The fuller written statement of what The (Original) Church of God stands for and practices.
The following is a summary of the teachings, precepts and examples of our Lord, which The (Original) Church of God stands for and practices.
We stand for the whole Bible, rightly divided as set forth by the prophets, Jesus Christ and the Apostles, accepting nothing but the plainly written Word of God on all subjects.
Repentance toward God is a godly sorrow which arises from the seeking, searching, convicting, calling Holy Spirit. Repentance is a decision that results in a change of mind, which in turn leads to a change of purpose and action. The result is a hatred of sin, a love for holiness, a fixed resolution to forsake sin, and an expectation of favor and forgiveness through the words of Christ. This is Evangelistic or Gospel Repentance. (Matthew 3:2-8; II Corinthians 7:10; Acts 20:21; Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19; John 16:8).
The blood of Jesus will never blot out any sin that we can make right: We must have a conscience void of offense toward God and man. Restitution includes restoring where one has defrauded, paying back debts, and confessing when necessary. (Luke 19:8,9; Psalms 69:4; Exodus 22:3).
Regeneration is a change and renovation of the soul by the Spirit and grace of God (Matthew 19:28; Titus 3:4,5); to be born again, or from above; to receive spiritual life in the soul, enabling us to perform spiritual actions and live to God; to be regenerated, renewed, to receive spiritual life. (John 3:3,5; I Peter 1:23).
Justification is a state of being justified before God at any time in the Christian experience. It is that act of God's free grace by which we receive remission of sins. (Romans 5:1; II Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9; Romans 3:24-26; John 1:12).
Sanctification is subsequent to regeneration. (Romans 5:2; I Corinthians 1:30). Sanctification is that act of God's free grace, by which He makes us holy: (Hebrews 13:12; I John 1:9; I Thes. 4:3; Hebrews 2:11). Holiness is a life hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3; Galatians 5:24; Luke 1:74-76; I Thes. 4:7; Hebrews 12:14). Sanctification and holiness, with their equivalents, are mentioned in the Word of God over five hundred times.
Baptism with the Holy Ghost is subsequent to cleansing: the endowment of power for service and holy living which comes upon sanctified believers, and is Jesus Christ's Baptism (Matthew 3:11). It is received through faith in the Word of God, and obtained through perfect obedience with a full surrender and complete dedication to Christ. (John 20:22; Luke 24:49; John 14:16,17,26; Acts 1:5-8; 2:1-4; 10:44-46; 19:1-6).
With the Baptism of the Holy Ghost comes such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39), intensified consecration to God and dedication to His works (Acts 2:42), a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43), and a deepened concern for fellow believers in need (Acts 2:44,45; 4:32).
As the initiating evidence of the filling of the Holy Ghost to an overflowing, you will have the same sign or evidence that the disciples had on the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem (Acts 2:4), that the Gentiles had at the home of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-49), and that the believers had at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-8). It is one of the signs that shall follow believers (Mark 16:17), and it is one of the gifts of the Spirit to "The Church of God," for the day of grace until the return of the Bridegroom (I Corinthians 12:10). And it was "other tongues," for it had to be interpreted.
The above Scriptures correctly read and prayerfully studied should convince every honest seeker of the truth that when one is filled with the Holy Ghost to overflowing, as were the saints at Jerusalem, they will "speak with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance." Every man, woman and child filled with the Holy Ghost will speak with other tongues.
Jesus not only made provision for the salvation of the soul in His suffering on earth, but for the healing of the body as well. (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; Mark 16:14-18; James 5:14-16; Exodus 15:26). Divine healing is obtained by faith, laying on of hands, the anointing of oil, and by special gift. (I Corinthians 12:9).
The (Original) Church of God considers it not as a test of fellowship but as a privilege of every member to seek healing through the exercise of faith. (I Peter 2:24; Hebrews 12:12,13).
Spiritual gifts are to be actively welcomed and expected to profit the body of the church in expanding its ministry of evangelism. (I Corinthians 14:1). They are all available to believers as the Holy Spirit distributes them. (I Corinthians 12:1-12,28,31).
As we go out unselfishly and obediently seeking to exalt Christ and make Him known, with our exercise of power being only to extend the love of God to the lost, the sick, and those in bondage, we believe signs will follow as God's sovereignty wills it. (Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:4; Romans 15:18,19).
If we live in the Spirit, we will manifest the fruit (attitudes and actions) of the Spirit and will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. (John 15:1-11; Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:16,22,23; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:11). Relationships with others are a natural outgrowth of our positive relationship with the Lord. (Matthew 22:37-40).
A lack of fruit bearing in our lives will be judged. (Matthew 7:16-20; Luke 13:6-9).
The world system is dominated by the works of the flesh as listed in Galatians 5:19-21, and they have no place among God's redeemed people. These works fall into four categories: sexual sins, sins connected with pagan religion, sins of temper, and sins of drunkenness. (II Corinthians 12:20).
The return of Jesus is just as literal as His going away. (Acts 1:11; John 14:3). There will be two appearances under one coming.
First, He will resurrect the sleeping saints and catch away His waiting bride, both living and dead, to meet Him in the air. (Matthew 24:40-44; I Thes. 4:16,17).
In the First Resurrection every soul shall come out of Paradise, and shall enter their immortal bodies to live forever with Christ. (Revelation 20:4). Revelation 20:6 tells us who will have a part in the first resurrection.
Second, Christ will come down to earth at the close of the great tribulation.
The Millennium will be a reign of peace and blessing with Jesus Christ our King and Ruler, and takes place between the resurrection of the saints and the resurrection of the wicked.
Jesus prophesied a great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world. (Matthew 24:21,29; Revelation 9; 16). This will come under the ten-toe government of Daniel just ahead.
One thousand years of a literal reign of Jesus on earth will be ushered in by the coming of Jesus back to earth with ten thousands of His saints. (Jude 14,15; II Thes. 1:5-10). During this time the devil will be bound. (Revelation 20:2,3). This will be a reign of peace and blessing. Read the prophecy which shows the quality of the kingdom during this time. (Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:6-9; 65:25; Hosea 2:18; Micah 4:3).
Matthew 25:46; Luke 18:29,30; John 10:28; Romans 6:22; I John 5:11-13; Matthew 25:34-36.
At the end of the Millennium, or when the one thousand years have expired, the ungodly and sinner will be called into judgment. (Revelation 20:7,10,13-15; II Thes. 1:7-9). This is the resurrection of the wicked dead only, the second death.
The last judgment is the Great White Throne. God will judge the living and dead according to their works. (Revelation 20:11-15; Acts 10:42; Daniel 12:2).
Concerning the punishment for the wicked, we read the following Scriptures and let the Word of God decide the question. On one thing we can be assured: God will do right and give justice to everyone. (Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 3:29; Revelation 20:10-15).
The foregoing Scriptures teach that the lake of fire is just as eternal as heaven. The wicked shall be cast into the lake of fire where the beast and the false prophet are. Read the above Scriptures and flee the wrath to come on all them that know not God and who obey not His commandments.
The Word teaches that this earth, which has been polluted by sin, shall pass away, or be regenerated, cleansed, purified and made holy, after the Great White Throne Judgment, and God will make a new heaven and a new earth in which dwelleth righteousness. This will be a glorious scene, the heaven and the earth like as they were before there was any sin. (Matthew 24:35; II Peter 3:12,13; Revelation 21:3).
A benefit of our liberty in Christ is freedom from the domination of negative forces. (John 8:32,36; Romans 6:14; 8:2). We are not to put ourselves again under bondage (Galatians 5:1). As Christians, we must totally abstain from all alcoholic beverages and other habit-forming, mood-altering chemical substances and refrain from use of tobacco in any form, marijuana and all other addictive and enslaving substances.
"Wherefore come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (II Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4; I Corinthians 9:25; Galatians 5:25; I Thes. 5:22; Judges 13:4; Habakkuk 2:15; Proverbs 23:29-32).
(II Corinthians 7:1)
God's people should be pure, holy, devout, reverent, with "chaste conversation coupled with fear," not yielding to the lust of the flesh; therefore, vulgar conversation, secret vice, and other improper and sinful conduct which give rise to social evils are entirely outside the boundary of Christian living. We must refrain from any activity which defiles the body as the temple of the Holy Ghost or which dominates and enslaves the spirit that has been made free in Christ. (I Peter 1:15; 2:12; 3:1; II Peter 3:11-14; Galatians 5:19-25; I John 3:3; Hebrews 12:14; I Corinthians 10:21; II Corinthians 6:17,18; I Thes. 4:7).
No one should be taken into the church or assume leadership positions until they have cleansed themselves or been delivered from filthy and sinful habits that would bring reproach upon the church family and the cause of Christ.
We are against homosexuality, bestiality and other forms of sexual deviancy, as stated in the Bible. We will not take anyone into our church membership known to practice such. Any member being guilty of these sins has given the church grounds for their dismissal. Heterosexual couples living without marriage will not be allowed to be members of our churches. Members who allow themselves to get in these situations have given ground for dismissal from membership.
We have no obligation to marry anyone outside of The (Original) Church of God.
"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination" (Leviticus 18:22) (NKJ).
"For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers," (Romans 1:26-29) (KJV)
"Don't you know that those doing such things have no share in the kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who live immoral lives, who are idol worshippers, adulterers or homosexuals will have no share in His kingdom..." (I Cor. 6:9-10) (Living Bible)
Above all we must seek spiritual beauty, which does not come from outward adornment with jewelry, elaborate showy dress, extravagance or cosmetics, but from good works, chaste conversation, and a gentle, quiet spirit. (I Peter 3:1-5).
Do not set your affections on, or live sacrificially on behalf of anything that (1) appeals to your fleshly appetites, (2) appeals to your covetousness or greed, or (3) fosters pride or arrogance. (I John 2:15-17). External adornment as an outward display of personal worth is contrary to a spiritual attitude. (James 2:1-4).
Our life, character and self-image are reflected by our apparel and mode of dress. The admonition of scripture, "Be not conformed to this world..." (Romans 12:2), reminds us that our manner of dress must be modest and decent. (I Thes. 5:22; I Timothy 2:9,10). As godly people, we are to abstain from all lusts of the flesh and avoid dressing in a manner that encourages immoral thoughts, attitudes and lifestyles. (Galatians 5:13-21; I Peter 2:11; II Peter 1:4).
It is not displeasing to God for us to dress well and be well-groomed. However, above all we must seek spiritual beauty which does not come from outward adornment and expensive clothes, but from good works, chaste conversation, and a meek, quiet spirit. (I Peter 3:3-5; I John 2:15-17).
Males and females are to honor the dignity of their own sex and not attempt to adopt the appearance or role of the other. (Deut. 22:5). This verse clearly forbids transvestitism, which is a deviant form of sexual behavior.
We believe that pride is an abomination in the sight of God; that humility and contrition characterize God's people in whom is not found a haughty, overbearing spirit. "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 14:11; Proverbs 6:16,17). "Pride goeth before destruction." (I John 2:15-17; Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6).
The letter and the Spirit of the Gospel are emphatically against strife, contention and carnal warfare. We are thankful to the government of the United States of America for the freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and thankful for any defensive deterrents of our government to defend against aggression. Jesus said, "Thou shalt not kill." Therefore, when required to serve in the military, we shall be glad to be of service in any way consistent with non-combatant service. Examples include field medic or rescue, cook, maintenance, and supply. (Matthew 5:38-45; 26:52; John 18:36; I Corinthians 6:1-8; Romans 12:17-21; II Corinthians 10:4; Luke 22:49-52; 3:10-14).
The Sabbath (cessation) appears in the Scriptures as a day of God's rest in the finishing work of creation. (Genesis 2:2,3). For the next 2500 years of human life, there is absolutely no mention made of it in the Scripture.
This important passage fixes beyond all quibbling the time when the Sabbath, God's rest (Genesis 2:1-3), was given to man. The seventh day Sabbath was never made a day of sacrificial worship, or any manner of religious service: it was simply and only a day of complete rest for man and beast, a humane provision for man's needs. In Christ's words, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27). Christ, Himself, was held to be a Sabbath-breaker by the religious authorities of that day.
The Christian's first day perpetuates in the dispensation of Grace the principle that one-seventh of the time is especially sacred, but in all other respects is in contrast with the Sabbath: one is the seventh day, the other the first. The Sabbath commemorates God's creation rest; the First Day, Christ's Resurrection from the dead. On the seventh day God rested; on the first day Christ was busy all day. Jesus appeared to His disciples eight times that day. The Sabbath was a day of legal obligation; the first day one of voluntary worship service.
Matthew 5:34; James 5:12.
Marriage is ordained of God and is a spiritual union in which a man and a woman are joined by God to live together as one. (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:2-12). Because of the divine character of marriage, it is a lifelong commitment with the only clear Biblical allowance for divorce being sexual immorality. (Matthew 5:32; 19:3-12). Sexual involvement, either before marriage or with someone other than the marriage partner, is strictly forbidden in Scripture. (Exodus 20:14; I Corinthians 6:15-18). There should be no marriage between a believer and an unbeliever. (I Corinthians 7:39). Understanding the sanctity of marriage, partners should strive to maintain a happy, harmonious and holy relationship.
Should divorce occur, the church should be quick to provide love, understanding and counsel to those involved. The remarriage of divorced persons should be undertaken only after a thorough understanding of and submission to the scriptural instructions concerning the issue. (Matthew 19:7-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2,3; I Corinthians 7:2,10,11).
Should a Christian desire to remain single, this decision should be respected and should be seen as a viable scriptural alternative. (I Corinthians 7:8,32-34).
When a divorce and remarriage has taken place prior to salvation, we do not hold them responsible, for "...old things have passed away and behold all things have become new." (II Corinthians 5:17; I John 1:7). God's law does not govern sinners. Jesus told the Samaritan woman that she had had five husbands, and she admitted it, and the man she was now living with was not her husband. (John 4:10,14,39). Jesus offered her salvation: told her she could have it by asking, as all the past was done in sin. (See page 48 for qualifications for Ministers, Bishops, Elders and Deacons.)
We believe that our country was founded on Biblical principles and we oppose any and all laws that may prohibit or restrict the free exercise of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the Holy Bible.
God instituted the Christian ordinances and Jesus' final commission to His disciples reflects a global perspective: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,...Teaching them to observe (practice) things whatsoever I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19,20; John 13:17; II Thes. 2:15).
Jesus went down into the water, and came up out of the water, giving us an example that we should follow in His steps. (Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:38,39). We accept no other mode of baptism than the complete burial in water.
We shall use the actual language which Jesus used in His final commission to His disciples, to administer baptism under the authority of the entire Godhead, recognizing all three equally. Matthew 28:19,20 says, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, Amen."
Please note that this was after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and He was in His glorified body, just before He ascended to His Father to take His seat at the right hand of God. There has been no authority given to any man to change this final command of Jesus, therefore, we accept His command as the only legal authoritative ceremony to be used when baptizing believers in water.
Jesus Christ instituted the Communion as a memorial of His suffering and death, to be observed by Christian believers who are at peace with God and man. The elements to be used are unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine. We recommend unfermented grape juice. (Luke 22:19,20; I Corinthians 10:16,17; I Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25).
The time and frequency of observance is left to our discretion. God's word does say, "As oft as ye do this, ye show forth the Lord's death until He comes." Approach it with faith, receiving the life and healing it provides, as He bore our pain and sickness in His body.
As part of the body of Christ on earth, it is of utmost importance that you make every effort to have your family in church at every opportunity. Missed opportunities for you and your family to be nourished and to grow through the hearing of the Word are forever lost.
Missed opportunities for uniting in Christian fellowship, magnifying and praising God together, and extending a hand and a warm smile to a visitor are lost.
Enter into worship with the first song or chorus. Pray and seek God earnestly that He will lead you into your particular ministry within the church. Begin to equip yourself and develop your God-given talents and abilities for His service and His glory. It may be teaching a class, the nursery, children's church, youth leader, worship music leader, playing an instrument, being an usher, a greeter at the door, a men's or women's ministries leader, a jail or nursing home ministry, street ministry to kids in the "projects," discipling new converts, hospital visiting, missions leader at your church, picking up the disabled and elderly and transporting them to church, intercessory prayer, cleaning the church, doing the lawn, printing the bulletin, writing or phoning the visitors, and so on. God has a ministry for everyone.
Remember the Pastor cannot do it all. Stand by him. Always tithe your income and be faithful in offerings, as the Lord prospers you.
Do not be distracted during the worship time and ministering of the Word, nor should you distract anyone during this time. Do not let your mind wander but be sensitive to what the Spirit of God is trying to accomplish. Someone may be "one yard from Hell," reaching out for a last attempt for help.
Do not be judgmental, critical or prejudiced against people coming in off the streets, even if they are not dressed properly or smell bad. Pray for them, love them, encourage and help them. Love will win.
You should always dress neat and clean, but not for show. Be a good example to those who may be a part of the Body of Christ. Ask yourself: "What kind of church would my church be if every member were just like me?"