AGREEMENT

This Affiliate Church Agreement, made this June 1st, 2024, by and between Universal Ministries, a State of Illinois Ministry, having its principal place of business at 924 N 1800 E Rd., PO Box 31, Milford, IL, 60953, and Templi Ordo Lux, a territory of California Church.

Whereas:

There are certain fundamental beliefs and doctrines by which this Religious Organization operates its ministry and expects of its members, which beliefs and doctrines are set forth more fully in the Statement of Fundamental Doctrines, annexed to this Affiliate Church Agreement as Statement of Fundamental Doctrines, and incorporated in this Agreement as if fully set forth; and

This Religious Organization extends to those ministries, churches, and organizations who are willing to commit to the Statement of Fundamental Doctrines, the opportunity to become an affiliate of the this Religious Organization, with all of the benefits and responsibilities outlined in this Affiliate Church Agreement; and, Templi Ordo Lux desires to become affiliated with Universal Ministries.

Now Therefore, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants of the parties contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

I. Grant of Affiliation; Scope of Grant:

A. Affiliation: Subject to the terms and conditions of this Templi Ordo Lux Agreement, Universal Ministries hereby grants to Templi Ordo Lux the right to maintain its status as an affiliate of Universal Ministries.

B. Limitations: Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Universal Ministries retains the sole discretion and authority to determine whether to grant affiliate status this church, association, ministry, or other entity, and the grant of affiliation status to Templi Ordo Lux. Universal Ministries declares that Templi Ordo Lux is recognized as an independent sovereign body, that shares Congregational Affiliation with privileges of re-affirmation every year on October 1st.

II. Rights and Duties of Templi Ordo Lux:

A. Binding Agreement: Templi Ordo Lux agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Affiliate Church Agreement.

B. Statement of Doctrines and Beliefs:

1. The Statement of Doctrines and Beliefs, annexed as Exhibit Statement of Doctrines and Beliefs, as such may be amended from time to time, is a living representation of the current doctrines and beliefs of Templi Ordo Lux

2. Templi Ordo Lux agrees that it will not promote, advocate, perform, participate in, or permit its facilities or personnel to be used for, any event, performance, speech, service, or other activity that advocates beliefs or doctrines contrary to the Statement of Doctrines and Beliefs.

3. Part of the Statement of Doctrines and Beliefs includes a Code of Ethics applicable to persons holding offices in the Templi Ordo Lux or any of its affiliates.

4. Templi Ordo Lux agrees that each of its employees shall abide by this Statement of Fundamental Doctrines Code of Ethics.

C. Participation in Universal Ministries’s Sponsored Events and Programs:

1. Templi Ordo Lux is permitted to participate in any of the missions programs offered or overseen by Universal Ministries.

2. Templi Ordo Lux agrees to work in accord with the Congregational Affiliation of Universal Ministries to establish local chapters of any of the programs set forth in the List of Primary Religious Programs, (To be announced)

3. Templi Ordo Lux may apply to Universal Ministries for an evaluation of any of its current mission or other programs to have them evaluated to be included in the List of Primary Religious Programs. Such evaluation and the determination to include or exclude any such program is in the sole discretion of Universal Ministries, and its determination shall be binding upon Templi Ordo Lux.

D. Other Affiliations Prohibited:

1. Templi Ordo Lux will not affiliate with organizations that do not follow the Statement of Fundamental Doctrines and Code of Ethics: “Do what is right, live fruitful lives, be true to ourselves and the God each of us worship, while causing no harm to others, and accept the individual’s right to worship as they see fit within the laws of their respective countries.”

III. Duties of Templi Ordo Lux:

A. Governing Doctrines and Beliefs: The Statement of Doctrines and Beliefs, annexed as Exhibit ”Statement of Fundamental Doctrines and Beliefs”, is a representation of the current statement of doctrines and beliefs of Templi Ordo Lux.

B. Templi Ordo Lux reserves the right to change, modify, or otherwise amend the Statement of Doctrines and Beliefs from time to time. Such amendment will become effective as to Templi Ordo Lux within 30 days of receipt by the members of written notice of such changes.

C.List of Primary Religious Programs:

1. The List of Primary Religious Programs, annexed as Primary Religious Programs, is a representation of the current approved missions and programs of Templi Ordo Lux.

2. Templi Ordo Lux reserves the right to change, modify, or otherwise amend the List of Primary Religious Programs from time to time. Such amendment will become effective as to Templi Ordo Lux within 30 days of receipt by the members of written notice of such changes.

C. Services: Templi Ordo Lux agrees to provide the following services:

1. Counseling; 2. Speakers; 3. Literature; 4. Other: Education

In Witness Whereof, the parties have caused this Affiliate Church Agreement to be executed by annexed Certificate on the day and year first above-written

Article One – Constitution

The constitution of the Church consists of:

“Et Quia Vivi Doctines Fides” Volumes One and “Principales Ordinis” Two (which includes, but is not limited to, the Articles of Faith, the form of Church government, rules for Church discipline, congregational meetings, Church committees, and Pastoral transitions), and “Principales Ordinis” for the perfecting of living a right and moral life.

The By-Laws of Templi Ordo Lux.

Templi Ordo Lux is a Self Governing, Sovereign Church of the Congregational Affiliation of Universal Ministries. and has sole authority to enact and legislate its own rules, laws, and regulations to further the purpose of the body.
Templi Ordo Lux is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions, and furthering the ministry as laid out by the tenets of The Christ.
Anything according to the below mentioned Articles that are not fulfilled with in three years does not constitute a failure to follow these Articles. These Articles are governed by the Creator and according to his provisions of each and every Article.

The undersigned, acting as organizer(s), do hereby adopt the following Articles of Association for TEMPLI ORDO LUX, doing business as THE ORDER OF LIGHT to further common purposes and further perfect the union. The association shall operate under the rules promulgated by the state of California.

Article Two – Name Of Association

The name of the association is TEMPLI ORDO LUX, doing business as “ORDO LUX” or “ORDER OF LIGHT”. The Seal of the Principal will act as the seal until an official seal is approved by the Board. The International Flag of Peace and the Flag of the Nation of Luxton shall be the Official flags of the church.

Article Three – Unincorporated Association

This Faith-Based Organization is an unincorporated association operating under 508(c)(1)(A) of the IRS code.

Article Four – Duration

The period of its duration is perpetual.

Article Five -Purposes And Powers

Subject to the provisions of the this act, the association is organized and shall operate as a church under the tenants and teachings of the holy scriptures as expressed in the King James Bible, for religious, educational, and social purposes. This association is organized and operated exclusively for the above-stated purposes, and other purposes. No part of any net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private member, only for the purposes of the fulfillment of the creator’s ministry.

For the accomplishment of these objects Templi Ordo Lux shall have power to establish branch organizations; to establish a library or libraries; to print, publish, bind, and distribute such books, magazines, papers, and other literature as will further carry out the objects of Templi Ordo Lux; to lease suitable buildings and equipment; to acquire by purchase or gifts such personal and real property as may be necessary to carry out the objects of Templi Ordo Lux; to receive subscriptions and donations of real and personal property to be applied to the uses and purposes of Templi Ordo Lux; to take, hold, and manage real and personal property conveyed to it in trust, the monies and/or securities from which is to be applied to the uses and purposes of Templi Ordo Lux, and to execute such trust(s); to mortgage or otherwise incumber any of its property, or to sell and convey the same; to permit the use of any of its property for religious, educational, benevolent, or other lawful purposes.

The purpose of Templi Ordo Lux shall be to establish and maintain a Church and to provide a place of public worship for it online; to establish, maintain and conduct schools for the religious instruction and education of the people, and to further other religious and charitable work including moral and social: the generating of missionary power throughout the Church, and for the furtherance of its principal purpose, the following purposes:

To carry on religious, educational, and social institutions, lectures, and concerts, and to conduct services of a religious and/or Biblical nature and moral character

In furtherance of the objectives described above, but not in limitation of such objectives, the association shall have the power, insofar as such power is conferred, or is not limited, by law, to make and perform contracts for any lawful purpose, to engage in various funding and fundraising activities and to acquire, own, hold, operate and maintain such property as to effectuate its purposes.

The governing body shall have general charge of the property of Templi Ordo Lux, the conduct of all of its business affairs, and the control of its administration, including the appointment of such committees as they may deem necessary, but no contract involving any expenditure of money exceeding $100,000 shall be made without a vote of the governing body, and have the following authority;

They shall appoint all employees of Templi Ordo Lux, except elected officers, and fix their compensation. They may fill temporarily any office which becomes vacant.

They shall inform themselves regarding the Church’s real estate, trust funds, etc.

They shall call special business meetings of the Church as needed.

They shall act upon applications for new organizations within the Church.

They shall pass on all requests for the use of buildings or facilities.

They shall appoint members to the standing committees and such other committees as they may deem necessary.

Article Six: Office and Agent; Other Offices

The Initial Registered Office

The street address of the initial registered office of the association is ,Publically Redacted, known as “The Natio of Luxton” and the name of its initial registered agent is the Office of The Pastor, of which the initial Pastor at such address is Randleman, lord Ronald Junior. The association may establish a principal business and/or office of practice and may have such other offices as may from time to time be designated by its Pastor and/or Board of Elders, Deacons, and/or Bishops.

The Ecclesiastical Court

Atrium Autem Aequitate de Templi Ordo Lux (The Ecclesiastical Court of The Order of Light) is hereby established as the judicial body responsible for interpreting, enforcing, and preserving the doctrines, discipline, and internal matters of the church.

Establishment and Purpose The Ecclesiastical Court is founded upon principles of religious autonomy to adjudicate doctrinal, disciplinary, and community disputes within The Order of Light.

Jurisdiction and Authority The court has sole jurisdiction over matters concerning church doctrine, membership, and internal governance, with no interference from civil courts as protected under Watson v. Jones and Serbian Orthodox Diocese v. Milivojevich. The official description of the jurisdictional boundaries shall be called “The Supreme Ecclesiastical Court of Light of the Nation of Luxton”, or doing business as “The Court of Light”, or “The Nation of Luxton”, whos address is ,Publicly redacted, with the official registered mailing address of 3175 Adeline Street, Suite #3617, Berkeley, California. This is the official Government of the Church and Her People.

Composition The court shall be presided over by a Chief Arbiter, Lord Ronald Junior of the House of Jones, until such time a successor is appointed by the church’s leadership, along with selected clergy members.

Procedures and Decisions Decisions of the Ecclesiastical Court are final concerning internal church matters and shall be binding upon all members of The Order of Light.

Offices of the Court

Additional Offices shall include, but are not limited to the following:

The Court of Lords

The Court of Lords is the Supreme Court of the Board of Elders, Bishops, and Grand Council of Luxton, responsible for specially intervening on behalf of the People and Foreign Entities, Probate and Operation of LAW

The Court of Record

The court of Record, also called “Hall of Records” is responsible for the Recording, Storage, and Dissemination of all documents, passports, manuals, and Ecclesiastic Events. Its Initial Executive Secretary is Ronald Randleman, TTEE (AKA Ronald Jones) and bears the Seal until a successor is appointed.

Office of the Cursitor/Chief Clerk

The office of the Cursitor shall prescribe writs, prayers, instrumentation of rites and rituals, and banking instruments

Office of Seals and Signs

The Office of Seals and Signs (dba RONALD JUNIOR RANDLEMAN) is the responsible party for copyrights, seals, artworks, sigils, libraries, patents/trademarks, logos, flags, endorsements and IP of the Templi Ordo Lux.

Office of Judicial Coroner

The Office of Judicial Coroner shall be responsible for the health and well-fare of the People and will summon a jury of quorum, petite, or grand jury as deemed necessary by the Coroner.

Office of the Grand Council of Elders

The Nation of Luxton shall be the official governmental body of the Church and her People, and additional Offices and/or Departments will be founded from time to time, at the descretion of Sahib.

Office of Labor

The Office of Labor, (dba Human Capital Innovations Systems/HCIS, LLC) Is responsible for Electing and Appointing Employess and Contracts, and is the General Coaching & Education / Human Resource Department of the Church.

The Foundation

The Foundation is the not for profit, charity trust of the people

Office of the Treasury

Randleman National Bank Estate &Trust(Randleman National Bank E&T)

Is the sole Fiduciary Agent, Commodity Broker and Private Bank of the Templi Ordo Lux

Office of Marshal

The Marshal shall act as sherriff, militia, marshal, and navy of the People.

Article Seven – Election Of Church Officers, Board Of Directors

Church Officers consist of Elders, Deacons, and/or Bishops.

Elders may seek suggestions for nominees from Members if they are eligible to vote. The Governing Board shall determine if nominees meet the stated qualifications for the office. Qualified nominees are nominated by the Governing Board at its discretion.

The election of Church Officers shall take place at a congregational meeting.

Election of Church Officers shall be by a two-thirds majority of the eligible voting members present.

Members that are eligible to vote have discretionary authority to establish the number of active Elders. If there are more qualified elders than are needed to serve at a particular time, the number of active elders shall be determined by a vote at a Congregational meeting upon recommendation of the Grand Council of Elders.

The Delegates for Templi Ordo Lux shall be Elders of the Church. They shall be nominated by the Office of the Grand Council of Elders (Governing Board) and elected in accord with the rules of the Church’s Policy Manual. One of the Delegates shall be designated as our Primary Delegate. They shall serve for a term of one year.

The officers of the Church shall consist of a Pastor, Secretary, Cursitor, Marshal, Coroner and a Treasurer. All three officers shall be Elders. The Primary Delegate shall serve as Pastor of the Church. The Secretary and Treasurer are nominated and elected by the Voting Members. Church officers serve for a term of one year with a maximum of 4 consecutive years, excluding the Pastor. The Pastor can and may serve for life.

The officers of the Church shall have the authority and shall exercise the powers and perform the duties specified by the Pastor, the Governing Board, or these bylaws, except that in any event each officer shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be required by the laws of the Creator first and the Laws of the State of North Carolina second and those laws that are not in Conflict with the Creators laws.

Article Eight – Board Of Elders And Deacons

Elders must be male Members in full communion with the Church who live in keeping with the qualifications outlined in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9) and who have been Members for at least one year. All ordained men on the Pastoral staff serve as Elders from their date of appointment.

Each Elder serves a four-year term. There is no limit on the number of terms an Elder may serve if there is no replacement. If there is a replacement, then they shall only serve one four year term, and must have a term of four years in between each term of service.

The Governing Board shall have the general oversight of the life and work of the Church including, but not limited to, the worship, preaching, ordinances, evangelism, visitation, discipline, finances, maintenance of the properties, and business affairs of the Church.

Each Elder shall annually declare in writing his agreement with Et Quia Vivi Doctines Fides and his willingness to follow the Principales Ordinis (“Et Quia Vivi Doctines Fides”). Each Elder must also file a Conflict-of-Interest statement annually.

Two-thirds (2/3) of the Elders shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Elders. Each Elder shall be entitled to one (1) vote and the vote of the majority of the elders present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Elders. Being “present at the meeting” can mean in person or participation by phone or video connection. If there is no quorum, then the Pastor shall have the ability to make the decisions necessary for the operation of the church.

If an Elder is absent from three (3) consecutive meetings unless excused, his office shall become vacant for the remainder of the term. The minutes will note any excused absences.

Any Elder may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Governing Board or to the Pastor. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Elders shall remain open until the annual meeting of the Congregation.

The Governing Board shall annually select a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.

The Chairman shall preside over the monthly elder meetings per Et Quia Vivi Doctines Fides and the Church’s By-laws and The Church’s Policy Manual. He shall publish an agenda and encourage discussion and decisions regarding the life and work of the Church for which the Governing Board has general oversight.

The Vice-Chairman shall preside over the monthly elder meetings in the Chairman’s absence and he will perform any other responsibilities assigned to him by the Chairman and\or the Board of Elders.

The Secretary shall keep a record of the minutes of each meeting as well as all congregational meetings. (In his absence, the Chairman will designate another Elder as Acting Secretary for that meeting.) The Secretary shall preside over the monthly elder meetings in the Chairman’s and the Vice-Chairman’s absence and he will perform any other responsibilities assigned to him by the Chairman and\or the Board of Elders.

The Treasurer shall have responsibility for the financial activity of the Church as well as the bookkeeping (including, but not limited to, recording receipts, reconciling bank accounts, paying invoices, payroll, and budget preparation). He shall report on the financial position of the Church at each meeting of the Board of Elders. No member of the Pastoral staff may be selected as Treasurer.

The Governing Board may, at its discretion and from time to time, select an Assistant Treasurer to assist the Treasurer in his duties. An Assistant Treasurer need not be an Elder but must be a Voting Member. The Assistant Treasurer shall perform any responsibilities assigned to him by the Treasurer and\or the Board of Elders. No member of the Pastoral staff may be selected as Assistant Treasurer.

Deacons shall be appointed as the need arises based on the growth of the Church. Deacons may be male or female Members in full communion with the Church who live in keeping with the qualifications outlined in Scripture (Acts 6:6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13) and who have been Members for at least one year.

Each Deacon serves a three-year term except for new Deacons who serve for an initial one-year term. There is no limit on the number of terms a Deacon may serve.

The Board of Deacons shall have the general responsibility of sympathetic and benevolent service to Members as well as the surrounding community, showing the mercy and concern of the Church for the material and physical needs of others.

The Board of Deacons shall serve under the direction of the Governing Board and shall report monthly to them on their actions and activities.

The Governing Board shall have the authority to delegate to the Board of Deacons additional specific responsibilities to assist in carrying out the work and ministry of the Church.

Two-thirds (2/3) of the Deacons shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Deacons. Each Deacon shall be entitled to one (1) vote and the vote of the majority of the Deacons present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Deacons. Being “present at the meeting” can mean in person or participation by phone or video connection. If there is no quorum, then the Pastor shall have the ability to make the decisions necessary for the operation of the church.

Any Deacon may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Board of Deacons or to the Pastor. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Deacons shall remain open until the annual meeting of the Congregation.

The Board of Deacons shall annually elect a Chairman, Assistant Chairman, Worship and Service Chairman, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary.

The Chairman shall preside over the monthly Deacon meetings per Et Quia Vivi Doctines Fides and the Church’s By-laws. The Chairman shall publish an agenda and encourage discussion and decisions regarding the responsibilities for which the Board of Deacons has oversight.

The Assistant Chairman shall preside over the monthly Deacon meetings in the Chairman’s absence and he will perform any other responsibilities assigned to him by the Chairman and\or the Board of Deacons.

The Worship and Service Chairman oversees preparations for the weekly Sunday worship service and any additional preparation for services that include the ordinances of Communion and\or Baptism.

The Executive Secretary shall keep a record of the minutes of each monthly meeting as well as financial records for any funds controlled by the Board of Deacons.

The Assistant Secretary fulfills the duties of the Secretary in his\her absence.

Bishops are to be appointed by the sole discretion Pastor

Bishops are held to the same rules as stated for Elders and Deacons.

Article Nine – Membership

The Membership of the Church is composed of those whose lives give evidence of regeneration, who express faith in The Christ as Lord and Savior, who give testimony of the assurance of the forgiveness of sin, who have been baptized by immersion, and who commit themselves to the discipline and fellowship of the Church.

Only those members found to be living shall be baptised in the way of The MasterOne who is skilled in the Wisdom of life, or one who is no l… More, upon jury finding of age, competence, good faith and proof of life, officially sealed by Judicial Coroner.

Only members of Templi Ordo Lux who have come to/of full age and found to be living per Coroner Inquisition/Inquest are qualified to become members with voting rights. Members with Voting rights shall be eligible for election to the Offices/Officers. Each Member shall be at the time of his or her election and during his or her entire term of office a member of the congregation of the Church of Templi Ordo Lux in good standing and shall be a Citizen of The Kingdom of Heaven dwelling in one of the States of the Union. The moment any one of the above qualifications shall cease to exist concerning being a member.

The standards and responsibilities for Church Membership are those outlined in the “Et Quia Vivi Doctines Fides”, and “Principales Ordinis” Members also commit themselves to the “Expectations and Blessings of Membership” outlined in the Church’s Policy Manual.

Member candidates are interviewed and approved by the Governing Body in accord with the Church’s Policy Manual. Ordained Pastors on the Pastoral staff are considered Members from their date of hire. Being a member does not automatically give Voting rights. Voting rights will be given to members that have been members for a minimum of two years and have shown evidence of living in accord with the tenants and teachings of the King James Bible in accord with the laws of the Creator unless the Pastor sees the need based on evidence to appoint voting rights before the two year mark.

A person may be removed from membership at any time per the Membership Violations of Ethics stated in the Church’s Principales Ordinis if the behavior is not corrected following the process as prescribed by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17

Withdrawal from membership may be made by written request to the secretary or The governing board shall take cognizance of any charges that may be made to them in writing and duly signed, against any member for unbecoming conduct, and shall, in their official capacity investigate the charges, and if in their judgment the same be proven shall admonish the member, and in their discretion after such admonition, drop his or her name from membership in the Church and due notice of such action shall be mailed to such person.

If needed the following committees will be appointed and all Committees will regularly publish written reports of their activities to the Board of Elders, Board of Deacons, and/or Board of Bishops.

The Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) shall consist of three (3) non-staff elders selected annually by the Board of Elders. The purposes and duties of the PRC follow the guidelines outlined in “Et Quia Vivi Doctines Fides” Volumes One and Two.

The Finance Committee (FC) shall be chaired by the Treasurer and consist of at least two (2) other Members. The purpose and duties of the FC included but are not limited to, reviewing annual and interim financial statements, recommending the annual budget to the Board of Elders, and recommending financial policies to the Board of Elders.

The Audit Committee (AC) shall consist of at least 3 Members. The AC shall verify that the quarterly and annual financial reports are accurate and provide additional accountability and oversight related to the financial affairs of the Church.

The Governing Board may convene other committees at any time and at its discretion. Likewise, the Board may disband committees at any time and at its discretion (except for any committees required by the “Et Quia Vivi Doctines Fides” Volumes One and “Principales Ordinis” Volume Two*).

*Once published and completed

Article Ten Church Committees

If needed the following committees will be appointed and all Committees will regularly publish written reports of their activities (Terms of Reference Document) to the Board of Elders, Board of Deacons, and/or Board of Bishops.

The Foreign Relations Committee (FRC) shall consist of three (3) non-staff elders selected annually by the Board of Elders. The purposes and duties of the FRC follow the guidelines outlined in “Et Quia Vivi Doctines Fides” Volumes One and Two*

The Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee shall consist of three (3) non-staff elders selected annually by the Board of Elders. The purposes and duties of the HELP follow the guidelines outlined in “Et Quia Vivi Doctines Fides” Volumes One and Two*

*Once published and completed

Article Eleven – Church Properties

Property of the Church is held in trust for the use of the ministry and membership of the Templi Ordo Lux at ,Publicly Redacted, subject to the doctrines, laws, usages, and ministerial appointments of the Governing Board and/or Voting Members as from time to time established, made and declared by the lawful authorities of the said Church, and if the said property shall be sold or encumbered, the proceeds of the sale or the encumbrance shall be applied for the use of the aforesaid, subject, however, to the provisions of the law of the Church relating to abandoned Church properties and of that forbidding mortgaging of real estate for current expenses.

In trust, the parsonages, if there has been purchased a parsonage, of Templi Ordo Lux shall be kept, maintained, and disposed of as a place of domicile for the use and occupancy of the Pastors of the Templi Ordo Lux who are from time to time duly appointed in said place in accord with the rules and usages of said Church, and\or as a place for ministry activities, and if sold, the proceeds to be used in accord with the rules of said Church.

Article Twelve- Indemnification Of Pastor(S), Elders, Deacons, Bishops, Officers, Employees, And/Or Agents

The Church shall indemnify any Pastor, Elder, Deacon, Bishop or officer, and may indemnify any other employee or agent, who was or is a party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, or who is called as a witness in connection with, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than any action by or in the right of the Church, by reason of the fact that he/she is or was an Pastor, Elder, Deacon, Bishop officer, employee or agent of the Church, or is or was serving at the request of the Church as an Pastor, Elder, Deacon, Bishop, officer, employee or agent of another domestic or foreign corporation for profit or not-for profit, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred by him/her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Church, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his/her conduct was unlawful.

The Church shall indemnify any Pastor, Elder, Deacon, Bishop or officer, and may indemnify any other employee or agent, who was or is a party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Church to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he/she is or was a Pastor, Elder, Deacon, Bishop, officer, employee or agent of the Church or is or was serving at the request of the Church as a Pastor, Elder, Deacon, Bishop, officer, employee or agent of another domestic or foreign corporation for profit or not-for-profit, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses, including attorneys fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him/her in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Church and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his/her duty to the Church unless and only to the extent that the court of common pleas of the county in which the registered office of the Church is located or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court of common pleas or such other court shall deem proper.

The indemnification and advancement of expense provided by, or punted to, this Article XII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any Bylaw, agreement, a vote of disinterested Elders or otherwise, both as to action in his/her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. It is the policy of the Church that indemnification of, and advancement of expenses to, Elders, Deacons, Bishop, and officers of the Church shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law. To this end, the provisions of this Article XII shall be deemed to have been amended for the benefit of Pastors, Elders, Deacons, and officers of the Church effective immediately upon any modification of this Constitution to indemnify, or advance expenses to, Elders, Deacons, and officers of the corporations.

The Church shall pay expenses incurred by an officer, Deacon, or Elder, Bishop, and may pay expenses incurred by any other employee or agent, in defending an action or proceeding referred to in this Article XII in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon receipt of any undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he/she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Church.

The indemnification and advancement of expense provided by, or granted in accord with, this Article XII shall unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Pastor, Elder, Deacon, Bishop, officer, employee, or agent of the Church and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such person.

The Church shall have the authority to create a fund of any nature, which may, but need not be, under the control of a trustee, or otherwise secure or insure in any manner, its indemnification obligations, whether arising under these bylaws or otherwise. This authority shall include, without limitation, the authority to:

6.1.deposit funds in trust or escrow;

6.2.establish any form of self-insurance;

6.3.secure its indemnity obligation by a grant of a security interest, mortgage, or other liens on the assets of the Church; or

6.4.establish a letter of credit, guaranty, or surety arrangement for the benefit of such persons in connection with the anticipated indemnification or advancement of expenses contemplated by Article XII. The provisions of this Article XII shall be not deemed to preclude the indemnification of, or advancement of expenses to, any person who is not specified in Section 1. or Section 2. of this Article XII but whom the Church has the power or obligation to indemnify or to advance expenses for, under the provisions of this Constitution or otherwise. The authority granted by Article XII. Section 6 shall be exercised by the Governing Board of the Church.

The Church shall have the authority to enter into a separate indemnification agreement with any officer, Deacon, Elder, Bishop, employee, or agent of the Church or any subsidiary providing for such indemnification of such person as the Governing Board shall determine up to the fullest extent permitted by law.

As soon as practicable after receipt by any person specified in Section 1. or Section 2 of this Article XII of notice of the commencement of any action, suit, or proceeding specified in Section 1. or Section 2. of this Article XII, such person shall, if a claim with respect thereto may be made against the Church under Article XII of these By-laws, notify the Church in writing of the commencement or threat thereof; however, the omission so to notify the Church shall not relieve the Church from any liability under Article XII of this Constitution unless the Church shall have been prejudiced thereby or from any other liability which it may have to such person other than under Article XII of this Constitution. Concerning any such action as to which such person notifies the Church of the commencement or threat thereof, the Church may participate therein at its own expense and, except as otherwise provided herein, to the extent that it desires, the Church, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel selected by the Church. After notice from the Church to such person of its election to assume the defense thereof, the Church shall not be liable to such person under Article XII of these Bylaws for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such person in connection with the defense thereof other than as otherwise provided herein. Such person shall have the right to employ his counsel of his choosing in such action, but the fees and expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the Church of its assumption of the defense thereof shall be at the expense of such person unless:

8.1.the employment of counsel by such person shall have been authorized by the Church;

8.2.such person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Church and such person in the conduct of the defense of such proceeding; or

8.3.the Church shall not have employed counsel to assume the defense of such action. The Church shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Church or as to which such person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest. If indemnification under Article XII of these Bylaws or advancement of expenses are not paid or made by the Church, or on its behalf, within 90 days after a written claim for indemnification or a request for the advancement of expenses has been received by the Church, such person may, at any time thereafter, bring suit against the Church to recover the unpaid amount of the claim or the advancement of expenses. The right to indemnification and advancements of expenses provided hereunder shall be enforceable by such person in any court of competent jurisdiction. The burden of proving that indemnification is not appropriate shall be on the Church. Expenses reasonably incurred by such person in connection with successfully establishing the right to indemnification or advancement of expenses, in whole or in part, shall also be indemnified by the Church.

The Church shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was an Elder, Deacon, Bishop, officer, employee, or agent of the Church, or is or was serving at the request of the Church as an Elder, Deacon, Bishop, officer, employee or agent of another domestic or foreign corporation for profit or not-for-profit, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprises against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Church would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Article XII.

Article Thirteen – Amendments To These By-Laws

Amendments to these By-Laws shall be made upon the recommendation of the Governing Board and approval by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of eligible Voting Members voting at a Congregational meeting.

All amendments must be circulated to the Members in writing at least one (1) month before the Congregational meeting in which the vote is taken.

The Governing Board will consider amendments proposed in writing by any Member. Any denial of such a proposal must be in writing.

If there is not a governing board in place, then the Pastor can Amend these Articles as the Need arises.

Article Fourteen – Arbitration Of Disputed Matters: The Parties Agree As Follows

Definitions :

For the purposes of this provision, and notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth herein:

1.1.1.A “Disputed Matter” shall be any issue arising under the terms and provisions of this Agreement that the parties cannot resolve themselves within a reasonable time by mutual agreement or negotiation. Without in any way limiting the foregoing definition, the term Disputed Matters expressly includes disputes involving any of the following:

1.1.1.1.the enforcement of the provisions of the Agreement;

1.1.1.2.the enforceability of the Agreement (including the validity of the Agreement itself, and the enforceability of any provision of this Agreement on legal, equitable, or other grounds);

1.1.1.3.the arbitrability of any matter brought before the Religious Court by the Parties or a third party claiming thereunder.

1.1.2.“Governing Law” shall mean the Holy Scriptures as Given in the Holy Bible and Under the Laws of the State of North Carolina that are not in conflict with the Holy Scriptures.

1.1.3.“Religious Court” shall mean Templi Ordo Lux, Atrium Autem Aequitate de Templi Ordo Lux, or The Ecclesiastical Court of The Order of Light.

Except as limited by subparagraph (A)(1) of this provision, any capitalized term used in this provision shall have the meaning outlined in Article [Article XVII] entitled “Definitions.”

Agreement to Arbitrate: Subject to all of the covenants, promises, representations, and warranties made in this provision, the Parties agree as follows:

The Parties shall submit all Disputed Matters to binding arbitration before the Religious Court.

The Parties grant to the Religious Court:

2.2.1.subject matter jurisdiction to decide any Disputed Matter, and

2.2.2.personal jurisdiction over themselves and in rem jurisdiction over any property involved in the Disputed Matter, all per the Governing Law and the Religious Court’s published rules, regulations, and procedures, as such are in effect on the date of the submission of the Disputed Matter by deliveryAlso known as Papoose Root or Squawroot. Use the root and rh… More of process to the Religious Court.

The Parties agree that:

2.3.1.the Parties have read the Religious Court’s published rules, regulations, and procedures, as such are in effect on the date of this Agreement, as such are available at: https://institute.basilikosnomos.com;

2.3.2.the Parties acknowledge and agree that the Religious Court may amend, modify, or delete any rule, regulation, or procedure at any time after the date of this Agreement in the manner provided by the Religious Court for taking such actions, provided that such amendments, modifications, or deletions must be available to the Parties by publication on the Religious Court’s Web site at: https://institute.basilikosnomos.com; and

2.3.3.as to any Disputed Matter, the parties agree to be bound by the Religious Court’s published rules, regulations, and procedures, as such, are in effect on the date of the submission of the Disputed Matter.

All Disputed Matters shall be decided by the Religious Court per the Governing Law, and with the Religious Court’s published rules, regulations, and procedures, as such are in effect on the date of the submission of the Disputed Matter. In the event of a conflict between the Governing Law and the Religious Court’s published rules, regulations, and procedures, as such are in effect on the date of the submission of the Disputed Matter, the Governing Law shall control.

The Parties agree that the determination of the Religious Court shall be deemed final, binding, and legally enforceable.

Judgment upon any award rendered by the Religious Court may be entered in any court that would otherwise have had jurisdiction over the underlying Disputed Matter.

Waiver of Other Rights, Remedies, and Processes: The Parties agree that their agreement to arbitrate constitutes a waiver of their rights to any other remedy or resolution process, including, but not limited to, an action at law or equity in a secular judicial court, and to arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution processes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties further agree that any Party may seek interim judicial relief in aid of this arbitration provision, and to enforce any arbitration award.

Violation; Damages; Costs: If any Party violates the terms and conditions of this provision, any other Party shall be entitled to:

dismissal of any action instituted against him, her, they, them, and/or it;

injunctive relief against further proceedings in such action;

an award of all costs and expenses incurred, including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and court costs.

Survival of Jurisdiction: The Parties agree that the Religious Court shall retain jurisdiction over any application, motion, or other proceedings to modify, amend, terminate, or reopen any Disputed Matter over which it had original jurisdiction under this provision.

Article Fifteen – Miscellaneous Provisions

The Governing Board may select one or more elder(s)-emeritus with the right to attend all regular and special meetings thereof, but with no power to make motions or to vote and who shall not be counted in determining a quorum.

This church invokes the Universal Bill of Human Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and manumits all slaves held by Her Members in order to embody same, and in accord with the true Spiritual Principles of the Christ without prejudice and without consideration.

The Church believes that Holy Matrimony is the joining together of one man and one woman in a covenant union instituted and ordained by The Creator. Furthermore, The Creator’s Word declares that the expression of sexual relations is authorized only in the union of male and female within the bond of Holy Matrimony. Scripture teaches that homosexual lust and practice are sinful in The Creator’s sight. Finally, The Creator, in His wisdom, has created each person with a unique design as He wills. We believe that the gender of a person is determined by The Creator and should not be changed or modified after birth.

Based on these statements, the following will apply to all Unions of Holy Matrimony being performed by Pastors/officiants at the Church and to the use of its facilities:

Pastors/officiants will only perform a Contract of Holy Matrimony at the Church between a man and woman as described above who believe and follow the Scriptures found in the Holy Bible and at least one of them is a Member of the Church or he/she is the child of a Member of the Church and he/she agrees with the Holy Scriptures.

The Church’s facilities will only be allowed to be used by the couple being joined in Holy Matrimony if at least one of them is a Member of the Church or one of them is the child of a member of the Church and the Pastor/officiant performing the ceremony is a believer and agrees with the BFC Faith & Order and the Holy Scriptures. All final decisions about the use of the Church facilities are the responsibility of the Elders.

The Man and Wife agree to go through a time of Education and Counseling before the Joining under the Holy Matrimony ceremony will be officiated, not to be confused with marriage which is a state action.

Baptisms are to be held in the ways of the Book of Ieu and Pistis Sophia and other approved documents as we grow in the knowledge of the way.

All approved alternative medicine and health shall be signed by Judicial Coroner.

No part of the assets, income or profit of the Foundation or The Church shall be distributed to or inure to the benefit of private persons except that the Foundation or The Church shall be empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payment and distributions in furtherance of the purposes of the Foundation or The Church.

The Statement Of Doctrines And Beliefs

The Statements of Doctrines and Beliefs are the beliefs of this church. The are subject to be changed as the church grows and learns the scriptures together as one body in Christ.

Article 1 – The Holy Scriptures

The Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments:

Are the inspired Word of God.

II Timothy 3:15-17; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Heb. 1:1; God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Ex. 4:15; And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

Infallible Word of God.

Psa. 119:89; For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

John 10:35; If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

Isa. 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

A divine revelation, the original writings of which were verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit.

I Cor. 2:12,13; Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

II Pe. 1:21; For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

I Pe. 1:10,11; Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

They are the supreme and final authority of faith and conduct.

John 17:17; Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Luke 24:27; And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luke 24:44; And he said unto them, these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Rev. 22:18,19; For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Inspiration is a special act of the Holy Spirit.

II Pe. 1:21;For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

By which He guided the writers of the Scriptures so that their words would convey the thoughts He wished conveyed, would bear a proper relationship to the thoughts of the other inspired books, and would be kept free from error of fact, doctrine, and judgment.

Mat. 5:17,18; Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

The Holy Scriptures, the written Word of God, are composed of all books of the Old Testament and New Testament, namely:

Old Testament :

Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus; Numbers; Deuteronomy; Joshua; Judges; Ruth; 1 Samuel; 2 Samuel; 1 Kings; 2 Kings; 1 Chronicles; 2 Chronicles; Ezra; Nehemiah; Esther; Job; Psalms; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Solomon; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel; Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Jonah; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi

New Testament:

Matthew; Mark; Luke; John; Acts; Romans; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; I Thessalonians; II Thessalonians; I Timothy; II Timothy; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews; James; I Peter; II Peter; I John; II John; III John; Jude; Revelation

Caveat of Inclusion:

Although the King James Version of the Bible is the Ultimate authority of the church, we embrace all wisdom from all religions, and our arms and ears are open to all brothers.

This includes, but is not limited to, newly discovered revelatory texts such as the Nag Hammadi, Pistis Sophia and Bruce Codex, Gnostics, Buddhists, Daoist, Jainist, Wiccan, Astrotheist, Zohar, Golden Dawn, Rosicrucian, Hermetic, Pythagorus, Oracle Text, Aionist, and the Hindu Scriptures such as the Vedas, Bhagadvad Gita, and accepts the wisom from all religions, and non-religions, sciences, &c., in order to perfect this Union.

Article 2 – The Triune Creator

There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Mat. 3:16,17; And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

John 20:28; And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

These three are one God.

Acts 5:3,4; But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

The same in substance, eternally equal in power and glory.

Gen. 1:1; In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Gen. 1:26; And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Mat. 28:19; Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

2 Cor. 13:14; The grace of the Lord The Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.

Article 3 – God The Father

There is but one living and true God,

Isa. 45:5,6; I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.

immanent, transcendent, infinite in being and perfection, pure spirit,

John 4:24; God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Invisible, immutable.

Mal. 3:6a; For I am the LORD, I change not.

Eternal, almighty, all wise.

Rom. 11:33,34; O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

Most holy, most free, most loving, most gracious, most merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.

Exo. 34:6,7; And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

The rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, and withal most just and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin. He will by no means clear the guilty.

Article 4 – God The Son

The Christ, the Son of God, is the Word.

The eternal and true God who is of one substance and equal with the Father.

John 1:1-3; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:14; And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

He took on Himself man’s nature, with all of its essential properties except sin: Being conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,

Mat. 1:22,23; Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Col.1:15-20; Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

He embodied two perfect and distinct natures in one person. He is truly God and truly man, the only mediator between God and man.

The Lord The Christ is the revelation of God to man.

Heb. 1:1-4; God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

In the days of His humiliation, He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, taught the will of God.

Phil. 2:5-11; Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that The Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Was crucified, and died. He was buried and arose bodily from the dead on the third day. The Lord Jesus offered Himself a sacrifice for sins.

Heb. 9:14; How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purgeBoneset is one of the best remedies for the relief of sympto… More your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Satisfied the justice of the Father, propitiated the wrath of God, reconciled God and man, and obtained an eternal inheritance.

Rom. 5:10; For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

The Lord The Christ ascended into heaven, from whence He had come, and was exalted, taking His place at the right hand of the Father, where He makes intercession on behalf of all who come to God through Him.

Heb. 4:14,15; Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Article 5 – God The Holy Spirit

The Eternal.

Heb. 9:14b; who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purgeBoneset is one of the best remedies for the relief of sympto… More your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son.

John 14:16; And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:26; But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Is of the same substance and equal in power and glory with the Father and the Son. By Him the prophets were moved to speak the Word of God, and all writers of the Holy Scriptures were inspired to record infallibly the mind and will of God.

II Pe. 1:21; For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

He is the only efficient agent in the application of redemption. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.

John 16:7-11; Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Moves them to repentance, and regenerates them by His grace, enabling them to embrace Jesus Christ by faith.

John 3:5; Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

The Holy Spirit indwells all true believers, baptizing them into one body, of which Christ is the head.

1 Cor. 12:13; For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

He, the divine Comforter, Intercessor, and Advocate, empowers the believer for service.

Acts 1:8; But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Article 6 – Creation

The triune God, according to His sovereign will, created out of nothing and out of things that He had made, by immediate and mediate action, the worlds and all that is in them.
1. Gen. 1:1,2; In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
1. Gen. 1:3-2:3; And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
1. Heb. 11:3; Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
He is the Governor and Upholder of the creation by His wisdom and by the word of His mighty power.
1. Col. 1:16,17; For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Article 7 – Satan

Satan is a created angelic being who fell from his first estate.

Isa. 14:12-17; How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

Jude 1:6; And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

He is the god of this age, ruling by the permissive will of God.

Eph. 2:2; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

II Cor. 4:4; In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

He exercises authority over the unsaved, tempts the believer to sin, and continually accuses the brethren before the throne of God.

I Thes. 3:5; For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Rev. 12:10b; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

He has been defeated by the finished work of Christ on Calvary. During the millennium he will be confined to the abyss.

Rev. 20:2,3; And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

To be released at the end of that period to lead the armies of evil against God. He will be finally judged and doomed to the lake of fire.

Rev. 20:10; And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Satan is also believed to be a mindset, an alter-ego, and may take many names and forms, such as “Azazoth”, “Ahriman” or “Angrimanu”.

Article 8 – Man

God, by a special, instantaneous act, created man in His image.

Gen. 1:27; So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Originally made holy, righteous, and possessing true knowledge.

Eph. 4:24; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Col. 3:10; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Psa. 8:4-6; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

By forming him out of the dust of the earth and breathing into his nostrils the breath of life. Thus man became a living soul. Our first parents did not remain in the glorious and happy state of their original creation, but, through the subtlety and deception of the devil, transgressed.

Gen. 3:1-6; Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

They disobeyed and transgressed the command of God the creator, incurring on themselves and their posterity the sentence of spiritual and physical death. The guilt and consequences of Adam’s sin are imputed to the whole human race, so that all men are guilty.

Rom. 5:12-18; Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, The Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, The Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Inherently corrupt, totally depraved.

Rom. 3:11-18; There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.

And subjects of the wrath of God.

Eph. 2:3; Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Rom. 1:18; For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Article 9 – Sin

Sin is any lack of conformity to the will of God;

1 Jo. 5:17a; All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

James 4:17; Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Or any transgression of the law of God.

1 Jo. 3:4; Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

James 2:10; For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

Sin separates man from God, incurring His wrath and judgment, and is manifest in the selfishness, rebellion, unbelief and total depravity of man’s being.

Eph.2:1-3; And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Rom.1:18-21; For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Rom. 3:10-12, As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Rom 8:7-8; Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Sin is the cause of the curse on and defilement of the created universe.

Rom. 8:22; For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Gen. 3:17,18; And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

Article 10 – Human Ability And Responsibility

In his original creation man was endowed with the ability to will and do good or evil and was accountable for his willing and doing.

Gen. 2:16,17; 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 shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

But through the fall of Adam man lost his ability, apart from God’s grace.

Eph. 2:1-3; And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

To will and to do those things necessary for a right relationship with God.

Rom. 3:11; There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Rom. 8:8; For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

However, he is still accountable to God for obedience to all of His commands.

Rom. 2:6-10; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.

Acts 17:30; And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.

Man has not lost his ability to make decisions,

Deu. 30:11; For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.

Deu 30:19; I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

But left to himself, he acts only in accordance with his fallen, sinful nature.

Rom. 3:10; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.

Rom. 3:12; They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Jer. 13:23; Can the Ethiopian change his skinThe part of this plant to use is the root. It is active for … More, or the leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.

Article 11 – Election

Election is a free act of the sovereign God in which from eternity,

Eph. 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

For reasons known only to Himself,

Mat. 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

And apart from any foreseen faith and/or goodness found in man,

2 Tim. 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Rom. 8:29-30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

He graciously chose from among the fallen mankind a people unto salvation, that they might be conformed to Christ’s image,

Eph. 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Those so chosen He redeemed by His Son,

2 Thes. 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

And seals by His Spirit.

Eph. 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Article 12 – Salvation

Salvation is the work of God

Heb. 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

See also Eph. 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

In which He reconciles fallen men to Himself

Col. 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Rom. 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Ultimately removes the consequences of the curse

Rev. 22:3a And there shall be no more curse:

Bestows upon His redeemed Creation

Rom. 8:18-25 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

The riches of His grace, all to His glory

Isa. 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Salvation is offered in the gospel to all men

John 3:16

Is accomplished in all the elect

John 6:37 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

It is received by grace through faith and the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit

John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Apart from works or human merit

Eph. 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Salvation centers in a person, The Christ, and receiving Him

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Includes the remission of sins on the grounds of His shed blood on the cross

Eph. 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

The imputation of His perfect righteousness

1Cor. 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

The reception of the Holy Spirit

Rom. 8:9b Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

The impartation of eternal life

1Jn. 5:11,12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Article 13 – Repentance

Repentance unto life is a gift of God and a voluntary act of man.

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

2 Tim 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.

Accomplished by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of

God.

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.

Consists of a knowledge of sin and a sense of guilt/corruption.

John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Results in confession/forsaking of sin and a turning to God.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.

Results in loving, obedient service.

Ephesians 2:10 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord The Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.

Article 14 – Regeneration

Regeneration or the New Birth is an instantaneous creative act of God

John 3:3, 6, 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Through the agency of the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

Whereby divine life is imparted to those dead in sin, making them members of the family of God.

John 1:11-13 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Article 15 – Justification

Justification is the act of God’s grace, whereby the sinner is declared righteous.
1. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.
1. Acts 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Solely through faith in the redemptive work of Christ.
1. Romans 8:33-34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Whereby the righteousness of Christ is imputed.
1. Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Resulting in sins pardoned and the sinner restored to divine favor.
1. Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Article 16 – Sanctification

Sanctification is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.
1. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
That purifies the life.
1. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
Conforms the whole man to the image of Christ as the Word of God is believed and obeyed.
1. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
It begins at regeneration.
1. 1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Continues throughout the believer’s life on earth.
1. Ephesians 4:24, 26, 27 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.
Reaches its completion at the appearance of the Lord The Christ.
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord The Christ.

Article 17 – Perseverance Of The Saints

Salvation is the work of God, from its commencement to its consummation.

Romans 8:29-30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Those regenerated by the Word of God through the work of the Holy Spirit become partakers of the divine nature.

2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

They are preserved by the power of God.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

So that they shall never totally or finally fall away.

John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

1 Corinthians 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

But shall persevere unto the end.

2 Thessalonians 3:3-4 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

Article 18 – The Church

The Church is the body,
1. Of which Christ is the head.
Colossians 1:18a And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning.
And all those redeemed by His blood
1. Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; ut with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
And born of His Spirit are members of that body, and are in mystical union and communion with Christ
Romans 6:5-6 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
And fellow believers
Corinthians 1:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
The Church is universal and local, visible and invisible. The visible Church consists of all those professing faith in Christ. The invisible Church is composed of all those born of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
The purpose of the Church is to worship God, to edify the saints and to evangelize the world.
John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
1 Peter 2:5-9 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by The Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
1 Corinthians 12:7,11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The Head of the Church administers the affairs of His body through overseers chosen by Himself and selected by the people.
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
A properly constituted local Church must include the ministry of God’s Word, the observance of the ordinances, the oversight by elders, and the exercise of discipline. The overseers of the Church are to be prayed for, obeyed, and honored.
1 Peter 5:2, 3, 5 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Hebrew 13:7, 17, 24a Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Salute all them that have the rule over you,

Article 19 – The Mission Of The Church

The Church has been commissioned by The Christ to preach the gospel to all nations. Each Particular Church and every believer bear responsibility for this commission.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

God has clearly revealed in the Gospel the only way of salvation sufficient for and applicable to the whole lost race of mankind. Based on His infinite and perfect love and His expressed desire that all men be saved, He bids that the Church – with urgency, compassion, and persuasion – proclaim the gospel to all people and invite them to believe.

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by The Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

It is the duty and privilege of everyone who hears the gospel to repent and receive its merciful provisions. Those who do are saved, and those who continue in impenitence and unbelief incur aggravated guilt and perish by their own fault.

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord The Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Article 20 – Ordinances

Baptism. Water baptism, the immersion of the believer, is a visible testimony to the work of regeneration and a mark of identification and union with Christ. It has no saving or cleansing power, but it is the answer of a good conscience before God; hence, it should be administered only to those who have, by faith in the Lord The Christ, realized the forgiveness of sins and possess the assurance of acceptance with God.

Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into The Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Colossians 2:11-12 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

The Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the New Testament, in which, by the giving and receiving of bread and wine, according to the appointment of The Christ, His death is proclaimed. Those who worthily partake in this remembrance of Him feed upon Him to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace, have their union and communion with Him confirmed, and testify and renew their thankfulness and commitment to God and their mutual love and fellowship each with the other as members of the same mystical body. The Scriptures direct that each one spiritually examine himself before partaking of the bread and the cup “until He comes.

Luke 22:19-20 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

John 6:55-56 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

1 Corinthians 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

Article 21 – The Lord’s Day

The first day of the week has been recognized by the Church as the Lord’s Day, since apostolic times.

John 20:1, 19 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

We believe, therefore, that it ought to be observed by all believers, voluntarily and in love.

Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

A day set apart as holy to the Lord for the corporate worship of God.

Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Remembrance of the resurrection of our Lord from the dead, and fellowship and mutual encouragement of the saints.

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Ephesians 5:15-21 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord The Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

Article 22 – Divine Healing

It is the believer’s privilege to seek the will of the Lord in matters of physical healing. This healing, whether by natural, medical, or supernatural means, must come from the omnipotent God who created the human body. The believer may implore the Lord for physical restoration according to the Scriptures.

James 5:14-16 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

And if the healing is for the highest glory of God, His power will be displayed.

John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Article 23 – Civil Government

God ordained and instituted civil government.

Dan 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

For the welfare of society, to promote and to protect the good and restrain and punish the evil.

Romans 13:1-3 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

It is the duty of Christians to pray for those in authority, to render due loyalty, respect, and obedience to them.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

1 Peter 2:13-14 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.

And to pay taxes and customs demanded of them. Where demands of civil law militate against the supreme and higher law

of God, Christians should obey God rather than man.

Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Article 24 – Resurrection

The bodily resurrection of Christ is the basis for the resurrection of man.1 At the return of the Lord the bodies of the righteous dead will be raised, and the living believers will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. Believers will, at the resurrection, receive spiritual and immortal bodies like Christ’s own glorious body.

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

Phillipians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord The Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

The event of the resurrection is divided into two stages, separated by a period of a thousand years and differing in respect to both their subjects and their issues. The first resurrection includes only the righteous dead. The second resurrection is universal and occurs at the close of the millennium when all the unregenerate dead are raised to be brought before the great White Throne for judgment. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: 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.

Dan 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Revelation 20:5-6 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 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.

Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

Article 25 – The Second Coming Of Christ

The Second Coming of The Christ

Is the personal, visible, bodily return of our Lord to this earth.

John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 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.

Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? 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.

To conform believers to His image and to establish the millennial kingdom. In connection with Christ’s return there will be the resurrection of the righteous dead.

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

The rapture of the saints.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The salvation of Israel.

Romans 11:25b-26a That blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved

The great tribulation.

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

And the inauguration of the millennial reign. Following the millennium will be the resurrection and judgment of the unrighteous. The righteous will be eternally glorified with Him; the unrighteous will be eternally punished.

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 Coming is the believer’s source of encouragement and comfort inspiring him to active service for Christ, and is a motive for purification and holy living.

1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Article 26 – The Judgments

The Scriptures enumerate several judgments that differ in time, place, subjects, and results. All judgment has been entrusted to the Son by the Father.

John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.

Through the death of Christ on the cross, the believer’s sins have been judged, and he has passed from death unto life.2 In no case do the redeemed come again into judgment concerning their eternal destiny. Each saint, however, will be required to give an account before the judgment seat of Christ regarding his works and conduct.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

The unregenerate will be judged, condemned, and banished to eternal damnation in the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Article 27 – The Kingdom Of God

God is the almighty Sovereign who reigns eternally over all His creation. His kingdom triumphs forever according to His will. Even the sinful rebellion of mankind cannot defeat Him, but instead serves and glorifies Him.

Psalm 103:19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Dan 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation.

Proverbs 16:4 The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Psalm 76:10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

God’s plan, demonstrated throughout human history

Has been to reveal His kingship on earth by delegating kingly dominion to human beings as His image bearers.

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Through Adam’s fall the exercise of this dominion has been corrupted, and man needs redemption in order to glorify God and reign in accordance with His will. As the Last Adam, Jesus in His humanity manifests the proper vice-regency of the kingdom of God for the purpose of redemption and restoration, which will ultimately usher in the glorious kingdom for which creation was destined.

Romans 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, The Christ.

Romans 8:19-21 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Thus, the kingdom of God is advanced in Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and His present reign.

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Acts 2:34-35 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Acknowledging this reign, Christians confess Christ as Lord and willingly submit to His rulership in their personal lives, and welcome His authority over all creation.

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

The millennial reign of Christ is a further advancement of the kingdom whereby Jesus, through His second coming, brings His inaugurated kingdom to earth and makes it visible.

During this reign, Christ will fulfil kingdom promises as He establishes righteousness, justice and peace throughout all creation.

Revelation 19:11, 16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.

Isaiah 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

At the start of this period, saints will be resurrected to join in the reign with Christ. Satan will be bound and his deceitful activities suspended. Nevertheless, an undercurrent of human sinful resistance will continue through the millennium, though held in check as Christ rules with a rod of iron. At the

end of this millennial reign, Satan will be released to lead a rebellion against God’s people and the Lord Jesus. In a climactic manifestation of His kingship, Christ will defeat the rebellion.

Revelation 20:2-4 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Revelation 20:7-10 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

When Christ has subdued all enemies, including death

He will present the kingdom to His Father.

Psalm 2:8-9 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

1 Corinthians 15:24-26 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

The triune God will preside over a new heaven and a new earth, and the people of God will dwell with Him forever. All prophecies of Scripture will have been fulfilled. God’s eternal kingship, having been established and vindicated by the royal exercise of the Son’s authority, will at that time be present and manifest in full glory over all creation forever and ever.

Revelation 21:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.

Revelation 22:3-5 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 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.

Article 28 – The Eternal State

There are two final, eternal destinies for man: heaven for the righteous and penitent, and hell for the unrighteous and impenitent.

Matthew 25:46 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed.

At the great white throne judgment, all of the enemies of God will be consigned to the place of eternal conscious punishment, from which there is no escape.

Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. nd death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The new heavens and the new earth shall be created.

2 Peter 3:10-13 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

The final state in which the righteous shall dwell forever in the presence of God. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Revelation 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Ordo Lux Charter of Congregational Affiliation