| I.II.
II. IV. V. VI. VII. |
THE SCRIPTURESTHE TRUE GOD
THE FALL OF MAN GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE THE WAY OF SALVATION OF REGENERATION OF REPENTANCE |
VIII.IX.
X. XI. XII. XIII. |
OF FAITHOF JUSTIFICATION
OF ADOPTION THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL A GOSPEL CHURCH |
XIV.XV.
XVI. XVII. XVIII. XIX. |
CHRISTIAN BAPTISMTHE LORD’S SUPPER
THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH CIVIL GOVERNMENT RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED THE WORLD TO COME |
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and options should be tried.
“All scriptures are given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17); 2 Peter 1:2; 2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16, 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-331; Psalms 119:3; Romans 3:1-2.
“Every word of God is pure. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6; John 117:17; Revelation 22:18, 19; Romans 3:4. “As many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law.” John 12:47, 48; 1 Corinthians 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16, 12:47, 48.
We believe the scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, and infinite intelligent spirit, whose name is Yahweh, the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
“God is a spirit.” John 4:24. “His understanding is infinite.” Psalms 147:5. “Thou whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most over all the earth.” Psalms 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10. “Who is like unto thee – glorious in holiness? Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15, 16; Revelation 4:6-8.
Thou shalt love the lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” Mark 12:30. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power.” Revelation 4:11; Matthew 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13. “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7.
We believe the scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of his maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of god, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
“God created man in His own image” Genesis 1:27. “and God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:3-31; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Acts 17:26; Genesis 2:16. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat.” Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 5:12.
“By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners.” Romans 5:19; John 3:6; Psalms 51:5; Romans 5:15-19; 8:7. “We have turned, every one to his own way.” Isaiah 53:6; Genesis 6:12; Romans 3:9-18. “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath even as others.” Ephesians 2:3; Romans 1:18, 1:32, 2:2-16; Galatians 3:10; Matthew 20:15. “The soul that sinneth it shall die.” Ezekiel 18l19m 20, “So that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20. “That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God.” Romans 3:19; Galatians 3:22.
We believe the scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates sanctifies and saves sinners, that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in god, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to as certain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.
“But be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, According to the power of God; who hath saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” 2 Timothy 1:8, 9.
“But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethrens beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth; where unto he called you by our gospel, to obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.
“Therefore I endure all things for the elects’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Corinthians 9:22; Romans 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; 2 Peter 1:10. “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4, “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 8:30; Isaiah 42:16; Romans 11:29.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who according to the will of the father, assumed our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderness sympathies with divine perfections, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient savior.
“By grace ye are saved.” Ephesians 2:5; Matthew 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; Acts 15:11. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16; 1:11-14; Hebrews 4:14; 12:24.
Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:6, 7; Hebrews 2:9; 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4, 5. “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that comes unto God by him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25, “for in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 7:26.
We believe the Scriptures teach that regeneration, of the new birth, is that change wrought in the soul by the Holy Spirit, by which a new nature and a spiritual life, not before possessed, are imparted, and the person becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus; a holy disposition is given to the mind, the will subdued, the dominion of sin broken, and the affection changed from a love of sin and self, to a love of holiness and God; the change is instantaneous, effected solely by the power of God, in a manner incomprehensible to reason; the evidence of it is found in a changed disposition of mind, the fruits of righteousness, and a newness of life and without it salvation is impossible.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3, “that’s which is born of the flesh is flesh; that which is born of the spirit is spirit.” John 3:6. “Born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God.” Peter 1:23. “Of His own will begat he us, with the word of truth.’ James 1:18. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him.” 1 John 2:29. “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created n righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24. “And you being dead in your sins, and the uncircumcised of your flesh, hath he quickened together with Him.” Colossians 2:13. “But yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from His death.” Romans 6:13. “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13. “Which was born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:13. “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.” 1 Corinthians 6:11.
We believe the scriptures teach that repentance is a personal act, prompted by the spirit; and consists in a godly sorrow for sin, as offensive to God and ruinous to the soul; that it is accompanied with great humiliation in view of one’s sin and guilt, together with prayer for pardon; also by sincere hatred of sin, and persistent turning away from, and abandonment of, all that is evil and unholy. Since none are sinless in this life, repentance needs to be often repeated. “In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the Wilderness of Judea, and saying, repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:1, 2.
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17. “Saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is At hand: repent ye and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15. “Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” Acts 3:19. “The times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now He commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30. “Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21. “Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of.” 2 Corinthians 7:10. “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem,” Luke 24:47. “Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a prince and a savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.” Acts 5:31.
“But thou, after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasures up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.” Romans 2:5. “Let the wicked forsake His way, and the unrighteous men His thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7.
We believe the faith, as an evangelical grace wrought by the spirit, is the medium through which Christ is received by the soul as it’s sacrifice and savior.. It is an assent of the mind and a consent of the heart, consisting mainly of belief and trust; the testimony of God is implicitly accepted and believed as true, while Christ is unreservedly trusted for salvation; by it the believer is brought into vital relations with god, freely justified, and lives as seeing him who is invisible. Faith cannot save, but it reveals Christ to the soul as a willing and sufficient savior, and commits the heart and life to him.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Acts 16:31. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, to every one that believeth.” Romans 10:4. “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 5:1. “Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.
“But without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from Faith to faith; as it is written, the just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17. “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham Believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness.” James 2:23. “Blessed is the man who trusteth in the Lord, and whose Hope the Lord is.” Jeremiah 17:7.
“They that trust in the lord, shall be as mount Zion Which cannot be removed, but abideth forever.” Psalms 125:1. “The Lord redeemeth the soul of His servants, and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate.” Psalms 34:22. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7. “Even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all, and upon all them that believe.” Romans 3:22. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10.
We believe the Scriptures teaches that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us to God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing need for time and eternity.
“Of his fullness have all we received.” John 1:16; Ephesians 3:8. “by him all that believe are justified from all things.” Acts 13:39; Isaiah 3:11, 12; Romans 8:1. “Being justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:9; Zechariah 13:1; Matthew 9:6; Acts 10:43.
“Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1, 2; Romans 5:3; 5:11; 1 Corinthians 1:30, 31; Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 4:8.
We believe the scriptures teach that adoption is a gracious act, by which the father, for the sake of Christ, accepts believers to the estate and condition of children, by a new and spiritual birth; sending the spirit of adoption into their hearts, whereby they become members of the family of God, and entitled to all the rights, privileges and promises of children; and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint- heirs with Jesus Christ, to the heritage of the saints of earth, and an inheritance reserved in heaven for them.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God.” Romans 8:14. “But ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15. “The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:16. “For ye are the children of God, by faith in Jesus Christ.” Galatians 3:26, “and because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the spirit of His son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6. “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son: and if a son, then and heir of God through Jesus Christ.” Galatians 4:7. “Having fore ordained us unto the adoption of children, through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:5.
“Behold what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1, “to redeem them that are under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Galatians 4:5. “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons.” Hebrews 12:7, “but ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people: that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9.
We believe the Scriptures teach that such as are truly regenerate, being born of the spirit, will not utterly fall away and finally perish, but will endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of god through faith unto salvation.
“And this is the father’s will that hath sent me, that of All which He hath given me, I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day.” John 6:39. “Then said Jesus, if ye continue in my word, then are ye My disciples indeed” John 8:31; 1 John 2:27, 28; 3:9; 5:18. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out that it might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:19; John 18:18; Matthew 13:20, 21; John 6:66-69.
“And we know all things work together for good unto them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:30-33. “He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6; 2:12, 13; Jude 24, 25; Hebrews 1:14; 13:5; 1 John 4:4.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability which the scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their sinful nature; to deliver them from which, and to restore them from a mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.
“Do we make void the law through faith: God forbid. Yea, we establish the law.” Romans 3:31; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17; Romans 3:20; 4:15. “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just and good.” Romans 7:12; Romans 7:7; 14:22; Galatians 3:21; Psalms 119, “the carnal mind is enmity against god; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7, 8.
“For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh that righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.” Romans 8:2, 4; Romans 10:4; 1Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 8:10.
We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church Of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His word; that its only scriptural officers are bishops or pastors, and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the epistles to Timothy and Titus.
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41; Acts 5:11; 8:1; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Timothy 3:5. “They first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” 2 Corinthians 8:5; Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 5:11, 18.
“Now I praise you brethren, that ye remember me in all Things, and keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you.” 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:7; Romans 16:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23; Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:5. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:20; John 14:15; 15:10; 1 John 4:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:2; 2 John 6. “With the bishops and deacons.” Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23; 115:22; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism Is the immersion in water of a believer in Christ, into the Name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that It is a perquisites to the privileges of a church relation, and to the Lord’s supper.
“And the eunuch said, see, here is water; what doth Hinder me to be baptized? And Phillip said, if thou believest with all thy heart thy mayest and they went down into the water, both Phillip and the Eunuch, and he baptized him.” Acts 8:36-39; Matthew 3:5, 6; John 3:22, 23; 4:1, 2; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8.
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4; Col 2:12; 1 Peter 3:20, 21; Acts 22:16.
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized, and there were added to them, the same day, about three thousand souls. And they continued stead fast in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:41, 42; Matthew 28:19, 20.
We believe the scriptures teach that the Lord’s supper is a provision of bread and wine. As symbols of Christ’s body and blood, it is partaken of by the members of the church, in commemoration of the suffering and death of their Lord; showing their faith and participation in the merits of His sacrifice, and their hope of eternal life, through His resurrection from the dead; its observance to be preceded by faithful self-examination.
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and break it, and Gave unto them, saying, this is my body, which is given for You; this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:19, 20; Mark 14:20-26; Matthew 26:27-30; 1 Corinthians 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 10:16.
“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, Ye do show the Lord’s death until he comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26; Matthew 28:20. “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28; Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7, 11. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers.” Acts 2:42
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s day; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor, except works of mercy and necessity, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.
“In the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them.” Acts 20:7; Genesis 2:3; Colossians 2:16; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8. “I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day.” Revelation 1:10; Psalms 118:24.
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob.. ” Isaiah 58:13, 14; Isaiah 56:2-8.
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed, except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the prince of the kings of the earth. But that civil rulers have no rights of control over, or of interference with, religious matters.
“The powers that be are ordained of God. For rulers are not terror to good works, but to the evil.” Romans 13:1-7. “Be subject to every ordinance of man, for the Lord’s sake.” 1 Peter 2:13. “Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God, the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Timothy 2:1-8.
We ought to obey God rather than man.” Acts 5:29. “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.” Matthew 10:28; Daniel 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:118-20. “Ye have one master, even Christ. Matthew 23:10. “Who art thou that Judgest another man’s servant? Romans 14:4. “And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” Revelation 19:16; Psalm 72:11; Psalm 2; Romans 14:9-13.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. That such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem, while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are, in his sight, wicked and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in this life and after death.
“Ye shall discern between the righteous and the wicked; between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” Malachi 3:18; Proverb 12:26; Isaiah 5:20; Genesis 18:23; Jeremiah 15:19; Acts 10:34, 35; Romans 6:16. “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17. “If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that everyone that doeth righteousness is born of him.” 1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:7; Romans 6:18, 22; 1 Corinthians 11:32. “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19.
“As many as are of the works of the law, are under the Curse.” Galatians 3:10; John 3:36; Isaiah 57:21; Psalm 10:4; Isaiah 55:6, 7. “The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but the Righteousness hath hope in his death.” Proverbs 14:32. “Thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou are tormented.” Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; Luke 12:4, 5; 11:23-26; Matthew 7:13, 14.
We believe the scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless sorrow, and the righteous to endless joy; and this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.
“But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Hebrew 1:110-12; Matthew 24:35; 1 John 2:17; Matthew 28:20. “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner, as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7; Hebrew 9:28; Acts 3:21. “There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” Acts 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:12-58; Luke 14:14; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28, 29; 6:40; 11:25, 26; 2 Timothy 1:10; Acts 10:42.
“The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just.” Matthew 13:49; 13:37-43; 24:30, 31. “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal…” Matthew 25:35-46, the that is unjust let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous let him be righteous still; and he that is holy let him be Holy still.” Revelation 22:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Mark 9:43-48; Peter 2:9.
“Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them who trouble you, and to you who are troubled, rest with us when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe.” 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12; Hebrews 6:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 4:5. “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, What manner of persons ought ye be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the Coming of the day of God? 2 Peter 3:11, 12.
