UK

Our Doctrine

The Teaching on the Holy Scriptures

We believe that "all Scripture is God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16), meaning that the entire Bible is inspired by God, as holy men were moved by the Holy Spirit to write it (2 Peter 1:21). This divine inspiration applies equally and completely to all parts of Scripture — historical, poetic, instructional, and prophetic books. Therefore, the Bible is without error in its original text, authoritative, and sufficient for all times (2 Peter 1:19; John 5:39). It is Christ-centered, revealing Christ, and Christological, teaching about Him.

Jesus Christ is the central focus of the entire Bible — Lord and Savior, and His work in both His first and second comings. No part of Scripture, including the Old Testament, can be rightly understood if it does not point to Him (Luke 24:27, 44; Acts 17:2-3; 18:28; 26:22-23; 28:23). With God’s authority and power, the Holy Scriptures guide us in every area of life (Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11).

Our faith rests on God’s revelation: He reveals Himself in the history of humanity, and the 66 books of the Bible are a manifestation of His self-revelation (Hebrews 1:1-3). We believe that Scripture is both the true testimony of godly men about the God they loved and served, and God’s own testimony and teaching, expressed in a form understandable to humans.

Jesus Christ regarded Scripture as the instruction of His Heavenly Father (Matthew 4:4; 7:10; 5:19-20; 19:4-6; 26:31, 52-54). The Apostle Paul affirmed that the Old Testament is fully inspired by God, and the Apostle Peter confirms the divine origin of biblical teaching (2 Peter 1:21; 1 Peter 1:10-12).

The Church rightly regards the true apostolic Scriptures as completing the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). We believe that Scripture is both fully human and fully divine. Therefore, we accept all its diverse contents — history, prophecy, poetry, songs, wisdom, sermons, letters, and everything else — as originating from God.

Acknowledging the Bible as the authoritative and inerrant Word of God compels us to thank God for the gift of His written Word (2 Corinthians 9:15) and to diligently build our faith and life entirely and exclusively upon it (Romans 10:17; Jude 1:20). We believe that Scripture is a divine book for humanity, and its interpretation must take into account the author, as well as the historical and cultural context of its writing (Luke 10:26). At the same time, the Bible contains allegorical passages. Each book was written to be understandable to its original audience, including those books that employ symbolic language extensively — such as Daniel, Zechariah and Revelation.

When reading and interpreting the Holy Scriptures, we follow two guiding principles: to accept the facts, commandments, promises and warnings that God conveys to us exactly as they are written (Luke 8:5-8); and to prayerfully reflect on the Scriptures to discern what God intends to reveal (Luke 8:9-15).

Doctrine of God

We believe that there is one and only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4) – the living (Deuteronomy 32:39-40), the true (Exodus 34:6), the perfect One (Matthew 5:48). He reveals Himself as the infinite, incomprehensible, self-sufficient, eternal, and unchanging Person (Exodus 3:14; Psalm 45:7).

God is: Holy (Psalm 22:4; 1 Peter 1:16); Almighty (Genesis 17:1; 18:14; Job 42:2; Luke 1:37); All-knowing (Psalm 94:11; 139:2; Proverbs 5:21); Omnipresent (Genesis 28:16; Exodus 3:5); the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists (Revelation 1:8); the only One worthy of glory and worship (Exodus 20:2-7; Matthew 4:10; Romans 16:27).

We believe that God is Triune: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1-2; Luke 3:21-22; Hebrews 1:1-2; Revelation 3:22). Each Person of the Trinity possesses the fullness of divine attributes. The Triune God, in His essence and nature, is equal and indivisible, so that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God – yet not three Gods, but one God (John 10:30; 14:26).

We believe that God the Father is uncreated, without beginning, unbegotten, and through Him all things came into being (John 1:1-4). He is holy (1 Peter 1:16), good (Matthew 19:17), and just (Psalm 7:12; 71:19; Revelation 3:19). God is the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:17; 17:5).

We believe that God the Son is not created but only-begotten, “who is in the bosom of the Father” (John 1:18). He is of one essence with the Father and possesses all the attributes of God. For the salvation of humanity, He took on flesh and became man (Philippians 2:7), without ceasing to be divine. He became the true Man, in whom the divine and human natures are perfectly united (without confusion, change, or division). Thus, Jesus Christ is true God (1 John 5:20) and true Man (Romans 5:15; 1 Timothy 2:5).

Jesus Christ: was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35); was born in the flesh of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:7); lived an absolutely sinless life (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15); died on the cross for the sins of mankind (Matthew 27:50; Romans 8:34); rose from the dead (Matthew 28:5-6; Acts 1:3); ascended and sat at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9); is the only Advocate and Mediator between God and man (Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5); and will come again in power and glory (Acts 1:10-11; John 14:1-3).

We believe that God the Holy Spirit is uncreated, proceeding from the Father through the Son (John 14:26). He is equal to the Father and the Son and possesses all the attributes of God. The Holy Spirit is: the inspirer of the Holy Scriptures (2 Peter 1:21); active in creation (Genesis 1:2), in the salvation of man (Hebrews 3:7), and in the building of the Church (Ephesians 2:22); the One who glorifies Christ (John 16:14); convicts of sin (John 16:8-9); regenerates man (John 3:5-7); and leads in the way of sanctification (John 16:13).

We believe that in the creation of heaven and earth, of all visible and invisible things, as well as of mankind itself, the Divine Trinity took part: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We believe that in the creation of the new heaven and the new earth, where righteousness dwells and of the new man to live therein (2 Peter 2:13), the Divine Trinity also takes part: Jesus Christ forgives the sinner (Galatians 4:4); the Father receives them as sons and daughters (Galatians 4:5); and the Holy Spirit fills, sanctifies, and makes them heirs of eternal life (Galatians 4:6-7).

Doctrine of Man

Creation

We believe that God created man from “the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). Thus, man is a triune being (spirit, soul, and body) – Job 12:10; Isaiah 57:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12 – belonging both to the physical (visible) and the spiritual (invisible) world.

God created man immortal, in His image and likeness, which are expressed in intellectual, moral, volitional, and other qualities (Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1; James 3:9). God created man with a purpose: for direct fellowship with Him (Genesis 3:8; Ecclesiastes 7:29); for worship of Him (Psalm 66:4); for the continuation of the human race and to “fill the earth” (Genesis 1:28; Acts 17:26); and for dominion over creation and labor upon the earth (Genesis 1:28; 2:15; Psalm 8:7).

God created man with free will. He has the right to choose independently between good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17; Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15; Jeremiah 21:8).

The Fall

We believe that man, through temptation by the devil, independently chose the path of disobedience to his Creator, thereby sinning against the Holy God (Genesis 3:1-6; Isaiah 59:2; John 8:44). At the moment of the Fall, man died spiritually and became subject to physical death (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13). Through the Fall of the first people, all humanity inherited a sinful nature and mortality (Genesis 6:3; Psalm 51:5; 58:3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 5:12). As a result of the Fall, man cannot, by his own efforts, find God (1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 3:11).

The Doctrine of Salvation

We believe that God foresaw the Fall of the first humans and therefore prepared a plan of salvation, according to which Christ was the Lamb appointed to be slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). In the fullness of God’s appointed time, Christ took upon Himself the sin of the whole world, endured the righteous judgment of God on its account, and, by perfectly satisfying divine justice, accomplished complete redemption and salvation (John 1:29; 1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Salvation is wrought by God through grace. A person receives it only through a personal and conscious turning to Him. For “there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Faith

We believe that for a sinner to be reconciled to God, faith is essential—a faith granted by the Holy Spirit through hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6; Acts 4:4). Faith consists of three key elements: knowing God, His Word, and His will (2 Timothy 1:12); submitting to God and His Word (John 10:27; James 4:7); and accepting all that God offers (John 1:12; Romans 8:15).

Through faith, the Holy Spirit guides a person to repentance, encouraging them to turn away from sin and turn toward God (Acts 11:21; 26:18; Ephesians 2:8). A personal confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is demonstrated and confirmed by good works (2 Corinthians 4:13; John 20:28; Romans 10:9–19; Matthew 10:32–33; Luke 12:8–9; Acts 8:37).

Repentance and Conversion

We believe that repentance is a gift from God, given solely by His grace and goodness (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:37-38; 11:18; Romans 2:4). True repentance and conversion involve sorrow for sin, confession of sin before God, turning away from sin, and accepting Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior (Proverbs 28:13; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Acts 26:20).

The true signs of regeneration include a radical transformation of life, love for God and His Word, love for the Church and others, hatred of sin, a deep desire for fellowship with God through prayer, and growing conformity to Christ (1 John 3:1; 5:1; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 2:5; Galatians 4:19; 5:13). Those who are born again have a confident assurance of salvation, based on God’s Word (1 John 5:13), the testimony of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16), and the personal experience of accepting Jesus Christ (John 1:12).

Repentance brings a transformation of the mind, emotions, and especially the will, which is evident in a person’s actions (Acts 2:37-38; 9:6,20; Luke 15:20; Matthew 21:29; Acts 26:20; Luke 19:8-9).

Regeneration

We believe that as a result of conversion and personally accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, a person is born again by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. This rebirth is essential for adoption as God’s child and for entry into His Kingdom (John 1:12-13; 3:3; James 1:18; 1 Corinthians 4:15; Galatians 3:26).

Regeneration is the resurrection of a person from their spiritually dead state and their birth into new life, not a mere reformation of their sinful nature (John 3:3,5-6; Galatians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:4).

Justification

We believe that a person who believes in Jesus Christ is justified by faith, apart from any good works (Romans 3:28; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Justification changes the believer’s standing before God, freeing them from guilt and fear of condemnation, because Christ bore all sin and punishment in their place. The believer is credited with the righteousness of Christ, as if they had never sinned. Through justification, a converted person receives peace with God and the right to share in the glorious inheritance with Christ (Romans 4:5; 5:1; 5:9; 8:1; 8:17; 8:30).

Adoption

We believe that being born again grants a person a new nature in which the Holy Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). At the moment of faith, a person becomes a child of God, receiving all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of a royal heir (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-2; Galatians 4:1-7). Therefore, Scripture does not require searching for specific signs of salvation (Acts 13:39; Romans 5:1; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; Ephesians 1:3; 4:30; Colossians 2:10; 1 John 5:11-13).

Through adoption, a child of God experiences God’s special love (John 17:23), His parental care (Luke 12:27-33), and guidance (Hebrews 12:5-11), and gains the right to an inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5; Romans 8:17) as well as free access to the Heavenly Father (Ephesians 3:12). Children of God are led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:18) and are called to submit fully to God in every area of life (1 John 5:1-3).

Sanctification

We believe that God, through Jesus Christ, accomplished salvation for humanity, regenerating us for new life, justifying us, and adopting us into His family (Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 2:9-10). God cares about our sanctification because it is His will (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Peter 1:16). Sanctification involves being set apart from sin, dedicating oneself to God, and being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:7; Philippians 2:15; Colossians 3:5-8; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

Growth in Sanctification

Initial sanctification occurs at the moment of repentance, making a person holy in Christ and enabling fellowship with the Holy God (1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; Romans 1:7; Hebrews 10:10). Progressive sanctification is a lifelong process of being freed from the power of sin and becoming more like the Lord Jesus Christ in life and character (2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:11-15; 5:27; Philippians 3:10-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 2 Peter 3:18; Revelation 22:11).

God provides the following to support this process: the Word of God (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-2; Matthew 4:4; John 13:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17); prayer, through which the believer communicates with God, worships Him, confesses sins, presents desires, gives thanks, and intercedes for the repentance and salvation of others (Matthew 26:41; John 4:23-24; 16:23; 1 John 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1-4); guidance of the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies the believer (1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 3:16; Galatians 5:22-23), directs their life for good (Romans 8:28), and leads them to abide in Christ by faith (John 15:2,5,8; 1 Corinthians 12:27).

Complete sanctification will be realized at the rapture of the Church, when the dead in Christ are raised, the living children of God are transformed, and they receive new sinless bodies like the glorious body of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:17; 5:23; 1 John 3:2). The saved will share in Christ’s glory forever (John 17:22; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Hebrews 2:10; 2 Timothy 2:10).

The Doctrine of the Church of Christ

The Universal Church

We believe that the Universal Church is the invisible fellowship of those who have been spiritually born again, redeemed by Jesus Christ from every nation and throughout all ages, who are joined through the baptism of the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ. They are present both in heaven and on earth (John 3:3; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Hebrews 12:23).

The Universal Church of Christ is not the continuation of Old Testament Israel but was established by Jesus Christ on the Day of Pentecost upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. It is the new people of God, the invisible temple of the Lord, a living spiritual organism, with Jesus Christ as its Head and all believers as its members (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 1:22–23; 2:19–22; Colossians 1:18).

At the close of the age of grace, the Universal Church of Christ will be caught up into the clouds to meet the Lord and remain with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Membership in the Universal Church does not release a believer from the responsibility of belonging to a local church, for only there can one faithfully fulfill one’s duties toward brothers and sisters in Christ (Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 18:17).

The Local Church

We believe that the local church is the visible gathering of those who have been born again, living in one community, united by one faith upon the foundation of God’s Word, and steadfast in “the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayers” (Acts 2:42; Philippians 1:1; Ephesians 4:4–6). It is an inseparable part of the Universal Church. The local church is called to establish the Kingdom of Christ on earth by proclaiming the Gospel (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15), by worshiping and glorifying the Lord together (Ephesians 5:18–20), and by demonstrating the love and unity of believers (John 17:21–23).

In the local church, God through His calling and appointment sets apart ministers and grants each member the necessary gifts for service and for the building up of the Church of Christ (Ephesians 4:11–13). Believers are joined to the local church through baptism upon confession of faith (Acts 2:41).

For members of the church, Holy Scripture sets forth particular responsibilities and duties within relationships: between husbands and wives (Ephesians 5:22-33), parents and children (Ephesians 6:1-4), the older and the younger (Titus 2:2-6), and between ministers and the congregation (1 Peter 5:1-5).

Baptism upon Faith

We believe that baptism is an ordinance of our Lord Jesus Christ, established for those who have repented of their sins, believed in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and been born again from above. Baptism is both an act of obedience to God and a public testimony of one’s faith before others (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism upon faith is the outward sign symbolizing the believer’s death to sin and resurrection with Christ into newness of life (Romans 6:3–11; Galatians 3:27). It is administered by the ministers of the church (elders) through full immersion in water of those who, in maturity, consciously confess their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, have been instructed in the foundational truths of the faith within the church, and demonstrate obedience to the Word of God in daily life (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:41; 8:36–38; 1 Peter 3:21).

The Lord’s Supper

We believe that the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of our Lord Jesus Christ, instituted for the remembrance and proclamation of the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Luke 22:17–20). The Lord’s Supper expresses thanksgiving, the communion of believers with Christ, and the unity of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16–17).

The bread and the cup represent the BODY and BLOOD of Jesus Christ, and in receiving these elements, the believer enters into spiritual fellowship with Him (Matthew 26:26–28).

The Doctrine of the Spiritual World

God’s Angels

We believe in the existence of special spiritual beings—angels—created by God (Psalm 33:8; 91:11; 103:20; Matthew 1:20; 8:16; 12:45; Luke 7:21; 8:2; 11:26; Acts 1:10–11; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 16:14). Angels surpass human beings in strength and knowledge (2 Kings 19:35; Psalm 103:20; 2 Peter 2:11; James 2:19; Revelation 12:12). They neither marry (Matthew 22:30) nor die (Luke 20:36).

The Lord created all angels holy (Genesis 1:31; Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38; 2 Peter 2:4). Angels are not equal with God; they are ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:4–7; Psalm 104:4). They must not be worshiped or honored as God (1 Kings 11:4–8,33; 2 Kings 1:3; 1 Corinthians 10:20). Angels are divinely ordered in ranks and entrusted with various functions: angels (Matthew 1:20); archangels (Daniel 10:13,21; 12:1–2; Jude 9; 1 Thessalonians 4:16); cherubim (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 26:1; Ezekiel 1:4–5; 10:15–20); and seraphim (Isaiah 6:2–6).

The majority of angels remained faithful to God and fulfill His will (Matthew 25:31; 26:53; Luke 2:9–14; Hebrews 1:14). They glorify God (Psalm 146:1–2; Isaiah 6:3), worship Him (Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8–13), and serve Him (Psalm 103:20; Revelation 22:9; Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:26–28; 2:13–14). Angels also minister to the Church and to all who receive salvation (Luke 16:22; Hebrews 1:14; 1 Corinthians 4:9; 11:10; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12; Acts 12:11; 27:23–24). The eternal destiny of God’s angels is glory (Matthew 25:31).

The Demonic Realm

We acknowledge that another part of the angels: demons (Matthew 8:28-31), unclean spirits (Mark 1:23) – did not keep their original dignity (Jude 6) but sinned (2 Peter 2:4). Some are imprisoned in the darkness of the abyss (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6), while others remain at work in the world (Luke 8:30-31; Ephesians 2:2; Hebrews 6:12). These fallen angels oppose the purposes of God (Daniel 10:10-14; Revelation 16:13-16), spread false doctrines (1 John 4:1–4; 1 Timothy 4:1), and cause physical and spiritual affliction to people (Matthew 9:33; 12:22; 17:15–18; Mark 9:22; Luke 8:27–29; 9:37–42). They too are organized, and their leader is a fallen cherub (Ezekiel 28:14–15). He is called satan (the adversary–Zechariah 3:1–2; Job 1:6; 2:1; Matthew 4:10; Luke 22:31), the devil (Matthew 4:1; 13:39; John 13:20; Revelation 13:9-10; 20:2), and the prince of this world (John 12:31).

For satan and his angels judgment is appointed (1 Corinthians 6:3; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6) and eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

Teaching on the Last Events

The Second Coming of Christ

We believe that Christ will soon return to the earth a second time – in power and glory (Matthew 25:31; Acts 1:11). No one knows the exact time of His coming (Matthew 24:36).

The Second Coming of Christ consists of two phases: the first is His coming (appearance) for His Church, invisible to the world, during which the Church will be raptured (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17); the second is His coming with His Church for the millennial reign (Revelation 19:11-21), when all people will behold Him (Revelation 1:7). We believe that a period of great tribulation will occur on the earth (Matthew 24:21).

The Resurrection of the Dead

We believe in two future resurrections: the first resurrection is the resurrection to life of those who have died in Christ and the transformation of the faithful who remain alive (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Philippians 3:21; Revelation 20:6), as well as the resurrection of the martyrs of the “great tribulation” (Revelation 20:4-6); the second resurrection is that of sinners for judgment (John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:12-13).

We believe that after the rapture, the Church will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) to receive commendation (Matthew 25:21) and crowns “according to what each has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 5:4; James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). We also believe in the millennial reign of Christ (Revelation 20:2-4).

The Final Judgment

We believe in the final judgment before the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-13), which will take place after the last resurrection. Following this judgment, eternity will commence – eternal bliss with Christ for some, and eternal punishment for others (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:12). Holy Scripture affirms that there is no possibility of changing one’s eternal state once it is established (Luke 16:24-26).

Principles of Christian Life

Marriage and Family

We believe that marriage is ordained by God and is a covenant between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:18, 24), intended for mutual support and companionship (Genesis 2:18; Ecclesiastes 4:9) as well as for the continuation of the human race (Genesis 1:28). We recognize that premarital sexual relations are sinful and condemned by God’s Word (Hebrews 13:4; 12:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). According to God’s guidance, a believer should marry only another believer (1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Scripture teaches that a man may have only one wife, and a woman only one husband (Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 6:16; 7:2). In the event of the death of a spouse, God’s Word does not prohibit the surviving partner from entering into another marriage (1 Corinthians 7:39; Romans 7:2-3).

Marriage between persons of the same sex is considered sinful and forbidden according to Holy Scripture (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

We believe that the Lord commands married couples not to divorce (1 Corinthians 7:10-13; Matthew 19:6; Mark 10:11-12). God permits divorce only in cases of sexual immorality, sexual sin, abuse, or premarital deception (Mark 5:32; Matthew 19:9; Hebrews 13:4).

Marriage is both a divine and social institution and should therefore be sanctified through God’s Word and prayer (Mark 10:6-9; John 2:1-2; Colossians 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:3-5), while also complying with civil law (1 Peter 2:13).

We recognize that children are a precious gift from God (Psalm 127:3-5). Parents bear the responsibility for raising their children faithfully before God and society (Matthew 18:6; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12).

Artificial termination of pregnancy (abortion) is regarded as murder and condemned as a deliberate sin (1 Corinthians 5:11; Psalm 139:13,16). A person who has turned to God should align their marital situation with God’s Word:

  • If divorced at the time of repentance, they should seek reconciliation and, if possible, restore the family (Matthew 3:8; Romans 12:18);

  • If in a second marriage at the time of repentance, they should not divorce (1 Corinthians 7:12-17; 7:24);

  • If in an unlawful marriage at the time of repentance, they should regularize it according to God’s Word (1 Peter 2:13).

Christian Freedom and Freedom of Conscience

We believe that Christian freedom is freedom from the bondage of sin and spiritual death (Romans 6:17-18, 22-23; Galatians 5:1; John 5:24). This freedom, however, is not a license to gratify oneself or to justify wrongdoing (1 Peter 2:16; Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 8:9; 10:23-24). Therefore, we:

  • fully abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, and profane language (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:10; Galatians 5:19-21; Colossians 3:8);

  • avoid consuming blood, meat containing blood, or anything subjected to spells, incantations, divination, or sorcery of any kind (Acts 15:29);

  • follow the biblical principle of modest and appropriate dress “for the saints,” in accordance with the cultural norms and standards of the community where the Christian lives (1 Timothy 2:9-10; Titus 2:3).

By freedom of conscience, we understand the liberty of every person to make personal choices (John 6:67). We believe that no one has the right to compel another to believe in God, obey His will, or serve Him (Acts 4:18-20; Philippians 3:7; 1 Peter 5:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:7). For this reason, we do not practice infant baptism, as baptism is a personal right and a conscious decision of each individual.

Christian Attitude Toward the State and Civic Responsibilities

We believe that “all authority is established by God” to uphold the good and punish evil (Romans 13:1-2). We believe that the Church of Christ is not of this world (John 18:36). While recognizing Christ as its Head, the Church cannot and should not be subject to secular authority; likewise, it cannot exercise worldly power or act according to worldly methods or principles (Matthew 20:25-28; Luke 12:13-14).

We acknowledge that the Lord commands us to pray for those in authority so that there may be peace and justice on earth (Jeremiah 29:7; 1 Timothy 2:1-3; Luke 3:12-14). A Christian is called to be an exemplary citizen, obeying authorities “not only to avoid punishment but also for conscience’ sake” (Romans 13:5-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). When the demands of civil authorities conflict with God’s commands, we have the right – and duty – to act according to God’s Word (Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29).

We recognize that a Christian’s service in law enforcement or military institutions is a matter of individual conscience, in accordance with freedom of conscience. Scripture calls every Christian to defend their country (2 Samuel 10:12). However, engaging in violence, using weapons against others, possessing or carrying arms, wearing military uniforms, or taking military oaths can complicate a believer’s obedience to Christ, personal reconciliation with God, and sanctification (Ecclesiastes 9:8; Micah 4:3; Matthew 5:34-36; 26:52), as well as the fulfillment of Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

The Lord Jesus commanded us to bring His peace to the world—not through force, but through God’s forgiveness and the cleansing of the human heart from sin by the Blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:27; Ephesians 2:13-15; Hebrews 9:14).

We acknowledge that Christians, as responsible citizens, may participate in government, elected bodies, and civic organizations, provided that their activities do not conflict with the principles of the Gospel. Such participation must be undertaken as a personal initiative, not on behalf of the Church (Romans 16:23; Philippians 4:22).

The Christian and Good Works

We affirm that Christians are called to lead a godly life and, through prayer, contribute to the promotion of goodness, freedom, justice, and peace for all people (Romans 12:17-21; 14:19; 1 Corinthians 7:21; Philippians 4:8; Hebrews 12:14). We believe that God created humanity for good works, which serve as an expression of gratitude to Him for the salvation granted (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17), as a means to proclaim God’s love to others (Matthew 5:16), and as a visible sign of living faith (James 2:17).

We recognize that Christians are called to labor and produce what is beneficial and constructive (Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13). The area of a Christian’s work is a matter of personal conscience, yet it must always remain free from violence and deceit (Luke 3:12-14; Micah 6:8; Malachi 3:5; James 5:4).