1A.  Bibliology: the Study of Scriptures

        1B.  Doctrinal Statement:

                Credo - I believe that the sacred Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are God's revelation to                                    humanity. Each of the sixty-six books is divinely inspired and free from error, making them the ultimate                        and final authority for all humankind.  Matthew 4:4, 5:17-20; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21-22

        2B.  Explanation of important terms

                1C.  Revelation: An ‘unveiling’ or disclosure of what God wants man to know.

                        1D.  General Revelation:

                                1E.  Includes all that man can determine about God from the environment in which he finds                                                        himself (Romans 1:18-21). This General Revelation is sufficient to hold man accountable to                                                      God.

                        2D.  Special Revelation:

                                1E.  This is what God has chosen to make known to man in addition to that which He has                                                              revealed through nature. It is in this category that the Bible is found. For it is through His                                                      word that God has directly made known to man his origin, his fall with its consequences, and                                              his means of restoration through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The way of man’s                                                          eternal salvation is found in this special revelation the Bible.  2 Timothy 3:10-17

                2C.  Inspiration:

                “… that extraordinary supernatural influence (or passively, the result of it) exerted by the Holy Ghost on                        the writers of our sacred books, by which their words  were rendered also the words of God, and therefore,                  perfectly infallible.”  B.B. Warfield

                        1D.  The Doctrine of Inspiration is foundational to every Christian and must not be compromised. By                                       ‘Inspiration,’ I mean that the Bible finds its source in God. The words we read in our Greek and                                            Hebrew tests are the very words of God. The Holy Spirit guided the words, using each writer’s                                                characteristics.

                        2D.  Inspiration extends to every portion of the Bible. The Bible is not inspiring but inspired by God                                           Himself. Because these are God’s words, they demand a response of obedience.  2 Timothy 3:16;

                                 2 Peter 1:21

                3C.  Canonicity: Deals with the authoritative list of books accepted as Holy Scripture.

                        1D.  The sixty-six books of our Bible make up what is known as ‘The Canon’ of Scripture. Canonicity                                        did not add any authority to the books of the Bible. It simply recognized what authority was there.

                       2D.  The thirty-nine books of the Old Testament were recognized early as part of the Canon of                                                    Scripture, perhaps as early as the fifth century B.C.

                       3D.  The Church Council of Carthage in AD 397, was the first Church council to include all                                                            twenty-seven books of the New Testament as part of the Canon of Scripture.

                       4D.  I do not consider the Apocryphal books as part of Scripture.

                       5D.  The Canon is closed as far as verifiable new revelation is concerned. Any revelation that is                                                    presented must be verified by what is already  presented in the sixty-six books of the Old and New                                      Testaments.   Revelation 22:18-19

                4C.  Interpretation of Scripture

                         1D.  I hold to the dispensational view of the Bible, which interprets the Bible literally. This view                                                     believes God has interacted with humanity through distinct “dispensations” or periods. It makes a                                   key distinction between Israel as a nation and the Church, where God has separate plans for each.                                   This view often focuses on the literal fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning                                             Israel and a future end-times scenario.  1 Corinthians 10:32

                        2D.  The method that I use is known as the Grammatical-Historical Hermeneutic. The grammatical                                       sense takes the most simple direction and ordinary meaning of words and sentences. The                                                     historical sense takes on that which is required by historical consideration. This is to look to the                                       past setting to better understand the “what” and “whys” of a  passage of Scripture.

                                 1E.   Using any other method means losing all objectivity. One is left with only what one feels the                                                  passage should say.

                                2E.   To have a good method is not enough in interpretation. One needs the Holy Spirit to teach                                                    truths of the Bible. His is the  only teacher that can teach and guide the Christian in a proper                                              interpretation of  Scripture.  John 16: 12-16; 1 John 2:20-27

        3B.  Conclusion

                 It is proper that the Doctrine of Bibliology be considered  first. For it is, it is the basis for understanding                all other  Bible doctrines. Without an appropriate understanding of how we use it, all attempts to                                      formulate a doctrinal position will result in faulty theology.

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2A. Theology Proper: The Study of the Person of God

         1B.  Doctrinal Statement:

                Credo: I believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each is co-                          eternal in being, co-identical in nature, and co-equal in power and glory. Having the same                                                    excellencies/attributes and perfection.  Deuteronomy 6:4

        2B.  The Trinity

                1C.  Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, I do not doubt that the fact of the triune God                            is clearly taught in the Scriptures. The concept can probably be best understood in the idea of                                            plurality in unity. A better word, perhaps, than trinity would be “Tri-unity.” God is one of these, and                                  there can  be no doubt of this (Deuteronomy 6:4). However, there is evidence of distinct personalities                              in this unity. The Father is God (John 6:27; 1 Peter 1:2);  Christ is God (John 20:28); and the Holy Spirit is                            God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:10).

                2C.  The fact of the Trinity in Scripture is clear, but I do not claim to comprehend this doctrine fully. In                                  John 10:22-38, Jesus Christ claims to be equal with the Father. In Isaiah 6:8-9, we read a Statement                                     attributed to Jehovah God, but in Acts 28:25-26, we read the same statement attributed to the Holy                                   Spirit. The only explanation is that the God-head is ‘One’. I hold to the facts of Scripture concerning                               this doctrine.

        3B.  The Excellencies or Attributes of God

                 1C.  In discussing God's excellencies, no attempt is being made to define God. God is undefinable in the                                 excellent sense of who God is. But at the same time, God has given us glimpses of His person in His                                 word (cf. God is Light, 1 John 4:8; God is Spirit, John 4:24; God is Love, 1 John 4:8).

                2C.  Excellencies are those characteristics that are inherent in the person of God. These Excellencies can                               be categorized into two different classifications (Adapted from Ryrie).

                         1D.  Incommunicable - that which is only true with God:

                                 1E.  Self-existence - God is independent and completely self-sufficient.  Exodus 3:14; John 8:58

                                 2E.  Simplicity - God is free from compositeness and distinction.  John 4:24

                                 3E.  Unity - God is One.  Deuteronomy 6:4

                                 4E.  Spirituality - God is Spirit.  John 4:24

                                 5E.  Infinity - God having no bounds or limits.   1 Kings 8:27; Acts 17:28

                                 6E.  Immensity or Omnipresence - God transcends all space and is present in every point of                                                          space with His whole being.  Psalm 139:7-12

                                 7E.  Immutability - God never changes.  James 1:17

                                 8E.  Omniscient - All knowledge.  Psalm 147:4-5

                         2D.  Communicable - An Excellency of God which is found in some degree in human nature.

                                  1E.  Justice - God is no respecter of persons.  Psalm 106:3, 140:12; 1 Timothy 5:21

                                  2E.  Goodness - The perfection of God that prompts Him to deal kindly and bountifully with all                                                  His creatures.  Galatians 6:9; 2 Peter 3:11-13

                                 3E.  Holiness - God is righteous.  1 John 1:5

                                 4E.  Truth - Agree to and consistency with all that is represented by God Himself.  John 14:6; 1 John                                              2:20-23

                                 5E.  Omnipotence - All power.  2 Corinthians 10:1-6; Revelation 19:6

                3C.  The Sovereignty of God is not to be taken as an Excellency of God. Sovereignty is a “Term by which is                               expressed the supreme rulership of God. This is rightly held not to be an Attribute of God, but a                                         prerogative based upon the perfection’s of the divine being.”  Merrill F. Unger

                4C.  The study of God is a study that will take us into eternity. God is infinite, and we are finite. Therefore,                             God is incomprehensible. But at the same time, we can know what God has chosen to reveal to us                                  about Himself - “… This is eternal life … to know you, the only true God…” John 17:3. God has given us                                a glimpse of Himself as seen in the names attributed to Him.

                        1D.  Elohim - Speaks to God’s omnipotence.

                        2D.  Jehovah - Speaks to God’s self-existence.

                       3D.  Adoni - Speaks to God’s Lordship.

        4B.  Conclusion

                 In our study of Theology Proper, we should recognize the greatness of God, which calls us to respond with          worship, repentance, and obedience.

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3A.  Angelology: The Study of Angels, Demons, and Satan.

        1B.  Doctrinal Statement:

                Credo: I believe the spirit world to be real in every  respect, as angels (fallen and unfallen). Most                                           certainly, Satan is real and working his evil in this  world.

                1C.  They are created beings.  Colossians 1:16 c.f. 1 Peter 3:22

                2C.  They are incorporeal beings.  Luke 20:36; Hebrews 1:14

                3C.  They are intelligent beings.  2 Samuel 14:20

                4C.  They were created holy.  Jude 6

        2B.  The Doctrine of Angelology has three classifications:

                 1C.  Unfallen Angels

                         1D.  These are the angels that kept their first estate. They sided with God and not with Satan.  Jude 6;

                                  1 Timothy 5:21 (elect).

                        2D.  These unfallen angels stand in the presence of God and worship Him.  Psalm 29:1-2, 89:7;                                                        Matthew 18:10

                        3D.  They rejoice in God’s works.  Job 38:7; Luke 18:10

                        4D.  They execute God’s will.  Psalm 103:20; Daniel 10:12-21

                        5D.  They have organization - “This is God’s host”, Genesis 32:1-2 and within this organization there is                                        rank.

                                  1E.  Archangel - Michael is the only one in the Bible to be called an archangel. Gabriel is                                                                  sometimes given this distinction, but because the Bible does not make this distinction we                                                      should not assume otherwise.  Jude 9

                                  2E.  Chief Princes.  Daniel 10:13

                                  3E.  Ruling Angels.  Ephesians 3:10

                                  4E.  Guardian Angels. Psalm 34:7, 91:11; Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:14

                                  5E.  Seraphim. Isaiah 6:1-3

                                  6E.  Cherubim. Genesis 3:22-24

                2C.  Fallen Angels

                        1D.    Angels were all created holy but some fell along with Satan in rebellion.  John 8:44; 2 Peter 2:4;                                             Jude 6

                        2D.    They oppose God and strive to defeat His will.  Matthew 13:36-43; Revelation 12:10

                        3D.    They hinder.  Acts 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5

                        4D.    They cannot be redeemed.  1 Timothy 5:21 (elect) c.f. Jude 6

               3C.  Satan

                        1D.    Satan in his original state was the highest order of angel that God created:

                                  “ … you seal up the sum, and art full of  wisdom and perfect in beauty … You are the anointed                                      Cherub, that covers, and I have  placed you in honor … You were perfect in your ways from the                                              day that you were created…” Satan was not satisfied with being subordinate to his Creator and                                              rebelled. “… till iniquity was found in you … Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty, and                                           you have corrupted your wisdom by reason of  your brightness …”  Ezekiel 28:12-17

                        2D.  Satan’s rebellion is summed up in Isaiah 14:13-14.

                                 1E.  I will ascend into Heaven.

                                2E.  I will exalt my throne above the stars of  God.

                                3E.  I will set also upon the Mount of the Congregation.

                                4E.  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds.

                                5E.  I will be like the Most High.

                       3D.  This pride of rebellion has only one conclusion, the judgment of God. “Yet you shall be brought                                           down to Hell, to the sides of  the pit.”  Isaiah 14:15

                       4D.   Satan was judged at the Cross, and this judgment will be finally carried out at the end                                                              of the Millennium when Satan is cast into the Lake of Fire. John 12:31; Revelation 20:10

                       5D.   Satan is alive and working. He is accusing and slandering us as believers (Revelation 20:10). He is                                       tempting us to defraud our marriage partners in the areas of immortality (1 Corinthians 7:5).                                             Satan hates us because we belong to Christ (John 17:14; 1 John 3:1).

                        6D.  In the study of Satan we must see that he is a powerful being. Satan, being such a person,                                                       we must draw closer to God in studying His word, Praying and worshipping. Satan is in the                                                     business of devouring (1 Peter 5:8). Therefore, we must be busy devouring the word and applying                                       it to our lives.  Ezekiel 3:1-3

        3B.   Conclusion

                 Not too long ago, if someone claimed to believe in angels, devils, and demons, they would have faced                      mockery and derision, often accused of believing in a fairy tale. Today, however, many openly acknowledge

        the existence of these beings. The Bible remains the sole authoritative source regarding their nature and                      activities. Jesus Christ affirmed their existence (Matthew 13:39; Mark 1:21-28) and addressed them with                            authority (Matthew 8:23-27). While these entities should be taken seriously, they need not instill fear in                          Christians who understand the protections available to resist the evil forces of Satan (Ephesians 6:10-20; 

        James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:5-11; Jude 8-11​) throughout Scripture and being 'in Christ'. (Galatians 3:26-28; Romans 8:1;

        2 Corinthians 5:17)​

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4A,  Anthropology, Hamartiology, and Soteriology

         Anthropology, Hamartiology, and Soteriology create an inseparable connection within theology.               The central concern of humanity is sin, while the essence of salvation lies in Christ. Humanity receives this salvation accomplished in Christ. In essence, the study of humanity cannot be separated from the study of sin, and one cannot fully understand sin without exploring God's plan of salvation.

        1B.  Anthropology: The Study of Man

                Doctrinal Statement:

                Credo - I believe that Adam was made in God's image and likeness He was created perfect,                            but through his deliberate disobedience, he brought sin upon and all of humanity. This led                          to a separation manifested as both physical and spiritual death, resulting in a state of total                            depravity for all of mankind.  Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:9-20, 5:9-21; Ephesians 2:1-3,12.

                1C.  The Creation of Man

                         1D.  God created man directly from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the "Breath                                           of  Life," resulting in man becoming "a living soul" (Genesis 2:7). This means that humanity is the                                       result of direct intervention in creation, rather than a by-product of evolution.

​                           2D.  Humanity was created in the image and likeness of God, which sets us apart from the                                       animal kingdom. This unique image and likeness grants us the ability for self-                                                     conscienceless, expressed through language and moral discernment.

                        3D.  Humankind, created in the image and likeness of God, is fundamentally a trichotomic being                                              consisting of body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12). In adherence to                                                            Traducian Theological Doctrine, which states that a person's soul/spirit is inherited from their                                          parents at the moment of conception (Genesis 2:7; Psalm 51:5), suggesting that only Adam's soul                                        was directly created by God.

        2B.  Hamartiology: The Study of Man's Sin

        Doctrinal Statement:

        Credo - I believe Adam was originally created without sin, he fell into sin and separation due to                       Adam's single act of deliberate disobedience. This disobedience led to both physical and spiritual             death (Genesis 217; cf. 3:19), affecting not just Adam and Eve, but all of humanity (Romans 5:12-17).

                1C.  When discussing sin, it's essential to address the standard, which is God's holy and righteous                        character, not humanity. Sin is anything that does not meet the standard of God's holy                                    character (Romans 3:23; Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:15-16). To claim otherwise is merely to                                      excuse our own sin

​                2C.  Due to Adam's sin, we inherited a sinful nature (Romans 5:12), which led to our separation                             from God. As a result, humanity is completely depraved and wholly incapable of resolving                            its lost state.  Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:22-23, 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3, 12.

              3C. The condition of humanity may appear hopeless yet there is hope because God has offered                          a path to eternal life. This leads us to our next topic: Soteriology.

​        3B.  Soteriology: The Study of Man's Salvation

​        Doctrinal Statement:

        Credo - I believe eternal life is a gracious gift from God, offered to humanity and accepted through          faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on the cross of Calvary for the                          forgiveness of our sins.  John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-10; 1 Peter 1:18-19.

                1C.  The Death of Christ

                        The death of Christ serves as the foundation for God's justification of the believer (Romans                          3:21-26). Christ willingly took our place for our sins, shedding His blood so that we could                                obtain forgiveness and eternal life (1 Peter 3:18; Matthew 20:28). God is completely satisfied                          with Christ's sacrifice on my behalf (1 John :1-2).

​                2C. Man's Responsibility

                        The sole requirement for a person's salvation is faith in Jesus Christ. A person does not                                     contribute anything to their salvation; they simply accept what has already been                                                 accomplished for them. Furthermore, the capacity to believe, desire, and respond in faith                             is made solely by God's grace.​​

                3C.  Election

                         The topic of election is central to the Calvin-Arminian debate, with both theological                                         systems often blinding individuals to the "whole counsel of God." When scripture

                         passages don't align with a particular system, they are frequently interpreted to fit. Christ's                           sacrifice on the cross was for all humanity John 3:16; 1 John 2:2), making salvation                                               accessible to everyone (Acts 2:21, 19:43). As stated 2 Peter 3:9, "He is patient with you, not                                   wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." It is important to                                             differentiate between the Church and Israel when discussing election. God chose or                                         elected a specific nation based on His sovereign will (Romans chapters 9-11), while                                             salvation remains a personal response (Romans 9:6-9). God's election pertains to the plan                           of salvation: "For those God foreknew He also predestined to conformed to the likeness of                             His Son" (Romans8:29). "For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy                           and blameless in His sight" (Ephesians 1:4). Ultimately, God's plan for believers is to be like                             Jesus Christ, with election serving as His blueprint for service (Acts 9:15-16; 2 Timothy

                         1:8-10; 1 Peter 11-2).

                4C.  Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers

                         1D.  All the redeemed, once saved, are held by God's power, ensuring their security in                                                 Christ.  John 6:35-40, 10:25-30; Romans 8:1, 38-39; 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; 1 Peter 1:3-5.

​                        2D.  Believers have the privilege of finding joy in the certainty of their salvation, while being                                   reminded that Christian liberty should never be used as a reason to sin.  Romans

                                 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13-15; Titus 2:11-15.

                        3D.  A person may lose sight of their salvation due to insufficient spiritual growth. 2 Peter                                       1:5-9.

​                        4D.  The gift of salvation cannot be lost - it is eternal! John 5:24; 2 Timothy 1:8-12.

                5C.  The Work of the Holy Spirit in Salvation

                         1D.  The natural person lacks the desire for God's salvation. Thus, the Holy Spirit's work in                                     an individual's heart essential, as it creates a conviction of sin and a longing for                                                   forgiveness.  Romans 3:9-18; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Ephesians 2:1-3.

                        2D.  The Holy Spirit truly convicts individuals of their sins and instills a longing for                                                     salvation. It guides them toward the path of salvation and carries out the process of                                           regeneration within the hearts of believers.  John 16:5-15; Titus 3:8.

​

5A.  Pneumatology: The Study of the Holy Spirit

        Doctrinal Statement

        Credo: The Holy Spirit embodies personhood within the Godhead and is co-equal in power and                glory, as well as equal in essence and identical in nature with both the Father and the Son.

        1B.​  The Work of the Holy Spirit in Salvation​​

                1C.  The Holy Spirit is the one who brings conviction to the world regarding sin, judgment, and                          righteousness. He acts as the supernatural agent in our regeneration, dwelling within us                                and sealing us until the day of redemption.  John 16:5-11; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Corinthians                                  12:12-13; Ephesians 1:11-14.

        2B. The Holy Spirit in the Work of Teaching

                1C. The Holy Spirit serves as the divine guide, leading believers into all truth. It is both the duty                           and privilege of everyone who is 'in Christ' to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  John 16:13;                                       Ephesians 5:18; 1 John 2:20, 27.

        3B.  The Past Ministries of the Holy Spirit

                1C.  The Holy Spirit was active in Creation. Job 33:4; Genesis chapters 1-3.

                2C. He at various times indwelled and empowered certain men for special tasks.  Genesis 41:38;                          Daniel 4:8; 1 Samuel 10:19.

                3C. He served to restrain sin in the world.  2 Thessalonians 2:7

                4C. The Holy Spirit revealed truths to humanity and inspired the authors of Scripture to                                        document these revelations.  2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21

                5C. The Holy Spirit played a vital role in the life of Christ. He was responsible for Christ's                                        conception, anointed Him, and filled Him. Throughout His life, Christ was guided and                                    empowered by the Spirit.  Matthew 12:28; Luke 1:35, 4:1, 18.

        4B.  The Gifts of the Spirit

                 1C.  The Spirit indeed gives gifts to both men and women, as listed in Romans 12:6-8,

                         1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30 and Ephesians 4:11. Nowhere in Scripture is speaking in tongues                           equated with ecstatic utterances; references are always made to specific languages, and to                             suggest otherwise reflects personal bias ( Acts 2:1-12).

                2C.  A major issue within the charismatic movement is the conflation of speaking in tongues                               with the baptism and filling of the Spirit. The baptism the Holy Spirit signifies our                                             identification with the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), and to equate it with                                               speaking in an ecstatic tongue implies that those without this ability do not belong to the                             Body of Christ, thus considered unregenerate (Romans 6:1-4, 8-9). The filling of the Holy,                               which is a daily command regarding our relationship with Christ and should not be                                         confused with speaking in tongues, as this could suggest a lack of fellowship with Him                                     (Ephesians 5:18). Furthermore, it's important to acknowledge that not all believers

                         receive the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:11). Biblical salvation is based solely on Christ's                             shed blood on the cross, and tongues cannot influence one's salvation.

                3C.  The Holy Spirit distributes specific gifts to men and women for the edification of the Body                             of Christ and ministry work (Ephesians 4:11), and these gifts should be recognized and                                     utilized to their fullest potential. Every Christian receives at least one gift at the Holy                                         Spirit's discretion (1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 12:11).

        5B.  The Two Natures

                1C.  Every saved individual has two natures with the ability for the new nature to triumph over                            the old, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Additionally, any assertions that the old                              nature can be completely eradicated in this life are not supported by scripture.  Galatians                              5:16-17; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:14-16.

​

6A.  Christology: The Study of Christ

​        Doctrinal Statement

        Credo: I believe that Jesus Christ embodies both perfect divinity and perfect humanity. As God, He          is eternal, without a beginning or an end, and is the Creator of everything in existence. In His                      humanity, He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to the virgin Mary, making Him the only              sinless person to ever live a flawless life. This allowed Him to carry out His earthly mission of being          a substitutionary sacrifice, fully atoning for the sins of humanity on the cross of Calvary.

        I believe that His physical resurrection from the grave guarantees salvation for those who receive              His work on their behalf through faith, justifying us before the Father. Additionally, I believe that                this same Jesus ascended visibly and bodily into heaven, where He is currently seated at the right                hand of God the Father. There, He serves as a representative, intercessor, and advocate for                              believers. I eagerly anticipate the literal, bodily return of Jesus Christ—first for His saints at the                    rapture, and later with His saints at His second coming.  Colossians 1:15; Philippians 2:5-8; John

        1:1-18; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Luke chapter 24; 1 John          2:1-2; 1 Corinthians chapter 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

        1B. The Deity of Jesus Christ

               1C.  There are multiple pieces of evidence supporting the divinity of my Lord Jesus Christ.                                      Firstly, His-existence is evidenced in the Old Testament, particularly Micah 5:2 and Isaiah                              9:6, as well as in the New Testament in John 1:1, 14, and 8:58. Since Christ existed before                                    anything else was created, He is indeed God.

               2C.  The works attributed to Christ in the Scriptures reveal and demonstrate His divine nature.                            He is identified as the Creator of the universe (Colossians 1:15-16) and the source of life                                    (John 146). He has the authority to forgive sins (Luke 7:48) and holds the power of                                              judgment (John :27). He sent the Holy Spirit (John 15:26) and claims all authority (Matthew                            28:18; Revelation 1:8), possessing complete knowledge (Mark 2:8). These attributes and                                    actions are unique to God alone.

               3C.  The titles attributed to Jesus Christ in the Bible further affirm His divinity. Frequently, He is                          referred to as the Son of God (Matthew 27:54), and He is also identified as the Word (John                              1:1).

        2B.  The Humanity of Christ

​                1C.  The event in which Christ took on human form is referred to as the incarnation. One                                      cannot question Christ's humanity when considering the evidence of His birth from a                                    woman (Galatians :4), His normal growth and development (Luke 2:52), and His                                                  interactions with others (1 John 1:1; Matthew 26:12). Christ experienced the emotions,                                        desires, and limitations common to all people (Luke 23:46; Matthew 4:2; John 19:28, 4:6,                                  11:35). Despite sharing in the human experience, His life remained free from sin (Hebrews                              4:15), as He was both perfect God and perfect man, He was incapable of sinning.

        3B.  The Deity and Humanity of Christ Compared

                1C.  The nature of Christ, both human and divine, remains a profound mystery as highlighted                              in 1 Timothy 3:16: "And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God manifest                          in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in                                the world, and received up into glory." It’s important to note that Christ being fully God is                              not a matter of division, but rather a complete unity.

               2C.  Scripture relating to His Humanity - Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 4:15; John 4:6; Luke 2:52.

               3C.  Scripture relating to His Deity - Hebrews 1:8; Matthew 28:18; John 1:48; Luke 7:48;

                        2 Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 19:16.

               4C.  Christ remained fully God even as He became man, without relinquishing any of His divine                          attributes. According to Ryrie, the concept of Kenosis is "the veiling of His preincarnate                                  glory; His condescension in taking on the likeness of sinful flesh in the incarnation; the                                  voluntary non-use of certain attributes throughout His earthly life," as referenced in                                        Philippians 2:7.​​

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7A.  Ecclesiology: The Study of the Church

        Doctrinal Statement

        The Church is a spiritual organism comprised of all individuals who have been born again,                          including both Jews and Gentiles in this current age (Ephesians 1:22; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31). This                  represents the universal Church, which is the body of Christ. A person becomes part of the body of          Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5, 11:15-17; Romans 6:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13). I              believe in the establishment and ongoing existence of the local Church as outlined in the New                    Testament Scriptures.  Acts 14:27, 20:17; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11.

        1B.  The purpose of the Church

​                "The present divine purpose of this age is not the conversion of the world, but rather the                                calling out from the world those who will believe in Christ to form the body of Christ which is                    the Church." Walvoord

                1C.  We are referred to as "called out ones," which means we should live in a way that does not                               bring shame to our Savior and Lord. God commands us to separate ourselves from all                                     forms of religious apostasy and worldly pleasures, practices, and associations (Romans

                         12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 7:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11). Practicing this                                         separation is challenging, as the world continually urges and tempts us to disregard God's                             commands.

                2C.  One of the most challenging forms of separation is known as "Second Degree Separation."                           This refers to God's command for us to distance ourselves from a brother or sister in                                        Christ who is behaving in a disorderly manner. The intention behind this separation is                                    restoration, and is the fundamental principle of separation as outlined in Matthew

                          18:15-20. We should approach this situation with readiness, willingness, and the                                                    expectation that the individual will repent and upon doing so, be welcomed back into                                      fellowship. While the consequences of their actions remain, the goal is to restore that                                      fellowship.  Romans 16:17-19; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; Galatians 1:6-9;                            1 Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 3:10; 2 Peter 19:21, 3:17.

                3C.  The essence of "Second Degree Separation" lies in our attitude. Frequently, we judge others                           with self-righteous indignation, overlooking our own faults. This separation requires a                                     balance of love (as emphasized in John 13:34-35 and 1 John 4:7-21) and obedience (as stated                             in John 14:15).

                4C.  Neglecting to implement either first or second degree separation brings reproach upon                                 the Lord, His word, and His Church. The body of Christ should not be associated with                                     apostasy, which could infiltrate Church if we do not fully embrace both aspects of                                               separation.

        2B.  The Commission of the Church

                 1C.  Our ultimate mission is to glorify God in all that we do (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31). In                            addition to this, and stemming from it, we are called to evangelize, make disciples,                                            support one another, and contribute positively to the world.  Matthew 28:18-20; Galatians                              6:10; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Timothy chapter 5.

        3B.  The Birthday of the Church

                 1C. The Church's birthday can be identified through a series of verses: Acts 1:5 indicates that                                baptism is yet to occur; Ephesians 1:22 defines the Church as the of Christ; 1 Corinthians                                12:13 explains how we enter this body; and Acts 10:44-47 describes the same events as those                            in Acts chapter 2. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Church's birthday started on                                    Pentecost.

        4B.  The Ordinances of the Church

                1C.  Water Baptism - Water baptism is ordained by God as a means for us to be united with                                    Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It is not related to the attainment of salvation,                          but rather serves as an outward symbol of an inner transformation. The method of                                          baptism is through immersion.  Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:36-38, 10:47-48, 16:32-33, 18:7-8.

               2C. Communion - Communion is specifically designated in the Scriptures. During                                                   communion, we remember the body of Christ that He willingly gave and the blood that He                           freely shed.  Luke 22:7-23; 1 Corinthians 11:20-24.

        5B.  Church Organization

                1C.  The ultimate authority of the Church rests with Christ. He has appointed a plurality of                                    Elders to oversee the spiritual well-being of the local Church. The Pastor, serving as one of                            the Elders, is responsible for executing the vision, delivering sermons, and providing                                        pastoral care to the congregation, all while being empowered and guided by the Holy                                      Spirit, to prepare the Saints for their ministry, along with the other Elders. Ephesians

                        1:19-22; Hebrews 6:10; Acts 14:23, 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

               2C.  Christ has placed Deacons also within the Church to assist the Elders in carrying out                                      functions that would be more material in nature within the Church. This is not to say that                            the Deacons are not to be spiritually qualified, for both the Elders and Deacons must meet                          the qualifications as presented in 1 Timothy 3:1-6 and Titus 1:7-9 cf. Acts 6:1-6.

​               3C.  Nowhere in Scripture do we see the Church being governed by a single individual. Instead,                            the Church is designed to operate as a Body. The governance structure is based on "Elder                              rule," where Elders are tasked with providing biblical guidance and leadership to the                                        congregation through teaching, preaching, counseling, and exemplifying godly behavior,

                        all while recognizing their ultimate accountability to God. As a plurality, Elders collaborate                          on decision-making, ensuring that diverse viewpoints are valued and that doctrine,                                          policies, membership, and financial decisions align with Scripture. In an "Elder led"                                          church, the focus is on being "Servant led": consistently serving, listening, engaging, and                                  welcoming both positive and negative feedback.

 

8A.  ​Eschatology: The Study of Last Things

                Doctrinal Statement

​                Credo: I believe and hold firmly to the "Blessed Hope," which refers to the personal, imminent,                  and pretribulation return of our Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed followers, commonly                            known as the "Rapture.", I believe in His eventual return to Earth alongside His saints to                                  establish His millennial kingdom.  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 19:11-16,                  3:10, 20:1-16; 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 5:9.

        1B.  The Resurrection of both the saved and the lost

                1C.  There are two future resurrections First, the physical resurrection of the saved, who will                                 experience eternal life and enjoy the blessings of being with Christ forever. Second, the                                   physical resurrection of the lost, who will face a resurrection unto damnation. This                                           encompasses a true damnation, a genuine judgment, a real hell, and it lasts for eternity.

​                         John 5:28-29; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Revelation 20:1-15 and chapters 21-22.

​               2C.  At the moment of death, the souls of the redeemed are "...absent from the body and ...                                    present with the Lord," where they reside in conscious bliss, awaiting the first resurrection.                            In this event, their spirit, soul, and body will be reunited and glorified with the Lord for                                    eternity. Luke 23:43; Revelation 20:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23, 3:21;

                        1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

              3C.  The souls of unbelievers remain after death in conscious misery until the second                                                resurrection, when soul and body are reunited and shall appear before the Great White                                  Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated but to                                      suffer everlasting conscious punishment. Luke 16: 19-26; Matthew 25:41-46;

                        2 Thessalonians 1:1-9; Jude 6-7; Revelation 20:11-15.

        2B.  The Rapture of the Church

                1C.  The rapture of the Church is the event outlined in 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4. It                           refers to the gathering of the "dead in Christ" along with living Christians when the Lord                               descends from the heavens, with the voice of the Archangel and the sound of God's                                           trumpet, He will summon His Church. This occurrence is expected to happen prior to the                           Great Tribulation.

        3B.  The Great Tribulation

                1C.  This great event will begin when the anti-Christ signs his so called peace treaty with Israel.                            This event is called "Daniel's 70th week:" (Daniel 9:24-27). The first three and a half years of                          peace with Israel will be accompanied by three and a half years of severe persecution by the                          anti-Christ. Plagues and torments will be experience above and beyond that which the                                    world has ever experience before.  Revelation 6:8-9; Matthew 24:21; 2 Thessalonians

                        chapter 2.

        4B.  The Pre-millennial Return of Christ

                1C.  Just as Christ raptured us, He will return along with us. I believe that prior to establishing                              His Millennial Kingdom, Christ will make a physical return to Earth.  Revelation 19:11-21.

        5B.  The Millennial Kingdom

                1C.  Christ will set up a tangible Kingdom for a literal thousand years, during which God will                                fulfill all the promises made to Abraham and David. For this thousand-year period, Satan                              will be bound, at which time Christ to reign with authority and righteousness. After this                                  time, Satan will be released and will deceive the nations, instigating one final rebellion                                    against Christ, which will lead to Satan being cast into the Lake of Fire.

        6B.  The Eternal State

                 "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed              away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of                            heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband... No longer will there be anything            accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship                          him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more.                  They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign                      forever and ever."  Revelation 21:1-22:5​​​​​​​​