WBC Statement of Faith

(The Baptist Voice Confession of Faith)

This is “The Baptist Voice Confession of Faith – 1981” in it’s entirety. The confession is what we believe as a church and why we believe what we do. We hold God’s Word as the ultimate authority and we trust that God’s Word never returns void.
The Holy Scriptures

We believe that holy men of God wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The scriptures are perfect, holy, and true to the very jot and tittle, having no admixture of error.

The scriptures are our only infallible rule of faith and practice; and we strive to bring every deed, doctrine, and thought into conformity to them. They are the inspired, complete, final revelation of God to man, and they shall be preserved until heaven and earth have passed away.

  1. By the “Holy Scriptures” we mean that collection of sixty-six books from Genesis to Revelation, which not only contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God.
  2. By “Inspiration” we mean that the books were supernaturally and verbally

given by God–every word representing the very mind of the Spirit.

  1. By “Preservation” we mean that God has promised not one jot or tittle of

the Holy Scriptures shall pass or be lost.

In spite of the recent flood of translations, we accept the Authorized 1611

version of the Bible as God’s fulfillment of His promise of preservation to us as English speaking Christians.

We believe this version to be an accurate translation of the pure line of

manuscripts, these manuscripts being the Masorectic Hebrew of the Old Testament and the Byzantine (Textus Receptus, Majority Text) manuscripts of the Greek New Testament.

References: 11 Tim. 3:15-17; Rom. 15:4; 11 Pet. 3:16; 1 Pet. 1:24, 25; Isa. 8:20; 11 Pet. 1:19-21; Acts 28:23; Jer. 8:9•, Luke 16:29; 11 Tim. 3:16; Matt. 22:29; Jer. 23:29; Heb. 1:1; Heb. 4:12; Ps. 12:6, 7; Matt, 24:35•, Luke 24:27•, 1 Jn. 5:11; Ps. 138:2; 11 Cor. 2:17; Rom. 3:2, 10; Gal. 1:8, 9; Isa. 40:7, 8; Rev. 3:10; Pro. 30:5, 6; Ps. 119:89; Ps. 119:9; Ps. 119:105; Rev. 22:18, 19

God

The Essence of God: God is the most pure spirit, invisible, without body,parts, or passions. He subsists in and of Himself and is dependent upon none other.

The Unity of God: We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God whose name is Jehovah. He is the God of creation and the only God to be worshiped, honored and loved. He is the great “I AM” of eternity and beside Him there is none other.

  1. The Holy Trinity: We believe that in this divine and infinite being or unity of the Godhead, there are three persons–the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. They are one being, power, entity, and will–each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided. These three divine persons are equal in every divine perfection executing distinct, but harmonious, offices in the great work of redemption.
  1. We believe God the Father is of none, neither being begotten, nor proceeding of, nor from any other. He is the eternal Father, having begotten Christ in eternity. He is the loving Father of all who, by faith in Jesus Christ, are adopted into His family.
  1. We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. He is the Son, by eternal generation, begotten in eternity. We believe in His incarnation, sinless life and substitutionary death. We believe He is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father, having all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. As a son, He is in perfect submission to the Father in the great work of redemption, though their wills are eternally undivided.
  1. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person eternally proceeding from God the Father and God the Son. He is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son, being of the same divine essence. Being God, He is a personality and not just an influence. Those attributes of personality and self determination are shown in the scriptures, having His part in the creation and the great work of redemption.

References: Essence–Ps. 19:1; Acts 14:16; Rom. 1:20, 21; Rom. 2:14, 15; Jas.

2:19; Ps. 14:1; Rom. 1:28; Isa. 53:11; 1 Kings 8:27; Jn. 4:24; Jn. 1:18. Unity–C01. 2:9•, Isa. 45:7 through 12; Isa. 43:10, 11, 15; Gen. 1:1. Trinity-Col. 2:9; Matt. 28:19; Gen. 1:26; Isa. 6:8; col. 1:15; Matt. 3:16, 17; Gen. 11:7; 11 Cor. 13:14; Gen. 3:22.

God's Attributes

Although God is a being absolutely removed from any shadow of composition, He is represented in scripture as possessed of diverse attributes which, though seemingly different from His essence, are in reality constitutive of His nature.

God is eternal, infinite, immutable, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, per- fectly wise, holy, righteous, good, and just. He has life of and in Himself. He is the all sufficient and blessed God in whom all perfection lies.

References: Job 22:21; Jer. 9:23, 24; Dan. 11:32; 1 Cor. 1:21; Job 23:13; Eph. 3:20; Job 11:7; 11 Pet. 3:8; Dan. 7:13; Isa. 43:10; Ps. 10227; Rom. 1:20; Eph. 3:11; Ps. 83:18; Heb. 1:3; Isa. 66:1; Ps. 139:23, 24; Rom. 11:36; 1 Tim. 1:11; Heb. 13:20; Ps. 17:15, Deut. 3:24.

The Incarnation

The Son of God, in the fullness of time, took upon himself man’s nature with all the properties and infirmities. Yet without sin, He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary. Both the divine and human nature are in-separably joined in the person of Christ. These natures remain unmixed, and with-out confusion–which is very God and very man, yet one–Jesus Christ, the only mediation between God and man.

References: Gal. 4:4; Deut. 18:15; Isa. 9:6, 7; Jn. 16:28; Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; John 13:3; John 17:18; Lk. 1:27; Lk. 1:31; Heb. 1:10-12; 1 Tim. 2:5; Jn. 1:14; Matt. 1:20; Jn. 5:20; 1 Tim. 3:16.

God's Decrees

God hath from eternity freely and unchangeably created in Himself all things that are and will come to pass. God in decreeing to allow sin is in no way held chargeable for it. He neither approved, fellowshipped, encouraged or authored it.  God’s decrees do no violence to the creatures will; but rather display His wisdom in disposing all second causes to the accomplishing to His designs.

References: Acts 2:23; Ps. 76:10; 1 Cor. 2:8; Rom. 8:28; Eph. 1:9; Phil. 2:13; Isa. 46:9, 10; Matt. 6:10; Deut. 29:29; Acts 4:27, 28; Ps. 89:7; 11 Tim. 1:9.

Divine Providence

God the creator of all things, in His infinite power and wisdom does uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures and things from the greatest to the least, according to His eternal and immutable counsel. This doctrine is of great en-couragement to believers as it secures for them the assurance that “all things work together” for their good.

References: 1 Sam. 6:9; Ps. 103:19; Matt. 3:9; Gen. 50:20; Job 1:21; Rom. 8:28; Jas. 4:12; Dan. 4:35; Eph. 1:11; Heb. 1:3; Jude 24, 25; Rom. 11:36; Ps. 76:10; Dan. 3:17; Acts 14:16; Eph. 2:7.

Creation

We believe in one God “who worketh all in all’.’ Him we confess as the creator of all things, visible and invisible, who in six days created and prepared “heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.” We further believe that this God still governs and preserves the same, together with all His works, through His wisdom, His might, and the “work of His power.” When He had ordained and pre-pared each of them, they were right and good according to their nature, being, and quality. The Genesis account of creation is to be taken literally and not allegorically or figuratively. Man’s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of created kinds or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms. All animal and vegetable life was made directly; with God’s established law that they should bring forth only “after their kind.” Beside the laws written in their hearts, Adam and Eve received a command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; and while this was kept they were in happy communion with their creator.

References: 1 Jn. 1:1-3; Heb. 12; Rom. 1:20; col. 1:16; Gen. 2:1, 2; Gen. 126-28; Gen. 2:7; Ecc. 7:29; Heb. 11:3; Gen. 1:1-31.

Of Satan

We believe that Satan was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors. Through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, he fell and drew one third of the angelic host with him. He is now the malignant prince and power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. We hold him to be man’s great tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religion, the chief power behind the present apostasy, the Lord of the anti-Christ, the great dragon, and the old serpent called the devil. He is to be resisted by all those who name the name of Christ, resolving not to give place to him. His final defeat will be by the hands of God’s Son, with the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.

References: Ps. 78:49; Jude 6; Matt. 8:28; Rev. 12:9; Rev. 12:10; Jn. 14:30; Eph. 2:2; 1 Pet. 5:8; Matt. 13:39; Jn. 8:44; Eph. 4:27; Eph. 6:12; Heb. 2:14; Matt. 25:41; Isa.14:12-20; 11 Cor. 4:4, Ez. 28:12-17; Rev. 20:7-10; Rom. 16:20.

The Angels

We believe that the elect angels of the Lord are ministering spirits, sent forth for the good of those that shall be the heirs of salvation. Those non-elect angels, being left to their own free will, chose to follow Lucifer (the cherub that covereth); therefore, they are to face impending damnation along with Satan at a time appointed by God. Angels are to bring glory unto God as His creatures, which is clearly set forth in scriptures.

References: Ex. 23:20; Lk. 1:13; Lk. 2:10; Acts 27:23; Matt. 13:40, 41; Acts 10:7; 1 Tim. 5:21; 1 Pet. 1:12; 11 Pet. 2:4; Lk. 16:22; Heb. 1:14; Jude 6; Heb. 13:2; Rev. 12:4,9.

The Fall

We believe that in the beginning God made all things of nothing into good, and He created man after His own image and likeness in righteousness and holiness of truth. Man did not long abide in this honor because Satan used the subtlety of the serpent to seduce and deceive Eve. She then invited Adam, who without any compulsion, did willfully transgress and disobey the Word of God, which was to abstain and shun the forbidden fruit. God (in His holy and wise counsel) permitted the fall having purposed it to His own glory. All mankind fell and became altogether dead in sin and subject to the eternal wrath of God; both by original and actual corruption, and wholly defiled in all the faculties, in soul and body, is set forth in Holy Writ. Therefore, mankind is conceived in sin, being by nature the children of wrath, the servants of sin, and the subjects of spiritual, temporal and eternal death, except the Lord Jesus Christ sets them free.

Man’s total depravity is not only seen in degree, but extent. The natural man is not depraved in spots, but the whole of his being is depraved. The carnal mind is enmity against God, and the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.

By “inability” we mean that man is not able to come to Christ or believe in Christ of or in himself. Also, that the will is subject to the mind and the heart and is free only in the sense that it does what it desires, which is an aversion to God. We believe that because of man’s lifeless condition, he is unable to approach God or change his position (unregenerate) with God, as the Ethiopian cannot change his skin.

By “responsibility” we mean that man is responsible in regards to personal repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Mankind is commanded to repent and believe the Gospel. Mankind is invited to approach Christ and permission to come is given to whosoever will let Him come. Man’s inability to come to Christ is not frustrated by his responsibility, because God did not author nor promote mans’ sinful nature, therefore, man cannot blame God for his own willful rejection of Jesus Christ.

References: Gen. 1; col. 1:16; Heb. 11:13; Eph. 4:24; Ecc. 7:29; Gen. 3:1-5; 11 Cor. 11:3; Jn. 8:44; 1 Tim. 2:14; Gal. 3:22; Rom. 3:10; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 5:12, 18, 19; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3; Ps. 51:5; Job 14:4; Jas. 1:14, 15; Rom. 8:7; Jer. 17:9; Matt. 15:19; Jer. 13:23; Jer. 10:23; Jn. 1:13; Rom. 9:16; Jn. 6:44, 65; Mark 16:16; Acts 17:30; Rev. 22:17.

The Law

The intolerable burden of the Mosaic law, with all its shadows and types, was brought to an end in Christ and removed from the midst of His people. Namely, the sacerdotal office together with temple, altar, sacrifices and whatever was typically connected with the sacerdotal office. Then, the royal office and whatever adhered to that office, as kingdom, sword, punishment agreeable to the law, war, and in one word, all that which typically looked to Christ’s person, function, or office and was a shadow and figure of Him. The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ; moreover, the law entered that the offence might abound. The law is not sinful; and we would not have known sin, but by the law, for lust would not have been known, except the law had said “Thou shalt not covet”. That a man is not justified by the works of the law, is evident; but after conversion the law becomes the Christian’s delight and meditation.

References: Acts 15:10; 11 Cor. 3:11, 14; col. 2:16, 17; Heb. 8:4, 5, 10:1; Isa. 2:4; Rom. 5:20, 6:14-17, 7:1-9; Gal. 2:16; Gal. 3:21-25; Ex. 16:28; Ex. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.

Doctrines of Grace

Foreknowledge: it is our candid judgment that there is hardly any doctrine more generally or more woefully misunderstood than this wonderful doctrine. It is a divine attribute belonging to the nature of God. Unlike election and predestination, which are divine acts that follow, foreknowledge (depending on the context) can mean prescience or foresight. The other usage is closely connected with the words foreordain and foreordination. Regarding person, foreknowledge signifies favor, affection, and special cognition. God, according to His determinate counsel and good pleasure, foreknows a person for the purpose of salvation and finally unto glorification. God’s foreknowledge is eternal and immutable, whether it be of a person or of a nation. Foreknowledge goes beyond the definition and properties of omniscience.

References: Rom 8:29-30, Rom 11:2, 2 Peter 3:17, 1 Peter 1:20, 1 Pet 1:2, Jer 1:5, Amos 3:2, Ps. 1:6, Matt 7:23, Jn 10:14, 1 Cor 8:3, 2 Tim 2:19, Acts 13:48.

Election: Election is God’s choice of some persons unto everlasting life, not because of foreseen merit in them, but of his mere mercy in Christ, inconsequence of which choice they are called, justified, and glorified according to the irreprehensible reason of his own free will. Election is not salvation. It is not denied that there has been a divine choice of nations privileges or even individuals being chosen to a particular service; but we also affirm that the scriptures teach an election of individuals to everlasting life.

References: Rom 3:23, Rom 8:30, Rom 4:5-8, Eph 1:7, Rom 5:17-21, 1 Cor 1:30-31, James 2:14-26, Isa 53:5-6, Rom 8:32-33, 2 Cor 5:21, Gal 3:8, Rom 4:25, Tit 3:7, Acts 13:39, Rom 5:9, Zech 3:1-4, Deut 1:39, 2 Sam 12:22-23, Jonah 4:11, Rom 5:13.

Sanctification: They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection, are also farther sanctified, really and personally, through the same virtue, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them; the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

References: Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5; John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16-19; I Thessalonians 5:21-23; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14.

This sanctification is throughout the whole man, yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part, whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.

References: 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 7:18, 23; Galatians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11.

In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, pressing after an heavenly life, in evangelical obedience to all the commands which Christ as Head and King, in His Word hath prescribed them.

References: Romans 7:23; Romans 6:14; Ephesians 4:15, 16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1.

Adoption: All those that are justified, and redeemed through Jesus Christ are made partakers of the grace of adoption, by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God, have his name put upon them, receive the spirit of adoption, have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are enabled to cry Abba, Father, are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by him as by a Father, yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption, and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation.

References: Ephesians 1:5; Galatians 4:4, 5; John 1:12; Romans 8;17; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 3:12; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 2:18; Psalms 103:13, Proverbs 14:26; 1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 12:6; Isaiah 54:8, 9; Lamentations 3:31; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 6:12.

 Assurance:

Assurance is wrought by the Holy Spirit, and produced in the believer. Assurance yields many blessings, such as certainty, confidence, persuasiveness and an unyielding hope. Assurance is founded upon the blood and righteousness of Christ which is revealed in scripture. There is an inner evidences and witness of our spirit and being brought into harmony with God’s Spirit. Although the degrees of assurance may vary because of conflicts and difficulties, yet after making your calling and election sure, the saved will not be left destitute of the Love of Christ. Along with the sincerity of heart and conscience of duty, the Holy Spirit will revive their assurance in due time.

References: Rom 5:5, Rom 8:16, Jn 14:16, Jn 20:31, Heb 6:11-19, 2 Pet 1:10, 1 Jn 3:1-3, 24; 1 Jn 4:13; 1 Jn 5:10-14

Security of the Believer – Preservation and Perseverance: Those whom God hath accepted in His Son, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved, seeing the gifts and callings of God are without repentance, whence he still begets and nourisheth in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Spirit unto immortality; and though many storms and floods arise and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock which by faith they are fastened upon; notwithstanding, through unbelief and the temptations of Satan, the sensible sight of the light and love of God may for a time be clouded and obscured from them, yet he is still the same, and they shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto salvation, where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being engraven upon the palm of his hands, and their names having been written in the book of life from all eternity.

This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father, upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ and union with him, the oath of God, the abiding of his Spirit, and the seed of God within them, and the nature of the covenant of grace; from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.

And though they may, through the temptation of Satan and of the world, the prevalence of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins, and for a time continue therein, whereby they incur God’s displeasure and grieve his Holy Spirit, come to have their graces and comforts impaired, have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded, hurt and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgments upon themselves, yet shall they renew their repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end.

References: John 10:28, 29; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 John 2:19; Psalms 89:31, 32; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Malachi 3:6; Romans 8:30 Romans 9:11, 16; Romans 5:9, 10; John 14:19; Hebrews 6:17, 18; 1 John 3:9; Jeremiah 32:40; Matthew 26:70, 72, 74; Isaiah 64:5, 9; Ephesians 4:30; Psalms 51:10, 12; Psalms 32:3 -4 ; 2 Samuel 12:14; Luke 22:32, 61, 62.

 

Things To Come

A. The Present State of the Dead: The bodies of men after death return to dust to see corruption, but their souls and their spirits (which are neither annihilated nor sleeping) having immortal subsistence, immediately enter a prepared place called Heaven, or a place prepared for the devil and his angels, called Hell. Those in heaven, created in holiness are with Christ and behold the face of God in light and glory waiting for the full redemption of their bodies. The wicked that are in Hell remain in fiery torment and utter darkness reserved unto the judgment of the Great Day.

References: Gen. 35:18; Gen. 3:19; Ecc. 12:7; Acts 13:36; Lk. 23:43; II Cor. 5:1-9, Jas. 2:26; Phil. 1:21-23; 1 Pet. 3:19; 1 Cor. 15:49; Job 14:10; 1 Thes. 4:13,14; Acts 7:59, 60; 11 Pet. 1:13, 14; 11 Tim. 4:6, 7; Heb. 12:23; Jn. 14:1-3, Rom. 8:18; Tit. 1:20, Eph. 2:6, 19; Heb. 11:10, 12-16; 1 Pet. 2:11; Matt. 7:11, 12; Lk. 16:19-31•, Matt, 22:13; Matt. 23:33; Mk. 9:44, 46, 48; Jude 13; 11 Pet. 2:17.

B. The Second Coming of Christ: The Second Coming of our Lord is in two phases. The first phase is those who have died in Christ and have preceded the living having their bodies on that grand morning (commonly called The Rapture) raised incorruptible.

When the trump of God shall sound, we which are still living shall bechanged in a moment – in the twinkling of an eye and this mortal shall puton immortality. We shall then be translated from this old vile world to be with our Lord and Saviour apd inhabit the place He has prepared for us. This coming is believed to be very soon, yet no man knoweth the day or hour. Therefore, we are to be patient, watching and waiting till He comes for us. This translation of saints precedes the Great Tribulation, which is followed by the Millenium. Christs coming is a literal one, and not to be confused with the second phase which is at the closing of the Great Tribu- lation.

References: 1 Jn. 2:28; Job 19:25, 26; Rev. 4:1; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Thess. 5:9, 10; Jas. 5:7, 8; Jn. 14:3; Eph. 4:30; 1 Jn. 3:r-3; Tit. 2:13; Rom. 13:11; 1 Cor. 15:50-57; Rom. 8:22-25; 11 Pet. 3:3, 4; song of sol. 2:10-13, Gen. 19:22; Matt. 14:25; Mk. 13:35-37; 11 Thess. 2:1; Rev. 22:7, 20, 21; Heb. 9:28; 11 Tim.

The second phase is at the close of the Great Tribulation in which thebattle Armageddon will be terminated; the Lord and King Jesus Christ willcome with His saints following and riding upon white horses to take fiery vengeance upon the Anti-Christ, the false prophet and all unbelievers.

This terrible coming will bring the fury and the fierceness of the Al- mighty’s wrath as He shall stand upon the Mount of Olives and every eye shall see Him. They shall cry for the mountains and the rocks to fall uponthem and hide them from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.

References: Acts 1:11; Matt. 24:27-33; Jude 14; Matt. 24:36-41; 1 Thess. 5:1-4; 1 Thess. 3:13; Zech. 14:4, 5; 11 Thess. 1:7-10; 11 Thess. 2:10-12; Rev. 19:11-21; Rev. 6:12-17; Rev. 14:18-20; Rev.16:16; 11 Thess. 2:3; Isa. 63:2, 3; Mal. 4:1, 2; Mic. 1:4; zeph. 1:7.

C. The Bema Seat of Christ: This is not a judgment which determines the mortals destination, nor is it a judgment concerning the sins and trans- gressions committed on the earth. The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ washes away every sin that His chosen people commit. Therefore, the re- deemed do not suffer the wrath of God, for they were judged in Christ Jesus due to His finished work of redemption.

This particular judgment is to test what every individual Christian did for their Lord, and to reveal their motives that we may be rewarded. Therefore, let us ever be abounding in the work of the Lord, remembering that God is not unrighteous to forget our work and labor of love, in order that we may not be ashamed before Him at His coming, and that we may receive a full reward.

References: 11 Jn. 8; Matt. 6:19-21; Heb. 12:7, 8; 1 Cor. 11:32; Isa. 1:18;Isa. 53:10; 11 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 6:10; Rev. 22:12; 1 Cor. 4:5; 1 Jn. 2:28; Rev. 3:11; Job 26:1-4; Rom. 14:10-12; 1 Cor. 9:25; 1 Thess. 2:19; 11 Tim. 4:8; Rev. 2:10; 1 Pet. 5:4.

D. The Great Tribulation: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved; but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” This time of Jacob’s trouble follows the event known as the Rapture and is terminated by the Lord’s Coming during the battle of Armageddon. The span of time is ap- proximately seven years, divided in the middle (called the Abomination of Desolation) making the last three and one half years many times more vile and devastating than the first. This is a time of terrible judgment upon Israel and the inhabitants of the earth, who have not been blessed to be part of the Rapture. As time of famine, pestilence, privation, war, increased demon activity, one world church, one world economy, a time of earthquakes, signs in the heavens, and a time of such fearful unrest thatmen will yearn for death. After the translation and resurrection of true be- lievers, strong delusion and God’s decree will determine that unbelievers which heard the gospel will believe a lie, and will surely be damned.

References: Dan. 9:24-27; 1 Thess. 5:3-10, 11 Thess. 2:7, 8; Rev. 6:1-8, zeph. 1:14, 18; Rev. 7:14; Rev. 13:16-18, Matt. 24:3-39, Lk. 21:24-26, 1 Thess. Rev. 8:13; Rev. 9:1-6, Rev. 11:18; Rev. 12:12; Rev. 14:10, 11; Rev. 17:1-7, Lk. 17:26-30; Mk. 13:14-22.

Of The Anti-Christ: This man of sin (also called the son of perdition) is an idol shephard who will lead an organized rebellion against our Lord Jesus Christ. He will be a powerful individual with much charisma and

with divers miracles. He will control the world’s Religious system called the Mother of Harlots, also known as the Roman Catholic Church. This vile person shall blaspheme God, and set himself up to be God, putting to death all who refuse to take the Mark and worship him.

His reign will last seven years until the battle of Armageddon when the King of Kings will destroy him and the false prophet, and cast them into the lake of fire.

References: Rev. 6:1-8; Rev. 13:1-18; Rev. 17:1-18; Rev. 19:20, 21;Dan. 723-25; Dan. 7:23-26; Dan. 9:26-27; Zech. 11:13-17, Rev. 16:13, 14; Ps. 10:2-4; Isa. 14:2, Jer. 6:26; Dan. 7:8; Dan. 11:21; Dane 11:36-38; Isa. 28:1-10, Jn. 5:43; 1 Jn. 2:18.

Of The Battle of Armageddon: This terrible battle shall take place at the end of the Great Tribulation. The location will be just north of Jerusa- lem and south west from the Sea of Galilee, in the valley of Megiddo (also called Jezreel and the Valley of Jehosphaphat).

In this valley the Anti-Christ, his confederate nations and the King of the east will come to take prey upon Israel and to vainly imagine tooverthrow the Lord and His armies of Heaven. The Lord Omnipotent will roar out of Zion and will tread the winepress of God’s wrath until the blood of all the wicked flows up to the horses bridle.

References: Joel 3:2, Zech. 14:1-12, Zech. 1:7; Rev. 19:11-21, Rev. 16:12-21, Rev.14:17-20; Rev. 6:14-17, 11 Thess. 2:8; 11 Thess. 1:7-10, Lk. 21:27, 28; Joel 3:11-16; Mal. 4:1-3; zeph. 3:8; Isa. 26:21; Isa. 34:2-10; Isa. 12:6.

Restoration of Israel: We believe that the Lord of Zion will bring His people (Israel) back to the promised land, and He shall be their King. According to the election of God, He has left a remnant which will be regenerated and converted. Israel will recognize their Redeemer, the Messiah of Israel and the Jesus of Nazareth (whom their fathers crucified as an imposter with following generations equally condemned by their approbation) followed by unfeigned repentance and godly sorrow. We also recognize that in this present century God has been raising up the nation of Israel, fulfilling numerous prophecies.

References: Isa. 11:11; Isa. 27:12, 13; Isa. 27:6; Isa. 35:1, 2; Jer. 16:15; Jer. 31:31-34; Jer. 32:37-40, 20:34-37; Ez. 34:13; Ez. 36:24-27•, Ez. 37:1-14; Ez. 39:25-29; I-IOS. 3:4, 5; Rom. 11:25-26; Rom. 11:28; Rev. 12:16.

The Thousand Year Reign of Our Lord: We believe and contend that the Lord’s reign is literal, universal, and physical. It shall follow the second advent and the Battle of Armageddon. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is King of Kings, shall sit on the throne of David and shall rule with a rod of iron dashing His enemies into pieces.

Satan shall be bound for a thousand years by a strong angel and a strong chain. God will let him lose for a short season, that he may be glorified by destroying Satan when he confronts the Holy City. The thousand year sabbath shall be enjoyed by every Christian as wewill be in our glorified bodies reigning with Christ. The Lord God Om- nipotent shall establish and maintain peace, so that the Lion shall eat straw

like an ox, the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, a sucking child shall play on the hole of an asp, and all people will come to God’s Holy Mountain to worship in His millenial temple. Therefore let us be faithful, praying, “thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.’

References: Ps. 2:6-12; Ps. 72:7-11; Rev. 11:15; Dan. 7:13, 14; Dan. 7:18, 22, 27; Matt. 19:28-30, Isa. 9:7; Isa. 2:2-4, 20-22; Isa. 11:1-10, 15, 16; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; 1 Cor. 9:25; Rev. 5:10; Lk. 22:18-30; Lk. 19:16-19; Rev. 3:21; Rev. 20:1-10; Matt. 8:11; Hos. 2:16-23•, Isa. 32:17, 18; Zech. 6:12-14; Ez. 40-48; Zech. 14:16-21; Micah Isa. 65:17-25; Isa. 66:6, 7; Isa. 66:20-23; Lk. 1:31-33; Matt. 21:8-11.

G. Purgation of the Universe: We believe that God is going to make all things new. God will cause this earth, with its many pollutions, and the pollutions of the universe to burn up with a fervent heat, purifying it unto His holi- ness, and making a new heaven and a new earth for His elect to enjoy.

References: 11 Pet. 3:12-14; Isa. 6622-24; Rev. 21:1.

H. The Great White Throne Judgment: God hath appointed a day wherein He will judge the world in righteousness, by Jesus Christ to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father. In that Day not only the apostate angels, but likewise all those who died in their sins, shall appear before the Tribunal of Christ. Of this great and terrible day, the Almighty God shall judge, shall reveal men’s hearts, and shall weigh every soul only to find that they are altogether too light. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Every poor soul will be made to see their own wretchedness, every poor soul will be made to see the absence of their name in the Book of Life, and those souls (both small and great) will hear those terrible words, “Depart from me, I never knew you.’

References: Ps. 37:12, 13; Pro. 162; Rev. 22:11; Matt. 7:22, 23; John 5:22;Rev. 20:11-15; Heb. 12:29; Heb. 9:27; Heb. 10:31; Heb. 2:3; Phil. 2:8-11; Acts 17:31; 1 Cor. 11:32; 1 Cor. 6:3; Ecc. 11:9, 12:14; Matt. 12:36, 37; Deut. 7:10; Rom. 2:4, 5.

I. Final State of the Wicked: After the Great White Throne Judgment the HolyBible says that “whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” This second death is eternal separation from God.

The Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone is the final abode of Satan, the Anti-Christ, the False Prophet and all those who died without the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. Forever consigned to e- ternal torment and darkness, without a glimmer of hope, reprieve or mercy from God.

References: Rev. 20:14, 15; Rev. 19:20; Rev. 20:10; Rev. 21:8; Rev. 14:10, 11; Jude 13; 11 Pet. 2:17; Rev. 20:6; Job 20:26-29; Dan. 12:2.

J. The Final State of the Righteous: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” We that are redeemed look for a New Heaven and a New Earth, “for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes and with our glorified bodies we shall walk on streets of pure gold.

New Jerusalem, a foursquare city, where there is no need of the sun, neither of the moon, has the glory of God and the Lamb to lighten it. A city where the pearly gates will remain open all the day, with no fear of any intruders only those that have been written in the Lambs book of Life. Therefore, let us rejoice and labor diligently in the vineyard of our Kinguntil He comes. That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness towards us through Christ Jesus. “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.” “Amen. Even so come Lord Jesus!”

References: Rev. 21:1-27; Rev. 22:1-7; Rev. 22:20; Heb. 11:10-16; Heb. 12:28; Eph. 3:21; 1 Jn. 3:1, 2; Eph. 2:7, 1 Cor. 2:9; Jn. 14:1-3; Isa. 66:22, Eph. 5:16; Rom. 13:11, 12; Rom. 8:18; Rev. 22:11; 11 Cor. 4:16-18; Dan. 12:2, 3.