Statement of Beliefs

We believe the Bible is God’s instruction book for mankind. We believe that all scripture is given by divine inspiration (God-breathed) and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. We believe that no scripture is of private interpretation, meaning we do not get to decide what scripture means all alone by ourselves. We believe the Holy Spirit is required to understand scripture, and that humility before the scripture and before God enables comprehension. Those who submit to Him and are led by His Spirit will gain understanding in God’s time.

See: 2 Timothy 3:16; Daniel 12:8-9; Amos 3:7; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Isaiah 66:2; 1 Corinthians 2:14

We believe God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. We believe He is the life-giver, the law-giver, the creator, sustainer, and governor of the destiny of that universe. Further, we believe that His throne resides in the highest heaven where His will is performed continually, and that He is eternal in existence, and infinite in power, and love. We believe God is spirit and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth. We believe God is Holy, righteous, and without sin. Additionally, we believe God is the God of salvation who created all things and redeemed all things through His Son, Jesus Christ.

See: Revelation 4; Psalm 27:1; 55:22; 99:9; John 4:24; 1:1-4; Acts 17:24-26; Isaiah 33:22; 40:22-28; 46:9-10; 1 John 4:16; Colossians 1:12-14; Matthew 6:10; Deuteronomy 32:4

We believe Jesus is the Son of God and has eternally existed. We believe that through Jesus, God created all things and nothing has been created that was not created by Him. We believe that Jesus is the God of the Old Testament and that all authority has been given to Him by the Father. We believe Jesus has many titles that include Savior, Redeemer, Mediator, the Word of God, High Priest, and Advocate, to name a few. We also acknowledge Jesus as King in our lives. We believe Jesus came to our world in the flesh. We believe that Jesus demonstrated the supreme act of love in giving His life as a ransom for the sins of all mankind. We further believe that Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith, that He was crucified and buried and on the third day rose from the dead. We believe He sits on the right hand of the Father and will return to this earth as King of kings and Lord of lords. We also believe that Jesus is the active head of His church, and he is the example all Christians should follow.

See: Hebrews 1:2; 7:1-3; 12:2; Revelation 11:15; 19:13; John 1:1-4,14; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4; Ephesians 1:7, 20-22; Colossians 1:16; 1 Timothy 2:5; 6:14-15; 1 John 2:1; 4:14; Matthew 12:38-40; 16:24; 28:6, 18

We believe that the Holy Spirit is described in the creation story of Genesis chapter one, and it goes throughout the scriptures to the final book of Revelation.  We believe the Holy Spirit is God’s power. We believe the Holy Spirit empowers those called by God to have an understanding of the Word and Will of God Almighty.  We also believe the Holy Spirit empowers God’s children with strength, courage, and wisdom. We believe that no one belongs to Christ unless and until they have His Spirit in them.  We believe that all Christians are exhorted to have the mind of Christ. We believe having the mind of Christ requires both the human spirit and the Holy Spirit. Further, we believe that Jesus promised to make the Holy Spirit available and He fulfilled that promise on the Day of Pentecost which began the original Christian church. We believe God’s Holy Spirit is the dynamic and personal presence of God, and that it is given and sustained in those who strive to obey.

See: Judges 14:6; Daniel 5:13-14; Luke 24:49; John 14:15-20; 16:7,13; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16; Acts 1:8; 2; 4:31; 5:32; Philippians 2:5; Romans 8:9, 14

We believe the gospel is a message of the good news of the Kingdom of God. Further, we believe this gospel was powerfully proclaimed by Jesus Christ, the King of that Kingdom. We believe that the preaching of the gospel is one of the commissions given to God’s church. We believe Jesus Christ prophesied that the gospel would be proclaimed as a witness to all nations, and then shall the end come.

See: Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 24:14; Luke 9:1-2; Acts 8:12; 20:25; 28:30-31; Mark 16:15: 1 Timothy 6:14-15;

We believe the Kingdom of God is a literal kingdom that will be established on earth. This kingdom will be presided over by Jesus Christ and His saints. The saints will be kings and priests. At that time, the knowledge of the LORD will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea and all will come to know Him. This Kingdom will reflect a period of great peace and prosperity. God will put a new spirit in the citizens of this kingdom and write His law upon their hearts. Its citizens will be both physically and spiritually whole, peace will be in abundance, God’s Word will radiate throughout it, and sorrow and crying will be no more.

See: Revelation 1:6; 11:15-19; 21:4; Micah 4:1-4; Daniel 7:18, 22; Isaiah 2:4; 32:18; 35:5-6, 10, 11:6-9; Ezekiel 11:19; Zechariah 8:4-5; Jeremiah 31:31-33

We believe that sin is the transgression of God’s immutable law and that the consequence of sin is eternal death. We believe that sin is the responsibility of the individual involved. We do not believe that sin is passed from parent to child or vice versa. We believe that God hates sin and that sin separates us from Him. It is our belief that all have sinned and come short of God’s glory. However, we believe that God has provided a plan in which the penalty of sin has been paid by Jesus Christ, making salvation possible.

See: 1 John 3:4; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Isaiah 59:1-2; Titus 2:14; Ezekiel 18:20; Psalms 45:7; 1 John 2:2

We believe being born again is a process that begins upon receipt of God’s Holy Spirit (a form of conception) and culminates at the resurrection when God’s children will be raised as incorruptible spirit beings and members of His family. At that time, we believe that His children will be like Him and that they will be partakers of His nature. This culmination takes place at the last trump when the dead in Christ shall be raised incorruptible. We believe that Jesus Christ spoke of this process of being born again and clearly indicated that if a man does not consent to this birth, he cannot inherit the Kingdom.

See: John 3:1-8; 1 Corinthians 13:12; 15:50-52; 1 John 3: 1-2; Philippians 3:21; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Ephesians 3:15

We believe the Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday evening) is a blessing from God and an identifying sign of His children. We believe the Sabbath was made by God on the seventh day of creation, and at that time, God sanctified it. We believe that the Sabbath was made a part of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and that the commandment was written personally by God. We believe the Sabbath was practiced by God’s people in the Old Testament, by Jesus and His apostles in the New Testament, and remains in effect to this day. Additionally, we believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath, that the Sabbath was made for man, and that the Sabbath will be kept when Jesus establishes His Kingdom on this earth.

See: Genesis 1:31; 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11; 31:13-18; Mark 2:27; Acts 13:42; 17:2; 18:4; Isaiah 56:2; 66:23; Luke 4:16;

We believe that God has created seven annual Holy Days and has instructed His children to assemble on these days as well as on His weekly Sabbath. We believe that these days picture God’s plan of salvation for mankind and are a shadow of things to come. Additionally, we believe that God has instructed His children to present an offering to Him on these days. Further, we believe that God’s festivals are a time of great rejoicing and we consider them to be a tremendous blessing from Him to His people. Additionally, we believe the scriptures clearly demonstrate that the Feasts of the LORD were kept by the children of Israel, by Jesus and His apostles, and will be kept in God’s Kingdom during the Millennium.

See: Leviticus 23; Colossians 2:16-17; John 7:37-39; Exodus 34:18-22; Deuteronomy 16:3-17; Ezra 6:22; Acts 2; 18:21; 20:6; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Zechariah 14:16-19;

We believe that salvation is a process that culminates with entrance into God’s Kingdom. Further, we believe salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned. We believe it is the gift of eternal life, and abundant life. However, we do believe this gift is conditional and that God will not give it to anyone who would hold it in contempt. We believe the gift of salvation will be given to those who turn from sin, accept God’s authority in their lives, and claim the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We further believe that it is God’s will that all would come to repentance and that none would be lost. Nonetheless we believe that the scripture shows at least some will never repent.

See: Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 10:29; Acts 2:37-40, 4:10-12; Romans 6:23; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; John 6:40; 10:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10; Revelation 20:10

We believe repentance is a foundational doctrine of God’s true church. We believe all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We believe that sin separates us from God and that the ultimate result of sin is eternal death. However, we also believe that sin can be repented of and forgiven. It is the belief of the Church of God Restored that repentance is required in order to be forgiven and that repentance involves change. Further, we believe that an essential step in this change is a change of mind and heart. We believe that when one truly repents, a person becomes a new creation in Christ. Therefore the repentant person does not look backward at the sin as much as they look forward to living a righteous life with the help of a loving God.

See: Romans 3:23, 6:23; Isaiah 55:7; 59:2; Acts 2:38; Luke 13:1-9; Jeremiah 3:13-15; Joel 2:13; Ezekiel 14:6, 33:11, 14-16; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 6:1-2

We believe God has a prior claim of ownership on everything we possess. We further believe that the practice of tithing was commanded by God in the Old Testament and affirmed by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. We believe it is important to understand that tithing is an expression of faith toward God and a statement of what His children place as most important in their lives. Further, we believe God has promised to bless those who faithfully tithe and that He has even challenged His children to test this promise.

See: Haggai 2:8; Leviticus 27:30-34; Genesis 14:17-20; 28:20-22; Psalms 50:10-12; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 16:13

We believe the laying on of hands is a foundational doctrine of God’s true church. We believe that the laying on of hands is designed to convey a special blessing from God upon His children. Further, we believe the laying on of hands was practiced in the Old Testament by God’s people as well as throughout the New Testament. We believe the laying on of hands is a part of Christian baptism which facilitates the conveying of God’s Spirit. We also believe the laying on of hands is designed to set one apart for special use by God.

See: Genesis 48:14; Acts 6:6; 8:17; 19:6; 28:8; 1 Timothy 5:22; Mark 5:23; 6:5; 16:18; Hebrews 6:1-2

We believe the resurrection is a foundational doctrine of God’s true church. Further, we believe that all who are in the grave will be resurrected to either eternal life or eternal judgment. We of the Church of God Restored believe the Bible clearly describes three resurrections.

The first resurrection is reserved for those whom God has called in this life and have surrendered to His leadership. We believe that this is a resurrection to which all Christians should attain; it is the culmination of a process that involves true repentance, conversion and following Christ for the rest of one’s life. This resurrection will take place at the last trump in which the dead in Christ shall rise, take on incorruption, and be with Christ forever. Those who will be in this resurrection are being judged at this time regarding their future in eternity.

The second resurrection is for all those who have not been called in this life. This resurrection will take place at the conclusion of the Millennium. It will enable the billions of people who were not called, who have never heard God’s Word, to be taught God’s way and to make a decision concerning it. This will give everyone a real chance to choose, and all will face eternal judgment according to their decisions. This is a physical resurrection in which those who are in the graves shall be made mortal, comprised of flesh, and blood, and bone.

The third resurrection is reserved for all those who have wilfully rejected God and His rulership in their life. This is a resurrection to eternal judgement (the second death).

See: Isaiah 26:19; Ezekiel 37; Hebrews 6:1-2; 10:26-27; John 5:28; Luke 14:14; Revelation 20:4-6, 10, 13-15; 1 Corinthians 15:35-56; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Matthew 22:14; 1 Peter 4:17

We believe eternal judgement is one of the foundational doctrines of God’s true church. We believe that God is a judge, and that God’s judgement is filled with mercy and justice. We believe that God is eternal, and his plan for mankind is eternal. Further, we believe that every work will come into judgement and that ultimately, the end result of God’s judgement on all people is either eternal life with Him or eternal death. We believe that God has appointed times of judgement regarding eternal matters, and that judgement is now upon those whom He has called. Nonetheless, ultimately, everyone will be judged.

See: James 2:13; Psalms 116:5; Revelation 20:12-15; John 3:16; 5:28-29; Hebrews 9:27; 6:1-2; Romans 14:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1Peter 4:17; Deuteronomy 33:27

We believe that God designed certain plants and animals to be consumed by man while others are to be avoided. We believe that God’s laws concerning clean and unclean meats were given before the flood, were restored to the congregation in the wilderness, were honored by God’s people in the Old Testament, and by Jesus Christ and the Apostles. The Church of God Restored honors God’s instruction concerning clean and unclean meats.

See: Genesis 7:1-5; Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14; Acts 10:14

We believe baptism is a foundational doctrine of God’s true church. We believe baptism is an expression of faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism symbolizes a Christian putting to death the works of the flesh and rising in newness of life to follow Jesus. We believe that Jesus Christ Himself was baptized as an example and that He commanded His disciples to continue this practice. We believe baptism was practiced in the early New Testament church and that upon baptism and the laying on of hands, a Christian will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the belief of the Church of God Restored that all Christians are commanded to be baptized and that baptism is preceded by repentance. Additionally, we believe the scriptures declare that baptism is to be done by immersion.

See: Hebrews 6:1-2; Mark 16:15-16; John 3:22; Matthew 3:13-17; 16:24; 28:19-20; Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:3-6; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 22:16

We believe that although it is impossible for a Christian to be saved by works, works represent a significant role in a believer’s life. We believe that God is very concerned with works and that every work will ultimately come into judgement. Further, we believe that although a Christian is saved by grace, he or she is rewarded according to works. We of the Church of God Restored also believe that works and faith are inseparable.

See: Ephesians 2:8-10; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36; James 2:21-25; Revelation 2:23; 20:12-13; 22:12; Romans 2:6; Matthew 16:27; Hebrews 6:10;

We believe that although God’s mercy is everlasting, He has fixed His perfect will to create what we might call a "point of no return" with respect to sin. We refer to this “point of no return” as the “unpardonable sin.” We see this “unpardonable sin” referred to in the scripture in various ways. Jesus said, “...whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” The scripture says that “if we sin wilfully.... there remains no more sacrifice for sins.” We believe that it is possible for a person to make choices that end up “having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” We believe these and other scriptures are clear warnings about the unpardonable sin. We believe the consequence for the unpardonable sin is eternal death.

See: Matthew 12:31-32; Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-27; Revelation 22:19; Luke 13:6-9; Psalm 37:9-10, 20;100:5; Isaiah 59:1; 66:24; Malachi 4:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:2

We believe grace is God’s divine favor on His children. We believe that we are saved by grace and not by works. We believe that the sacrifice of Jesus was the ultimate act of divine grace. We believe that God is filled with grace and truth, and that grace and truth came into our world in the person of Jesus Christ. We believe that God resists the proud but gives His grace to the humble. Therefore being humble is part of what allows us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We believe we must be on guard to not let grace become an excuse for license to sin, as many have done. We believe that God’s grace in calling people to the faith begins when He calls His children to repentance and continues as He works with His children so they can become more like Him.

See: John 1:14-17; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 2:4; 3:23-25; 5:6-8; Galatians 1:15; Matthew 5:48; 16:24; 1 Peter 5:5; 2 Peter 3:18; Jude 1:4

We believe that faith is a foundational doctrine of God’s true church. We believe the presence of the Holy Spirit makes faith possible, and that it is impossible to please God without it. We believe faith is essential to salvation and that faith is made manifest by obeying God and following His will. We believe God has instructed His children that faith must be exercised and therefore His children are to "walk by faith and not by sight." We believe faith comes by hearing, and hearing by God’s word. We do not believe faith is expressed by emotion, but rather by action, and apart from obedience to God and following the example of Christ, faith is meaningless.

See: Habakkuk 2:4; Hebrews 6:1-2; James 2:15-26; Ephesians 2:8; Galatians 2:16; 5:22; Romans 1:17; 5:1-2; 10:17; 2 Corinthians 5:7; 1 John 2:6

We believe God has created both spiritual laws and physical laws. We believe that the breaking of His physical law brings upon us physical consequences, and if severe enough, could ultimately cause our physical death. We believe God is a great healer and that the Bible chronicles numerous examples of God’s intervention in man’s physical life. In a very real sense, we believe healing is the process in which God forgives the breaking of His physical laws and removes the consequences associated with it. We believe healing is produced by the power of God and involves an element of faith. Further, we believe God has outlined specific instructions for His children when they are sick. This instruction includes calling on the elders of the church, having them pray over the sick, anointing the sick with oil, and asking in faith for God’s intervention.

See: Psalm 107:17; Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3; James 5:14-15; Matthew 9:2-7, 27-30; Luke 8:48; 18:42; Acts 14:8-10; Jeremiah 30:17

We believe that Jesus Christ promised to build His Church. We believe that the church refers to the people who are called out of the world to be disciples, even as the Greek word for church “ekklesia” means “the called out.” We believe that this church began on Pentecost when the gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the original disciples in Jerusalem after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that the people of the church are to love one another as brothers and sisters. We believe the foundation of the church is Jesus and the Apostles, and that the church is meant to be fitly framed together as one body. We believe the people of the church are taught to repent, to be baptized, and to receive God’s Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. We believe the people of the church are guided by the Word of God and the indwelling of God’s Spirit. We believe that church leadership is service leadership. We believe the leadership of the church has been given authority to contend for the faith once delivered, to defend sound doctrine, to defend the brethren from spiritual harm, and to teach the brethren to follow Christ.

See: Matthew 4:4; 16:18-19, 24; 18:15-19; Luke 22:25-27; Acts 1-2; 8:14-17; Ephesians 2:19-22; John 13:34-35; Romans 8:9, 14; 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Jude 3