Baptist Doctrine

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THE GREAT DOCTRINES OF THE BIBLE

"Baptists! the flag that floats over you is that of Jesus only; the principles that govern you have the authority of Jesus only; the ordinances which distinguish you have the example of Jesus only; and the founder of your churches is Jesus only. Let deep devotion be yours. Let earnest zeal be yours. Let the spirit that animated to deeds of valor and endurance our noble and martyred ancestors be yours. Let us move in harmony, and fight on manfully and wear the armor constantly, and soon the songs of the angels will announce the advent of the era when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever." Samuel Howard Ford

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THE DOCTRINE OF GOD
THE DOCTRINE OF JESUS CHRIST.
THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
THE DOCTRINE OF MAN
THE DOCTRINES OF SALVATION
A. REPENTANCE.
B. FAITH.
C. REGENERATION.
D. JUSTIFICATION.
E. ADOPTION.
F. SANCTIFICATION.
G. PRAYER.
THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH
I. DEFINITION; DISTINCTIONS.
THE DOCTRINE OF THE SCRIPTURES.
THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS.
THE DOCTRINE OF SATAN.
THE DOCTRINE OF THE LAST THINGS.

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Three Great Foundation Principles

By Rev. Thomas Armitage D.D.

Taken from a book entitled, “Baptist Doctrine,” 1892

Baptists hold to these three great foundational principles, namely:

That the book called the Bible is given by inspiration of God, and is the only rule of Christian faith and practice. The consequence is, that we have no creeds, nor catechisms, nor decretals, which bind us by their authority. We think a creed worth nothing, unless it is supported by Scripturalauthority, and if the creed is founded on the Word of God, we do not see why we should not rest on that word which props up the creed; we prefer to go back directly to the foundation itself and rest there alone. If it is able to sustain us, we need nothing else, and if it is not, then we cannot rest upon a creed to support us when that creed has no support for itself. Some of our churches have what they call “Declarations,” or “Articles of Faith,”which are mere statements of what they think that the Bible teaches, but they are not put forth by any theological or ecclesiastical authority, and therefore do not bind the conscience of the churches. Some of our churches have no such “Articles” or “Declarations,” because they find no need for them, and those who use them do not all use the same. Our churches hold that Jesus Christ is the only Law-giver, and the only King in Zion; that his law is laid down in the Scriptures, and is perfect: and, therefore, they refuse to follow all forms of tradition and ecclesiastical ordinations whatever, bowing only to the behests of inspired precept, and the recorded practices of the apostolic churches, as their record is found in the Scriptures.

Baptists hold that God has given to every person the right to interpret the Scripture for himself. As we cannot be Baptists without the Bible, we must know personally for ourselves, what order of obedience it requires at our hands. To give up one of these positions is to give up both. But do not mistake me here, as to what we mean by private judgment, as a divine right. We do not think that men are at liberty to think of the Bible or not, to obey it or not, just as they please. But we think that they are bound to use judgment, and to govern it, by the facts and truths of the Bible. The liberty that we claim, is not to follow our own fancies, or predilections, in investigating the Bible, not merely to speculate
upon it, and then diverge from its teachings if we choose to do so, because that would be criminal trifling. The right to investigate the truth does not carry with it the right to disobey it, or to doubt it,—that would convert the doctrine into rebellion against its author, which is evil, and cannot become a right. God allows every man to interpret the Bible for himself, in order that he may discover its fact and truths, and then honestly follow them in obedience. Hence, no church, or class of men in the church, can step in between the personal investigation of the man and the Bible, to interpret it for him by authority.

That a man is responsible to God, and to him only, for his faith and practice, so far as the infliction of any punishment for disobedience to God is concerned. Right here we deny the right of the civil magistrate, of the State, either to prescribe a form of religion for us, or to punish us for not following any religion they may prescribe. This we call soul-liberty, a freedom which we have obtained at a great price; the rack, the dungeon, the “bloody tenet,” the stake and the gibbet. Baptist have ever resisted the right of the State to establish the church by law, to tolerate the conformists of that church, and put its nonconformists under pains and penalties—or to interfere with the free exercise of a man’s religion, be it as it may. We may regret that all men are not Christians, and wish that they were, and we may wish that they held Christian principles as we hold them, but we have no right to force their doctrines by law, and others have no right to force their doctrines upon us by human statute. We hold that if a man chooses to be a Mohammedan, a Jew, a Pagan, a Roman Catholic, a Protestant or an Infidel, he has a

right to be that, so far as the civil law is concerned. Therefore, all persecution for the maintenance of this or that religion is radically wrong. And where Baptists have founded a State, or been the most numerous in a State, there has never been an act of persecution inflicted. The State of Rhode Island was founded by Baptists 240 years ago, and in that State no man has yet been persecuted for his religion by the civil power. And the same which we claim for ourselves, we are bound to claim for others, for if their rights can be taken away, ours may be also. When a Baptist shall rob one man of soul-liberty, by statute, penalty or sword, he will cease to be a Baptist for that reason. Baptists have even sealed this great doctrine of soul-liberty with their blood. Their bones are bleaching everywhere in the Alpine valleys, amongst the eternal snows; their ashes have flitted over the pavements of Smithfield, on the winds for centuries. The sighs and sobbings of Baptist sufferers haunt the “coal hole” of

Lambeth Palace, and the dungeons in Lollard’s Tower to this day. In the long list of martyrs Arnold of Brescia, the star of Italy, Jerome of Prague, the most accomplished man of his day, and Hubmeyer of Ratisbon, sealed this doctrine with their blood. And then there followed them, men in humbler walks, the good Hans of Overdam, the beautiful young Doise of Leeuwarden, and Richard Woodman, the sturdy yeoman; all these shed their blood as its witnesses. Baptist women also have sent up their shrill cry of martyrdom, till the blood of humanity has curdled at the heart. One sharp shriek after another comes, rending the air of the ages, from these brides of Christ, Maria of Monjou Ann Askew, from the nobility of the British realm, Elizabeth Gaunt, a mother in Christian charity, and Joan Boucher, the heroine of Canterbury. Out of their very ashes, which crumbled at the stake, joint by joint and limb by limb, God raised up modern Baptists, as from the dead, to re-assert the doctrine of soul-liberty.

These are the views that Baptists hold. What is there in all this to justify men speaking against us everywhere? I put that question to you in candor. I am happy to say to you, that there are some men who do not speak against us, and they are not Baptist. John Locke ought to know what he was talking about, when he said, “The Baptists were from the beginning, the firm advocates of absolute liberty—just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty.” Sir James McIntosh says, “The Baptists suffered more than any other, under Charles II, because they professed the principles of religious liberty.” Jeremy Taylor says, “Freedom of conscience, unlimited freedom of mind, was from the first trophy of the

Baptists.” Our own Washington used the words just as affectionate: and in August, 1789, at the request of the Baptists, he recommended to Congress that amendments to the Constitution which says that, “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof.” Bancroft, our great historian, and Judge Story, our great jurist, speak of us in the same manner.

[We would like to recognize and thank Brother E.L. Bynum, Pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, and editor of the Plains Baptist Challenger. A great deal of the articles you will read on this site, were either written by Brother Bynum, or were taken out of the Challenger. There are fewer and fewer men that will take the firm strong stand that he does on the Historical Baptist Position and we thank God for him. We should also like to recognize Dean Robinson, he is the Associate Editor of the Plains Baptist Challenger. You will see many good articles written by brother Robinson here. We further want to thank Brother John Reaves, Sr., Pastor of the Bible Baptist Church, Manitoba, Canada, for making all of this possible for our folks here at Victory Bible Baptist Church. We seek only to desseminate these doctrinal truths to an even larger family of christian brothers and sisters in Christ, until He comes. Not many today are truth seekers but to those who are we pray God will strengthen you through these valuable articles. You may link to this site, keep in mind any noted copyrights!] Del Wray

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God's Word

Doctrinal Statement

ARTICLE I: OF THE SCRIPTURES

We believe the Holy Bible is a supernatural book, that it is the very Word of God, in sixty-six books, the full, final and complete revelation of God's will to man. We believe the author of the Bible is God the Holy Spirit and by inspiration, that holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit as revealed in Second Peter chapter one. We believe that God's words are accurately preserved to the English-speaking people in the Authorized Version (commonly called the King James Version). We place in question all other English translations and version because they dilute the pure meaning of redemption and do injustice to the deity of Christ. We believe and teach that the Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. It is the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions shall be tried. 2Tim.3:16-17; 2Pet.1:19-21; Ps.119:89; Heb.4:12; Isa.8:20; Rom.15:4; John 17:17; John 12:47-50.

ARTICLE II: OF THE TRUE GOD

We believe and teach that there is one, and only one, true and living God. He is absolute in nature, perfect in attribution, holy in character, and is revealed in the Trinity, which is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The three Persons of the Trinity exist in the same divine nature, essence and being. They are co-existent and co-equal and each One has a distinct office in the work of Redemption. Eph.4:6; Ex.20:2-3; John4:24; 2Tim.1:17; Rom.11:33; Psalms 90:2; Gen.1:26; Matt.28:19;1John.5:7.

ARTICLE III: OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is a divine Person; equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature and was active in the Creation. In relation to the unbelieving world, He restrains the Evil One until God's purpose is fulfilled; for He convicts of sin, judgment and righteousness. He is the agent of the New Birth and indwells, seals, guides, fills and directs the believer. John.14:16-17 and John 14:26;John 15:26-27; Eph.1:13-14; Rom.8:16, Rom. 8:26-27.

ARTICLE IV: OF JESUS CHRIST

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh. We believe that Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, was crucified, and buried in a tomb but physically resurrected three days and nights later. All of which was done to atone for sin and secure salvation for mankind. Christ will return again soon. 1Tim.3:16; John1:1 and John 1:14; John20:28; Isa.7:14; Lk.1:35; Rom.5:8; Isa.53:6; 1Cor.15:1-8; Act.1:9-11.

ARTICLE V: OF THE CREATION

We believe the Genesis record of creation is literal, and not allegorical or figurative; that God personally created the heaven and the earth in a direct act, not that He brought forth all original matter out of the hypothesis of any kind of evolution; henceforth, God's established Law says that all species shall bring forth "after their kind." Gen.1:1; Jn.1:1-3; Act.17:23-26; Heb.11:3; Rom.1:20; Gen.1:26-27.

ARTICLE VI: OF THE DEVIL

We believe that the Devil is an actual being and not an imaginary influence; that he once enjoyed high heavenly honours and glorious heavenly privileges; that through pride, ambition and self-will betrayed God and as a result brought down upon his head the judgment of God. He operates today as the god of this world and the Prince of the power of the air; that he is the arch deceiver, and father of all lies, that he is the greatest enemy, the biggest tempter and the greatest opposition of the saints. His final abode shall be the lake of fire, which is the eternal place of punishment prepared for the Devil and his angels. Isa.14:12-15; Eze.28:14-17; Jude 1:6; 1Pet.5:8; 1Jn.3:8; Jn.8:43-44; Matt. 25:41.

ARTICLE VII: OF THE FALL OF MAN

We believe that man was created in innocence and holiness and by voluntary transgression of the Lord's command, fell from the state in which he was created and as a consequence became a sinner alienated from God and brought upon himself and all mankind just condemnation. Man is now, by virtue of his fallen nature, void of holiness, positively inclined to evil and actually condemned to eternal ruin without excuse. Gen.3:6; Rom.5:12 and Rom. 5:19; Rom.1:18 and Rom. 1:28; Eph.2:1-3; Jer.17:9, 1Jn.1:8-10.

ARTICLE VIII: OF THE ATONEMENT

We believe that the lost sinner is guilty and under just condemnation and is by nature enmity with God and because of sin condemned to die. The atonement for sin was provided through the mediatorial office of the Son of God, Who by divine appointment, freely took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin, that He through obedience during his earthly walk personally honoured the divine Law by keeping it, and through His death on the cross totally satisfied the Law in the penalty of sin by the shedding of His sinless blood. Rom.3:25; Heb.9:22; Jn.10:17-18; Isa.53:12; Heb.12:2.

ARTICLE IX: OF SALVATION

We believe that salvation is entirely by God's grace through the mediatorial work of the Lord Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary. The Gospel, by which we are saved, is the death burial, and resurrection of Christ. Salvation is the free gift of God, which is neither merited nor secured through the works of man. Salvation is extended to all and is only acquired by personal repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is wrought by the Holy Spirit acting upon the heart after hearing the Gospel and as the sinner is convicted of his guiltiness, condemnation and helplessness, turns in repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ for the mercy and forgiveness he alone can give; thus he is immediately "born again." All who do trust Christ are eternally saved, and given standing of "sonship" into the family of God. We believe there is no possible salvation outside of Christ's atoning, sinless blood.

*Grace being unmerited favour of God.

*Repentance being a change of heart resulting in a change of conduct towards sin and God's will.

*Faith being the act of placing one's confidence, trust, reliance upon the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work of redemption at Calvary. Eph.2:5-8; Lk.13:3-5; Acts17:30; Acts 20:21; Acts16:30-31; Eph.1:7; Col.1:14; 1Jn.1:7; Rev.1:5; Rev. 1:15-16; John 10:27-30; 1Pet.1:5; Rom.10:1-13; 1Cor.15:1-4; John1:12;John5:24; 1John.5:11-13.

ARTICLE X: OF THE JUSTIFICATION

We believe justification is God's gracious and full acquittal, upon principles of righteousness, of all sinners who believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. This blessing is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done but through the redemption that is in and through Jesus Christ as Saviour. Rom.5:1-16; Act.13:38-39; Titus 3:3-7; Rom.4:3-5; 1Cor.6:11; Gal.3:24.

ARTICLE XI: OF THE ELECTION

We believe that God has elected (chosen, predestinated) for all persons who place their faith in the Person and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation that God elected (chosen, predestinated) to go to heaven; those who do not God has elected (chosen, predestinated) for hell. God has also elected (chosen, predestinated) every believer to be conformed into the likeness of Christ. Salvation is for "whosoever will." 2Tim.1:8-9; 2Thess.2:13-14; Jn.6:37-40; Rom.8:28-31;2Pet.1:10,2Pet. 3:9-11.

ARTICLE XII: OF THE SANCTIFICATION

We believe that those who have been regenerated are sanctified, by God's Word and Spirit dwelling in them (positional sanctification). Sanctification is also progressive through the supply of Divine strength and grace, which is available for all saints to seek and obtain, pressing after a Christ-like life in obedience to all the commands of our Lord and Master. 2Thess.4:1-3; Rom.8:5; 1Thess.5:23; Eph.4:11-13; 1Cor.1:30; Heb.13:12; 1Pet.1:2.

ARTICLE XIII: OF THE RESURRECTION

We believe and teach that Jesus Christ arose bodily from the grave. We also believe and teach that this resurrection assures all believers the same bodily resurrection when the Lord returns for His saints at the time of the Rapture. There will also be a resurrection of the unsaved to stand in the judgment before the Lord, known in Scripture as the Great White Throne Judgment. 1Thess.4:13-18; 1Cor.15:51-58; Zech.14:1-5; 1Thess.3:13; Rev.19:11-16; Rev. 20:1-6; Titus 2:13;Act.1:9-11.

ARTICLE XIV: OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

We believe that the New Testament Church is a local, visible assembly of called-out baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, walking in obedience to the Lord's Word. Scriptures command the Christian to faithfully attend and encourages him to become actively involved therein. Salvation and baptism are the prerequisites for church membership. The two offices in the church are pastor and deacon. The local New Testament Church is an independent congregation authorized to carry out the Great Commission, and is not governed or controlled by an ecclesiastical hierarchy. The sole authority is the Word of God. Act.2:47; Acts 8:1; Acts 11:22; Acts 16:5; Eph.1:20-23;Eph. 3:21; Matt.16:18; 1Tim.3:15; Col.1:24; Heb.10:24-25.

ARTICLE XV: OF THE CHURCH ORDINANCES

We believe that baptism and the Lord's Supper are the only two ordinances set forth in the scriptures for the local church by Jesus Christ.
Baptism: Believer's baptism to be scriptural must have:

*Proper Candidate - one who gives clear testimony of being saved.

*Proper Mode of Method - immersion.

*Proper Design of Motive - to show forth the gospel and indicates obedience by publicly identifying oneself with His death, burial and resurrection.

*Proper Baptizer: ordained preacher of right doctrine.

Baptism extends no further than simply an outward picture of what the Lord Jesus Christ has done inside the heart of the believer. Matt.3:13-17; Matt. 28:19,20; Act.8:36-39; Acts 16:30-33; Rom.6:3-5.

*Lord's Supper: We believe the Lord's Supper is a memorial supper that is administered to the believers of the New Testament church. It symbolizes the broken body and the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, that believers who have submitted themselves to scriptural baptism and whose spiritual lives being in a right relationship are qualified participants in the Lord's Supper service. 1Cor.11:23-31.

ARTICLE XVI: OF THE LORD'S DAY

The Lord's Day commemorates the first day of the week on which Christ arose from the dead. It ought to be kept sacred for religious purposes. This day should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, by abstaining from all secular labour and amusements except works of mercy and necessity. Act.20:7; Matt. 28:1-7; Rev.1:10; 1Cor.16:1-2; Heb.10:24-25.

ARTICLE XVII: OF THE GRACE OF GIVING

We believe God's method of financing His Church and of spreading the Gospel is by the tithes and offerings of His people; that the place to tithe is the local New Testament Church; that the tithe is upon the first day of the week; that everyone is accountable to the Lord for one tenth of his increase; and that any additional amount (above the tithe) given to the church, or towards other Christian works of like faith and practice, and where those finances are directed is left as an individual matter between each believer and God. We also teach tithing was instituted prior the Law, continued during the Law, and these principles practiced by the New Testament Church. Matt.23:23; 1Cor.16:1-2; 2Cor.9:6-15; Mal.3:7-10; Lev.27:28-34; Lk.6:38; Gen.14:17-20; Gen. 28:22; Dt.12:11-14; Eze.44:30; 2Cor.8:1-8;1Cor.9:8-14.

ARTICLE XVIII: OF EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS

It is the duty of church to extend the Gospel of Christ to every person, both locally, nationally and abroad to the ends of the world. It is the responsibility of every believer to constantly seek to win the lost to Christ by personal efforts and by all other methods scriptural and ethical. It is the privilege and right for churches of like faith and practice to cooperate with each other in carrying out the Great Commission. This is to be carried on in such a manner as to preserve the sovereignty of each local church. Mt.9:37-38; Mt.28:19-20; Jn.20:21; Mk.16:15; Rom.1:14-16; Rom. 10:12-15.

ARTICLE XIX: OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT

We believe and teach that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; and that the magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honoured, and obeyed, except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ Who is the only Lord of the kings of the earth. Pro.8:15-16; Rom.13:1-7; 1Pet.2:9-20; Matt.22:21; Matt. 23:10; 1Tim.6:15; Rev.19:16.

ARTICLE XX: OF LAST THINGS

The Rapture & Christ's Return: We believe and teach that Jesus Christ shall "catch away" all believers thus ushering the Great Tribulation period. This tribulation period will last seven years and will be such as the world has never seen before. The One World government and apostate One World Religious System will be in control. Terrible, horrific, and wicked things will transpire as man's way consummates and judgment from God begins. This time will end with the Battle of Armageddon. At the close of the Great Tribulation the saints will return physically with Christ to the earth and shall live and reign with Him 1,000 years. The rapture of the saints is an imminent truth. We believe that Christ's return is both pre-tribulational and pre-millennial. 1Thess.4:13-18; 1Cor.15:51-58; Jude 1:14-15; Zech.14:1-8; 1Thess.3:13; Rev.19:11-16; /Rev. 20:1-6; Titus 2:13; Act.1:9-11; Jn.14:3; Jas.5:8; Php.3:20-21; Mt.24:1-51; 2Thess.2:1-12; Lk.21:8-19,Lk. 21:25-31;Mk.13:27-31;

The Tribulation Period: Dan.12:1; Mt.24:21; Lk.21:25-31; 2Thess.2:1-12; Rev.6:16-17; Rev. 14:10-16; Rev. 16:11-21.

The Conversion of the Jews: Zech.12:10-14; Zech. 13:6-9; Mt.24:38; Rom.11:1-26.

The Battle of Armageddon: Rev.16:12-16; Rev.19:11-21; Ezek.38:1-23; Zech.12:1-4.

The Millennial Reign: Rev.20:1-6; Rev. 11:15-17; Isa.11:1-9; Isa. 32:1; Isa. 2:1-5; Jer. 23:5.

The Great Throne Judgment: Rev.20:11-15.

Article XXI: THE PLAN OF SALVATION

The Bible teaches clearly that a person can KNOW how to get to heaven!

1John 5:13 "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."

Going to heaven is not secured by: being a church member, partaking of Lord's Supper, doing good deeds, being religious, trying to do your best, being baptized ... many have done these things yet have no assurance of getting to heaven. Though these things are taught in the Bible and have their place in the Christian life they are not for salvation.

The Bible teaches that to go to heaven we have to deal with the sin problem.
We must realize and agree with God regarding the following:

1. The Fact of our sin.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

2. The Consequence or Penalty for our sin.

i) Death:
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death..."

ii) Judgment:
Hebrews 9:27 "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
Revelation 20:15 "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."

iii) Hell:
Lk.16:23 "And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments..."
"Revelation 21:8 "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..."

3. The Payment for sin.

i) Christ's Substitutionary Death
Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

ii) Christ's Atoning Blood
Ephesians 1:7 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
1John 1:7 "...the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

iii) Christ Resurrection
Roman 6:9 "Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him."
1Corinthians 15:1 "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; v2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. v3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; v4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"

4. How to Receive Christ
.
i) Repentance
Matt. 9:13 "...for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Lk.13:3 "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
Acts 17:30 "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"

ii) Faith
Acts 20:21 "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
Acts 16:30 "And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? v31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
Romans 10:9-13 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. v10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. v11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. v12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. v13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Right now turn from your ways to the Lord and trust Him. Sincerely call on the Lord like millions of others have, "Dear Lord Jesus, I believe you died upon the cross for me and rose again, I ask you now to please forgive me of my sins. I trust you now as my Saviour and to take me to heaven when I die. Thank you Lord for saving me."

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DISPENSATIONALISM

Since the positions and conclusions in Endtimes.org are in line with the Dispensational System of Theology, or point of view, the terms need to be explained. There is no need to fear these terms. They describe some simple concepts related to our understanding of the Old Testament Covenants and how God will develop His kingdom program. Even if you have negative feelings about the term Dispensationalism, please go through the following brief explanation of what it is. It could be that it has never been clearly explained. Dispensationalism has influenced the doctrinal beliefs of many churches, including the Baptist church, the Bible churches, the Pentecostal churches, and many other non-denominational Evangelical churches. You may even be Dispensational in your thinking although not be calling yourself a Dispensationalist. Christian is always a better term, but terms like Dispensationalist helps to define where we are coming from when it comes to our views onEndtimes and the present and future Kingdom of God.

Definition

A Dispensation - The system by which anything is administered. In Christian terms, looking back, it refers to a period in history whereby God dealt with man in a specific way. (Conscience, Law, Grace)
Dispensationalism - A system of theology that sees God working with man in different ways during different dispensations. While 'Dispensations' are not ages, but stewardships, or administrations, we tend to see them now as ages since we look back on specific time periods when they were in force.
Dispensationalism is distinguished by three key principles.
1 - A clear distinction between God's program for Israel and God's program for the Church.
2 - A consistent and regular use of a literal principle of interpretation
3 - The understanding of the purpose of God as His own glory rather than the salvation of mankind.

Ok, what does this mean in layman's terms. Read on.

What about the Dispensations?

The key to Dispensationalism is not in the definition or recognition of a specific number of dispensations. This is a misunderstanding of the opponents ofDispensationalism. Almost all theologians will recognize that God worked differently through the Law than He did through Grace. That is not to say that salvation was attained in a different manner, but that the responsibilities given to man by God were different during the period of the giving of the Law up to the cross, just as they were different for Adam and Eve. The Jews were to show their true faith by doing what God had commanded, even though they couldn't keep the moral Law. That's what the sacrifices were for. When the apostle Paul said that as to the Law he was blameless, he didn't mean that he never sinned, but that he obeyed God by following the guidelines of the Law when he did sin, and animal sacrifices were offered for his sins by the priests in the temple. Salvation came not by keeping the law, but by seeing it's true purpose in exposing sin, and turning to God for salvation. The Jews weren't saved based on how well they kept the law, (as many of them thought) as that would be salvation by works. They were saved through faith in God, and the work of Christ on the cross was counted for them, even though it hadn't happened yet.

Dispensationalists will define three key dispensations, (1) The Mosaic Law, (2) The present age of Grace, and (3) the future Millennial Kingdom. Most will agree about the first two, and Covenant theology will disagree about the third, seeing this as the 'eternal state'. (Since they don't see a literal Millennial Kingdom - the future literal fulfillment of the Davidic Kingdom.)

A greater breakdown of specific dispensations is possible, giving most traditional Dispensationalists seven recognizable dispensations.

Innocence - Adam
Conscience - After man sinned, up to the flood
Government - After the flood, man allowed to eat meat, death penalty instituted
Promise - Abraham up to Moses and the giving of the Law
Law - Moses to the cross
Grace - The cross to the Millennial Kingdom
Millennial Kingdom - A 1000 year reign of Christ on earth centered in Jerusalem

While not everyone needs to agree on this breakdown, the point from the Dispensationalists view is that God is working with man in a progressive way. At each stage man has failed to be obedient to the responsibilities set forth by God. The method of salvation, justification by faith alone, never changes through the dispensations. The responsibilities God gives to man does change however. The Jews were to be obedient to the Law if they wished God's blessing of Land. If they were disobedient, they would be scattered. However, God promises to always bring them back to the land promised to Abraham in the Abrahamic Covenant. After the cross, believers no longer need the Law, which pointed to Christ as the one that would take away sin through his perfect sacrifice. (Heb 10) We are under a new Law, the Law of Grace. We have more revelation about God, and are no longer required to keep ceremonial laws given to the Jews. The moral law is always in effect as a guide, but we are no longer condemned by it, since we have a savior that has overcome for us.

Remember that making a distinction between these time periods is not what makes someone Dispensational. Recognizing the progressive nature, and seeing the church as part of Plan A and not Plan B is what makes someone Dispensational. Dispensationalists see a clear distinction between God's program for Israel and God's program for the church. God is not finished with Israel. The church didn't take Israel's place. They have been set aside temporarily, but in the Endtimes will be brought back to the promised land, cleansed, and given a new heart. (Gen 12, Deut 30, 2 Sam 7, Jer 31)

Just to clarify what I mean by Plan A and Plan B, I can see how some would say that the church is God's Plan B. However, God knew that the Jews would reject their Messiah. Daniel 9 tells us that the Messiah would be cut off, or killed, and Isaiah 53 speaks of the suffering servant. To call the church Plan B sounds too much like it was his second best plan, as if his efforts were thwarted. God has one redemptive plan for all mankind that was foretold in Genesis 3. The Messiah would come and defeat Satan and death. Now, this doesn't mean that his plan for Israel, and the promises/covenants made with the forefathers are null and void. They are not.

So what is the key to Dispensationalism?
The literal method of interpretation is the key. Using the literal method of interpreting the biblical covenants and prophecy leads to a specific set of core beliefs about God's kingdom program, and what the future will hold for ethnic Israel and for the Church. We therefore recognize a distinction between Israel and the Church, and a promised future earthly reign of Christ on the throne of David. (The Davidic Kingdom.) This leads a person to some very specific conclusions about the Endtimes.

Israel must be re-gathered to their land as promised by God.
Daniel's seventieth week prophecy specifically refers to the purging of the nation Israel, and not the Church. These were the clear words spoken to Daniel. The church doesn't need purging from sin. It is already clean.
Some of the warnings in Matthew 24 are directed at the Jews, and not the Church (since God will be finishing His plan with national Israel)
A Pretribulation rapture - Israel is seen in Daniel as the key player during the tribulation, not the Church. God removes the elect when he brings judgment on the world. i.e. Noah, John 14, 1 Thess 4:16.
Premillennialism - A literal 1000 year Millennial Kingdom, where Christ returns before the Millennium starts. Revelation 20 doesn't give us a reason to interpret the 1000 years as symbolic. Also, Dispensationalists see the promised literal reign of Christ in the OT. Note the chronological order of events between Revelation 19-21.

Charles Ryrie in his book 'Dispensationalism' points out that some Christians have actually called Dispensationalism heretical. Actually it is people that use words like 'heretical' for non essential doctrinal beliefs that are the ones that cause division in the Church. Whether a person believes in a literal future Millennial Kingdom is not essential Christian doctrine. It doesn't rank up there with the Deity of Christ, the Trinity, the Atonement, etc. A house divided against itself will not stand. When we get to heaven, or the Millennial Kingdom, whichever will come first, we will understand the truth of all the word of God, but until then there are essential doctrines of the faith that are worth going to battle over. Others are not, since we don't want to be found going to battle with each other, and therefore, with Jesus Christ Himself.

The History of Dispensationalism

While the opponents of Dispensationalism will point out that as a system of theology it is relatively new, it is notable that there is evidence from the early church writers that there was clearly an understanding that God dealt with His people differently in progressive dispensations, and that Israel wasn't seen as replaced by the Church. A small reference to some of these writings is found in 'The Moody Handbook of Theology" by Paul Ennis. He mentions the following as being in the history of the development of Dispensationalism.

Justin Martyr (A.D. 110-165)
Iranaeus (A.D. 130-200)
Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 150-220)
Augustine (A.D. 354-430)

Of the above Ryrie says "It is not suggested nor should it be inferred that these early Church Fathers were dispensationalists in the modern sense of the word. But it is true that some of them enunciated principles which later developed into Dispensationalism, and it may be rightly said that they held primitive or early dispensational concepts." With this understanding, the following have written in support of some or all dispensational principles.

Some Dispensational writers

Pierre Poiret (1646-1719)
John Edwards (1637-1716)
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
John Nelson Darby (1800-1882)
C.I. Scofield (1843-1921)
Lewis Sperry Chafer
Charles Ryrie
Dwight Pentecost
John Walvoord

Dispensationalism

The real Christians are found in the book of Acts and the Pauline Epistles.

The early church fathers listed:

Did not believe the Bible, they rejected and corrected the Word of God.
They spiritualized, allegorized the Bible and replaced it, the Word of God with a corrupt Greek philosophy.

Click for more information on each!

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Calvinism or Arminianism? Is Either Biblical?

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Calvinism and the Reformed movement teach that God in the past has decreed that He will offer irresistible grace to only a few people and has predistinated them to salvation. But for most of the world, the Calvinists teach God withholds His grace and will not allow them to be saved. These are condemned by God, have no chance to be saved and God gave them life to spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. Arminianism teaches a person can will themselves to be saved, must work to keep their salvation or lose it, and that man has a spark of divinity in him.

Is either of these teachings taught by many churches biblical? This article will show both of these Protestant teachings are not biblical.

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Apologetics

What Is Theology?

The Doctrine of God

The Doctrine of God When we consider the doctrine of God, we need to confine our both our thoughts and conclusions to the Bible (Sola Scriptura principle), and, in keeping with bibletruth.org, present the sum total of Scriptural teaching on the subject. Now, more than ever, our presentation of God to the world cannot be tainted with popular notions, sentimental leanings that tone down some of God's essential attributes, such as His holiness, justice and wrath, and other aberrant views that fail to present Him as Scripture does. In hisDoctrine of God, professor John Frame reminds us that "God claims the authority to direct all our thinking and all our decisions" (p. 89). He also reminds us that God's authority extends to every area of our life (1 Cor. 10:31; Frame, p. 89), including how we should think about Him or define Him.

Definition of God In defining God, we need venture no further than the Westminster Catechism, namely, "God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth." This definition accurately represents God's essential nature, character, and attributes (though not exhaustively).

The Attributes (qualities of God)Some Important Attributes

Spiritual

Spiritual God is spirit (Gk. pneuma) John 4:24, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." Thus God is personal, self determining, and quite alive.

No property of matter may be ascribed to God (sometimes called "non-corporeal.") No parts, form, bulk or mass, and quite invisible 1 Timothy 6:16, "...who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen." Thus the importance of the second commandment forbidding all attempts to create some kind of image of Him (Exodus 20:4-6, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.") Such images or representation of God distort His being and in reality create an idol.

Self-Existent

The ground of God's being is Himself (or, God is His own cause). On the contrary, everything else is dependent on God. John 5:26; Isa. 40:18; Rom. 11:33-36.

Changeless (or, immutable)

God does not change in His essential being. He is devoid of all change in His purposes and promises. His knowledge forever remains the same: God does not grow at all in wisdom or knowledge; He does not learn new things. He can neither improve nor deteriorate. Mal. 3:6; Ps. 102:25-27.

Infinite

God has no limitations. He is not limited by the universe or the time-space world, and is not confined to this universe. Matt. 5:48, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Also, Ps. 145:3.

External

God has no beginning, and has no end. His duration is prolonged both backwards and forwards. Ps. 90:2; Ps. 102:12.

When we say eternal, we include past and present and future. He never began, does not experience growth, and will never do so.

Psalm 29:10, "The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever."

Psalm 48:14, "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end."

Isaiah 40:28, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."

1 Timothy 1:17, "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Immutable (God does not change)

Psalm 102:26, "They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded."

Malachi 3:6, "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed."

James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Omnipresent

God has no spatial limitations whatever, and is present in every point of space with His whole being. 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:23, 24.

Psalm 139:7-10, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

1 Kings 8:27, "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!"

Proverbs 15:3, "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good."

Acts 17:27-28, "God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'"

Now, God is not the universe - Pantheism. God is everywhere present and living, but is greater than the universe He created.

Omnipotent (God's power or sovereignty; means He is able to do what He wants to do)

God is all-powerful, and always in control. Neither man nor Satan can take Him by surprise, and no one can challenge His authority. God's absolute rule and authority has never been threatened, and never will be. Ps. 135:6, "The Lord does whatever He pleases."

Psalm 115:3, "Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him."

Genesis 18:14, "Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son."

Luke 1:34, 37, "How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?'" "For nothing is impossible with God.'"

Ephesians 1:19-20, "...and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..."

Of course, God cannot do anything contrary to His nature or ethics. For example, God cannot lie (Titus 1:2, "...a faith and knowledge resting on the hopes of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time...") or change (Malachi 3:6, "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.").

Omniscience

God is quite aware of everything that ever was, now is, or even shall be. This has always been the case. His knowledge is immediate (He knows it all, exhaustively, and He knows it all now!) He does not learn anything or "get ideas" from any source.

Psalm 147:4, "He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name."

Hebrews 4:13, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Matthew 10:29, 30, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall on the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

Isaiah 42:8,9, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you."

Holy

The basic idea of "holy" is "separation," or "over the creation." Of course it also speaks of absolute moral purity.

1 Peter 1:15-16, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written, 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

1 John 1:5, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."

Habakkuk 1:13, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?"

Just (God is righteous)

Deuteronomy 32:4, "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just." A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."

God judges according to absolute righteous and faithful criteria.

Psalm 7:11, "God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day."

Psalm 96: 10-13, "Say among the nations, 'The LORD reigns.' The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth."

Daniel 9:14, "The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him."

2 Thessalonians 1:5-7, "All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels."

Truth

God is both faithful and reliable in all matters. From this we conclude that, first of all, God actually exists, and everything He claims about Himself is true. We cannot say the same about the so-called gods of the world (1 Corinthians 8:4, "So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one." See also 10:19-20, "Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.") God's words and action never contradict each other because God cannot lie (Titus 1:2, "A faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie promised before the beginning of time..."). Whatever God promises He will perform.

1 John 5:20, "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true-even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."

Love and Goodness

God's very nature is love, and He deals in kindness toward His Creatures (1 John 4:8;1 John 4:16," Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love". . . "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." Psalm 73:1, "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart." Psalm 118:1, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Acts 14:17, "Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."). Indeed, God gave His Son for the world (John 3:15-16, "...that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.") with the express intention of displaying His kindness toward them throughout eternity (Ephesians 2:6-7, "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus").

Application

1. The worship of other gods is senseless. First, they do not exist. Secondly, if they did, they're no rival to the one and true God.

2. Most people "quantify" (count) their problems, then consider God one of the solutions. Wait! He is much more than a match for your problems. Put differently, your problems are no match for God, none at all. He is the solution, really the only one.

3. Derive comfort from the fact God could deliver you if He so chose {all-powerful). Since God is good, we know there is always a good reason for our troubles.

4. God is all-wise, and knows how much we can take, and what we can take, and just what we should take.

5. Think of it: God is incapable of letting you down! His promises have to be fulfilled! When others around you change (sometimes for the worse), God will never. Why? He can't!

We recommend Jerry Bridges' excellent book Trusting God Even When Life Hurts where he combines and applies three of God's attributes: love, wisdom, and sovereignty.

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ The early church was forced to define the doctrine of Jesus Christ because of emerging heresies that presented a false view of Christ. Today, many people do not place much emphasis on who Jesus was, they just want to "know Him," or "love Him." But who is it we love, and what can He do for us? Unless we answer these questions correctly, how can we rely upon Him for our eternal salvation? If Jesus Christ possessed a human body, but a divine spirit, is He truly human? if not, can He represent us before God? These are the issues that faced the early church, and head our discussion on the God/man.

The God/ManThe Bible identifies Jesus Christ as both divine and human. The Father calls Him "God" (Heb. 1:8), as do plenty of the Bible authors (see John 20:28; Acts 20:28; Tit. 2:13; Rom. 9:5; 1 John 5:20). He possesses divine qualities, such as omniscience ("all knowing," see John 2:24-25), omnipotence (all powerful, see the miracles of Jesus in the gospels), immutability (He "never changes," cf. Heb. 13:8), and He is everlasting (Mic. 5:2).

Equally, Jesus was truly a man, but minus the sin that other humans carry (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:22). He was born of a virgin without a human father (Matt. 1:23 and see below on the virgin birth), and experienced human suffering and temptation (Heb. 4:14-5:2, 7:13-28). A casual reading of the gospels reveals that Jesus was a complete man in every sense of the word, yet without sin. As such, He qualifies to represent us before God as our sin-bearer. Now God looks upon the repentant believer with mercy and receives him/her into His family on account of what Christ did for them.

The early church defined the doctrine of the Trinity at the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325, declaring God as one in three persons. The second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, was of the same substance as the Father. So we have one God in three persons, the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Later at the Council of Chalcedon in A.D. 451, Jesus was declared one person in two natures, a divine and human. These two natures form a unity without mixture or confusion. Furthermore, each nature retains its own attributes. The Lord Jesus Christ is truly divine and truly human.

The Virgin BirthPrimary passages: Matt. 1:18-20; Luke 1:34-35; Isa. 7:14.

Introduction

In one sense the Bible records several supernatural births. Among these we cite Isaac, John the Baptist, Samson and Samuel. In fact, every birth smacks of the supernatural when we consider the creative power needed to generate life. What then sets apart the birth of Christ? It alone was a virgin birth. The baby was conceived and born while the mother was a virgin.

1. What is the virgin birth?

It is supernatural conception. Lu. 1:34-35. Jesus had no human father, only a mother. Those who deny this have an aversion to the supernatural.

V. 34, "How shall these things be?" We might expect the angel not to answer the question, or to reply with an answer such as "With God all things are possible." But answer he does, giving specifics as to how this miracle would unfold. Holy Spirit would conceive the child in the womb of the virgin Mary.

2. What is the meaning of the virgin birth?

Several things:

a. God sanctified (set apart) the human nature of Christ and preserved it from human sin (though it was a mystery as to how He did it).

b. Man could now be redeemed from sin.

A sinful man could not do this; he would not have access to God. He would not qualify as a spotless sacrifice. Christ is our perfect representative, the second Adam. Furthermore, He had to be born under the law, as we are lawbreakers, Gal. 4:4. Why didn't God simply forgive humanity. He couldn't, and still be God. After all, God had to remain just, and also find a way to justify (declare innocent) those who believe in Jesus (Rom. 3:26).

c. Scripture is fulfilled. Isa. 7:14; Micah 5:2; Isa. 9:6.

Christ had to be born of a woman, Gen. 3:15. Christ had to be of the seed of Abraham of the lineage of David, cf. Gen. 12:3, Gen. 49:10; Matt. 1:1; Gal. 3:16; Luke 1:31-33.

d. Divine sympathy. Heb. 2:14-18.

God sympathized with the fate of the fallen human race, and took measures to rescue them.

The Resurrection of ChristTheories that attempt to explain the resurrection

1. The Evaporation Theory. The body disappeared by the normal process of disintegration. Answer: This kind of rapid decay would require a miracle almost as great the resurrection itself.

2. The Wrong Tomb Theory. The disciples went to the wrong tomb. Answer: a) The women carefully noted where the body was laid (Mark 15:47); b) Right on! They go to a wrong tomb where an angel meets them and tells them it really is the right tomb. c) If they go to a wrong tomb the Sanhedrin could have gone to the right tomb, produced the body of Jesus, and forever shut down the Christian movement.

3. The Swoon Theory ("swoon," meaning "to faint"). The view holds that Jesus didn't really die, He just fainted, later to be revived by the cool air of the tomb. He then came to, and walked away. Answer: Christ, after being crucified and speared, would then have to roll away the heavy stone, avoid detection by the Roman soldiers who, on the pain of immediate death, were sworn to guard Him, and then walk away leaving no trace evidence (e.g., blood, etc.).

4. The Disciples (or, perhaps, Joseph of Arimathea) Stole the Body Theory. Answer: They could not have done this and overcome the posted Roman guards. Nor could penniless disciples (remember who held the purse) bribe the guards. Finally, where would they drag an adult body?

Suggested Order of events of the Resurrection:(Because some allege the gospels accounts of the resurrection "don't agree among themselves," we provide a possible scenario below that offers one possible explanation.)

1. Mary Magdalene and other women go to tomb early Sunday morning (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:55; Luke 24:1; Matt. 28:1).

2. They see stone rolled away; Mary Magdalene, fearing they took her Lord's body, runs off alone to tell Peter & John (John 20:1, 2).

3. While Mary runs off to tell Peter & John, the other women went up to tomb, found the body gone, saw vision of angels, were told Jesus had arisen, and were commanded to go to Galilee and tell disciples. Some went in one direction, some in another.

4. While this occurred, Mary Magdalene, who ran to tell Peter & John, found them; then they all three came to the tomb after the other women went away; Mary Magdalene probably arrived later than Peter and John.

5. Peter and John see empty sepulcher, then go away, leaving Mary Magdalene weeping there.

6. As soon as Peter and John went away, Mary Magdalene saw the two angels, then our Lord Himself, and was told to carry a message to His brethren (John 20:17).

7. The other women (who had gone off in two or three directions) are still traveling. Mary, wife of Clophas, and Salome were on their way when Jesus met them (very shortly after He appeared to Mary Magdalene).

8. One party of women (headed by Joanna) saw nothing of the Lord, but went to the disciples and told them the message of the angels.

9. The Lord appears to Peter (who very likely had gone again to the grave on hearing Mary Magdalene's report).

10. The Lord appears to two disciples on the way to Emmaus (who left Jerusalem after Joanna and the women reported to them the message of the angels).

11. That evening, Jesus appears to the disciples.

Implications of Christ's Resurrection1. Confirms Christ's Teachings (including plan of salvation).

2. Guarantees our justification (Rom. 4:25); a holy and righteous God accepts us in Jesus.

3. Guarantees our own resurrection (1 Pet. 1:3-4 ; 2 Cor. 4:14; 1 Thess. 4:14).

The Doctrine of the Church

Throughout history, God placed emphasis on a "community" of worshipers, and not just individuals detached from others. In fact, the Bible has much to say about this group, called "the body of Christ." The concept goes all the way back to the Old Testament where God dealt with an "assembly" (Deut. 9:10; 18:16). The New Testament elaborates much more about this collective body called out to worship God, now calling it "the church" (Eph. 1:22; Eph. 3:21; Col. 1:18). The term "church" originally meant "an assembly called out.' The New Testament uses the term in three ways:

A local church (e.g., the church of God at Corinth, 1 Cor. 1:2, Rev. 2:1).
The visible church, spread out in different locales (e.g., churches in Judea or Galatia, Gal. 1:22; 1 Thess. 2:14; 1 Cor. 16:1).
The one universal church, invisible to man but known to God (Eph. 1:22; Eph. 5:25).

What is a church?A church is a body of believers called out of the world to worship God, proclaim His Word, administer the sacraments (or "ordinances"), and spread the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 20:28; 2 Thess. 2:15; 1 Cor. 11:23-30; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20; 1 Tim. 4:13).

Although instituted by God, the church does not possess authority over the state. The church does not influence others by legislative action or by force of arms, but through spiritual influence such as proclaiming His word and obeying Him.

Church GovernmentThe Catholic Church features a large, hierarchical government complete with a pope, a College of Cardinals, archbishops and bishops, and a priesthood. The Bible does not support this form of government which arose more from political expediency than sober reflection on biblical texts.

Three forms of Protestant government:

Episcopal. (Church of England, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Episcopalian, and United Methodist Church). The episcopal government calls for different classes of officers such as archbishops, bishops, rectors and priests. They often attempt to trace their priestly succession all the way back to apostolic times.
Presbyterian. The Presbyterian, or "elder," form of government rules the church through their elder representatives. They claim a long history dating back to the days of Moses and the "elders of Israel" (Exod. 3:16; Exod. 17:5-6; Lev. 4:15). The New Testament mentions elders in many places (see Acts 14:23; Tit. 1:5; Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2; James 5:14). Furthermore, these same elders carry a degree of authority and oversight and, in fact, can be called the ruling body of the church (1 Tim. 5:17; Acts 20:28).
Congregational (found in Baptist, independent, and congregational churches, among others). Advocates of congregational rule also claim a long heritage and, at least in general terms, try to trace their origins back to New Testament times. This form of government does receive some biblical support (see, for example, Matt. 18:15-17).

Bibletruth sees some room for a degree of flexibility in how a church chooses to govern itself, as long as it has strong elder representation. The Bible is more concerned that churches obey the explicit commands to worship God, obey His Word, teach the saints and proclaim His Word throughout the earth.

The Ordinances of the Church (called "sacraments" in some places)Baptism

In baptism, the child of God is immersed in water to identify with Jesus Christ, to publicly his or her faith, and to acknowledge death to the old life and a resurrection to new life in Christ Jesus. The subject is to be completely immersed in water (see John 3:23; Matt. 3:16). The Greek term for baptism, baptizo, means quite literally "to immerse." Baptism does not contribute to one's salvation, nor should the church baptize infants.

The Lord's Supper

The other ordinance to be practiced by the New Testament church is the Lord's Supper. It was instituted by Christ Himself (Matt. 26:26-29) and practiced by the early church (1 Cor. 11:23-34).Like baptism, this ordinance does not carry any saving merits at all, but instead reminds us to recall Christ's death, enjoy a present fellowship with Christ and one another, and to anticipate His coming kingdom. The Catholic Church errs when it argues for the real and physical presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper, something calledtransubstantiation. Lutherans teach something similar, called consubstantiation, where the physical body is "in, with, and under" the bread and wine. A third view, called the memorial or Zwinglian view, sees the Lord's Supper only as a remembrance. But John Calvin correctly taught that the Supper was more than a memorial, because Christ is present in the Supper spiritually. Only then do we "participate" in His body and blood.