PRINCIPLES AND FUNDAMENTALS OF BELIEF

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He brought from Heaven a saving gospel by which gospel men shall be judged at the last day. See Matthew 3:17; 17:5

That the New Testament is our only infallible rule of faith and practice, and that true believers will hold and patronize the commandments, precepts, and life example of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 22:18-19.

That only adult believers are subjects of Faith, Repentance, and Baptism, “for the remission of sins.” Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Luke 14:28. 

We believe that trine immersion of the candidate kneeling in the water, being thrice dipped forward into the name of the Father, and into the name of the Son, and into the name of the Holy Ghost is valid baptism. Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:5. 

That the Salutation of the holy kiss is a Christian institution belonging to true believers, prompted by divine love. 1 Peter 5:14.

That feet washing, according to the precept and example, is a Christian ordinance to be observed in the church of His humble followers. John 13:4-17; John 15:10. 

That the Lord’s Supper is a full meal, taken in the evening, intervening, and in connection with the ordinances of feet washing and the communion; it typifies love and friendship. Matthew 26:26; 1 Chorinthians 11; Luke 22:20.

We believe that the bread and wine of the Holy Sacrament is not the supper, but the communion of the body and blood of the Lord, to be perpetuated in remembrance of Him until He comes again. Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16.

That anointing the sick with oil in the name of the Lord is a divine privilege to be observed by the church with prayer and faith according to James 5.

That unity of faith and practice is the sequel of Christ’s prayer for His children “that they may be one” even as He and the Father are one, and is essential for the welfare of the church. John 17:11; 1 Corinthians 1:10.

We believe that war and retaliation are not compatible with Jesus Christ and His doctrine and cannot in any way be practiced by His followers. We maintain a neutral or defenseless position and seek to overcome evil with good. Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world then would my servants fight, but now is my kingdom not from hence,” John 18:36.

Again saith the Scriptures: “...the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but might through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

We believe that Biblical non-conformity to the world is an essential doctrine. A plain garb, anciently adopted by the church becomes our humble profession as soldiers of King emmanuel. Non-conformity will direct and influence our relation to customs, business transactions, amusements, and recreation. Non-conformity is a guard against pride, fashions, extravagance, intemperance, and popularity. In keeping with the spirit of non-conformity we do not believe in political voting, holding of political office, belonging to any secret or oath bound society, military service, or use of law to collect damages or to injure anyone.

Non-conformity includes abstinence from all appearance of evil and the signing of allegiance to worldly organizations or movements whereby we would “be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” We believe that God through Christ Jesus has called us from the kingdom of this world unto His spiritual kingdom by the renunciation of sin, and the work of grace in the heart by the Holy Spirit. Jesus says “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”