APPROACH TOWARD DOCTRINE CHURCH OF GOD, A WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION he subject of doctrine is one of critical importance. Without an established doctrinal foundation everything else we accomplish would be of little value. We must ask ourselves, “If our doctrines are not correct, will anything else matter?” T We must be diligent in preserving the truth. We must not succumb to pressure to compromise the Word of God. Nor should we be unwilling to address the difficult doctrinal questions in an open and honest manner. Our approach must be humble and collaborative, not arrogant and isolated. We must begin with solid principles and proceed to the more difficult questions. We must confirm and re-establish our foundational beliefs that brought all of us together in the first place. In Ephesians 2:19-20 (NKJV) Paul states: “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” Our foundation must be grounded in the Word of God, both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of our beliefs and practices. Peter confirms this principle in II Peter 3:1-2: “This second epistle, beloved, I now write to you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:” As a Church we must be well grounded in the truth. Paul wrote to Timothy in I Timothy 3:14-15 (NKJV) “These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” The margin in the New King James Version lists “foundation” as an alternative translation for “ground.” The truth is a very special gift that has been given to us by God the Father. We must respect it and treat it with great care. The Church must be founded on the fundamental truths that God has revealed in His Word. Our approach toward the study of doctrine will be of great importance. We must be respectful of God’s Word and we must be diligent in our efforts. Time will be required to produce the scholarly papers that will be important in confirming our beliefs. We must be patient with the process and we must be willing to participate. We must bear with one another and be patient as we fine-tune this process. Above all we must seek the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. The following points summarize our approach to doctrine: • The Holy Scriptures represent God’s written revelation to mankind. While other sources may be of value in supporting the biblical record, any contradiction of the Bible is against divine revelation Page 1 APPROACH TOWARD DOCTRINE CHURCH OF GOD, A WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION • The Bible is to be read, viewed and interpreted as a whole. The Bible interprets itself. God’s purpose has been the same from the beginning. Doctrine is established upon the clear, consistent teaching throughout the Bible and not upon a few passages of scripture. • The Bible interprets its many symbols • The Bible does not contradict itself. Alleged contradictions can arise through misunderstandings of linguistic, cultural and historical details. Contradictions are not part of God’s revelation. • The Bible’s account of the Kingdom of God, the Divine Realm and its description of the creation of the physical world and events in human history are to be viewed as true and accurate. • The Bible was written to be applicable and meaningful to all generations of humanity (II Timothy 3:16-17). The laws and principles therein should be applied diligently in our own environment, while being cognizant of the cultural and historical setting surrounding the text.. • The Bible was written for all peoples. Those called by God have been given understanding of His great plan The understanding of the Bible is not subject to change because of changing philosophical ideas of a generation. • Wherever possible, the simple straightforward understanding of the text is preferred. Priority should be given to the understanding provided by Christ, the Apostolic Church, and the original audience in the context of their day. • The Bible reveals the plan of God created from the foundation of the earth. In the current church age, it involves a divine calling by God the Father. God is not trying to save the entire world in this age. Therefore, this is not the only day of salvation. The plan of salvation is revealed through the annual Holy Days. • The Old Testament outlines many of the basic doctrines of the Church, including an understanding of what is needed under the New Covenant relationship. • The Bible contains inspired prophecy which is not subject to private interpretation. • The Apostle Paul does not re-interpret Christ. Paul’s epistles should be interpreted in light of, or based on, Christ’s teachings and not the reverse. • Distinction must be made between the understanding relating to a doctrine and the administration of that doctrine. • No book or portion of the Bible claims to present a complete systematic presentation of doctrine or theology. Doctrines are understood by examining all the relevant sections on the subject or doctrine at hand. Page 2 Introduction to Doctrine Historical Documents Development of the Fundamental Beliefs Of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association The Fundamental Beliefs were originally based upon two historical documents. 1938 Fundamental Beliefs by Herbert W. Armstrong. This article contains 16 fundamental beliefs as first written by Mr. Armstrong in 1938. 1946 Addition to Fundamental Beliefs by Herbert W. Armstrong. In 1946 after moving to southern California, Mr. Armstrong added four to the list of fundamental beliefs. These four were: (1) The Sabbath from sunset to sunset; (2) The annual Holy Days; (3) Clean and unclean meats; (4) Restriction on military service. From the above documents, a revised list of the Fundamental Beliefs was developed. This list was adopted by the Church of God, a Worldwide Association in March of 2011. The following statements represent the fundamental beliefs of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. These beliefs, based upon Holy Scripture, do not constitute the entire body of beliefs of the Church but do represent its fundamental or foundational beliefs. 1. The Godhead God the Father is an eternally existing Spirit, a perfect, personal Being of supreme love, intelligence, knowledge, justice, power and authority. It was through the Word (who became Jesus Christ) that He created all things that exist. The Father is the Source of life, the Sustainer of the universe through His power. There is one Lord, Jesus Christ, who has eternally existed. He came to earth to do the will of the Father. He is the Messiah, the Christ and the divine Son of the living God, who was born of human flesh to the virgin Mary. God is an eternal family currently consisting of the Father and the Son. Both the Father and Son are involved in the creative work of expanding this family by bringing many children (sons and daughters) to glory. The Holy Spirit is the power of God and the Spirit of life eternal, not a separate entity or being. Scriptural support: Ephesians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 3:15; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 2:10; 2 Corinthians 6:18. 2. The Angelic Realm and Satan The angelic realm, consisting of various types of spirit beings, was created by God. A former “covering cherub,” Lucifer, rebelled against God’s authority and became Satan the devil. As Lucifer, he influenced one-third of the angels to follow him. Those who followed him are now evil spirits known as demons. Satan the devil is the adversary of both God and mankind. He and his demons influence mankind to reject God and His law. These evil Page 1 Introduction to Doctrine Historical Documents spirits have been allowed temporary dominion over the earth and have deceived the majority of human beings. The angels who remained faithful to God serve as ministering spirits to those responding to God’s calling. Scriptural support: Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 8:12; 2 Timothy 2:26; John 12:31; 16:11; Revelation 12:4, 9; 20:1-3, 7, 10; Leviticus 16:21-22; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:14; Ephesians 2:2; Hebrews 1:14. 3. Humanity Human beings, both male and female, were created in the image of God with the potential to partake of God’s divine nature as children in His eternal family. Humans are mortal beings relying on the breath of life and are subject to corruption and decay. They do not have an immortal soul nor do they possess eternal life at this time. Eternal life is a gift of God, given only to those who accept His calling and the terms and conditions expressed in the Scriptures. God gave Adam and Eve the choice of eternal life through obedience to Him or death through sin. Adam and Eve succumbed to sin by disobeying God. As a result, death entered the world. All humans have sinned and are therefore subject to death. In God’s plan it is appointed for man to “die once.” Scriptural support: Genesis 1:26; 2 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 9:27; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 3:23; 5:12; 6:23; 8:16-17.