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TENETS OF FAITH

Experience New Life Church accepts the Holy Scriptures as the revealed will of God, and the all- sufficient rule for faith and practice. For the purpose of maintaining general unity, this Church adopts as fundamental truths the following Declaration of Faith:

1.    The Holy Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of the living God; that it is (1) immutable, steadfast, true, unchangeable as it's author, the Lord Jehovah; that it was written by holy men of old as they were moved upon and (2) inspired by the Holy Spirit.

 

It is a sharp two edged sword (3) to convict of sin and evil doing; a strong cord of love and tenderness to draw penitent sinners to Jesus Christ, the only true ground of Christian fellowship and unity; (4) the loving call of an infinitely loving God; a signpost which points to heaven and a danger signal which warns of hell; the divine, supreme, and eternal word by whose standard all men, nations, creeds and motives shall be tried as they stand before a Holy God to be judged.

 

Scripture References:

 

  1. Matthew 24:35

         Psalms 119:89

         2 Peter 1:19-21

         l Thessalonians 2:13

    2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

    3. Hebrews 4:12

    4. John 5:39

 

2.    The Eternal Godhead

We believe that there is (1) but one true and living God; that He is the maker of the heavens and earth and all that is in them. He is the Alpha and Omega, Who ever was, and is, and shall be, time without end, Amen.

 

We believe that God is infinitely holy, mighty, tender, loving and glorious, worthy of all possible love, honor, confidence, praise, obedience, majesty, and dominion, both now and forever.

 

We believe in the unity of the Godhead; and that there are three persons, equal in divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption;

 

Namely:

The Father: Whose glory is so exceedingly bright that mortal man cannot look upon His face (2) and live; (3) but whose heart was so filled with love and pity for His lost and sin benighted children that he freely gave His only begotten Son to redeem and reconcile them unto Himself.

 

The Son: (4) Co-existent and co-eternal with the Father; Who, conceived by the Holy Spirit and (5) born of the Virgin Mary, took upon Himself the form of a man, bore our sins, carried our sorrows, and by the shedding of His precious blood upon the cross of Calvary purchased redemption for all who would believe in Him;(Who) then, (7) bursting the bands of death and hell, arose from the grave and ascended on high, leading captivity captive, that, as the Great Mediator between God an man, He might stand at the (8) right hand of the Father making intercession for those for whom He laid down His life.

 

The Holy Spirit: The third person of the Godhead (9), the Spirit of the Father shed abroad; omnipotent, omnipresent; performing an extremely important mission upon earth, namely that of convicting of sin, of righteousness and of judgment; (10) rebuking, pleading, searching, comforting, guiding, quickening, teaching, glorifying; and enduing with power from on high those who yield to His tender ministrations & Lordship; and preparing believers for the Lord's appearing.

Scripture References:

 

  1. Isa. 43:10; 44:8

  2. Exodus 33:20

  3. John3:16

  4. John 1:1-3

  5. Matt. 1:23

  6. I Cor. 15:3

  7. Matt.28:6

  8. Acts 1:9,11; Phil.2:9-11

  9. 1 John 5:7

  10. John 16:8; l Cor.13:14; I Tim. 2:5; Eph 2:18

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3.   The Fall of Man

We believe that man was (l) created in the image of God before Whom he walked in holiness and purity until by voluntary disobedience and transgression of God's law, he fell from the Eden of purity and innocence to the depths of sin, iniquity and rebellion, with the sentence of death pronounced upon him. (2) We believe that because of this fall all mankind are sinners by inheritance, sold unto Satan, (3) sinners not by constraint but by choice, (4) utterly devoid by nature of that holiness required by the law of God, (5) guilty and without excuse, justly deserving the condemnation of a just and holy God.

Scripture References:

  1. Gen. I:27

  2. Rom. 5:12, 19; 8:7

  3. Isa. 53:6

  4.  Eph. 2:3; Rom. 1:18, 32

  5. Rom. 1:20; 3:19 

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4.   Salvation Through Grace

We believe that the (l) salvation of sinners is wrought wholly through Grace. We believe that mankind (2) has no righteousness or (3) goodness of his own, (4) wherewith to merit divine favor; and that all people must come, therefore, throwing themselves upon the (5) unfailing mercy and love of Him who bought us and redeemed us to God by His own blood, (6) pleading only the merits and righteousness of Christ the Savior, standing upon His Word and accepting the free gift (7) of pardon and eternal life.

 

(a)     Conditions to Salvation

Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, and being justified by grace through faith, man becomes "born again" and is an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life.

(Luke 4:27; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7)

 

(b)   The Evidences of Salvation

The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit. (Romans 8:16) The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness. 

 

(Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12)

 

Scripture References:

 

(1) Eph. 2:18

(2) Rom 3:10

(3) Rom. 3:23

(4) Isa. 64:5

(5) John 6:47

(6) Eph. 2:13

(7) Rom. 6:23

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5. Sanctification

Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in his death and resurrection, and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that w1ion, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit

(Romans 6:1-13; Romans 8:1,2,13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12,13; I Peter 1:5). 

 

We believe that having been cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and having received the witness of the Holy Spirit at conversion, (1) it is the will of God that we be sanctified daily, (2) being made partakers of His holiness, we (3) grow stronger constantly in faith, power, prayer, love and service; first as babes (4) desiring the sincere milk of the Word; then, as dear children, walking humbly, in the hidden life (5) where Christ increases and self decreases; always living a patient, sober, unselfish godly life which is a reflection of the Christ within.

 

We believe that the believer should live a separated life.(6) The bible teaches that worldly practices and habits are passed away from the life of the believer and all things are becoming new. (7) "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. So then, they that are in the flesh cannot please God".(8) "Know ye not that your bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit." (9) "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."(10)

 

Scripture References:

 

  1. 1 Thes. 5:23 

  2. 2 Cor. 7:1

  3. Prov. 4:18

  4. 1 Pe. 2:2

  5. Eph.5:8

  6. 2 Cor. 6:11, 17

         1 John 2:15

         Col 3:1,2

    7. 2 Cor 5:17

    8. Rom. 8:5-8

    9. 1 Cor. 6:19,20

         1 Cor 3:16,17

         1 Co 9:27

   10. 1 Cor 10:31

 

6. Ordinances of Water Baptism and the Lord's Supper

We believe that Water Baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (1) according to the command of our Lord, is a blessed "outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual baptism."(2) We see in this ordinance a beautiful and solemn reminder. As our Lord died upon the cross of Calvary; was taken down from the cross and buried; and was raised from the grave by the power of God, (3) even so have we, and this we acknowledge by water baptism, and experience by daily reckoning it so.(4) Thus, reckoning ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, the old Adamic nature nailed to His cross, we are raised into newness of life by the same resurrection power of God, to walk in newness of life.(5) Thus, Water Baptism is in obedience to' His command and represents His vicarious work of Redemption and the spiritual baptism we received at salvation. (Ephesians 4:5)

 

We believe in commemorating the (6) Lord's Supper which was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. We observe the same by the use of the broken bread, a type of the Bread of Life, even Jesus Christ, whose body was broken for us; and by the fruit of the vine, a type of the shed Blood of the savior to remind each partaker of the supreme cost which Jesus paid for our redemption.

We believe the serving and receiving of this blessed sacrament should be preceded by (7) self-examination, with forgiveness and love demonstrated toward all men in order that none should partake in an unworthy manner an so "drink damnation unto themselves."

Scripture References:

  1. Matt. 28:19

  2. Rom. 6:3

  3. Rom. 8:11

  4. Rom. 6:11

  5. Rom. 6:4-6

         Col. 2:12

     6. 2 Cor. 13:5

     7. 1 Cor. 1:26, 28  

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7.    Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts

We believe that this age is the dispensation of the Holy Spirit and every believer may expect to be baptized in the Holy Spirit (1) after the manner of early Christians as recorded in God's Word.(2) We believe that the in-filling of the Holy Spirit is accompanied by speaking in other tongues. (3) This baptism is experienced by the hungering, obedient believer who further yields himself by faith to the Holy Spirit, who is resident in him or her as a child of God.(4) The manifestation of speaking in tongues is given to the believer to glorify God.(4) The manifestation of speaking in tongues is given to the believer to glorify God, (5) edify himself for Christian witness and service, (9)  and as a spiritual prayer language.(?) We believe that the scriptures encourage spiritual gifts in the worship of the Church and in the life of the believer.(8) In the assembly, prophesy (9) is encouraged for the edification of the Church, and speaking in tongues only if interpretation follows.

 

(10) For self edification and private prayer, speaking in tongues is highly desirable.(11) We believe the Holy Spirit has many gifts (12) and enablement's to bestow upon the Church.

 

The following is a partial list: wisdom, knowledge, discernment, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, tongues and the interpretation of tongues. (13) He divides these gifts and others, (14) to every man severally as He wills.(15)

Scripture References:

  1. John 14:17

  2. Acts 10:44-46; 8:17

  3. Acts 19:6

  4. Romans 8:9; I John 4:13; I Cor. 12:3

  5. Acts 10:46

  6. 1 Cor.14:4

  7. 1 Cor.14:14; Rom. 8:26

  8. 1 Cor.12:31; 1 Cor. 14:1, 12, 19, 26

  9. I Cor. 14:1, 3, 4

  10. 1 Cor. 14:4,5

  11. 1 Cor. 14:4, 8

  12. Eph. 4:8; 1 Cor. 14:12

  13. 1 Cor. 12:8-10

  14. 1 Cor. 12:28

  15. I Cor. 12:11

 

8.     The Spirit Filled Life

We believe the Scripture teaches that we are to be "being" filJed (1) with the Holy Spirit. To walk in the Spirit (2) is to be open and sensitive to His leading and guiding, resulting in a deepening relationship with the Spirit. No single expression can replace the need for daily walking (3) in the Spirit. We believe that the child of God must tread softly lest he grieves the Holy Spirit (4) through disobedience and sin. Rather, by yielding ourselves unto the Spirit (5) His fruit (evidence) is manifested in our life. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control.(6) The manifestation of these spiritual graces through the life of the believer (7) is a constant, eloquent and irrefutable evidence of the Spirit-filled life.

 

Scripture References:

 

  1. Eph. 5:18

  2. Rom. 8:4

  3. Gal. 5:16

  4. Eph. 4:30

  5. Rom. 6;19

  6. Gal. 5:22; John 15:8

  7. Gal. 2:20

 

9.     Divine Healing

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has power to (1) heal the sick and afflicted in answer to the prayer of faith. We believe this healing is provided for in the atoning work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. We believe that God honors prayer that is offered in submission to His Sovereign Will as recorded in His Word, and in obedience to the prescribed pattern as laid down for His Church (2).

To those who ask,(3) He grants healing to mind, soul and body.

 

Scripture References:

 

  1. Matt. 8:17

  2. Acts 4:29, 30

  3. James 5:14,16  

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10.   The Return of Christ

A.  We believe in the literal return of Christ. (1)

 

B.  We believe in the rapture of the Church which is the personal coming of Christ for the believers. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God. The dead in Christ shall rise first; then the redeemed which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. (2)

 

C. We believe in the period the bible refers to as the Great Tribulation (A period of seven years) in which the forces of evil will control the world (3); They will gather to battle against God and His Anointed.(4)

 

D.  Immediately after the Seven Years' Tribulation the Lord shall be revealed (5) with His saints to destroy His enemies (6) and to deliver His people. (7) Then Lord Jesus shall reign over the earth with the saints for a thousand years (the millennium), (8) after which will follow the last judgment. (9)

 

E.  Final Judgment

We believe there will be a judgment for the Christian which is referred to in the Bible as, "The Judgment Seat of Christ"; It will take place in Heaven after the rapture of the Church. (10) At this judgment the believers works shall then be tried so as by fire, and will result in either a reward or a loss to the believer.(11) Some works that will result in rewards are unselfish service to others, cheerful giving, and faithfulness. Works that will result in loss are carnal traits and selfish deeds, ie. wasting of one' talents. Nevertheless, the believer shall be saved although all his works be burned up. "But he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (12) because his name is written in the "Lambs Book of Life." (13) We believe there will be a judgment (14) of the wicked dead, both small and great, who must stand before Almighty God at the Great White Throne to be judged from out of the books for their works. (15) All whose names are not found written in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire.

 

Scripture References:

 

  1. Acts 1:11

  2. 1 Thess. 4:6

  3. Matt. 24:21; Mark 13:19-20

  4. Psa. 2:1-5; Rev. 16:14-16

  5. Matt 24:29-30 Zech.14:4-5

  6. Rev. 19:17-21

  7. Joel 3:1-2; Amos 9:14-15

  8. Rev. 20:4-5

  9. Rev. 20:11

  10. 1 Cor.5:10

  11. I Cor. 3:12-14

  12. I Cor. 3:15

  13.  Rev. 20:15; Rev. 21:27

  14.  Rev. 20:11-13

  15.  Dan. 7:9-10; Matt. 7:22-23

  16.  Rev. 20:15; Rev. 21:8  

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11.   Church Relationship

We believe that having accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior and King, and having been born again into the family of God, or the Church of the Lord Jesus, it is the sacred duty of the believer to (1) identify himself with and (2) labor most earnestly for the up-building of God's Kingdom, and the (3) visible Church of the Lord Jesus upon earth.

We hold that the visible Church of Christ is a congregation of born-again believers who meet to fellowship in Jesus' Name and in the (4) unity of the Spirit. This Church observes the ordinances of Christ and worships Him. This Church proclaims His word and labors for the salvation of souls, while giving of it's temporal or material means to carry on His work. Recognizing Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church, we seek to edify, encourage, establish one another in the most holy faith and work together in harmony as God's dear children who are many members of Christ's Body.

Scripture References:

  1. Psa. 111:1

  2. Heb. 10:24, 25

  3. Acts 16:5; Acts 2:47

  4. Rom. 12:5; Rom. 12:6-8 

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 12.   Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of (1) Divine appointment, for the interests and good of human society; therefore governors and rulers should be upheld in prayer. They should be obeyed at all times except when their demands are contrary to the will of God as revealed in the Bible.(2) Christ is the ruler of the conscience of His people.(3) He alone is (4) the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.

 

Scripture References:

 

  1. Rom. 13:1,3; Jer. 30:21

  2. Matt. 10:28

  3. Matt. 23: 10

  4. I Tim. 6:15

 

13.    Heaven

We believe that Heaven is a place, (1) presently the habitation of the Living God; (2) and to which the Lord Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place (3) for the redeemed. We believe Christ's true Church shall be brought into the "New Jerusalem" (4) sent down from God out of Heaven. There we shall behold His wonderful face (5) with unspeakable joy. We believe that in God's everlasting Kingdom (6) His children shall enjoy freedom from death, sorrow and pain, and there shall be no more night nor need of light of the sun; (7) and they shall join the heavenly hosts in praise and worship to the Lamb of God, our great King of Kings throughout all eternity.(&)

Scripture References:

  1. John 14:2-3

  2. Psalm 33:13-14

  3. John 14:3

  4. Rev. 21:1-2; 10-14

  5. Rev. 22:4; I John 3:2

  6. Daniel 4:3

  7. Rev. 21:23; 22:5

  8. Rev. 5:11-14 

 

14.  Hell

We believe that hell is a place of outer darkness and deepest sorrow, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched; a place prepared for the devil and his angels where there shall be weeping and (1) wailing and gnashing of teeth; a place of grief and eternal regret on the part of those who have rejected the mercy, love and tenderness of the crucified Savior, choosing eternal death rather than eternal life; and therein shall be cast (2) the unbelieving, the abominable, the murderers, sorcerers, idolaters, all liars, and they who have rejected the Savior, (3) in spite of every entreaty and warning of the Holy Spirit.

 

Scripture References

 

  1. Matt. 13:41, 42; Matt. 25:41; Mark 9:43, 44

  2. Rev. 14:10, 11; Rev. 21:8

  3. Ezekiel 33:11

 

15.    Evangelism

We believe that each child of God is called to be a witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ (I) and unto each is committed the word and ministry of reconciling the world to God.(2) We believe the children of God should arise and shine forth in this present world as a light which is not put under a bushel, or as a city set upon a hill, (3) spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. We believe that soul winning, together with the worship of God and the edification of the body, is the chief task of the Church. Anything which would tend to quench (4) the flame of evangelism or hamper its efficiency in worldwide endeavor should be removed and cast away as unworthy of His Church and the Great Commission that Jesus gave his Church before He ascended into Heaven (5) 

 

Scripture References:

 

  1. Acts 1:8

  2. II Cor. 5:17-21

  3. Matt. 5:14, 15

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