INTRODUCTION TO BIBLE DOCTRINES
2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16,17
Doctrine, to the church, is what a foundation is to a building. It is the article of faith on which a believer’s faith is anchored. A building with a weak foundation will collapse under intense unfavourable weather and environmental conditions while a building with solid foundation will weather through storms (Matthew 7:24-27). A believer’s steadfastness and stability in the Lord is dependent on a firm grasp of the Truth revealed in the Bible (Ephesians 4:13,14). Whereas, lack of knowledge leads to backsliding and destruction (Hosea 4:6). In a world of error and deceit engineered by Satan and his hosts (John 8:44) a believer needs to be well grounded in the truth in order to frontally attack every lie of Satan if he is to remain in faith (Matthew 4:3,4). The early believers understood perfectly the need to be grounded in the doctrines. Both old and young engaged in spiritual activities that built up their Christian character and convictions. They studied the doctrines, prayed and celebrated the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:41-47). It should be observed that the study of the doctrines took a place of pre-eminence in their ministry. These Spirit-directed activities of the early saints led to the phenomenal growth of the early Church. Apart from this, it brought about boldness, steadfastness, and growth (Daniel 11:32; Acts 4:19,20), to the extent that the whole of Jerusalem was filled with Christ’s doctrine (Act 5:28).
1. The Holy Bible - That the Holy Bible, consisting of 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament, is the inspired Word of God. We take the Bible as final authority in all matters concerning Christian conduct and work. II Timothy 3:16,17; Proverbs 30:5,6; Revelation 22:18,19.
2. The Godhead - That the Godhead consists of three separate, distinct and recognizable personalities and qualities, perfectly united in one. The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are different Persons in the Godhead, not merely three names for one Person. Matthew 3:16,17; II Corinthians13:14; Matthew 28:19,20.
3. The Virgin Birth of Jesus - The virgin birth of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. The crucifixion, death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 1:4; I Corinthians 15:3,4.
4. The Fall of Man - The total depravity, sinfulness and guilt of all men since the Fall, rendering them subject to God’s wrath and condemnation. Psalm 51:5; Job 14:4; Romans 3:23; 5:12-17; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1.
5. Repentance - That Repentance is a complete turning away from all sin and its deceitful pleasures, and that it is required of every sinner before he can truly and effectively believe in Jesus with saving faith. Proverb 28:13; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:21-23; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:46,47; Acts 2:38; 3:19,21; II Corinthians 7:10; Hebrew 6:1-3.
6. Restitution - That Restitution is making amends for wrongs done against our fellowmen, restoring stolen things to their rightful owners, paying debts, giving back where one has defrauded, making confessions to the offended and apologising to those slandered, so as to have a conscience void of offence toward God and man. Genesis 20:1-8,14-18; Exodus 22:1-7; Leviticus 6:1-17; Numbers 5:6-8; 11 Samuel 12:1-6; Proverbs 6:31; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Matthew 5:23,24; Luke 19:8,9; Acts 23:1-5; 24:16; James 4:17-5:6.
7. Justification - That Justification (or Regeneration) is the act of God’s grace whereby one receives forgiveness and remission of sins, and is counted righteous before God, through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus, standing before God as though he had never sinned. Psalm 32:1,2; Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:29; John 3:3-8; Acts 13:38,39; Romans 3:24-30; 4:6-16; 5:1,2; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; I Peter 1:23.
8. Water Baptism - That Water Baptism is essential to our obedience after reconciliation with God. Water Baptism is one immersion (not three), “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”, as Jesus commanded. Matthew 28:19; 3:13-17; Mark 16:15; Acts 2:38,39; 19:1-6; Romans 6:4,5.
9. The Lord's Supper - That the Lord’s Supper was constituted by Jesus Christ so that all believers (all members of the family of God) might partake thereof regularly to “show the Lord’s death till He come.” The emblems used are “unleavened bread” and the juice of the “fruit of the vine”. Anyone who eats and drinks unworthily brings “damnation”, punishment and chastisement upon himself. Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:17-20; I Corinthians 11:23-30.
10. Sanctification - That Entire Sanctification is a definite act of God’s grace, subsequent to the New Birth, by which the believer’s heart is purified and made holy. It cannot be attained progressively by works, struggle or suppression, but it is obtained by faith in the sanctifying blood of Jesus Christ. Holiness of life and purity of heart are central to Christian living. Luke 1:74,75; John 17:15-17; I Thessalonians 4:3,7,8; 5:22-24; Ephesians 5:25-27; Hebrew 2:11; 10:10,14; 13:11; Titus 2:11-14; I John 1:7; Hebrew 12:14; I Peter 1:14-16.
11. Holy Ghost Baptism - That the Baptism in the Holy Ghost is the endowment with power from on high upon the sanctified believer. It is the “promise of the Father” and when one receives this “gift of the Holy Ghost”, it is accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking a language unlearned previously, referred to as speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:8; Luke 3:16; 24:49; John 1:20-33; 7:37-39; 14:16,17,26; 15:26; 16:12-15; Acts 1:5-8; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:1-18; 10:44-46; 19:1-6. We do not teach or instruct people on how to speak in tongues: the Holy Spirit gives the utterance. We also stress the necessity of Purity before Power.
12. Redemption from Curse of the Law - That Redemption from the curse of the law, Healing of sickness and disease as well as continued Health are provided for all people through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 7:15; Psalm 103:1-5; Proverbs 4:20-22; Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; I Peter 2:24; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 13:16; John 15:12-14; 10:10; Acts 10:38; James 5:14-16; I John 3:8; III John 2; Galatians 3:13,14.
13. Personal Evangelism - That Personal Evangelism is a God-given and God-ordained ministry for every believer. Jesus commanded, and God requires every believer to be a compassionate and faithful soulwinner, bringing others to Christ. Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; John 17:18; Acts 1:8; 8:1-4; Psalm 126:5,6; Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3; Ezekiel 13:17-21.
14. Marriage - That Marriage is binding for life. Monogamy is the uniform teaching of the Bible. Polygamy is contrary to the New Testament dispensation. No one has a right to divorce and remarry while the first companion lives. When a person becomes converted, necessary restitution, on this line, must be done without delay, if he has married wrongly. Genesis 2:24; Deuteronomy 7:1-4; Joshua 23:11-13; II Corinthians 6:14-18; Proverbs 31:10-31; Malachi 2:14,15; Romans 7:2,3; Ephesians 5:31-33; Matthew 5:31,32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; John 4:15-19; Genesis 20:3,7.
15. The Rapture - That the Rapture (commonly referred to as the first phase of stage of the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST) is the catching away from the earth of all living saints and all who died in the Lord. The Rapture will take place before the Great Tribulation, and it can happen any time from now. “In the twinkling of an eye”, without a moment’s warning, “the trumpet shall sound” “...and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 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.” John 14:1-3; Luke 21:34-36; I Corinthians 15:51-58; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:4-9; II Thessalonians 2:5-7; Philippians 3:11,20,21; I John 3:1-3.
16. The Resurrection of the Dead - That the Resurrection of the dead is taught in the Bible as clearly as the immortality of the soul. Every individual who has ever lived will be resurrected, some to honour and glory, and others to everlasting shame and contempt. Job 19:25-27; Psalm 71:20; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; I Corinthians 15:12-57; I Thessalonians 4:13-16; Hebrews 6:1,2; Philippians 3:8-11; Revelation 20:4,6,12,13.
17. The Great Tribulation - That the Great Tribulation will occur after the rapture, and will be a time of terrible suffering on earth. It is also referred to as the time of Jacob’s Trouble. Matthew 24:21,22,29; Revelation 9:16; Mark 13:19; II Thessalonians 2:3-12; Revelation 13. During this time, the Antichrist will take possession of this world for a reign of terror. He will not be a system or organization, but a person — a supernatural, diabolical being, in the form of a man who will blaspheme and proclaim himself to be God. Daniel 6:23-35; II Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelation 13:1-10. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb will take place above while the Tribulation continues on earth. Revelation 19:1-10.
18. The Second Coming of Christ - That the Second Coming of Christ will just be as literal as His going away, and He is coming to execute judgement upon the ungodly. He will also, then, set up His kingdom and reign on this present earth for a thousand years. Zechariah 14:3,4; Matthew 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 13:24-37; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2:8; Jude 14,15.
19. The Millennial Reign of Christ - That Christ’s Millennial Reign is the 1,000 years’ literal reign of Jesus on earth, which will be ushered in by the coming of Jesus back to earth with ten thousands of His saints. At this time He will judge the nations that dwell upon the face of the earth. Jude 14,15; II Thessalonians 1:7-10. During this time the devil will be bound. Revelation 20:2,3. It will be a reign of peace and blessing. Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25; Hosea 2:18; Zechariah 14:9-20; 2:2-4.
20. The Great White Throne Judgment - That the Great White Throne Judgment is when God finally judges all (the living and the dead, small and great) who have ever lived on the face of the earth, according to their works. This is after the Millennium. At this time the final Judgement known as the Great White Throne Judgment, will be held. All those from all ages, who have not yet been judged (believers’ judgement, as sinners’, was accomplished by Christ on the Cross — John 5:24; 3:17-19) will stand before God at this time. The devil and his angels are judged at this time also, and sent to the lake of fire for ever. Daniel 12:2,3; Matthew 10:15; 11:21-24; 12:41,42; John 5:28,29; Romans 2:15,16; 14:12; II Peter 2:9; Jude 6; I Corinthians 6:1-4; Acts 10:42; Revelation 20:11-15.
21. The New Heaven and the New Earth - That the New Heaven and the New Earth “wherein dwelleth righteousness” will be made by God and the redeemed shall dwell with God for ever. This present earth which has been polluted by sin will pass away after the Great White Throne Judgment. Psalm 102:25,26; Isaiah 51:6; 65:17; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; II Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1. No unclean thing shall be there. We shall know each other, our knowledge having been perfected. There will be no more curse upon anything. There will be no more night: the glory of the Lord will be the light thereof. Isaiah 66:22; II Peter 3:12,13; I Corinthians 13:12; I John 3:2,3; Revelation 21:1-7; 22:1-5.
22. Hell Fire - That Hell-fire is a place of everlasting punishment where sinners (all who do not have their names in the book of life) will suffer torments for ever and ever. It was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41), but God has decreed that the wicked and those who forget Him and reject Christ, will also be cast there, because of their sin and neglect of His salvation. Psalm 9:17; Matthew 25:46; Luke 12:4,5; 16:19-31; Matthew 5:22,30; Mark 9:43-47; Revelation 14:10,11; 20:10,12-15
Saturday, 22 December 2012
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Christ's Atoning Blood
CHRIST’S ATONING BLOOD
Hebrews 9:15-28
Our text brings us to the consideration of one of the most important subjects in Scripture: atonement by the blood, escape from death through the death of an innocent substitute, redemption, remission of sins, and righteousness through the sacrifice and death of our perfect, pure, righteous Saviour. God’s covenant demanded that someone would die in our place. Christ gave His life so that we could “receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”From the time of the fall, it had been repeatedly demonstrated that an innocent one must bear our guilt and punishment before we could be pardoned and set free. This message of the means of redemption runs like a scarlet thread throughout the Scripture. Repentance alone never brought forgiveness: there must be atonement through the blood. The sacrifices of the Old Covenant were repeated so often until Christ came. He came as the final “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” His Blood cleanses us from all sin.
1.REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD Hebrews 9:15-17; 8:6; 1 Timothy 2:5,6; Romans 3:24,26; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18,19.
Redemption means to deliver by paying a price, to purchase in the market, to buy out of the market, to set free by paying a price.Redemption is by Blood and by power - Ex 14:30Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord has “...obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12). “...He is the Mediator of the New Testament for the redemption of the transgressions” that we “might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:15). By God’s standard of righteousness and justice, the soul that sins must die (Ezekiel 18:4). The only way a person could come to God was to have the penalty of his sins paid. This payment, Jesus has provided for everyone who turns away from sin and trusts Him (1 Peter 1:18,19). In so doing, He became the only Mediator, the only bridge between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5,6). Now, God is satisfied and man is pardoned when he puts his faith in the shed blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7).
2.REMISSION THROUGH HIS BLOODHebrews 9:18-23; Exodus 24:6-8; Leviticus 17:11; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5,6; 5:9,10.
“...And without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). “For this is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). These verses in Hebrews chapter 9 emphasise three things which are related: a testament that demands death, forgiveness that demands blood, and judgment that demands a substitute. A will or a testament, does not take effect until the one who made it dies (Leviticus 17:11). The benefits and provisions of the will only come to the beneficiaries after the death of the testator.Remission of sins and the provisions of the New Covenant are now ours through the Blood of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5,6; 5:9,10). He had ratified the New Covenant through His own Blood, just as the Old Covenant was ratified by Moses with the blood of animals (Exodus 24:6-8).
3.RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH HIS BLOODHebrews 9:24-28; 7:25,27; 9:12,14; 10:10; Titus 2:13,14; John 14:3; 1 John 3:2,3.
“...Now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to PUT AWAY SIN by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). “And ye know that He was manifested to TAKE AWAY OUR SINS; and in Him is no sin” (1 John 3:5). He died for us, died in our place “...that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). We were to face the judgment of God for the sins we had committed. Through faith in Christ, our sins are forgiven and will never be remembered; our hearts are cleansed and we are made righteous. We thus pass from judgment unto life. Christ, through His death and blood, has obtained redemption, remission of sins and righteousness for us. Believe in Christ and be made righteous.
Hebrews 9:15-28
Our text brings us to the consideration of one of the most important subjects in Scripture: atonement by the blood, escape from death through the death of an innocent substitute, redemption, remission of sins, and righteousness through the sacrifice and death of our perfect, pure, righteous Saviour. God’s covenant demanded that someone would die in our place. Christ gave His life so that we could “receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”From the time of the fall, it had been repeatedly demonstrated that an innocent one must bear our guilt and punishment before we could be pardoned and set free. This message of the means of redemption runs like a scarlet thread throughout the Scripture. Repentance alone never brought forgiveness: there must be atonement through the blood. The sacrifices of the Old Covenant were repeated so often until Christ came. He came as the final “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” His Blood cleanses us from all sin.
1.REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD Hebrews 9:15-17; 8:6; 1 Timothy 2:5,6; Romans 3:24,26; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18,19.
Redemption means to deliver by paying a price, to purchase in the market, to buy out of the market, to set free by paying a price.Redemption is by Blood and by power - Ex 14:30Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord has “...obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12). “...He is the Mediator of the New Testament for the redemption of the transgressions” that we “might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:15). By God’s standard of righteousness and justice, the soul that sins must die (Ezekiel 18:4). The only way a person could come to God was to have the penalty of his sins paid. This payment, Jesus has provided for everyone who turns away from sin and trusts Him (1 Peter 1:18,19). In so doing, He became the only Mediator, the only bridge between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5,6). Now, God is satisfied and man is pardoned when he puts his faith in the shed blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7).
2.REMISSION THROUGH HIS BLOODHebrews 9:18-23; Exodus 24:6-8; Leviticus 17:11; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5,6; 5:9,10.
“...And without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). “For this is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). These verses in Hebrews chapter 9 emphasise three things which are related: a testament that demands death, forgiveness that demands blood, and judgment that demands a substitute. A will or a testament, does not take effect until the one who made it dies (Leviticus 17:11). The benefits and provisions of the will only come to the beneficiaries after the death of the testator.Remission of sins and the provisions of the New Covenant are now ours through the Blood of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5,6; 5:9,10). He had ratified the New Covenant through His own Blood, just as the Old Covenant was ratified by Moses with the blood of animals (Exodus 24:6-8).
3.RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH HIS BLOODHebrews 9:24-28; 7:25,27; 9:12,14; 10:10; Titus 2:13,14; John 14:3; 1 John 3:2,3.
“...Now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to PUT AWAY SIN by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). “And ye know that He was manifested to TAKE AWAY OUR SINS; and in Him is no sin” (1 John 3:5). He died for us, died in our place “...that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). We were to face the judgment of God for the sins we had committed. Through faith in Christ, our sins are forgiven and will never be remembered; our hearts are cleansed and we are made righteous. We thus pass from judgment unto life. Christ, through His death and blood, has obtained redemption, remission of sins and righteousness for us. Believe in Christ and be made righteous.
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