ARTICLES OF FAITH(Our Core beliefs)
PREAMBLE
The Apostolic Temple of
Christ believes that the Holy bible being the only compass of Christians
contains the unadulterated word of our Master, Savior, Creator and Lord Jesus
Christ. For all scripture is given by inspiration of God and it is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Tim
3:16, 2 Pet 1:21).
For the purpose of doubt
among believers, the creeping of false doctrine and devilish ideas into the church,
the basic Apostolic Truth Faith Restored is spelt out in the article of faith
of the Apostolic Temple of Christ.
In the Acts of the
Apostles chapter 2 versus 36 to 41, the Apostle Peter opens five great doors to
us without which we believe no man can be saved in this era of Grace. However,
Jesus asked us to go to Peter for he holds the keys to the kingdom of heaven. (Matt
16:18, Acts 15:7). The Keys are spelt out below:
A. THE GODHEAD
Vrs. 36 reads “Therefore let all the household of Israel
know assuredly that God hath made that
same Jesus whom ye have crucified both Lord and God’’. This means that
the Jehovah God (creator) of the Old Testament era is the Lord Jesus Christ of
this New Testament era. For there is but only one God. Jas 2:19 Deut 4:35, 39,
and 6:4-6, Isa 44:24, 46:9. Jesus Christ is the Only Wise God. 1Tim 3:14-16, Isa
9:6, 7:14 1 Jn 5:20, Col 2:8-9, Lk 9:18-22, 1Cor 2:6-10, Jn. 20:24-28,
B. REPENTANCE OF SIN
Vrs 37 reads “Now when they heard this, they were pricked
in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles, men and
brethren what shall we do?”
Vrs 38 “Then peter said unto them Repent…”
So after confessing Jesus
Christ as your Savior, Creator and Redeemer, you repent of your sins so that this
Christ Jesus you confessed forgives you and justifies you( Rom 5:1). Repentance
thus means pardon and forgiveness of sins: the adamic nature (Acts 11:18, 17:30,
Lk 13:3, 24:44-48)
C. WATER BAPTISM
Vrs 38 “… and be baptized every one
of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” We believe that without water baptism in this
New Testament era, no one can enter into the kingdom of God( Mk 16:15-16, Jn
3:3-5, 1 Pet 3:19-21) . We believe that the scriptural formula for water baptism
is by immersion in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ and not in titles father son and Holy Ghost since there is not a
single record of water baptism in titles father son and Holy Ghost in the Bible.
Moreover, maturity is required since the person must repent first and thus
infant baptism is not encouraged. Acts 2:36-41, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-5, Gal
3:27-29.
D. HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM
Vrs 38 “… and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost”. Jesus Christ says in Jn 3:5.
No man can enter into the kingdom of God except he is born of water and
spirit. In Acts 2:1-4, the spirit of God descended on one hundred and twenty
people with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues as the spirit gave utterance.
We believe this promise of the spirit is for all. (Acts 2:39)
E. HOLINESS
A Godly life style should be the hallmark of
every Christian without which no one shall see God.
Vrs 40 “And with many other words did he testify
and exhort saying save yourselves from this untoward generation” The Bible
however entreats every Christian to live a life of no wrinkles, spot or blame (1
Pet 1:15-16, Eph 5:27, 2 Cor 11:2)
F. HOLY COMMUNION AND FOOT WASHING
We believe that having communion (also called
the Lord’s Supper) is a must for the church of Christ Jesus. Jesus said in Jn
6:54 “whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh
my blood hath eternal life…” Christians must do this and nothing else in
remembrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Cor 11:26 “For as often as ye eat this bread and drink
this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come”. After the Lord’s
Supper foot washing must follow. Jn 13:4-17.
G. DISPENSATION TRUTH
“…And
hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of the habitation;…” -Acts
17:26-28, 30. We believe there are seven dispensations namely: Innocence,
Conscience, Human Government, Promise, Law Sabbath, Grace and the Millennium.
We are in the last days of the sixth dispensation awaiting the Kingdom of God
which is the seventh. However, the first five are passed and gone and are no
more salvational but salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ(Gen 2:16-18, Gen
4:4-10,Gen 10:8-9,Gen 12:1-,Gal 3:13, Co 2:14-17, Gal 5:1-6, Rev 22:1-15)
H. DIVINE HEALING
Exo 15:26. “…
If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord (Jehovah- Rapha, the Lord
that healeth) thy God and wilt do that which is right in the sight and wilt
give ear to his commandment and keep all his statues, I wIll put none of these
disease upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord
that healeth thee”
Matt 8:18 “… himself took our infirmities, and heal
our sickness”. We thus believe that the stripes of our Lord Jesus have the
healing power to heal all sicknesses and diseases. (Isa 53:5, 1Pet 2:24) The Lord
being kind has given us the gift of healing in the church to heal. (1 Cor 12:1-11, James 5:14-16)
I. GIVING
The Apostolic Temple of Christ believes that God
through his infinite wisdom has provided the church with financial plan for the
day to day running of the church. We believe that the Old Testament tithe as
part of giving is a privilege in this New Testament era. However our form of
giving is through contributions and offertories. Giving therefore is meant for
supporting ministers, needy, orphans, widows and the likes in the church.(2 Cor
9:12-15, 2 Cor 9:6-8, Lk 6:38)
J. FASHION AND JEWELRIES
We believe the Christian
way of dress should conform to what the Prophet Isaiah prophesied about the day
of the Lord (Isa 3:16-22). The Christian of today should do away with outward
adorning of the hair, earrings, bracelets, chains, chemically changing the
texture and colour of the hair, headbands, rings, nose jewels, and changeable
suits of apparel, mantles, wimples, glasses and other worldly things.
I Pet. 3:3-4. Vrs 3, “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair
and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel”Vrs 4, “But let it be the hidden man of the heart,
in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
which is in the sight of God of great price”
K. HEAD COVERING OF THE WOMAN
Isa 3:20 “… and the headbands…”
Paul talks about the
covering of the Christian woman in the book of Corinthians. 1 Cor 11:15,
“But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory
to her: for her hair is given her for a
covering”.
We therefore believe that the covering of the
woman is provided in her long hair and not in headbands and hats or any other
material covering.
L. INSTRUMENTAL WORSHIP AND PRAISES
The Apostolic Temple of Christ
believes that the Bible
talks about the restoration of the tabernacle of David (which was characterised
by the ministration of songs, dancing, instrumentals and the likes) in the day
of the Lord. Acts 15:15-17.
However, it must be done in Spirit and in Truth. (Joel 2:21, 23, And
26. Jn 4:23, 24)
