The Holy Scriptures are our total and final rule of faith and conduct. In them alone we base our faith in God. Consequently, the biblical truths that are part of our creed have been extracted from the Bible. These truths are fundamental in our faith and Christian fellowship, and we consider them essential for an integral and serious Christian ministry.
In this statement, we cannot express all the teachings that the Holy Scriptures give us. But we accept and present these principles of faith on which we biblically base our Christian fellowship, in accordance with divine revelation. Therefore, we believe in:
The total and full Divine inspiration in the Holy Scriptures
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21; Luke 16:17)
We believe in the total and full Divine inspiration of each writer of the Holy Scriptures. In a dynamic way, that is to say, that God did not eliminate the participation of the hagiographer's intellect and style in the communication of the sacred truth.
We believe in the total and full Divine inspiration of each writer of the Holy Scriptures. In a dynamic way, that is to say, that God did not eliminate the participation of the hagiographer's intellect and style in the communication of the sacred truth.
The perfectly sovereign, unique, and true God
(Genesis 35:11; Exodus 3:14; 6:10; Deuteronomy 4:35; 6:4; Isaiah 44:6; Jude 1:4 and 25)
The perfectly sovereign, unique, and true God has revealed Himself as the Almighty Creator of the Universe. He is the Great I Am. He is Eternal and presents Himself as ONE.
In the Holy Scriptures, it is clearly observed the revelation of the One God revealed as: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These persons constitute the one and only God, one Deity. Namely, the Father generates, the Son redeems, and collaborates in perfect harmony with the Father, and the Holy Spirit executes the work of the Deity. We accept that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but we do not establish that there are three gods, but one God self-revealed in three consubstantial persons.
The perfectly sovereign, unique, and true God has revealed Himself as the Almighty Creator of the Universe. He is the Great I Am. He is Eternal and presents Himself as ONE.
In the Holy Scriptures, it is clearly observed the revelation of the One God revealed as: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These persons constitute the one and only God, one Deity. Namely, the Father generates, the Son redeems, and collaborates in perfect harmony with the Father, and the Holy Spirit executes the work of the Deity. We accept that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but we do not establish that there are three gods, but one God self-revealed in three consubstantial persons.
The Deity of God
(Genesis 17:1; John 4:24; 1 John 5:7-8; Revelation 1:8)
The grand and majestic Deity of God is singular and unique. Without ignoring that in the Holy Scriptures, God has revealed Himself to man in three distinguishable persons in functions with perfect and indivisible harmony and singularity. Historically, the Christian church adopted the term Trinity for a better understanding of its knowledge about the Deity of God. When we speak of the Trinity, we are referring to the revelation of God in the Scriptures as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this formidable revelation of His Deity, each person eternally possesses all the infinite attributes of God. The Only Almighty and Eternal One possesses thought, will, and feeling.
The grand and majestic Deity of God is singular and unique. Without ignoring that in the Holy Scriptures, God has revealed Himself to man in three distinguishable persons in functions with perfect and indivisible harmony and singularity. Historically, the Christian church adopted the term Trinity for a better understanding of its knowledge about the Deity of God. When we speak of the Trinity, we are referring to the revelation of God in the Scriptures as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this formidable revelation of His Deity, each person eternally possesses all the infinite attributes of God. The Only Almighty and Eternal One possesses thought, will, and feeling.
Cooperation in the Deity
God, who has revealed Himself in three persons, shows His perfection in the singular harmonious execution of the Deity. God the Father creates everything by His decree. God the Son is the Word of the Father, and the action that the Word declares is executed by God the Holy Spirit.
In the soteriological economy, God the Father loves, knows, chooses, and sends God the Son. God the Son comes and, in vicarious sacrifice on the cross, achieves the reconciliation of man with God the Father. God the Holy Spirit convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates the believer and dwells in the reconciled, making the eternal salvation in man a reality. Although the salvific functions executed by God can be distinguished, His salvific actions are carried out with unbreakable and indivisible cohesion and communion.
In the soteriological economy, God the Father loves, knows, chooses, and sends God the Son. God the Son comes and, in vicarious sacrifice on the cross, achieves the reconciliation of man with God the Father. God the Holy Spirit convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates the believer and dwells in the reconciled, making the eternal salvation in man a reality. Although the salvific functions executed by God can be distinguished, His salvific actions are carried out with unbreakable and indivisible cohesion and communion.
Preexistence of Christ
(Genesis 3:15; Psalms 2:7; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; John 1:1-4; 14:9; Romans 1:3-6; Philippians 2:6-11)Genesis 3:15; Salmos 2:7; Isaías 7:14; 9:6; Juan 1:1-4; 14:9; Romanos 1:3-6; Fil. 2:6-11)
We believe that Jesus Christ is God Himself in essence and with all attributes. We believe that He is God the Son not only because of the incarnation or His relationship in the economy of redemption, but because He is from eternity. Thus, denying that the Son is real and eternal is a denial of the Deity of God.
We believe that Jesus Christ is God Himself in essence and with all attributes. We believe that He is God the Son not only because of the incarnation or His relationship in the economy of redemption, but because He is from eternity. Thus, denying that the Son is real and eternal is a denial of the Deity of God.
The Incarnation of Jesus Christ
(Luke 1:31-35; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:1)
The Holy Scriptures, specifically in the New Testament, record the incarnation of the Son in Jesus of Nazareth. The same Scripture affirms that the miracle of the Incarnation was the work and power of the Holy Spirit. Mary, being a virgin, conceived Jesus the Savior by the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is Emmanuel, which means God with us. God made flesh.
The Holy Scriptures, specifically in the New Testament, record the incarnation of the Son in Jesus of Nazareth. The same Scripture affirms that the miracle of the Incarnation was the work and power of the Holy Spirit. Mary, being a virgin, conceived Jesus the Savior by the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is Emmanuel, which means God with us. God made flesh.
Exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord
(Psalms 2:6-9; Isaiah 9:7; Ephesians 1:20-23; Philippians 2:9; 1 Peter 4:11; Jude 1:25)
God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, having given Himself in vicarious sacrifice on the cross to redeem the chosen with His blood, rose on the third day according to the Scriptures. After 40 days of showing Himself resurrected, He ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father on high. Everything is subject to Him: creation, angels, powers, and principalities. Thus, He is Lord and Christ.
Everything has been given by the Father to the Son: judgment, glory, and honor. Therefore, submission to the lordship of the Son is total and inevitable. Both the redeemed and the unredeemed will confess and declare that Jesus Christ is Lord. In the redeemed, there is an ineffable joy through the work of the Holy Spirit, making it possible to give the Lord all worship, honor, praise, and glory contained in all His divine names and titles. Thus, being in submission to His Lordship.
God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, having given Himself in vicarious sacrifice on the cross to redeem the chosen with His blood, rose on the third day according to the Scriptures. After 40 days of showing Himself resurrected, He ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father on high. Everything is subject to Him: creation, angels, powers, and principalities. Thus, He is Lord and Christ.
Everything has been given by the Father to the Son: judgment, glory, and honor. Therefore, submission to the lordship of the Son is total and inevitable. Both the redeemed and the unredeemed will confess and declare that Jesus Christ is Lord. In the redeemed, there is an ineffable joy through the work of the Holy Spirit, making it possible to give the Lord all worship, honor, praise, and glory contained in all His divine names and titles. Thus, being in submission to His Lordship.
The Fall of Man and Redemption
(Genesis 3:6-19; Romans 1:18-32; 3:9-18 and 23)
Man was created in the image and likeness of God. Through sin, man dies spiritually, becoming totally depraved, lost, and devoid of the glory of God. God had decreed to save him only by unmerited grace, by granting him faith so he could believe and trust in the vicarious sacrifice of the Son on the cross, who paid the high price for our redemption.
Man was created in the image and likeness of God. Through sin, man dies spiritually, becoming totally depraved, lost, and devoid of the glory of God. God had decreed to save him only by unmerited grace, by granting him faith so he could believe and trust in the vicarious sacrifice of the Son on the cross, who paid the high price for our redemption.
The Salvation of Man
(Psalms 80:3; Isaiah 45:22; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:4-10)
Man is saved only by the unmerited and irresistible grace of God, not by any work man could do. We do not believe in synergistic salvation, that is, salvation that recognizes or gives any merit to man for his effort or cooperation in gaining salvation or not losing it. However, we believe that man has a responsibility regarding his salvation. The work of grace in man will guide him to seek a life of holiness, joy, and genuine worship.
God, in His work of grace, justifies the sinner by imputing the righteousness of the Son on the cross and bearing upon the Son the sin of fallen man; thus, man receives such justification only by faith.
God produces repentance in the heart of man and calls him to it through the proclamation of the gospel and the ministry of the church.
God regenerates man, allowing him to abhor sin and love righteousness.
Man is saved only by the unmerited and irresistible grace of God, not by any work man could do. We do not believe in synergistic salvation, that is, salvation that recognizes or gives any merit to man for his effort or cooperation in gaining salvation or not losing it. However, we believe that man has a responsibility regarding his salvation. The work of grace in man will guide him to seek a life of holiness, joy, and genuine worship.
God, in His work of grace, justifies the sinner by imputing the righteousness of the Son on the cross and bearing upon the Son the sin of fallen man; thus, man receives such justification only by faith.
God produces repentance in the heart of man and calls him to it through the proclamation of the gospel and the ministry of the church.
God regenerates man, allowing him to abhor sin and love righteousness.
Sanctification
(Psalms 16:3; Romans 6:19 and 22; 8:29; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3 and 7; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2)
The Holy Scriptures teach and emphasize a life of holiness. We believe that the divine decree of salvation includes sanctification in the saved according to Ephesians 1:4. A life of holiness is not optional; it is imperatively demanded by God. “Be holy because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:45; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Sanctification encompasses the entire life of the saint, that is, separation from the world and evil and dedication to God and His service.
Sanctification is positional and instantaneous through Christ’s sacrifice. But it is also practical and progressive. In the process of sanctification, we are gradually transformed and grow from glory to glory. Complete sanctification will be achieved in our final encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23. “When we see Him, we shall be like Him.” 1 John 3:3. Sanctification is God’s will for all believers and must be diligently practiced through obedience to the word of God.
The Holy Scriptures teach and emphasize a life of holiness. We believe that the divine decree of salvation includes sanctification in the saved according to Ephesians 1:4. A life of holiness is not optional; it is imperatively demanded by God. “Be holy because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:45; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Sanctification encompasses the entire life of the saint, that is, separation from the world and evil and dedication to God and His service.
Sanctification is positional and instantaneous through Christ’s sacrifice. But it is also practical and progressive. In the process of sanctification, we are gradually transformed and grow from glory to glory. Complete sanctification will be achieved in our final encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23. “When we see Him, we shall be like Him.” 1 John 3:3. Sanctification is God’s will for all believers and must be diligently practiced through obedience to the word of God.
The Church
(Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:32; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:15)
The Church is the body of Christ composed of individuals whom only by the unmerited grace of God, He Himself has known, called, predestined, justified, and glorified (Romans 8:29-30). They are those for whom Christ, through His vicarious sacrifice on Calvary, redeemed and saved. The saints who are on earth (the visible part) and all the faithful who have died in that faith are The Church.
As a divine institution, its permanence is guaranteed despite the attacks of the enemy. The church on earth is the broadest human expression, an ethnic composition of universal extension.
The Church is the body of Christ composed of individuals whom only by the unmerited grace of God, He Himself has known, called, predestined, justified, and glorified (Romans 8:29-30). They are those for whom Christ, through His vicarious sacrifice on Calvary, redeemed and saved. The saints who are on earth (the visible part) and all the faithful who have died in that faith are The Church.
As a divine institution, its permanence is guaranteed despite the attacks of the enemy. The church on earth is the broadest human expression, an ethnic composition of universal extension.
Ordinances of the Church
- Water Baptism:
It was ordained and practiced by the Lord Himself. It is one of the essential and fundamental doctrines of the church. We believe it should be performed by immersion in water. We believe it is fundamental in the life of a believer who is spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally capable. We do not believe in baptizing infants or baptizing in the name of another person, including the dead. The person to be baptized must have been instructed with the proper biblical knowledge of this ordinance. By being baptized, the believer gives public testimony of their conversion and separation from the world to follow Jesus forever. The believer is in communion with Him to walk in a new life. (Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21). - The Lord's Supper:
The Lord’s Supper was instituted by the Lord Himself. We believe the elements to be used are the fruit of the vine and unleavened bread. The bread symbolizes the broken body of Christ that gives us life. The fruit of the vine symbolizes His redemptive blood shed on the cross that cleanses us from all sin and guarantees the new covenant. We do not believe in transubstantiation.
We believe it is a remembrance of the Lord’s passion and death and the certainty of His imminent return. It is an expression of our mutual fellowship as believers in Christ; therefore, it is ordained to all the faithful until He comes. Participating in this ordinance means we are the Body of Christ. (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
We believe in the operation and function of spiritual gifts.
(1 Corinthians 12:4-12; 14:4; 14)
We are not cessationists. We believe in the operations, functions, and exercises of spiritual gifts and the work of their ministries and uses for the edification of the body of Christ. We believe in the experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire. This wonderful experience is distinct and subsequent to the experience of the new birth.
Divine Healing
The Holy Scriptures present divine healing as a provision from God for all believers. Sickness and death are noted as consequences of the fall of man. Through faith in His atoning sacrifice, Christ, in reconciling us with God, bore our sicknesses. However, His salvific work regarding healing has been partially fulfilled but also has eschatological implications. Partially, because despite being freed from the diseases that are the result of original sin inherited by all men, we still suffer from diseases as a result of our fallen human nature. The moment will come in the culmination of God's redemptive plan for humanity when sin will disappear, and we will be completely free from those sufferings. In the face of these diseases, through our faith in Jesus Christ, we can experience healing, although diseases may be suffered as a result of our disobedience or impiety. God may also allow some physical condition for our spiritual growth. The church of Christ has been granted the spiritual faculty to proclaim and extend divine healing to all people. In the past, through the prophets in the Old Testament and in the early church through the apostles, divine healing was a reality. For today, God's salvific purpose has not changed, and He desires to make His human creatures participants in His goodness; and divine healing is one of them.
We are not cessationists. We believe in the operations, functions, and exercises of spiritual gifts and the work of their ministries and uses for the edification of the body of Christ. We believe in the experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire. This wonderful experience is distinct and subsequent to the experience of the new birth.
Divine Healing
The Holy Scriptures present divine healing as a provision from God for all believers. Sickness and death are noted as consequences of the fall of man. Through faith in His atoning sacrifice, Christ, in reconciling us with God, bore our sicknesses. However, His salvific work regarding healing has been partially fulfilled but also has eschatological implications. Partially, because despite being freed from the diseases that are the result of original sin inherited by all men, we still suffer from diseases as a result of our fallen human nature. The moment will come in the culmination of God's redemptive plan for humanity when sin will disappear, and we will be completely free from those sufferings. In the face of these diseases, through our faith in Jesus Christ, we can experience healing, although diseases may be suffered as a result of our disobedience or impiety. God may also allow some physical condition for our spiritual growth. The church of Christ has been granted the spiritual faculty to proclaim and extend divine healing to all people. In the past, through the prophets in the Old Testament and in the early church through the apostles, divine healing was a reality. For today, God's salvific purpose has not changed, and He desires to make His human creatures participants in His goodness; and divine healing is one of them.
Ministry and Evangelism
(Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8; 10:42)
The work of ministry and evangelism belongs to the Church and consists of preaching the gospel to every creature and presenting them with the message of salvation as taught in the Holy Scriptures. The Church must make evangelism a reality by proclaiming the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The supreme work of Calvary was provided by our Lord Jesus Christ for a dual purpose, namely: the evangelization of the world and the edification of the Body of Christ, His Church. For this great task, a divinely called and biblically ordered ministry has been provided by our Lord Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
The work of ministry and evangelism belongs to the Church and consists of preaching the gospel to every creature and presenting them with the message of salvation as taught in the Holy Scriptures. The Church must make evangelism a reality by proclaiming the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The supreme work of Calvary was provided by our Lord Jesus Christ for a dual purpose, namely: the evangelization of the world and the edification of the Body of Christ, His Church. For this great task, a divinely called and biblically ordered ministry has been provided by our Lord Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
The Blessed Hope
(1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
We believe in the premillennial and imminent coming of Christ to gather His people – The Church – with Him. This glorious event has been called the rapture. This is the resurrection of those who have slept in Christ and their translation along with the believers who are alive to meet their Lord in the air. We believe that these prophecies will be fulfilled in due time without making the mistake of setting or inferring dates for the Second Coming of Christ.
We believe in the premillennial and imminent coming of Christ to gather His people – The Church – with Him. This glorious event has been called the rapture. This is the resurrection of those who have slept in Christ and their translation along with the believers who are alive to meet their Lord in the air. We believe that these prophecies will be fulfilled in due time without making the mistake of setting or inferring dates for the Second Coming of Christ.
The Millennial Kingdom of Christ
(Revelation 20:2-7)
The visible and identifiable second coming of Christ with the saints previously translated, which constitutes the blessed hope of the believer, to reign on earth for a thousand years. The millennial kingdom will bring the salvation of Israel as a nation and the establishment of universal peace.
The visible and identifiable second coming of Christ with the saints previously translated, which constitutes the blessed hope of the believer, to reign on earth for a thousand years. The millennial kingdom will bring the salvation of Israel as a nation and the establishment of universal peace.
The Lake of Fire (Hell)
(Matthew 5:22; 25:41; Revelation 19:20; 20:10 and 14-15; 21:8)
The Word of God speaks of a "Lake of Fire" in which God's enemies will be punished for eternity. These enemies are: the devil and his angels, the Beast (the antichrist), the false prophet, and all who are not written in the book of life. These will have the lake of fire as the second death.
The Word of God speaks of a "Lake of Fire" in which God's enemies will be punished for eternity. These enemies are: the devil and his angels, the Beast (the antichrist), the false prophet, and all who are not written in the book of life. These will have the lake of fire as the second death.
The New Heaven and the New Earth
(2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1)
God, in His immense mercy, promises the righteous the perfect inheritance of a New Heaven and a New Earth. This will occur after He has put all enemies under His feet and represents the perfect world prepared by God for the saints to enjoy.
God, in His immense mercy, promises the righteous the perfect inheritance of a New Heaven and a New Earth. This will occur after He has put all enemies under His feet and represents the perfect world prepared by God for the saints to enjoy.