EGF Statement of Faith

This summary of fundamental beliefs is not an unvarying creed, blindly accepted from our forefathers, but rather a dynamic expression of faith based upon our current understanding of God’s Word. We have no Creed but the Bible. However, we do hold to well-defined points of faith and Biblical doctrine, which we feel prepared to give a reason "to every man that asketh" us. A general summary of our fundamental beliefs are listed herein:

Regarding Truth

This summary of beliefs is for the purpose of confessing Christ and His truth. The summary has no authority of it's own, and should never be used to settle doctrinal controversy. The Word of God is the authority for resolving any doctrinal differences. Doctrinal differences are not decided democratically [majority rules] but only by the weight of evidence found in all of scripture. Since it is "impossible for God to lie", all of His Word is truth; this means that true doctrines will be in harmony with "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" and "all that the prophets have spoken". Nevertheless, it can be dangerous to base any doctrine on only one text. Actually, since God "cannot lie", one text would be sufficient if and only if it was interpreted correctly; but fallen humans are susceptible to misinterpretation, so before accepting any doctrine there should be at least "two or three witnesses" from inspiration in support of it. On the other hand, no doctrine should be taught or believed as long as there are two or three texts for which no answers [which will stand up to close examination] can be given—regardless of how many texts seem to support it. We are to base our beliefs on the “weight of evidence” and such weight is not determined by the number of Holy Spirit inspired writings that appear to support it, but upon such inspired evidence that is properly interpreted and such interpretation cannot contradict light which God has already given. (Matt. 10:32,33; 28:20; Rev. 19:10; 22:9; Matt. 22:29; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 6:18; Titus 1:2; Psalm 119:142; John 17:17; Matt. 4:4; Luke 24:25; Isa. 28:9-13; Deut. 17:6; 19:15; 1 John 5:6,8; John 15:26; 14:26; 16:13; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 1 Peter 3:15; Matt. 22:12,34; Rom. 3:19; Titus 1:11).

The Holy Scriptures

The Holy Scriptures—both Old and New Testaments—is the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through holy men who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God's acts in history. God has committed Himself to preserving His Word and places a curse on those who would tamper with it. We believe that the King James Version, based on the Masoretic Text and the Textus Receptus, is the most accurate version of the Bible in the English language today. (2Peter 1:20, 21; 2Tim. 3:15-17; Num. 23:19; John 17:17; Heb. 4:12; 1Thess. 2:13; Isa. 8:20; Rom. 15:4; Psa. 119:160; Psa. 12:5,6; Rev. 22:18,19.)

Education

God is the one who is to instruct and teach His people. In True Education the Christian is admonished to learn more about Christ’s character. This education will teach God’s people how to set their affection on things above. It will cause minds to dwell on that which is true and honest, pure and lovely. In contrast, False Education will lead minds to the philosophies and traditions of men. It will cause minds to imbibe principles of the flesh, such as idolatry, variance and emulation. False Education will work contrary to the plain teachings of the Scripture by causing the student to set their affection on the things of this world. True Education will always implant and cultivate the mind and character of Christ within each student. With some Spirit-guided exceptions, the Scriptures appear to counsel against sending students to educational institutions secular or religious, which promotes curriculum and employs faculty that work at cross purposes to the development of a symmetrical Christian character. (Psa. 32:8; Isaiah 54:13; Matt.11:28-30; Col. 3:1-3; Phil 2:5-6; 4:8; Col. 2:8; Matt. 15:9; Gal. 5:19-21; 1John 2:15-17; Amos 3:3; Eph. 5:11.)

The Godhead

There is one God consisting of three, distinct, eternal personal Beings: God the Father, His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, which are one in purpose and character, having different offices yet united as members of one governing body. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and Omni-present. The Godhead is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. All new believers are to baptized in the name of the Godhead: the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. (Acts 5:3,4; Luke 3:21,22; Matt. 28:19. Isa 48:16, Luke 3:21-22, Acts 10:38, Matt 28:19, 2Cor 13:14, Eph 4:4-6, 1Cor 12:4-6, 1Jn 5:7, John 5:17,19, 10:30,38, 14:7-11, John 17:11,21-22, Rom 12:4-5; Deut. 6:4: Matt. 28:19; 2Cor. 13:14;1 Peter 1:2; 1Tim. 1:17; Jer. 32:27; Isa. 46:9,10; Eph. 4:4-6; Psa. 139:7-12; Job 11:7-9; John 1:18; John 14:8,9; Rev. 5:11-13.)

The Father

Our heavenly Father, the first Person of the Godhead, is a personal, spiritual Being, eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, unchanging, infinite in knowledge and wisdom, whose ways are perfect and holy, a God of truth, justice and judgment, hating sinful thoughts and deeds, yet ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, abounding in unselfish love, the Source of every good and perfect gift, who is worthy of thanksgiving, honour, and power, for ever and ever! The qualities and

powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father. (Gen. 1:1; Mal. 3:6; John 3:16; 14:9; 1 Cor. 8:5,6; 15:28; Eph. 3:9; 4:6; 1 Tim. 1:17; 1 John 4:8,16; Jer. 10:10-12; Heb. 1:1-3; Ps 90:2; Rev 19:6; Ps 139:1-16; Isa 46:9-10; Ps 147:5; Rom 11:33; Ps 18:30; Lev 19:2; Deut 32:4; Ps 89:14; Prov 15:9,26; Neh 9:17; Jam 1:17; Rev 7:12).

The Son

Jesus Christ, the second person of the Godhead, the eternal Son of God, Who created all things in co-operation with His Father, and the Holy Spirit, is fully divine. He took upon Himself man's fallen nature from the seed of Abraham; He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary therefore fully human, yet never sinned at any time, and is the only Saviour from sin. He lived and experienced temptation as any other human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place [ending the handwriting of ordinances and feasts which were shadows of this grand event], was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. All judgment has been given unto Him. Man's salvation is by grace through faith in Him and He will return a second time in glory for the final deliverance of His people. Jesus is known by many names in Scripture, not one of which is to be used exclusively when addressing the Saviour who reads the intentions of the heart. (Ex. 3:14; 1 Chr. 28:9; Ps. 44:21; Matt. 28:18,19; John 1:1-3, 14; 2:1,3; 3:16; 5:22; 8:58; 10:30; 14:1-3,30; 17:5; Micah 5:2; Matt. 1:21-23; 2:5, 6; 12:34-37; Luke 1:35; Acts 1:14; 4:10-12; Col. 1:15-19; 2:9,14; 1 John 2:6; 5:11,12; Eph. 1:9-15; 2:4-8; Rom. 3:23-26; 5:17; 6:23; 8:3,27; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Phil. 2:5-11; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 1; 2;

4:14,15; 7:25; 8:1-3; 9:28; 11:3; 1 Peter 2:21-23; Rev. 21; 22:20).

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, is one Spirit, eternal, omnipresent, and divine, who carried out the spoken commands of Christ during creation. He patiently strives with sinners, pricking their conscience with reproof for sin, and softening their hearts by impressing the infinite love of God revealed in the crucified Saviour; But He is insulted and grieved away from those who harden their hearts by persistently despising His gracious influence. Being the Spirit of the Father, and the Spirit of Christ, He brings their abiding presence to dwell in the hearts of the obedient, teaching and guiding them in the ways of truth, renewing their hearts and minds, imparting spiritual gifts, that the fruits of godliness might be made manifest in their lives. He inspired the writers of Scripture and safeguards these writings. He filled Christ’s life with power and those who respond to Jesus, He will renew and transform into His image. (Gen 1:1, 2; Matt. 28:18,19; Luke 1:35; 4:18; John 3:5; 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-15; Acts 1:8; 10:38; Rom. 1:1-4; 1 Cor. 2:10; 2 Cor. 3:18; 8:1-10; Eph. 4:30; Heb. 9:14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1Cor 12:11,13; Heb 9:14; Ps 139:7; Acts 5:3-4; Job 26:13; Ps 33:6,9; Job 33:4; Gen 6:3; Gal 5:17; Acts 9:5; John 16:7,8; Mic 3:8; Ezek 36:26-27; John 15:26; 1Jn 5:6; Isa 63:10; Eph 4:30; Heb 3:7-11; Zech 7:11-12; Acts 7:51; Heb 10:29; Mark 3:28-29; Matt 10:20; Rom 8:9; John 14:15-16,21,23; 1Jn 3:24, 1:3; Eph 2:22; Rom 5:5; Eph 3:16-17; 2Thes 2:16-17; Acts 5:32; John 14:26, 16:13; Neh 9:20; Rom 8:14; Tit 3:5; Ps 51:10-11; John 3:5-6; Rom 8:5, 12:2; Eph 4:23; 1Cor 12:4-11; Gal 5:22-23; Eph 5:9.)

The Name of God

The Holy Bible teaches that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and was written by Holy men who were moved by the Holy Ghost. These same scriptures present various names for God in the Old and New Testaments. We find that there are no scriptures that require us to use the Hebrew and Greek names for God, rather, we understand that the language of heaven wherein God dwells is neither Greek nor Hebrew. The Holy Scriptures teach that in the name of Jesus believers were baptized, the sick were healed, and demons were cast out. Paul declares that the Son has been given a name that is above every name, and that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow. The remnant Church of the last days is portrayed in prophecy as having the testimony of Jesus. (2Tim. 3:16,17; 2Pet. 1:20,21; Acts 2:38; 3:6; 16:8; Phil. 2:9,10; Rev. 12:17; Rev. 19:10.)

Creation

God is the creator of all good things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. In six literal days the Lord made “the heaven and the earth” and all the living things therein, and rested on the seventh day of that first week. Thus originated the seven day weekly cycle. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was “very good” declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1; 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11, 31; Ps. 19:1, 2; 33:6, 9; 104; John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:14-17; Heb. 11:3; 2 Pet. 3:4, 5).

The Nature of Man

Man and woman were made in the image of God, physically perfect and of a righteous character. God made them with individuality, and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they lost their physical perfection and righteousness and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen carnal nature that is at enmity with God and His law. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in believing, repentant mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7; 3; Ps. 8:4-8; 51:5; Acts 17:24-28; Rom. 5:12-17; 8:3; 2Cor. 5:19,20; Heb. 4:15; 2:16-18; 1John 3:4.)

The Law of God

The great principles of God's law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and are exemplified in the life of Christ. This law was not done away at the Cross but is eternal. They express God's love, His will, and purposes concerning human conduct. These precepts are the basis of God's covenant with His people and the standard in God's judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit the Ten Commandments point out sin and like the ceremonial law, they awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is faith-inspired works of obedience. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness. (Ex. 20:1-17; Rom. 10:4; Psa. 119:172; Matt. 5:17-20; Psa. 119:142; Psa. 100:5; Rom. 13:8-10; Ps. 40:7, 8; Gal. 5:14; Heb. 8:8-10; James 2:12; 1John 3:4; Rom. 7:7; John 16:7,8; Gal. 3:24; Eph. 2:8-10; James 2:17-20; Ps. 19:7-14; Psa. 119:165; Matt. 22:36-40; Rom. 8:3, 4; James 2:18,21-26.)

The Holy Sabbath Day

The seventh day of the week, known today as Saturday, is the eternal sign of Christ's power as Creator, Sanctifier, and Redeemer and is, therefore, the Lord's day; the true Christian Sabbath, constituting the seal of the living God. It is to be kept holy and is observed from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. (Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 16:24-31; 20:8-11; John 1:1-3,14; Eze. 20:12,20; Mark 1:21-32; 2:27,28; Isa. 58:13; Luke 4:16; 23:54-56; 24:1; Acts 17:2; Heb. 4:9-11; Isa. 66:22,23; Lev. 23:32; Rev. 7:1-8)

Marriage and Family

Marriage between one man and one woman was ordained by God in Eden, before the fall of man, for the benefit of humanity, and its sanctity is guarded by one of the ten commandments. Marriage was affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. The marriage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between partners who share a common faith. Mutual love, honour, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church. The only ground for divorce in Scripture is "fornication" (adultery). If there has been a divorce on other than Biblical grounds, or merely a separation without a divorce, reconciliation is the ideal; but even if the two remain separated, they are still married to each other in God's eyes, and should act accordingly. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message. (Gen 1:27; 2:18-25; Ex 20:14; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov 18:22; 22:6; Mal 4:5,6; John 2:1-11; Heb 13:4; Matt 5:31,32; 19:3-12; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Rom 7:1-3; 1 Cor 7:1-40; Eph 5:21-33.)

Conversion

All who enter the kingdom of heaven will be born again, converted individuals. Through Christ, believers receive forgiveness of sins which are confessed and forsaken, and for which, as far as lies in their power, restitution is made. Christ dwells in the converted heart by the Spirit, writing upon it the principles of God's law, leading the believer to delight to obey its precepts, and imparting power for such obedience. Conversion constitutes a supernatural change of mind and heart—thoughts and feelings; experiencing love towards God, and one's fellow man. (2Cor. 5:17; 1Peter 1:22,23; 2:2; 1John 4:7-13; Matt. 5:23,24; 6:14,15; 18:3; John 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:17; 6:16; Eze. 33:15; 36:26,27; Ps. 40:8; Heb. 8:10-12; John 14:15; Col. 1:14, 15, 27; 3:16; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 1:7; 3:14-21; 1 John 1:7-9; Isa. 55:6,7).

Baptism

Baptism by immersion is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and openly expresses faith in His saving grace and the giving up of sin and the world. It is recognized as a condition of becoming a member of the body of Christ. (Matt .3:13-17; 28:19; Acts 2:38,41-47; 8:35,39; 16:32,33; 22:16; Rom. 6:1-11; Gal. 3:27; Col. 3:1-3)

The Church

The Bible teaches the definite organization of the body of Christ [the church] which is comprised of those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. God requires His people to be doers of the word and not hearers only. According to Gospel order, the members of this organization are all brethren and under sacred obligation to be subject unto Christ, the Head of the church, to loyally support His work, and to share in its maintenance. Thus the church, being subject unto Christ and consisting of brethren, is not a hierarchy but likened to different parts of a body functioning according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit and not man. It is not ideal for Christ’s body to be congregational, separated into independent atoms. Rather, God’s church operates best as an organized representative body working together like unto a perfect functioning machine. When such an organization becomes corrupt, God requires that we remain in the truth and not in that corrupt organization. As God is the Head of Christ, so Christ shall be the head of every man, and man is the head of woman. A woman is not to usurp authority over the man, and all ordained leaders must be men of good repute. Members are not to forsake the assembling of themselves together. God is no respecter of persons and if a body of believers becomes unfaithful and disobedient, falling into apostasy, He is not under obligation to keep His promises

to them. Those who are members of the body of Christ will not be members of a church that is in apostasy, or have dual membership in two different church systems. (Ps. 40:8-10; Matt. 16:1-3, 16-18; 18:15-20; 23:37, 38; Eph. 1:10-23; 2:12, 19-22; 3:8-11, 15; 4:11-15; 1 Cor. 10:4; 11:3; 12:12-28; 14:33-40; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Titus 1:5-9; Heb. 10:24-27; Acts 1:8; 2:38, 41, 42; 4:32-35; 6:1-7; 7:38; Rom. 2:28, 29; 8:15-17; James 1:22; 2 Tim. 2:11, 12; 3:1-13; 1 Peter 2:3-6; Rev. 14:12; 22:14)

Spiritual Gifts

The church is to come behind in no gift. These gifts are bestowed by the Holy Spirit and are given “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Speaking in tongues is only one of the many gifts given by the Holy Spirit and it is not a test of fellowship or a sign of salvation. The presence of the gift of the ‘Spirit of Prophecy’ [inspired and protected by the Holy Spirit] is to be one of the identifying marks of God's true church at the end of time. We recognize that this gift was manifested in the life and ministry of Ellen G. White. (John 20:21, 22; 1 Cor. 1:5-7; 12:1-28; Amos 3:7; Hosea 12:10,13; Rev. 12:17; 19:10; Eph. 4:12-13).

The Gift of Prophecy

The Bible contains the character-perfecting principles of doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. The Holy Scriptures are their own expositor and are not to be interpreted privately. We are to request the aid of the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. The Bible itself predicted a future time when God would send prophetic messages to His people and that a special prophetic gift would be manifested within His commandment-keeping people during the last days of this earth’s history. Because false prophets are gone out into the world, we are commanded by God to test a prophet’s messages, predictions, and fruits by the word of God; and only as he or she passes these tests, are we safe in believing that the messages are from God. Once authenticated, the messages sent to His people through a more recent prophetic messenger are also Spirit-inspired and have

authority in the church of God based upon the principle that God does not change. In harmony with all the above principles, we have tested and accepted the messages of Ellen G. White [often referred to as the Spirit of Prophecy] as being inspired by God and recommend, teach, and practice the counsels of God within these messages. Thus, we govern our lives by the principles of the Bible and Spirit of prophecy. (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2Pet. 1:20; John 16:13; Luke 11:13; Joel 2:28; Rev. 12:17; Rev. 19:10; 1Cor. 12:1,8-11; Matt. 24:11; 1John 4:1; Isa. 8:20; 1Cor. 14:32; Deut. 18:21,22; Matt. 7:20; Mal. 3:6; Eccl. 3:15; Heb. 13:8; Rev. 12:17; Rev.19:10; Joel 2:28, 29.)

Personal Evangelism

Every church member is under sacred command from Jesus to use his talents and gifts in personal soul-winning work in helping to give the present truth of the gospel to the entire world. Ministering to those in need by use of biblical methods, principles, and natural remedies for better health is at the heart of the Gospel commission. When this work is finished and the character of Christ is perfectly reproduced in His people, Jesus will return for the redeemed. (Matt. 24:14; 5:48; 25:14-29; 28:18-20; Rev. 22:17; Isa. 43:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; Rom. 10:13-15; Gen. 17:1; Eph. 4:12,13; Luke 9:1,2; John 9:6; 2 Kings 20:7).

The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, as Lord and Savior. As believers partake worthily, they joyfully proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing of the heart from pride and selfishness, and to express a re-commitment to serve one another in Christ-like humility. This ordinance of humility should always precede the communion service of unleavened bread and grape juice. The communion service is open to all believing Christians. (Matt. 26:17-30; 1Cor. 11:23-30; John 6:48-63; 1Cor. 11:28; John 13:1-17; Rev. 3:20.)

State of The Dead

Death is an unconscious state where no earthly thoughts, feelings, deeds, knowledge or wisdom survive. The dead are not in Heaven praising the Lord. The "soul" of man is the man himself, and the "spirit" of man is the breath of life which returns back to God at death. This unconscious state is also referred to as “sleep”. God alone possesses immortality but He will bestow immortality upon the redeemed when He appears at the Second Coming. At Jesus Second Coming the righteous dead [who are raised from their sleep] and the living righteous [who have never died] will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord in the air. This is the first resurrection. The wicked, who have died, will continue to sleep in the grave until the second resurrection which will take place a thousand years later. "Hell" as used in scripture, sometimes refers to the grave. Other times it refers to the final punishment of the

wicked (Eccl. 9:5, 6,10; Ps. 146:3, 4; Psa. 115:16-18; John 11:11-14; 1Tim. 6:15,16; 1Cor. 15:51-54; 1Thess. 4:13-17; John 11:21-24; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:1-10; Deut. 32:22; Psa. 139:8; Job 26:6; Isa. 14:12-17; 1Cor. 15:54,55 margin.)

Christian Behavior

In the Christian life, there is complete separation from worldly practices such as ungodly card playing, visiting theaters, dancing, novel reading, competitive sports, watching unprofitable television programs, and listening to sensual, worldly music etc., which tend to deaden and destroy the spiritual life. Life is spent in preparing oneself and others for citizenship of heaven and the new earth. (2 Cor. 6:14-18; 1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4; 2 Tim. 2:19-22; Eph. 5:8-11; Col. 3:5-10).

Christian Dress and Adornment

The Bible principles of dress admonish men and women to dress modestly because nakedness brings shame. God revealed His will when He replaced Adam and Eve’s aprons with coats that concealed the flesh and form. Appropriate dress will also help to equalize circulation and protect the body from taking chill. The Bible teaches that the dress habits, which Heaven approves, will show a clear distinction between the sexes. The Holy Scriptures teach that God’s people should not adorn themselves with gold, fancy braids of showy apparel which will attract attention to “self”. They should rather put on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. (1Tim. 2:9,10; Ex. 32:25, Isa. 47:1-3; Gen. 3:21; Pro. 31:21 marginal reading; Acts 12:8; Deut. 22:5; 1Pet. 3:1-4.)

Music

Music was created for the worship and praise of God. Acceptable music consists of spiritual hymns, psalms and spiritual songs based on the Holy Bible. The Bible sets forth God’s works, His goodness, His holiness and His redemption as examples of appropriate themes of song. Music can affect the mood and spirit. In Heaven Lucifer was a master musician and even had “tabrets” and “pipes” prepared in him. In the idolatrous worship, which took place in ancient Babylon, music was used to communicate to the masses that it was time to “bow down” to false gods. Any music that promotes idolatry, advances inappropriate themes, or employs excessive percussion to stimulate the senses should be excluded from our homes and houses of worship. (Psa. 92:1-3; Psa. 100:1,2; Eph. 5:19; Col 3:16; 1Chr. 16:9; Psa. 13:6; Psa. 30:4; Jer. 20:13; 1Sam. 16:14-16,23; Dan. 3:4-6; Phil 4:8.)

Stewardship

We are God's stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible and accountable to Him for their proper use or misuse. We acknowledge God's ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellowmen, and by returning tithes of one-tenth of our gross increase, and cheerfully giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel message. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 14:18-20; 28:22; Lev. 27:30, 32; Num. 18:21; Ps. 24:1; 50:10,11;

Prov. 3:9; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; Matt. 23:23; 25:14-29; 1Cor. 9:9-14; 2Cor. 9:6,7; Heb. 7:24.)

Civil Duty

Civil government is ordained of God, for the interests and good of society; magistrates should be prayed for and honored and obeyed, except in things opposed to the will of God who is the only Lord of the conscience. Separation must exist between church and state; the powers of the state having authority only within the second table of the Law of God. (Mark 12:17; Rom. 13:1-9; Rev. 13.)

The Three Angels Messages

In accordance with God's uniform dealing with mankind, warning them of coming events that will vitally affect their destiny, He has sent forth a proclamation of the approaching return of Christ. This preparatory message is symbolized by the three angels' messages of Revelation 14. Every true believer [God’s Remnant] will announce these messages to the world, which includes a) removing personal sin through the triple duties of respecting God, glorifying God and worshipping God, b) the announcement of the arrival of the judgment hour, c) salvation through Christ and the approach of His second coming, d) a description of Babylon and her daughters, e) the forsaking of all false doctrines [the “wine” of Babylon]; Romanism, Paganism and f) the warning not to receive the mark of the beast—enforcement of the false Sunday Sabbath. The proclamation of these messages result in a sanctified people who keep the commandments of God, have the faith of Jesus, and who are completely separated from spiritual Babylon, her daughters, Paganism, and Romanism in any form, and are ready to meet Jesus face to face without seeing death. God’s people will obey the voice of their Master Shepherd and separate from Babylon’s fellowship and come into His fold or they will be spewed out and partake of the plagues and second death. (Matt. 1:21; John 2:1-6; Pro. 8:13; 15:8; John 4:24; Amos 3:7; Matt. 24:29-34; Rev. 12; 13; 14; 17:1-18; 18:1-4; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Zeph. 3:13; Micah 4:7,8; Isa. 26:2; Rev. 22:14).

Health Reform

The Holy Scriptures teach that God dwells in the body of each converted Christian. It teaches that God intends that every believer should glorify Him in both body and spirit. So serious is this responsibility, that Paul declares that any one who knowingly destroys the temple God has loaned them—if they do not repent—will ultimately be destroyed. The Scriptures teach that all true healing comes from God and that obeying both His voice and His commandments are a prerequisite to preventing disease. Some of these divine laws are: Keeping appetite under strict control, Abstaining from unclean meats and things strangled as well as the blood and fat of flesh foods. Abstaining from fornication and other carnal practices “which war against the soul.” Abstaining from alcoholic beverages and intoxicating foods. The Scriptures teach, that in most cases, people are sick because they are following in the footprints of the paralytic of Bethesda, and thus their sickness is a result of their own transgression. The Bible teaches that physical health is not a peripheral subject, but part of God’s means of saving souls in every nation. Because sickness clouds the mind and hinders the revelation of God’s glory, a large portion of Jesus time was properly spent in eradicating disease. Because Jesus came to save the “whole man” and commanded His disciples to walk as He walked we accept that the Gospel commission positively enjoins every follower of Christ to combine the work of physical healing with the introduction of the life-changing truths of the Bible. Therefore, Christians will strive to comply with God's instruction concerning the original diet of Gen 1:29 and 3:18. Health reform is included in the first angel’s message, as it brings glory to God. (2Cor. 6:16; Heb. 3:5,6; 1Cor. 6:19,20; 1Cor. 3:16,17; Psa. 103:2,3; Ex. 15:26; Pro. 23:1,2; Deut. 14:1-20; Isa. 66:15-17; Acts 15:28,29; 1Cor. 6:13,18; 1Pet. 2:11; Pro. 23:29-32; Eccles. 10:17; John

5:14; Psa. 67:1,2; Matt. 4:23,24; 1John 2:6; Mark 16:15-18; Matt. 10:7,8; Rev. 14:6-7.)

The Sanctuary Message

The Gospel was preached to the Jews in Old Testament times as well as in the days of Paul. This true Gospel, described in the OT rites and symbols of the ceremonial law, revolved around animal sacrifices, a Sanctuary and a priestly ministry. This sacrificial service described in Exodus and Leviticus, was a type of the Heavenly and the true service described in Daniel, Revelation and Hebrews. We refer to this Gospel as The Sanctuary Message. The Scriptures teach that both the Tabernacle built by Moses and His helpers, as well as the Temple given to David, and later built by Solomon and his assistants, were constructed according to patterns God had shown them. This OT Sanctuary and its services were representations of “the true”. Paul points everyone to the Sanctuary in Heaven, the True Tabernacle, which the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. After His ascension Jesus was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days (ending the last pre-second advent time prophecy of the Bible) He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. This second phase of His High Priestly ministry will include a work of investigative judgment, which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin. In the OT

Scriptures the Judgment of God’s people was typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew Sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the Sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent. (Heb. 4:2; Ex. 25:9,40; 1Chron. 28:19; Heb. 9:11-28; Heb. 8:1-5; Heb. 4:14-16; Rom. 8:34; Col. 3:1; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27 Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Matt. 22:1-14; Matt. 13: 47-50; Lev. 16:1-34; Rev. 20:12; 14:6-12; 22:12.)

The Feast Days

The Holy Scriptures teach that the laws contained in ordinances requiring the observance of the seven annual feasts was nailed to the Cross and should not be observed today. While we acknowledge that all the feasts of the Old Covenant typified chronological events in the Plan of Redemption—some of which have not met their antitype—the Bible clearly commands that the observation of every feast required some literal, sacrificial offering including animals, flour, and wine. Because Christ’s death on the Cross in A.D. 31 fulfilled the purpose of all these literal, typical sacrifices, the Church after the Cross is free from observing the literal types and should turn her attention to the spiritual, antitypical fulfillments of these events. Heaven signaled to the world that the earthly services were no longer to be observed—that the earthly Temple precincts were no longer sacred—by the tearing of the veil in the temple at the moment of Christ’s death. Hebrews chapter nine clearly sets forth the transition from the type (shadow) to the antitype (substance). Here the Scriptures teach that when the earthly High Priest ministered in the first and second part of the Tabernacle, the Holy Spirit was signifying that the way into the holiest (of the Heavenly Temple) was not yet manifested, but when Christ became a High Priest in the “greater and more perfect Tabernacle”, this ministration was not accomplished by the offering of “the blood of goats and calves”, but was made effective by His own blood. (Col. 2:13,14; Lev. 23:4-44; Matt. 27:50,51; Heb. 9:6-14.)

Spiritual Babylon

Prophecy declares that Spiritual Babylon will consist of a body [not an individual] that was once Biblically pure, but has become corrupted with doctrinal error [fallen into apostasy]. The papacy [Roman Catholic Church] is the antichrist of the Bible prophecy; it was the great persecuting power of the Middle [Dark] Ages and will again, in partnership with apostate Protestantism [fallen Christian churches], persecute God's saints at the end of time. It is the change of the true seventh day Sabbath to the counterfeit Sunday, and the many pagan and unbiblical teachings that she has introduced to Christendom that denotes the papacy as modern, spiritual Babylon. Spiritual Babylon is also the mother of Harlots [apostate Protestantism: fallen Christian churches]. ANY church, denomination, organization, fellowship, group, etc… which has at least one doctrine of Spiritual Babylon such as: the immortality of the soul; the eternal torment of the wicked; the denial of the pre-existence of Christ prior to His birth in Bethlehem; the abolishing of the Law of God; ‘Original Sin’ [being born a sinner]; the teaching that we cannot overcome sin in the flesh even with the power of God; advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God’s holy, sanctified day [the seventh day known as the Sabbath]; and kindred errors which cannot be substantiated from the Scriptures; is a daughter to the great whore and is leading people to be sealed in their sins resulting in death and Hell. (1 John 4:2,3; Dan. 2:40, 41; 7:7, 8, 20-25; 11:31, 36-39, 45; Rev. 12; 13:1-8; 17; 18:23, 24)

The Mark of the Beast

The religious observance of the first day of the week, known today as Sunday, is the Pagan counterfeit of seventh-day Sabbath observance. Sunday has been promoted by the papacy as a mark of her authority. When Sunday observance is enforced by United States civil law leading to its world-wide enforcement, it becomes the end-time mark of the beast. (Ex. 31:13; Eze. 20:12,20; Rev. 7:1-8; 13:11-17; 14:1,9,10)

Christ’s Second Coming

The second coming of Christ is the hope of the church, the climax of the gospel, when Jesus will come literally, personally, loudly, visibly on a cloud (He does not touch the earth at this time), and with all of His holy angels. Jesus pointed to signs of the times that would testify that His coming is at hand. And the almost complete fulfillment of all the various lines of prophecy indicates "He is near, even at the doors." (John 14:1-3; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 9:28; Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 25:31; Luke 9:25; 21:25-33; Matt. 24:14,36-39,33 margin)

The First Resurrection

The righteous dead will be raised to life at Christ's second coming (advent). Together with the righteous living, they will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and will go with Him to heaven, there to spend one thousand years (often referred to as the millennium). The wicked that are living at the time of Christ's second advent will be slain by the brightness of His coming. These, with the wicked dead of all ages, will await the final resurrection, at the close of the one thousand years. (Rev. 1:7; John 5:25,28,29; Hosea 13:14; 1 Cor. 15:51-55; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; John 11:24,25; 14:1-3; Rev. 20:4,5,6; Isa. 25:8,9; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Jude 14,15; Rev. 20:5,12,15; John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15; Isa. 24:21,22).

The Final Resurrection and Destruction of the Wicked

At the end of the one thousand years, the following events will take place: (a) Christ and the righteous will descend from heaven, with the Holy City, the New Jerusalem; (b) the wicked dead will be resurrected; (c) Satan, his angels and the wicked will receive the final wages of sin when fire comes down from God out of heaven to utterly destroy them, death and hell, making them ashes. This is the second death; and (d) this fire will not burn forever but will be extinguished after purifying the earth of every trace of sin. (Rev 21:2,10-12; 1 Cor. 15:26; Rev 20:7-10,14,15; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Mal. 4:1-3; Rev. 20:4,8).

The New Earth

The earth, cleansed by fire and re-created by the power of God, will become the eternal home of the redeemed and God Himself will live with them. (2 Peter 3:9-13; Isa. 65:17-25; 35:1-10; 45:18; Matt. 5:5; Mal. 4:1-3; Prov. 11:31)