Born Again is another term for the new birth. The result of this experience is a new creation, in which the believer becomes a child of God. It is through this new birth that one becomes a part of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said: “Ye must be born again” (John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23). The new birth is a prerequisite condition for the experience of sancti•cation.
Fruit of the Spirit is of divine origin. It is the very life of God poured into the heart of the regenerate believer. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22,23). We are admonished in the Scripture to walk in the Spirit and not to ful•ll the lust of the •esh (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:11).
Divine Healing is provided for all in the atonement. Christ’s atoning sacri•ce on the cross provides healing for the whole man, including his body. Divine healing is effected by faith without the aid of medicine or surgical skills. In cases where one is healed through the assistance of physicians, medicine, herbs, etc., God is still to be praised: for it is God who heals in any case. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his bene•ts: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases” (Psalm 103:2,3 Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:17; 2 Peter 2:24, James 5:14-16).
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| Sanctifcation is the second de•nite work of grace wrought in the regenerated heart by faith. In sancti•cation, the carnal nature is eradicated (“the old man is cruci•ed”) so that the believer no longer has the inclination or propensity to sin; that is, in sancti•cation the desire to sin is removed (Hebrews 10:10; 13:12,13; Romans 6:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2). Sancti•cation enables the believer to bring his/her body under subjection to Christ, and to live a life consistent with the spirit of holiness, and in accordance with the Word of God. Sancti•cation is a prerequisite condition for the baptism with the Holy Ghost.
Holiness is the result of sancti•cation. It is a state of grace and purity in which perfect Christlikeness is desired and pursued (Matthew 5:48; 2 Corinthians 7:2). God has called us unto holiness (Thessalonians 4:7). “.....Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Pet 1:15,16). “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14; see also Luke 1:74,75; 2 Co 7:1; Titus 2:11,12; Eph 1:4; 4:13, 24). Paul expressed his desire to “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28). Christ is returning for a church that is glorious in holiness: “without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Ephesians 5:27; see also Psalm 45:9-13).
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| Restitution is the act of restoring something wrongfully taken, or the satisfying of one who otherwise has been wronged (Matthew 3:8; Luke 19:8,9). This act alone does not save, but it gives evidence of a heart that has truly repented. Restitution glori•es the grace of God and supports the testimony of the believer. It also gives opportunity to reconcile with those who have been wronged. It is the ful•llment of the law of love (Romans 13:8). Some restitutions should be made only with great care and with pastoral guidance, in order to avoid further offense or injury.
Sabbath means rest. Observance of the sabbath in the Old Testament (the seventh day) was instituted to point to the believer’s spiritual rest in Christ under the New Covenant. The Old Testament requirement to keep the sabbath holy is now superseded by the commandment: “Be ye holy,” for in Christ the believer is enabled and required to live holy every day. Sunday is not the sabbath, but is a day set aside by the church to give special attention to the worship of God and the fellowship of the saints (Hosea 2:11; Colossians 2:16,17; Romans 14:5,6 Hebrews 4:1-11).
Meats And Drinks. The prohibitions against certain meats and drinks in the Old Testament were not extended into the New Testament church. These ceremonial aspects of Mosaic legislation were “nailed to the cross” of Christ, and done away with in the covenant of grace (Colossians 2:13-17; Ephesians 2:15; Hebrews 9:8-11). What one eats or drinks (with the exception of intoxicating beverages) is now a matter of conscience, and does not violate the nature and principles of the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17). However, one should be mindful of the Scriptural injunction: “...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (see also: Romans 14:2; 1 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Timothy 4:1-5).
Tithing And Giving. Tithing is the giving of one tenth of one’s increase to Christ, our High Priest. It began as a voluntary act with Abraham, was required under the Mosaic law, and carried forward by Christ as a discipline for the New Testament church (Matthew 23:23). Tithes are to be brought to the house of God and properly distributed by the ministers having the charge of the treasury (Malachi 3:10). Freewill offerings are to be encouraged and regarded as a gift from the heart. Tithing and giving into the church are part of God’s plan to •nance His work through the church on earth. We are required in the Scriptures to be good stewards of that which God has entrusted in our care (See also: Genesis 14:18-20; Luke 11:42; 1 Co 16:2; 2 Co 9:6-9; Hebrews 7:1-21).
Swearing and Profanity. Taking an oath is contrary to the spirit of the New Testament. “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation” (James 5:12). Jesus said, “But I say unto you, Swear not at all...But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew 5:34,37; see also Exodus 20:7). An af•rmation of the truth is suf•cient; it is acceptable even in secular courts. Similarly, the use of profanity re•ects an impure heart and has no place in the life of a child of God (Matthew 15:18, 19; Philippians 1:27; 3:20; 1 Peter 1:15; 2 Peter 2:7; James 3:8-10).
Intoxicating Beverages and Drugs. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). The Scriptures teach against the consumption of alcohol or other intoxicating beverages because God has called us to perfect sobriety (1 Peter 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Timothy 3:2; Titus 2:2). Believers are admonished not to “...give place to the devil.” So-called moderate or social drinking certainly gives place to the adversary and thus believers should totally abstain (Ephesians 4:27; see also Isaiah 28:7; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10; Galatians 5:21). Much of what is said about intoxicating beverages is true also of drugs. The use of drugs such as tobacco, marijuana, opium, cocaine, etc., impair the body and is not in keeping with the teachings and principles of Christ and the Scriptures. These things de•le the body and are inconsistent with God’s call to soberness (2 Corinthians 7:1; Isaiah 55:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31,32; Ephesians 5:3-8; James 1:21). Drugs used for medical purposes should be taken only under the care and direction of a physician, and then only in good conscience.
Unequal Yoke. The Bible teaches against the children of God being unequally yoked with unbelievers. Binding ourselves with unbelievers in organizations and secret orders with an oath is contrary to the Spirit of Christ and the plain teaching in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 6:14-17). As the espoused bride of Christ, we have covenanted ourselves to give undivided loyalty to Christ. “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2; Jeremiah 50:5). Membership in organizations which require an oath of secrecy should be dissolved before becoming a member of the church. “Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing” (John 18:20).
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