What We Believe
The Apostolic Church International fully believes and adheres to the teachings and practices of the Bible writers, prophets, and apostles, summarized in the following Articles of Faith.
The Holy Bible
The Bible is God's inspired word. The perfect unity and harmony of the 66 books attest to its divine inspiration. Its fundamental purpose is to reveal the eternal One True God and to show mankind the way of salvation. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2Ti. 3:16)
One True God, the Father of All
There is only One Eternal True God, who is Spirit and Word, creator of heaven and earth and of all beings. Absolute monotheism runs through the sacred writings of both Testaments. "Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us?" (Mal. 2:10)
The Son of God
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." (Jn. 1:1-14). Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty — in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily. (Col. 2:9)
The Holy Spirit
The Spirit of God is His life-giving breath, His personal presence, and essentially God the Father in action in powerful and mysterious ways. After Pentecost the Holy Spirit, being poured out, began to produce holiness in God's people. "By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body." (1Cor. 12:13)
The Saving Name of the Lord
God was manifest in the flesh for the redemption of mankind, becoming Immanuel — 'God with us'. Christ was given the name Jesus to "save His people from their sins." "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
Universal Call of Salvation
The doctrine of Salvation is the grandest theme in the Scriptures. It relates to all mankind without exception and centers on our Lord Jesus Christ. "Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world." (Jn. 1:29). God is not willing that any one should perish. (2Pe. 3:9)
Grace
The grace of God is revealed to save and is given to those who humble themselves before God and accept it by faith. Grace means unmerited favor — the divine influence upon the heart. Access to grace can only be realized by faith, which is confirmed by works of obedience. (Ep. 2:8)
Creation of Man
"God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him." (Ge. 1:27). Adam's sin affects the entire race, bringing depravity and eternal death. God enacted His foreordained grand plan of redemption through the death of His Son Jesus Christ. (Eph. 1:4-12)
The New Birth
"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (Jn. 3:5). The New Birth — through Repentance, Water Baptism in Jesus' name, and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit — constitutes the beginning of transformation into the likeness of Christ. (Acts 2:38)
The Church
The Church is the body of Christ, the Temple of God, and the Bride of Christ — made up of born-again believers purchased by His own blood. (Acts 20:28). "Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord." (2Co. 6:17)
The Ministry of the Laying on of Hands
The ministry of praying, lifting holy hands and blessing is a designated authority given to men serving as ministers. (He. 6:2; Acts 13:1-3; 19:6). The women in the church are permitted to be a part of any other ministries except for the laying on of hands. (I Ti. 2:8-15)
The Healing and Blessing of God
Jesus Christ, by his stripes and bruises, has taken our pain and weaknesses. Through his death on the cross he has saved us from sin and liberated us from eternal death. The only way we can receive all these blessings is if we receive his word by faith. (Ps. 107:20)
Restoration of a Backslider
If after a person was born of the water and of the Spirit, he falls into sin, that individual can be restored if they sincerely repent. "…the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin… If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins." (1 Jn. 1:7-9)
Conscience
The moment one has been justified through obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ, he is given a good conscience that will allow him to keep God's law. He should not be a part of anything that will trouble his conscience, for "whatsoever is not of faith is sin." (Ro. 14:23)
Holiness
Holiness is the attribute of God. Since our body is the temple of God where the Holy Ghost dwells, we must abstain from everything that defiles body and soul. "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." (Eph. 1:4)
The Lord's Supper
Those who are born of water and Spirit and have put on Christ are to be partakers of the Lord's Supper to testify of His death. The Bible is clear that it is possible to take of communion unworthily. (I Co. 11:29). Therefore the church gives strict warning through preaching before communion.
The Washing of the Feet
Just as our Lord Jesus Christ humbled himself and washed the feet of his disciples, we also ought to humble ourselves. "You also ought to wash one another's feet... if you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." (Jn. 13:14-17)
Marriage and Divorce
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled." (He. 13:4). The Bible commands fidelity — one woman for one man. The church will not perform nor give consent to polygamy or same-gender marriage. Since divorce is an abomination in the sight of God, it is only permitted in the case of adultery. (Mt. 19:3-9)
Tithe and Offering
Those who do not participate in the principle of biblical stewardship are cursed by God. (Mal. 3:7-12). We believe those who trust the word of God and serve their God will receive double portion blessings. "He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." (II Co. 9:6)
The Government
The regulations and laws of this earth's government are from God and every soul should be subject to those powers, for they are ordained of God. In order for peace to be multiplied on this earth, we must earnestly pray for our leaders and for leaders all over the world. (Ro. 13:4; I Ti. 2:1-4)
The Great Commission
"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mk. 16:15). The church is given the challenge to preach the gospel until the end, to deliver those drawn unto eternal death, and to save those ready to be slain by the sword of sin. (Mt. 28:17-20; Acts 1:8)
The Catching Up of the Saints
Those who have been born of water and Spirit in the Name of Jesus, walking in a new life, full of love and unity — the Saints who are the body of the Church — will be united with Christ at the time of his choosing. "We shall be caught up together with them in the clouds." (I Th. 4:13-18)
The Second Coming of Christ
Just as Christ ascended into heaven with glory, He shall return in like manner. He will reign in Jerusalem for a thousand years. During that time the earth will be filled with peace, the world will surrender to God, and Satan will be bound in hell for the thousand years. (Re. 19:11-16; 20:1-5)
The Last Judgment
After the thousand years, the Lord will make an eternal judgment upon sinners and the devil. For the Saints, the New Jerusalem with the new heaven and new earth shall be presented to give them eternal heavenly rest. The chosen Saints will enter into it and live without end. (Mt. 25:31-46; Re. 20:7-15)