I. Our Mission
The mission of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is to proclaim the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ to the lost and to admonish that we live a sanctified life, growing constantly in the faith for the advancement of the kingdom of God and the glory of the Lord.
II. Tenet (Statement) of Faith
Abstract
We Believe:
- in the Divine inspiration of the Bible and as the infallible Word of God.
- the Divine Trinity consists of three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
- the Deity of Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, teachings, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and coming return to this earth in power and glory to rule.
- that Man was created in the image of God before whom he walked
- in innocence, holiness and purity, but by voluntary disobedience and transgression, he fell to the depths of sin. Therefore, the only means
- of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the finished work at Calvary.
- that Perfection is a spiritual growth for those who have been sanctified and consecrated unto God.
- in the baptism of the Holy Ghost for all believers who are living sanctified lives and that it is evidenced by the speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterances.
- that Divine Healing of sickness for all believers is provided through the atonement.
- the second coming of Jesus and the Rapture of the church.
- that tribulation will occur between Christ’s second coming for his bride
- and His return in Judgment.
- in the 1000 year reign of Jesus Christ on earth.
- the great white throne judgment as the final judgment when all the wicked will stand before God.
- the new heaven and new earth will replace the current heaven and earth.
- in eternal heaven and eternal hell as literal places of final destiny.
- in water baptism by immersion as Jesus commanded.
- in restitution were stolen goods are returned to their rightful owners.
- in the Lord’s supper, practiced to remember His death until He returns.
Statement of faith
1. BIBLE
We believe that the Bible is “God’s Word”. The truths revealed in it did not have their origin with men, but with God. The Holy Spirit inspired the human authors of the Bible. We therefore believe that the bible is without error, completely true, relevant and an up-to-date book. We receive the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament as eternal, authoritative, coherent, complete and all sufficient, and the only infallible rule of faith. Its message is intended primarily for the human race.
It is expressed in words and in terms, which human beings can understand. It’s central theme and purpose is the salvation of man. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Psalm 12:6, Matthew 24:35, Psalm 119:160.
2. TRINITY
We believe in the Divine Trinity. One Triune God exists in three Persons-
Father, Son and Holy Spirit- eternal in being, identical in nature, equal
in power and glory and having the same attributes and perfections
Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:2;
1 John 5:7.
3. JESUS CHRIST
Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He came to the
world purposely to save sinners according to the scriptures. He has existed throughout eternity, one of the persons of the Holy Trinity. He is the Son, the only begotten Son of God and the beloved of God. His coming to the world had been foretold before He ever came in the flesh to die for us.
He was born by Virgin Mary, conceived of the Holy Spirit, without sin.
He lived a perfect life, preached the gospel of the kingdom of God, performed miracles, healed the sick and raised the dead. He voluntarily surrendered his life to his enemies to be crucified. He then resurrected, and ascended to heaven to become our high priest. Jesus Christ will return to establish the kingdom of God on earth, and rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords with His saints forever. Matthew 17:15-17; John 1:1-14; Acts 2:32-33; Hebrews 4:14-15, Revelation 1:13:16
4. FALL OF MAN
Man (Adam) was created in the image of God before whom he walked
in innocence, holiness, and purity, but by voluntary disobedience and transgression, he fell from the glory of God to the depths of sin. The consequence of this is that all mankind became sinners by nature
having been born after the fallen image of Adam. In his fallen state man
is incapable of pleasing God or having any relationship with Him.
Every man is totally inclined to evil, guilty and without excuse, deserving
the condemnation and judgment of a just and Holy God. Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 2:7; Psalm 139:14; Col. 1:16; Psalm 51:5; Mark 1:15
5. SALVATION
Sin is an inward spiritual attitude of rebellion towards God, which is expressed in outward acts of disobedience. Man in his fallen state cannot approach God or save himself and therefore needs a savior. Jesus Christ came to save us from our sins.
Himself without sin, He took our sins upon Him, died in our place, and rose again from the dead, that we might be forgiven and receive eternal life. The word salvation in the Greek means “soteria” which is translated “saving” or “deliverance” and preservation from destruction and judgment.
To appropriate salvation, we must acknowledge our sins and repent from them; we must believe that Christ died for us, and rose again; we must receive the risen Christ as our personal Savior, and we must publicly confess Him as our Lord. Hebrews 9:29, Romans 3:10, 23, Acts 3:19, Romans 10:8-13, Jude 3:24.
6. SANCTIFICATION
The word sanctification in the Greek language is “hagiasmos” meaning (1) to be apart from sin (2) consecrated unto God, to be conformed to His holiness, purity, and perfection of character. The scripture teaches that “sanctified” is what the believer is [not a process, but a state, which the believer has already entered into once and for all. Acts 20:32; Romans 15:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 10:10-14; Ephesians 5:25-26; 1 Peter 1:2; Acts 26:18], and “perfect” is what he is expected to be.
Perfection is a spiritual growth for those who have been sanctified and consecrated. Therefore it is the total yielding of one’s life to the Holy Spirit,
living the crucified life; being an overcomer; and being conformed to the image of Christ Himself. Perfection and true holiness are impossible without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. All attempts at achieving perfection without the Holy Spirit generally results in frustration and failure, inasmuch as “flesh” cannot crucify flesh. 1 Peter 2:21-22; 1 Peter 1:15; John 3:8-9; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 5:48
7. BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The baptism in the Holy Ghost is a supernatural enduement with power from heaven to equip the Christian for effective witness and service. The initial evidence of Holy Spirit Baptism is speaking in unknown tongue as the spirit give utterance. The unknown tongue is a prayer language given to the believer, understood by God but unknown to man.
It enables the Christian to build up his own spiritual life by direct and continual communion with God, and is the gateway into a life in which both the gifts and fruits of the Holy Ghost should be manifested. In the New Testament church, this experience was considered normal for all believers. Joel 2:28; Luke 3:16; Acts 2:38-39; Acts 19:2; Mark 16:17
8. DIVINE HEALING
Sickness is a direct consequence of the fall of man and his continuance in sin. Redemption not only dealt with sin but also its consequences, which includes sickness and diseases. Christ died on the cross; bore not only our sins, but also our sicknesses. Healing for our bodies from God comes to us through appropriation of the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary by faith in the word of God and manifestation of the gift of healing.
Not only believers receive healing for our bodies, but also we may minister healing and deliverance to others in the name of Jesus. This can be accomplished by laying on of hands, praying for others in absentia and by getting bible believing church elders to anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. Luke 13:11,16; James; 2 Corinthians 1:19-20; 1 John 3:8; Mark 16:17-18
9. SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST
When Jesus Christ first came to earth about 2000 years ago, His coming exactly fulfilled in every detail all the prophecies of the bible relating to that event. When he left this earth to return to heaven, He promised His disciples very definitely that He would come back to earth again. Apart from these promises which Jesus Himself gave, there are many prophecies throughout the whole bible concerning the second coming of Christ even more, in fact than there are about His first coming.
Since the prophecies of His first coming were exactly and literally fulfilled, the RCCG believe that the prophecies of His second coming will be fulfilled in the same way. John 14:2-3; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51
10. THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH
The rapture describes an event in the future when Jesus Christ will in the twinkling of an eye, change all believers (living and dead) to immortal, giving them a resurrected body, and catching them up to meet the Lord in the air.
The word rapture simply means sudden snatching out of this world of the believers. The actual word used in the bible is “caught up”. This event marks the beginning of the seven years reign of Antichrist. 1Thessalonians4: 13-18, 1 Corinthian 15:23, 51-58, Phil 3:2-21, 1 John 3:1-3, Luke 21:31-35.
11. THE GREAT TRIBULATION
This is a seven-year span of future world history of the reign of antichrist following immediately after the rapture: It will be the darkest time the world
has ever known. It is “the day of vengeance of our Lord.” Man’s cup of iniquity is filled to overflowing, and God brings judgment upon the earth for man’s rejection of His son.
During this period, the people of Israel will turn to Christ, when they will be reconciled to God through Him whom they rejected and whom they asked
Pilate to crucify. Daniel 9:24-27, Isaiah 61:2, Revelation 19, 1Thessaloians
1:10, Revelation 3:10
12. THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF JESUS CHRIST
The millennial age is period of one thousand years, in which the purpose of
God is fully realized on the earth. It will be a time of theocratic kingdom. This period will come after the seven years reign of antichrist. After the Lord Jesus Christ has descended from heaven to earth and destroyed his enemies at the battle of Amageddom, He will the set up His holy government which is going to be worldwide. It will be a time of peace, joy, holiness, glory, comfort, justice, full knowledge, the removal of curse and sickness. Isaiah 11:1-10; Isaiah 35:1-10; Zechariah 9:9-10; Zechariah 14:16-17; Revelation 20:1-15
13. JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST
The judgment seat of Christ is the judgment of believers. It is not a judgment of condemnation but a judgment of reward where believers will be rewarded according to our faithfulness in our service to God, quality of our Christian walk and the use of our God-given gifts and talents. Romans 14:10, II Cor5: 10, I Pet.4: 17.
14. THE GREAT WHITE THROWN JUDGMENT
This is the ultimate end of sin and rebellion against authority and the holiness of the almighty God; to be cast forever into the lake of everlasting fire. This ultimate judgment of the Great White Throne is for unbelievers only. The only ones who may escape this final judgment are those who are written in the Book of Life. The names recorded in this book are the names of those who during their life on earth availed themselves, through faith, of God’s mercy and grace.
Those who put their faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice have passes through
their own appropriate judgment before the judgment seat of Christ – not for condemnation but for assessment of their reward. Revelation 20:11-15; Galatians 3:10; Ecclesiastes 12:14; John 5:24; 2 Peter 3:9.
15. THE ETERNAL HEAVEN
The present earth that is so marred and cursed by Satan’s evil will pass away after the Great White Throne Judgment. After the dissolution of the present (atmospheric) heaven and earth at the end of the one thousand years (the millennium), God will create a new heaven and a new earth better than anything this world has ever known. The new earth will be the Christian heaven. It is the glorious eternal home of born-again believers. Matthew 24:35; Revelation 21:1-5; John 14:1-3; Revelation 22:1-5; 2 Peter 3:10
15. ETERNAL LAKE OF FIRE (HELL)
The lake of fire (commonly called hell) is the final abodes of Satan and those sinners who reject Jesus as their Lord and savior. Hell is the place of eternal torment for devil, his angels and all those who reject Christ as the savior. Rev.19: 7, Luke 16:19-31; Rev. 20:10,15; Matthew 25:33-34; John 14:1-3; Rev 7:15-17
16. WATER BAPTISM
Believing in Christ produces an inward change in our heart; baptism in water is an outward act of obedience, by which we testify of the change that has taken place in our hearts. By this act, we make ourselves one with Christ in His burial and in His resurrection; we are separated from the old life of sin and defeat; we come out of the water to lead a new life of righteousness and victory, made possible by God’s power in us. Mark 16:16; Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-41; Acts 8:37-39; Romans 6:4
17. RESTITUTION
Restitution is the act of restoring anything to it’s rightful owner; act of giving an equivalent for loss or damage. Restitution makes a person pay back just debts, restore stolen or misappropriated articles, uncover his crimes and confess his lies.
This is to be done whether the person injured knew it or not – God knows. Genesis 20:1-18; Genesis 32:9-32; Luke 19:8-10; Philemon 7:21; Acts 24:16
Note: Restitution that would implicate others or bring injury or harm to others, needs care and God’s wisdom. In such cases, it is necessary to seek counseling from a faithful, experienced, competent, matured Christian teacher and preacher (who, of course, believes and teaches “the whole counsel of God”).
18. THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements – bread and the fruit of the vine is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a memorial of His suffering, death and a prophecy of His second coming. Jesus Christ commanded the church to do it in His remembrance. The bible record also shows the early church took this commandment seriously. Luk.22: 14-19, Acts 2: 42, 46, 2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corinthians 11:26
III. OUR VALUES
1. We value the pursuit of God. We thirst for His presence and to know more of Him through private and public worship, the Word and prayer. Psalm 42:1-2, 63:1-3; Matt 5:23; Luke 6:21
2. We value Christlikeness. We want to be like the Lord and savior in all conduct. We want to minister by serving people the way He did with compassion, under the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. We shall convey the love, mercy and power of God through the ministry of the church. Luke 14:16-20; John 20:21; Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:12
3. We value godly family life where parents live as examples and cultivate an environment in which the spiritual, emotional and social growth of their children can be fully accomplished. Deuteronomy 6:7; Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 3:15
4. We value marital fidelity, where husband and wife can depend on each other to provide spiritual, emotional and intimate needs. Proverbs 5:15-19; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, Galatians 5:19-20; Hebrews 13:4
5. We value purposeful singleness where the uniqueness of being single (unmarried) should be used to bless the church. Matthew 19:12c; 1 Corinthians 7:32-34
6. We value the Church of God as the body of Christ. Our desire shall be to seek its good, growth and prosperity. Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 3:9-11; 5:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:5
7. We value the individual members of the church and shall seek to treat one another with respect and appropriate courtesy irrespective of gender, social and physical status. We shall seek to help members to grow in the grace and to fully realize their God given potentials. John 13:35, Romans 12: 9-10, Galatians 6:10, 1Thessalonians 3:12, Colossians 3:12-14.
8. We value the mercy of God – we shall always recognize in humility that all the goodness we receive from God is a result of His mercies, even those blessings we may regard as “rights” because of our relationship with Him as children. We shall therefore seek to extend mercy to another and to all who come under the ministry of the church. Psalm 52:8; Lamentation 3:22-23; Colossians 3:12; James 5:11
9. We value giving – we shall always give ourselves first to the cause of the kingdom of God, and we shall encourage members of the church to give out of their material and financial blessings out of a willing and cheerful heart. We recognize that this ability comes from God Almighty out of whom all blessings flow. 1 Chronicles 29:12-14; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 8:1,2,5,7; 9:6-8
10. We value personal and corporate integrity and therefore shall deal and conduct our affairs truthfully and honestly such that the gospel of Jesus Christ shall not suffer any reproach because of our conduct. 2 Corinthians 13:8; Ephesians 4:15, 5:9; 6:14; James 5:12
11. We value the servant leadership. Our leaders shall serve the members of the church as Christ did selflessly and not for profit or self-glorification. Matthew 10:42; John 13:13-15; Acts 20:18-19
12. We love unity in the Body of Christ. We agree with the scriptures that all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior belong to one body of Christ. We shall seek to maintain the unity with all such believers. Psalm 133:1; Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:3-6,13
13. We value simplicity and desire to do nothing in our private and public
13.worship just for “effects” and “showing off”. Philippians 2:3; Colossians 3:17
14. We value modesty in our lifestyle. We shall seek to be generous and gracious in our speech, firm in our convictions and chaste in our dressing. Galatians 5:26; Philippians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Peter 3:3-4; 1 John 2:15-17
IV. OUR PRIORITIES
1. We desire to worship God in spirit and in truth in our private and public worship. The LORD only shall be the object of our worship. We seek to hear from God and also desire the presence of His glory in our gatherings. 1 Kings 8:11; 1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 96:6; John 4:23-24; Revelation 22:9
2. We desire to live holy, sanctified lives such that at any time we are able to hear from God and receive His blessings. Psalm 16:1-2; Leviticus 11:45; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23; Hebrews 12:4.
3. We desire to be led all the time by the Spirit of God such that we are
3.always able to do His will. Romans 8:14-18, 12:1-2; Ephesians 5:17, 6:6
4. We want to teach and learn the word of God in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit for edification, refreshing, encouragement and comfort. Isaiah 2:3; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 15:4; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:2
5. We desire to be active in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to every soul through direct involvement and support of missionary activities and evangelism. Isaiah 52:7; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 17:30-31; Romans 12:13-15
6. We want to honor God and bring glory to His name by the way we conduct ourselves in all our social interactions. We shall not seek to bring reproach to the name of our Lord. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Philippians 1:27; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
7. We want to build the church of God with our spiritual gifts as the Lord gives opportunity for the advancement of the kingdom of God and the spiritual growth of the members. Romans 13:3-8; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, 12:7; Ephesians 4:11-12
8. We want to develop one another through interpersonal ministry and service that will enhance the spiritual and social enrichment of individual members. Colossians 3:16; John 4:36, 13:13-15,17; Galatians 6:9-10; Ephesians 4:29; Hebrews 13:16
V. THE PRACTICES WE TEACH AND STRESS IN THE CHURCH
1. PRAYER
A. Worship and praise with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. To surrender our lives to worship to God for His purpose. To praise God in all circumstances for His mercy and goodness. Romans 12:1; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 34:1
B. Giving prayers with petition with thanksgiving. Philippians 3:6
C. Praying for those who rule over us through intercession.1 Timothy 2:1-2
D. Praying in different tongues through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:14-15
E. Prayer in faith for healing the sick and the demonic oppressed. James 5:15; John 14:12.
2. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE
A. Marital relations should be pure, and free from sexual immorality.
Hebrews 13:4
B. The husband’s love for his wife should be like Christ love for the church. Ephesians 5:24-27
C. The wife should respect her husband, and show him proper honor by being submissive. Titus 2:12; Ephesians 5:22-24.
D. The father should discipline his children without being too harsh
or abusive, so that the child may not be embittered but respect authority.
Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; Hebrews 12:8-10
E. The family should not be preoccupied with the pursuit of money,
but be content with having their needs met.
2 Timothy 6-10
3. IN THE CHURCH
We believe that in the church it is necessary for members to continually
do the following:
A. To share our conversion experience with others. Matthew 28:20; 5:14-16
B. To give counsel from God’s word to encourage others. Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 4:15
C. To teach the message from the gospel that has been giving in the church. Titus 1:9
D. To worship collectively as an assembly. Psalm 107:32; 95:1-7
E. To have fellowship with one another in love. 1 John 1:6,9-10;
Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12:9-10
F. To forgive one another and receive forgiveness. Matthew 6:14
G. To exercise the gifts of the Spirit for the encouragement of the church. Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
H. To give freely of both our time, and resources to the church, and the
people of the church. 2 Corinthians 9:6-13; Acts 20:35
I. To be examples of God’s love and mercy to all. John 13:15; 1 Timothy 1:16
J. To minister to the community, and the world through caring for the lost,
poor, and broken hearted. Luke 4:18-19; Matthew 25:34-40
VII. LEADERSHIP QUALITIES, AND SKILLS IN THE CHURCH
The values, and skills listed apply to every person who has an active role as a leader in the church. This includes pastors, teachers, and other workers in the church. Not all have an official title. Although the following list is not complete
in every detail it demonstrates the attitudes, and skills we try to attain as leaders in the church.
1. They have shown themselves approved over time through recognizable fruits, not being new converts. 1 Timothy 3:2-6,10; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 7:15-20; Galatians 5:22
2. Respected by others outside the church, showing mercy, and forgiveness
to all. 1 Timothy 3:7; Luke 6:27-39
3. Do all things in the church as servants to others out of humility. Not having selfish ambitions, but desiring to give more than to receive. Matthew 20:26-27;
1 Peter 5:5; James 3:13-16; Philippians 2:3-8
4. Demonstrate gentleness, compassion, patience, kindness and humility. Doing things out of love for God, and others. Colossians 3: 12-14; 1 Corinthians 16:14; Ephesians 5:1-2
5. Our goal as leaders is to build up others through encouragement rather than tearing them down, even when we are frustrated. Ephesians 4:25-32; Romans 14:19; Hebrews 10:25
6. They recognize that Jesus Christ is the authoritative leader in the church,
and depend on others having differing gifts. They do not take everything upon themselves out of arrogance, but realize that they are connected to others in
the church in which Jesus Christ is working.
Ephesians 4:15-16; Romans 12:3-5
7. Not looking for credit or recognition for what they do, but special honor to those who may be weaker, or lacking. Matthew 6:1, 1 Corinthians 12:12,24
8. Their lives show the working and fullness of the Holy Spirit through their
faith, works, and wisdom in what they do.
Acts 6:3; Romans 8:5; James 2:14-17
9. Guide and train others in the church for ministry through recruiting, teaching, and hands-on training so that the Kingdom of God may be expanded, and the church may be unified, attaining a full, and mature of faith in Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:10-20; Ephesians 4:11-13; Mark 3:14
10. Ready to do what is necessary at any time when they have not had time
to prepare. 2 Timothy 4:2
11. Husband of one wife, if married. He must be matured, blameless, temperate, sober- minded, demonstrate sustained ethical character, and one who rules his house well. 1 Timothy 3:2-4; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-29; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11; Psalm 68:5-6.