied the faith of Him that once bought them (Exodus 32:33). Iii) All who

deny the deity of Jesus Christ (John 3:18,36). These are the skeptics, the atheists, and the idol worshippers. “Every

idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment”. Every gossiping, backbiting

and slander against our neighbours, fellow believers or church leaders will be judged. All foolish unedifying words,

corrupt, graceless words, defamatory and abusive words against others will be accounted for at the Great White

Throne Judgment. “For by thy words thy shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew

12:37). God will judge every unrepentant sinner and backslider according to His divine will of righteousness (Proverbs

11:21). God’s judgment will be fair, without partiality or respect of persons (Romans 2:2-12; Job 34:18-22). He will

judge the small and the great, the rich and the poor, the educated and the illiterate, the highly respected and the most

despised. “For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty and terrible which

regardeth not persons nor taketh rewards (bribe)” (Deuteronomy 10:17). The righteous Judge of the universe will

receive no bribe to pervert judgment on the great day of His wrath, but ...in righteousness He doth judge and make

war (Revelation 19:11). Without partiality “WHOSOEVER was NOT found WRITTEN in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast

into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 21: THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

God’s Word teaches:

That the New Heaven and the New Earth “wherein dwelleth righteousness” will be made by God and the redeemed

shall dwell with God forever. This present earth, which has been polluted by sin, will pass away after the Great White

Throne Judgment – (Psalm 102:25,26; Isaiah 51:6; 65:17; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1)

No unclean thing will be there. We shall know each other, our knowledge having been perfected. There will be no

more curse upon anything. There will be no more night; the glory of the Lord will be the light thereof – Isaiah 66:22; 2

Peter 3:12,13; 1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2,3; Revelation 21:1-7; 22:1-5.

The present age in which we live is referred to in Scriptures as the “last days” (Hebrews 1:1,2). This age is very

significant in the plan of God as it ushers us into another important series of events often called in theology as

“Eschatology”. Also called the Church age, our present age is marked by evil, the dominion of Satan, darkness,

ungodliness, lust, murder, lying and all manner of sins (Ephesians 6:12; Galatians 1:4). The Church is not left out.

There is and there will be a denial of God, Christ, faith, sound doctrine, and Christian living (1 Timothy 4:1-4; 2

Timothy 4:3,4; 3:1-8). The land is under a curse (Genesis 3:17). The devil and all his fallen angels walk to and fro the

whole earth. The atmospheric heavens are polluted by the activities of Satan. The believers today grow under the

harsh and hard conditions of the earth. They look forward to a change – a New Heaven and a New Earth wherein

dwelleth righteousness and holiness. God has the ultimate plan to judge sinners. “And whosoever was not found

written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire”. With the final judgment of sinners, God’s divine plan is to

replace this polluted, evil earth and atmospheric heavens with a New Earth and a New Heaven that will match His

glory, holiness, and righteousness (Revelation 21:1-8). “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the

former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17). This gives a good picture of what shall become

of the present earth and heavens. All what we may call beautiful edifices and empires today will melt away in fervent

heat because “...the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store; reserved unto fire

against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7,10-14). The glories of men and all the

so-called “wonders” of the world shall not stand this fervent heat. Herein is wisdom: believers should lay up their

treasures in heaven, not on earth “where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal”

(Matthew 6:19). This new creation is entirely free from any taint of sin and therefore the consequences and effect of

sin are absent. Here there is neither death, sorrow, pain, tears, nor separation from God (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation

21:4). As God created the present heavens and earth, so will He create the New Heavens and the New Earth – NEW

in quality and in TIME. The great, holy, and eternal heaven will have New Jerusalem as its capital. This is the capital

of the eternal state called the “Bride” because of its virgin beauty, unstained with sin. Here Christ and all the saints,

rom all ages will reside forevermore. Indeed, all things will be new. “Behold, I make all things new”. This is the eternal

destiny of the saints from all ages. This is the place Jesus spoke about, “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 (John 14:3). We shall appear with

Him in glory and be like Him (Revelation 21:3; Colossians 3:4). The Holy City, New Jerusalem, is a material city not a

mystical one. Its beauty is beyond human description. About 15,000 miles in length and a breadth and height of about

15,000 miles, the streets are made of pure gold, as clear as glass. With walls of jasper and its twelve foundations

garnished with all manner of precious stones, it has twelve gates of twelve pearls. The entire city wall is pure gold, as

clear as glass. This is a city without any temple. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. “The city

has no need of sun, neither of the moon to shine in it; for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light

thereof.” The redeemed of all the earth shall bring their glory and honour into the city. This is a city whose gates are

never shut (Revelation 21:16-26). The pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeds out the throne of God and

of the Lamb. The tree of life by the sides of this river bears twelve manner of fruits monthly. These fruits and leaves

are for the healing of the nations. “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the

sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever: (Revelation 22:1-5). Words are

insufficient to describe this new creation. But what will it take to partake in this inheritance? In order to partake in this

new inheritance, sinners must repent and believers must overcome. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things and I

will be his God and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7). We must overcome the world (1 John 5:4,5; 2:15-17) and

Satan (Revelation 12:11). False prophets, sin, and evil must not have dominion over us. We must flee from all

appearances of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22; Romans 12:17-21). Whether they be persecutions or temptations, we

must overcome to be part of this great inheritance (Revelation 2:10,26-28). The overcomer is the one that

prevails and triumphs over all the works of the devil (Acts 19:16). The sinner must be thirsty for righteousness and

salvation. “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” It will be too costly to miss this

glorious experience. Sinners must repent today. Backsliders must return to the Saviour immediately! The life of the

redeemed in this eternal city will be glorious. It will be a life of fellowship (1 Corinthians 13:12), rest (Revelation

14:13), full knowledge (1 Corinthians 13:12), holiness (Revelation 21:27), joy (Revelation 21:4), service (Revelation

22:3), abundance (Revelation 21:6), glory (2 Corinthians 4:17) and worship (Revelation 19:1; 7:9-12). “But the fearful,

and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars

shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

There is punishment for the unrepentant and coward who would rather chose to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a

season. They will suffer torment eternally in the lake of fire. We have only one life to live (Hebrews 9:27), therefore

the believer must remain faithful and steadfast in the Lord, the sinner must repent and be saved, and the backslider

must come back home and be restored. Negligence of this so great salvation will be unfortunate. We should not miss

the glories of the New Heaven and the New Earth. Let him that hath ear, listen to what the Spirit is saying unto the

hurches. “Behold I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will

I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God,

and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I

will write upon him my new name.” (Revelation 3:11,12).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 22: HELL

God’s Word teaches:

That Hell fire is a place of everlasting punishment where sinners (all who do not have their names in the book of life)

will suffer torments for ever and ever. It was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41) but God has

decreed that the wicked and those who forget Him and reject Christ will also be cast there because of their sin and

neglect of His salvation – Psalm 9:17; Matthew 25:46; Luke 12:4,5; 16:19-31; Matthew 5:22,30; Mark 9:43-47;

Revelation 14:10,11; 20:10,12,15. The fact and reality of Hell is an important and recurring theme in the Scriptures. It

is vividly captured as a place of agonizing torment and everlasting punishment in unquenchable fire for the

unconverted (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:23,28). Owing to its frightful credentials, there are those who

merely explain away hell as a biblical truth. Many have even drawn up the broken cisterns of erroneous assertion to

rationalize their gross inadequacies. The Bible, however, unambiguously provides ample illuminations of hell, as the

indisputable abode of sinners (Psalm 9:17; Proverbs 9:13-18; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:22-28; Revelation 20:13-15;

21;8). Hell is a fearsome ‘rest place’ for transgressors. And the Lord Jesus Christ spent considerable time lending

weight to this reality. He told the city of Capernaum, for instance, that it would be turned into hell because of its

iniquities (Matthew 11:23). He warned repeatedly on the danger of hell and the need for His listeners to steer clear of

it (Matthew 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:8,9; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 12:5). He offered vivid explanations on hell as a place of

everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:41,46; Mark 9:43- 48; Luke 16:22-28; Revelation 14:10,11). He revealed that

sinners who die unsaved would have their lot in hell (Matthew 7:15-19; 13:40-42,50; 23:33; 25:41-46; Luke 16:23;

Revelation 19:20; 20:14,15; 21:8).

The Apostle also followed the same thematic explanations of hell as offered by the Lord (Romans 2:5-9

2 Thessalonians 1:8,9; Hebrews 10:26,27; James 3:5,6; 2 Peter 2:4,9; 3:7; Jude 7,23; Matthew 3:7- 10). The church

today cannot afford to assume a less specific position on the teaching of hell, without subverting the sacredness and

completeness of Scriptures. The word ‘Hell’ is found about fifty-four times in the King James Version of the Bible. Its

translation in Hebrew, ‘Sheol’, occur thirty-one times, while the Greek interpretations ‘Gehena’ and ‘Tartarus’ occur

twelve times and once respectively. Its regular usage in Scriptures, apart from the allusions drawn to it by the Lord

and other bible characters, lend sufficient validity to its reality. When a sinner dies, his soul immediately proceeds to

hell where, with full consciousness, he tastes the excruciating pain that hell offers. The story of poor Lazarus and the

rich man best exemplifies the eternal punishment awaiting the sinner (Luke 16:23,24). Hell is also a place where the

memory of the damned comes alive. The rich man in Luke 16:23,24 remembered his riotous living while on earth as

well as five other brothers yet unsaved. Apart from the acute discomfort of hell, the regret of an error of judgment

while on earth on the part of the unsaved, presents an everlasting torment of its own.

The teaching of the doctrine of hell must scrupulously avoid erroneous and unscriptural views of false

teachers. The concept of purgatory, representing a so-called intermediate state between death and appearance

before God has no biblical foundation. Neither is the notion of the annihilation of the wicked correct. The future

punishment of the wicked is eternal while the sinner at death automatically receives an express translation into hell

“Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44- 48; Deuteronomy 32:22; Job 26:6; Isaiah 5:14;

Amos 9:2; 2 Peter 2:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). The needless controversy over the reality of hell is not strange as the

Scriptures clearly allude to this: “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” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Since

God is holy, sin must be punished in the person of the sinner or in the person of the sinner’s substitute, The Lord

sus Christ. No man believes in Hell because he simply wants to. He believes in Hell because he is compelled to. It

is true that eternal punishment is not a pleasant subject for discussion, yet it is a fearful reality, an awful