A Set of Follow–Up Bible Study Outlines
By
IFECHUKWU
U. IBEME
Foreword
by: Rt. Rev. E.K. Mani, JP.
(The
Anglican Bishop of
PriscAquila Christian Resource Centre
COPYRIGHT © 1991 by
The
Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC),
Published
by:
The
Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC)
PART ONE: THE
NEW CREATION
Study 1: The Newbirth and its Assurance
Study 2: The New Life
PART TWO: GOD AND
HIS WORD
Study 3: The God we Worship
Study 4: The Bible as the Word of God
PART THREE: HOLDING
FAST
Study 5: Prayer and Devotion time
Study 6: Overcoming Afflictions
PART FOUR: REACHING
OUT
Study 7: Fellowship and Stewardship
Study 8: Witnessing and Soulwinning
SUPPLEMENT
Supplement 1: Christian Water Baptism
Supplement 2: Articles of Religion
Dr. Ifechukwu U. Ibeme is not only
a medical doctor, but also an attested preacher and an orderly teacher of the
Word. As a committed Christian and convinced “evangelical Anglican” he believes
that the Church must effectively teach all aspects of her life – faith,
doctrine and tradition – on the basis of the supreme authority of the
Scriptures. I have heard this author say that he desires earnestly to see in
every Church-congregation, men and women whose hearts are after God and whose
lives are true to the Word. This has moved him to labour through his ministry
in this our Anglican Diocese of
In these days of Church doctrinal
fuzziness, the Church needs sound teaching on her doctrine. And truly, a great deal
of scripturally sound teaching is highly needed in our churches today, more
than ever before. This is why we happily welcome this book. It is a most timely
and well-written booklet, which explains the fundamentals of the Christian
Faith direct from the Bible. In
addition, the author has devoted some pages to an illuminating treatise on
Christian water Baptism, as well as publicised the confession of the historic
Anglican Church commonly called the 39 Articles of Faith.
Dr. I. U. Ibeme is our Diocesan
Evangelism Secretary as well as our Diocesan Chairman for the EFAC; he is also
running an ordination course at St. Francis of
Having carefully read through the
whole work myself, I confidently recommend it to all Christians, both Clergymen
and Laymen: for private and public reading and Bible Study alike. I
particularly recommend that all the Churches in the Anglican Diocese of
Maiduguri utilize this book in their Bible studies. It is apologetic enough as
far as the Anglican Doctrine is concerned.
May this booklet be received with
open mind in every quarter by all and sundry, so that God would enlighten every
heart through its contents to the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour
Amen.
Rt. Rev E.K. Mani JP
Anglican Bishop of
June 1991.
Thanks be to God and Father of Our
Lord Jesus Christi for the opportunity and Grace given me to prepare these
studies (which the Maiduguri Diocesan EFAC has taken up as the copyright owner
and publisher). My earnest prayer is that
God would bless this effort and use it to turn the hearts of men and women
after Him and so enlarge and enlighten His Church in the knowledge of the
Truth.
THE BASIC DOCTRINE OF CHRIST is
only but a mini attempt to set forth didactically to this generation the
fundamentals of the one, holy, universal, and apostolic Faith in Christ. It is
an introductory revisit of the BIBLE BASED historic faith of the Reformation,
preached down the centuries by many Evangelical Saints including Anglican
Evangelicals. Biblically Sound Christian doctrine is lacking today in our older
and newer Churches alike. Much of current understanding and preaching by many
Christians today is Scripturally lopsided and much is totally repugnant to the
Word of God. Much is man –centred
rather than God-centred, much is wantonness than obedience, and much is
self-esteem than humility. We often see
the Word of God regrettably mishandled: Sometimes due to ignorance and
sometimes due to insincerity; sometimes due to unbelief and sometimes due to
unbridled enthusiasm; sometimes due to malice and sometimes due to
stubbornness; sometimes due to reactionary disorderly emotionalism and
sometimes due to reactionary cold formalism.
No one cares about what God wants anymore. No one cares!
Many a time, we are suffocated
with impetuous presentation of private conceptions, superstitious beliefs, and
personal experiences “supported” with incoherent out-of-context manipulation of
the Word of God! May the Lord have mercy.
It is high time we revived the
ancient doctrine of Christ and the traditions of the apostles in its purest
from. It is time we reformed the
Churches. It is time we built ONLY on
the foundation of the Apostles and the Prophets, with Christ as the Chief
Corner Stone. The Church of today is so
oblivious of the past that she has totally neglected the fellowship of the
Saints of old, both in doctrine and in traditions. But Christianity that
differs much from that of the first four centuries AD is not likely to be
Christianity at all. And faith based on any authority other than that which
agrees wholly with the Scriptures is not likely to be the Christian Faith at
all. THE CHURCH MUST REFORM HER FAITH
AND JUDGE HER TRADTIONS ON THE BASIS OF THE SUPREME AUTHORITY OF THE
SCRIPTURES.
These didactic follow-up studies
are intended to impart the sound biblical doctrine of Christ, primarily to the
new convert in the world of today. We also believe that through these outlines
God would mercifully grant that erroneous beliefs and teachings be corrected,
true faith strengthened, backsliders exhorted unto faith, many souls drawn to
the feet of Christ our Lord, and Saints furnished unto every good work.
In order to put things right and
make matters clear concerning the teachings and practices of the historic
Anglican Church (and other historic reformed Churches), the supplements on
Christian Water Baptism and the Thirty-Nine Articles of Faith have been
included in this booklet.
May God by His grace, confirm His
Word of Truth in His elect Saints, even in these last days; that they no longer
be blown about by every wind of doctrine, but rather be established in the true
Faith till the appearing of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (Amen).
I wish to acknowledge the
tremendous help and constructive criticisms from the leaders and Bible Study
teachers of EFAC in particular, as well as those of Sunday School Bible Study
of our Church.
INTRODUCTION
When one is converted to
Christ, he/she is like a new born baby who needs to be weaned and trained until
he/she becomes capable of fending for himself/herself, as well as for others
who need help and support. This set of follow-up Bible study outlines is
designed to help the new convert gain the necessary BIBLE BASED footing within
the shortest possible time on which to build for further Christian growth unto
maturity.
They are also meant for
the old Christian who needs or desires a resume of the Basic Doctrine of
Christ. For the Bible study teacher, the outlines serve as a ready tool.
These studies should be
preferably taught didactically, in the order they are arranged in this booklet,
reading out the Bible references as much as possible. Each study may be broken
up for two or more sessions depending on time allotted to each or be lumped into four as indicated, especially for revision or
retreat session with older Christians – such would mean longer time per
session.
May the Lord be with you
and enlighten you as you study on. Amen.
PART ONE
THE NEW CREATION
STUDY 1
THE NEW BIRTH AND ITS ASSURANCE
A.
THE NEW
BIRTH
When
you REPENT of your sinfulness, and BELIEVE in Jesus Christ as the Son of God - resting on Him as the only Saviour, who rose from the dead (Rom. 10:9), and
receiving Him as Lord of your whole
life - then you are: justified
through Christ’s blood (Rom 3:22-28) and born
anew into the Kingdom of God by the
working of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-7). This gives you the power to become a
son and heir to the
To
believe in Jesus Christ as the Saviour and Lord (2Pet. 1:11) and the ONLY WAY
to eternal life (John 10:9; 14:6) is to agree with all that he is and all that
He said and did. To believe is to trust completely, adhere and rely absolutely.
Through such FAITH in Jesus, you are saved by HIS GRACE (Heb. 11:6; Eph. 2:8)
if you truly believe. HOWEVER, DO YOU TRUELY BELIEVE? ARE YOU BORN AGAIN OF THE
SPIRIT? IF NOT, WHY NOT BELIEVE AND BE SAVED (Acts. 16:31)
Now
since you are saved (or born again), you are a child of God, indwelled by the
Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13; Rom. 8:9) and therefore baptised with the Spirit into
Christ (1Cor. 12:13).
All
your desire and whole life is now for Christ alone (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:12,13). Yours is now a life of CONFIDENT TRUST in and
COMMITTED OBEDIENCE to our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.
B.
ASSURANCE
OF SALVATION
Assurance
is that certainty that enables you to say: “Yes, I am born again, I am saved”.
To have this assurance, the new birth must have taken place in your life (as
explained above). Assurance requires FAITH in (i.e. confident trust in and
committed obedience to) God and His Word. Assurance of Salvation is to be
certain; that your sins are forgiven (1John 1:8,9);
that you have been justified (i.e. counted righteous) freely by God’s grace
(Rom 5:1-2), through Christ’s death and blood (Rom. 5:8,9); and that you posses
eternal life now (1John 5:11-13).
Your
assurance and certainty that if you die NOW or if Christ comes NOW, you shall
go to heaven and reign with Him is based on:-
(i)
The Word of God:
-
God has said
that you have eternal life so far as you believe in Christ. So no one
(including the Devil) can change this fact. Praise God! (John 10:27-29; 1John
5:13.)
-
It is no longer
what you feel but what you KNOW that God who cannot lie
has promised.
(ii)
The witness of
the Holy Spirit:
-
The Holy Spirit
gives you a deep convincing impression in your inner man that you are a child
of God. (Rom. 8:16).
-
It is to make
you a Son that God has given you His
Holy Spirit (Rom 8:15; Gal. 4:6; 1John 4:13).
(iii)
The Change of
your Life.
-
Your affections,
attitudes and values have taken a totally new turn towards godliness (2Cor.
5:17; Tit. 2:11,12).
-
You now greatly
desire the Word of God (1Peter 2:2).
-
You love the
fellowship of Christians (1John 3:14; Heb 10:25).
-
You desire to
share your faith with others (Ps. 40:10).
C. PRESSING ON:
- Now
that you are sure about your salvation, live as one who is saved. Be pure and
righteous like Jesus (1John 3:2-9)
- Also be
careful so that you do not fall (1Cor. 10:12), because it is possible to fall
away and even lose your salvation (Rom 11; 12-23; Matt, 5: 13, 8; 12, John 15:
3-6, 1Cor. 3:17), if you do not allow it to take root (Matt. 13: 20-22).
- To
stand and grow, you must continue in the study of GOD'S Word, in prayer, in
participation in fellowships, Church services and Holy Communion, and in witnessing
for Christ. (Act. 2; 40-42).
- Always
remember that as a CHRISTIAN, you
are saved (i.e. born again and indwelled by HOLY SPIRIT) so then you are the
temple of the Holy Spirit and bought at a precious price to become God’s
property. Any sin committed as a CHRISTIAN is GRIEVOUS because it is a misuse
of GOD’S OWN PROPERTY. (1Cor. 6:19, 20). So, keep yourself pure (1Tim 5: 22b).
NOTE: BE STEADFAST;
PRESS ON TOWARDS THE MARK
(PHIL. 3:14).
STUDY 2
INTRODUCTION
“If any man
be in Christ, he is a new creature” (2 Cor. 5:17).
For we are his workmanship created in
Christ Jesus unto good works”. (Eph. 2:10).
The
NEW life is a totally revolutionised life; it is completely different from the
old life as the Word of God says:
“For the Grace of God that bringeth
salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world, looking for the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Tit 2:11-13).
The
NEW BIRTH produces NEW LIFE. The new life is the Spirit-controlled life, the
sanctified life, the Victorious Christian life. It is a life of HOLINESS,
HUMILITY, BOLDNESS, POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT and HOPE OF HEAVEN. So that the old Natural man gives
way totally for the New Spiritual man, and you could say as Paul:
“I am crucified with Christ,
nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I
now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and
gave himself for me (Gal. 2:20; see also Rom 6:6; 11-14).
A. SANCTIFICATION:
This
includes all that HAS BEEN DONE (at Regeneration) and all that IS BEING DONE
thereafter to bring you into PERFECTION IN HOLINESS in Christ Jesus.
(i)
You have been
Sanctified: -
-
By God the Father
(1Thes 5:23; Jude 1).
-
By God the Son
(Heb. 2:11)
-
By God the Holy
Spirit (1Peter 1:2; Rom 15:16).
-
By the Blood of
Christ (Heb. 13.12).
-
By your faith in
Christ (Acts 26:18).
(ii)
You are being
Sanctified: -
-
By all in (1) above continuing to work.
-
Through the WORD
which is THE TRUTH (2Cor.3:18; John 17:17).
-
Through
chastening or discipline (Heb.12: 10,11).
-
Through complete
surrender (Rom. 6:11,19).
-
Through personal
cleansing and mortification of all fleshly tendencies (2Cor. 7:1; Col. 3:
5-14).
-
By looking unto
Jesus and setting our affections on things above (Heb. 12:1-2; Col. 3:1-4)
(iii)
Maintain your
Sanctification: -
Having seen all that work together to sanctify you
then, seek and maintain this Holiness (1Thes. 4:3,4) by:
-
Cultivating the
habit of a Spirit-led life (Gal. 5:16, 23).
-
Repenting of,
confessing and abhorring any acts you ever realise to be sinful (1John 1: 8,9;
Rev. 2:4,5)
-
Resisting the
Devil (i.e. Not yielding to temptations) James 4:7;
1Peter 5:8, 9.
-
Continuing in
the Scriptures, in prayer, in fellowship and in witnessing (Acts 2:42).
(iv) Understand your Sanctification and Holiness:-
Remember
always that God has BY HIS GRACE numbered you NOW as a member of the communion
of the Saints (Phil 1:1; Col. 1:12) or the Holy Brotherhood (Heb. 3:1 which is
the true Holy, Universal (Catholic) and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. This
does not mean that you are by your works already perfect (Phil. 3:12-17); nor
is it because you are without sin or can no longer sin (1 John 1:8-10); but
because Christ’s righteousness has been imputed to your account. This was made
possible by God’s grace (
B. SEPARATION AND
CONSECRATION:
Sanctification comprises:-
(i) SEPARATION and CLEANSING from sin and the
world (2Cor. 6:17; Rom 12:2). That is being IN
the world but not OF the world (John 17:14-18; 1John 2:15; 16).
(ii) CONSECRATION
(by you) unto ACCEPTANCE and USE (by
God) for the Lord. This means dedicating your whole self and life to God in
absolute trust and surrender so that He could freely use you to any extent in
accomplishing His will and pleasure (Rom. 12:1; Gal. 2:20).
C. SHINING THE LIGHT OF THE
NEW LIFE (Matt. 5:14-16)
Our Lord Jesus Christ has given us the principles of the New
Sanctified Life in the SERMON ON THE MOUNT (Matt. 5, 6 and 7). Make out time to
study these three chapters.
Here are some principles of Separation (Dan 1:8):-
(i)
I must separate from any
anti-Christian activity (e.g. Secret Societies, false doctrine or HERESY,
Church division or SCHISM, Idolatry etc).
(ii)
I must separate from anything that
could destroy my testimony (e.g. Drinking, Smoking, Seductive Paintings and
Fashion, Clubs, Paganish and immoral dancing, Wild
shows, Unwise use of the tongue, Quarrelling, and other appearances of evil) 1
Thes. 5:22.
(iii)
I must separate from any thing that
will lead me to sin (Mark 9:43-48); and from ALL SINS (1Cor. 6:9; 10; Gal.
5:19-21; Rom. 1:29-31; Rev. 21:8, 2Tim. 3:1-5.
(iv)
Not all things are expedient and
necessary for me (1Cor. 10:23). Therefore in exercising my liberty, I must
first Ask: -
-
What would Jesus do? (Gal. 2:20).
-
Will this glorify God? (1Cor.
10:31).
-
Will this edify the brethren and
myself? (1Cor. 10:33); Rom. 14:19).
-
Am I being careful? (Phil. 2:12)
-
Am I showing good virtue? (Phil.
4:8,9
-
Am I acting selflessly in love? (
(v)
I must obey all scriptural
commandments and instructions (e.g Men should uncover their heads while Women
should cover their heads when praying – 1Cor. 11:4-6; or Love your enemies –
Luke 6:27; etc.)
(vi)
I shall not seek my desire nor the
desire of others but only the desire of God according to His Word in all things
(John 4:34; 5:30).
(vii)
I must be convinced about what I do.
(“If in doubt, don’t” – Rom 14:5,23; Heb. 11:6),
because I will give account of myself to God (Rom. 14:12; 2Cor. 5:10; Jas.
1:8).
(viii) I must not be too rash in judging those who disagree with me nor will I
cause my brother to stumble (
NOTE: GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY AND YOUR
SPIRIT
(2COR. 5:20)
PART TWO
STUDY 3
INTRODUCTION
We firmly believe IN ONE GOD (not three Gods) who has
revealed Himself to us in THREE PERSONS or THREE PERSONAL MANIFESTATIONS –
The Father, The Son and The Holy
Spirit. The Trinity could be likened to water which exists in three forms:- Liquid water, Solid ice and Gaseous steam.
Some people find it difficult to accept the mystery of
Trinity, however, the Bible and the Apostolic Universal Church has always
taught and believed it, and we must believe it if we are to be saved. (John
10:2-33,36,38-40; 14:23.26; 15:26; 16; Mark 1:10,11; Luke 3:22; Gen. 1:1-3, 26;
John 1:1-4, 14; Matt. 28:19; Heb. 9:14; 1Peter 1:2; 2Cor. 13:14; Matt. 28:19;
Acts 2:38-40). The word “TRINITY” is not in the Bible but it is a theological
term meaning “Three–in-One”. Hence, the phrase Triune God means Three-In-One
God. You as a man who is in the image of God may be said to be three-in–one,
for you are spirit, soul and body (1Thes 5:23); yet you are not three different
you’s but ONE you. Again, a man may be a Pastor, a Doctor and Father, Yet that cannot make him three; he still remains one man.
A. THE DEITY OF THE THREE
PERSONS.
|
ATTRIBUTE Called God Eternal Omnipotent Omniscient Omnipresent |
FATHER John 8:54 Psalm 90:2 1 Pet. 1:5 Psalm 147:5 Jere. 23:24 |
THE SON John 1:1,14 Rev. 1:18,17 Matt. 28:18 Rev. 2:23 Matt. 18:20 |
THE HOLY SPIRIT Acts. 5:3,4 Heb. 9:14 Rom. 15:19 1 Cor. 2:11 Psalm 139:7 |
B. THE TRINITY ACTING IN UNITY
(i)
In Creation: -
-
The Father spoke (Gen 1:3).
-
The Son was the Word (John 1:1)
-
The Holy Spirit moved on the Water
(Gen 1:2)
(ii) In
Redemption:-
-
The Father sent the Son for us (John
3:16) and chose us (Eph. 1:3, 4).
-
The Son offered Himself, finished
the work for us (John 19:30) and redeemed us (Eph. 1:7,8).
-
The Holy Spirit was the means of
Christ’s offering (Heb. 9:14) and our seal of guarantee (Eph. 1:13,14.
(iii) In
Regeneration:-
-
The Father accepts us as His sons
(1John 3:1)
-
The Son Cleanses
us with His Blood (Eph. 1:7).
-
The Holy Spirit begets us as sons of
God (John 3:5) by baptising us into Christ’s Body (1Cor. 12:13) as He comes to
dwell in us (
(iv)
In Prayer:-
-
The Father receives our request
(John 16:23)
-
The Son is the Name in which we pray
(John 16:23).
-
The Holy Spirit directs us in
petitions (Rom. 8:26).
The mystery of the truth about The Trinity is great! As
Christians we believe in, and worship “one God in Three Persons”, and “Three
Persons in one God” - The Father Almighty, the Son Jesus Christ who is both God
and Man (God, of the same substance with the Father, begotten before all
worlds; and Man, of the substance of His mother, born in the world), and the
Holy Spirit who is of the same substance with the Father and the Son,
proceeding from the Father and the Son.
C THE HOLY SPIRIT AND YOU
God is everywhere yet the Son sits on the
right hand of the Father and is with the Father on the throne in Heaven, the
Holy Spirit has come down to build up and perfect the Church of which you are a
part (Acts 2:23). Without the Holy
Spirit, neither you nor the Church can do anything. The Holy Spirit is the
Comforter, Counsellor, Helper, Standby, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener
(John 16:7).
The Holy Spirit is “He” not “It”. He is the
Third Person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit has intellect (1Cor. 2:11), will
(1Cor. 12:11) and affection (Eph. 4:30; Rom. 15:30), so He is a Person (John
14:26; 15:26).
The Holy Spirit is somebody not something and He:-
1. Indwells (1 Cor. 3:16).
2. Interceded (Rom. 8:26.
3. Speaks (Acts 28:25).
4. Leads (Rm. 8:14).
5. Guides (John 16:13:13).
6. Moves (Gen. 1:2).
The Holy Spirit is
important in your life as a believer
(i)
He gives you supernatural GIFTS and
POWER for SERVICE. Acts 1:8; 1Cor. 12:7-12, 28-30; Rom 12:6-8; Eph. 4:11 (Over
20 Spiritual gifts are named in the New Testament).
(ii)
He guides and directs you in all
things and into all truth. John 16:13; Matt. 10:19, 20; Rom. 8:14; Acts 10:19,20.
(iii)
He comforts, counsels, helps and
controls you. John 14:26; Acts 16:6; Rom. 8:26.
(iv)
He produces His FRUIT of Christian
Virtues in you. Gal. 5:22-2; 1 Cor. 13:2 Peter 1:5-8.
(a)
Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
We cannot do without the Holy Spirit. When you repented and
believed in Christ, you were sealed with, Baptised with, born again of, and
indwelled by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13; 1Cor. 12:13; 2Cor. 1:22; Prov. 1:23;
Rom 8:9; Acts 2:38; 1John 4:13-15; Gal. 3:14). Since you have been thus
REGENERATED with the Holy Spirit, allow Him to do all His work FULLY in your
life everywhere and always (Rm. 8:14; Gal 5:25).
All true believers have been baptised with (i.e. born of)
the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 12:13), yet we all are urged to BE FILLED CONTINUALLY
with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18) and to earnestly desire His gifts (1Cor
12:31); to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:25) and to pursue after His fruit (2Peter
1:5-9). From time to time, as often as the need arises and conditions are met,
Christians are by God’s grace FILLED AGAIN AND AGAIN, MORE AND MORE with the
Holy Spirit who dwells in them. You are
filled when you yield or surrender yourself to the gracious CONTROL of the Holy
Spirit: -
ii.
By earnestly asking in penitent
faith (Acts 4:2-31; Luke 11:13). Or
iii.
By readily acting in obedient faith
(Acts 4:8; Mark 13:11).
Being filled is a matter of the one and same indwelling Holy
Spirit getting more of us not our getting more of Him. Being filled with the
Holy Spirit has sometimes been erroneously called “the baptism of the Holy
Spirit” But following the Scriptures, the Spirit baptism happens at, and is the
same as the New birth, it is true for all true believers today. (Acts 2:38;
1Cor. 12:13). The Baptism is once but
filling is often and progressive (Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17; 13:9; Eph. 5:18;
Rom. 15:13,14).
b) Evidences of
Being Filled
Whenever you are filled with the Holy Spirit you know
because there will follow an instantaneous upsurge and overflow of grace from
the indwelling fountain of the Holy Spirit, (John 4:14; 7:38; Eph. 5:18-20,
Col. 1:9-11) leading to:-
(i)
Experience of Power (Acts 4:8,
31;Col. 1:11) and/or
(ii)
Manifestation of some Gifts (Acts
2:4; 10:46; 13:9-11; Col. 1:9).
So it is against the Scriptures to teach today that after
being born again of the Spirit, one should thereafter be baptised with the
Spirit. It is even more erroneous to teach that the initial evidence of that
baptism is the speaking in tongues. Neither being baptised with the Spirit
(Which is the Newbirth) nor being filled with the Spirit (which occurs many
times after Newbirth), is always accompanied with
tongues. Though Tongues is meant to be found AMONGST believers Mk. 16:17) yet
it is never given to ALL believers (1Cor. 12:30) but only to SOME (1Cor. 12:10)
just as any other gift. The gift of Tongues enables our spirits to sing or
speak out mysterious prayers of thanksgiving and adoration to God (1 Cor. 14:2,
14-7; Acts 11:15; 10:46). Tongues are not meant for speaking messages or
prophecies to believers (1Cor. 14:2, 22). This is the much we can get out of
the Scriptures, anything more than this could only be a modern, man-made
doctrine which is not of Christ.
D. KNOWING GOD
We should not merely believe but also KNOW God. To know God
experientially is to have Eternal Life (John 17:3). God is unapproachably HOLY
(1Tim. 6:16) but He graciously reaches out to us in LOVE. God is ALMIGHT and
invariably FAITHFUL. In His holiness, God is JUST; and by His Love, He is our
JUSTIFIER through Christ (Rom. 3:26). Our God is a Wonder!
When you believe in the Son of God and surrender to the
Father’s will, God shall work out His divine eternal PURPOSE in your life and
MANIFEST Himself to you through the Holy Spirit which He has given to all who
love Him. (John 14:23; Acts 5:32).
To worship God in SPIRIT AND TRUTH (John 4:24) is to really KNOW Him
personally in our daily lives through the fellowship of the indwelling Holy
Spirit (Eph. 1:17-19). To know God is to have communion with Him personally and
always.
NOTE: GRIEVE NOT AND QUENCH NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT
(EPH. 4:30; 1THES. 5:19).
INTRODUCTION:
We do not worship the Bible but we study it, believe it and
obey it as the Word of God.
All Scripture (every word and punctuations), were inspired
by God (2 Tim. 3:16). No Scripture contains any private interpretation for Holy
men of God spoke only as the Holy Spirit moved them (2Peter 1:20-21; 1Cor.
2:12, 16: 2Peter 3:2, 15-16). The Holy Spirit is the Author of the Bible but He
wrote through Holy men whom He guided in thought, phrase and words. The Holy
Spirit also took cognisance of the personality, vocation, experience and
language of these Holy men.
The Bible is the written Word of God. It reveals to us the
ways of God (i.e. His words and works) in carrying out His Redemptive purpose
for man. The Bible was written by the INSPIRATION of God and every jot and
title therein shall not pass away but must be fulfilled. (Matt. 5:18; 24:35).
The Bible is the Word of God INSCRIPTURATE (I.e. written form) while Jesus
Christ is the Word of God INCARNATE (i.e. human form). The creation is standing
on God’s Word (2Peter 3:5-7). Our faith depends on the Word (Rom. 10:17; 1Peter
1:23).
As the Word of God, the Bible is authentic (Psa. 119:160a),
infallible (Isa. 55:11), effectually active (John 6:63; Heb. 4:12) and
sanctifying (John 15:3; 17:17).
The Bible was written in 3 different languages, on 3
different continents, over a period of more than 1,500 years through over 40
inspired Holy men (Kings, Priests, Doctors, Lawyers, Statements, Businessmen,
Fishermen). There are 66 books in the Bible – 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in
the New Testament.
Despite all these diversities, there is no contradiction in
the Bible. Many lives have been transformed by this Word of God over the ages.
Praise God for making this Book of Books available to us.
A THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
As you leaf through the Bible now, you will see
(i)
The Old Testament (39 Books).
(a)
LAW: 5 Books of Moses (Genesis to
Deuteronomy)
(b)
HISTORY: 12 Books on how
(c)
WISDOM AND SONGS: 5 Books, including
the Old Testament Hymn book called Psalms (Job to Song of Songs).
(d)
PROPHECY: 17 Books of Prophecy about
(ii)
The New Testament (27 Book)
(a)
GOSPELS: 4 Books of the Life and Ministry of Jesus
Christ on earth (Mathew to John).
(b)
HISTORY: 1 Book on the Ministry of
the Holy Spirit in the early Church (Acts).
(c)
EPISTLES: 21 Letters written to the
Churches by the Apostles and the brothers of Jesus. Paul wrote 13 and probably
Hebrews (Romans to Hebrews; James to Jude).
(d)
PROPHECY: 1 Book on the end-times
and the second coming of Christ (Revelation).
NOTE:
The Apocrypha is not part of God’s Word. The Jews, Jesus,
the Apostles and the early Church did not regard Apocrypha as God’s Word or as
‘Inspired’.
B. BIBLE STUDY AND MEDITATION
(Joshua 1:8)
You must study the Bible because it is the spiritual manual
and equipment for Victorious Holy Living (2Tim 3:16,17;
Eph 6:17; Ps. 119:11, 130; Heb. 4:12; John 6:63) as well as the spiritual food
(1Peter 2:2).
(i)
Principles of Bible Study (Pslm
119:18)
(a)
Study with open mind (Heb. 3:15).
(b)
Study with surrendered will and
prepared heart (Ezra 7:10).
(c)
Study with faith to believe (Heb.
4:2;) Psm. 119:128).
(d)
Mark and take down notes
(e)
Make careful use of commentaries
various versions, concordance and other Bible helps (e.g. Daily Guide)
(f)
Memorise some key verses (Col. 3:16;
Psm 119:16).
(ii)
Mediate along these lines (Psm
1:1-2)
(a)
What does the passage say about God
the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit?
(b)
How does it apply to me as a
Christian?
(c)
Is there error and sin to avoid or
example to follow?
(d)
Is there a promise to claim or
command to obey?
Endeavour to get your own good copy of the Bible,
prayerfully study, and meditate on at least one chapter a day. Start with
Mark’s Gospel, then John’s, then Acts. You should finish them before the end of
this follow-up series. Then study other books and chapters, also topical themes
and Bible characters too.
NOTE: DESIRE THE PURE MILK OF THE WORD (1PETER 2:2).
PART THREE
STUDY 5
INTRODUCTION:
Prayer is communicating with God. Communication means
speaking and listening for the response. Whenever, you pour out the whole
burden in your heart before God the Father (Luke 22:44) in adoration and
worship, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, you are praying. In this
you must be led by the Holy Spirit, you must have confidence and faith (with
all humility) that you will receive all blessings due to you according to the
promises of God (Mark 11:23-24; Matt. 17:20). God is more ready to hear our
prayers than we are to call upon Him (Isa 65:24), if we love and obey Him.
The Holy Spirit leads us to pray in accordance with God’s
will (Rom. 8:26,27; 1John 5:14-15.
It is only through the mediation of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ that you now have access to the Father (Eph. 2:18; 1Tim 2:5), therefore
you have to pray in the name of Jesus Christ (John 14:13; 14; 15:16). There is
no other name (Acts 4:12) and at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow
(Phil. 2:9-11).
When you come to God in prayers, you must first completely
forgive everybody and anybody that has wronged you (Matt. 6:15). If you do not
do this, God may not forgive you your sins and if you have any sins, God may
not hear your prayers (Ps. 66:18,18; Isa 59:1,2; 1John
3:22).
A. WHEN, WHERE AND HOW MIGHT
WE PRAY (LUKE 11:1)
- You
may pray anywhere (Tim 2:8) and anytime (1Thes. 5:17). But pray in due order as
prescribed in the Scriptures (Matt 6:9-14), so as not to displease God (Lev.
10:1-3).
- You
may pray in the closet. That is alone and quietly in a secret place or room; or
secretly in your heart (Matt. 6:6).
- You
may also pray together with other Christians in small groups (Mk. 18:20; Acts
16:25) or in larger groups (Acts 1:14; 2:42).
- You
may pray audibly (Luke 22:41,42; Acts 7:59, 60) or
silently (1Sam 1.13-15), depending on circumstances (1Cor. 14:23,27,28).
Always
let the Holy Spirit lead and direct you on when, where, and how to pray and be
wise and obedient (Eph. 5:15; 1Cor. 14:14-20). Let all things be done decently
and in order unto edifying and without confusion. Burning of candles and
incenses have no scriptural basis. Cabbalistic methods
and uses of “secrets” of the Psalms are unscriptural too.
B. THE BALANCED PRAYER (MATT.
6:9-13).
Prayer is not just making requests. A balanced prayer should
comprise: (A.C.T.S.)
1.
Adoration: Always start your prayers by
yielding your whole being to God in praise of His name and in worship, for He
is the Lord God Almighty, Holy and full of majesty (1 Chron. 29:11-13). Admire
God in words and in songs too, as Paul and Silas did (Acts 16:25). Use
Hymnbooks or Choruses.
2.
Confession: If it is true that you have been
born again or been saved, you are now one of the Saints in Christ (Col. 1:12;
Phil. 4:21,22). But you are not yet perfect (Eph.
4:12,13). Nor should you claim perfection (Phil 3:12-17). Humbly see yourself
as unprofitable (Luke 17:10). Depending only on God’s grace and Christ’s
righteousness through faith (Rom. 10:1-4; 3:24). Nevertheless (Rom 10:1-4;
3:24). Nevertheless, sin should no longer have dominion over you (Rom. 6:12-14)
nor should you sin at all, (1 John 3:9) because you are the temple of the Holy
Spirit.
However, if you sin, the Holy Spirit, in you, will quickly
point it out for you to humbly confess and ask God for forgiveness with true
repentance (1John 1:8-10; 2:1). God is faithful and just to forgive you and
cleanse you. You should not go back to such sins. God is able to forget any
forgiven sin. (Heb. 8:12).
3.
Thanksgiving: Always remember to thank God for
all His blessings; for His grace, love and for answered prayers. Thank him for the problems around you. Thank
Him in Faith, knowing that He is willing and able to answer you and solve all
your problems (Eph. 5:20; Phil. 4:6).
4.
Supplication
(a) Intercession – Pray for other people’s problems.
Intercede for the Church and her leaders and ministers. Pray for the nation and
her rulers. Pray for sinners (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
(b) Petition – Pray for yourself and for all
problems that come your way. Pray for all your needs and desires (Phil 4:6).
Re-dedicate yourself to God (2 Cor. 4:16).
Pray
with faith – that is in accordance with the promises of God and in the will of
God, believing God without any doubt in your mind that God will take care of
ALL your problems. (Phil. 4:19; 1John 5:15). Pray as
circumstances demand and as the Spirit leads. Your prayer must not always
contain all the above components, nor must it be in the above order.
C.
FASTING (Isa 58:6-9; Matt. 6:16-18)
Sometimes you may need to fast and pray to seek God’s face
and know His will or to persevere for a delayed answer or for some serious
circumstances (Dan 9:3; Acts 13:2,3). As with prayers, fasting should be only
between you and God not for show-off, not for men to see (Matt. 6:5, 16-18).
But Christians can fast together (Acts 13:2,3).
D.
ANSWER TO PRAYER:
God answers every prayer made as explained above. The answer
may be immediate (Acts 16:24-26) or delayed (Dan 10:12-14) or a better
alternative (2 Cor. 12:7-10). God’s Word, circumstances and the inner Witness
will help you know when and what God answers. Prayers made in a strange or
unscriptural manner may bring the wrath of God, instead of His mercy on you. (1
Cor. 15:13,15; Lev. 10:1-3).
E. DEVOTION TIME (QUIET TIME)
This is the time you set apart to study and meditate on the
Bible and to pray. God speaks to you through His Word, purifying you, and you
speak to God, renewing your strength to serve Him.
Discipline yourself to make out a time when you can have
this fellowship with God everyday. A
time that you will not sleep off; a time you will not be tired; a time you will
not be interrupted or disturbed by noise. And at a suitable place. It may be
early in the morning or late in the night. There and then, be alone with God in
Bible study and prayer everyday.
NOTE: PRAY ALWAYS, WITHOUT FAINTING (LUKE 18:1).
STUDY 6
INTRODUCTION
Afflictions or tribulations constitute a necessary vital
aspect of the Christian life experience. The Bible teaches us that we must pass
through tribulations before we enter God’s Heavenly kingdom (Acts 14:22). As
long as we live this present life we must be tempted, but God makes the way of
escape for His children (1Cor.
Praise God for you now know that when you are in afflictions
or tribulations, but through self-examination you bring yourself to stand at
the centre of God’s will, you should rejoice because God is with you and
victory is yours.
To overcome means to resist through endurance (2Tim. 4:5;
A. FORMS OF AFFLICTIONS
(I) TEMPTATIONS: Enticement to sin.
God does not tempt anyone (Jas. 1:3).
Satan is the tempter (Matt. 4:3,10). He has the right to tempt any human on
earth – Christ was tempted by him (Matt. 4:1-11) – even if you were full of the
Holy Spirit. However, God does not allow him to tempt us beyond our capacity
(Job.
(ii) TRIALS:
Testing to Prove Obedience. God
tries, not Satan. The Commandments and promises of God were given for the trial
of our obedience to God. (Exc.
15:25b-26;
(iii) CHASTENING: Child Training or Discipline. This is
another work God does on His sons (Heb. 12:6-10). He allows certain difficult
circumstances around us to check our excesses and teach us self-control and
mature spiritual character. Paul was chastened with a thorn in the flesh (2Cor.
12:7-10). God used the temptation of Job to chasten him (Job 42:1-6). The
result is that they turned out to be pruned to bring forth fruit (John 15:2). God’s grace is usually
abundantly sufficient to us in every affliction (2Cor. 12:9), so we must never
despair nor be discouraged (2Cor. 4:8).
(iv) PERSECUTIONS:
Maltreatment for Christ’s sake. This
happens when unbelievers (both non-Christians and ignorant Church goers John
16:1-3), under the manipulations of Satan harass us so as to injure, grieve or
frustrate us because of our belief in, and obedience to Jesus Christ (Eph.
6:11-13). However, you must work circumspectly so as not to suffer
unnecessarily because of your foolishness (Eph. 5:15-17) nor as an evil-doer.
(1 Peter 4: 14-16).
The Apostles were persecuted (Acts 12:1-3). Surely, nothing
can separate use from the love of Christ. We shall overcome (Rom
(v)
DISGUISED BLESSING: These are those
instances when God moves in mysterious ways to perform His wonders. All things work together for our good, if we
love God. (Rom
(vi)
SACRIFICES AND DIFFICULTIES: We
might make some sacrifices to serve God better. Sometimes material needs or
other obstacles may stand on our way in life.
However, as long as we are doing the will of God, then we are all right.
We shall surely overcome (Acts
(vii)
BACKSLIDING: Growing cold in the faith and losing interest in the Lord, the
Bible, prayer, attendance to fellowships, and witnessing for Christ. This may
be due to yielding to various temptations, failures in trials, discouragement
in chastenings, despair in persecutions, or general
lack of knowledge. Nevertheless, if you return, God will always heal you (Jer.
B. SOURCES OF AFFLICTIONS:
As you have seen, afflictions or tribulations can come from
anywhere: your desire (Jas 1:14,15; 1John 2:16), the world (2Tim. 4:10);
pleasures of the flesh (Neh. 13:26), Satan (Matt. 4:1), unbelieving friends
(Prov. 1:10), Christian friends (Matt. 16:22,23), secret and presumptuous sins
(Psm 19:12, 13), pride (Prov. 16:18), etc.
C RIGHT ATTITUDE TO
AFFLICTIONS
How to overcome
(i)
Examine yourself, be in God’s will,
remain faithful (Rev. 2:10, 11; 2Cor. 13:5).
(ii)
Seek God’s guidance and
strengthening in prayers (Matt. 26:41).
(iii)
Fear not but flee if necessary
(Matt.
(iv)
Be confident and gentle (Rom. 12:14,18; 1Peter 3:15).
(v)
Be patient, be glad, glorify God
(Rom.
(vi)
Endure in hope of God’s deliverance
and blessing (Jas
NOTE: WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS (ROM.
PART FOUR
REACHING OUT
FELLOWSHIP
AND STEWARDSHIP
A.
FELLOWSHIP
The Scriptures teach us that Christianity is personal but
not an every-body-on-his-own affair (1John 1:3). We come to Christ personally,
but we fellowship corporately with the Trinity of the Godhead as well as with
other believers – OUR fellowship. Jesus wants at least two people to GATHER in
His name so that He will go to be in their midst (Matt.
The body is made up of hands, legs, eyes, mouth, belly and
so on, but these do not want to stay separately and alone – in fact they cannot
be – so is the Church, which is Christ’s body (1 Cor. 12:1). If you are a
believer, you are Baptised with the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ
(Eph.
We all should meet regularly, work together, help one another,
whether big or small, everybody contributing all he/she is enabled to do (1Cor.
12:13-27; Rom 12:4-5). We must be joined as one in LOVE Eph. 4:15,16). Since the Holy Spirit has joined us as one, then let
no man put asunder. Gladly attend Christian Fellowships (Psm. 122:1).
Again, the Word of God has commanded us not to forsake
assembling ourselves together to exhort one another (Heb. 10:25). Be obedient
to this commandment and attend Fellowship meetings, Bible study meetings,
prayer meetings, Revival meetings in addition to Sunday service (Acts 2:42). Do
not just attend but contribute and participate actively according to the
ability which God has given you.
Finally, watch and pray so that you do not join a fellowship
that will lead you astray (1John 4:1-3; Eph.
B STEWARDSHIP:
Stewardship means works
of service or ministry.
The Church, to which you belong, is the BODY OF CHRIST.
Christ is the Chief Cornerstone of the foundation of the Church (Eph.
The Church is still under construction, the Holy Spirit is
the perfect constructor, and we believers are the building blocks. The Holy
Spirit is using us to build up a spiritual house till we reach the unity of
faith and the full mature stature of Christ to become a perfect dwelling place
for God (Eph. 2:21,22; 4:13).
The only way to become an effective and useful building
block is to do works of service or Ministry – stewardship (Eph.
In stewardship we show our faithfulness to God (1 Cor. 4:1,2): how much we trust, love
(Mark 12:30) and believe in Him. We use all that He has given us to
serve and please Him always.
C STEPS IN STEWADSHIP
You repented because the Holy Spirit convicted you of sin
(Jon 16:8). You were born again when you believed and the Holy Spirit sealed
you (Eph. 1:13), anointed you (2Cor. 1:21,22),
baptised you into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13) and began to dwell in you
(Rom 8:9) and lead you (Rom 8:14). From then on you began to produce the fruit
of the Holy Sprit and to live a holy life, increasing daily from glory to glory
(2Cor. 4:16; 2Cor. 3:18). Yet our need to be filled and continue being filled
with the Holy Spirit for power to do the work of service (Ministry) as a faithful steward
of our God (Eph. 5:18; 4:11-13).
1. So as you continue to serve God to the best of your ability, be filed
with the Holy Spirit to receive power. The New Testament does not mention only
9 spiritual gifts as some teach today. In fact we can count over 20 gifts of
the Holy Spirit from the following passages: Eph. 4:11,12, 1Cor. 12:7-11,
28-30; Rom. 12:6-8; Acts 2:4,17; 1Peter 4:10,11; and 1Cor. 131-3). All these
gifts are manifestations for ministry in the Spirit’s power.
2. Discover your gifts and ministry. Whatever your gift (or gifts) is, do
not neglect it (1Tim. 4:14) rather fan it into flame (2Tim, 1:6) and magnify it
(Rom. 11:13). But do not be proud about
it (Rom 12:3). Instead, mix it with love to profit everybody.
You can ask for any (or more) gift that you earnestly desire
(1Cor. 12:31). However, remember, the Spirit gives according to His will (1Cor.
12:11). Ask for gifts that will help you to show love to, (1Cor. 14:1), and
edify others (1Cor. 14:12,13).
3. Yield yourself more and more to the control of the Holy Spirit so that
in His power you will produce all the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25; 2Pet.
1:5-8). The greatest and the matrix of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is LOVE
(1Cor. 13). LOVE is the more excellent way (1Cor. 12:31b). Love and love, more and more (Heb. 13:1).
4. Consecrate all your natural privileges to the services of God:-
(a)
Time: (Your working and relaxation time, as
long as you live) Eph. 5:16; Gal. 2:20.
(b)
Talent: (Your natural abilities, like strength,
writing, technique, music, etc) Eccl. 9:10.
(c)
Possession: (the Church and the poor need you
and your substance) Mat. 2:10-11, 2Cor. 9:7,8.
(d)
Position: (in the family, at work, in
business, in the society) Esth. 4:16; 1King 18:4; Luke 12:42, 43.
God will bless you more in this life, and reward you in
heaven (1Tim. 4:8). Do all to glorify God, whom we shall account to (2Cor.
5:10).
NOTE: YOUR LABOUR IS NOT IN VAIN (1COR. 15:58)
INTRODUCTION:
We witness for Christ to win souls for Him (John 1:7). Some
Christians are called to be Evangelists and Preachers, but EVERY Christian is
called to be a witness and a soulwinner. The final speech made by our Lord
Jesus Christ was: -
“Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to
every creatures” (Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:19).
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be
preached in His (Christ’s) name among all nations…and ye are witnesses…. “ (Luke 24:47,48)
This is what evangelism, witnessing and soul winning is all
about.
Witnessing is to DECLARE what you have seen, heard and
handled (which is Christ, the Word of Life) and to BEHAVE as one who has
fellowship with the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and believers in the power of
the Holy Spirit (1John 1:1,3).
Soul winning is to convert a sinner from the error of his
way that his soul may be saved from death (Jas. 5:20); to fish people out of
the water of sin and worldliness into the ship of Christ (Matt. 4:19).
This is all the Church is commissioned to do in this present
age. We were reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and have been given the
Ministry (service or assignment) to preach the Word of Reconciliation to the
World (2Cor. 5:18,19).
If you truly love Christ and have love in your heart, then
this love of Christ will compel you to preach the gospel (1Cor. 9:16; 2Cor.
5:14; John 21:17).
A FOR EFFECTIVE WITNESSING
AND SOULWINNING:
(i)
You must be born again (or saved)
and be sure of your Salvation (see Study One)
(ii) You
must lead a pure life separated and consecrated to Christ both inwardly and in
outward appearance (see study two).
(iii)
You should be filled with the Holy
Spirit and be full of power, leading a Spirit-controlled life, overflowing with
love, patience and humility. Be
compassionate (Acts 20:19,31b).
(iv)
You need to have a fair knowledge of
the Word of God- “rightly dividing the word of Truth”. (2Tim. 2:15). Preach the Word not logic or
morality, but the Word.
(v)
You must be a man or a woman of
prayer; an intercessor. Depend on the power of the Holy Spirit and the power in
the Word to convert the sinner (John 16:8; Heb. 4:12). Count not on your
cleverness, eloquence and logic.
(vi)
You must be prepared for insults,
rejections, hindrances and discouragements. Overcome all these and continue to
love and persuade (2Cor. 5:11a). Avoid argument (2Tim. 2:23). Preach as far as
possible at the given time.
(vii)
Aim ultimately to bring the sinner to
the point of repentance is granted by God through godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10;
Acts 5:31) but this must not always take
place (2 Tim. 2:24,25).
(viii) Be confident, never be ashamed (2Tim. 1:12; Rom. 1:6). You will know
unspeakable joy when you win a soul (Pslm. 126:5,6), Preach with burden and
passion. Reap with joy. It may be better
to preach to one soul alone at a time. Why?
(ix)
Go! Reach out! Do not wait till sinners come to you, Go to
where the sinners are “Go ye….” Do not wait until the sinner speaks up, open
the conversation, establish rapport and preach Christ.
(x)
When a soul is converted pray with
him/her, give him/her some assuring verses from the Bible (See study one).
Ensure that he/she be followed up. Maintain contact, pray and intercede for the
converted soul (Eph. 1:15-17). Make a book, like this one, available to
him/her.
B. THE GOSPEL YOU SHOULD
PREACH IS THAT
(i)
God, by His standard, has concluded
that all have sinned. (Rom 3:23; 5:12; Gal. 3:22).
(ii)
Because all have sinned, God has
condemned all to death (Rom 6:23).
(iii)
On our own, as humans, we cannot do
anything to save ourselves from this condemnation (Isa. 64:6). No amount of good-works can save us; only by
grace through faith in Christ alone must anyone be saved (Eph. 2:8,9; Acts
4:12; 16:31). Only Christ could satisfy God’s just demands for us. This is why Christ came; He came to save us
through love (John 3:16).
(iv)
All should REPENT (Regret one’s
sinfulness), be CONVERTED (Turn to God from one’s sins) and BELIEVE trust in,
rely and depend on) Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God. (Acts 3:19; 20:21; John 20:31). Note that it
is not ourselves who repent and believe but it is God who regenerates and
converts us, helping us by the Word and the Holy Spirit.
(v)
One should confess his sins to God
asking for forgiveness based ONLY on the belief that Jesus has finished the
work of Salvation on his behalf (Rom. 3:22-28); 10:9,10).
(vi)
To be saved one must agree that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, Saviour and Lord. That He was BORN of the virgin Mary, DIED and
shed the atoning blood (Heb. 9:12) on the cross, was BURIED and ROSE on the
third day, ASCENDED into heaven where He sits on the right hand of God. His
resurrection is a proof that He is the Son of God (Acts 17:31; Rom 1:4) and has
finished the work of Salvation (1Cor. 15:3,4; Acts 10:39-41; 1Pet. 3:22).
(vii)
Above all, the convert should
receive Jesus into his/her whole life, allowing Him to direct his/her life and
Lord. And one should believe that one has been saved (i.e. born again)
according to God’s Word (John 1:12; 3:16;
This is the GOODNEWS (Gospel) of Salvation in Christ. The
entire above message could be communicated using only: Romans 5:11; 5:8; 10:9,10,13, and 5:1,2.
You can even use only one verse to win a soul.
NOTE: WOE IS ME IF I PREACH NOT
(1COR. 9:16)
SUPPLEMENT 1
INTRODUCTION
We can only be saved by GRACE through our FAITH only in the Name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12;
Gal. 3:22; Eph. 2:8). Salvation is the Justification and Regeneration unto
Eternal Life in Christ Jesus. Other terms used to describe our salvation in
Christ include: Reconciliation, Redemption, Newbirth and Conversion.
This Salvation or Newbirth is granted to us
through the instrumentality. – Tit 3:3-8; 1John 5:6-9):
1. Of
the Word of God which we perceive, received,
believe and confess (Eph. 5:26;1:13; 1Peter 1:23);
2. Of
the Blood of Jesus Christ which the Godhead sprinkled on our hearts (Heb. 10:22; 9:14; Eph. 1:7);
3. Of
the Holy Spirit which the Godhead has poured
on us to dwell in our hearts (John 3:5,14); and
4. Of
the water which the Church of Christ applied on our bodies in the name of the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, at
Water Baptism (1Pet. 3:21; Matt. 28:19;
John 20:23; Acts 22:16).
(A) WATER
BAPTISM IS A SACRAMENT
Water
Baptism is one of the TWO Sacraments received from the Apostles, as instituted
by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The other is the Lord’s Supper (Also called
Eucharist of Holy Communion).
Sacraments
are holy ordinances instituted by Christ to symbolize the mysteries of grace.
They celebrate key spiritual pledges of the New Covenant which they also
represent as assuring signs and seals. A Sacrament is “an outward and visible
sign of an inward and spiritual grace”.
Water
Baptism signifies the grace of the New Covenant in, and regeneration into
Christ. The Lord’s Supper signifies the grace of deliverance by, and communion
with Christ. Baptism is the sacrament of the one initiatory incorporation or regeneration into Christ, while the Eucharist is the sacrament of the continuous sanctifying participation or
communion in Christ. Whereas Water
Baptism is the equivalent of Circumcision of the Old Testament, the Lord’s
Supper is the counterpart of the Passover Feast. Sacraments then are necessary
and effectual means of grace when received rightly; they also strengthen Faith.
Sacraments are means and marks of God’s Grace towards us, as well as our
response of Faith and obedience towards God. Sacraments do not go without the
Word (Matt. 28:19; Acts 22:16; 1Cor.11:23-26). These Sacraments are divinely
appointed as necessary for our salvation, though they are not so absolutely
indispensable means of grace such that God cannot work without them if He
chooses to; nor must sacraments minister grace except they be rightly received.
(B) WHY WE
MUST BAPTISE:
Regeneration or Newbirth has two necessary aspects to
it. One aspect is Newbirth OF Water; the other is Newbirth OF the Spirit (John
3:5). One is an outward ritual and purification by washing (Acts 22:16) or sprinkling,
(Heb. 10:22; Ezk 36:25) and, the other is an inward
renewal and transformation (Tit.3:5; Rom. 12:2). One is of water by the Church; the other is of the Spirit by the Lord. Yet the two belong to
the ONE regeneration, which is symbolized and sealed by the ONE Baptism.
The ONE Baptism, which is one of the seven
marks of unity of the Church (Eph. 4:4-6), has two essential aspects to it. One is water Baptism (an outward
sign and seal), the other is Spirit Baptism (an inward grace and seal), Acts
10:44-48. By the one we are sprinkled (Ezk. 36:25) or
washed (Acts 22:16) clean, by the other we are converted to walk in God’s ways
(Ezk. 36:26,27; Acts 2:38; 3:19). Water Baptism
replaces the outward physical circumcision of the body with hands while Spirit
Baptism replaces the inward spiritual circumcision of the heart without hands
(Col. 2:11; Ro. 2:28, 29; Jer. 4:4,14). Water Baptism regenerates us into the
New Covenant (or promises) and Spirit Baptism regenerates us into the New
Creation (of Power). Yet, the two belong to the ONE BAPTISM. Great is the
unsearchable mystery of godliness!!!
It is through this ONE New birth or Regeneration and this
ONE Baptism, as the Word of God teaches, that we are saved. Christian Water Baptism is therefore
essential and necessary for our salvation, by God’s grace towards us and
through our faith in Christ. We must baptise whether we be young or old so as:-
(1) To
be saved (1 Pet. 3:21; Mrk 16:16), since ALL need this salvation (Rom.
5:12-16).
(2) To
complete the Newbirth (John 3:5; Acts 10:47).
(3) To
become disciples and be added to the Church (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:41).
(4) To
wash and be cleansed from sins (Acts 22:16; Heb/ 10:22; Ezk. 36:25).
(5) To
fulfil all righteousness (Matt. 3:15).
(6) To
receive the New Covenant promises of the forgiveness of sins and the gift of
the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38;39).
(7) To
have part with Jesus Christ and be bound to the Church (John 13:8; Matt. 16:19;
18:18).
(8) To
have the mark of unity of the Church on our bodies (Eph. 4:3-6).
(9) To
follow the apostolic tradition (Acts 10:48 16:15,33).
(10) To
obey the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15).
However,
Water Baptism ALONE does not save, except the BLOOD and the Spirit bear witness
(1John 5:6-8) that the recipient has faith and good conscience towards God
(1Pet 3:21). Spirit Baptism (i.e
Regeneration) may occur before, during or after Water Baptism. The two do not
have to occur invariably together. Salvation does not ALWAYS accompany Water
Baptism. (John 13:10-13; Acts 8:13, 21-23), yet it is a valid sign of God’s
grace and a seal of His promises. The fact faith is important does not mean
that Water Baptism is not necessary (Acts 9:17,18;
10:47,48).
C HOW MAY WE BAPTISE?
Christ water Baptism is a sacrament whereby the Church, in
accordance with the institution of Christ, admits (or receives) men into the
membership of the ONE visible Church. Those who receive Water Baptism rightly
are added to (Acts 2:41) or gathered into (John 11:52) or grafted into (Rom.
11:17) the Messianic Community, which is the one, holy, universal (catholic),
and Apostolic Church of the New Testament, and so partake of the promises of
the same New Covenant. At Water Baptism,
the disciple IDENTIFIES with the Church, and the Church INITIATES the disciple.
At Spirit Baptism, the convert IDENTIFIES with Christ and Christ INCORPORATES
the convert (1Cor. 12:13). All are done by grace through faith, not of works
but unto good works. (Eph. 2:8-10). So baptism demands a continuous obedience
and faith on the disciple whether young or old.
The Word of God does not emphasize HOW water MUST be applied
but gives WHAT should be SAID and IMPLIED at Water Baptism (Matt. 28:19). But
what possible modes could we find in the Bible?
(1) SPRINKLING:
This was one of the modes of ceremonial cleansing or purification given by God
in the Law of Moses (Num. 19:13-18), revealed by God for the New Testament
(Ezk. 36:25) and we find both its enactment and fulfilment in Christ for the
flesh and the heart. (Heb. 9:13,14; 10:22).
(ii) WASHING:
Baptism is like a ceremonial washing or purification (John 3:23-26) where parts
of the body are washed with water (Exd. 30:18-20; Lev. 8:6; Ps, 51:7; Heb.
10:22; John 13:5-11). This was done with Water from a river (John 1:26-28) or
water containers (Exd. 30:17-21; John 3:23-26).
Many allusions to Baptism were as washing away of sins (Acts
22:16; Eph. 5:26; Tit. 3:5; 1Pet. 3:21 and Mark 7:4).
(iii) POURING: This is one way
in which the Holy Spirit Baptism is figured in the Scriptures (Ezk. 36:27; Acts
2:17; 10:45), sometimes as poured for our drinking (1Cor. 12:13; John 7:37-39)
and at other times as poured on our whole being (Act 2:23). The New Testament
baptisms appear to have been by this mode (e.g. Acts 10:47,48; 16:33; 19:5;
9:18).
(iii)
DRINKING: This is one way in which
the RECEIVING of the Holy Spirit Baptism is figured in the Scriptures in the
Scriptures (1Cor. 12:13;
John 4:14; 7:37). This
pictures the indwelling by the Holy Spirit as same as the Spirit Baptism.
(iv)
IMMERSION: Nowhere in the Scriptures,
both in the Old and New testaments do we have this form of Baptism or
ceremonial purification or washing. The 16h Century Anabaptist doctrine that
water baptism must be by immersion was based on Acts 8:38, but it is clear that
the “going down to the water” in this verse is distinguished from the baptismal
act performed by Philip on the Ethiopian Eunuch. The same explanation applies
to Christ’s “going up from the water” of Mark 1:9,10.
Before being baptised by immersion or by pouring or sprinkling, in a river, you
have to go down to the river and after baptism you have to go up from the river
which is, of course, distinguished from the actual baptism and does not imply
immersion. Concerning the meaning of the Greek word “Baptizo” translated
“to baptise”, even the 16th Century Anabaptists agreed that it did not only
mean “to dip” nor does it so necessarily express the action of “putting under”
water. Again, in the baptism of Moses (1Cor. 10:2) and of Noah (1Peter 3:20), it was those who were immersed and overwhelmed
with water, not those sprinkled, that perished!!! The Greek word for “to
dip” is “bapto” (see Lk. 16:24; John 13:26; Rev. 19:13) and not “baptizo”
which means, “to baptise”.
Therefore, we conclude with the reformers and with the
Church of all ages that Baptism cannot be bent to mean immersion either from
Scripture or from Greek. And that it does not matter HOW water was applied to
the recipient: whether he is put into
water or the water is poured or even sprinkled on him. As Anglicans, we
baptise by pouring or by immersion and do not disregard sprinkling. This is
because the Bible clearly teaches that purification with water does not
necessarily depend on the extent to which we wash (John 13:10) but on our
relationship with God (1Peter 3:21).
Appeals to use
EVEN IF BAPTISM IS TO MEAN IMMERSION, IT
CANNOT MEAN THE TEMPORARY DIPPING INTO WATER WHICH THE ANABAPTISTS HAVE
PROPOSED AND PROPAGATED, BUT THE PERMANENT INCORPORATION OF THE BELIEVER INTO
THE NAME AND BODY OF CHRIST. This is more so since BAPTIZO implies the
PERPETUATION or PROLONGATION (more duration not more depth) of BAPTO. In
Greek, BAPTO means MOMENTARY dipping, however deep the dipping. BAPTIZO means
PERMANENT dipping (NOT DEEPER dipping). The
Christian Baptizo
cannot be “INTO” (Grk= “eis”) water as the object to
which we are baptised. If so, that would mean drowning or “aquatization”.
Baptism is however done “WITH” (Grk= “en”) water as the instrument, INTO
permanent participation in Christ’s Body as the Object to which we are
baptised.
D SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM
These are not meant to be dramatized but to be “RECKONED”
and appropriated by faith. Water Baptism
is a Christian rite for purification and initiation into the Church and
symbolizes:
1. Covenant or pledge (1Pet. 3:21)
2. Death (Rom 6:3)
3. Burial (Rom.6:4. Col. 2:12)
4. Quickening or Revival (Col. 2:13)
5. Circumcision (Col. 2:11)
6. Putting OFF sinfulness (Col. 2:11)
7. Putting ON Christ (Gal. 3:27)
8. Being put INTO Christ (Gal. 3:27)
9. Regeneration or Newbirth (John 3:5; Tit. 3:5; Ezk. 36:26).
10. Cleansing or purification (Eph. 5:26; Ezk.
36:25; Acts 2:38; 22:16).
E. WHO MAY WE BAPTISE?
We may baptise anyone whosoever agree to, and comes forward for
Baptism, declaring acceptance of the testimony of Jesus Christ according to the
Gospel. These may be males, female, young, old, bond, free both as individual
and as households. (1Cor. 1:14-16).
There is no REBAPTISM for there is ONLY ONE BAPTISM just as
there is ONE NEWBIRTH and
Baptism is for ALL nations and flesh (Matt. 28:19; Acts
2:17) and for WHOSOEVER that COMES to Jesus whether Jews or Gentiles. It is for
whosoever comes to Christ who is human, created in the image of God, whether
newly born or nearly dead.
F. SHOULD WE DESPISE CHILDREN
Since the 16th century, the Anabaptists and other
well meaning Christians have introduced a baptismal doctrine that despises
children. This they have done despite Christ’s warning in Mathew 18:1-10 and
His rebuke in Mark 10:13 and 14; despite Christ’s teaching that children are
EXAMPLES of, not EXCEPTIONS from, the Kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18:3,4,10.
The Bible teaches us to baptise believing parents with their
households. Not for once are we told to
exempt children. Nor are we for once told to train up our children for later
baptism when they grow up. Never are we told in the Scriptures that Christ
excluded the infants when He established the New Covenant. Never are we taught that God cannot reach the
infants (or even the deaf, dumb, and imbecile) to save them through Christ.
Instead we are told that the New Covenant promises are for the believing
parents and their children (Acts 2:39); for believing parents and their
household (Acts 16:33). Or did the New
Testament expand to include the Gentiles only to retract and exclude children?
God forbid!
G. ARGUEMENTS AGAINST INFANT
BAPTISM
Those who argue against
infant baptism claim:
1. That
baptism has no symbolic similarity with circumcision. (Despite what the
Scripture says!). They rather associate it with only
death and burial. (Even then infants can still die and be buried. On the other
hand the law did not disannul the Abrahamic promises and its need for a sign
and seal).
2. That
there is no explicit command to baptise children (But even so there is no
explicit command NOT TO BAPTISE CHILDREN nor any explicit command to baptise
only adults nor any explicit command to postpone baptism of children of
believing parent till adulthood. Not all things are explicit as such, for there
is no explicit command to include women in the Lord’s Supper! Now the Bible
teaches us explicitly to baptise believing parents with their households. Or
are children not members of the households?.
3.
That there is no example of children
baptism (even so there is no example of a child of a believer who was later
baptised in adulthood. By the way, did not the baptism of Moses include
children? (1Cor. 10:1-6); are children not members of households? (1Cor. 1:16).
4.
That children are not capable of
exercising conscious faith, which must necessarily be present before baptism.
And since children cannot hear and understand the gospel, they cannot believe.
But was the same not applicable to the children of the Old Testament who could
neither have the faith of Abraham nor understand the Law of Moses? Yet, they were circumcised into the covenant.
Was Christ not once an infant? Moreover,
are infants not in the image of God as the adults are? Again, do we say that
the children of believers are then condemned to hell? God forbid! The Bible says that they are clean and holy
if their parents believe (1 Cor. 7:14). Besides what about the deaf, dumb and
imbecile?
H. WHY WE SHOULD BAPTISE THE
LITTLE ONES
Little ones who belong to BELIEVING PARENTS should be
baptised when they are brought forward (by their parents or older relatives
and guardians) because the Word of God teaches us so.
(1)
On God’s Covenant relationship with
man. A Covenant is a solemn binding relationship. When it is between God and
Man, it is God who takes the initiative (i.e. God makes the first move) by His
grace to call and chose a people (Heb. 8:7-12), whom He promises to bless under
certain conditions, such as obedience, repentance, faith and receiving of the
sign and seal of the covenant. God gave
Abraham circumcision as the sign (Rom,. 4:11) while Christ gave us Water Baptism (in place of circumcision which
has ceased to function in the New Testament). Circumcision was for only Jewish
males but Water Baptism has included females and non-Jews: WHOSOEVER. Praise
God! Every covenant with parents always included their children except the
children themselves renounce their allegiance; and the New Covenant is not an
exception.
God deals with man individually, as a household and as a
called out people (i.e. Church). So God covenants with the Children of
covenant-parents (Deut. 7:9; 29:11-13; Gen. 9:9), and such children MUST bear
the sign and seal of that covenant or be “cut off” from the people of the
covenant (Gen. 17:9-14). It is those children who have the sign of the
covenant that could be vowed to God (Lev. 27:2,6) or be lent to God (1 Sam.
1:28). Such children should be sanctified together with their parents (2 Chron.
31:16,18) and be part of public prayer gatherings even
if they were ‘unconscious’ of the events (2 Chron.20:13; Acts 21:5).
In the Old Covenant, God required the Israelites to
‘dedicate’ only the FIRST MALE CHILD to HIM because God has claimed them as His
own while He killed the first – born of
However, every parent was to bring such a child before the
Lord, and give God (and the Levites) some offering so as to buy back the first
born male, whom God has dedicated to Himself even before the were born (Luke
2:23; Exd. 13:2, 12-15; 34:20). In the New Testament, we are all priests (Pet.
2:9). We are not to buy ourselves back with offering but should consecrate
ourselves daily for service unto the Lord. The dedication of unbaptised children was not commanded nor practiced by the
Apostles nor the sub-apostolic Church until some Anabaptists, on their own,
introduced it (as a substitute for a sign of covenant in place of Water Baptism
which Christ commanded. Besides you cannot dedicate a child who is outside the
covenant, for he/she does not have the sign of the covenant and should be “cut
off”
(2) On
Christ’s Teaching and the Apostolic Tradition: -
In the New Testament we see the apostles preaching salvation
for “you
and your household” and baptising believing parents “with
all their household” (Acts 11:14; 16:14,15,
31-34; 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:16). They also saw the children of believing parents as
clean and Holy (1Cor. 7:14) and as having their parents’ faith in them (2Tim.
1:5). This is because the Apostles understood that the Gospel of Christ is an
organic covenant message – for the parents and their children, for the least
and the greatest (Acts 2:17; Heb. 8:10-12). We Gentile have a skewed mentality about this whole thing, but we must
shift to think like the Scriptures.
The Apostles also recorded that Christ taught them that
Children of disciples are “great in the kingdom of God” and
therefore should “not be despised” nor be kept away when they are brought to
Christ in the arms of their believing parents (Matt. 18:1-11; Mk. 10:13-15). In
the above passages the little ones were seen as being amongst Christ disciples
and were to be “received in Christ’ Name” (by Baptism?) into the Church: just
as the adults or even more so than the adults!
So we see Peter concluding his Pentecost outreach sermon by
saying that the New Testament promises were as well for the Parents as their
children (as with the Old Testament), and for all nations (as enlarged further
by Christ) Acts 2:38,39. And we see Children as members of the
3. On the role of the covenant
parents
God’s covenant
grace always rests upon the children of covenant parents as we have seen (Acts 11:4; 16:14,15,31; Tim.
1:5; Mk. 7:29; Matt. 9:18, 25; Psm. 103:17). This grace is only for such
children that have the sign of the covenant. When such children come to “the age of discretion” they can either
confirm or renounce their allegiance to such a covenant. If they confirm
they shall continue to enjoy the covenant promises and blessings. If they
renounce or neglect the covenant pledge they shall suffer “curses” (Deut 28:15-19ff) and if their parents deny them the
covenant sign, they shall be “cut off”
from the covenant (Gen 17:10-14).
Therefore believing parents must first, put the sign of the
covenant (which is now Water Baptism) on their children as early as possible
and hereafter teach and commit the contents of the covenant to them (Deut. 6:7; 32:46) and train them up to walk
in it. (Heb. 12:8-10; 1 Tim. 3:4,5; Tit.: 6; Eph.
6:4b). God has promised that if we did
this, our children would not depart from the truth (Prov. 22:6). This applied
both to the Old and New Covenants.
On the other hand if a covenant parent fails or refuses to
put the sign of the covenant on his
children and train them up in the faith, such children will suffer God’s wrath
and condemnation (Gen. 9:22-27; 17:12,14; Exd. 20:5;
Lev. 26:39; Rom. 3:15-19); and such parents shall be guilty of causing the
children to stumble, and of despising them (Matt. 18:10). The result is both woe and death (Exd 4:24-26; Matt. 18:6,7) because this provokes Divine indignation (Mark 10:13-16).
Baptism should be as soon as possible, whether with infants
or with adults. Christ gave us two steps on disciple making. First is to get
people to accept His baptism, next is to teach them the commandments of the New
Covenant (Matt. 28:19,20).
4. On God’s Direct Dealing
with Children:
God is Almighty (Shaddai) and He can reach children of the
Saints by His Spirit. God is not limited by “Conscious faith” or any such
things as “discretion”. After all we do not have conscious faith when we are
asleep, yet God reaches us. Besides, Christ talked about “little ones who believe in Him” (Matt. 18:6).
Now faith is not necessarily conscious; nor must
regeneration depend on human conscious co-operation (John 1:13; 3:8), rather it
is solely done by God through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:10,11).
However, the New Covenant, which grants New Birth, also demands New Life, which
is a life of confident trust and
committed obedience towards Christ, working out the salvation in us with
diligence (Phil. 2:12). For if God has turned us (or called us), then we have
to turn (Acts 3:25, 26; 26:20) whether we be young or old. So
baptised children should be taught that by covenant, they owe the
responsibility of personal trust and obedience to Christ.
The Word of God talks about children:-
who are filled with the Spirit in the womb (Lk 1:15; Jer. 1:5); who are called
according to God’s purpose before birth (Rom 9:11); who can hear the Word of
God (Deut. 31:13; Acts 10:44; Josh. 8:32), and
understand Scriptures (2Tim. 3:15). In fact God has ORDAINED infants and
suckling to offer PERFECT praise (Matt. 21:15,1) – that is if they were not
CUT OFF from the covenant people of God! Who says that consciousness is a
limitation to the power of God? Even
children who sin unconsciously could receive drastic punishment from God (2King
2:23,24; Gen. 17:12,14).
Apart from the eleven Apostles, (Lk. 24:5) the only other
people blessed by Christ were the children of His disciples (Mark 10:13-16).
Christ did not baptise anyone (John 4:2). Children need salvation, and Christ
came for them according to the Father’s will (Matt. 18:11-14), for ALL (adults
and children) have sinned in Adam (Rom. 3:23; 5:12; Psm. 51:5).
5. On Membership of the
Household:
Children do not have to be specifically mentioned before we
know they are members of the household. Or do we also say those households
(apart from
Also children, we all know, are included in the “all
nations” of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) and “all flesh” of the great promise (Acts 2:17)
for children are, as the adults, created in the image of God, both spiritually
and physically. Or are they not? Oh yes, our God can reach anybody as He wills
and purpose. God is not man. As it were,
those who reject infant baptism, paradoxically, believe and preach that
children initiated into demonic cults “unconsciously” become actually
demonised, and must renounce before they could be free. Ah brethren! Is God
weaker than Satan?
1. THE CHURCH ALWAYS BAPTISED
INFANTS
From Church history, we know that the Church has never had
problems with baptising children (nor with the mode of baptism) until the
Anabaptists came. The Church has seen various moves for reformation yet no
reformer has even questioned baptism of infants as against Scriptures or
against the Apostolic tradition. To do that would be
same as questioning the doctrine of the Trinity or the canonicity of the New
Testament, all of which were put in place by the sub-apostolic primitive Church
(which kept the Apostolic Traditions in agreement with the New Testament).
Origen in about 200 AD, while commenting on Romans 6:5-7
said “For this reason the Church received from the Apostles, the tradition
of baptising children too”. Before Origin was even born, Bishop
Polycarp in 155 AD, before he was martyred, confessed that he had been a
Christian for 86 years.. Meaning that he was baptised
as a baby in 69 AD in
Bishop Irenaeus who was a contemporary of Polycarp, while
writing his Against Heresies stated
that Jesus “passed through every age to sanctify every age” and that He came
“to save all who are born: youth, and old men”. This was the common concept and
practice of the Apostolic and sub-apostolic church, ever before the Roman
Church gained prominence and even before the New Testament Canon was compiled.
All the Historic, Protestant, Reformation Churches
(Presbyterians, Anglicans, and all the continental Reformed Churches), were
unanimous on this matter, except the Anabaptists who were quite few and mostly
unlearned in the Scripture but
depended on scruples. For this they
were greatly criticized by Luther, Calvin, Zwingli and other Reformers; yet
they continued without heeding. Would to God that it were
possible for the sincerity of those scrupulous but unscriptural Anabaptists to
compensate for their doctrinal inexactitude. PROPHETIC AND APOSTOLIC SCRIPTURE IS MORE
RELIABLE THAN GENTILE SCRUPLES.
We thank God for what He has done in the Church with sincere
and well-meaning brethren who have imbibed the Anabaptist doctrine of despising
children and disregarding the ONE baptism. But we would encourage these
brethren to go further and accept this one more basic truth as with the Church
of all ages, so as to save themselves, and their followers, from the “woe”
pronounced by Christ in Mathew 18:5-7.
Brethren take heed and save yourselves, for God will require
of you on the day of judgment, what you have done with His sacrament and with
our little ones created after His own image.
SUPPLEMENT 2
ARTICLES AGREED UPON BY THE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS OF BOTH PROVINCES
(OF THE
1. Of
Faith in the Holy Trinity
3. Of
His Going Down into Hell
6. Of
the Sufficiency of the Scripture
10. Of
Free-Will
11. Of
Justification
12. Of
Good Works
13. Of Works before
justification
14. Of
Works of Supererogation
15. Of
Christ Alone Without Sin
17. Of
Predestination and Election
18. Of
Obtaining Salvation by Christ
19. Of
the Church
20 Of the Authority of the
Church
21. Of
the Authority of General Councils
22. Of
Purgatory
23. Of
Ministering in the Congregation
24. Of
Speaking in the Congregation
26. Of
the Unworthiness of Ministers
27. Of
Baptism
29. Of
the Wicked, Which Eat not the Body of Christ
34. Of
the Traditions of the Church
35. Of
the Homilies
36. Of
Consecrating of Ministers
ARTCILES OF RELIGION
I: Of
Faith in the Holy Trinity.
THERE is but one living and true God, everlasting without body, parts,
or passions: of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker, and preserve
of all things both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there be
three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost.
II: Of the Word or Son
of God, which was Made Very Man.
THE Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of
the Father, the very eternal God, and of one substance with the Father, took
man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, of her substance: so that two
whole and perfect Natures, that is to say the Godhead and manhood, were joined
together in one Person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God
and very man, who truly suffered, was crucified, dead and buried to reconcile
his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also
for all actual sins of men.
III: Of the
going down of Christ into Hell.
As Christi died for us, and was buried, so also is it to be believed,
that He went down into Hell.
IV: Of the Resurrection of
Christ.
CHRIST did truly rise again from death, and took again His body, with
flesh, bones, and all things appertaining to the perfection of man’s nature,
wherewith He ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until He
return to judge all men at the last day.
THE Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son is of one
substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father and Son, very and eternal God.
VI: Of the Sufficiency of the
Holy Scriptures for Salvation.
HOLY Scripture containeth all things necessary to Salvation: so that
whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be
required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary
to salvation. In the name of Holy
Scripture, we do understand those Canonical Books of the Old and New Testament,
of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.
Of the Names and Number of the Canonical Books.
Genesis.
Exodus.
Leviticus.
Numbers.
Deuteronomy.
Joshua.
Judges.
Ruth.
The First Book of Samuel.
The Second Book of Samuel.
The First Book of Kings.
The Second Book of Kings.
The First Book of Chronicles.
The Second Book of Chronicles.
The First Book of Esdras.
The Second Book of Esdras.
The Book
of Esther.
The Book
of Job.
The
Psalms.
The
Proverbs.
Ecclesiastes, or
Preacher.
Cantica, or Songs
of Solomon.
Four
Prophets the Greater.
Twelve
prophets the Less.
And the other Books (as Hierome saith) the Church doth read for example
of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth it not apply them to establish
any doctrine; such are these following:
The Third
Book of Esdras.
The Fourth
Book of Esdras.
The Book
of Tobias.
The Book
of Judith.
The rest
of the Book of Esther.
The Book
of Wisdom.
Jesus the
Son of Sirach.
Baruch
the prophet.
The Song
of the Three Children.
The Story
of Susanna.
Of Bel and Dragon.
The
Prayer of Manasses.
The First
Book of Maccabees.
The
Second Book of Maccabees.
All the Books of the New Testament as they are
commonly received, we do receive, and account them Canonical.
THE Old Testament is not contrary to the New: for both in the Old and
New Testament everlasting life is offered to Mankind by Christ, who is the only
Mediator between God and Man, being both God and man. Wherefore they are not to
be heard, which feign that the old Fathers did look only for transitory
promises. Although the Law given from God by Moses, as touching ceremonies and
Rites, do not bind Christian men, nor the Civil precepts thereof ought of
necessity to be received in any commonwealth; yet notwithstanding, no Christian
man whatsoever is free from the obedience of the Commandment which are called
Moral.
THE three creeds, Nicene Creed, Athanasius’s Creed, and that which is
commonly called the Apostles’ Creed, ought thoroughly to be received and
believed: for they may be proved by most certain warrants of Holy Scripture.
ORIGINAL sin standeth not in the following of Adam, (as the Pelagians
do vainly talk) but it is the fault and corruption of the nature of every man,
that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam; whereby man is very far
gone from original righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined to evil, so
that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the spirit; and therefore in every
person born into this world, it deserveth God’s wrath and damnation. And this
infection of nature doth remain, yea in them that are regenerated; whereby the
lust of the flesh, called in the Greek phronema sarkos, which some do expound the Wisdom, some sensuality, some
the affection, some the desire, of the flesh, is not subject to the law of God.
And although there is no condemnation for them that believe and are baptized,
yet the Apostles doth confess that concupiscence and lust hath of itself the
nature of sin.
THE condition of man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot
turn and prepare himself, by his own natural strength and good work, to faith,
and calling upon God: Wherefore we have no power to do good works pleasant and
acceptable to God, without the grace of God by Christ preventing us, that we
may have a good will, and working with us, when we have that good will.
XI:
Of the Justification of
WE are accounted righteous before God only for the merit of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ by Faith, and not. for our own work or deservings: Wherefore,
that we are justified by Faith only is a most wholesome Doctrine, and full of
comfort, as more largely is expressed in the Homily of Justification.
ALBEIT that Good works, which are the fruit of Faith, and follow after
Justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God’s
Judgement; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ and do spring
out necessarily of true and lively Faith; insomuch that by them a lively faith
may be as evidently know as a tree discerned by the fruit.
XIII: Of Works
before Justification.
WORKS done before grace of Christ, and the inspiration of his Spirit,
are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of Faith in Jesus Christ,
neither do they make men meet to receive grace, or (as the School authors say)
deserve grace of congruity: yea rather, for that they are not done as God hath
willed and commanded them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of
sin.
XIV: Of Works of
Supererogation.
VOLUNTARY Works besides, over and above God’s Commandments, which they
call work of supererogation, cannot be taught without arogancy and impiety: for
by them men do declare, that they do not only render unto God as much they are
bound to do, but that they do more for his sake, than of bounden duty is
required: whereas Christ saith plainly, when ye have done all that are
commanded to you, say, we are unprofitable servants.
XV:
Of Christ Alone Without
Sin.
CHRIST in the truth of our nature was made like unto us in all things,
sin only except, from which He was clearly void, both in His flesh, and in His
spirit. He came to be the lamb without spot, Who, by
sacrifice of Himself once made, should take away the sins of the world: and
sin, as S. John saith, was not in him. But all we the
rest, although baptized, and born again in Christ, yet offend in many things:
and if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and truth is not in us.
NOT every deadly sin willingly committed after Baptism is sin against
the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore the grant of repentance is not to
be denied to such as fall into sin after Baptism After we have received the
Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin and by the grace
of God we may arise again and amend our lives. And therefore they are to be
condemned, which say they can no more sin as long as they live hare, or deny
the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent.
XVII: Of
Predestination and Election.
PREDESTINATION to Life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby
(before the foundations of the world were laid) He hath constantly decreed by
His counsel secret to us. To deliver from curse and damnation those whom He
hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to
everlasting Salvation, as vessels made to honour. Wherefore, they which be
endued with so excellent a benefit of God be called according to God’s purpose
by His Spirit working in due season; they through God’s grace obey the calling:
they be justified freely; they be made sons of God by adoption; they be made
like the image of His only-begotten Son Jesus Christ; they walk religiously in
good works; and at length, by God’s mercy they attain to everlasting felicity.
As the godly consideration of predestination, and our Election in
Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly persons, and
such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the
works of the flesh and their earthly members, and drawing up their mind to high
and heavenly things, as well because it doth greatly establish and confirm
their faith of eternal Salvation to be enjoyed through Christ, as because it
doth fervently kindle their love towards God: so for curious and carnal
persons, lacking the Spirit of Christ, to have continually before their eyes
the sentence of God’s Predestination, is a most dangerous downfall, whereby the
Devil doth thrust them either into desperation, or into wretchlessness
of most unclean living, no less perilous than desperation.
Furthermore, we must receive God’s promises in such wise, as they be
generally set, forth to us in Holy Scripture; and in our doings, that will of
God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared unto us in the Word of
God.
XVIII: Of
Obtaining Eternal Salvation Only by the Name of Christ.
THEY also are to be had accursed that presume to say that every man
shall be saved by the law or sect which he professeth, so that he be diligent
to frame his life according to that law and the light of nature. For Holy Scripture doth set
out unto us only the Name of Jesus Christ, whereby men must be saved.
THE visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in the
which the pure word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be dully ministered
according to Christ’s ordinance in all those things that of necessity are
requisite to the same.
As the
XX: Of the Authority of the
Church.
THE Church hath power to decree rites or ceremonies, and authority in
controversies of faith; and yet it is not lawful for the Church to ordain any
thing that is contrary to God’s word written, neither may it so expound one
place of Scripture, that it be repugnant to another. Wherefore, although the
Church be a witness and a keeper or Holy Writ: yet, as
it ought not to decree any thing against the same, so besides the same ought it
not to enforce any thing to be believed for necessity of salvation.
XXI: Of the
Authority of General Councils.
GENERAL Councils may not be gathered together without the commandment
and will of Princes. And when they be gathered together, (forasmuch as they be
an assembly of men, whereof all be not governed with the Spirit and Word of
God) they may err, and sometimes have erred, even in things pertaining unto
God. Wherefore things ordained by them as necessary to salvation have neither
strength nor authority, unless it may be declared that they be taken out of
Holy Scripture.
THE Romish doctrine concerning
Purgatory, Pardons, worshipping and
adoration as well of Images as of Reliques, and also Invocation of Saint, is a
fond thing vainly invented, and grounded upon no warrantly of Scripture, but
rather repugnant to the word of God.
XXIII: Of
Ministering in the Congregation.
IT is not lawful for any man to take upon him the office of public
preaching, or ministering the sacraments in the congregation, before he be lawfully called, and sent to execute the same. And those
we ought to judge lawfully called and sent, which be chosen and called to this
work by men who have public authority given unto them in the congregation, to
call and send Ministers into the Lord’s vineyard.
XXIV: Of
Speaking in the Congregation in such a Tongue as the People Understandeth.
It is a thing plainly repugnant to the word of God, and the custom of
the
Sacraments ordained of Christ be not only badges or tokens of Christian
men’s profession, but rather they be certain sure
witnesses, and effectual signs of grace, and God’s good will towards us, by the
which He doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also
strengthen and confirm our faith in Him.
There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel that
is to say Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord.
Those five commonly called Sacraments, that is to say Confirmation,
Penance, Order, Matrimony, and Extreme Unction, are not to be counted for
Sacraments of the Gospel, being such as have grown partly of the corrupt
following of the apostles, partly are states of life allowed in the Scriptures;
but yet have not like nature of Sacraments with Baptism, and the Lord Supper, for
that they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of God.
The Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be
carried about, but that we should dully use them. And in such only as worthily
receive the same they have a wholesome effect or operation: but they that
received them unworthily, purchase to themselves damnation, as
XXVI: Of
the Unworthiness of the Ministers which Hinders not the Effect of the Sacraments.
ALTHOUGH in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good,
and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the Ministration of the Word and
Sacraments, yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in
Christ’s, and do minister by His commission and authority, we may use their
Ministry, both in hearing the word of God, and in receiving of the Sacraments,
neither is the effect of Christ’s ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor
the grace of God’s gifts diminished from such as by faith and rightly do
receive the Sacraments ministered unto them; which be effectual, because of
Christ’s institution and promise, although
they be ministered by evil men.
Nevertheless, it appertaineth to the discipline of the Church, that
enquiry be made of evil Ministers, and that they be accused by those that have
knowledge of their offences; and finally being found guilty, by just judgement
be deposed.
BAPTISM is not only a sign of profession, and mark of
difference, whereby Christian men are discerned from others that be not
christened, but it is also a sign of Regeneration or new Birth; whereby as by
an instrument, they that received Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church;
the promises of forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God
by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed; Faith is confirmed, and Grace
increased by virtue of prayer unto God. The Baptism of young children is in any
wise to be retained in the Church, as most agreeable with the institution of
Christ.
The supper of the Lord is not only a
sign of the love that Christians ought to have among themselves, one to
another; but rather is a sacrament of our Redemption by Christ’s death:
insomuch that to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith, receive the same,
the Bread, which we break, is a partaking of the Body of Christ; and likewise
the Cup of Blessing is a partaking of the Blood of Christ.
Transubstantiation (or the change of the substance of
Bread and Wine) in the Supper of the Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ; but
us repugnant to the plain words of Scripture overthroweth the nature of a
Sacrament, and hath given occasion to many superstitions.
The Body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten in the
Supper, only after an heavenly and spiritual manner.
And the mean whereby the Body of Christ is received and eaten in the Super is
Faith.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was not by
Christ’s ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshipped.
XXIX: Of
the Wicked which Eat not the Body of Christ in the Use of the Lord’s Supper.
THE Wicked, and such as be void of a lively faith,
although they do carnally and visibly press with their teeth (as S. Augustine saith) the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, yet
in no wise are they partakers of Christ, but rather, to their condemnation, do
eat and drink the sign or sacrament of so great a thing.
THE Cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the
lay-people: for both the parts of the Lord’s Sacrament by Christ’s Ordinance
and commandment, ought to be ministered to all Christian men alike.
THE OFFERING OF Christ once made is that
perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction, for all the sins of the
whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for
sin, but that alone. Wherefore the sacrifices of Masses, in the
which it was commonly said that the Priests did offer Christ for the
quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, were blasphemous
fables, and dangerous deceits.
BISHOPS, Priests and Deacons are not commanded by
God’s laws, either to vow the estate of single life, or to abstain from
marriage. Therefore it is lawful for
them, as for all other Christian men, to marry at their own discretion, as they
shall judge the same to serve better to godliness.
XXXIII: Of Excommunicate Persons, How They are to be Avoided.
THAT person which by open denunciation
of the Church is rightly cut off from the unity of the Church, and
excommunicated, ought to be taken of the whole multitude of the faithful, as an Heathen and publican, until he be openly reconciled by
penance, and received into the Church by a Judge that hath authority thereunto.
IT is not necessary that traditions and
ceremonies be in all places one, and utterly like; for at all times they have
been divers, and may be changed according to the diversities of countries, time
and men’s manners, so that nothing be ordained against God’s word. Whosoever
through his private judgement, willingly and purposely, doth openly break the
traditions and ceremonies of the Church, which be not repugnant to the Word of
God, and be ordained and approved by common authority, ought to be rebuked
openly, (that others may fear to do the like), as he that offendeth against the
common order of the Church, and hurteth the authority of the Magistrate, and
woundeth the consciences of the weak brethren.
Every particular or national church hath
authority to ordain, change and abolish, ceremonies or rites of the Church
ordained only by man’s authority, so that all things be done to edifying.
THE second Book of Homilies, the several titles
whereof we have joined under this Article, doth contain a godly and wholesome
Doctrine, and necessary for these times, as doth the former Book of Homilies,
which were set forth in the time of Edward the Sixth; and therefore we judge
them to be read in Churches by the Ministers, diligently and distinctly, that
they may be understanded of the people.
Of the Names of the Homilies.
1. Of
the Right use of the Church.
2. Against Peril of Idolatry.
3. Of the Repairing and Keeping Clean of Churches.
4. Of Good Works: First of Fasting.
5. Against Gluttony and Drunkenness.
6. Against Excess of Apparel.
7. Of Prayer.
8. Of the Place and Time of Prayer.
9. That
Common Prayers and Sacraments ought to be ministered in a Known Tongue.
10. Of the
Reverend Estimation of God’s Word.
11. Of
Alms-doing.
12. Of the Nativity of Christ.
13. Of the Passion of Christ.
14. Of the Resurrection of Christ.
15. Of the Worthy Receiving of the Sacrament of the Body and
Blood of Christ.
16. Of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost.
17. For
the Rogation-days.
18. Of the State of
19. Of Repentance.
20. Against Idleness.
21. Against Rebellion.
XXXVI:
Of Consecration of Bishops and Ministers.
THE Book of Consecration of Archbishops and Bishops,
and Orderings of Priests and Deacons lately set forth in the time of Edward the
Sixth, and confirmed at the same time by authority of Parliament, doth contain
all things necessary to such Consecration and Ordering; neither hath it any
thing, that of itself is superstitious and ungodly. And therefore whosoever are consecrated or
ordered according to the rites of that Book, since the second year of the
forenamed King – Edward unto this time, or hereafter
shall be consecrated or ordered according to the same Rites; we decree all such
to be rightly, orderly, and lawfully consecrated and ordered.
XXXVII: Of the Civil Magistrates.
THE King’s Majesty hath the chief power in the Realm
of England, and other his Dominions, unto whom the Chief Government of all
Estates of this realms, whether they be Ecclesiastical or Civil, in all causes
doth appertain, and is not, nor ought to be, subject to any foreign
jurisdiction.
Where we attribute to the King’s Majesty the Chief
government, by which Titles we understand the minds of some slanderous folks to
be offended; we give not to our princes the ministering either of God’s word,
or of the sacraments, the which thing the injunctions also lately set forth by
Elizabeth our Queen do most plainly testify; but that only prerogative, which
we see to have been given always to godly princes in Holy Scriptures by God
himself, that is, that they should rule all estates and degree committed to
their charge by God, whether they be Ecclesiastical or Temporal, and restrain
with the civil sword the stubborn and
evildoers.
The Bishop of Rome hath no jurisdiction in this Realm
of England.
The Laws of the Realm may punish Christian men with
death for heinous and grievous offences.
It is lawful for Christian men, at the commandment of
the Magistrate, to wear weapons, and serve in the wars.
XXXVIII: Of Christian
Men’s Goods, which are not Common.
THE Riches and Goods of Christians are not common, as
touching the right, title, and possession of the same, as certain Anabptists do
falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things as he
possesseth; liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability.
XXXIX: Of a Christian Man’s Oath
As we confess that vain and rash Swearing is
forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ, and James his Apostle, so we
judge; that Christian Religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when
the Magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done
according to the Prophet’s teaching, in justice, judgement, and truth
THIS book of Articles before rehearsed,
is again approved and allowed to be holden and executed within the Realm, by
the assent and consent of our Sovereign Lady ELIZABETH, by the grace of God, of
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Last Updated August 30, 2009
By The Revd Dr. I. U.
Ibeme
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