Of the promises of the Gospel

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. -- 2 Peter 1:4

5. Examples of those who have realized it.

Enoch

And Enoch walked with God: and he <was> not; for God took him. -- Genesis 5:24

Noah

These <are> the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man <and> perfect in his generations, <and> Noah walked with God. -- Genesis 6:9

The disciples on the day of pentecost

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. -- Acts 2:4

Barnabas

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. -- Acts 11:24

John

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. -- 1 John 4:17

Paul

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. -- Philippians 3:15

Article XIII

Of Growth in Grace

The state that we attain through entire sanctification, fits us for the development of those heaven-born principles imparted in regeneration.

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, <even> Christ: -- Ephesians 4:15

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all <men> have not faith. -- 2 Thessalonians 3:2

But grow in grace, and <in> the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him <be> glory both now and for ever. Amen. -- 2 Peter 3:18

There is however a growth before this state is attained, but not perfect or such as will bring forth much fruit.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: -- 1 Peter 2:2

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every <branch> that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. -- John 15:2

Article XIV

Of Healing the Sick

That is the will of God to heal the sick who by an implicit confidence and faith look to Him and trust His power, we believe, according to

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. -- James 5:13

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare <our> sicknesses. -- Matthew 8:17

And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed <them>. -- Mark 6:13

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. -- Mark 16:18

And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease <was> exceeding <great>: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians. -- 2 Chronicles 16:12

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; -- Psalms 103:3

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I <am> the LORD that healeth thee. -- Exodus 15:26

Article XV

Of Good Works

Good works are not conditions of life and salvation, but are the natural results of a regenerated and sanctified heart, from which as naturally as water gushes forth, from every perspective fountain after its kind, and every tree bringeth forth fruit after its own nature, supreme love to God and love to man, with every other corresponding trait of Christian character, will naturally show forth themselves in all the various avocations and deportments of life.
By grace are ye saved, "not of works," for when we have done all that is our duty to do, we must say, We are unprofitable servants. - Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither <can> a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. -- Matthew 7:16-20

I am the vine, ye <are> the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. -- John 15:5

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. -- John 15:8

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and <that> your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. -- John 15:16

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. -- Luke 17:10

Article XVI

Of Sin after Justification

Not every sin, committed after justification, is therefore the sin against the Holy Ghost and impardonable. Wherefore the grant of repentance is to denied to such as fall into sin after justification. After we have received the Holy Ghost, it may so happen, that we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and we may even then, by the grace of God, rise again, through workings of the Spirit, and turn to God and receive forgiveness of our sins.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: -- 1 John 2:1

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. -- Revelation 2:5

Article XVII

Of the Church of Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ is composed of all true believers, who are designated His "sheep," who hear His voice and follow Him, who know Him and are known by Him and who are a separate people from the world, "a peculiar people." Supreme love to God and love to all men (enemies included), being a true characteristic feature, peculiar to them only, they may readily be distinguished from the world. Their ground and pillar of hope is that of the "apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone." "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it." "Blessed is that people, whose God is the Lord.

Verily , verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. -- John 10:1-5

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner <stone>; -- Ephesians 2:20

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. -- Titus 2:14

Article XVIII

Of Baptism

Water baptism has no saving or cleansing efficacy. It is a visible or outward sign of an internal work of grace, in regeneration and consecration to the service of God. It is not the putting away of filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God; hence, cannot with propriety, be administered, only to such as have, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, realized the forgiveness of sins, and have the evidence of their acceptance with God.

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 alway, <even> unto the end of the world. Amen . -- Matthew 28:19-20

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. -- Acts 8:37

The like figure whereunto <even> baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: -- 1 Peter 3:21

Article XIX

Of the Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper is the ordinance which our Savior instituted, in the night of His betrayal, with bread and the fruit of the vine.

We are to observe it, to commemorate that His body was broken and His blood shed upon the cross, to redeem us from the curse of sin and death.

That the bread of communion and the cup of blessing were not intended fora full meal, we infer the language of Paul when he says: "If any man hunger, let him eat at home," and, What! have ye not houses to eat and to drink in"?

Christ draws our attention to the fact, that it is not natural, but a spiritual feast when He says, "except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you."

The body of Christ is given, taken , and eaten in Supper, only after a heaven and spiritual manner. And the means whereby the body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper, is faith. Therefore the Supper was instituted for the children of God only. God has also wisely directed that each examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup.

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed <it>, and brake <it>, and gave <it> to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave <it> to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. -- Matthew 26:26-29

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? -- 1 Corinthians 10:16

When ye come together therefore into one place, <this> is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before <other> his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise <you> not. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the <same> night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake <it>, and said, Take , eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also <he took> the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink <it>, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink <this> cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of <that> bread, and drink of <that> cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. -- 1 Corinthians 11:20-29

Article XX

Of Feet Washing

The Lord Jesus has instituted and commanded feet washing, who has also himself washed the disciples' feet, and has thereby given an example, that we "ought to wash one another's feet."

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe <them> with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also <my> hands and <my> head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash <his> feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for <so> I am. If I then, <your> Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily , verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. -- John 13:4-17

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. -- 1 Timothy 5:10

Article XXI

Of Marriage

Holy matrimony is a sacred institution of Divine origin; and believers should enter into so solemn an engagement in the fear of God, seeking direction and guidance of Him who knoweth to direct all things according to the good pleasure of His will, and according to the teachings of God's Word. This solemn engagement should be "only in the Lord."

Believers should not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. The trouble and despair subsequent upon entering the marriage state of those whom God hath not joined together, is incalculable, and should be a solemn warning to any and all who contemplate this step, to make the matter with sincerity of heart to God in prayer.

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

And the LORD God said, <It is> not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. -- Genesis 2:18

The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. -- 1 Corinthians 7:39

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? -- 2 Corinthians 6:14

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? -- 2 Corinthians 6:15

Article XXII

Of Civil Government

God ordained and instituted the civil government for the punishment of evildoers and for the protection and defense of the good. We respect these powers with due loyalty and are willing to be submissive, subjective and obedient to the their authority, so long as not intruded upon in things which should militate against the supreme law and will of God. We pay willingly and cheerfully the tribute and customs demanded of us, and pray for their protection, prosperity and welfare, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty."

Notwithstanding , lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. -- Matthew 17:27

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: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to <execute> wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore <ye> must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute <is due>; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. -- Romans 13:1-7

Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. -- 1 Peter 2:14

Article XXXIII

Of Defense

Jesus has forbidden his disciples and followers all revenge and resistance, with the divine injunction, "Resist not evil;" again, "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, but now is my kingdom not from hence."

The Prophet, in alluding to Christ's kingdom, says, "They shall be beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."

Christ's followers are denominated His sheep whose nature is the direct opposite of the wolf or lion. Christ, in His suffering, has given us an example, and we should follow His steps. "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth." We are commanded to "recompense to no man evil for evil," and to cause grief or suffering to come upon no one; and if required for conscience' sake, at the Lord's bidding, when persecuted in one place, to flee into another; and also to take the spoil of our goods joyfully, for the Lord's sake, "knowing that there is reserved for us in heaven a better and enduring substance.

And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. -- Micah 4:3

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have <thy> cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; -- Matthew 5:39-44

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. -- 1 Peter 3:9

Article XXIV

Of Oaths

Christ has strictly forbidden the swearing of oaths, when he says, "I say unto you Swear not at all; but let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." It is evident that the apostles regarded it, and strictly insisted upon its careful observance. James says, "Above all things my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any oath; but let your yea be yea and your nay, nay, lest ye fall into condemnation."

From these clear testimonies we conclude that the swearing of oaths is forbidden and not tolerated; and that anything beyond an affirmation is violating the command of our savior. We regard our affirmations sacred and binding as though we had confirmed it by an oath.

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. -- Matthew 5:34-37

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and <your> nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. -- James 5:12

Article XXV

Of the Call to the Ministry

The call to the ministry is of such vast importance, that God alone is able to decide as to who shall go forth as laborors in the vineyard of the Lord, as ministers of the Gospel.

The Savior says, "Pray ye the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into His harvest; and Paul says, "How shall they preach except they be sent?" Hence, only such as the Lord has called, qualified and sent forth to preach the Gospel, can be efficient means in His hand, to further His cause, prosper the Church, and be successful in winning souls to Christ.

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. -- Matthew 9:38

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! -- Romans 10:15

Article XXVI

Of the Last Judgement

God has appointed a day in the end of time, called the "Day of Judgement," in the Scripture, "in the which He will judge the world in righteousness. The Son of man shall come, and all the holy angels with Him in the clouds of heaven, in power and great glory, and sit upon His throne; and the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall arise incorruptible; and those living shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye; and all nations shall be gathered together; and each one will receive according to the deeds done in the body, be it good or be it evil. And He shall separate them as a shepherd dividing his sheep from the goats, the sheep on His right hand and the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto those on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. The shall He say unto them on the left, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels."

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth <his> sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked , and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed <thee>? or thirsty, and gave <thee> drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took <thee> in? or naked, and clothed <thee>? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done <it> unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done <it> unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did <it> not to one of the least of these, ye did <it> not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. -- Matthew 25:31-46

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. -- John 12:48

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by <that> man whom he hath ordained; <whereof> he hath given assurance unto all <men>, in that he hath raised him from the dead. -- Acts 17:31
Return to study page

We can be contacted via e-mail at coachjesus@hotmail.com Return to Homepage