INTRODUCTION
The doctrinal tenets, practices, teachings, and beliefs of the Church of God International are based on the Word of God, the Holy Bible. God’s people believe that they are to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
1. GOD
God is the eternal, all-powerful, supreme creator and sustainer of the entire universe. God is one, composed of spirit and comprising a family presently consisting of God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. God is a loving, kind, merciful being who wants to share His magnificent existence by reproducing Himself through man.
Psalm 19:1; 50:1, 6–7; Isaiah 44:6; Nehemiah 9:6 16–17; John 1:12–13; 3:16; Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:1–2; 1 John 3:1–2
2. BIBLE
The whole Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God containing His plan of salvation, and the record of His participation in history. The Bible is God’s revelation of knowledge that man cannot discover for himself. It is the foundation of knowledge, and the guidebook of life. The Old and New Testaments comprise God’s written Word, which forms the basis of Christianity as taught by the church and as practiced by the Christian.
Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; John 17:17; Romans 8:16; 1 Corinthians 2:7–11; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20
3. JESUS CHRIST
Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God, and the Son of Man. He was the prophesied Messiah of the Old Testament, and is described in the New Testament as being fully human and fully divine. As the second member of the God family, He has existed throughout eternity as the “Word.” He divested Himself of this power and His majesty, and became a human being to die for the sins of all mankind as our loving and merciful Saviour. He was then resurrected, and ascended to heaven to become our High Priest. Jesus Christ shall return to establish the Kingdom of God on earth, and rule as King of Kings with His saints forever.
Deuteronomy 18:15; Matthew 17:15–17; John 1:1–14; 3:16; Acts 2:32–33; Romans 5:8; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 4:14–15; Revelation 1:13–16
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is the essence, power, mind, and spiritual extension and presence of God. God begets Christians as His sons and daughters through this Spirit. It strengthens a Christian spiritually, converts his mind, and serves as an earnest or guarantee of eternal life.
Acts 1:8; 2:38; Romans 8:9, 14; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 1:13–14
5. MANKIND
Humans are physical beings with no inherent immortality, but they can receive eternal life as a free gift from God. Man was created by God to be wholly flesh and blood, yet in God’s image, and with a spiritual component added to his brain to compose the human mind.
Genesis 1:26–27; Job 32:8; 1 Corinthians 2:11; 1 John 5:11–13
6. SPIRIT IN MAN
When God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, man became a living being. But man also was given a spirit that made him far superior to the animal world, which operates solely on instinct and conditioned response. The human mind, coupled with the human spirit, gives man intelligence far above the animal kingdom. When a human is converted and is given the Holy Spirit from God, that Spirit combines with the human spirit to begin the formation of a new spiritual creature. Then, when a person dies, his spirit (being eternal) returns to God until the resurrection. In analogy the human spirit may be compared to a master recording device that records all of a man’s characteristics, intelligence, and experiences. If God so chooses, He can rebuild that man either from new physical material or from spirit (depending on which resurrection) from all the information contained in the human spirit. Scripture clearly speaks of two types of spirit a man can have: The spirit of man, “which is in him,” and the Spirit of God, which is given to him during the conversion process.
Genesis 2:7; Job 32:8; Ecclesiastes 3:21; 12:7; Zechariah 12:1; Romans 8:16; 1 Corinthians 2:11–15
7. ANGELIC REALM
God has created powerful spirit beings as His agents and messengers. Since man’s creation, these spirit beings have functioned as ministering spirits to help mankind attain salvation. Like man, angels have free moral agency. Although created to help God, some of them—led by Satan the devil—rebelled against God’s government, transforming themselves into demons.
Psalm 91:11–12; Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 1:7
8. SALVATION
Salvation is the means by which God, through Christ, saves man from the penalty of sin and gives him eternal life. This process includes one’s calling, repentance, baptism, justification, receiving of the Holy Spirit, life of faith and obedience, and final birth into God’s Kingdom as a spirit being. Salvation is a freely given gift from God through grace, with our ultimate reward given according to our works.
Matthew 16:27; John 3:16–17; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8–9; Hebrews 6:1–2
9. FAITH
Faith is the sure knowledge that God exists, and that He will accomplish those things He has promised. Faith is necessary for salvation. The basic elements of faith are courage, action, and risk.
Romans 1:17; 10:17; Ephesians 3:17; Hebrews 11:1–2; James 2:22–24
10. REPENTANCE
Repentance is the act of acknowledging one’s sins, and resolving to fully obey God. It begins when God opens one’s mind to see himself in comparison with God and His law. True repentance is the first step toward reconciliation with God, and thereby toward ultimate salvation.
Acts 2:38; 3:19–21; 8:22; 1 John 3:4
11. BAPTISM
The ceremony of water baptism is performed by immersion, for the forgiveness of sins, upon true repentance and acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice. After this ceremony, and as a result, one receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. Baptism symbolizes the renunciation of the past sinful way of life, the burial of the old man in a watery grave, and the emergence of a new, Spirit-led man living with Christ’s mind and following in His footsteps.
Matthew 3:13–16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1–8; Colossians 2:12
12. LAYING ON OF HANDS
The laying on of hands is an act performed on special occasions, such as for the receiving of God’s Holy Spirit after baptism, at ordination, anointing of the sick, or for other special purposes.
Matthew 19:13–15; Acts 6:5–6; 8:17–18; 13:3; 1 Timothy 4:14; Hebrews 6:2
13. KINGDOM OF GOD
The Kingdom of God is the family of God ruling as the government of God. It is a future world-ruling government to be set up on earth by Christ at His return, with Jesus as King and the resurrected spirit- composed saints in positions of co-rulership with Him. The Kingdom of God—referred to as a “mystery” in the New Testament—was first preached and explained by Christ, then by His church; it shall be established on earth for a thousand years following Christ’s return, and shall be completely fulfilled when New Jerusalem and God the Father come down out of heaven to dwell on the New Earth.
Mark 4:11; Revelation 5:10; 20:4; 21:1–3, 7, 10
14. GOSPEL
The gospel is the message preached by Christ and by His church about God’s coming Kingdom, the restoration of His government on earth, and how mankind can enter that Kingdom and government. It includes the message of what Jesus has done, is doing, and shall do—and ultimately is the message of the entire Old and New Testaments. The primary purpose and commission of the church is to “Go ye therefore, and teach [make disciples of] all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 3:2; 24:14; 28:19–20; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:47
15. PROPHECY
Prophecy is God’s testimony to his people, revealing His purpose and plan for mankind. God’s Word points out obstacles, mistakes, and potential mistakes along the way. God boldly states that He has a definite plan and purpose. He declares that there is none like Him, that He declares the end from the beginning, and that He will accomplish His purpose. Much of God’s plan and purpose is revealed in the Holy Bible. God’s people are called upon to be faithful and honest with the Word of God, “rightly dividing the word of truth,” and informed that no prophecy is subject to personal or private interpretation. Down through the ages, many self-proclaimed “prophets” (false prophets) have come, and there is no shortage today. A false prognostication attributed to God is a violation of the Third Commandment and will have to be accounted for. Fulfilled prophecy, or prophecy in progress of being fulfilled, builds faith in God and His Word. God’s testimony and revelations are more positive than negative. The majority of the prophecies in the Bible are good news, not bad news.
Isaiah 46:9–11; Matthew 12:36–37; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 19:10
16. RESURRECTIONS
The hope of all mankind and the promise to the Christian is the resurrection from the dead. The Bible refers to (1) the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead and the pioneer of our salvation; (2) the resurrection of the saints—called the “first resurrection”—at the return of Christ when the true believers shall become spirit-composed members of God’s family; (3) the resurrection back to physical life of all who have ever died without having understood God’s way, for their first opportunity for salvation; (4) the resurrection of the incorrigibly wicked—those who have refused to repent and have rejected God’s way—to be consumed in the lake of fire (called the “second death”).
John 5:28–29; Acts 2:32; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17; Revelation 20:4–6, 13–14.
17. JUDGMENT
The time of one’s judgment is the time of his opportunity for salvation, extending from one’s calling by God until his death (or the resurrection of Christ’s return). Those who shall qualify for God’s Kingdom—the overwhelming majority—shall inherit eternal life, and those who deliberately reject God’s way shall be consumed in the lake of fire.
Matthew 13:49–50; 25:34; 1 Peter 4:17; Revelation 20:15; 21:8
18. FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness is the state of being whereby one’s sins are removed, blotted out, or covered. “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” It is obvious from Scripture that sin is a condition that separates us from God. It also divides us from each other and breaks down relationships. Thus, forgiveness comes to us in two spheres: 1) forgiveness from God towards us, and 2) forgiveness from us to each other. The example prayer given to us by Jesus Christ summarizes the full scope of the issue of forgiveness. The forgiveness we obtain from God depends largely on the forgiveness we offer to others. Those who refuse to forgive will not be forgiven. However, forgiveness in no way removes or negates all the consequences of sin, as can be seen in the scriptural account of the life of David.
Psalm 32:1; 2 Samuel 11–12; Matthew 6:12, 14–15
19. LAW OF GOD
The law of God as revealed in the Bible is a good, right, and perfect system of eternal directives and principles that reflects God’s character and serves as a means of expressing His love toward man. God’s law teaches man how to properly worship God, how to love his fellowman, how to live life abundantly, and, at the same time, how to prepare for an eternal spiritual life in the family of God. The law of God is represented in both the Old and the New Testaments, and is expressed by both physical actions and spiritual motivations.
John 14:15, 21; Romans 7:12; 1 John 5:2–3
20. BIBLICAL COVENANTS
Both testaments record that God made certain promises in the form of specific contracts or agreements with man. These are called “covenants,” and define the terms of God’s relationship with individuals or groups in various circumstances and eras. Of these covenants, the best known are the covenants made with physical Israel and the New Covenant established on “better promises,” which will be fully confirmed with spiritual Israel after the return of Jesus Christ. The New Covenant, which also applies to the New Testament church from the time of the original apostles, makes God’s law even more relevant by expanding it to include one’s mental attitude and spiritual intent.
Matthew 5:21–22; 2 Timothy 3:15–16; Hebrews 8:6–13
21. TEN COMMANDMENTS
The Ten Commandments, as revealed by God, codified by Moses, and ratified and magnified by Christ, are the perfect expression of God’s love. They are the foundation of all biblical teaching, showing man how to express love toward God and fellowman, and are consequently the focal point of Christian life.
Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5; Matthew 5:17–19; Romans 13:10; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Revelation 12:17; 22:14
22. DESTINY OF MAN
Man’s awesome destiny is revealed in the very first chapter of Genesis. Unlike the animals, man was made in the image and after the likeness of God. God created all creatures to reproduce after their kind, but when He made man He began His plan of reproducing Himself after His kind. But in this initial phase of
God’s plan, man was made from red mud, not from spirit, but with the potential of building the right character so that he could eventually be changed at the resurrection into spirit as a son of God, just as God’s Son Jesus Christ has been changed back to spirit to live eternally in the family of God.
Genesis 1:26–28; John 17:1–5; 1 Corinthians 15:50–54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17; Romans 8:18–23; I Corinthians 15:12–23
23. SABBATH
The seventh-day Sabbath is to be taught and kept holy in accordance with the biblical instruction. Instituted at creation, reaffirmed to Israel as a part of the covenant at Sinai, and taught by Jesus Christ, who is the Messenger of the New Covenant, the observance of the Sabbath is basic to a Christian’s relationship with God.
Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 16; 20:8–11; 31:12–17; Mark 2:27–28; Luke 4:16
25. SIN
Sin is the transgression of God’s law—the falling short or missing the mark of the character of Jesus Christ. Although the penalty for sin is death in the lake of fire, all sin can be completely forgiven by God, who desires that all men be saved. (The unpardonable sin is a sin for which the sinner asks no pardon.) God forgives sin upon repentance of the individual who accepts the shed blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment in full for the penalty of his sins.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 1:14; 1 John 3:4
26. THE CHRISTIAN
A true Christian is one in whom the Holy Spirit dwells.
Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13
27. MAN’S SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Man’s spiritual relationship with God begins with repentance and faith. When these criteria are met, God “begets” us with His Spirit; He becomes our Father and we become His children. A family relationship has begun. To maintain this family relationship, a bond is formed as we fellowship with each other, and with God the Father and Jesus Christ. Communication as we fellowship is the tool that builds this family relationship. The tool of communication with God is nourished through four basic components: prayer, Bible study, meditation, and fasting. As we use the tool of communication, a warm personal relationship is established that gives us peace of mind, spiritual confidence, and faith that comes from knowing the Designer, Sustainer, and Ruler of the entire universe.
Matthew 6:5–13; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:15–16; 1 Timothy 2:15; 3:16; Hebrews 1:1–2; 2:10–18; 1 John 1:3; Daniel 6:10
28. MAN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS FELLOW MAN
First, we must realize that we are a family—we all have the same roots. As a family we need to live in peace with one another as much as is possible, as amplified in the last six of the Ten Commandments. Jesus Christ gave us the principal discipline that would make it possible to live in peace with our fellowman. He said to love our fellow man as ourselves, and gave specific instructions for settling problems with our fellow man. Scripture urges us to consider the needs of others, and offer help to those in need when possible.
Exodus 20:12–17; Deuteronomy 22:1–4; Matthew 18:15–17; 22:39; 25:34–40; Philippians 2:2–4; Luke 10:29– 37; Hebrews 12:14; James 2:8
29. THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY
The marriage relationship is the basis of the family, which in turn is the core of a stable society. As the primary physical analogy of God’s plan for mankind, marriage, child rearing, and the family are given a preeminent place in the teachings of the Bible and the church. Although roles are defined, men and women have equal spiritual potential before God.
Exodus 20:12; Malachi 4:5–6; Ephesians 5:22–29; 6:1–3; 1 Peter 3:7
30. THE CHURCH OF GOD
The church is the spiritual body of Christ, a group of persons called out by God and impregnated with His Holy Spirit. As a spiritual body, the church is made up of baptized, Spirit-led individuals who are scattered around the world.
