What We Believe

GOD’S INFALLIBLE WORD TEACHES, AND WE BELIEVE:

15. That the Rapture (commonly referred to as the first phase of stage of the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST) is the catching away from the earth of all living saints and all who died in the Lord. The Rapture will take place before the Great Tribulation, and it can happen any time from now. “In the twinkling of an eye”, without a moment’s warning, “the trumpet shall sound” “...and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” John 14:1-3; Luke 21:34-36; I Corinthians 15:51-58; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:4-9; II Thessalonians 2:5-7; Philippians 3:11,20,21; I John 3:1-3.

16. That the Resurrection of the dead is taught in the Bible as clearly as the immortality of the soul. Every individual who has ever lived will be resurrected, some to honour and glory, and others to everlasting shame and contempt. Job 19:25-27; Psalm 71:20; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; I Corinthians 15:12-57; I Thessalonians 4:13-16; Hebrews 6:1,2; Philippians 3:8-11; Revelation 20:4,6,12,13.

17. That the Great Tribulation will occur after the rapture, and will be a time of terrible suffering on earth. It is also referred to as the time of Jacob’s Trouble. Matthew 24:21,22,29; Revelation 9:16; Mark 13:19; II Thessalonians 2:3-12; Revelation 13. During this time, the Antichrist will take possession of this world for a reign of terror. He will not be a system or organization, but a person — a supernatural, diabolical being, in the form of a man who will blaspheme and proclaim himself to be God. Daniel 6:23-35; II Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelation 13:1-10. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb will take place above while the Tribulation continues on earth. Revelation 19:1-10.

18. That the Second Coming of Christ will just be as literal as His going away, and He is coming to execute judgement upon the ungodly. He will also, then, set up His kingdom and reign on this present earth for a thousand years. Zechariah 14:3,4; Matthew 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 13:24-37; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2:8; Jude 14,15.

19. That Christ’s Millennial Reign is the 1,000 years’ literal reign of Jesus on earth, which will be ushered in by the coming of Jesus back to earth with ten thousands of His saints. At this time He will judge the nations that dwell upon the face of the earth. Jude 14,15; II Thessalonians 1:7-10. During this time the devil will be bound. Revelation 20:2,3. It will be a reign of peace and blessing. Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25; Hosea 2:18; Zechariah 14:9-20; 2:2-4.

20. That the Great White Throne Judgment is when God finally judges all (the living and the dead, small and great) who have ever lived on the face of the earth, according to their works. This is after the Millennium. At this time the final Judgment known as the Great White Throne Judgment, will be held. All those from all ages, who have not yet been judged (believers’ judgment, as sinners’, was accomplished by Christ on the Cross — John 5:24; 3:17-19) will stand before God at this time. The devil and his angels are judged at this time also, and sent to the lake of fire for ever. Daniel 12:2,3; Matthew 10:15; 11:21-24; 12:41,42; John 5:28,29; Romans 2:15,16; 14:12; II Peter 2:9; Jude 6; I Corinthians 6:1-4; Acts 10:42; Revelation 20:11-15.

21. That the New Heaven and the New Earth “wherein dwelleth righteousness” will be made by God and the redeemed shall dwell with God for ever. This present earth which has been polluted by sin will pass away after the Great White Throne Judgment. Psalm 102:25,26; Isaiah 51:6; 65:17; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; II Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1. No unclean thing shall be there. We shall know each other, our knowledge having been perfected. There will be no more curse upon anything. There will be no more night: the glory of the Lord will be the light thereof. Isaiah 66:22; II Peter 3:12,13; I Corinthians 13:12; I John 3:2,3; Revelation 21:1-7; 22:1-5.

22. That Hell-fire is a place of everlasting punishment where sinners (all who do not have their names in the book of life) will suffer torments for ever and ever. It was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41), but God has decreed that the wicked and those who forget Him and reject Christ, will also be cast there, because of their sin and neglect of His salvation. Psalm 9:17; Matthew 25:46; Luke 12:4,5; 16:19-31; Matthew 5:22,30; Mark 9:43-47; Revelation 14:10,11; 20:10,12-15.

<<< Previous