"The
Church of God, with international headquarters in Cleveland,
Tennessee, traces its roots to 1886 in a meeting house located
at Barney Creek in the mountains of eastern Tennessee. The
Christian Union was organized with eight members. Since
that inauspicious start, the Church of God has become an international
church with a membership approaching 4 million. The Church
of God is a grassroots organization with an appeal to and
a concern for the common man and his needs."WE
BELIEVE:
In the verbal inspiration of the Bible.
In one God eternally existing in three persons: namely,
the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father,
conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary.
That Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the
dead. That He ascended to heaven and is today at the right
hand of the Father as the Intercessor.
That all have sinned and come short of the glory of
God and that repentance is commanded of God for all and
necessary for forgiveness of sins.
That justification regeneration and the new birth are
wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
In sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through
faith in the blood of Christ; through the Word, and by
the Holy Ghost.
Holiness to be God's standard of living for His people.
In the baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean
heart.
In speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance
and that it is the initial evidence of the baptism in
the Holy Ghost
In water baptism by immersion. and all who repent should
be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost.
Divine healing is provided for all in the Atonement,
In the Lord's Supper and washing of the saints' feet.
In the premillennial second coming of Jesus. First.
to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the
living saints to Him in the air. Second, to reign on the
earth a thousand years.
In the bodily resurrection. eternal life for the righteous,
and eternal punishment for the wicked.
Holiness. Luke 1:75; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Hebrews 12:14.
Water baptism. Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9, 1 0; John 3:22,
23; Acts 8:36, 38.
Baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to cleansing;
the enduement of power for service. Matthew 3:11; Luke
24:49, 53; Acts 1:4-8.
The speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance
as the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
John 15:26; Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:1-7.
Signs following believers. Mark 16:17-20; Romans 15:18,
19; Hebrews 2:4.
Fruit of the Spirit. Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22, 23;
Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1: 11.
Divine healing provided for all in the atonement. Psalm
103:3; Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:17; James 5:14-16; 1
Peter 2:24.
The Lord's Supper. Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
Washing the saints' feet. John 13:4-17; 1 Timothy 5:9,
10.
Tithing and giving. Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Malachi
3: 10; Luke 11:42; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; 16:2; Hebrews
7:1-21.
Restitution where possible. Matthew 3:8; Luke 19:8,
9.
Premillennial second coming of Jesus. First, to resurrect
the dead saints and to catch away the living saints to
Him in the air. 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17;
2 Thessalonians 2: 1.
Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years. Zechariah
14:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Jude
14, 15; Revelation 5:10; 19:11-21; 20:4-6.
Resurrection. John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Revelation
20:5, 6.
Eternal life for the righteous. Matthew 25:46; Luke
18:30; John 10:28; Romans 6:22; 1 John 5:11-13.
Eternal punishment for the wicked. No liberation nor
annihilation. Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 3:29; 2 Thessalonians
1: 8,9; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:8.
Church of God,
Practical Commitments
SPIRITUAL EXAMPLE
We will demonstrate our commitment to Christ through our
practice of the spiritual disciplines; we will demonstrate
our commitment to the body of Christ through our loyalty
to God and commitment to His church; and we will demonstrate
our commitment to the work of Christ through our being good
stewards.
Practice of Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines involve such practices as prayer,
praise, worship, confession, fasting, meditation, and study.
Through prayer we express our trust in Jehovah God, the
giver of all good things, and acknowledge our dependence
on Him for our needs and for the needs of others (Matthew
6:5-15; Luke 11: 1- 13; James 5:13-18). Through both private
and public worship we bless God, have communion with Him,
and are provided daily with spiritual enrichment and growth
in grace. Through periods of fasting we draw close to God,
meditate on the passion of Christ, and discipline ourselves
to submit to the control of the Holy Spirit in all areas
of our life (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-17; Acts 14:23). Through
confession of our sins to God we are assured of divine forgiveness
(I John 1:9-2:2).The sharing of our confession with other
believers provides the opportunity to request prayer and
to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2; James 5:16).
Through meditation on and study of the Word of God we enhance
our own spiritual growth and prepare ourselves to help guide
and instruct others in scriptural truths (Joshua 1:8; Psalm
1:2; 2 Timothy 2:15, 23-26).
Loyalty to God and Commitment to the Church
The life of Christian discipleship calls for the fulfillment
of our duties to the body of Christ. We are to unite regularly
with other members of the church for the purpose of magnifying
and praising God and hearing His Word (Matthew 18:20; John
4:23; Acts 2:42, 46, 47; 12:24; Hebrews 10:25). Sunday is
the Christian day of worship. As the Lord's Day, it commemorates
the resurrection of Christ from the dead (Matthew 28:1)
and should be employed for worship, fellowship, Christian
service, teaching, evangelism, and proclamation (Acts 20:7;
Romans 14:5, 6; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Colossians 2:16, 17).
We are to provide for the financial needs of the church
by the giving of tithes (Malachi 3: 10; Matthew 23:23) and
offerings (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 9:1-15).
It is our duty to respect and to submit to those whom the
Lord Jesus has placed over us in the church (1 Thessalonians
5:12-13; Hebrews 13:7, 17). Our exercise of authority must
be as a spiritual example rather than as a lord over God's
flock (Matthew 20:25-28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). Furthermore, our
submission must be a manifestation of the spiritual grace
of humility (Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5, 6). Finally, we
are to avoid affiliation with oath-bound societies. Such
societies may appear to have spiritual character, but by
being oath-bound and secretive, they contradict Christian
spirituality (John 18:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Christians
must not belong to any body or society that requires or
practices an allegiance that supersedes or excludes their
fellowship in Christ (Matthew 12:47-49; John 17:21-23).
Being Good Stewards
In the Scriptures, the virtues of thrift and simplicity
are honored, but the vices of waste and ostentation are
solemnly prohibited (Isaiah 55:2; Matthew 6:19-23). The
living of a godly and sober life requires the wise and frugal
use of our temporal blessings, including time, talent and
money. As good stewards we are to make the most of our time,
whether for recreation or for work (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians
4:5). The idle use of leisure time degrades (2 Thessalonians
3:6-13; 1 Timothy 5:13), but the edifying use of it brings
inner renewal. All our work and play should honor the name
of God (I Corinthians 10:31). As good stewards we must use
fully our spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians
12:1-11, 27-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:9-11) and natural
talents (Matthew 25:14-30) for the glory of God. As good
stewards we must recognize that the wise use of money is
an essential part of the Christian's economy of life. God
has committed temporal blessings to our trust (Matthew 7:11;
James 1:17).
MORAL PURITY
We will engage in those activities which glorify God in
our body and which avoid the fulfillment of the lust of
the flesh. We will read, watch and listen to those things
which are of positive benefit to our spiritual well-being.
Glorifying God in Our Body
Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and we are to
glorify God in our body (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19,
20; 10:31). We are to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill
the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Examples of fleshly
behavior which do not glorify God are noted in several passages
of Scripture (Romans 1:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians
5:19-21; Revelation 21:8). Sinful practices which are made
prominent and condemned in these scriptures include homos¥xuality,
adultery, worldly attitudes (such as hatred, envy, jealousy),
corrupt communication (such as gossip, angry outbursts,
filthy words), stealing, murder, drunkenness and witchcraft.
Witchcraft has to do with the practices of the occult, which
are forbidden by God and lead to the worship of Satan.
Reading, Watching and Listening
The literature we read, the programs we watch and the music
we listen to profoundly affect the way we feel, think and
behave. It is imperative, then, that the Christian read,
watch and listen to those things which inspire, instruct
and challenge to a higher plane of living. Therefore, literature,
programs and music which are worldly in content or p@rnographic
in nature must be avoided. A Christian is not to attend
(or watch on television) movies or theatrical performances
of a demoralizing nature (Romans 13:14; Philippians 4:8).
Benefiting Spiritual Well-Being
The use of leisure time in the life of a Christian should
be characterized by those activities which edify both the
individual and the body of Christ (Romans 6:13; 1 Corinthians
10:31,32). We are to avoid places and practices which are
of this world. Consequently, a Christian must not be a part
of any other types of entertainment which appeal to the
fleshly nature and/or bring discredit to the Christian testimony
(2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22; 1 John 2:15-17).
PERSONAL INTEGRITY
We will live in a manner that inspires trust and confidence,
bearing the fruit of the Spirit and seeking to manifest
the character of Christ in all our behavior.
Trust and Confidence
A Christian should be trustworthy, dependable and a person
of his word (Matthew 5:37; 1 Peter 2:11, 12). Therefore,
the swearing of oaths is contrary to a Christian's trustworthiness
and should be avoided (Matthew 5:34-37; James 5:12). Christ,
by precept and example, taught that we love our enemy and
prefer our brother (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:10; Philippians
2:3, 1 John 3:16). We should behave in a way that will point
others to Christ (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1).
Fruit of the Spirit
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 (Galatians 5:16, 22-25; 1 John 1:7). Trustful
relationships with others are a natural outgrowth of our
positive relationship with the Lord (Psalm 1:1-3; Matthew
22:37-40). A lack of fruit-bearing in our lives will be
judged (Matthew 7:16-20; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:1-8).
Character of Christ
Love for others is the hallmark of the Christ-life (John
13:34, 35; 15:9-13; 1 John 4:7-11). In His relationship
with His Father, Jesus displayed submission (Luke 22:42;
John 4:34; 5:30). In His relationship with others, He demonstrated
acceptance (John 8:11), compassion (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34)
and forgiveness (Matthew 9:2; Luke 5:20). We cannot bear
the fruit of the Spirit and manifest the character of Christ
without being spiritually joined to Christ (John 15:4, 5)
and without having the seed of the Word planted in our heart
(John 15:3, 1 Peter 1:22, 23).
FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY
We will give priority to fulfilling family responsibilities,
to preserving the sanctity of marriage and to maintaining
divine order in the home.
Priority of the Family
The family is the basic unit of human relationship and
as such is foundational to both society and the church (Genesis
2:18-24). The divine origin of the family, along with its
foundational character, makes it imperative that we give
priority to ministry to the family, both from a personal
and corporate standpoint. The practice of Christian disciplines
and virtues should begin in the home (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7).
Therefore, our families should establish some pattern for
family devotions and should endeavor to provide a Christian
environment in the home (I Timothy 3:3, 4; 5:8).
Sanctity of Marriage
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 10:7). Because of the divine
character of marriage it is a lifelong commitment with the
only clear biblical allowance for divorce being fornication
(Matthew 5:32; 19:9). s¥xual involvement, either before
marriage or with someone other than the marriage partner,
is strictly forbidden in Scripture (Exodus 20:14; 1 Corinthians
6:15-18). 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 this issue (and should be seen as a viable scriptural
alternative (1 Corinthians 7:8, 32-34).
Divine Order in the Home
When God created man, He created them male and female (Genesis
1:27). He gave them distinctly different characteristics
(I Corinthians 11: 14, 15; 1 Peter 3:7) as well as different
responsibilities (Genesis 3:16-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7). In God's
order, the husband is head of the home (Ephesians 5:22-31;
Colossians 3:18, 19), parents are to nurture and admonish
their children (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21), and children
are to obey and honor their parents (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians
6:1-3; Colossians 3:20). In order for harmony to exist in
the home, God's order of responsibility must be observed.
BEHAVIORAL TEMPERANCE
We will practice temperance in behavior and will abstain
.from activities and attitudes which are offensive to our
fellowman or which lead to addiction or enslavement.
Temperance
One of the cardinal Christian virtues is temperance or
self-control (I Corinthians 9:25; Titus 1:8, 2:2). It is
listed as fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). We are admonished
to practice moderation and balance in our behavior (Philippians
4:5). The Scripture indicates that it is within our prerogative
to control our thinking (Philippians 4:8), our anger (Ephesians
4:26) and our communication (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians
3:8). To exercise self-discipline reflects the power of
God in our life (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Peter 1:5-11).
Offensive Behavior
The Bible speaks clearly that we are to be sensitive to
the needs and feelings of others as a demonstration of our
love for them (Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:9-21, 13:10; Philippians
2:3-5). At times it is necessary for us to control our behavior
so as not to bring offense to others (Romans 14:13-21; 1
Corinthians 8:9-13). As we know Christ after the Spirit,
we are also to know others in the same manner so we will
not judge them after their outward behavior alone (2 Corinthians
5:16). A respect and tolerance for differences in others
should characterize our relationships (Romans 14:2, 3; 1
Corinthians 8:8; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13; 1 Timothy
4:1-5).
Addiction and Enslavement
One of the primary benefits of our liberty in Christ is
freedom from the domination of negative forces (John 8:32,
36; Romans 6:14; 8:2). We are counseled not to put ourselves
again under bondage (Galatians 5:1). Therefore, a Christian
must totally abstain from all alcoholic beverages and other
habit-forming and mood-altering chemical substances and
refrain from the use of tobacco in any form, marijuana and
all other addictive substances, and further, must refrain
from any activity (such as gambling or gluttony) which defiles
the body as the temple of God or which dominates and enslaves
the spirit that has been made free in Christ (Proverbs 20:
1; 23:20-35; Isaiah 28:7; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 5:11; 6:10;
2 Corinthians 7:1; James 1:21).
MODEST APPEARANCE
We will demonstrate the scriptural principle of modesty
by appearing and dressing in a manner that will enhance
our Christian testimony and will avoid pride, elaborateness
or sensuality.
Modesty
According to the biblical idea, modesty is an inner spiritual
grace that recoils from anything unseemly and impure, is
chaste in thought and conduct, and is free of crudeness
and indecency in dress and behavior (Ephesians 4:25, 29,
31; 5:1-8; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10). Therefore, modesty includes
our appearance, dress, speech and conduct and can be applied
to all situations. The essential issue is, does our style
of life please or displease God?
Appearance and Dress
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," reminds us that our manner
of dress must be modest and decent (Romans 12:2; 1 Thessalonians
5:22, 23). 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
with jewelry, expensive clothes or cosmetics, but from good
works, chaste conversation, and a meek and quiet spirit
(Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 3:3-5).
Pride, Elaborateness, Sensuality
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; 1
Peter 2:11, 2 Peter 1:4). Our beauty does not depend on
elaborate, showy dress; extravagant, costly attire; or on
the use of jewelry or cosmetics but on our relationship
with Christ. External adornment, whether clothing or jewelry,
as an outward display of personal worth, is contrary to
a spiritual attitude (James 2:1-4).
SOCIAL OBLIGATION
It should be our objective to fulfill our obligations to
society by being good citizens, by correcting social injustices,
and by protecting the sanctity of life.
Being Good Citizens
As Christians we are members of the kingdom of God as well
as a social order of this world. Obedience to God requires
us to act in a responsible manner as citizens of our country
(Mark 12:13-17; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Therefore,
we should support civil law and order; hold our leaders
in respect and pray for them; participate in school, community
and governmental activities; exercise our voting rights;
and speak out on clear-cut moral issues. God's law is supreme,
but we are to obey the laws of our country insofar as they
are not in conflict with obedience to God (Acts 5:29). When
it becomes necessary to disagree with practices and requirements
of government, we should do so out of a concern for the
promotion of righteousness and not out of delight in discord
and controversy.
Correcting Social Injustices
Love for others and the recognition of the equal worth
of all men in the sight of God (Acts 10:34; 17:26) should
compel us to take steps to improve the situation of those
who are underprivileged, neglected, hungry, homeless and
victimized by prejudice, persecution and oppression (Matthew
22:39; Romans 13:8-10; 1 John 3:17). In all of our dealings,
we must be sensitive to human needs (Luke 10:30-37; James
1:17) and guard against racial and economic discrimination.
Every person should have freedom to worship and participate
in the life of the church regardless of race, color, s¥x,
social class or nationality.
Protecting the Sanctity of Life
God alone confers life (Genesis 1:1-31); therefore, we
are responsible to God to care for our physical life and
that of others. If the circumstances require, we must be
prepared to risk our life in the service of our neighbor
(John 15:13); but the general rule is that we must respect
our physical life and employ every worthy means to maintain
it. Since God alone confers life, God alone must decide
when it is to be ended (Psalm 31:14, 15). Because a human
fetus is sacred and blessed of God, we believe that we have
the responsibility to protect the life of the unborn (Jeremiah
1:5; Luke 1:41). It is our firm conviction that abortion
and euthanasia of aged, mentally incompetent, terminally
ill and otherwise handicapped, for reasons of personal convenience,
social adjustment or economic advantage, are morally wrong.
Furthermore, we believe it is our Christian responsibility
to care for the earth and its resources. In the beginning
God gave man dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-30).
This does not, however, give us license to pollute our natural
environment or to waste the resources of the earth.
From its inception in 1886, the Church of God has been
a holiness church. The following resolution passed in 1960,
which was a reaffirmation of our commitment to the principles
of biblical holiness, remains the standard of the church
today.
Resolution
Relative To Principles Of Holiness Of Church Of God
The foundation of the Church of God is laid upon the principles
of biblical holiness. Even before the church experienced
the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, its roots were set in
the holiness revival of the past century. It was, and is,
a holiness church-holiness in fact and holiness in name.
The passing of time has not diminished our holiness position
or convictions. The years have, instead, strengthened our
knowledge that without holiness it is impossible to please
God.
We hereby remind ourselves that the Scriptures enjoin us
at all times to examine our own hearts. The continuing and
consistent life of holiness requires this. Conditions of
our day desperately require it. The subtle encroachment
of worldliness is a very real and unrelenting threat to
the church. We must, therefore, beware lest we become conformed
to the world or lest a love for the world take root in our
hearts and manifest itself as lust of the flesh, lust of
the eye, or the pride of life.
For these reasons, we present the following:
WHEREAS, The Church of God is historically a holiness church,
and
WHEREAS, we are enjoined by the Scriptures to be so, and
WHEREAS, a tide of worldliness threatens the spirituality
of the church,
BE IT RESOLVED THAT WE, the Church of God, reaffirm our
standard of holiness, in stated doctrine, in principles
of conduct, and as a living reality in our hearts.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT WE, as ministers, maintain
this standard in our own lives, in our homes, and in our
pulpits.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT WE, as ministers and members,
rededicate ourselves to this purpose and guard our lives
against conformity to the world in appearance, in selfish
ambition, in carnal attitudes, and in evil associations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT WE, as ministers and members,
seek to conform to the positive virtues of love, mercy,
and forgiveness as taught by Jesus Christ.
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