{"id":87,"date":"2020-02-19T08:22:53","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T08:22:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/holci\/?page_id=87"},"modified":"2020-02-28T08:37:43","modified_gmt":"2020-02-28T08:37:43","slug":"statement-of-faith","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/holci.org\/index.php\/statement-of-faith\/","title":{"rendered":"Statement Of Faith"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u00a0This statement constitutes a guide to the fundamental beliefs of House of the Lord International<\/strong>. The programmes and activities of House of the Lord International shall be based upon and, at all times, be consistent with this statement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.1 The Scriptures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Scriptures in their original\nform, both the Old and New Testament, are divinely inspired and are the\nrevelation of God to man. All Scripture is God-breathed \u2013 the Holy Spirit\ninspired the authors, revealing to them what He wanted written (Acts 1:16; 2\nTim.3:16; 2 Pet.1:20,21). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These scriptures are infallible\ntruth, containing no contradiction or error. It is the final authority for\nfaith, doctrine and life. The canon of the Bible is closed. Christians must\nremain receptive to the illumination of Scriptural truth by the Holy Spirit\n(Matt 5:18; John 17:17; Rom.10:17; 15:4; 1 Cor.10:11; 2:13; James 1:21). The\nOld Testament was endorsed by Jesus Christ as God\u2019s Word. The New Testament is\nnot a contradiction, but a culmination and consummation of Old Testament truth\n(Matt.5:17; Luke 4:17-21; 24:27, 44; John 5:39; 1 Cor.14:37; 2 Pet.3:15, 16). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.2 The Godhead<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>God is Spirit\n\u2013 infinite, eternal, uncreated and unchangeable in His being or attributes. In\nHim all things have their source, sup\u00adport and end (John 4:24; Ps.102:25-27;\nGen.1:1,26; John 1:1-3; Heb.1:1-3; Col.1:15-17).There is one true God who has a\nplural nature \u2013 the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit \u2013 all distinct\npersonalities, all designated God (John1:1,18,14; Heb.1:8; Acts 5:3,4). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible does not teach that\nthere are three Gods, but upholds the doctrine of the Trinity \u2013 one God who\nreveals Himself in three persons \u2013 equal in power and glory (Gen.1:26;\nMatt.3:16, 17; 28:19; Acts 10:38; 1 Cor.12:4-6).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.3 The Father<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>God, the\nFather, is the Father of all in a creative sense, but only those who have\nreceived Jesus Christ can be called His children in a redemptive sense. He is\nthe Father of all Christians in a special, intimate relationship (Mal.2:10;\nActs 17:28; John 1:12, 13; 8:41-44; 17:3; 20:17). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.4 Jesus Christ<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>Jesus Christ\nis Lord and the Son of God \u2013 these titles proclaim His deity. He is the Only\nBegotten of the Father, not that He is a son of God in a general sense, but the\nSon of God in a unique sense. As God He existed eternally and will exist\nforever (John 1:1-3, 18; 17:5; Heb.1:2-12; 13:8). By taking on the form of man,\nJesus is the Word that became flesh. His birth was supernatural and not natural\nas in the case of all other men. He was miraculously \u2018virgin-born\u2019 of the Holy\nSpirit, without a human father (John 1:14, 8; Isa.7:14; Matt.1:18-25). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible declares His absolute\ndeity and His complete humanity. He lived a sinless life on earth; teaching,\npreaching and performing miracles with divine authority (Matt. 16:13, 16;\nPhilip.2:5-8; 1 Tim.2:5; Heb.2:14-18; 4:15; 2 Cor.5:21; Matt.4:23, 24; Acts\n2:22). Jesus fulfilled God\u2019s plan in history. He suffered under Pontius Pilate,\nwas crucified, died, was buried and descended to Hades. Christ died for all and\nrose bodily from the dead. He did not only rise spiritually, nor just as a\nspirit being, but it was a physical resurrection. The doctrine of the\nresurrection is foundational for Christianity (1 Cor.15:3, 4, 14-21; Luke 24:6,\n39; Acts 4:33; Rom.1:4; 5:10; 8:11). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After His resurrection He\nascended to the Father in heaven. He is alive forevermore in His res\u00adurrected\nbody and exalted position, representing us before the throne of God as our High\nPriest and Advocate (1Tim.3:16; Mark 16:19; Philip.3:20, 21; Rom.8:34;\nHeb.4:14-16; 7:24, 25). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.5 The Holy Spirit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Holy Spirit is a divine\nperson, the third person of the Holy Trinity, distinct from the Father and the\nSon (Luke 1:35; 1 Cor.2:10, 11; 2 Cor.13:14). The clear and unmistakable\nteaching of Scripture is that the Holy Spirit is personal and is God. He is not\nan impersonal force, nor a mere principle or influence, but possesses full,\ndistinct personality (John 14:16, 26; 16:7, 8; Acts 13:2, 4; 1 Cor.12:11;\nEph.4:30).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.6 The Creation and Fall of Humankind<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All people have been created\nequally and in the image of God, irrespective of race, ethnicity, colour,\ngender, age, language, culture or class (Gen.1:26-28; 3:20; Prov.22:2; Acts\n10:34, 35; 17:26, 27; James 3:9; Col.3:10, 11; Gal.3:28). God cre\u00adated\nhumankind in His own image, but that image has been marred by sin. Humankind\nwas given a free will and through Satan\u2019s temptation sinned, thereby incurring\nthe penalty of death, both physical and spiritual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All human beings inherit a sinful\nnature which results, in the case of those who reach moral responsibility, in\nactual transgression involving personal guilt (Gen.1:26-28; 3:1-6; Rom.5:12;\nEph.2:1-3). All have sinned \u2013 therefore humankind is in a lost sinful state,\nfallen from original righteousness (Isa.53:6; Rom.3:9-12, 23; 1Cor.15:21, 22;\nGal.3:22). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible describes sin in many\nways \u2013 missing the mark, not meeting God\u2019s standards, breaking His laws, going\nagainst His will, disobeying Him, acting in unbelief, failing to do what is\ngood, owing a debt, etc. Sin is umankind\u2019s fallen condition evident in human\ncharacter, will, thoughts, attitudes or cts. It is proud, self-willed rebellion\nagainst God in active or passive form (Dan.9:5, 8, 9; James 2:8-11; 4:17;\nRom.14:23; 1 John 3:4; 5:17; Matt.6:12). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.7 The Salvation of Humankind <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>Jesus Christ\ngave His life as a substitutionary sacrifice and ransom for all (1 Cor.15:3;\nMatt.20:28; 1 Tim.2:3-6). His atoning death on the cross and His shed blood\nfully paid the price of redemption required for the release of sinners. Through\nHis death people can obtain the forgiveness and emission of sins; washing and\ncleansing from unrigh\u00adteousness; justification and pardon from the guilt of\ntransgressions; righteousness and right standing with God; propitiation and\nreconciliation which restores fellowship and favour with God; healing and\nwholeness; the victorious life; and the gift of eternal life (Gal.3:13, 14; 1\nPet.1:18, 19; 2:24; Col.1:13, 14; Rom.3:22-26; 5:8-11, 17-19; Titus 3:4-7; 1\nJohn 2:2; 3:8; Rev.12:10, 11). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People are not able to save\nthemselves by works; by trying to keep the Law or the Ten Commandments; by\npersonal merit in themselves; by self-effort; or by natural development from\nwithin \u2013 no one can add anything to the completed atoning work of Christ\n(Isa.64:6; Rom.3:20, 28; Gal.2:16; Titus 3:5). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salvation is by grace, the free\ngift of eternal life from God to all those who believe in Christ. It is\nreceived by faith in the crucified and risen Saviour, resulting in the\nsupernatural work of the new birth, which is essential to make the repentant\nsinner a new creation in Christ Jesus and a child of God (Eph.2:8, 9; Gal.3:26;\nRom.6:23; 10:9, 10; 2 Cor.7:10; 5:17; John 3:3-5, 16; 1:12, 13; 1 John 5:1). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.8 Water Baptism <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water baptism is a direct\ncommandment of our Lord. Scripture requires that all who have become disciples\nthrough repentance and faith in Christ as Saviour and Lord are to be baptized\nin the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is by immersion\nof water and is for believers only (Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38, 39; 8:36-39;\n16:31-33). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ordinance of baptism is an\nact of obedience; a symbol of the Christian\u2019s identification with Christ in His\ndeath, burial and resurrection; a declara\u00adtion that the believer has died with\nChrist and has been raised with Him to walk in newness of life; a public\nconfession of the new believer\u2019s faith in Christ; and the answer of a good\nconscience toward God (Matt.3:13-17; Rom.6:3-5; Col.2:12; 1 Pet.3:21)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.9 Communion <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communion is the regular\npartaking of the emblems of the bread and the cup as symbolic of the Saviour\u2019s\nbroken body and the shed blood. In following this ordinance, believers are\nremembering the Lord Jesus Christ; proclaiming His death; giv\u00ading thanks for\nthe benefits of his broken body and shed blood; expressing their communion with\nHim and one another; celebrating His resurrection; and anticipating His return\n(Matt.26:26-29; 1Cor.10:16,17; 11:23-32). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.10 The Baptism in the Holy Spirit <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new birth is the work of\nregeneration that the Holy Spirit executes, by which He then indwells the\nbeliever. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience distinct and\nsubsequent to the new birth (Titus 3:5; John 3:5, 6; 14:16, 17; Acts 8:14-17;\n19:2). Jesus baptizes in the Holy Spirit and according to His command all\nbelievers are entitled to and should expect the Promise of the Father \u2013 the\nbaptism in the Holy Spirit. This was the normal and needful experience of\nChristians in the Church of the early days (Matt.3:11; Acts 1:4, 5; 2:38, 39;\n11: 15, 16).  hrough baptism in the Holy\nSpirit believers are empowered and equipped for life and service; and with it\ncomes the bestowment of the supernatural gifts of the Spirit and their uses in\nthe work of the ministry (Mark 16:17; Acts 1:8; 1Cor.12:4-11). The baptism of\nthe Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with\nother tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:6).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.11 Sanctification <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Scriptures demand a life of\nholiness. Believers are called to separation and consecration unto God (1 Pet.\n1:14-16; 1Thes.3:12, 13; 4:3-7; 5:23; Heb. 12:14). Christ\u2019s holiness is imputed\nto the regenerated believer, but this positional holiness must be worked out as\npractical sanctification in the believer\u2019s conduct. Sanctification is a\ndefinite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the new birth and\ncontinuing throughout the life of the Christian (1Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Heb. 10:10,\n14; Philip. 3:12-14; 2Cor. 3:18; 1 John 3:2, 3). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sanctification is an act of\npurification and separation from that which is evil; and of dedication unto God\n(2Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:22-24; 2 Tim. 2:21-22). Sanctification is realized in the\nlife of believers by recognizing the identification with Christ in His death\nand resurrection; by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union; and by\noffering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit and the\nWord of God (1Cor. 1;30; Rom. 6:11-14, 18-22; Gal. 5:16-25; John 17:17; James\n1:21).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.12 Divine Healing and Miracles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Divine healing was provided for\nin the Old Testament and is an integral part of the Gospel. The New Testament\ndeclares that through Christ\u2019s redemptive work, full provision has been made\nfor the physical healing and health. It is the privilege of believer today (Ex.\n23:25; Isa.53:4, 5; Matt. 8:16, 17; 1 Pet. 2:24; Gal. 3:13, 14; Luke 10:9). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healing is for physical ills of\nthe human body and is wrought by God\u2019s power indifferent ways, like laying on\nof hands; the prayer of faith; anointing with oil; or the gifts of healing\n(Mark 16:17, 18; 6:13; Acts 28:8, 9; James 5:14-16; 1Cor. 12:9). Miracles are\nsupernatural works, signs or wonders of the unchangeable God and are possible\nin the present day (Mark 16:17-20; John 14:12; Acts 6:8; 8:6; 1Cor. 12:10; Rom.\n15:18, 19; 2Cor. 12:12). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.13 The Church<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The one true Church is the whole\ncompany of all believers who have been called out of sin and the world,\nredeemed by Jesus and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. It is universal in the\nsense that it includes all true believers out of all nations from all gen\u00aderations.\nEach Christian is an integral part of the general assembly and Church of the\nfirstborn registered in heaven. (Matt.16:16-19; Eph.4:3-6; 1Pet. 2:5, 9, 10;\nHeb.12:23). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus Christ is the Head of the\nChurch and the Bible describes it in different terms, for example, the Body of\nChrist, His Bride, the family of God, the building and habitation God\n(Eph.1:22, 23; 2Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-27; 3:15; 2:19-22). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Church also has a visible,\nlocal ex\u00adpression \u2013 a company of believers voluntarily fellowshipping together\nin a given locality. The local Church on earth should take its charac\u00adter from\nthe conception of the Church universal (Matt. 18:15-17; 1Cor. 1:2; Heb.10:24,\n25). Therefore, the essentials of Church member\u00adship are the new birth and\npersonal confession of faith in Christ. It is not merely the attending of\nChurch services or having a name on the membership list that makes one a member\nof Christ\u2019s true Church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only the transforming work of the\nHoly Spirit in the heart of the repentant sinner qualifies one for membership\nin the Body of Christ (Acts 2:38-41, 47; Eph. 2:13, 18, 19). The Bible teaches\nthe princi\u00adpal of being in submission to authority. As such, it is understood\nthat Church membership shall be subject to submission to authority in matters\npertaining to Church governance, doctrine and personal behaviour. (Heb.13:17;\n1Thes.5:12, 13; 1Pet.5:2-5). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible teaches heterosexual\nrelationships between a natural man and a natural woman within the confines of\nlawful matrimony. Adhere to this stated principal of sexual behaviour is an\ninherent requirement for membership in this local Church. (Gen.1:27, 28;\nLev.18:22; Rom.1:27). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The primary mission of the Church\nis to be an agency of God for evangelising the world; to be a corporate body\nbringing praise and worship to God; to be a gathering where the saints can be\nequipped, edified and perfected in the image of God\u2019s Son; to be a demon\u00adstration\nof God\u2019s love and goodness to all; to be a foundation upholding God\u2019s wisdom\nand truth; to be a catalyst of constructive social change and justice in the\ncommu- nity, ministering to the poor and oppressed; and to be an instrument\nenforcing Satan\u2019s defeat through God\u2019s power (Matt.28:19, 20; Acts 1:8;\nEph.1:6, 12,14; 4:11-16; 3:10; Gal.5:13,14; 6:9, 10; 1Tim. 3:15; Matt.\n25:35-40; Acts 20:35; Rom. 16:20). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.14 The Ministry <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every Christian is a priest \u2013 to\nbring acceptable spiritual sacrifices, by full and equal access, to God through\nChrist; a minister or servant \u2013 to serve God and one another through love; a\nsteward \u2013 to profitably use the trust granted by God; and a worker \u2013 to fulfill\nthe labour of love in God\u2019s kingdom (Rev. 1:6; Heb. 10:19-22; 13:15,16; 6:10;\n1Pet. 2:5,9: 4:10,11; Eph. 4:7,12; 2:10; Matt.25:14) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ascended Christ has given\nvarious ministries to the Church \u2013 apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and\nteachers \u2013 which are essen\u00adtial to equip the saints for the work of the\nministry and build up the Body of Christ (Eph.4:11, 12; 1Cor.12:28;\nRom.12:4-13). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.15 Gender Equality<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible teaches us that both\nman and woman were created equal by God, and in His image; that they both had a\nrelationship with God, shared equally with God, spoke to God and fellowshipped\nwith Him, and were both given authority to rule over the earth (Gen 1:26-28).\nThe Bible teaches that Jesus Christ came to redeem women as well as men.\nThrough faith we all become children of God, regardless of racial, social or\ngender distinctions (Gal 3:26-28). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Church spiritual gifts of\nwomen and men are to be recognized, developed and used while public recognition\nis to be given to both women and men who exercise ministries of service and\nleadership (1 Pet 4:10-11). In the family neither spouse is to seek to dominate\nthe other but rather serve and submit to one another; spouses are to learn to share\nthe responsibilities of leadership on the basis of gifts, expertise and\navailability (Eph 5:21).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Both mothers and fathers are to exercise\nleadership in the nurture, training, discipline and teaching of their children\n(Prov 1:8, Eph 6:1-4, Col 3:20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.16 Satan <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The devil is a fallen being cast\ndown from heaven because of his transgression. He is not an impersonal force,\nnor the principal of evil personified \u2013 personal names and pronouns are used\nwith reference to him, while personal attributes and acts are ascribed to him\n(Isa.14:12-17; Rev.12;9). He is the real enemy of Christians; and together with\nhis demons seek to deceive, tempt, afflict, oppress and destroy humankind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The believer, however, has been\ngiven authority over them in the name of Jesus Christ (John 8:44; Luke\n10:17-20; Acts 10:38; Eph. 6;11, 12; James 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8, 9; 1 John 3:8). <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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