A. EXISTENCE OF GOD

1. There is one living and true God (Deut 6:4; Isa 45:5-7).
2. Scripture assumes the eternal existence of God (Deut 6:4; Isa 45:5-7; Ps 93:2, 102:27).
3. God is personal, spirit, infinite and perfect (John 4:24; 1 Tim 1:17; Acts 17:28).

B. ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Though no list could be complete, God is described as:

1. Creator (Gen 1:1-31; Eph 3:9; Col 1:16; Rev 4:11).
2. Self-Existent (John 5:26; Rom. 11:36; Exod 3:14).
3. Sovereign (Ps 115:3; Isa. 45:4; Jer 32:17; Matt. 19:26; Rom. 11:36).
4. Unchanging (Mal 3:6; Jas 1:17).
5. Perfect (Matt 5:48; Ps 18:30; Heb 1:13).
6. Eternal (Ps 90:2; Isa 46:10; 2 Pet 3:8).
7. Unlimited by Space (1 Kgs 8:27; Ps 139:7-10; Jer 23:24).
8. Holy (Job 34:10; Isa 6:1-3; Matt 5:48).
9. Infinite in Knowledge (Ps 139:1-6; Isa 42:8-9; John 6:64).
10. Truthful (Num 23:19; Rom 3:4; Heb 6:18; 2 Tim 2:13).
11. Gracious (Matt 5:45; Rom 3:24; Eph 2:8-9).
12. Loving (John 3:16; Rom 5:8).
13. Merciful (Luke 6:36; Rom 11:32; Titus 3:5).
14. Righteous (Ps 119:137, 145:17; Hab 1:13).
15. Just (Rom 2:6-8; Rom 1:18).
16. Patient (Rom 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9).

C. AS TRIUNE 

(also called ‘the Trinity’)

1. Unity
God is one in essence, eternally, simultaneously and indivisibly existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Isa 48:16, 61:1; Gen 1:1-2; Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14; Jas 2:19).

2. Diversity

a. God the Father is:

1) The first person of the Trinity.
2) The Father over all creation (Acts 17:29; 1 Cor 8:6; Heb 12:9; Jas 1:17).
3) The Father of Christ (John 2:16-17, 17:5, 17:24; Acts 13:33; Col 1:15).
4) The Father of believers (Matt 6:8-9; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6).

b. Jesus Christ is:

1) The second person of the Trinity.
2) Deity-i.e. fully God (John 1:1-51, 10:30, Heb 1:3).
3) God incarnate yet fully man (Phil 2:5-11, Col 2:9).
4) Virgin born (Isa 7:14; Matt 1:25; Luke 1:26-35).
5) Sinless (Luke 1:35; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15).
6) The One who voluntarily gave up His life as a substitute to redeem mankind (Rom 3:25, 5:8; 1 Pet 2:24).
7) The Resurrection-He was literally and physically resurrected, ascended to the right hand of the Father, the believer’s Advocate & High Priest (Matt 28:6; Luke 24:38-39; Heb 7:25, 9:24).
8 ) The Head of the Church (Eph 1:22, 5:23; Col 1:18).

c. The Holy Spirit is:

1) The third person of the Trinity.
2) A person, not merely a force (John 14:26; 16:13).
3) Deity-The Holy Spirit is fully God (Acts 5:3,4; Heb 9:14; 1 Cor 2:10; Ps 139:7-10).
4) Involved in Salvation-At salvation, the Holy Spirit regenerates, baptizes, indwells, sanctifies, distributes gifts, instructs, empowers and seals (1 Cor 3:16, 12:7, 11, 13; John 16:8-11; Rom 8:9; Eph 1:13; Titus 3:5).
5) Inspiration- The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21).
6) Illumination-The Holy Spirit causes believers to understand God’s Word (1 John 2:20, 27).
7) The Indwelling God- Christ in us (Rom 8:9, 13; 1 Cor 3:16; Eph 3:16).

D. AS FATHER

1. As Designated within the Trinity
The three persons of the Trinity each have unique designations, which denote relationship, not inferiority (1 Cor 11:3; 1 Pet 1:3).

a. The Father is not begotten, nor does He proceed from any person.
b. The Son is eternally begotten from the Father (John 3:16).
c. The Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son (John 14:26, 16:7). The Father is coequal and consubstantial (‘of the same substance’) with Jesus and the Spirit (Isa 48:16, 61:1; Matt 28:19; Acts 5:28ff.; 2 Cor 13:14; Titus 2:13; 2 Pet 1:1).

2. In Relation to Mankind
The Father is the one who created, and continually upholds, directs and governs all creatures & events perfectly (Job 42:2; Ps 115:3; Eph 4:6).

a. In eternity past, the Father specially chose some to be adopted as His own children through Jesus Christ (Rom 8:15; 1 Cor 8:6; Eph 1:3-5).
b. As Father, God disciplines those whom He loves for growth in holiness and righteousness (Deut 8:5; Heb 12:6-11).

A. OLD TESTAMENT APPEARANCE OF CHRIST

1. The Angel of the Lord

a. The angel of the Lord in the Old Testament refers to Himself as God and does the works of God (Gen 22:1-12; Exod 3:2-6; Judg 13:18-22)
b. The Father and the Spirit never take bodily form (John 1:18).
c. The Angel of the Lord no longer appeared after the Incarnation.

2. As a Man
There are several instances in the Old Testament where Christ takes on the physical form of a man (Gen 18:1-2; Gen 32:24; Josh 5:13).

B. OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES OF CHRIST

There are numerous Old Testament prophecies that were specifically fulfilled in Christ’s first coming (Gen 3:15; Isa 7:14; Mic 5:2; Ps 118:22; Ps 22:1-31; Isa 52:1-15, 53:1-12).

C. THE INCARNATION

1. Jesus voluntarily set aside the rights and privileges of deity and took on the limitations of humanity, often termed the condescension and humiliation of Christ. (Phil 2:5-9; John 1:14; John 6:51; John 17:5; 2 Cor 8:9).

2. This included Christ’s voluntary restriction of the full expression of His divine rights and attributes (Kenosis).

3. This also involved the unique combination of full deity and true humanity in the person of Christ (Hypostatic Union).

D. DEITY

1. Christ Explicitly Claimed to be God (John 1:1, 14; John 8:58-59, 10:30-33; Phil 2:6; Heb 1:3, 8).

2. Christ was called by Divine Names (Matt 1:23; Joel 2:32; Rom 10:13; Isa 9:6-7).

3. Christ has Divine Attributes.

a. Eternal (Mic 5:2; John 8:58; Rev 22:13).
b. All Powerful (Matt 28:18).
c. All Knowing (John 16:30).
d. Unchanging (Heb 13:8).

4. Christ did Divine Works.

a. Creation (John 1:3; Col 1:16).
b. Forgave Sins (Matt 9:2).
c. Raised the Dead (John 11:25).

5. Christ willingly Received Worship (John 5:23; John 20:28; Phil 2:9-11).

6. Jesus is coequal and consubstantial (‘of the same substance’) with the Father and the Spirit (Matt 28:19; Acts 5:28ff.; 2 Cor 13:14; Titus 2:13; 2 Pet 1:1).

E. HUMANITY 

(Sinless)

1. Christ had to be man to fully represent fallen humanity (1 Cor 15:21-22; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 2:17, 10:5-7).

2. He had a Human Birth [virgin] (Isa 7:14; Matt 1:23; Gal 4:4; Matt 1:2-15).

a. Born through the direct action of the Holy Spirit without a human father, in accordance with prophecy (Isa 7:14; Luke 1:35; Matt 1:18).

b. By this divine action, Jesus was born without a sin nature and was thereby the perfect sacrifice and high priest (1 Pet 2:21-22; Heb 4:15; Hab 1:13).

3. He had Human Growth (Luke 2:52; Phil 2:5-8).

4. He had Human Functions & Emotions (John 11:35; John 19:28; Luke 24:39).

5. He had Perfect Humanity (Luke 1:35; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15).

6. He has Eternal Humanity (Luke 24:39; I Tim 2:5; Acts 17:31).

F. THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST

Christ was incapable of sinning, because his deity was not subordinate to the weakness of humanity.  The coequality of His human and divine natures prevented it.

1. The Reality of Christ’s Temptation

a. Temptation does not demand the ability to sin (Luke 4:1-13; Heb 4:15).

b. The purpose of temptation wasn’t to see if Christ could sin, but to show that He could not sin (1 Pet 2:22; 1 John 3:5).

c.  The Holy Spirit initiated Christ to enter the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.  If Jesus could have sinned, then the Holy Spirit solicited Him to sin (Matt 4:1; Jas 1:13; Hab 1:13).

2. The Absence of Potential to Sin

a. Christ only does what the Father does. Therefore to say Christ could sin would demand that God the Father could sin as well (John 5:19).

b. Christ could not sin in eternity past nor eternity future and thus not during His temptation on earth. If it was possible for Christ to sin while on earth, then He could still sin now (Heb 13:8).

c. Christ perfectly knew all the ramifications of sin. Sin depends on ignorance so that people are deceived (John 16:30).

d.  If Jesus were only a man like Adam, He would have had the potential to sin. But because He was 100% God and 100% man and both natures make up One Person, He couldn’t have sinned.

e. The Perfect Human Nature of Christ. Temptation works in humans because it calls on the inner sin nature to respond to the outward temptation. Yet Jesus didn’t possess a sin nature, and so there was nothing within Him to respond to temptation.

G. THE RESURECTION

1. Significance
Our entire salvation is dependent on the resurrection of Christ (Rom 4:25; Rom 10:10; 1 Cor 15:17; I Pet 1:3).

2. Evidence

a. The missing body (Matt 28:6; John 20:6-8).
b. The testimony of the guards (Matt 28:11-12).
c. The eye witnesses (Luke 24:39; Acts 3:15; I Cor 15:6).
d. The Transformation of the disciples (John 18:15-27; Acts 2:1-47).

3. The Work of the Trinity
All three members of the Trinity were involved in the resurrection
(John 10:18; Gal 1:1; Rom 8:11).

H. CHRIST’S GLORIFICAITON

Christ was restored to His former state of full and unrestricted deity (John 17:5; Heb 1:3; Phil 2:9).

I.  THE PRESENT MINISTRY OF CHRIST

1. Christ intercedes for believers (Rom 8:34).
2. Christ helps the believer when tempted (Heb 2:18).
3. Christ is the believer’s mediator (Heb 10:19; 1 Tim 2:5).
4. Christ nourishes and cares for the Church (Eph 5:29).
5. Christ is preparing a place for His children (John 14:2).

A.  A PERSON

1. The Spirit has attributes of personality, such as intellect, emotion and a will (Rom 8:27; 1 Cor 2:10ff; Eph 4:30; Acts 16:6; Heb 10:29).
2. He performs actions according to his personality (John 14:26, 15:26; Acts 8:29, 39; Rom 8:26).
3. Masculine pronouns are always used to refer to the Spirit (John 16:13, 15:26; Rom 8:26).

B.  DEITY

1. The Spirit is explicitly claimed to be God (Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor 3:17).
2. Divine names are used of the Spirit (Isa 48:16, 61:1; Rom 8:9-10; 1 Cor 6:11).
3. The Spirit has divine attributes.

a. Omnipresence (Ps 139:7).
b. Omniscience (1 Cor 2:11).
c. Eternality (Heb 9:14).
d. Truthfulness (1 John 5:7).

4. The Spirit does divine works.

a. Creation (Gen 1:2).
b. Salvation (John 3:5-7).
c. Inspiration (2 Pet 1:21).

5. The Spirit is coequal and consubstantial (‘of the same substance’) with the Father and the Son (Matt 28:19; Acts 28:25ff; 2 Cor 13:14; Heb 10:15-17).

C. THE PAST MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT

1. In Old Testament Saints

a. The Holy Spirit has always been active in the salvation and rebirth of God’s people (John 3:5, 10).
b. The Holy Spirit abided ‘with’ the Old Testament saints, but not ‘in’ (Ezek 36:27; John 7:39, 14:17).
c. Sanctification has always been from God, and never possible by the work of men (Exod 31:13; Lev 20:8; Rom 8:7-8; 1 Cor 1:30-31; Heb 2:11).
d. The Spirit also specially enabled men of God’s choosing for certain acts (Exod 31:2-5; Num 27:18; Judg 3:9-11; 1 Sam 16:13-14).

2. In the Inspiration of Scripture
The Spirit of God guided the apostles and prophets into all truth as they committed to writing God’s revelation, the Bible (2 Pet 1:21; Acts 1:16; 1 Pet 1:10-12).

3. At Pentecost

a. The Spirit was promised by God (Ezek 36:27; Joel 2:28-29; Luke 24:49; John 14:16-17, 15:26; Acts 1:5, 2:33).
b. The Spirit came to initiate and complete the building up of the Church and to testify to the Gospel message (Acts 2:4, 16ff, 5:32; John 14:26, 16:13-15; Eph 2:21-22; Heb 2:1-4; 2 Pet 1:21).
c. The Spirit came to indwell believers as promised (John 14:17; Rom 8:9-11; Jas 4:5).

D. THE PRESENT MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT

1. In Salvation

a. The Holy Spirit draws the believer to God and regenerates him (John 3:5; 2 Thess 2:13; Titus 3:5-6).
b. He incorporates (baptizes) the believer into Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13; Rom 6:4).
c. He seals the believer as a guarantee until redemption (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13, 4:30).
d. The Spirit distributes gifts to believers at time of belief (1 Cor 12:7, 11).

• See Implications for Life – “Spiritual Gifts”

2. In Sanctification

a. He bears fruit in the life of the elect (Gal 5:22-23; 1 Pet 1:2).
b. He gives testimony to the elect of their salvation (Rom 8:16).
c. He teaches spiritual things to the believer (1 Cor 2:12; 1 John 2:27).
d. He can control and guide the believer (Rom 8:14; Gal 5:16; Eph 5:18).
e. He prays for the believer to God (Rom 8:26).

3. In the World
The Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8ff).

A.  CREATED

1. Man was created in the image of God with an intellect, emotion and will, during the course of a literal 24-hour day (Gen 1:1-31).

a. Jesus is called “the image of God” in reference to His divine nature (2 Cor 4:4; Heb 1:2-3).
b. So, in man, “the image” is that which corresponds to God’s divine nature (will, emotion, intellect, self-consciousness, rationality, morality, spirituality) and separates man from animals.
c. “The image of God” (imago dei) remains in man, though corrupted by sin (1 Cor 11:7; Jas 3:9-10).
d. So, the perfecting of our original “image” remains to be done (1 Cor 15:49; 2 Cor 3:18).

2. God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female (Gen. 2:20-22; Matt. 19:4-6).

a. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen. 1:26-27).
b. The rejection of one’s biological sex is thereby a rejection of God’s design and image within that person.

3. Man was created totally free of sin (Gen 2).

4. Mankind’s primary reason for being is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever  (Isa 43:7; Col 1:16).

• See Implications for Life – “Creation”

5. God made woman for man, to be his perfect companion, joined together in marriage, so that mankind would fill the earth, subdue it and rule over it (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:18-25).

6. As image-bearers, all of human life has inestimable value and worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death (Ex. 4:11; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:15).

a. We are therefore called to defend, protect and value all human life (Gen. 9:6; Ps 139:13-16).

B.  FALLEN

1. When tempted by Satan, Adam rebelled against God and disobeyed (Gen 3:12; Ps 14:1-3, 51:5).
2. Adam’s sin resulted in spiritual and physical death (Gen 2:16-17, 3:1-19).
3. Man became inherently corrupt and incapable of pleasing God (Isa 64:6; Rom 3:23, 6:23; 1 Cor 2:14; Eph 2:1-3; 1 Tim 2:13-14).

C.  TOTAL DEPRAVITY

1. Unregenerate man is fundamentally evil to the core of his being. There is no part of us that is left untouched by sin. Our minds, wills and bodies are affected by evil (Eccl 7:20; Jer 17:9; Eph 2:1-3, 4:17-19; Rom 7:14, 7:23).

2. The Scriptures reject the false idea that all people struggle with sin yet are inherently good. From the point of conception all mankind is sinful in every aspect of his being (Rom 3:23; Ps 51:5).

3. Total depravity is not utter depravity. We are not as wicked as we possibly could be (Isa 64:6).

4. Only by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit may we be brought out of this state of spiritual death. It is God who makes us alive as we become His workmanship (Jer 13:23; Rom 8:11; Eph 2:1-10; Titus 3:5; 1 John 1:8-10).

• See Implications for Life – “The Problem of Evil”

D.  FREE WILL

1. Man has a free will in that God has given him the capacity to choose that which he desires (Deut 30:19-20; Matt 11:28; Rom 10:21; John 7:37).

2. No unregenerate human being desires God. Because we can only choose according to our desires, we always choose to sin (Ps 14:1-3; Mark 7:21-23; John 8:34; Rom 8:5-8).

3. Fallen human beings have free will but lack true liberty. The royal liberty of which the Bible speaks is the freedom or power to choose Christ as our own. Until our heart is changed by the Holy Spirit, we have no desire for Christ (John 6:44, 65; Rom 3:11; Jas 1:13-15).

4. For us to choose Christ, God must change our heart.  He gives us a desire for Himself that we otherwise would not have. The unregenerate are never forced against their will. Rather, a person’s will is changed without his/her permission when God transforms the disposition of the heart and plants a desire for Himself within (Prov 5:22; John 6:44, 65; 15:16; Rom 6:20; Eph 2:4-10; 2 Thess 2:13-14; 2 Tim 2:25, 26; Jas 1:18; 1 Pet 1:3).

E. REDEEMABLE

Unlike the rest of God’s created beings (angels and animals) mankind is redeemable from his sin through the death of Christ (Rom 5:8-10, 18; Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).

Salvation is that gracious act of God, where, through the atoning blood (death) of Christ, He redeems and reconciles certain individuals to Himself. Salvation is not on the basis of merit or works (John 1:12, 3:3; Rom 3:24, 8:15, 23; Gal 4:4-7; Eph 1:7, 2:8-10; Col 1:14; Heb 9:15; 1 Pet 1:18-19; 2 Pet 1:4).

A.  REGENERATION

1. Regeneration is that instantaneous work of the Holy Spirit through the truth of the Word of God, which enables persons to believe the Gospel and imparts new life to them (John 1:13, 3:3-8; Rom 10:17; 2 Cor 5:17; Titus 3:5; Jas 1:18; 1 Pet 1:23; 1 John 2:29).

2. Regeneration will result in good works and a transformed life (1 Cor 6:19-20; Eph 2:10).

B.  ELECTION

1. That eternal act of God whereby, solely on the basis of His sovereign will and for the purpose of His glory, He chose certain persons, who had no merit, to be the recipients of His special grace and eternal salvation (Mark 13:27; Rom 8:28-33, 9:6-23; Eph 1:4-11, 2 Thess 2:13).

2. God’s sovereign election is consistent with mankind’s accountability to respond to His calling (Deut 30:19; Matt 11:28; John 6:37, 44; Acts 13:48; Rom 10:21).

C.  SAVING FAITH

Saving faith is that gift of God which brings a person into intimate relationship with Christ (Rom 10:9-10). It is based on God’s grace rather than a person’s works and when genuine has several main aspects (Acts 3:16; Eph 2:8-9p; Phil 1:29; 2 Pet 1:1).  These are not “steps” a person must work through, but are elements that will be present as a total package when there is true saving faith.– Knowledge of the Facts—Faith must be based on the facts of the Gospel found in the Word of God (Rom 10:17; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 2 Tim 3:15).– Assent to this Knowledge—A person must agree that the facts of the Scriptures are true (Heb 11:6).– Repentance—Saving faith includes a turning from sin and turning towards God (Acts 2:38; Acts 20:21; Acts 26:20; 1 Thess 1:9-10; 2 Cor 7:10-11).– Submission to Christ—True saving faith implicitly involves a subjection to the person and will of Christ with a desire and willingness to know, love and obey Him (Rom 10:9; Luke 6:46; John 3:36, 17:3, 20:28; Acts 2:36; Phil 2:9-11; Rev 19:16; Jas 2:1-26).

• See Implications for Life – “Understanding Salvation.”

D. JUSTIFICATION

1. The act of God whereby He declares righteous those who believe in Christ (Rom 3:20, 5:1, 8:33; Phil 3:9).

2. It is apart from any virtue or work (Col 2:14; 1 Pet 3:18).

3. The believer’s sin is imputed to Christ and Christ’s righteousness is imputed to the believer (Col 2:14; 1 Pet 3:18; Rom 4:6; 1 Cor 1:30; 2 Cor 5:21).

E. SANCTIFICATION

1. Position – The act of God, whereby the believer is made positionally holy and perfect through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:32; 1 Cor 1:2, 30, 6:11; Heb 2:11).

2. Process – The Holy Spirit’s ministry of progressively bringing the believer into conformity with the character of Christ, in obedience to the Word of God (John 17:17,19; 2 Cor 3:18; Eph 5:26; Rom 8:29).

3. Perfection – That act of God which occurs when a believer gets to heaven whereby their practice is conformed to their position—perfect and blameless without spot or blemish (Rom 8:23; 1 Cor 15:42-44, 51-53; Phil 3:21; 1 John 3:2).

F.  SECURITY

All of the redeemed are kept eternally secure in Christ by the power of God (John 5:24, 10:27-30; Rom 5:9-10, 8:1, 31-39; Eph 4:30).

G.  ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

The subjective realization by a person that he/she is a child of God is a ministry of the Spirit to every obedient believer (Rom 6:15-22, 8:16; 1 John 1:6, 8, 2:3, 9-10, 15-23, 3:9, 17, 24, 4:7, 13, 20, 5:1, 10).  This requires self-examination and testing (2 Cor 13:5).

A.  DEFINED

1. The church is the body of Christ (Eph 4:14-16).
2. It consists of born again believers of the Church age (Eph 2:11-3:6).
3. It is distinct from Israel (1 Cor 10:32).

a. The Church and Israel have different promises—heavenly vs. earthly (Ezek 36:24; Eph 1:3).
b. The Church and Israel have different births—Pentecost vs. Sinai (Exod 19:1-24, 20:1-26; Acts 2:1-26).
c. The Church and Israel have different nationalities—Heavenly vs. Jewish (Jer 31:31; Phil 3:20).

B. ORGANIZATION

1. CHRIST IS THE HEAD/ultimate authority in the Church (1 Cor 11:3; Eph 1:22).

2. LOCAL ASSEMBLIES are the New Testament pattern (Acts 14:23,27, 20:17, 28; Gal 1:2; Phil 1:1; 1 Thess 1:1, 2; 2 Thess 1:1).

3. LEADERSHIP

Elders – These are a team of biblically qualified men who shepherd, oversee and lead a local body of believers (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).

1) An elder is the same as a pastor, shepherd and overseer (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:2; 1 Tim 5:17).
2) Some elders, who are gifted teachers, are financially supported by the church while others are self-supporting (1 Tim 5:17-18; 1 Cor 9:9-14).
3) Elders are to be the primary examples of leading through serving (Matt 20:26; John 13:14,15; 1 Pet 5:3).
4) Elders are also to give themselves to the training of leaders, to being sent or to training to send others to establish new churches (1 Tim 3:1ff., 4:1-16; 2 Tim 2:2-6, 4:1-4; Titus 1:5ff).

Deacons – These are men who minister in the church in special areas of service (Acts 6:1-15; 1 Tim 3:8-13).

1) Deacons must meet the biblical qualifications and be tested before they are entrusted with deacon responsibilities (1 Tim 3:10).
2) Although deacon work is under the oversight of the elders, deacons are given appropriate authority and responsibility so that they can free up the elders to focus on specific ministry areas (e.g., proto-deacons & the priorities of church leaders as described in Acts 6:2-6).

4. THE CONGREGATION – All believers are commanded to be part of a local assembly of Christians (Heb 10:24-25).

Serve – All believers are called to serve one another in the local body through encouragement, exhortation and exercise of their spiritual gifts. The ministry of each believer is necessary for the full maturity of the church (John 15:13; 1 Cor 12:7; Gal 5:13; Eph 4:15-16; 1 Pet 2:16).

Submit – Believers are commanded by God to submit to the oversight of the elders of their local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor 16:15-16; Heb 13:7, 17; 1 Pet 5:1-3).

• See Implications for Life– “Spiritual Gifts”

C. PRIORITIES OF THE CHURCH

Exalting God – Everything the church does should be an act of worship to God.  This should be seen both in the lives of individual believers as well as in the corporate body (1 Pet 2:5).

Edifying the Saints – Equipping is one of the primary ways to make people like Jesus Christ. This is accomplished as the people in the church invest their lives in one another (Eph 4:11-12; 1 Thess 5:14-15; Titus 2:3-5).

Evangelizing the Lost – At the heart of Christ’s commission to the church is the command to go to the unreached of the world, to win them to Christ and to establish churches (Acts 1:8; Matt 28:19-20).

• See FBC’s Philosophy of Ministry.

D. GIFTS

1. Permanent, edifying gifts—Each believer has been given spiritual gifts in order to edify and build up the body (Eph 4:11-13; 1 Cor 12:7; 1 Pet 4:10-11).

2. Temporary, confirming/sign gifts (Tongues, miracles, etc.)—Gradually ceased as the New Testament was completed (1 Cor 12:1-31, 13:8-10, 14:1-40; 2 Cor 12:12; Heb 2:3-4).

• See Implications for Life– “Spiritual Gifts”

E. ORDINANCES

1. Baptism – By immersion for anyone who confesses faith in Christ (Acts 2:41; 8:36-39; Rom 6:1-11).

2. Lord’s Supper – A remembrance and proclamation of Christ’s death until He comes again (Matt 26:26-30; Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 10:16-17, 11:17-34).

F. CHURCH DISCIPLINE

1. The Plan – God the Father disciplines His children and expects churches and individuals to participate with Him (Heb 12:5-11; Prov 3:11-12; Rev 3:19).

2. The Purpose – The ultimate goal of church discipline is restoration of the sinning individual. It also purifies the church and prevents others from sinning  (Gal 6:1; Matt 18:15; 1 Cor 5:7; 1 Tim 5:20).

3. The Procedure – Church discipline is the process of confronting sin to achieve repentance and restoration. It can be carried out privately between two Christians (Matt 18:15), with two to three witnesses, by the Elders or before the congregation, depending on the severity, kind and length of sin.

• See Implications for Life– “Church Discipline”

G. GIVING

1. Christians are stewards of all their possessions and should contribute financially to the work of the local church (1 Cor 4:1-2; Luke 16:11).
2. Giving Principles.

a. Give to God (Matt 6:1).
b. Give sacrificially (Luke 21:1-4).
c. Give thoughtfully (1 Cor 16:2).
d. Give cheerfully (2 Cor 9:7).
e. Give proportionally (1 Cor 16:2).
f. Give regularly (1 Cor 16:2).

“Church Discipline” is a term that has been used to describe the corporate body’s loving involvement in the personal lives of professing believers who are struggling with sin. Church discipline is always to be done with an attitude of deep humility and gentleness with the express goal of repentance and restoration.

Though church discipline most often occurs on a private level between two believers, the elders in a local church have the responsibility and authority to ensure that the biblical guidelines are followed in all such matters. Prayer and the person and work of the Holy Spirit are crucial in the church discipline process. It is only through His working that anyone will turn from their sin, which is the ultimate goal of church discipline.

WHAT OFFENSES ARE WORTHY OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE?

1. Matters of personal conduct & lifestyle

• Lying to and testing the Holy Spirit, hypocrisy (Acts 5:1-11).
• Sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness, swindling
(1 Cor 5:1-13).
• Idleness, busybodies (1 Thess 5:14, 2 Thess 3:6, 11-13).

2. Unresolved interpersonal issues (Matt 18:17).
3. Matters of church conduct

• Divisiveness, upsetting the faith of some (Rom 16:17-18, Titus 3:9-11).
• Hypocrisy, leading others astray (Gal 2:11-14).
• False teaching (Titus 1:10-16, Rev 2:14-16, 2 John 9-11).
• Insubordination (Titus 1:10-11, 16).
• Blasphemy (1 Tim 1:20).

4. Matters of belief, doctrine (Jas 5:19-20, Rev 2:2, 20).

• See FBC’s Essential Truths for a list of vital doctrines.

5. Sin in general: disobedience to Scripture (Gal 6:1-2, 2 Thess 3:6, 11-15, Jas 5:19-20).

WHAT IS THE GENERAL PROCESS OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE?

Church discipline involves the corporate body seeking the repentance & restoration of a professing believer.  Matt 18:15-17 gives the general principles for the process.

STEP 1 = Confront the sinning brother/sister privately. (v.15)

• This is to be carried out by the person who is aware of the sin. There is no need for anyone else to know.
• Publicity and gossip at this point only creates unnecessary anger and bitterness, especially if it really is not a case of sin, but rather a simple misunderstanding.

STEP 2 = Confront the sinning brother/sister with one or two witnesses. (v.16)

• Assemble your efforts with those who will be witnessing the action (with one or two witnesses).  Involve that person’s ministry leader. Establish the facts to confirm the truth of the accusation.

• The purpose of the witnesses is to:

(1) help protect everyone from misunderstanding, misquotation, further sin, etc.,
(2) verify the sin so that there is no unjust accusations,
(3) create necessary support and basis for further action, and
(4) obey the Lord.

STEP 3 = Have the whole church call the sinning brother/sister to repent. (v.17)

• This step is initiated and determined by the eldership of the church.
• The person and his/her offense will be publicly reported to the body for the purpose of mobilizing those that know him/her towards restoration. This information is not to be gossiped about, but used to pursue and pray for him/her.
• Those who know the sinning brother/sister must make every effort to call them to turn from their sin, to Christ in obedience.
• Those who don’t know him/her must pray for God to change his/her heart.

STEP 4 = Ostracize the unrepentant from fellowship and worship. (v.17)

• This decision is also determined by the elders of the church.
• At this point, the person is no longer welcome at any of the activities of the local church, and will be asked by a ministry leader to leave if he/she shows up.
• The congregation is to have little interaction with the person – basically they are to shun the professing brother/sister in sin except to confront them on their sin. They are not to fellowship with them in any way, but rather should pray for and exhort them to repent, and seek restoration to the church through the eldership.
• Though removed from our fellowship, we should still desire and pray that there would be repentance and restoration.

WHAT CONCLUDES THE CHURCH DISCIPLINE PROCESS?

Things that will not stop church discipline:

• • • Stopping church attendance (Heb 10:24-25).
    • Ending/withdrawing membership.
    • Filing lawsuits (1 Cor 6:1-9).

There are only two actions that will terminate church discipline:

1)  Repentance, as described in Matt 18:15-17 and 2 Cor 7:10-11.
2)  Realization and profession by that person that Christ is not their Savior, and they are not a Christian.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO CHURCH DISCIPLINE?

The primary benefit of church discipline is that it’s the God-ordained process for the restoration of sinning brother (Gal. 6:1-2).

Additionally:

• • • The Church maintains internal purity of doctrine and character
      (1 Cor 5:6-13).
    • Within the church, God places a greater fear of sin (1 Tim 5:17).
    • Outside the church, a purer testimony is maintained with the surrounding unsaved community (1 Pet 2:12).

HOW IS CHURCH DISCIPLINE AND RESTORATION TO BE PRACTICED?

Again, the primary goal in any church discipline is to “turn him back” (Jas 5:19-20) and bring the person to repentance so that he/she can be restored to the body. The kind, length and severity of the discipline depends on the nature and circumstances of the sin.

EXAMPLE  1

Sin: A momentary, uncharacteristic lapse into sin where there is genuine grief and repentance.
Response: Private reproving that results in gentle restoration at the point of repentance.
Gal 6:1  Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you to be tempted.

EXAMPLE  2

Sin: More blatant sin (willful disobedience) or over a longer duration, or unclear repentance.
Response:

1. Reprove in private… if no repentance proceed with step two (Matt 18:15).
2. Bring along a witness… if no repentance proceed with step three (Matt 18:16).
3. Tell it to the church… if no repentance proceed with step four (Matt 18:17).
4. Separate the person from the fellowship of the body (Matt 18:17).
5. Forgiveness, comfort, & love when repentance is demonstrated (2 Cor 2:6-8).
6. Restoration to appropriate ministry after a significant pattern of obedience has been established (Luke 16:10).

EXAMPLES  3

Sin: Severe sin on a long-term basis, and no repentance.
Response:

1. Judgment (1 Cor 5:3).
2. Corporate grief (1 Cor 5:1-2).
3. Expulsion from fellowship (Matt 18:17; Rom 16:17, 1 Cor 5:2, 11-13, 2 Thess 3:6, 11-15, Titus 3:10-11, 2 John 9-11).
4. In some instances, delivering to Satan to do what he wants in their life (1 Cor 5:4-5; 1 Tim 1:20).
5. Forgiveness, comfort, & love when repentance is demonstrated (2 Cor 2:6-8).
6. Restoration to appropriate ministry after a significant pattern of obedience has been established (Luke 16:10).

OTHER EXAMPLES

Sin: e.g., divisiveness, sin by an elder
Response: the process of discipline can vary, according to Scripture

1 Timothy 5:19-20  Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all.

Titus 3:10-11 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

1. Believers should be hesitant before suing.

Prov 25:8-10  Do not go out hastily to argue your case.
Rom 12:18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

2. If at all possible, believers should seek to settle out of court.

Matt 5:25  Make friends with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way…

3. Believers should pursue a selfless attitude as much as possible.

Matt 5:40  If anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.

B. “CHRISTIAN” LAWSUITS

1. Christians must not sue or go to court against a fellow believer (1 Cor 6:1-7).
2. Believers will judge the world and angels, and should able to judge the affairs of this life (vv. 2-3).
3. Unbelievers judging between Christians brings shame to the church
(vv. 4-6).
4. It is better to be wronged and defrauded than to sin by going to court against a believer.

1 Cor 6:1, 7  Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? … Actually then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another.  Why not rather be wronged?  Why not rather be defrauded?

A. GOD IS THE CREATOR & SUSTAINER

1. The universe came into existence because God created it.

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Col 1:17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

2. It continues to exist by the Word of His power.

Heb 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;

B. THE GENESIS ACCOUNT 

1. The early chapters of Genesis are the factual, complete and accurate description of creation.
2. The word “day” (yom) as used in the Genesis account means a literal twenty-four hour period of time.

Gen 1:5 And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

3. When yom is used with the numerical adjective, it always means a 24-hour day.
4. When yom is united with the phrase “morning & evening” (over 100 times in the Old Testament), it always means a 24-hour day.
5. If Gen 1 is not a literal 7-day creation account, then death would have entered the world prior to sin.  This is contrary to Rom 5:12.

The ultimate goal of both the church and the Christian home is the glory of God. Specifically, the goal of the family is to: (1) reach children for Christ; and (2) equip them so that they may become mature Christian adults (“complete in Christ”). (For more on this, please refer to FBC’s philosophy of ministry.)

A.  IN THE HOME

1. The family is the God-designed, natural place for training to occur.

Deut 6:4-9 ~ Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

a. The primary responsibility for spiritual instruction has been given by God to fathers.  Fathers must not surrender this responsibility to their wives, another adult, or to any organization (church, Christian school, etc.).

Eph 6:4 ~ And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

b. Mothers are equally important as they share the labors alongside fathers in the administration of his great task.

2. The Man’s Role in the home is to provide headship and leadership for the family.

Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.

a. He must love his wife by sensitively communicating with her, protecting her purity and encouraging her spiritual growth.

Eph 5:28-29  So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;  for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church.
1 Pet 3:7  You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow-heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

b. He should provide for the tangible needs of his household.

1 Tim 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

c. He should train his children to be faithful followers of Christ.

Deut 6:5-6 And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.
Eph 6:4  And fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

3. THE WOMAN’S ROLE in the home is to be a helper for her husband.

Gen 2:20-23 …a helper suitable for him…

a. Although equal with men as far as identity and person, women have a distinct and different role.

1) The Scriptures teach that women are equally created in God’s image.

Gen 1:27  …in the image of God He created them;  male and female He created them.

2) In relation to salvation and standing in Christ, women are equal with men.

Gal 3:28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

b. Scripture indicates that the primary responsibility for women is within the family.

1 Tim 5:14  Therefore I want younger widows  to get married, bear children, keep house…
Titus 2:4-5  That they may encourage the younger women… to be workers at home.

1) God has also sovereignly allowed singles and women without children to have a unique freedom for other ministry, cf. 1 Cor 7:33-34.

c. Within the marriage, the woman is called to lovingly submit to her husband. This is not blind obedience, but rather loving service, cooperation and prayer, united with volitional submission to the husband’s God-ordained role as leader and head. She is to mirror the church’s joyful and voluntary submission to Christ.

Eph 5:22  Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
1 Cor 11:3 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.

d. Raising children is the primary means by which women can have an influence for the kingdom of God.

1 Tim 2:15  But women shall be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
Titus 2:4 & 5 That they may encourage the younger women… to love their children…. to be workers at home.

B.  IN THE CHURCH

Since the local church is a community of believers with a variety of gifts, this necessary vehicle for spiritual growth must be accessed by parents in the training of their children.

1. The Christian family is a part of the local church and cannot fulfill its God-given design without being actively involved in one.

a. The church is to equip and encourage families.

Col 1:28-29 ~ And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.
Eph 4:11-13, 16 ~ And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ… from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

b. Individuals are to submit to elders.

Heb 13:17 ~ Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

c. Believers are to minister their gifts.

1 Pet 4:10 ~ As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Cor 12:7 ~ But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

2. In the local assembly, God has given both authority (the right and power to command) and responsibility (the obligation to command) to elders (Acts 20:28-34). Within the family, authority and responsibility has been given to fathers (1 Cor 11:3-16; Eph 6:4).

a. Fathers are to be under the authority of the elders while having God-given authority to parent their children. These will not be in conflict with each other so long as the principles of the Word of God are upheld. Preferences can be determined individually.

b. Fathers are primarily responsible for the spiritual welfare of their own children and this training must occur in the context of the local church.

3. THE MEN’S ROLE in the church is to serve as the leaders, both in serving and teaching, of the local church.

1 Tim 3:1-13 It is a trustworthy statement; if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.  An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife…Deacons likewise must be men of dignity…

a. Men are to be noted for prayer in the church.

1 Tim 2:8  Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

b. Older men are to be wise and dignified examples to the younger men and the rest of the congregation.

Titus 2:2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

c. Younger men are to be wise examples of good deeds, with purity in doctrine and speech.

Titus 2:6-8 Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

4. THE WOMEN’S ROLE in the church is to utilize their spiritual giftedness in ministry to the Body.

1 Cor 12:7  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

a. One of the primary avenues of ministry is for older women in the church to teach younger women.

Titus 2:3-5  Older women…teaching what is good, that they may encourage the younger women…

b. The Scriptures teach that women are not to teach or exercise authority over men in the church.

1 Tim 2:12  But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.
1 Cor 14:34  Let the women keep silent in the churches…

In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed gay marriage to be legal nationwide. The Bible teaches something different entirely.

A. GOD’S DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE

1. God’s design in creation was for a man to be married to a woman, for life.

Gen 1:27  Male and female He created them.
Gen 2:24  For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife…

2. Biblically, the term “marriage” is always understood to mean the uniting of one man with one woman, by covenant and consummation, in a single and exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture.

Genesis 2:18-25 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” … The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. … For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.

3. Sexual intimacy is intended by God to only occur and be experienced between a man and a woman who are married to one another.

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.
1 Corinthians 7:2–5 …each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband. The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

• For more on marriage, see Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage below.

B. GOD’S VIEW OF HOMOSEXUALITY

1. The Scriptures unequivocally condemn homosexual behavior in the Old and New Testaments.

Lev. 20:13 If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
1 Cor. 6:9–10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, not idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals… shall inherit the kingdom of God.

2. This is not a response to cultural factors, but an expression of God’s attitude towards behavior that is opposed to His original design.

Lev 18:22  You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.
Rom 1:26-27  God gave them over to degrading passions… men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
1 Cor 6:9  Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, not idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals… shall inherit the kingdom of God.

3. The Scriptures consistently present homosexuality as sinful behavior that is in opposition to God’s plan for men, women and marriage.

1 Cor. 6:9–10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, not idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals… shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Tim. 1:9–10 the law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching

4. Likewise, any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, transgender orientation and/or identity, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is equally sinful and offensive to God. Any and all intimate sexual activity is sinfully contrary to the revealed will of God in Scripture when it occurs outside of God’s design for marriage.

Mark 7:20–23 That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.
Matt. 19:4 And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE?
Rom. 1:24-32 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
1 Cor. 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

C. GOD’S LOVE FOR HOMOSEXUALS 

1. As sinners against God, we all deserve His immediate condemnation and full wrath. In His great love, God does not treat any of us as we deserve.

Ps. 103:10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Isa. 48:9 For the sake of My name I delay My wrath.

2. God desires for all people to repent and be saved, including homosexuals. He offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

2 Pet. 3:9 The Lord… is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Rom. 10:9-10 if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;
1 Cor 6:9-11  Do not be deceived; neither fornicators…nor homosexuals… shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of God.

3. Just as with any other sinner saved by grace, Christ’s cleansing is sufficient to enable a person to begin a new life.

1 Cor 10:13  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.
Rom. 6:11-14 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

4. Since every person is created by God and an image-bearer of Him, and our salvation is not by our work or due to any inherent worth in us, Christians are to treat ALL people with compassion, love, kindness, respect and dignity.

a. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated, and are not in accord with Scripture or the truths delineated in ‘What We Teach.’

Lk. 6:31-32 Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
Gal. 5:31 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

A. GENERAL TEACHING

1. The Scriptures imply that life begins at conception.

Ps 139:13-16  Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in the book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.

Jer 1:5  Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.

2. The Scriptures indicate that all children are a gift from the Lord (Not just those that are “wanted” or physically perfect).

Ps 127:3  Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.

Exod 4:11  And the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?

3. In light of the above statements a biblical conclusion is that abortion is murder.

Jas 2:11 …(if you) commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

B. SPECIFIC TEACHING

The Hebrew word translated “miscarriage” in this verse usually refers in the Old Testament to a live birth. Thus, there was a fine for a premature live birth, but the death penalty was invoked for “further injury”, which was the death of the prematurely-born baby.

Ex 21:22-25  And if men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she has a miscarriage, yet there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined…. But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty, life for life.