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BIBLE DOCTRINE 1: THE HOLY BIBLE
God’s Word teaches:
That the Holy Bible, consisting of 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament is the inspired Word of God. We take the Bible as the final authority in all matters concerning Christian conduct and work – 2 Timothy 3: 16,17; Proverbs 30: 5,6; Revelation 22:18,19.
The Holy Bible is the inspired word of God and is the only source of knowledge from the Almighty God to all mankind. It is the contact point between finite man and the Infinite God; and its prime purpose is to give mankind a revelation of God (2 Timothy 3:15-17). The Bible is severally referred to as the Holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15), the oracles of God (Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12), the Book of the Lord (Isaiah 34:16), the word of God (Mark 7:13), the word of Christ (Colossians 3:16) and the word of life (Philippians 2:16). It is in two major parts; the Old and the New Testaments. It consists of 66 books; 39 of which are in the Old Testament, 27 in the New Testament. The Bible was originally written predominantly in Hebrew and Greek. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic, while the New Testament was written in the Greek language. Over 40 authors drawn from disparate generations spanning a period of over 1800 years were used by God to write the Bible. Even though their occupations, education and social classes were divergent, their theme was the same as they were inspired by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:20). The inspiration of the authors can be attested to by some peculiar characteristics of the Bible, which are not found in any other book written by man. Such characteristics include its wonderful unity despite the fact that the authors lived in different ages; its versatility as it meets the needs of all people irrespective of race and language (Matthew 4:4). It superiority to other books, the influence on individuals and nations; its preservation over the centuries, its fulfilled prophecies (Isaiah 7:4; Ezekiel 36:19; 2 Chronicles 7:19,20) and its perfection (Psalms 19:7 James 1:25).
The Pre-eminence of the Bible (Isaiah 8:20; Psalm 119:89) makes it indispensable to all men today.
While other books have limited influence on man, because they are products of finite minds, the Bible
which is God’s revelation to man has the solution to every problem today. Therefore, no man’s
education is complete if he is ignorant of the provisions of the Bible. No Christian can live successfully
without an adequate grasp of the Bible, and no Christian minister is really qualified for the ministry of
the church of Christ without a thorough knowledge of the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15). Without a ready
knowledge of the Bible, the Christian worker cannot be effective.
The central theme of the Bible is CHRIST and HIS WORK OF REDEMPTION (John 20:31; Luke 24:25-27;Revelation 1:1). He is The Old Testament concealed, and He is The New Testament revealed. To fully
understand the Bible and to rightly interpret its messages; we must first receive Jesus Christ as Saviour and have a clear and definite experience of conversion. Those who do not know Christ and those who
have wrong conceptions about The Bible has a Ministry to unbelievers as well as to believers too. To unbelievers, the Bible brings conviction for sin, which leads to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus. To
believers the goals of the Bible are various. It is to make believers perfect (Psalm 119:9, 11), to reveal the condition of their hearts (Hebrews 4:12; Jeremiah 17: 9, 10), it is a light to the believers feet
(Psalms 119:105; 130), the food of the soul (Deuteronomy 8:3; John 21:17; psalm 19:10; Matthew4:4), a medicine to the body and soul (Proverbs 4:20-22; Psalms 107:20; Matthew 8:8) and the sword
of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17; Matthew 4:1-11). It is a mirror to reflect (James 1:23); a hammer to convict, and a fire to refine (Jeremiah 23:29); seed to multiply (1 Peter 1:23); leaver to cleanse
(Ephesians 5:26; John 15:3); rain and snow to refresh (Isaiah 55:10); gold to enrich (Psalm 19:7-10); and power to create life and faith (1 Peter 1:23; Romans 10:17).
The Bible is God’s inspired revelation of the origin and destiny of all things. It is the power of God unto
eternal salvation and it is the source of present help to the body, soul, and spirit (Romans 1:16; John 15:7). It is God’s will and testament to man in all ages, revealing His plan for man here and now and in the next life. It is the record of God’s dealing with men; past, present and future. It contains God’s message of eternal salvation to all who believe in Christ and of eternal damnation to those who rebel
against the gospel (John 3:18,36).
The purpose of the Bible then is to reveal God to man, reveal man’s need of God and show man the
way to God. Man by searching cannot find God except God makes Himself known to him (Job 11:7).
The Bible also reveals to man how to live, and through the fulfillment of its prophecies all human needs are met. We receive salvation, sanctification, Holy Ghost baptism, healing, deliverance, protection, etc. For us to profit maximally from the study of the Bible, all hindrances to spiritual receptivity must be
removed: such as hardened heart (Matthew 13:3-6, 18-21), double-mindedness (James 1:8; Mark 4:15-17), pride (Deuteronomy 8:11-14; Psalm 101:5; Proverbs 18:12), carnality (1 Corinthians 3:1-5) and
unbelief (Matthew 13:58).
Every believer in the church today can benefit from the hidden treasures in the Bible. But this would
require sacrifices on our part. Treasures are not found except by searching or digging earnestly.
Likewise, deep Bible truths need to be sought for and in doing this we will discover Christ the more
(Colossians 2:9; John 5:39). Certain spiritual preparations are required from believers in order to
discover these treasures that would make them develop into the fullness of the stature of Christ. There
must be earnest love for the truth for its own sake (Psalm 119:40,47,54,72,103); supreme love for God (Matthew 22:37; Deuteronomy 30:6; Psalm 73:25); and an intense desire to know more of Him (Psalm 42:1,2; 63:1). Also there should be a strong desire to make Him known to others (Proverbs 11:24-26;
Romans 9:1-3), willingness to make personal sacrifice to study (Matthew 13:44-46; 12:42), a sense of
ignorance and dependence upon divine teaching and willingness to practice as far as you learn
(Psalm119: 60,101,106; James 1:22-25; Ezra 7:10). Other requirements are a fixed purpose to know,
and do the whole truth (Psalm 119:63; 57:7; 108:1) and a cultivating state of mind that will not be
diverted to make provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14; Matthew 26:41).
Above all, you need also a regular habit of prayer, resignation to the whole will of God and His word
that will make you discover the treasures hidden in the Bible.
BIBLE DOCTRINE 2: THE GODHEAD
God’s Word teaches:
That the Godhead consists of three separate, distinct, and recognizable personalities and
qualities, perfectly united in one. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are different
Persons in the Godhead, not merely three names for one Person – Matthew 3:16,17; 2
Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19,20.
The Godhead consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Bible clearly teaches that each
member of the Godhead is God; separate, distinct and recognizable personalities and qualities perfectly united in one. The Father is called God (1 Corinthians 8:6; Psalm 89:26; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Matthew 6:9), the Son, Jesus Christ, is called God (Isaiah 9:6,7; John 20:28; Hebrews 1:8), and the Holy Ghost is called God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16,17; 6:19,20; Hebrews 3:7-9; 10:15,16; Jeremiah 31:31-34).
From the foregoing it is clear that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct Persons,
co-eternal, co-existent and co-equal in power and divine attributes that make each God. The word
“GOD” in Genesis 1:1 means Elohim and in Hebrew language this is the plural of El (The Strong One). “Elohim” (The Strong Ones) appear more than 2,700 times in the Old Testament and this plurality is seen in: “Let us make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness”; “The LORD said…. let us go down, and
there confound their language” (Genesis 1:26; 3:22; 11:6,7; John 14:23; Psalm 2:3). The Godhead is
also referred to as the Holy Trinity (Romans 1:20).
The unity of the Godhead is scripturally evidenced in the execution of all divine plans and purposes. At creation, a significant fact about the Godhead emerged with the use of the plural noun “us”, by God
Himself (Genesis 1:26). Elementarily, this implies the involvement of more than one personality in the creation of man. The same word continued to recur first, after the fall of man (Genesis 3:22), and on
the threshold of God’s perfection to curb the foolish excesses of man, by wisely confounding him with diverse languages (Genesis 11:7).
The testimony of scriptures on the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ reveals the perfect unity of the
Godhead. It was God’s anointing and the Power of the Holy Ghost that enabled Jesus to fulfill His
ministry (Acts 10:38). The divine-human relationship also confirms God in three persons perfecting the relationship of man with the triune God (Ephesians 2:18). The complimentary functions of the Trinity
are referred to in almost all the books of the New Testament (Matthew 3:16,17; 28:19; Mark1:10; John 16:7-15; 6:37,44; Romans 8:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Corinthians
12:4,7; Acts 10:38).
The three personalities in the Godhead acted together in the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. God
the Father did not only make His Son available to assume the garb of human flesh preparatory for His
vicarious mission (John 3:16), He dispatched an angel to announce the impending birth of the Saviour of the whole world by a virgin. This was a supernatural work that was subsequently fully perfected by the power of the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:26,35).
Further proof of the truth about the Godhead became clear at the baptism of Jesus Christ, when the
Father sent the Holy Ghost in bodily form as a dove upon Christ, and God Almighty Himself made a
public proclamation of Jesus as His beloved Son (Matthew 3:16,17). Even at the onset of His ministry, Jesus affirmed the companionship of God the Father and the Holy Ghost with Him. It was only by their combined workings that He was to fulfill His multi-pronged ministry of preaching the gospel, healing the sick, delivering the captives, etc. (Luke 4:18). Truly, the work of redemption, which Christ completed by submitting Himself to die on the cross, was a joint venture with the Father and the Holy Ghost
(Hebrews 9:14), as was the second work of grace, sanctification or holiness, by which man is cleansed from his in-bred depravity, the fallen nature he inherited form Adam (John 17:17; Romans 15:16). Also, the Godhead is at work in empowering believers through the baptism in the Holy Spirit, to discharge the duties handed them by God (John 15:26; 16:7-15; Luke 11:13). Christ’s command as He handed down the Great Commission to His disciples was to baptize all that repent and believe the gospel, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). Even today, our prayer involves the three personalities in the Godhead. We direct our prayers to God the Father (Luke 11:2; 22:42; 23:34,46;
John 17:1,5,24-26; James 1:5) through Jesus Christ, the Son (John 14:13,14; 15:16), and of course,
without the help of the Holy Spirit all our prayers will be in vain (Romans 8:26).
The Godhead is the universal testimony of the scriptures, for “there are three that bear record in
heaven, the Father, the Word (Son) and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1 John 5:7). It is
only the perfect work of the Godhead that has continued to sustain us on a day-to-day basis as
believers (2 Corinthians 13:14). The Godhead is a great mystery, which is clearly beyond the finite mind of the unsaved natural man (1 Corinthians 2:14). The believer accepts the gospel truth of the Trinity by faith, recognizing that God remains the eternal repository of all mysteries (Deuteronomy 29:29); that
with respect to His being or essence, God is one; with respect to His personality, God is three; and the
essence must neither be divided nor the persons confused. In spite of the great mystery surrounding it
the doctrine of the Godhead has always proved to be eminently rich in spiritual and practical values.And for all those willing, the Lord Jesus Christ promises the advent of a blissful reign by the Godhead (John 14:23; Revelation 3:20).
BIBLE DOCTRINE 3: THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS
God’s Word teaches:
The virgin birth of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. The crucifixion, death, burial, and
bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 1:4; 1
Corinthians 15:3,4.
“The virgin birth” teaches that Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, was miraculously conceived by the
virgin Mary. Prophetically, this was foretold in the Old Testament and became literally fulfilled later in
the New Testament (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14). The virgin birth is thus an essential doctrinal truth,
which must be upheld for its fact and significance. Disputing this cardinal doctrine is by implication,
denying Christ’s Deity and His distinctive spotlessness, which the natural man lacked that disqualified
every other man from satisfying God’s demand at Calvary. He, therefore, became the spotless Lamb of
God found in fashion as a man.
God was the first to unveil the virgin birth of Christ when He referred to Him as the “seed of the
woman” (Genesis 3:15). This was alluding to the fact that Christ would be conceived by a woman who
had never known a man. The prophet Isaiah in his proclamation said, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son….” (Isaiah 7:14). The word virgin as used in this reference, has obviousmeaning and can be nothing else but a woman that has Not known a man. Luke in his Gospel narrative recorded that the angel Gabriel was sent to a virgin, betrothed to a man and that the virgin’s name was
Mary (Luke 1:34). Matthew in his Gospel narrated that Mary was espoused to Joseph and that before
they came together, she was found with a child of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:18). He further recorded that Joseph knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born son, and he called His name JESUS.
Jesus sometimes referred to people as His mother, His brothers and sisters, but never referred to any mortal man as His Father, not even Joseph (Matthew 12:49,50; 22:41-46; John 8:54-58). He always
referred to God as His Father and this is another proof of His virgin birth. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, wrote that in the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman. This was
still pointing to the fact that Christ was born of a virgin (Galatians 4:4). The Bible says that Joseph was a just man (Matthew 1:19). This means he was not a transgressor of God’s law. If Mary as an espoused
virgin had conceived through a strange man, it would then be right for Joseph to have her out of the way (Deuteronomy 22:23,24; Matthew 19:9). The penalty was even more grave than merely putting
her away. The angel could not have prevented Joseph from putting her away; the angel even bore witness that what was conceived in her was of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:20).
On the other hand, if Joseph had known Mary before Christ was conceived, or was responsible for the
conception, it would be unlawful for him to put her away (Malachi 2:14-16). The scriptures would not
have qualified him as a just man if he were transgressing the Lord’s commandment. Joseph was
instructed to take her as his wife. The virgin birth of Christ was a unique sign from God. The prophet
Isaiah was very clear and definite about it (Isaiah 7:14). It distinguished Him from any other mortal and
marked Him out as the only true Messiah.
God bears witness to His approved ministers in various ways. Some of the signs that were recorded
concerning Christ and His ministry were also recorded concerning a few other messengers of God. Thevirgin birth, however, is probably the most unique and unprecedented sign. A voice from the cloud
witnessed to the ministry of Christ but that was not as unique as the virgin birth because we see a
similar witness in the ministry of Moses (Numbers 12:5-8; Matthew 17:5). An angel announced the
conception of Christ but we also know that the births of Samson and John the Baptist were announced
by angels too (Judges 13:2-5; Luke 1:11-15,26-33). Moses, Samson, and John were all descendants of
Adam’s fallen race. The virgin birth is therefore a unique sign from the Lord, conferred on Christ and
Him alone, and no other living soul has ever or will ever be conceived by a virgin.
BIBLE DOCTRINE 4: TOTAL DEPRAVITY, SINFULNESS AND GUILT OF ALL
MEN
God’s Word teaches:
The total depravity, sinfulness and guilt of all men since the fall, rendering them subject to
God’s wrath and condemnation – Psalm 51:5; Job 14:4; Romans 3:23; 5:12-17; Mark 7:21-
23; Ephesians 2:1.
The total depravity, sinfulness and guilt of all men since the fall renders all sinners subject to God’s
wrath and condemnation (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-6; Romans 5:17,19; Psalm 51:1-5). Man was created in
the image of God, and he was righteous and holy. Man was a crown of God’s creation (Genesis 1:26,27;
Psalm 8:5-8; Genesis1:31). Through voluntary disobedience and transgression, man fell into the depths
of sin. In consequence of this, every one born through our first parents (Adam and Eve) became
sinners, shapen in iniquity and utterly void of the holiness of God. Every man became totally inclined to
evil (Psalm 51:1-5; Romans 3:10-18,23; 7:14-21; John 3:18,36; Romans 5:12-17; Job 14:4; Isaiah
48:8). As a result of the fall of man (Adam and Eve) all men born through man and woman became
sinners through inheritance. By inheriting the nature of sin, man became depraved. There is nothing in
the natural man that has not been affected by the power of sin.
The entire nature of man, mentally, physically, morally and spiritually has been affected by sin. The
testimony of the scriptures is that the image of God in man has been seriously marred by this great fall.
As a result of the fall, and the nature of sin inherited, man became separated from God, totally
alienated from the perfect, holy and pure God. This separation is the cause of the beginning of sorrow,
shame, fear, heartaches, and manifold problems, spiritually and mentally. Man became a transgressor
and debtor to God (Romans 1:32; 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4; Hebrews 9:27). All these have brought man under
the wrath and condemnation of God, for “the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” There is nothing we can do
for ourselves to commend us to a righteous and holy God. There is nothing the natural man (Fallen
away from grace) can offer to appease God for man to escape His righteous judgment.
The Bible describes the fallen nature of man in various terms. Jesus Christ referred to sinners outside
the kingdom of God as swine and dogs. “Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast your pearls
before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you (Matthew 7:6; Mark
7:25-28). He also referred to them as goats (Matthew 25:33). Paul in his epistle to the Philippian church
warned them to beware of evil workers and dogs (Philippians 3:2). Also, in his epistle to the Romans,
he referred to the fallen nature of man as “there is none righteous, no, not one”, “they are together
become unprofitable”, “their throat is an open sepulcher”, “whose mouth is full of cursing and
bitterness”, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:10-18,23). Jesus and
John the Baptist described men as “vipers” (Matthew 3:7; 12:34). Variously, the unregenerated man is
haracterized by reprobate mind, being filled with all unrighteousness – immorality, covetousness, full of
envy, murder, man is defiled and polluted (Romans 1:28-37; Mark 7:21-23), treacherous, transgressors,
workers of iniquity”, “their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasters and destroyers” (Isaiah 48:8;
59:5-8), cunning and crafty, full of wickedness, blind, foolish with darkened understanding, children of
wrath (Ephesians 2:3; 4:14). The Bible says that the whole head of man is sick. The heart devices
wicked imaginations, and has come far short of the glory of God. All men have become enslaved to sin,
and because sin dwells in the natural man, man is conceived in sin, born in sin, grows up in sin – by
nature and habit, he is a sinner. The natural man cannot resist sin.
The consequence of the fall of man is that man became totally depraved, and the immediate effect was
his separation from the holy God, and a curse upon Adam and his descendants (Genesis 3:1-6,14-
19,23,24; Romans 5:12; 8:22). God’s judgment also came upon all men: “the soul that sinneth, it shall
die”, “for the wages of sin is death” (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). The human race has rebelled against
God and broken His law, but the love of God constrained the holy God to plan for man’s redemption to
fulfill the law that “without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). Therefore God undertook the redemption work for man by sending Jesus Christ to die for him. Jesus Christ became the
Divine Provision of a Perfect Substitute and Sin-bearer (Genesis 22:7,8,14; 3:15; John 3:16; Hebrews
9:22). He became the Lamb of God (John 1:29; Matthew 1:21). By the perfect sacrifice of His blood (1
Corinthians 5:7) and through His blood man has complete protection from the fatal and eternal
consequence of the fall, from the curse of the broken law (Exodus 12:13; Galatians 3:13), complete
removal of the guilt and condemnation of sin, and full redemption by faith in Him (Isaiah 53:4-8; Acts
8:32-35; 1 Peter 1:18-21; 2:24).
The atonement is the reconciliation of sinful, fallen man to God made possible through the perfect
sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The vicarious death of Jesus Christ is the substitution of the sufferings of Christ
for the punishment of all sinners in the world. The prime purpose of this is the full redemption of fallen
mankind. Through this “mercy-seat”, sinners are reconciled to God. The power of sin over the natural
man can only be broken by the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Romans 5:17-19). “For as by one man’s
disobedience, many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one man shall many be made
righteous.”
God demands repentance from all sinners to avail themselves of the provision of redemption made in
Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:5-7; Matthew 20:28; 26:28; John 3:14,15; 1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:12;
3:18,36). Repentance is the change that takes place in the penitent’s attitude towards sin. It is turning
away from sin to God. Sincere and total repentance and godly sorrow for sin through the agency of the
Holy Spirit are important pre-requisites for salvation. Repentance is the deep inward experience, which
makes the sinner turn from sin to God. Therefore, God demands repentance from all men (Mark 1:15;
Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3,5; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30). When a sinner hears the gospel
empowered by the Holy Spirit, the sinner will have deep, godly sorrow for his sins and acknowledge
them by confessing all manner of sins. He goes before God n the merit of the atonement of made by
Jesus Christ through His vicarious death and accepts the sacrifice as a substitute for the punishment of
his own personal sins. On the basis of this process of genuine repentance, the sinner asks for
forgiveness and pardon based on the promises of God in the scriptures (Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:6,7;
1 John 1:9; Ezekiel 18:21,22). As the sinner repents genuinely, he receives forgiveness and pardon
(Romans 8:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 2:2,3).
BIBLE DOCTRINE 5: REPENTANCE
God’s Word teaches:
That Repentance is a complete turning away from all sins and its deceitful pleasures and
that it is required from every sinner before he can truly and effectively believe in Jesus with
saving faith – Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:21-23; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:46,47;
Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:20,21; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Hebrews 6:1-3.
Repentance is a conscious turning away from evil, disobedience, sin or idolatry. It is also turning from Satan unto the living God (Jonah 3:8-10; Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 12:41). Repentance evokes a
change of one’s mind and purpose in life and changes all past actions. It elicits a form of godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10), which makes an erstwhile sinner regard sin with utter revulsion. Godly sorrow
makes the sinner or backslider to turn away from sin. It also causes an abhorrence or hatred for sin. The need for repentance is the heartache of a deeply compassionate God (2 Peter 3:9). Repentance is
the genesis of the process of restoration for backsliders and sinners. It differs from tearful remorse, which is merely an expression of sorrow over an embarrassing outcome of sin (2 Chronicles 7:14; 2
Corinthians 7:10). It is a universal command by God to all people (Ezekiel 14:6; 18:30; Acts 17:30) Repentance is the central theme of the gospel. The doctrine and teaching of repentance is fundamental
to the propagation of the gospel. It is a foundation stone in the cardinal doctrines of the New Testament Church. Its vital place in scripture, particularly in the New Testament, is underscored by the
regularity of its usage. Repentance, repent or repenting occurs over sixty times in the New Testament alone. It was the keynote of Christ’s preaching as well as the sum and substance of the evangelistic
apostolic message. He repeatedly emphasized that His mission was to provide repentance for the sinner (Matthew 9:13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32; Acts 3:18,19,26; 11:18). Also, John the Baptist, the forerunner
of the Lord anchored his fiery messages in the wilderness on repentance (Luke 3:3-8). At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus preached repentance (Matthew 4:17). His valedictory message to His disciples
shortly before He was taken to heaven was hinged upon repentance (Luke 24:45-47). This was principally because repentance is cardinal to the sinner’s reconciliation with God. From His eminent
position in glory, the Lord yet admonished the backslidden church to repent (Revelation 2:4,5; 3:3). Peter and the other Apostles took a cue from the Lord and made the doctrine of repentance the
fundamental theme of their gospel homilies (Acts 2:38; 17:30). Paul the Apostle sent to preach to the Gentiles did not differ with either the Lord or the other Apostles on the necessity of repentance for the
sinner or backslider to gain the mercy of God. Repentance must therefore be preached to all men in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:47). Sinners and backsliders must be made to know that no one
is excluded from the challenge of the gospel to repent, for it is only through repentance that the manifold blessings, arising from the remission of sins, could be appropriated.
Repentance, however, does not exist in isolation of faith. Saving faith is taken as implying the change of mind, which is repentance (Hebrews 11:9; Zechariah 8:14; Acts 20:21). Both are a response to grace,
creating a completely different orientation for the penitent sinner. Works do not elicit repentance (2Timothy 1:9; Romans 3:27,28; 4:1-8; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8). Paradoxically, repentance must necessarily
produce works otherwise it is unreal (James 2:14-26; Ephesians 2:9,10; Titus 2:5-8). True repentance manifests in a proper attitude towards sin (2 Corinthians 7:10,11; Psalm 38:18; 51:17; 2 Samuel
12:13). The repentant heart henceforth treats sin with disdain. No sinner or backslider can be said to have genuinely repented if he still condones sin. This is because essentially sin is exceedingly
abominable. Consequently, the need for repentance by the sinner must be the pivot around which the redemption message must be woven.
Repentance opens the way and makes us to receive the grace of God. It provides pardon and remission
of sins (Isaiah 55:7; Proverbs 28:13; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19). Through it sinners receive justification and acceptance (John 1:12,13; Galatians 3:8; 2:16; Romans 8:1; 5:12). Above all, there is
joy in heaven, joy to God, Christ, and heavenly hosts when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7,10-24). Repentance is a profitable doctrine that makes inward change of life a reality while activating a life of
faith.The practical side of repentance is restitution, which is the act of correcting all past wrongs and having
a conscience void of offence towards God and man. God expects the repentant sinner or backslider to correct every wrong committed against others. Restitution is incontrovertibly an integral part of true
repentance (Genesis 20:1-18; Numbers 5:6-8; 2 Kings 8:1-6; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Matthew 5:23,24; Acts 24:16). Through repentance, self-centredness gives way to God- or Christ-centeredness. The
forgiveness of sin is available only to those who repent, for they alone are worthy of God’s mercy.
BIBLE DOCTRINE 6: RESTITUTION
God’s Word teaches:
That Restitution is making amends for wrongs done against our fellow men, restoring
stolen things to their rightful owners, paying debts, giving back where one has defrauded,
making confessions to the offended and apologizing to those slandered so as to have a
conscience void of offence toward God and man – Genesis 20:1-8,14-18; Exodus 22:1-7;
Leviticus 6:1-7; Numbers 5:6-8; 2 Samuel 12:1-6; Proverbs 6:31; Ezekiel 33:14-16;
Matthew 5:23,24; Luke 19:8,9; Acts 23:1-5; 24:16; James 4:17; 5:16
Restitution is the act of making amends for wrongs done against our fellowmen; restoring stolen or
misappropriated things, properties or persons to their rightful owners; paying back just debts, giving
back where one has defrauded, making confessions to the offended and apologizing to those slandered
so as to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men. This is done whether the person
injured knew it or not, for God knows (Hebrews 4:13).
We receive forgiveness when we confess and forsake our sins. We get cleansed by the blood of our
Lord Jesus Christ (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). When a man sins against God, we often find that other
people suffer as a result of that sin. It is also true that when a man sins against his neighbour, he sins
against God in the same act, because one of God’s commandments ahs been broken. God willingly
forgives the sins committed against Him when there is repentance and forsaking of sin. However, God
requires that a man make amends to any person he has injured or wronged as a mark among other
things, that repentance is genuine. We need to bear fruit that signify to all that we have become new
creatures indeed (Luke 3:8-14; Romans 8:1,2; Acts 24:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Making restitutions
ensure that we have right relationship with our fellowmen after we are reconciled with God.
The Bible doctrine on restitution in practice and precept spans virtually all the dispensations of God’s
dealings with men till present day. The revelation of God’s will and word before the Mosaic laws
demands that we make restitution (Romans 1:19,20). Therefore, this teaching or doctrine of God’s
word, which had been established many years before the law cannot be abolished with the law.
Restitution is part of the moral law. Most sins committed by men are against God as well as their
neighbour. So repentance toward God for the children of Israel included restoration to man of all
properties gained by fraud, lying or pretence of whatever kind (Exodus 21:18,19,22,26-36; 22:1-15;
Leviticus 6:2-5; Numbers 5:6-8).
Rulers in Israel reflected and embraced this teaching on restitution. It is vital today that rulers, temporal and spiritual reflect this commitment to God’s moral requirement for all men (cf.2 Samuel 16:5-8 with
19:16-23; Proverbs 6:30,31; 1 Kings 20:34; 2 Kings 8:1-6). The prophets of Israel also preached, explained, and emphasized the need to make restitution by every backslidden Israelite who is returning
to God (Nehemiah 5:6-13). The prophets proclaimed and prophesied much of the coming Christ and the atoning sacrifice. They were quick to recognize the need for the blood of the lamb to cleanse sins, yet
they did not lessen God’s requirement of the necessity of restitution. The ministry of preachers today is akin to that of the Old Testament prophets.
Restitution is a doctrine of Christ, confirming his word that “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled”. Every believer must earnestly and wholeheartedly
contend for and practice all that Christ taught (Matthew 18:15-17; Luke 17:3-5; 19:8-10). Zacchaeus’ encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ is an object lesson. He wanted nothing to stand
between himself and salvation – not even his wealth, especially that part that was ill-gotten. Though the people murmured that Jesus was going to be a sinner’s guest, Jesus pronounced that salvation has
come to Zacchaeus’ house since he as a son of Abraham not only by birth but now by faith, is ready to make right his life and wholly follow the Lord. The salvation experience makes a person feel like
returning all possessions that rightfully belong to others.
The Apostles in the early church also practiced and taught restitution. In fact, the whole church of God
lived by this teaching (Matthew 28:19,20; John 14:26; Acts 2:42; 16:4,5; Philemon 7-21). The rules of
righteous living are just as high (or even higher), under the dispensation of grace, as those in the Old
Testament. Restitution is as much a part of the gospel as conversion or water baptism. It is not a self-righteous
act to merit pardon. When a man is saved, he will not only make right matters of money such
as theft, dishonest gains and unpaid bills; he will also confess his lies, slanderous reports, unjust
criticisms, hatred, malice – those things in which one may have injured others in word or in deed. One
may say, “my brother or sister does not know that I talked evil of him.” But what about the person to
whom you talked? Without doubt you have harmed him, and perhaps he repeated it to others. You
should go to the one to whom you talked and confess it. It is better that we make right all previous
wrongs here and now than face it in eternity. The great ‘Counsellor’ who never lost a case can go
before us and soften the hearts of those whom we have wronged (1 Timothy 5:24).
Making restitution can be likened to a spiritual warfare in which we need God’s help and wisdom to
undertake for us and quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:10-12,16). Some restitutions
are delicate. These are restitutions that may implicate or bring injuries or harm to others that may be
unsaved or the need to settle issues with individuals or organizations that may affect other people in an
adverse way. These also include cases in which we do not have clear leading from God’s word as to
what steps to take. For delicate restitutions, we need fervent prayers, wisdom and counseling from
Spirit-filled preachers of God’s word who believe and teach the whole counsel of God (Proverbs 11:14;
15:22; 24:6).
The civil laws in a country may not always govern in matters of restitution. For example, the law may
provide a time limit for certain classes of debts and obligations, after which they become lapse; but no
debts are outlawed with God. Time cannot cancel moral obligations.
Restitution is usually considered at the time of salvation because God will only forgive when a man is
willing, so far as it lies within his power, to make right every wrong that he has committed against
others. There would be need, however, throughout life as a Christian to be ready to make restitution
where need be, when others are offended, for example, out of human error of judgment (Acts 23:1-5;
Matthew 5:23,24). God demands that restitution be made. A far-reaching benefit in God’s plan as
regards restitution is that an undeniable testimony is directed to the people who otherwise might never
seriously hear the story of the gospel. A religion that compels a man to pay his just debts, restore back
the things he has stolen, and uncover his crimes demands confidence from the men of the world.
When restitutions are made, and past wrongs are settled, the peace of God floods the believer’s heart.
There is confidence towards God in prayer and the believer makes progress in the Christian life as sense
of guilt is removed (Romans 8:1,2).
BIBLE DOCTRINE 7: JUSTIFICATION
God’s Word teaches:
That Justification (or regeneration) is the act of God’s grace whereby one receives
forgiveness and remission of sins and is counted righteous before God, through faith in the
atoning blood of Jesus, standing before God as though he had never sinned – Psalm 32:1,2;
Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:19; John 3:3-8; Acts 13:38,39; Romans 3:24-30; 4:6-16; 5:1,2; 2
Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:16; Acts 2:38; 8:8,9; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23.
Justification is the act of God’s grace through which one receives forgiveness and remission of sins and
is counted righteous before God, through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus. Having thus been cleared
of every guilt of sin, the regenerated stands before God as though he had never sinned. Now totally
forgiven and the sins forgotten, God looks at the redeemed sinless not on the basis of any personal
merit but in the light of what Christ had accomplished for mankind by His substitutionary death on the
cross of Calvary (Psalm 32:1,2; Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:19; Acts 13:38).
In order to fully appreciate the benefits of salvation in Christ Jesus, the utter helplessness and
hopelessness of man should be noted. Man being incapable of personally providing a solution to his
problem of sin or change his eternal destiny of damnation (Isaiah 59:8), the need for justification
becomes obvious.
To meet the standard of divine justice due price needed to be paid. Man lacked both the capacity and
the purity to afford this. It therefore required the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God, untainted and
without blemish in Himself to pay the necessary ransom with His blood for the expiation of man’s sins.
It is instructive here to note that the nature of sin is not such that man could handle on his own or by
the merit of his good works (Ephesians 2:8,9). Just as circumcision cannot justify the Jew nor water
baptism the Gentile, so by the standards of God’s righteousness and holiness, church membership or
confirmation does not suffice to justify any one. Only faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the
cross can assure a penitent soul the full justification by the grace of Jesus. As has been outlined above,
three aspects of the doctrinal question need be examined closely: Redemption by the blood of Christ,
Necessity of Faith, and the Evidence of Justification. Genesis 2:16,17 reads: “And the LORD God
commanded the man, saying of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt
surely die.” God’s indelible words as revealed in the Holy Scriptures cannot be changed (Isaiah 55:11).
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away (Matthew 24:25).
Adam and Eve, though still physically present in the garden of Eden after eating the forbidden fruit,
were consequently spiritually dead and became alienated from God and from the commonwealth of His
kingdom. This verdict they could not set aside, which emphasizes the insufficiency of man’s works and
personal endeavour in gaining salvation, except by being born again (John 3:3). It needed a Messiah –
one qualified and of a high integrity to meet the divine standard and thus satisfy God’s imperative
judgment.
Christ therefore became the sin-bearer, based on the fact of God’s provision and what the Scripture
says (Romans 3:25). “And He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins
of the whole world” (1 John 2:2; Acts 4:12). And by Christ’s finished work of grace, solution was
provided to the problem of sin to ensure man’s reconciliation with God (Isaiah 44:22; Romans 5:9).
Although Christ’s atonement on the cross guarantees universal provision of salvation or all mankind, this
could only be appropriated on a personal basis through faith in Christ Jesus. The sinner who seeks
salvation must take the necessary step of faith in the blood of Jesus. Paul gives proof of this in his
Epistle to the Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ”. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached
did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2; 11:6).
Having been saved through faith in our Lord Jesus, the redeemed has evidence in his new life to show
for his justification (2 Corinthians 5:17). In keeping with this expectation, apostle Paul exhorts the
Ephesian converts: “Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children. And work in love as Christ also
hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling
savour” (Ephesians 5:1,2).
Before he was justified, the sinner had works of the flesh as catalogued in Galatians 5:19-21, but as a
new creature, the fruit of the Spirit become manifest (Galatians 5:22,23). Therefore, in lifestyle, speech,
conduct, and disposition, the redeemed is more like Christ, having been quickened by the Spirit of God.
The misleading concept of justification by works, as an article of man’s religion, is opposed to
justification by faith because it denies the grace of God and dishonours the blood of Christ. The
reference in James 2:14-26 may be interpreted amiss by a cursory reader of the scriptures, where it
asks: “But wilt thou know O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” The underlying point being
stressed by James is that works as referred to in this context are complementary to justification by
faith. So then, though in one sense a man is justified by faith without works, in another sense we see
“how by works a man is justified, and not by faith only”. Justification by faith before God; justification
by works before men. Properly understood, none really is mutually exclusive.
BIBLE DOCTRINE 8: WATER BAPTISM
God’s Word teaches:
That Water Baptism is essential to our obedience after reconciliation with God. Water
Baptism is one immersion (not three) “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost”, as Jesus commanded – Matthew 28:19; 3:13-17; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:38;
8:38,39; 19:1-6; Romans 6:4,5.
Water baptism is one of the cardinal doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ, yet one of the most
misunderstood teachings by contemporary teachers and preachers. Some, at one extreme, believe that
it is not necessary because of its abuse by nominal Christians while at the other extreme; others believe
that without water baptism, one cannot be saved. In the middle is yet another group that believes that
though it is necessary, it must be administered in the name of Jesus only.
All of them are wrong because Jesus Christ commanded that water baptism should be administered in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19; John 1:14; John 2:5).
Doing otherwise therefore is to disobey Jesus Christ.
he word ‘baptize’ is a Greek word ‘baptiso’, which means to immerse, ‘dip inside liquid’. This shows the proper form of baptism is by immersion inside water. The immersion signifies identification with the
burial of Christ in His death and rising up in newness of life with Him at His resurrection (Romans 6:3-5;
Colossians 2:12). In baptism, the believer shows his faith that Christ died for his sins and rose again for his justification: that if he dies he will be raised again in the resurrection and that he dies to his old life
and rises to walk in the new life with Christ.
The immersion is done only ONCE and not THRICE. Jesus Christ was dipped inside River Jordan only
once (Matthew 3:16); the eunuch of Ethiopian was immersed in water once (Acts 8:38). When we
submit for water baptism it is an acknowledgement of Christ in a public way. Therefore it is a public
ceremony, which witnesses to all that one has put on Christ (Galatians 3:27).
Jesus commanded that the gospel be preached to sinners and as they repent and believe the gospel,
they should be baptized. This confirms that water baptism is for those who fully repent of their sins
(Acts 2:38). This also confirms that only adults who can exercise faith to believe can be baptized
(Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Acts 10:9,10; 20:21; Mark 1:14,15). It is fundamentally
wrong to baptize infants who have not reached the stage of accountability as practiced by some
orthodox churches.
The pages of the New Testament are filled with references on water baptism. In Matthew 3:13-17,
Jesus submitted Himself to John the Baptist for water baptism to fulfill all righteousness. The testimony
of God the Father to the ministry of His Son, Jesus Christ, through the descent of the Holy Ghost on
Him as He came out of the water after the water baptism was in agreement with it. Christ’s command
of Matthew 28:19 was re-echoed in Mark 16:16. The Apostles also continued to baptize in obedience to
the command of Christ: the converts on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37:-42,47); the Ethiopian eunuch
(Acts 8:36-38), Samaritan converts (Acts 8:12,13), Cornelius and his kinsmen (Acts 10:47,48); the
Philippian jailor (Acts 16:30-33); the Ephesian disciples (Acts 19:5).
Salvation does not come through water baptism but by grace through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus
Christ (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8,9; 1 John 1:7,9; Hebrews 9:22; Matthew 26:28; John 1:12; 3:16,17; 1 Peter
3:21). The Scripture records a catalogue of those who got saved without water baptism being a precondition:
the sick of the palsy healed by Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:1-7); the woman who washed the
feet of Jesus with her tears and cleansed them with her hair (Luke 7:36-50); Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10);
the thief on the cross (Luke 24:39-43); Eunuch of Ethiopia (Acts 8:30-37); those who believed in
Antioch (Acts 11:20,21); Saul of Tarsus was addressed as Brother Saul by Ananias before he submitted
himself for water baptism (Acts 9:17).
Jesus laid down the standard for water baptism and it is to be carried out in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). Every believer in obedience to Christ’s
command should therefore submit to this ordinance of water baptism. The importance of water baptism
was expressed by Jesus Christ in His parting words. He said: “He that believeth and is BAPTIZED shall
be saved”.
The opinions of men cannot contradict the stand of the Scripture (Matthew 28:19). Once a person
repents of his sins, it is mandatory that he submits himself to water baptism as provided for in the
Scriptures (Romans 6:3,4). The practice was upheld in the early church. Converts were baptized in
water soon after their salvation experience (Acts 2:41; 8:37,38; 16:30,31,33).
Every convert is therefore enjoined to yield to this important injunction. Pastors must do their utmost
best to encourage their flocks to attach great importance to this practice. Acts 20:28 says: “Take heed
therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers,
to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Peter encouraged his hearers
to “repent and be BAPTIZED everyone of you……for the remission of sin….”
BIBLE DOCTRINE 9: THE LORD’S SUPPER
God’s Word teaches:
That the Lord’s supper was instituted by Jesus Christ so that all believers (all members of
the family of God) might partake thereof regularly, to “shew the Lord’s death until He
come.” The emblems used are “unleavened bread” and the juice of “fruit of the vine.”
Anyone who eats and drinks unworthily brings “damnation,” punishment and chastisement
upon himself – Matthew 26:29; Luke 22:17-20;
1 Corinthians 11:23-30.
In setting the worship service in the tabernacle, Moses was enjoined to do according to the pattern
revealed unto him by God (Exodus 25:9,20; 26:30; Numbers 8:4). This is a command we ought to obey
as we consider the doctrine and practice of The Lord’s Supper.
The institution of the Lord’s Supper is clearly shown in the gospels (Matthew 26:17-30; Luke 22:1,7-20).
Paul amplified the doctrine in 1 Corinthians 11:20-30. In the gospel according to Saint Luke, we see the
links between the Feast of Passover or Unleavened Bread and the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:15-20).
The Lord’s Supper in the New Testament is a type of the Feast of the Passover or Unleavened Bread in
the Old Testament (Exodus 12:1-28,40-51). This implies that just as the vicarious death of the Lord
Jesus Christ replaced the Sacrifice of the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood for atonement of sin, so for us
Christians the Lord’s Supper has replaced the Feast of the Passover, as an ordinance.
Some churches refer to the Lord’s Supper as the “SACRAMENT”: Latin-sacramentum, meaning Holy
Ordinance (1 Corinthians 11:2). The Theologians call it the “EUCHARIST” (Greek - GIVING OF THANKS);
still others name it “THE LORD’S TABLE” or the “HOLY COMMUNION” (1 Corinthians 10:16). Those who
participate in eating of the Lord’s Supper are called the “Communicants.” The universal name is the
Lord’s Supper as used by our Lord.
In spite of the fact that the Lord’s Supper has replaced the Feast of the Passover, if we apply the LAW
OF FIRST MENTION as a means of studying the doctrine at hand, vital lessons and inspiration can be
drawn from critically looking at the pattern of the celebration of the Feast of Passover in Exodus 12:1-
51; Deuteronomy 16:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 30:1-27.
This can be accomplished if we ask ourselves and answer the following questions:
When and why was the Passover instituted? (ii) Who was qualified to partake in the ordinance? (iii)
What were the tokens or emblems employed in the service? (iv) Who officiated in the service and how
did they prepare for the ordinance i.e. place, provision, cost and personal sacrifices? (v) What was the
spiritual impact and how often was it done? Parallel questions and answers apply to the Lord’s Supper.
The PASSOVER (Hebrews ‘Pesah’) means, “to pass over” i.e. “to spare” (Exodus 12:13,27). The
Israelites were in bondage in Egypt (Exodus 2:11). They cried unto the Lord for deliverance (Exodus
3:7-10). Pharaoh did not set them free until God sent vicious plagues upon Egypt. The Passover
ordinance was instituted the night when the destroyer killed all the firstborn in Egypt but “passed over”
or spared the Jews because of the blood on the lintel and side posts of their doors (a type of Calvary’s
cross). The Feast of unleavened Bread was co-joined with that of the Passover. The two then became
known as “The Passover” (Deuteronomy 16:1-8). Sanctified elders and the priests handled the emblems
(the blood of pure lamb and unleavened bread). The lamb was to be roasted and not eaten raw. No
bone of the lamb was broken (Exodus 12:46; John 1:29; 19:36). This typifies Christ. The defiled,
uncircumcised strangers and Gentiles did not participate (Exodus 12:43-49).
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However, a qualified person would be cut off from among the Israelites if he refused to eat the
Passover (Numbers 9:13). The Jews who did not observe it in the first month because they were not
levitically pure, a second chance of eating the Passover was offered in the second month, if they were
clean (Deuteronomy 16:1-8; 2 Chronicles 30:1-27).
The preparations made in terms of personal and corporate cleansing, provision of the emblems and the
place for the ordinance was elaborate and thorough. History tells us that in the New Testament, a
candle light search was made to root out any trace of leaven (impurity) from the location of the
Passover. The HALLEL, Psalm 113 to 118 was sung (Matthew 26:30) and the story of Exodus 12:1-14
recounted, bringing to remembrance the deliverance from Egypt. Prayers were also offered. It was a
holy convocation. For the Jews, the dates for the Passover now became the beginning of months. It is
to be observed forever as a memorial. It brought joy and renewed strength to God’s people (2
Chronicles 30:25,26; 31:1-19).
However, by the deeds of the law no man shall be justified. By the time of Christ, the Passover activities
had been commercialised (John 2:13-17).
Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper at the last Passover, for the New Testament believers, thus
signifying the end of the latter (Luke 22:1-20). Our Lord Jesus Christ is our Paschal Lamb or Passover (1
Corinthians 5:7). He has delivered us from all bondages, sin, sickness, and Satan.
In 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, no unbeliever, fornicator, polygamist, or drunkard could join in the breaking
of bread. The syncretic and the occultic did not have part in it. Some became unworthy because of
fighting, keeping malice, divisive, and having unforgiving spirit. Any restitution should be settled before
the hour of the ordinance (Matthew 5:23,24).
The Lord’s Supper is not the common love feast or marriage reception food (1 Corinthians 11:20-22).
We DISCERN the Lord’s Body (1 Corinthians 11:29). This implies we recognize that the emblems, “the
fruit of the vine” and the “Unleavened Bread” REPRESENT or SYMBOLISE the Lord’s broken body and
His blood that was shed respectively. They are not the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. This calls
for holiness of life and solemnity on our part as we come to the Lord’s table. We take the emblems to
SHEW FORTH the Lord’s death. We call to remembrance His love and passion on Calvary’s Cross. The
Lord’s Supper is to be taken as practicable, doing it in remembrance of our Lord, till He comes (Matthew
26:17-30; Luke 22:7-13; 1 Corinthians 11:26). We look forward to the Rapture and the Marriage Supper
of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). Adequate preparations should be made by the leadership of the
church to secure the emblems and a location for the ordinance. More importantly we must keep our
total being worthy of it.
In a Bible-believing church, grave consequences can befall those who eat it unworthily. Weakness,
sickness or even death could ensue (1 Corinthians 11:30). If you always feel disqualified it is not certain
that you will be qualified for the Rapture and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-18).
Adults, youth, and children who have current testimony of salvation and holy living can partake of it.
BIBLE DOCTRINE 10: ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION
God’s Word teaches:
That entire sanctification is a definite act of God’s grace, subsequent to the New Birth, by
which the believer’s heart is purified and made holy. Works, struggle, or suppression
cannot attain it progressively, but it is obtained by faith in the sanctifying blood of Jesus
Christ. Holiness of life and purity of heart are central to Christian living – Luke 1:74,75;
John 17:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3,7,8; 5:22-24; Ephesians 5:25-27; Hebrews 2:11;
10:10,14; 13:11,12; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:14-16.
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The doctrine of entire sanctification is central in the mind of the Godhead. The doctrine is at the hub or
nucleus of Christian teaching. What then is the meaning of the word, Sanctification? Sanctification is an
English word which means: to make sacred or holy; to set apart for holy or religious use; to make free
from sin; to cleanse from moral corruption and pollution; the act of God’s grace by which the affections
of men are purified or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to supreme love to God; to purify
in order to prepare for divine service and for partaking of holy things; to free from the power of sin;
being set free from the power of cancelled sin. A gracious work of the Holy Spirit, not of works, not of
growth, not of death, not of purgatory. God has the ability to destroy sin. Sanctification is an operation
of the Spirit of God on those who are already in Christ. They who are effectually called and regenerated
having a new heart and a new spirit created in them need to be further sanctified through the virtue of
Christ’s death and resurrection, His word and His Spirit.
Sanctification is an instantaneous experience given to a believer to enable him cleave to God without
the tendency to want to go astray or go away from the Lord. It is not a protracted or tedious process of
growth. You do not grow INTO sanctification, but you can grow IN sanctification. We can never grow
into what God must of necessity do for us. Again, sanctification is not brought about by death. To
assume that is to say that death is no longer our last enemy to be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26).
Neither are we cleansed from the original stain (the nature we brought into the world) through Water
Baptism. Entire sanctification is not of works, but is the work of God, divinely wrought by the Holy
Spirit. ‘Holiness’, ‘Perfection’ and ‘Sanctification’ are the definitive terms used interchangeably. Holiness
means entire freedom from sin, wholeness, spiritual health, moral integrity and purity. Our health
means the absence of sickness. Therefore, holiness means the absence of sin (Luke 1:74,75; Psalm
29:2; 93:5; 1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:14). ‘Perfection’ means that which is not lacking in what it ought
to have. The perfection, which God requires and accomplishes in those who earnestly ask in faith, is the
purifying of our hearts; loving every believer as Christ loves us, and loving our neighbours as ourselves.
Nothing less than this is desirable and nothing more is required (Colossians 1:28). Entire sanctification is
described as ‘clean heart’ or ‘pure heart’. This descriptive term shows the experience in a way one can
understand in his heart (Psalm 24:3,4; Matthew 5:8). The Bible teaches us that all of God’s children can
be like Jesus in separation from the world, in purity and in love. We must be inwardly pure and peaceful
otherwise be left defeated. A blameless life is a life in which God sees nothing to condemn. We may not
be blameless to our contemporaries, but we can be blameless before God. When God examines a
sanctified heart He finds all that is possessed to be in harmony with Himself. The heart of the sanctified
is a throne on which God reigns without a rival; an empire wherein He exercises unchecked, undisputed
dominion and authority.
How does the earnest seeker get sanctified? There must first be a definite separation and withdrawal
from all sins and appearance of evil, immorality, and all unclean things (1 Thessalonians 5:22; 2
Corinthians 6:17; 2 Timothy 2:21). There must, secondly, be ENTIRE Consecration. This is giving
ourselves unto God in a vivid manner. First, we give ALL we are to God. Here we no longer lay any
claim on ourselves (Luke 9:60; Romans 12:1,2). Second, we give our body unto the glory of God, not
for any selfish motive or purpose in view, but with the consideration and knowledge that we are bought
with the precious blood of Jesus. Third, we give OURSELVES FOR SERVICE (John 13:12-17). We should
not stress our being priests and kings unto God but also being servants. Here Jesus shows how to
consecrate and dedicate ourselves for service. Washing the feet was the work of a slave. So, we must
learn to do the meanest job in the midst of believers and not waiting for compliments. Fourth, we must
die to self. “Verily, verily I say unto you, EXCEPT a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth
alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit….” (John 12:24,25). Consecration is coming before God
with our past, present, future, personality, possession, wisdom, talents, intellect, money, influence,
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position in the family and in the church and dedicating all to God. We separate and dedicate ourselves
to God, He readily willing to do His part and give us the definite experience of Entire Sanctification. This
is the operation of God, a definite act of God’s grace in a believer’s heart (Hebrews 2:11; 13:12,13).
By what means of grace does the believer get into this experience? The means of sanctification
includes: a) The word of God (John 15:3); b) The blood of Jesus (Hebrews 13:12,13); c) Faith in the
Lord (Acts 26:18); d) The Spirit of God, and e) God Himself (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We do not get
sanctified by studying the word alone. We need to pray in faith. We must believe in its possibility before
we can ask in faith. Also, we must realize that it is the will of God that we are made holy (1
Thessalonians 4:3-8; 1 John 5:14,15). Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. Holiness here is not
just the judicial kind of holiness, but the practical holiness of which believers are partakers because they
have surrendered their entire life unto God through Christ. This holiness does something in our hearts
that makes us live right. We must desire it (Mark 11:24), and ask with a genuine burning desire.
What should be our response to this doctrine? The Bible teaches that all believers can be wholly
sanctified (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We should not be guilty of taking away from the word. This teaching
places a great and solemn responsibility upon all preachers of the word to teach this doctrine; be a
partaker of the experience (1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:6), and endeavour to understand and know
how to present it by study (2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 1:9; John 7:46); faithfully and effectively teach all
believers without fear or compromise, for in all things of the Spirit, we should not withhold or withdraw
the truth from our congregation (2 Timothy 2:2). Let us encourage all believers to partake of the
blessing. This gracious Christian experience could be kept all through life provided that the recipient
keeps abiding in Christ, watching, and praying (John 15:4; Mark 13:32-35). Having been warned to hold
fast that which is good, the only reasonable thing for the Sanctified Believer to do is to stop grieving the
Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30,31); Refuse to relapse into bitterness and harshness of spirit, never engage
in unprofitable conversation (Ephesians 5:3,4), unkind criticisms, evil speaking and fault finding, self
indulgence and prejudice, impatience, indolence and negligence, uncontrolled temperament, selfdependence
and self-management and interest in objects of temptation.
Why should any Christian doubt the possibility of complete deliverance from sin? Jesus should not be
limited as a Saviour. Complete deliverance from sin is Christ’s purpose (Titus 2:11-15). The white lily
grows up from mire, but with no dust on it. Christians can grow up in this dirty world yet without spot
on their lives (Romans 12:1,2). It is our privilege to be totally separated from the evil of the world. It is
a promise from God that we should be purged and sanctified. “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also
will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
BIBLE DOCTRINE 11: HOLY GHOST BAPTISM
God’s Word teaches:
That the Baptism in the Holy Ghost is the enduement of power from on High upon the
sanctified believer. It is “the promise of the Father” and when one receives this “gift of the
Holy Ghost”, it is accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking a language unlearned
previously, referred to as speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance – Matthew 3:11;
Acts1:8; Luke 3:16; 24:49; John 1:30-33; 7:7-39; 14:16; 17:26; 15:26; 15:26; 16:12-15;
Acts 1:5-8; Mark 16: 17; Acts 2:1-18; 10:44-46; Acts 19:1-6. We do not teach or instruct
people how to speak in tongues: the Holy Spirit gives utterance. We also stress the
necessity of Purity before Power. The gifts of the Spirit are for today – 1 Corinthians 12:1-
31; 14:1-40.
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The baptism in the Holy Ghost is the endowment of power from on High upon the sanctified believer. It
is the promise of the Father. When one receives this gift of the Holy Ghost it is accompanied by the
initial evidence of speaking a language unlearned previously, referred to as speaking in tongues as the
Spirit gives utterance (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:8; John 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:30-33; 7:37).
We do not teach or instruct people how to speak in tongues; the Holy Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4).
Jesus Christ the great Teacher preached it and promised it. (John 7:37-39; Luke 24:49; and Acts 1:4-8).
The Baptism in the Holy Ghost is not the new birth, salvation, conversion or regeneration (John 7:37-
39; 14:17; 17:6-9, 14-16; Luke 10:19-24; 24:49). It is not sanctification experience (John 17:9; 17:21-
23; Acts 2:1-4). Jesus prayed for the sanctification of His disciples and yet commanded them to wait for
the enduement of power, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Moreover, sanctification is for purity whereas
the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is for power.
It is not also illumination, feeling of joy, liberty, and victory in prayer, Self-denial or zeal (Luke 24:27,
31-32,44,45; Acts 8:8, 14-17; Matthew 19:27; 16:17).
The Holy Spirit is not a mere impersonal force. He is not a mere power that we can get hold of and use.
He is not a mere influence that we feel. He is a person who seeks to get hold of us and use us. The
Holy Spirit is Divine Personality who we must honour, worship, fellowship with, and listen to. He is
called the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of the Living God, the Spirit of Christ,
the Spirit of Holiness, the Spirit of Life, the Spirit of wisdom, the Spirit of your Father, the Comforter,
the Eternal Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Luke 11:13; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Corinthians 3:16;
2 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Peter 1:11; 4:14; Romans1:4; Matthew 10:20). The Holy Ghost is Eternal,
Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Holy. He is the inspirer of the Holy Scriptures, the general
Overseer of the militant Church, the Great Teacher, helper and Guide of all the saints, the Character
Builder of all members of the Body of Christ (Hebrews 9:14; Psalm 139:7-10; Acts:10:38; Matthew
12:28; Luke 11:20-22; 1 Corinthians 2:10,11; John 14:17-26; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22,23;
The Holy Ghost is the third person in the Trinity (1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:3-6; Matthew 28:19).
The Holy Spirit:
1 Searches all hearts (John 16:8-11; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11).
2 Convicts of sin (John 16:7-11)
3 Regenerates (Titus 3:5).
4 Bears witness with us (Romans 8:14-16).
5 Adopts into God’s family (Romans 8:15).
6 Helps and gives victory in temptation (Romans 8:2,26-27).
7 Helps in prayer (Romans 8:26,27; Zechariah 12:10).
8 Fills believers with joy, peace, and boldness (Acts 13:49-520.
9 Sanctifies (Romans 1:4; 5:5).
10 Quickens and heals our body (Romans 8:11).
11 Comforts, counsels, and commands (Isaiah 11:1-2).
12 Intercedes for saints (Romans 8:26,270.
13 Illuminates and inspires (2 Peter 1:21).
14 Searches and reveals the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-12).
15 Teaches (John 14:26)
16 Guides into all truth (John 16:13).
17 Creates (Psalm 104:30).
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18 Empowers (Acts 1:8).
19 Directs gospel work (Act 8:26-29).
20 Confirms the gospel (Hebrews 2:3,4).
The mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit is promised to all flesh; and those who meet God’s conditions
can receive God’s abundance (Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Joel 2:28,29; John 7:37-39. Few (very
few) of the Old Testament saints had the Spirit upon them for some special task that the Lord gave
them to do. The Bulk of the Israelites lived all their lives without the “special privilege” of having “the
Spirit upon” them. Even those who had this privilege did not all enjoy His continuous abiding presence
(Numbers 11:25; 24:2; Judges 3:10; 6:34; 14:6; 1Samuel 10:9,10; 16:13; 2 Peter 1:21).
There were great expectations and a “diligent searching” by the Old Testament prophets. They looked
forward to the glorious Gospel days in which we live. Even the angels dared to look into these things.
In as much as Christ’s incarnation, birth, life, dominion, rejection, suffering, meekness, death and
resurrection were all foretold and messianic prophecies were fulfilled in every detail, so also all
prophecies concerning the outpouring of the Holy Spirit must be fulfilled.
Today, we can all receive the Spirit in baptismal measure. We can be baptized in the Holy Spirit if:
1 We thirst – have strong desire (Isaiah 44:3; John 7:37,39).
2 We receive “A new heart”, “an heart of flesh”, after removal of “the stony heart”,
“circumcision of heart” (Ezekiel 36:26,27).
3 We have “faith” to “receive” (Galatians 3:2,14; Mark11:22,24).
4 We pray to receive (Luke 11:13).
BIBLE DOCTRINE 12: REDEMPTION, HEALING AND HEALTH
God’s Word teaches:
That Redemption from the curse of the law, Healing of sickness and disease as well as
continued Health are provided for all people through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ –
Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 7:15; Psalm 103:1-5; Proverbs 4:20-22; Isaiah 53:4,5;
Matthew 8:16,17; 1 Peter 2:24; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 13:16; John 14:12-14; 10:10; Acts
10:38; James 5:14-16; John 3:8; 3 John 22: Galatians 3:13,14.
Redemption is a release or liberation from captivity or death by paying a price called a ransom. It simply
connotes buying back unto freedom someone in servitude, slavery, or captivity. The fall of man brought
all human race under sin, Satan and condemnation as a result of man’s disobedience to God, and the
consequence of the broken law. Man lost his purity and favour with God in the fall. Man cannot, by
himself regain it. The whole creation was bought under the curse and all men (in Adam) became
sinners and captives to sin, Satan, and sickness (Romans 5:12). Consequently, man being under the
sentence of death, could not pay his own death penalty and live again to enjoy freedom from sin and
carry out the divine purpose for which he has been created. God then undertook the redemption of man
by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die in man’s place. He being capable of redeeming
man met the demands of the law and became the legal substitute by paying the redemptive price for
those who are condemned to death for breaking the law. This is absolute protection from eternal
punishment through the blood of the perfect and spotless substitute (Exodus 12:13; John 3:16;
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Ephesians 1:7; Romans 3:24; Revelation 5:9; Romans 8:3; Isaiah 53:4-8; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23;
Matthew 26:28; 1 Peter 1: 18-21; Genesis 3:16,24). It was Christ who bore the curse of the law and
suffered its condemnation of death in our stead. No sinner can be acquitted except he accepts Christ as
his Redeemer (Acts 4:12).
Man’s redemption is not limited to removal of guilt; it covers all consequences of the broken law, which
are sickness, disease, and satanic oppression. Healing of sickness and disease as well as continued
health are provided for all men through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, there
was a divine plan by which God heals all those who were in covenant relationship with Him. Not
everyone can enjoy this unfailing healing and health plan made by God for all mankind based on the
fact that not all men are in covenant relationship with Him. The promise to keep the Israelites from
diseases by which the Egyptians were afflicted was made at the instance of the healing covenant Israel
had with God. Diverse sickness, pestilences and; plagues came upon them when they disobeyed God
and broke His covenant (Deuteronomy 28:28-61; Psalm 107:17-20). But when they repented and
prayed, fulfilling the covenant conditions, they were healed (Numbers 21:4-9; 2 Chronicles 7:13,14;
Psalm 107:17-20). God is in the business of healing today where the conditions of the covenant are
met.
Jesus not only bore our sins, He also bore our sicknesses and diseases. He became our sickness-bearer
in exactly the same way He became our sin-bearer. Christ was scourged and striped for our healing;
nailed to the cross for our sin (John 3:14;12:22-23; Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; Psalm 103:2,4).
The Holy Spirit concluded by saying, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law: sicknesspestilence,
fever, cancer, ulcer, boils, as well as nameless sicknesses found in people’s life today and
other infirmities recorded or not recorded in scriptures (Deuteronomy 28:15-29, 58-61; Galatians 3:13;
Deuteronomy 7:12-15). Christ has been made manifest to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8;
Acts 10:38; Hebrews 13:8).
Divine healing and health, like salvation, have remained the right of every child of God. It is a vital part
of complete salvation once we belong to the commonwealth of Israel and not strangers to the covenant
of promise (Matthew 15:26-28; Ephesians 2:12-21; 1 Peter 2:9,10). Sickness in whatever form is of the
devil. God calls it captivity (Job 42:10), Jesus calls it bondage (Luke 13:16,12), and the Holy Spirit calls
it oppression (Acts 10:38). The victory of Jesus is our victory. He did nothing for Himself. He conquered
sin, Satan, disease and sickness on our behalf. He shares His victory with all who will repent and
believe on His name. He bore our infirmities, sicknesses, and diseases so that we could claim full release
and deliverance. As much as disobedience to God’s word, misuse of tongue and unbelief will make the
covenant of no effect, for the people of God, no more can anyone enjoy the blessing of healing without
a current relationship with God through Christ, obedience to the Word of God and fulfilling the terms
and conditions for healing (Exodus 15:26; 23:25,26; Deuteronomy 7:12-15,6-9; Psalm 91; Isaiah 1:19;
Mark 2:5,9,11; 3 John 2).
It then goes without saying that “curse causeless shall not come ….” Most often infirmities come as a
consequence of disobeying God (Genesis 20: 1-18; 1 Chronicles 10:13), through Satan, the very source
of sickness and affliction (Job 2:6,7; Matthew 4:23,24; John 10:10; 8:44; 5:14; Acts 10:38), backsliding
(Exodus 10:10; 2 Chronicles 16:12-14; Matthew 12:43-45), misuse of tongue (Numbers 21:4-6; 11:1-3;
12:1-10), sin, covetousness or merchandising God’s gift (2 Kings 5:20-27); rebellion (Psalm 107:17-20;
Deuteronomy 32: 39-41) or even breaking God’s law of nature. The Scripture reveals that evil spirits,
devils, and demons also assist Satan in his destructive work on human bodies. They possess, oppress,
afflict, torment, obsess people and cause dumbness and deafness (Matthew 9:32,33; Mark 9:25-27),
blindness (Matthew 12:22), grievous vexation and torments (Matthew 15:22), lunacy (Matthew 4:24;
Luke 9: 38-42) and suicide (Matthew 17:15). Satan and his cohorts gain entrance into men when men
sin, consult with familiar spirits, palm reading, magic, witchcraft, fortune telling, not guarding the mind
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or refusal to resist the devil. As long as you have any of the devil’s property, he will stay around you.
Renounce and destroy the works of the devil for total emancipation from his claws ( 1 Peter 1:1,13;
5:8,9; Acts 19:18,19).
The bible sets forth the conditional precedence to enjoying the benefits and blessings of our relationship
with God, which are our redemptive rights: genuine conversion (Psalm 103: 2-5; Matthew 13:15; mark
9:23; Matthew 21:21,22; Mark 11 22-24; John 14: 12; James 1:6-8), obedience to God and His Word
(Exodus 15:26; 23:25,26; Proverbs 4:20-22); abiding in Him (Psalm 91:1-7; John 15:1-7); making
peace with fellow men (Mark 11:22-26; James 5:14-16; Genesis 20:14), serving God in holiness
(Exodus 23:25,26; Colossians 2:6,7; John 5:14; 1 John 3:21-22), appropriating the benefits of Calvary
through prayer of faith (2 Peter 1:3,4; Hebrews 6:18; 1 Peter 2:24; James 1:16,.17; Hebrews 13:8;
Matthew 8:17). From the foregoing, God heals those who are under His healing covenant (Psalm
105:37; 2 Chronicles 30:18-20) by His Word (Psalm 1077:20; Hebrews 4:20; Matthew 8:8), through His
Mercy (Matthew 20:30-34), by His Power (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:16,17; Luke 5:17), by His Spirit
(Acts 10:38; Isaiah 61: 1,2; Luke 10:18,19; Romans 8:2,11; Matthew 12:280, in His Name (Acts 3:6;
Luke 10:17,18; Mark 16:17,18; Proverbs 18:10; Philippians 2:9-11), by His Will (1 John 5:14,15; John
5:30; 3 John 2). What a sure word of prophecy! No need therefore for private interpretation; according
to your faith it shall be done unto to you.
It is then left with every believer to fulfill the terms of the divine conditions in order to live in the reality
of this marvellous provision. Healing and health is for us today. We can lay claim boldly to this
redemptive grace: not with uncertainty, but with confidence of faith and prayer to get healed and
remain healthy all the days of our lives. Now we are redeemed, purchased, bought back again to be
God’s peculiar possession (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23; Obadiah 17). We shall live to possess
our possession.
BIBLE DOCTRINE 13: PERSONAL EVANGELISM
God’s Word teaches:
That Personal Evangelism is a God-given and God-ordained ministry for every believer,
Jesus commanded and God requires every believer to be a compassionate and fruitful
soulwinner, bringing others to Christ - Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; John
17:18; Acts 1:8; 1-4; Psalm 126:5,6; Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3; Ezekiel 3:17-21.
Personal evangelism is a God-given and God-ordained ministry for every believer. The Greek word
“euangelion” (Gospel) actually means Good News. It is good news from a loving God to a lost world that
through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, there is salvation (John 3:16,17). Personal
evangelism is the person-to-person sharing of this good news of salvation with the aim of soul-winning
– leading the sinner to repent and turn wholly to God through Jesus Christ, the Saviour (John 1:40-42;
Acts 8: 26-37). Jesus commanded and God requires every believer to be a compassionate and fruitful
soul winner (Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1;8). Although mass evangelism is good and
necessary, it will never take the place of personal evangelism. Illustrating the efficacy and superiority of
personal evangelism, one godly man said, “If you had one hundred empty bottles before you, and threw
a pail of water over them some would get a little in them, but most would fall outside. If you wish to fill
the bottles, the best way is to take each bottle separately and put a vessel full of water to each bottle’s
mouth “. Another man of God said, “The world is never going to be brought to Christ whole-sale but
one by one. Men are not born collectively, they do not die collectively, and they do not accept or reject
Christ collectively”.
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Personal evangelism is essential and mandatory because (a) Jesus commanded it (Mark 16:15;
Matthew 28:19,20); (b) God is happy at its result (Luke 15:10); (c) Jesus did it (John 4:21-30; Matthew
4:19); (d) God the Father started it (Genesis 3:9); (e) Jesus prayed for the believers’ sanctification to
make personal evangelism effective (John 17:17,18); (f) The Holy Spirit is given because of it (Acts
1:8); (g) Jesus Christ willed it (Matthew 4:19); (h) It is the heart desire of God (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter
3:9); (i) Jesus’ earthly ministry illustrates it (Luke 19:10); (j) The early apostolic church practised it
(Acts 8:30-37; Mark 16:20; Acts 8:4; (k) It is a mark of true wisdom (Proverbs 11:30); (l) Every genuine
believer is equipped for it (John 1:37-45; 4:28,290; (m) It is the primary purpose for our salvation
(John 15:16; 20:21); (n) There is great reward for those who carry it out (Daniel 12:3); (o) The harvest
is plenteous but the labourers are few (Matthew 9:36,37; John 4:35-38); (p) Life is short while eternity
is endless (John 9:4; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31); (q) Souls are precious to God (Matthew 16:26; Mark
8:36,37; Psalm 49:6-90; (r) Hell is the end of all who die in sin (Mark 9:43-48; Psalm 9:17; Revelation
20:10-15); (s) Powers of darkness and cults are growing (2 Timothy 3:13; 1 Timothy 4:1); (t) Neglect
hinders prayer and progress (Proverbs 21:13; 24:11,120; (u) It can be done without any expense. No
loud speakers and microphones needed. No permission from the government, church, or school is
needed for the use of their compound (Acts 8:4) Finally, (v) there are tremendous possibilities in
personal evangelism when pursued vigorously and scripturally. It produces abundant results through
the law of spiritual multiplication. For instance, if a church of 100 dedicated and witnessing members
will share the gospel, with the unsaved, each member with effective follow-up will within a period of
four months disciple a new convert till he becomes a soul winner. If each convert were in turn to win
one person to Christ, for example, spending four months helping him to grow in faith, and then each of
them in turn were to win another soul, there would be in one year four hundred Christians. If they
spend four months with the new converts and if each of the four hundred believers wins another, they
would be eight hundred. Continuing in that schedule, the membership of the church would be over
three million in five years. Precisely, if there were only one Christian in the world and he worked a year,
and won a friend to Christ, and if these two continued each year to win another, and if every man they
led into the kingdom of God continued to win another, then, in thirty years every person in the world
would be won for Christ.
To be involved in personal evangelism, personal experience of conversion is indispensable (2 Timothy
2:6,7,19-21; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Also, the soul winner must live a holy life (2 Timothy 2:4; Isaiah
52:11). Secondly, the true soul winner must have a strong, unshakable conviction (John 9:4; 1
Corinthians 9:16; Acts 26:22-24; 21:8-14). He must, therefore, see himself as an ambassador of Christ
(2 Corinthians 5:19,20) and must thus devote his time, talents, strength, and money to the furtherance
of the Gospel. The world will never see Christ again until He comes back in judgment, except as it sees
Him in us. There should therefore be a strong conviction about God, the Bible, Salvation, Christ’s death,
resurrection, and His second coming. Thirdly, the soul winner must accept that the responsibility of
preaching the gospel is not optional but a debt (Romans 1:14; Proverbs 24:11, 12; Ezekiel 33:6; 1
Corinthian 9:16). Furthermore, there is the need for a deep, burning Christ-like compassion (Matthew
9:36; Romans 9:1-3; 10:1). This should be the basis for the sacrifices we make, effectual fervent
prayers offered, tears shed and hardship endured for the souls of men to be won to the Lord (Jeremiah
9:11).
Specifically, there must be quite a lot of secret praying because there is no substitute for expectant,
secret waiting upon God for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, for wisdom, for strength and power,
courage, hope, faith and for a glowing burning and appropriate message from God (2 Timothy 1:7).
This prayer must be importunate to open the hearts of men to God (Psalm 2:8). The soul winner must
be skilful in the use of the Word, which is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 2:15). He
must also have a definite message, and recognize first that the Gospel is a fact that must be told
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cheerfully; and it is an entrusted fact, therefore, it should be told faithfully. The soul winner must
preach the gospel with earnestness, love, simplicity, tact, and wisdom (1 Corinthians 9:20-23; 2
Timothy 2:24-26). He must not give in to discouragement.
Opportunities for personal evangelism abound daily on the streets, hospitals, motor parks, bus stops,
inside the bus or taxi, prisons, homes of neighbours, schools, markets etc. The soul winner does not
wait for a perfect opportunity as every situation is an opportunity (Ecclesiastics 11:4,6; 2 Timothy 4:2).
An effective way of conducting personal evangelism is through friendship. Friendship evangelism is the
art of leading a soul to Christ by cultivating his friendship. Deed of kindness, love, service, and
friendliness can be the bait that will get a sinner interested in the gospel message. The soul winner
must do things that will demonstrate that he cares for the person’s earthly welfare as well as his eternal
soul. Friendship evangelism reflects genuine and true Christ love in action. Jesus Christ our Lord did not
count it ungodly to dine with sinners (Luke 15:12). Tracts, cassettes, good books, magazines, and even
letter writing could be employed for personal evangelism. When do we start personal evangelism? Now
(John 4:35). This is because we cannot be guiltless before God if we neglect it (Ezekiel 3:18,19).
Millions of souls are rushing towards a lost eternity. Believers must, therefore, throw aside all flimsy
excuses as there is no trouble too great, no humiliation too deep, no suffering too severe, no labour too
hard, no expenses too much in saving souls. We must arise therefore, pray and do the work.
BIBLE DOCTRINE 14: MARRIAGE
God’s Word teaches:
That Marriage is binding for life. Monogamy is the uniform teaching of the Bible. Polygamy
is contrary to God’s perfect will and institution. Also, under the New Testament
dispensation, no one has a right to divorce and remarry while the first companion lives.
When a person becomes converted, necessary restitution, on this line, must be done
without delay if he has married wrongly - Genesis: 2:24; Deuteronomy 7:1-4; Job 23:11-13;
2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Proverbs 31:10-31; Malachi 2:14, 15; Romans 7:2,3; Ephesians
5:31-33; Matthew 5:31,32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; John 4:15-19; Genesis 20:3-
7.
Marriage is a holy union, a living symbol, a precious relationship that needs tender self-sacrificing care.
It is God’s idea and not a derivative of any culture. It is a gift from God to man and it has three basic
aspects: (i) The man leaves his parents, and in a public act, pledges himself to his wife; (ii) The man
and woman are joined together by taking responsibility for each other’s welfare and by loving the
partner above all others; (iii) The two become one flesh in the intimacy and commitment to the
wonderful union which is reserved for marriage. By so doing, marriage provides the needed fellowship,
comfort, companionship, and partnership. It is one of God’s methods to keep men and women free from
fornication and immorality. With very few exceptions, most men and women are to marry. These few
exceptions are to receive God’s guidance and are not to be the product of infantile decisions, misguided
imitations, faithless consecration or frivolous religious compassion (Genesis 2:18-20, 22-24;
Matthew19:4,5; Ephesians 5:31; 1 Corinthians 7:1,2,25-29,32).
Marriage is part of God’s plan to raise the Christian family. But the believer is not to go searching for a
wife or husband, neither are they to resort to the abominable method of ‘sampling’ or ‘picking and
choosing’. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help
meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). God seems to be saying, “I am not going to allow the man to choose for
himself”. “And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her
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unto him” (Genesis 2:22). God did not bring a girl, an immature female, or a teenager, but He brought
a woman (intelligible, sensible, and mature) unto the man. He brought a perfect fit – two of a kind! God
still leads His children to His will even today. He does this through (i) His word (Psalm 119:105; 130; 2
Timothy 3:16,17) (ii) the inner voice of the Holy Spirit, prompting, directing, influencing or checking
(John 10:4,5,27; Romans 8:14; Proverbs 20:27; 1 Samuel 9:15-21; 16:13; Joel 2:28,29; Acts 9:10-15).
However, any revelation that is received must be diligently compared with the Scripture. If any
revelation, visions, or dreams contradict the Scripture in anyway, such revelations, visions, or dreams
are to be rejected as false (Isaiah 8:19,20; Jeremiah 23:21-32; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Revelation 22:
18,19). Once the will of God is known, believers are to seek and obtain their parents’ consent before
going on with any further plans (Genesis 24:15-29; 34:3-12; Exodus 22:16; Deuteronomy 7:3; 1
Samuel 18:20,21; 1 Corinthians 7:36-38).
It is ungodly for any believer to elope with a woman or man no matter the divergent and unyielding
stance of their parents (Genesis 31:20-29). People in such a situation must pray and trust in the Lord
who gave the revelation of His will, to finish the work, for “with God all things are possible” (Psalm
37:4; Philippians 4:6; Proverbs 21:1 Mark 10:27). Thereafter, payment of Bride price or dowry shall be
executed in line with the Scripture. It is an ungodly practice to borrow money or go into debt to impress
the women’s parents or relatives or invitees. It is also considered sinful for two people to live together
without meeting the requisite obligations to their parents (Exodus 22:17; 1 Samuel 18:25-27; Hosea
3:2,3; 1 Corinthians 14:40; Romans 13:7,8). The parents’ consent will lead, naturally, to a period of
courtship to be determined by the church leadership but preferably not longer than nine months. This
affords the intending couple the opportunity to understand one another and plan for the future
together. It is a time to be spent together not in secrecy but in the home of a Christian family where
movement of people is not restricted. It is during courtship that the intending couple will discuss their
expectations of each other (on finance, size of family anticipated, extended family etc). Purity must be
maintained before, during, and after the courtship (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 5:22). Visitations and
exchange of gifts at this stage are not acceptable, before the wedding. The Christian wedding is
preceded by ‘filing in of notice’ at the Marriage Registry. This is to enable the public inform the
Magistrate should there be any objection to the proposed marriage. The church wedding will take place
after the Pastor had received a certificate from the magistrate.
The church will not join a couple in marriage where i) one of them had been previously married and is
separated from his or her former partner (Matthew 19:4-6; John 4:18); ii) the lady has not obtained the
consent of her parents; iii) the couple is in unequal yoke - one of them is not born again (Deuteronomy
7:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14); iv) the lady is already pregnant.
Therefore no believer will marry an unbeliever or a divorced person. Moreover, God’s word forbids the
believer marrying “any that is near of kin”, that is “a relative” (Leviticus 18:6). Marrying relatives was
prohibited by God for physical, social, and moral reasons. Children born to near relatives may
experience serious health problems. When improper sexual relations begin, family life is destroyed. “For
all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled…”
(Leviticus 18:27-29).
From the parables and actual marriages in the Scripture, weddings were moments of rejoicing and
feastings (Jeremiah 16:8,9; 33:11; John 2:1-11; 3:29; Isaiah 62:5) and special garments were provided
for the bridegroom, bride, and guests at the wedding (Matthew 22:12; Revelation 19:7,8). Yet Christian
practice must be guided by the uniform teaching of Christian living in the New Testament (1 Corinthians
7:29-31; 6:12; 8:9,13; Romans 14:15; 1 John 2:6; 3:2-4). The believers therefore must shun every
form of worldliness and worldly imitations in dressing and in the manner of entertaining guests.
Simplicity and modesty must characterize the wedding and God’s name glorified.
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The first step in creating a new union with one’s spouse is the dissolving of the old one. A severance of
relationship with one’s parents (Genesis 2:23,24; Ephesians 5:30,31). He is to leave father and mother,
which means departing, loosing oneself, finding freedom from something. Many who have violated this
scriptural principle have discovered to their chagrin a hurt to their marital joy. Marriage is “until death
do us part”, and God did not make any provisions for divorce or remarriage.
In marriage, lack of spiritual, emotional, and intellectual intimacy usually precedes a break down of
physical intimacy. When couples fail to expose their secret thoughts to one another, they shut off the
line of communication to one another. The great secret of conjugal happiness is mutual love, kindness,
tenderness, and loveliness of character in the home. The wife should respect and obey the husband and
the husband should love and care for the wife (Ephesians 5:22-31). “Wives submit yourselves unto your
own husbands as unto the Lord…” Submission is not the obliteration or nullification of the woman’s
personality. It is neither subjugation nor an imposed obedience. Submission is a voluntary
subordination. It is obedience motivated by love (Philippians 2:5-8). “Likewise, ye wives be in subjection
to your own husbands…” (1Peter 3:1-6). Such a life speaks loudly and clearly, and is often the most
effective way to influence a family member. Christian wives should develop inner beauty rather than
being overly concerned about their appearance. When the wife lives the Christian faith quietly and
consistently in the home, her family would see Christ in her.
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it…so ought men
to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife, loveth himself” (Ephesians 5:25-28).
Christ is the model of love. The husband can never love his wife too much, yet that love is
inconsequential when compared to his love for the Lord. The husband’s love makes him to be
considerate, understanding, and able to bear with his wife.
The husband is also the head of the family. This headship has the idea of authority, an authority after
the analogy of Christ’s Headship. In that sense, the husband is the spiritual head of the family and his
wife goes along with his leadership. A wise and Christ-honouring husband will not take advantage of his
role, and a wise and Christ-honouring wife will not try to undermine her husband’s leadership.
“Nevertheless let every on of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife
see that she reverence her husband” (Ephesians 5:33).
BIBLE DOCTRINE 15: THE RAPTURE
God’s Word teaches:
That the Rapture (commonly referred to as the first phase or 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 can happen any time
from now. “In a moment, 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; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1
Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:4-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:5-7; Philippians 3:11,20,21; 1 John 3:1-3.
The Rapture is the greatest event of all ages that the church is waiting for. It is the catching away of all
true believers in Christ to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Christ at the end of His first
advent was in like manner taken up in the air to go and prepare a place for His own. The parting
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promise from God was that Jesus will return in like manner to receive His ‘Bride’ to be with Him for ever
(Acts 1:9-11; John 14:1-3).
The Rapture is not the same as the Second Coming of Christ. At the Rapture, Christ will appear in the
air. He will not be visible to the inhabitants of the earth. His mission then will be to resurrect all dead
saints, who along with the living believers will put on immortality and shall be caught up to be with the
Lord. In the twinkling of an ‘eye’ before the great and terrible day of the Lord, when the wrath of God
will be poured down from His cup of indignation without mixture – an event fitly called the Great
Tribulation (1 Corinthians 15:52). The Second Advent will not take place until after the great tribulation.
The time of the Rapture is unknown, even by the angels (Matthew 24:36; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5). The
Rapture will be heralded by the voice of the archangel and the blowing of trumpets, signalling the end
of the Church age (1 Thessalonians 4:13-15).
The Rapture was a mystery, unknown to the Old Testament saints and prophets. God has underlined
this great event in two different ways in the Scriptures to assure us of its certainty. First, it was
illustrated in Enoch and Elijah, the two living saints who did not taste death but were translated in a
moment of time and caught up in the air (Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11,12). Second, it was illustrated in
Christ in the New Testament. He died, was buried, and resurrected. While he talked with His disciples
on Mount Olivet, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9-11).
The Rapture, which was mystery to the Old Testament prophets, marks the end of the Church age, also
referred to as the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24). This truth was veiled to the saints of old.
However, known unto God are all His works from the foundation of the earth. In His mercy, He
interrupted His programme for Israel with the Church age. Christ, the Messiah, came for His people but
they rejected Him (John 1:11), and God turned to the Gentiles to take a people for Himself. The
Rapture will mark the end of this special period of grace. Does this mean that God has forsaken his
people, Israel, for ever? Far from it, God will resume His programme with Israel immediately after the
Rapture, thus ushering in the beginning of the Seventieth week in Daniel’s Prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27).
Any moment from now, the trumpet shall sound and He that shall come will come and will not tarry. It
is very certain that Christ is coming back again. He assured the Church of the certainty of His coming
(John 14:1-3). Angels proclaimed it, apostles and saints throughout the ages preached it. All the signs
of His coming are daily being fulfilled.
Christ, answering a pertinent question asked by His disciples on “…What shall be the sign of thy
coming…” (Matthew 24:3), gave in details what would be happening on earth shortly before His coming
(Matthew 24:5-12,30-39). He highlighted the following as what to expect:
i) Many false Christ will arise deceiving many unsuspecting believers.
ii) There will be wars and rumours of war.
iii) There will be international wars.
iv) Famines (Global economic recession).
v) Pestilences.
vi) Earthquakes in divers places.
vii) There will be persecution of Christ’s followers and some cases of martyrdom.
viii) The emergence of many false prophets.
ix) Backsliding from the faith on the increase.
x) More people given to pleasure and merry-making than those seeking the Lord.
The Scriptures also predict the conditions, characterized by a system of denials that will be prevalent
within the visible church, shortly before Christ’s return. There will be a denial of God (2 Timothy 3:1-5),
a denial of Christ (1 John 2:18; 4:3), a denial of Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:3,4), a denial of the faith of
Christian living (Jude 18) and a denial of authority. All these signs are being fulfilled before our eyes.
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To qualify to partake in the Rapture: one must be born-again, living a transparent holy life, walking
daily in the light, working the works of God, watching daily, praying with all prayer, and maintaining
these experiences at the time of the Rapture or the time of death, as the case may be (John 3:3;
Hebrew 12:14; John 4:35-38; 9:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17).
All the signs preceding the Second Advent of Christ are fulfilled, telling us that the Second Coming of
Jesus Christ is very close and the time of the Rapture is much closer. Sinning church members will not
be able to go at the Rapture though, saved before and baptized in water. Careless and compromising
preachers will miss the Rapture; it does not matter what Christian work they may have done in the past.
All such people, together with backsliders and sinners outside the Church, will be left behind to face the
Great Tribulation.
Knowing that these things shall be, that the Rapture will occur unannounced, and it is very imminent,
what manner of persons ought believers to be? Sinners are to make haste to repent and embrace Christ
as their Saviour. The saints of God are to watch and pray lest that day come upon them unprepared
(Matthew 24:42-44).
BIBLE DOCTRINE 16: THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD
God’s Word teaches:
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; 1 Corinthians 15:12-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16; Hebrews
6:1,2; Philippians 3:8-11; Revelation 20:4,6,12,13.
The Resurrection of the dead is a cardinal and an important doctrine of the Bible. As a matter of fact, all
who die in this world will undergo physical resurrection before the Great White Throne Judgment. This
doctrine shows that there will be a resurrection of body joined with the soul to meet the Lord either in
peace and joy, or meet Him as Judge in condemnation, eternal punishment, and torment of hell fire.
Jesus, the Prophet come from God, declared in John 5:25, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, the hour is
coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall
live.” The fact of the Resurrection of the just and unjust rings through the teachings of Jesus Christ
(John 6:40; 11:25; Matthew 16:21; 22:23-31). Job spoke of his eyes and flesh seeing God after worms
have destroyed his body (Job 19:25-27). Isaiah spoke of the earth casting out the dead (Isaiah 26:14-
19). Daniel spoke of the awakening of many that sleep in the dust, some to everlasting life, and some
to shame and everlasting contempt (Daniel 12:2). In like manner spoke David (Psalm16:10; 17:15). Old
Testament saints (Hebrews 11:35), New Testament saints (Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-18; Luke 24:1-
49; John 19-21), including Paul (Acts 17:18,32), Peter (1 Peter 1:3; 3:21), even Herod the wicked king
and the generality of the people of his day believed in the resurrection of the dead (Mark 6:14-16).
The form to be associated with the resurrected body of the just is exemplified by the glorified body that
Jesus, the first fruit, had after His resurrection (Luke 24:26-43 John 20:11-20,24-31; 1 John 3:2). All
resurrected bodies will be immortal (Daniel 12:2; Mark 9:42-48). The resurrection bodies of saints will
possess different degrees of glory. “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and
another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of
the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:39-54).
In the intervening period between death (when the body and soul are separated) and the resurrection,
one may ask: Where is the soul? The soul of a saint of God goes immediately to meet God in heaven.
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The repentant malefactor on the cross received forgiveness and assurance of Jesus: “Today shall thou
be with me in paradise” (Luke 24:39-43). Righteous Lazarus died and was “carried by angels into
Abraham’s bosom” where he was comforted (Luke 16:19-31). Stephen at death said, “I see the heavens
opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” ready to receive him (Acts 7:54-60).
Paul was “willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:1-
8). Many other references of Scripture confirm that the soul of the saint rejoices in God’s presence at
death (Philippians 1:21-23; Ecclesiastes 12:1,7). On the other hand, when a sinner dies his soul goes
immediately to hell. In hell fire, he is conscious; he can see, feel and hear (Luke 16:19-31). The timing
for the resurrection to life of the just and resurrection to judgment of the unjust is well spelt out in the
Scripture in accordance with the ordained programme of God. The resurrection of the saints of God also
variously described in Scriptures as resurrection of life (John 5:28,29), resurrection of the just (Luke
14:13,14), a better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35) and the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6), has four
phases:
i) The resurrection of Christ, the first fruit (1 Corinthians 15:3,4,12,20,23).
ii) The resurrection of the Church age saints at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-16).
iii) The resurrection of the tribulation period saints (Revelation 20:3-5).
iv) The resurrection of Old Testament saints at the second advent of Christ to the earth
(Daniel 12:2; Isaiah 26:19).
All the saints of God that ever died would resurrect in the first resurrection. Not a soul will be left
behind. What joy! What triumph!! (Revelation 20:6). “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first
resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ,
and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
The second resurrection is still part of God’s programme but deals with the unsaved dead. There is a
difference in time of one thousand years between the first and second resurrection (Revelation 20:5-
15). The second resurrection is also described as the resurrection to damnation (John 5:29). There will
be everlasting punishment and torment in the lake of fire for all who partake in the second resurrection
who missed the first resurrection and whose names are not found in the Book of Life (Daniel 12:2;
Revelation 20:11-15).
As in the early church when Hymenaeus and Philetus erred concerning the truth by teaching that the
resurrection was past already, thereby making shipwreck of their faith and that of all those who
followed their false doctrine, there are many false teachers today who “know not the scriptures nor the
power of God” and overthrow the faith of many (2 Timothy 2:17,18; Matthew 22:23-32). Today many
false teachings on the resurrection of the dead abound having the same devastating effects on all who
believe them. Among such doctrines are a) Annihilation and b) Purgatory. The doubt, unbelief and
scoffing of sinners will not prevent the complete resurrection programme of God for both the saved and
the unsaved, the same way it did not hinder the resurrection from the dead of our Saviour and Lord,
Jesus Christ (Acts 23:8; 2 Timothy 2:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:12-23; Romans 3:3,4). The resurrection of
Christ and the future resurrection of the saints of God form the foundation of our Christian faith (1
Corinthians 15:16-20). “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised; and if Christ be not raised,
your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. BUT NOW IS CHRIST
RISEN FROM THE DEAD”!
To partake in the first resurrection, the resurrection of the saved, there must of necessity first be a
spiritual resurrection while in this present life, whereby the spirit is quickened from death in trespasses
and sins, and the whole being renewed in the glorious likeness of God to a life of righteousness and
holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:14,16; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19;
Hebrews 12:14).
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BIBLE DOCTRINE 17: THE GREAT TRIBULATION
God’s Word teaches:
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; 2 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 form of a
man who will blaspheme and proclaim himself to be God (Daniel 8:23-25; 2 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).
The Great Tribulation is described as the “…time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), “…great tribulation
such as was not since the beginning of the world nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21); “…the day of the
Lord” (Joel 1:15); “…a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness” (Joel
2:1,2); “…wasteness and desolation” (Zephaniah 1:14,15); “…a time of trouble” (Daniel 12:1). The
purpose of the Great Tribulation is to make Israel suffer so that they can be ready to cry to the messiah
(the Lord Jesus Christ whom they at present reject) to come back to them. It is also to judge the
unbelieving men and women of all ages (Zechariah 12:10,11; 13:1-9; 14:12,13). The bible shows that
the Great Tribulation will take off after the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; revelation
4:1) and will last seven (7) years. It will end at the second advent of Jesus Christ when He alights on
Mount Olives (Zechariah 14:4; Matthew 25:31; Revelation 19:11,12; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Jude
14,15; Acts 1:11); settles on earth (Jerusalem) for a thousand-year reign called the Millennium
(Revelation 20:4,5). This means that it is post-rapture and pre-millennium or the 70th of Daniel’s seventy
weeks (i.e. after the 69th week, the last week, the 70th – Daniel 9:26,27; Revelation 4:1-19,21; Matthew
24:15-31; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-8). It is post-rapture because God will not like His children to suffer the
Great Tribulation, its judgments and destructions. He saved Noah (a preacher of righteousness) and his
family before destroying the world with flood (Genesis 6:8-10; 7:1-13,16-24; 8:15-22). He rescued Lot
(who was vexed with the filthy conversation of Sodom) and his family before destroying it with fire
(Genesis 19:10-29). So God will take away His children from the earth before the Great Tribulation
begins. The great Tribulation reaches its peak of destructions, judgments, terrors, frightening wars and
desolations from the middle of the 7-year duration and ends with Christ’s advent. This is when the
antichrist breaks his 7-year peace covenant with Israel and attacks Jerusalem (Revelation 11:15-19:21;
Matthew 24:15-22; Daniel 12:1; Jeremiah 30:6-9). The Great Tribulation is described as being full of
woes, judgments, famines, bloody wars, explosions, plagues (incurable epidemics which become
pandemic), terror, men calling for mountains to fall upon them, anguish, earthquakes, burning rocks
falling from heaven upon the earth and scorching it, seas polluted, cattle and vegetation destroyed,
millions dying from catastrophes, “as if a man did flee from a lion and a bear met him…leaned his hand
on the wall and a serpent bit him.” Beasts and men will be in trouble, even mighty men will weep.
“Neither their silver nor their gold (riches) shall be able to deliver them”. Whole cities and nations will
be under great distress, perplexities, seas and waves roaring, hypertension and confusion as the powers
of heaven are shaken by God (Amos 5:18,19; Isaiah 2:19; 24:1-3,6,19; mark 13:24; Joel 1:15; Luke
21:25,26; Matthew 24:11-26; Revelation 19:1-21). The Great Tribulation opens with the rapture of the
Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 14:1) then the rising of the antichrist (2 Thessalonians
2:7,8). He wins nations, some by war while others concede authority to him (Daniel 7:8,24,25;
Revelation 17:8-14). The False Prophet popularize him, making men to worship even his image. No one
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buys or sells without the mark or number (666) of the beast. While these go on, saints receive rewards
in heaven (Revelation 2:17,25-28; 3:12). There will be great apostasy, more of false religions and
increase in the power of the devil who will be driven down to the earth (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12;
Revelation 12:10-12;13:2,12-18). God’s planned judgments will fall on men in a divine sequence
producing supernatural phenomena and demonic creatures unknown to man. These will come as Christ
opens seven seals of a scroll on which they occur, then the blowing of seven trumpets each harbinger
of more woes. 144,000 Jews will be sealed and raptured as well as countless tribulation saints from all
over the world (Revelation 7:1-17). Saints in tribulation will be martyred (Revelation 6:9-11; 14:13;
20:4-6). A mighty angel appears with rainbow on his head, a little book opened and swears that “there
should be time no longer” (Revelation 10:1-11). After this the high point of catastrophes called “the
great tribulation” begins for the remaining 31/2 years (Revelation 11:1-19; Daniel 12:1-7; Jeremiah
30:6,7). Jerusalem falls to the antichrist and Israel is defeated (Matthew 24;15-22; Daniel 11:40-45).
Israel runs for refuge in old Edom (Revelation 12:6,13-17; Isaiah 16:1-5). There will be more woes on
earth through the pouring out on it of the content 7 vials (Revelation 15:1-6; 16:21; 18:1-24). God’s
two witnesses appear, killed and later resurrects (Revelation 11:1,12). The marriage supper of the Lamb
takes place (Revelation 19:1-10). And saints prepare to return to earth with Christ (Jude 14,15;
Revelation 19:11).
The scope will cover Israel, the Middle East, and the whole earth. The powers at work will be a) the
antichrist called the Beast, the King of the north, the Syrian, the Assyrian, the king of Babylon, the
Extortioner, the man of sin, the little horn, the Prince that shall come, a king of fierce countenance and
understanding dark saying, spoiler, the son of perdition and that wicked one, empowered personally by
Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:1-10; Daniel 7:8,24; 8:9,23; 9:26,27,36-45; Revelation 13:1-18; 14:9-11;
Isaiah 10:20-27; 30:18-33; Micah 5:3-15; Isaiah 14:4; 16:4; Daniel 7:11). b) The false prophet
(Revelation 13:1-19; 14:9-11; 15:2-4; 16:2-12; 19:20; Daniel 9:27; 11:35,45; 12:7; Matthew 24:15). C)
God’s powerful judgments (Joel 1:15; 2:12; Amos 5:18; Revelation 4:1-9; 19:1-21). d) The devil
(Revelation 12:7-17; 20:1,2; 2 Thessalonians 2:9).
While terrors are unleashed on earth saints will be a) receiving rewards; crowns, mansions, new names,
white stones etc. at the judgment (Bema) sit of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Luke 14:14; 1 Corinthians
9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10,12; Matthew 16:27; John 14:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 2:19;
James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:17,25-28; 3:12,21; 22:12-16). The believers’ time of judgment
and reward only means the evaluation of the believers’ works for which they may receive reward or loss
of reward. All raptured believers will be eternally saved. b) Rejoicing and feasting at the marriage
supper in heaven (Revelation 19:6-9). C) Worshipping God with the angels (Revelation 7:9-17; 14:1-
5; 4:5,7), and d) preparing for the second advent of Christ upon white horses (Jude 14,15; Revelation
19:11-14; Matthew 25:31).
The Great tribulation ends when Jerusalem is ravished by the antichrist with two thirds of it capture at
the end of the 7th year, and the children of Israel repent in great mourning and tears, calling for the
Messiah, Jesus Christ, to come back to earth and establish the millennial reign over all humanity
(Zechariah 14:4-8; Micah 1:3,4; Zechariah 11:25-27; Hebrews 8:8-12; 10:17; Zechariah 12:10-13:1;
Isaiah 66:7,8). Jesus then descends, destroys the antichrist, the false prophet and cast them into the
Lake of fire and destroys his armies at the battle of Armageddon (valley of Megiddon), then an angel
binds the devil and cast him into the bottomless pit for 1000 years (Revelation 19:20; Ezekiel 38 and
39; Revelation 20:1-3; Zechariah 14; Revelation 20:1-10; 19:11-21; Isaiah 34; Jude 14,15). Jesus Christ
then builds a millennial temple at Jerusalem from where He rules the whole world.
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BIBLE DOCTRINE 18: THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
God’s Word teaches:
That the Second Coming of Christ will be just as literal and visible as His going away, and
He is coming to execute judgment 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; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2:8; Jude 14,15.
The Scriptures abound with evidence that speaks of the certainty of Christ’s Second Coming. Our Lord
Jesus spoke of His return several times once leading the disciples to enquire about the signs that would
herald that certain event. A study of the Scriptures indicates that certain prophecies concerning Christ
and some future programme of God are not yet fulfilled and would only be after the Second Advent of
Christ. However, all the signs preceding the Second Advent are being fulfilled daily. Going through the
Olivet discourse of Matthew 24 and 25, the following signs of His coming are clear. Jesus Himself said
there would be deceptions (Matthew 24:4,5,11,24), false Christs (Matthew 24:5,23-26), wars and
rumours of wars (Matthew 24:6,7), famines (Matthew 24:7), pestilences and earthquakes, Anti-
Semitism (Matthew 24:9; Mark 13:9,13), offences (Matthew 24:10), betrayals, hatred, false prophets
(Matthew 24:11), lawlessness and martyrdom. He said the impact of the Second Coming would be as
universal as when “the lightening cometh out of the east and shineth unto the west…” It would make all
“the tribes of the earth to mourn”. They will be deep in spiritual lethargy and indifference as was the
case in the time of Noah’s flood (Matthew 24:27,30,37).
The Holy Spirit through the apostle confirmed that Christ shall appear “the second time” (Hebrews 9:28)
and would then reward His faithful servants with crowns of glory, praise and honour and His adversaries
with fiery indignation (1 Peter 5:4; 1:7; Hebrews 10:27). James the apostle also encouraged the
believers: “Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth near.”
The angel of God confirmed that “this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall
so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
The prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, that the government (of the whole world) would be on His (Christ’s)
shoulders is yet to be fulfilled. Also some prophecies in Isaiah 61 concerning our Lord Jesus Christ were
only partially fulfilled at His first coming. Christ Himself confirmed in Luke 4:21 that “This day is this
scripture fulfilled in your ears”. The rest of the prophecies in that chapter will be fulfilled after His
second advent.
The exactitude with which the old time prophecies concerning the first coming of Christ were fulfilled
points to the infallibility of the Scriptures and to the certainty of those prophecies concerning His second
advent. Prophecies on His virgin birth, details of His earthly life, His death and resurrection were all
literally fulfilled to the letter, and so would those relating to His Second Coming.
Apart from the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning Christ, other divine purposes which the second
advent would fulfilled include: 1) the comfort of the Church (John 14:1-3; 16:20-22); 2) the restoration
of Israel to her sovereignty as prophesied in the scripture (Isaiah 32:18; 33:20-24); 3) the judgment of
the earth (Revelation 20:11-15; John 5:22); 4) the renovation of the earth (Isaiah 66:22; Revelation
21:1); 5) the restoration of all things as God wants it (Romans 8:20-23; Jeremiah 12:4,11).
The greatest event that will precede the Second Coming of Christ is the rapture – the catching away of
the saints to meet the Lord in the air and to be with Him forever. The rapture lies in the valley between
the mountains of Christ’s first and second coming. It is a part of the mystery of the Church, which in the
Old Testament age “was not made known unto the sons of men” as it was revealed in the New
Testament to “His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit”.
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The rapture should, however, not be confused with the Second Coming. The two events are distinct and
separated by seven years. Specifically, the Second Coming refers to Christ’s coming to the earth to live
as He did in the first coming to be seen by every eye. In the rapture, Christ would come to the earth
but stop in the air where the saints will meet Him. It is not every eye that will see Christ at the rapture.
When Christ meets the saints in the air He will take them to heaven where they would remain for the
period of the great tribulation. It is during this seven-year period that the marriage supper of the Lamb
(Revelation 19:18,19) and the judgment of saints for reward will take place in heaven (1 Corinthians
3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). In other words, the rapture is the time Christ comes for the saints to take
them to heaven. In the Second Coming, however, He will come to the earth to live and fulfill a definite
part of God’s timetable for the earth and man. Christ would come with the saints raptured seven years
earlier. Whereas can take place any moment without warning, the second coming cannot happen until
after both the rapture and the great tribulation. At His second coming, Christ will reign on earth for one
thousand years with the saints. Christened the Millennial Reign, Christ’s rule would be characterized by
unprecedented peace, prosperity and blessings on the earth (Isaiah 11:1-9). Satan, the author of
heartache, strife, and contention would be bound for the duration of Christ’s Millennial Reign
(Revelation 20:2,3).
Satan and his cohorts will mobilize forces Christ and to frustrate His coming again to establish the
Millennial Reign, just in the same way he tried to use Herod to stop Christ’s survival at His first coming
(His birth). He was defeated at that time and again he would be defeated. The battle against Christ and
His host is called the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-21; 20:1-4). There will be a great and
terrible slaughter of the army of the antichrist gathered from the nations of the earth through the
efforts of the evil spirits sent out over the earth by Satan, the antichrist and the false prophet
(Revelation 17:13,14). This Satan’s last attempt to wrongfully take the kingdom from Christ will fail.
The world and the Church are called to prepare for this great event. The world is admonished to repent
and come to Christ before the day of the Lord (John 3:1-8). The Church as a bride is called to be ready,
holy, spotless, watchful, prayerful and busy preaching His word until He comes (Hebrews 12:14; 1 John
3:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:1,2; Ephesians 5:25-27). “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall
see him” (Revelation 1:7).
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BIBLE DOCTRINE 19: CHRIST MILLENNIAL REIGN
God’s Word teaches
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; 2
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;
Isaiah 2:2-4.
The word Millennium is a compound derivative from Latin, which simply translates into a thousand
years. Thus, Christ’s Millennial reign is a thousand years of full manifestation of the glory of the Lord
Jesus Christ. It is sequel to the great tribulation period, which is a period of intense suffering for every
one on earth. According to God’s revealed timetable, the Church will suddenly be taken away by Christ
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) in a mysterious event known as the “Rapture”. Then will follow a seven-year
period of great suffering for sinners left behind (Matthew 24:21,22). At the end of the seven-year
period, Jesus will come again with the Church to establish His government (Jude 14). The government
of this world at that time will resist His coming. But the Lord will overcome at the battle of Armageddon
(Revelation 19:15-21). Satan will be bound and imprisoned for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). The
kingdom of this world will then become the kingdom of our God and His Christ (Revelation 11:15).
Christ’s Millennial reign will be a time when the purpose of God will be fully realized on earth as
theocracy (government of the state under the firm control and direction of God) will be established.
Christ, as the divine representative of God will at this time speak and act for God. He will be given a
universal and glorious dominion with absolute power to govern (Isaiah 9:6; Psalm 45:4; Isaiah 11:4;
Psalm 72:4). It will be the responsibility of Christ at this age to announce God’s will and law (Isaiah
2:3,4; 33:21,22; 42:4; Acts 3:22).
Christ’s Millennial reign will be a manifestation of the promise God gave David that his throne shall have
no end. Christ, as David’s “son”, will first establish a glorious house and throne over an equally glorious
kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 72; Isaiah 11;10). Divine mercy, goodness, and truth will be
displayed through Christ as the glory associated with His deity, Omniscience, Omnipotence and
righteousness will be fully made manifest.
The Gentile world system (humanity without Christ) as it is at present organized under the direct
influence of Satan, will thus become an outmoded set-up. In its stead comes Christ’s Millennial reign,
void of sin and all forms of unrighteousness. Satan, having been defeated and bound, will lack the
power to induce people to sin (Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 19:28; Ephesians 5:25-27).
What are the components of the Millennium? 1) The Millennium shall witness an unprecedented of
national and individual peace. There will be a complete cessation of the scourge of wars, as the
kingdoms of the world will be fused together under the reign of Christ. The ensuing peace will herald an
era of economic boom and prosperity. The beauty of this age is that hitherto antagonistic and
irreconcilable foes will henceforth co-habit as “sheep and lambs”; 2) There will be joy unspeakable
(Isaiah 9:3,4; Jeremiah 30:18,19); 3) There will be holiness (Ezekiel 43:7-12; Isaiah 1:26,27); 4) Glory
(Isaiah 24:23; 60:1-9); 5) Comfort (Isaiah 12:1,2; Jeremiah 33:23-25); 6) Justice (Isaiah 9:7; 11:5;
42:1-4); 7) Full knowledge (Isaiah 11:1,2,9; 41:19,20; 54:13; Habakkuk 2:14).
Additionally, the following benefits will also accrue to the inhabitants of the age: a) The original curse
placed upon mankind at creation will be removed, resulting in abundant productivity of the earth (Isaiah
11:6-9; 35:9; 65:25), b) Sicknesses will become a thing of the past (Isaiah 33:24; Jeremiah 30:17;
Ezekiel 34:16); c) Healing will be naturally available to the deformed (Isaiah 29:17-19).
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Against the background of the above there shall be a) preservation of life (Isaiah 41:8-14; 62:8,9;
Jeremiah 32:27; Ezekiel 34:27; Joel 3:16,17; Amos 9:15; Zechariah 14:10,11) and b) complete freedom
from all forms of oppression that at present ravage mankind (Isaiah 14:3-6; 42:6,7; 49:8,9; Zechariah
9:11,12).
Who are those expected to partake in Christ’s Millennial Reign? i) The glorious Church (Ephesians 5:25-
27). This will exclude the apostate church that is married to the world (Revelation 17:1-7). ii) The poor
in spirit (Matthew 5:3). These are those who recognize and admit their state of spiritual poverty (life on
earth without assurance of salvation) and are willing to turn away from sin and surrender to Christ. Iii)
The watchful, prayerful (Hebrews 9:28; Matthew 25:34).
BIBLE DOCTRINE 20: THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT
God’s Word teaches:
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 forever - Daniel 12:2,3; Matthew 10:15,21-24; 12:41,42;
John 5:28,29; Romans 2:15,16; 14:12; 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 6; 1 Corinthians 6:1-4; Acts 10:42;
Revelation 20:11-15.
In this teaching on the events of the last days or eschatology, the Lord is graciously unveiling the
curtain of eternity to reveal to humanity His programme for this present evil world. The doctrine of “The
Great White Throne Judgment” opens our eyes to see a time to come when all wicked ungodly people
(the living and the dead, small and great who have neglected God’s salvation) will face the final
judgment of the living God (Romans 14:12). We caution that the teaching must not be approached with
doubtful disputations or viewed as fable or fiction but fact. These are true sayings of God written for our
learning and admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians
10:11; Revelation 19:9).
The Bible (God’s revelation to man) clearly presents the order of events preceding the Great White
Throne Judgment and constantly enjoins, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto
the churches…” (Revelation 2:7). At the close of the Millennium, the devil will be released from “the
bottomless pit” (Revelation 20:3) and he will deceive thousands of people and will gather them to fight
against the King (Jesus Christ) and His Saints. This will be the battle of Gog and Magog but at the end
of the battle, when the rebellious have been killed, and destroyed by the fire of His indignation, which
comes from heaven, the devil will be cast into the Lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). After this, the Great
White Throne Judgment will be set. God will sit on a throne so white, magnificent and terrible at sight
that the whole face of the earth and heaven (the atmospheric heaven) will tremble and flee from Him.
All those who died unrepentant from the time of Adam till the time of the Great White Throne Judgment
will be resurrected (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15). This is called the second resurrection. And
they will all stand before God to account for their deeds. This final judgment of sinners (the living and
the dead, small and great) is known as the Great White throne Judgment (Psalm 9:17; Daniel 7:9,10;
Matthew 11:20-24; 10:15; John 5:28,29; Revelation 20:11-15). The Bible is replete with pointers to this
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great and notable day of the Lord (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 11:21-24; 12:41,42; Romans 2:15,16; 2
Peter 2:9; Jude 14,15; 1 John 4:17).
The world is corrupt and polluted. Man is rebellious and disobedient against God. For a long time it has
repented the Lord that he has made man on the earth, for every imagination of the thoughts of man’s
heart has been evil continually (Genesis 6:5,6).Will man continue in his willful disobedience and
rebellion against God? No, for “…he hath appointed A DAY in which He will judge the world in
righteousness…” (Acts 17:30,31). No true believer whose name is written in the Book of Life will face
the Great White Throne Judgment since their judgment as sinners was accomplished by Christ on the
cross (John 3:17-19,30; Romans 8:1; John 5:20,24). Besides, “…God has not appointed us unto wrath
but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ:” (1 Thessalonians 5:9), “But the fearful, and
unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers and all liars shall have
their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death’ (Revelation
21:8). That great congregation will consist of: i) All categories of sinners (dead and alive) from Adam to
date. They will be judged for neglecting the salvation of God (Hebrews 2:3). Ii) All backsliders in all
dispensations who denied the faith of Him that once bought them (Exodus 32:33). Iii) All who deny the
deity of Jesus Christ (John 3:18,36). These are the skeptics, the atheists, and the idol worshippers.
“Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment”. Every
gossiping, backbiting and slander against our neighbours, fellow believers or church leaders will be
judged. All foolish unedifying words, corrupt, graceless words, defamatory and abusive words against
others will be accounted for at the Great White Throne Judgment. “For by thy words thy shalt be
justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:37). God will judge every unrepentant
sinner and backslider according to His divine will of righteousness (Proverbs 11:21). God’s judgment will
be fair, without partiality or respect of persons (Romans 2:2-12; Job 34:18-22). He will judge the small
and the great, the rich and the poor, the educated and the illiterate, the highly respected and the most
despised. “For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty and
terrible which regardeth not persons nor taketh rewards (bribe)” (Deuteronomy 10:17). The
righteous Judge of the universe will receive no bribe to pervert judgment on the great day of His wrath,
but …in righteousness He doth judge and make war (Revelation 19:11). Without partiality
“WHOSOEVER was NOT found WRITTEN in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the lake of fire”
(Revelation 20:15).
BIBLE DOCTRINE 21: THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH
God’s Word teaches:
That the New Heaven and the New Earth “wherein dwelleth righteousness” will be made by
God and the redeemed shall dwell with God forever. 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; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1). No unclean
thing will 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; 2 Peter 3:12,13; 1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2,3;
Revelation 21:1-7; 22:1-5.
The present age in which we live is referred to in Scriptures as the “last days” (Hebrews 1:1,2). This
age is very significant in the plan of God as it ushers us into another important series of events often
called in theology as “Eschatology”. Also called the Church age, our present age is marked by evil, the
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dominion of Satan, darkness, ungodliness, lust, murder, lying and all manner of sins (Ephesians 6:12;
Galatians 1:4). The Church is not left out. There is and there will be a denial of God, Christ, faith, sound
doctrine, and Christian living (1 Timothy 4:1-4; 2 Timothy 4:3,4; 3:1-8). The land is under a curse
(Genesis 3:17). The devil and all his fallen angels walk to and fro the whole earth. The atmospheric
heavens are polluted by the activities of Satan. The believers today grow under the harsh and hard
conditions of the earth. They look forward to a change – a New Heaven and a New Earth wherein
dwelleth righteousness and holiness. God has the ultimate plan to judge sinners. “And whosoever
was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire”.
With the final judgment of sinners, God’s divine plan is to replace this polluted, evil earth and
atmospheric heavens with a New Earth and a New Heaven that will match His glory, holiness, and
righteousness (Revelation 21:1-8). “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the
former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17). This gives a good picture
of what shall become of the present earth and heavens. All what we may call beautiful edifices and
empires today will melt away in fervent heat because “…the heavens and the earth, which are
now, by the same word are kept in store; reserved unto fire against the day of judgment
and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7,10-14). The glories of men and all the so-called
“wonders” of the world shall not stand this fervent heat. Herein is wisdom: believers should lay up their
treasures in heaven, not on earth “where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break
through and steal” (Matthew 6:19).
This new creation is entirely free from any taint of sin and therefore the consequences and effect of sin
are absent. Here there is neither death, sorrow, pain, tears, nor separation from God (2 Peter 3:13;
Revelation 21:4). As God created the present heavens and earth, so will He create the New Heavens
and the New Earth – NEW in quality and in TIME. The great, holy, and eternal heaven will have New
Jerusalem as its capital. This is the capital of the eternal state called the “Bride” because of its virgin
beauty, unstained with sin. Here Christ and all the saints, from all ages will reside forevermore. Indeed,
all things will be new. “Behold, I make all things new”. This is the eternal destiny of the saints from
all ages. This is the place Jesus spoke about, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:3). We
shall appear with Him in glory and be like Him (Revelation 21:3; Colossians 3:4).
The Holy City, New Jerusalem, is a material city not a mystical one. Its beauty is beyond human
description. About 15,000 miles in length and a breadth and height of about 15,000 miles, the streets
are made of pure gold, as clear as glass. With walls of jasper and its twelve foundations garnished with
all manner of precious stones, it has twelve gates of twelve pearls. The entire city wall is pure gold, as
clear as glass. This is a city without any temple. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of
it. “The city has no need of sun, neither of the moon to shine in it; for the glory of God did
lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” The redeemed of all the earth shall bring their glory
and honour into the city. This is a city whose gates are never shut (Revelation 21:16-26). The pure river
of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeds out the throne of God and of the Lamb. The tree of life by the
sides of this river bears twelve manner of fruits monthly. These fruits and leaves are for the healing of
the nations. “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the
sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever: (Revelation
22:1-5). Words are insufficient to describe this new creation. But what will it take to partake in this
inheritance?
In order to partake in this new inheritance, sinners must repent and believers must overcome. “He that
overcometh shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my son” (Revelation
21:7). We must overcome the world (1 John 5:4,5; 2:15-17) and Satan (Revelation 12:11). False
prophets, sin, and evil must not have dominion over us. We must flee from all appearances of evil (1
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Thessalonians 5:22; Romans 12:17-21). Whether they be persecutions or temptations, we must
overcome to be part of this great inheritance (Revelation 2:10,26-28). The overcomer is the one that
prevails and triumphs over all the works of the devil (Acts 19:16).
The sinner must be thirsty for righteousness and salvation. “I will give unto him that is athirst of
the fountain of the water of life freely.” It will be too costly to miss this glorious experience.
Sinners must repent today. Backsliders must return to the Saviour immediately!
The life of the redeemed in this eternal city will be glorious. It will be a life of fellowship (1 Corinthians
13:12), rest (Revelation 14:13), full knowledge (1 Corinthians 13:12), holiness (Revelation 21:27), joy
(Revelation 21:4), service (Revelation 22:3), abundance (Revelation 21:6), glory (2 Corinthians 4:17)
and worship (Revelation 19:1; 7:9-12).
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers,
and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth
with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). There is punishment for
the unrepentant and coward who would rather chose to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. They
will suffer torment eternally in the lake of fire. We have only one life to live (Hebrews 9:27), therefore
the believer must remain faithful and steadfast in the Lord, the sinner must repent and be saved, and
the backslider must come back home and be restored. Negligence of this so great salvation will be
unfortunate. We should not miss the glories of the New Heaven and the New Earth. Let him that hath
ear, listen to what the Spirit is saying unto the churches. “Behold I come quickly: hold that
fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar
in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name
of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh
down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Revelation
3:11,12).
BIBLE DOCTRINE 22: HELL
God’s Word teaches:
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.
The fact and reality of Hell is an important and recurring theme in the Scriptures. It is vividly captured
as a place of agonizing torment and everlasting punishment in unquenchable fire for the unconverted
(Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:23,28). Owing to its frightful credentials, there are those who
merely explain away hell as a biblical truth. Many have even drawn up the broken cisterns of erroneous
assertion to rationalize their gross inadequacies. The Bible, however, unambiguously provides ample
illuminations of hell, as the indisputable abode of sinners (Psalm 9:17; Proverbs 9:13-18; Mark 9:43-48;
Luke 16:22-28; Revelation 20:13-15; 21;8).
Hell is a fearsome ‘rest place’ for transgressors. And the Lord Jesus Christ spent considerable time
lending weight to this reality. He told the city of Capernaum, for instance, that it would be turned into
hell because of its iniquities (Matthew 11:23). He warned repeatedly on the danger of hell and the need
for His listeners to steer clear of it (Matthew 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:8,9; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 12:5). He
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offered vivid explanations on hell as a place of everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:41,46; Mark 9:43-
48; Luke 16:22-28; Revelation 14:10,11). He revealed that sinners who die unsaved would have their
lot in hell (Matthew 7:15-19; 13:40-42,50; 23:33; 25:41-46; Luke 16:23; Revelation 19:20; 20:14,15;
21:8).
The Apostle also followed the same thematic explanations of hell as offered by the Lord (Romans 2:5-9;
2 Thessalonians 1:8,9; Hebrews 10:26,27; James 3:5,6; 2 Peter 2:4,9; 3:7; Jude 7,23; Matthew 3:7-
10). The church today cannot afford to assume a less specific position on the teaching of hell, without
subverting the sacredness and completeness of Scriptures.
The word ‘Hell’ is found about fifty-four times in the King James Version of the Bible. Its translation in
Hebrew, ‘Sheol’, occur thirty-one times, while the Greek interpretations ‘Gehena’ and ‘Tartarus’ occur
twelve times and once respectively. Its regular usage in Scriptures, apart from the allusions drawn to it
by the Lord and other bible characters, lend sufficient validity to its reality.
When a sinner dies, his soul immediately proceeds to hell where, with full consciousness, he tastes the
excruciating pain that hell offers. The story of poor Lazarus and the rich man best exemplifies the
eternal punishment awaiting the sinner (Luke 16:23,24).
Hell is also a place where the memory of the damned comes alive. The rich man in Luke 16:23,24
remembered his riotous living while on earth as well as five other brothers yet unsaved. Apart from the
acute discomfort of hell, the regret of an error of judgment while on earth on the part of the unsaved,
presents an everlasting torment of its own.
The teaching of the doctrine of hell must scrupulously avoid erroneous and unscriptural views of false
teachers. The concept of purgatory, representing a so-called intermediate state between death and
appearance before God has no biblical foundation. Neither is the notion of the annihilation of the wicked
correct. The future punishment of the wicked is eternal while the sinner at death automatically receives
an express translation into hell “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44-
48; Deuteronomy 32:22; Job 26:6; Isaiah 5:14; Amos 9:2; 2 Peter 2:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). The
needless controversy over the reality of hell is not strange as the Scriptures clearly allude to this: “But
the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither
can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Since God is holy, sin
must be punished in the person of the sinner or in the person of the sinner’s substitute, The Lord Jesus
Christ.
No man believes in Hell because he simply wants to. He believes in Hell because he is compelled to. It
is true that eternal punishment is not a pleasant subject for discussion, yet it is a fearful reality, an
awful and tragic fate.
