Statement of Faith Grace Life Bible Church
(Updated 8/16)
While accepting the scriptures to be our only authority in all matters of faith and practice, we make the following declaration as a summary of certain foundational beliefs we hold. This statement does not contain everything we believe but does identify certain basic truths we view as indispensable to a believer’s establishment in the truth.
This statement is not set forth for compliance by anyone desiring to worship and fellowship with Grace Life Bible Church but to show what we, as the governing board, believe. However, anyone who does not agree with this Statement of Faith shall not be considered a member of Grace Life Bible Church. If you have any questions concerning this statement of faith, please ask. We are more than willing to study these subjects with you from the scriptures.
Article I. The Bible
We believe that the entire Bible is verbally inspired of God and is of plenary authority (II Timothy 3:16, II Peter 1:20-21) and that God has providentially preserved His completed Word for us today (Psalms 12:6-7, Colossians 1:25, Isaiah 40:8). We believe that the Word of God exists in its preserved form in what is commonly called the Textus Receptus (Received Text) and that the King James Version (KJV) is the best English translation of the Received Text available today. We believe the KJV to be without error and disapprove of all attempts to “correct” the text of the KJV with manuscript evidence or supposed understanding of original languages.
We are unashamedly literalist in our method of study and adhere to the principle God has set forth in the Scriptures to rightly divide the Bible dispensationally (II Timothy 2:15). The literal, dispensational approach is the only way to understand the differences in God’s various programs and dealings with mankind since the beginning of time and plays a vital role in establishing the believer and maintaining a distinct, clear gospel message (Romans 16:25-27). While we believe every word of the Bible is inspired and infallible, we recognize that Paul’s writings alone (Romans – Philemon) contain the revelation of the mystery that is God’s purpose during this dispensation of grace.
Article II. Godhead
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, I John 5:7, Ephesians 4:4-6). The Lord Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and is true God and true man. He is not only the Son of God but also God the Son (Luke 1:35, Romans 1:3-4, Philippians 2:5-11).
We believe that Jesus Christ never sinned in word, thought, or deed and therefore was the perfect sacrificial Lamb of God (Hebrews 9:26).
Article III. Man’s Sinfulness/Eternal Punishment
We believe the scriptures plainly teach that all men are by nature evil, inexcusable, under God’s wrath, and inescapably accountable to Him (Romans 1:18, 2:1, 3:10-12, 5:12, 14:12). Man can
do nothing in and of himself to satisfy God’s righteousness, and rejecting God’s free provision for salvation results in everlasting destruction (II Thessalonians 1:7-9, Revelation 21:8, Hebrews 9:27).
Nowhere do the Scriptures teach the hope of eternal salvation to the unsaved dead but instead reveal that such will continue to exist forever in a state of conscious suffering (Luke 16:23-28, Revelation 14:11, 20:12-15). The teachings of universalism, probation after death, purgatory, and annihilation of the dead are opposed as unscriptural and dangerous (I Corinthians 15:19,32-33, II Corinthians 5:6-8).
Article IV. Salvation
We believe that man is saved from eternal punishment and is justified freely by grace through faith in the sacrificially shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary (Romans 3:21-26, Ephesians 2:8-9, I Corinthians 15:1-4). Salvation is a completely undeserved free gift bestowed upon all who simply believe (Romans 5:12-21, 4:5). During the dispensation of grace, every person who believes the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24) is eternally saved from God’s wrath.
Article V. Eternal Security
We believe that all saved people during the dispensation of grace are eternally saved and complete in Christ (Romans 5:1, Colossians 2:10). Salvation is the work of God and not the work of man. Therefore, it is impossible for anyone who has trusted in Christ to ever be lost again. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit and are not our own – we are bought with a price (Colossians 3:1-4, Romans 8:29-39, Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30, I Corinthians 6:19-20).
Article VI. Believer’s Walk
We believe that saints (i.e. saved people) today are to live their lives under grace and not the law system (Romans 6:14). This means that the core operating principle in the saint’s relationship with God, others, and himself is grace. By reason of Christ’s victory over sin and by His indwelling Spirit, all saved people may and should experience deliverance from the power of sin in their daily lives (Romans 6:11-14). All saints still possess the old sin nature and the ability to sin. We do not believe that the old sin nature is ever eradicated during this life (Galatians 5:16-25, Romans 7:15-25).
We believe in the practical sanctification of all members of the body of Christ (Romans 12:1-2) and that all saints should glorify God in all of their thoughts, words and deeds (1Corinthians 10:31). Saints should separate from all forms of worldliness, humanism, and religious apostasy (Ephesians 5:3-12, Titus 2:11-12). All saints should demonstrate their love and forgiveness to all men because Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32).
We conclude that, as believers, we should follow Christ’s example and be subject to the higher powers (i.e. governmental authorities) so that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty (Romans 13:1-7, Ephesians 2:10, I Timothy 2:1-2). Saints are in this world, but we are not of this world. While here, the local church should comply with all of men’s laws except where to do so would violate the clear teaching of the Scriptures (Acts 5:29).
Article VII. The Church, The Body of Christ
In this dispensation, there is only one true church composed of all saved people, which is called the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:11-16). The body of Christ is made up of both Jews and Gentiles, who together are joint heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:6). The body of Christ does not appear in prophecy (Ephesians 3:3-8) and is separate and distinct from the prophesied earthly kingdom of Christ, which is yet future (Daniel 2:44, Acts 3:19-21). We reject the notion that the body of Christ is “spiritual Israel” and has replaced Israel in the purposes of God (Romans 11).
We believe in the local church – an assembly of believers in Jesus Christ, united around the seven unities of Ephesians 4:4-6 and associated for worship, labour, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of preaching the gospel of grace to a lost world.
Article VIII. Dispensational Position
We believe that this present dispensation of grace (Ephesians 3:2) was a mystery hidden from ages and generations until the Lord Jesus Christ revealed it to the Apostle Paul (I Corinthians 2:7, Ephesians 3:2-9, Colossians 1:25-26). The church of this mystery dispensation, the body of Christ, has a heavenly purpose that is distinct and separate from God’s earthly purpose for the nation of Israel. We believe that the body of Christ began: (i) no earlier than Acts 9, (ii) before Paul wrote his first epistle (I Timothy 1:15-16), and (iii) prior to Acts 28.
Article IX. Catching Up of the Church/Adoption
We believe that the church, the body of Christ, will be caught up in the clouds by Jesus Christ Himself, when He descends from heaven at the end of the dispensation of grace (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). This event was kept secret by God and is a distinctive part of the new and special revelation, the mystery, given to the apostle Paul for the body of Christ (I Corinthians 15:51).
We believe this blessed hope (Titus 2:13) is found only in Paul’s epistles and concerns only the body of Christ. This event will take place before the prophesied tribulation period begins (Romans 5:9, I Thessalonians 5:1-9), which tribulation period precedes the second coming of Christ to set up His earthly millennial kingdom in which He will rule and reign with His chosen people, the nation of Israel.
Article X. Spiritual Baptism
All saved people have been made members of the body of Christ by one divine spirit baptism (I Corinthians 12:13). By this one baptism every member of the body of Christ is identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).
Paul’s statements concerning this “one baptism” in Ephesians 4:5, Colossians 2:12, and Romans 6:3-4 explain his statement in I Corinthians 1:14-17 concerning water baptism, that “Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel.” Water baptism, in Paul’s early Acts ministry, was practiced temporarily during the transition period from the kingdom program to the grace program but eventually ceased along with certain other signs and miracles, including the gifts of tongues and healing. We affirm that water baptism is not needed for salvation and has no place in God’s program in this present dispensation of grace.
Article XI. Marriage and Human Sexuality
We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning. Marriage is sanctioned by God who joins one man and one woman, according to their birth sex/gender; in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Genesis 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:18-33)
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (Ephesians 5:31; I Thessalonians 4:3-5)
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. (I Corinthians 7:1-2)
We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God. (Romans 1:24-32; Galatians 5:19-21)
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who place their personal faith in the finished cross work of the Lord Jesus Christ for their eternal salvation. This forgiveness, redemption, and restoration extends to anyone who places personal faith in the finished work of Christ, regardless of their sexual history or experience. (I Corinthians 6:11)
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Grace Life Bible Church. (Philippians 2:1-5; Ephesians 4:1-6)
Scripture Index
Article I. The Bible
(2 Timothy 3:16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(2 Peter 1:20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
(2 Peter 1:21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
(Psalms 12:6) The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
(Psalms 12:7) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
(Isaiah 40:8) The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
(Colossians 1:25) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
(2 Timothy 2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(Romans 16:25) Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
(Romans 16:26) But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
(Romans 16:27) To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Article II. Godhead
(Deuteronomy 6:4) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
(Matthew 28:19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(1 John 5:7) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
(Ephesians 4:4) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
(Ephesians 4:5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
(Ephesians 4:6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
(Luke 1:35) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
(Romans 1:3) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
(Romans 1:4) And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
(Philippians 2:5) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
(Philippians 2:6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
(Philippians 2:7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
(Philippians 2:8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
(Philippians 2:9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
(Philippians 2:10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
(Philippians 2:11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Hebrews 9:26) For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Article III. Man’s Sinfulness/Eternal Punishment
(Romans 1:18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
(Romans 2:1) Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
(Romans 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Romans 3:11) There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
(Romans 3:12) They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
(Romans 5:12) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
(Romans 14:12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
(2 Thessalonians 1:7) And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
(2 Thessalonians 1:8) In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
(2 Thessalonians 1:9) Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
(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: which is the second death.
(Hebrews 9:27) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
(Luke 16:23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
(Luke 16:24) And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
(Luke 16:25) But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
(Luke 16:26) And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
(Luke 16:27) Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
(Luke 16:28) For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
(Revelation 14:11) And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
(Revelation 20:12) 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.
(Revelation 20:13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
(Revelation 20:14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
(Revelation 20:15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
(1 Corinthians 15:19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
(1 Corinthians 15:32) If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die.
(1 Corinthians 15:33) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
(2 Corinthians 5:6) Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
(2 Corinthians 5:7) (For we walk by faith, not by sight)
(2 Corinthians 5:8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Article IV. Salvation
(Romans 3:21) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
(Romans 3:22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
(Romans 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
(Romans 3:24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
(Romans 3:25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
(Romans 3:26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
(Ephesians 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(Ephesians 2:9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(1 Corinthians 15:1) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
(1 Corinthians 15:2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
(1 Corinthians 15:3) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
(1 Corinthians 15:4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
(Romans 5:12) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
(Romans 5:13) (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
(Romans 5:14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
(Romans 5:15) But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
(Romans 5:16) And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
(Romans 5:17) For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
(Romans 5:18) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
(Romans 5:19) For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
(Romans 5:20) Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
(Romans 5:21) That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 4:5) But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
(Acts 20:24) But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Article V. Eternal Security
(Romans 5:1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
(Colossians 2:10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
(Colossians 3:1) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
(Colossians 3:2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
(Colossians 3:3) For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
(Colossians 3:4) When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
(Romans 8:29) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
(Romans 8:30) Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
(Romans 8:31) What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
(Romans 8:32) He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
(Romans 8:33) Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
(Romans 8:34) Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
(Romans 8:35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
(Romans 8:36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
(Romans 8:37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
(Romans 8:38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
(Romans 8:39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Ephesians 1:13) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
(Ephesians 1:14) Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
(Ephesians 4:30) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
(1 Corinthians 6:19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
(1 Corinthians 6:20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Article VI. Believer’s Walk
(Romans 6:11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 6:12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
(Romans 6:13) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
(Romans 6:14) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
(Galatians 5:16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
(Galatians 5:17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
(Galatians 5:18) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
(Galatians 5:19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
(Galatians 5:20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
(Galatians 5:21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
(Galatians 5:22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
(Galatians 5:23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(Galatians 5:24) And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
(Galatians 5:25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
(Romans 7:15) For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
(Romans 7:16) If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
(Romans 7:17) Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
(Romans 7:18) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
(Romans 7:19) For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
(Romans 7:20) Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
(Romans 7:21) I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
(Romans 7:22) For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
(Romans 7:23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
(Romans 7:24) O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
(Romans 7:25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
(Romans 12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
(Romans 12:2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
(1 Corinthians 10:31) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
(Ephesians 5:3) But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
(Ephesians 5:4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
(Ephesians 5:5) For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
(Ephesians 5:6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
(Ephesians 5:7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
(Ephesians 5:8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
(Ephesians 5:9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
(Ephesians 5:10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
(Ephesians 5:11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
(Ephesians 5:12) For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
(Titus 2:11) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
(Titus 2:12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
(Romans 13:1) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
(Romans 13:2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
(Romans 13:3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
(Romans 13:4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
(Romans 13:5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
(Romans 13:6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
(Romans 13:7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
(Ephesians 2:10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
(1 Timothy 2:1) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
(1 Timothy 2:2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
(Acts 5:29) Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Article VII. The Church, The Body of Christ
(1 Corinthians 12:13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
(Ephesians 1:22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
(Ephesians 1:23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
(Ephesians 2:11) Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
(Ephesians 2:12) That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
(Ephesians 2:13) But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
(Ephesians 2:14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
(Ephesians 2:15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
(Ephesians 2:16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
(Ephesians 3:6) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
(Ephesians 3:3) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
(Ephesians 3:4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
(Ephesians 3:5) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
(Ephesians 3:6) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
(Ephesians 3:7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
(Ephesians 3:8) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
(Daniel 2:44) And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
(Acts 3:19) Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
(Acts 3:20) And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
(Acts 3:21) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
(Romans 11)
(Ephesians 4:4) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
(Ephesians 4:5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
(Ephesians 4:6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Article VIII. Dispensational Position
(Ephesians 3:2) If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
(Ephesians 3:3) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
(Ephesians 3:4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
(Ephesians 3:5) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
(Ephesians 3:6) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
(Ephesians 3:7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
(Ephesians 3:8) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
(Ephesians 3:9) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
(1 Corinthians 2:7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
(Colossians 1:25) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
(Colossians 1:26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
(1 Timothy 1:15) This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
(1 Timothy 1:16) Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Article IX. Catching Up of the Church/Adoption
(1 Thessalonians 4:13) But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
(1 Thessalonians 4:14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
(1 Thessalonians 4:15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
(1 Thessalonians 4:16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
(1 Thessalonians 4:17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
(1 Thessalonians 4:18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
(1 Corinthians 15:51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
(Titus 2:13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
(Romans 5:9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
(1 Thessalonians 5:1) But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
(1 Thessalonians 5:3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
(1 Thessalonians 5:4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
(1 Thessalonians 5:5) Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
(1 Thessalonians 5:6) Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
(1 Thessalonians 5:7) For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
(1 Thessalonians 5:8) But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
(1 Thessalonians 5:9) For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Article X. Spiritual Baptism
(1 Corinthians 12:13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
(Romans 6:3) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
(Romans 6:4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
(Ephesians 4:5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
(Colossians 2:12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
(1 Corinthians 1:14) I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
(1 Corinthians 1:15) Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
(1 Corinthians 1:16) And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
(1 Corinthians 1:17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Article XI. Marriage and Human Sexuality
(Genesis 2:18) And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
(Genesis 2:22)
And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
(Genesis 2:23)
And Adam said, This [is] now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
(Genesis 2:24)
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
(Genesis 2:25)
And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
(Ephesians 5:18)
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
(Ephesians 5:19)
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
(Ephesians 5:20)
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
(Ephesians 5:21)
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
(Ephesians 5:22)
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
(Ephesians 5:23)
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
(Ephesians 5:24)
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing.
(Ephesians 5:25)
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
(Ephesians 5:26)
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
(Ephesians 5:27)
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
(Ephesians 5:28)
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
(Ephesians 5:29)
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
(Ephesians 5:30)
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
(Ephesians 5:31)
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
(Ephesians 5:32)
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
(Ephesians 5:33)
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband.
(I Thessalonians 4:3)
For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
(I Thessalonians 4:4)
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
(I Thessalonians 4:5)
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
(I Corinthians 7:1)
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman.
(I Corinthians 7:2)
Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
(Romans 1:30)
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
(Romans 1:31)
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
(Galatians 5:19)
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
(Galatians 5:20)
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
(I Corinthians 6:11) And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
(Philippians 2:1)
If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
(Philippians 2:2)
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.
(Philippians 2:3)
[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
(Philippians 2:4)
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
(Philippians 2:5)
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
(Ephesians 4:1)
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
(Ephesians 4:2)
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
(Ephesians 4:3)
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
(Ephesians 4:4)
[There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
(Ephesians 4:5)
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
(Ephesians 4:6)
One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.