Apostolic Doctrine

The BibleWay Churches UK, does not feel inclined to subscribe to “creeds” due to the fact of their limitation and of human fallibility, 2 Peter 1:20,  “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation,” …however, we believe that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16.

The Doctrine of this Church may be generally associated with what is commonly known as the “Apostolic or Pentecostal Faith.”  We sincerely seek to adhere to the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles, for “…we are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone.”

“Go ye, therefore, and teach ALL NATIONS, baptizing THEM (all nations) in the NAME OF THE FATHER, and of the SON and of the HOLY GHOST”.

Some of the principles of our doctrine are as follows:
  1. Salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ exclusively.
  2. Repentance and remission of sins.
  3. Baptism by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  4. The baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues.
  5. A life of humility, consecration, and Godliness.
  6. The imminent pre-millennial return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  7. The resurrection and rapture of the true Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
  8. The final judgment of the living dead.
  9. The final establishment of the new Heaven, and new earth, and new Jerusalem wherein dwelleth righteousness.
  10. Standing for all scripture, rightly divided.

 


The Apostles’ Doctrine

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, giving a true history of the creation of the heavens and the earth, and of mankind, and containing a correct prophecy of the ages to come regarding the heavens, and the earth and the destiny of man.  Furthermore there is no salvation outside of that which is contained within its pages.


God

There is only ONE GOD;  the Creator of the heavens and the earth and all mankind, manifested to mankind as FATHER (Creator), SON and HOLY GHOST (indwelling Spirit) Rom. 8:11.


Father

God is a Spirit (Jn. 4:24), the ETERNAL ONE, the Creator of ALL THINGS; and of course, of ALL MEN;  thus making HIM their FATHER.  HE is THE FIRST and THE LAST and BESIDE HIM THERE IS NO GOD.  (Isa. 44:6)  There was NO GOD FORMED BEFORE HIM, NEITHER SHALL THERE BE AFTER HIM (Isa. 48:10).


Son

JESUS is the SON of GOD HIMSELF according to the SPIRIT.  (Matt. 1:23).  JESUS is THE CHRIST (Matt. 16:16), THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS (Col. 1:16:17)  GOD WITH US (Matt. 1:23)  GOD MADE FLESH  (Jn. 1:1-4):  GOD MANIFESTED IN THE FLESH (1 Tim. 3:16)  HE WHICH WAS, IS AND WHICH IS TO COME, THE ALMIGHTY, (Rev. 1:8;  Isa. 9:6)

To this, Jesus Himself, testified when He said: “HE THAT HATH SEEN ME HATH SEEN THE FATHER” (Jn. 14:7-11);  and “I AND MY FATHER ARE ONE” (Jn. 10:30).

Since it took shedding of blood for the remission of the sins of the world (Heb. 9:22), GOD as the FATHER, being a SPIRIT, had no blood to shed:  so He prepared a body of flesh and blood  (Heb. 10:5), that He might fulfil the prophecy of Isa. 43:11;  “Beside Me there is no SAVIOUR,” and caused the angels tossing, “For there is born this day in the city of David, a SAVIOUR, which is CHRIST THE LORD,”  (Luke 2:11).


Holy Ghost

The HOLY GHOST is not the third person in the Godhead, but rather:  the manifestation of the SPIRIT OF GOD (the Creator), and of the resurrected CHRIST, coming to dwell in the hearts and lives of all men, who will be obedient to the gospel, as the COMFORTER, SUSTAINER, and KEEPER,  (Jn. 14:16-26), (Rom. 8:11).

So there are not three GODS, but THREE MANIFESTATIONS OF the ONE GOD.  “THESE THREE ARE ONE”.  (1 Jn. 5:7).


Sin

SIN is the transgression of the LAW OR COMMANDMENTS OF GOD (1 Jn. 3:4), the guilt of which has fallen upon all men from the sin of ADAM until this present time; the wages and results of which culminate in ETERNAL DEATH (Rom. 6:23); (Rev. 20:14) to all those who refuse to accept salvation as set forth in the WORD OF GOD.


Salvation

SALVATION (deliverance from) consists of DELIVERANCE FROM ALL SIN AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS thru the BLOOD OF CHRIST;  by REPENTANCE from sin, WATER BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins, and receiving the BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST,  and the continuance of a GODLY life.  (Acts 2:36-41).


Water Baptism

WATER BAPTISM is an ESSENTIAL PART of New Testament SALVATION:  and not, as some teach: “just an outward form of an inward cleansing.”  Without PROPER BAPTISM it is IMPOSSIBLE to enter into the Kingdom of God (God’s true church, the Bride of Christ), and therefore, is not merely a part of local church membership.


Manner of Baptism

WATER BAPTISM can only be administered by IMMERSION  (Col. 2:12).  Note the following:  Jesus said  “BORN (to bring forth) of the water” (Jn. 3:3);  Paul said,  “We are BURIED with HIM (Lord Jesus Christ) by baptism  (Rom. 6:41);  Jesus “Came up OUT of the water” (Mk. 1:10); Phillip and the Eunuch “Went down INTO the water, “ and “Came up OUT of the water.” (Acts. 8:38-39).

Jesus’ DEATH, BURIAL, and RESURRECTION was a type of our salvation.  “REPENT (death to sin), and be BAPTIZED (burial) EVERYONE of you in the NAME of JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the HOLY GHOST”  (resurrection).

Sprinkling, pouring, or infant baptism of any kind, cannot be substantiated by the Word of God, but are only traditions handed down to us by our forefathers from the dark ages.


Formulas for Water Baptism

The Name in which baptism is administered, is as important as IMMERSION.

The NAME is LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Jesus’ last command to His disciples was, “Go ye, therefore, and teach ALL NATIONS, baptizing THEM (all nations) in the NAME OF THE FATHER, and of the SON and of the HOLY GHOST” (Matt. 28:19).  You will notice He said “NAME,” not “NAMES,” but TITLES of positions held by GOD.  We see quickly that this is true as we hear the angel announce,  “She shall bring forth a SON, and thou shalt call His NAME JESUS” (Matt. 1:21).

This NAME, the Apostles understood to be LORD JESUS CHRIST, and from the first day that the Church of God was established on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:36-41), until the end of their ministry, they baptized ALL NATIONS (Jews, Acts 2:38-41); Samaritans, Acts 8:16; Gentiles, Acts 19:5) in the NAME of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

“Thou shalt call HIS NAME JESUS:  for He shall save His people from their sins.”  (Matt. 1:21).

Are you looking for SALVATION?  “Neither is there SALVATION in any other for there is NONE OTHER NAME under Heaven given among men, WHEREBY we MUST BE SAVED.”  (Acts 4:14).


Baptism by the Holy Ghost

The BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST is the BIRTH OF THE SPIRIT (Jn. 3:5); that SPIRITUAL BAPTISM necessary to put anyone into the Kingdom of God (God’s true Church); the Bride of Christ), and is evidenced by speaking in OTHER TONGUES (other languages) as the Spirit of God gives utterance.

It was prophesied by Joel, (Joel 2:28-29), and Isaiah (Isa. 28:11); foretold by John the Baptist (Matt. 3:11)  purchased by the blood of Jesus and promised by Him to His disciples (Jn. 14:26;  15:25); and first outpoured on the day of Pentecost upon the Jews (Acts 2:1-4); then upon the Samaritans (Acts 8:1r7); and upon the Gentiles (Act 10:44-46,  19:6); and “The promise is unto YOU and to YOUR CHILDREN, and to ALL that are afar off, even AS MANY AS THE LORD OUR GOD SHALL CALL.” (Acts 2:39).


Tongues

TONGUES (languages) have two classifications as follows:

  1. Speaking in OTHER TONGUES (languages) as the SPIRIT OF GOD GIVES UTTERANCE.
  2. The GIFT OF TONGUES (languages) as mentioned in 1 Corinthians.

(1)       Speaking in OTHER TONGUES as the SPIRIT OF GOD GIVES UTTERANCE is the manifestation God has given as a definite, undisputable supernatural WITNESS or SIGN of the BAPTISM of the HOLY GHOST.

It is the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah as “THE REST AND THE REFRESHING (Isa. 28:11-12); foretold by Jesus as a SIGN that would follow every believer of the gospel (Mk. 16:16-17); and poured first upon the Jews at Pentecost (Acts 2:4); hence, upon the Gentiles at Caesarea, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Joel, that it should be poured out upon ALL FLESH (Joel 2:28-29;  Acts 2:15-18).

(2)      THE GIFT OF TONGUES, or unknown tongues, mentioned by Paul in 1 Cor. 12:1-10, and concerning which he gives regulations in 1 Cor. 14:1-40 is that GIFT given by God to only some believers to be used for self edification (1 Cor. 14:4) except when there is an interpreter present (1 Cor. 14:27-28) when it may be used to edify the Church.

It is especially distinguished from speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance in that this GIFT can be self operated:  “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, MY SPIRIT PRAYETH, but my understanding is unfruitful.”  It can be misused (1 Cor. 13:1) and therefore needs proper regulation (1 Cor. 14:23-28).

This is entirely different and separate from that which God gives as a witness of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Paul said, “Forbid not to speak with TONGUES,” (1 Cor. 14:39), and , “I THANK MY GOD I SPEAK WITH TONGUES MORE THAN YE ALL,” (1 Cor. 14:18).  Who dares to teach or preach to the contrary?


Holiness

After we are saved from sin, we are commanded to “GO AND SIN NO MORE.” (Jn. 8:11).

We are commanded to LIVE SOBERLY, RIGHTEOUSLY, and GODLY, in this present world (Titus 2:12); and warned that WITHOUT HOLINESS NO MAN SHALL SEE THE LORD (Heb. 12:14).

We must present ourselves HOLY unto God (Rom. 12:1), cleanse ourselves from ALL FILTHINESS OF THE FLESH AND SPIRIT (2 Cor. 7:1), and separate ourselves from all WORLDLINESS (James 4:4).

If the RIGHTEOUS scarcely be saved, where shall the UNGODLY and the SINNER appear?  (1 Peter 4:18).

No man can do this by his own power, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you” (Acts 1:8).


Divine Healing

God has manifested Himself to mankind through the ages by miraculous HEALINGS, and has made special provisions under the dispensation of grace to HEAL ALL who will come to Him with faith and obedience.  DIVINE HEALING was purchased for us by the Blood of Jesus Christ, being especially specified by His STRIPES (Isaiah 53:5;  Peter 2:24).

Jesus went EVERYWHERE HEALING ALL THAT WERE SICK (Matt. 4:23-24).  He commanded is disciples to do the same (Matt. 10:8).  He said concerning those that believe the Gospel,  “THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK AND THEY SHALL RECOVER”  (Mk. 16:18).  Mighty HEALINGS and MIRACLES followed the disciples wherever the Gospel was preached.

There is NO SICKNESS OR DISEASE too hard for God. You, your children, or your friends, CAN BE HEALED BY THE POWER OF GOD.  “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.”  (James 5:14-16).


Second Coming of Christ

 Jesus Christ is coming back to earth in bodily form as He went away (Acts 1:11), to catch away a holy people (His Bride, His Church) who have accepted a redemption through His blood, by birth of the water and of the Spirit, and are found faithful when He comes.

“For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from Heaven with a shout, and with a 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”  (I Thes. 4:16-17).

“ONE SHALL BE TAKEN AND THE OTHER LEFT” (Luke 17:34-36.   WILL YOU BE READY?


Signs of His Coming

The SIGNS OF HIS COMING are everywhere.  The days of perils are HERE indeed; with forms of godliness, void of the power of God: society and politics corrupted; men’s hears filled with pride, blasphemies, unholiness, and love of evil and pleasures (2Tim. 3:1-3).  These things, together with multitudes running to and fro, the increase of knowledge (Dan. 12:4), the traffic of automobiles (Nahum 2:3), and the persecution of the Jews and their return to Palestine (Luke 21:24) , and scores of other things, are STARTLING SIGNS THT JESUS’ COMING DRAWETH NIGH.

Wars and rumours of wars, famines, earthquakes, storms, floods, distress of nations with perplexity, and men’s hearts failing them for fear, are sounding the solemn alarm that JESUS’ COMING IS AT HAND (Matt. 24:6, Luke 21:25-28).

“PREPARE (TODAY) TO MEET THY GOD” (Amos 4:12).


Resurrection

There will be a resurrection of all the dead, both just and unjust.

Marvel not at this:  for the hour is coming, in 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”  (Jn. 5:28-29).

Judgment for Rewards

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the JUDGMENT”  (Heb. 9:27). It is for this reason there is a resurrection.  “For we must ALL appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he had done, whether good or bad.” (2 Cor. 5:10).  This is the judgment for reward for works of a believer.

The final judgment is known as the GREAT WHITE THRONE judgment.  The subjects are the “dead”.  As the redeemed were raised from among the dead one thousand years before and have been in glory with Christ during that period, the “dead” can only be the wicked dead, from the beginning of human history to the setting up of the GREAT WHITE THRONE in space.  (Rev. 20:11-15)  This is the judgment of the wicked resulting in everlasting punishment.


Final Destiny of the Righteous

Immediate access and enjoyment of the new heaven, the new earth and the new Jerusalem in the immediate presence of God and the Holy Angels throughout eternity with the saints of all ages dwelling in immortality receiving the glorious unfolding of the manifold righteousness and wisdom of God worshiping Him forever, Amen.  (Rev. 21:1-27;  Rev. 22:1-21).

The Bibleway Churches UK is a dynamic apostolic fellowship organisation. It offers apostolic covering and fellowship to churches and organisations within the UK and Internationally.

Visit Bibleway International