THE GLORIOUS DOCTRINE OF ELECTION
We believe that before the foundation of the world and before time began, God unconditionally chose or elected a definite yet vast number of people to live with Him in heaven. This gracious act is by His Sovereign Will and according to His good pleasure. This choice by Him, is not based upon what they would do, or what they would not do but is, rather, for us today, a mystery: why He would be pleased to choose and save these banished and unworthy sinners.
THE GODHEAD
We believe that God is a Triune Godhead: The Father, The Son (or Word), and The Holy Spirit. They work separately; yet in unison. They are distinct; yet They honor one another. Each One has unique characteristics; yet, They exist and operate in perfect harmony.
“And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness.”
Paul to Timothy, 1 Timothy 3:16
THE HOLY BIBLE, THE WORD OF GOD
We believe that beginning with Moses in Genesis and concluding with John in Revelation, God has, in 66 Books, provided to us His Holy Scriptures. This glorious and incomparable work, is comprehensive, complete and error-free. This work is final; has not been added to or taken from, and is our only rule of Faith and Practice.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Paul to Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
As primarily English-speaking people, we are confident in the translation found in the King James or Authorized Version. Its accuracy and integrity is unsurpassed and has, for over four hundred years, stood the test of time.
MAN’S NATURAL STATE
We believe that when Adam transgressed or disobeyed God’s law, he fell under the just and righteous condemnation of God’s Holy Law. As the Lord said in Genesis 2:17: “for in the day that thou eatest thereof (or break my commandment} thou shalt surely die.” That condemnation came upon him, his wife and all his posterity. Before or until God (by the Holy Spirit) intervenes, we are in a state of depravity and are at enmity against God. We are literally enemies of God. We are, at that time, the natural man; not knowing God, not loving God, not desiring God; completely and utterly without God and having no power, capacity or desire in ourselves to change that condition.
“. . . the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Paul to the Corinthians, 1 Cor 2:14
THERE SHALL COME OUT OF ZION THE REDEEMER
We believe that Jesus Christ, in covenant with the Father and Holy Spirit, was born of a virgin woman to testify to men with miracles, signs and wonders of the power of God and offer Himself to the Father as an Atonement for all the sins and transgressions of all of the elect and foreknown family of God. When He declared on the cross “it is finished,” we are able to know and rejoice that He completed all the sacrifice required of Him as an offering for the sin of His people. He was completely successful in that sacrifice; thus, He was totally victorious in the work of redemption. EVERYONE FOR WHOM HE DIED WILL LIVE WITH HIM IN HEAVEN!!
PRESERVATION
We believe that all for whom Jesus died will live with Him in heaven; not even one will be left out and none can fall away or perish in eternity. All of the blood bought are preserved by the power of God. Our High Priest ever liveth.
THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that The Holy Spirit quickens (or makes alive) every redeemed child of God and that child of grace is born again. Also, the Holy Spirit teaches us when we are born again. He puts a new law in our hearts and teaches us from above. The Holy Spirit comforts us and confirms the Gospel of Christ in our hearts so that we may know these things are true.
THE GOSPEL AND THE CHURCH
We believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the peculiar treasure of His Church; to be seen and rejoiced in from the inside of His Church. Our obedience and belief of the Gospel of Christ is evidence in our lives that Jesus died for us and that the Holy Spirit dwells in our heart.
BELIEVER’S BAPTISM
We believe that water baptism is one of the two ordinances of the Church practiced by Jesus Christ Himself. He gave us the example of water baptism, by full immersion and is our personal profession of faith in the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
FAMILY FRIENDLY WORSHIP
When you visit us at El Bethel Church, you will notice the simplicity of worship in our services. We believe this pattern of family-integrated worship is established in the primitive or early New Testament Church and is still sufficient over two thousand years later. Our goal is God honoring, edifying and simple worship that glorifies the Lord and not man.
THE FINAL RESURRECTION
We believe that at a time of the Lord’s choosing, He will return for one purpose: to gather together, whether alive or sleeping , all of the heirs of promise for whom He died. He will raise up each of them, and we will meet Him in the air. “So shall we ever be with the Lord.”
“. . . My flesh also shall rest in hope.”
David the Psalmist, Psalm 16
