|
SPIRITUAL EXAMPLE
We
will demonstrate our commitment to Christ
through our practice of the spiritual
disciplines; we will demonstrate our
commitment to the body of Christ through our
loyalty to God and commitment to His church;
and we will demonstrate our commitment to the
work of Christ through our being good
stewards.
Practice of Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines involve such practices
as prayer, praise, worship, confession,
fasting, meditation, and study. Through prayer
we express our trust in Jehovah God, the giver
of all good things, and acknowledge our
dependence on Him for our needs and for the
needs of others (Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:
1-13; James 5:13-18). Through both private and
public worship we bless God, have communion
with Him, and are provided daily with
spiritual enrichment and growth in grace.
Through periods of fasting we draw close to
God, meditate on the passion of Christ, and
discipline ourselves to submit to the control
of the Holy Spirit in all areas of our life
(Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-17; Acts 14:23).
Through confession of our sins to God we are
assured of divine forgiveness ( 1 John 1:9-2:
2). The sharing of our confession with other
believers provides the opportunity to request
prayer and to bear one another's burdens
(Galatians 6:2; James 5:16). Through
meditation on and study of the Word of God we
enhance our own spiritual growth and prepare
ourselves to help guide and instruct others in
scriptural truths (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; 2
Timothy 2:15, 23-26).
Loyalty to
God and Commitment to the Church
The life of Christian discipleship calls for
the fulfillment of our duties to the body of
Christ. We are to unite regularly with other
members of the church for the purpose of
magnifying and praising God and hearing his
Word (Matthew 18:20; John 4:23; Acts 2:42, 46,
47; 12:24; Hebrews 10:25). Sunday is the
Christian day of worship. As the Lord's Day,
it commemorates the resurrection of Christ
from the dead (Matthew 28:1) and should be
employed for worship, fellowship, Christian
service, teaching, evangelism, and
proclamation (Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5, 6; 1
Corinthians 16:2; Colossians 2:16, 17). We are
to provide for the financial needs of the
church by the giving of tithes (Malachi 3: 10;
Matthew 23:23) and offerings (1 Corinthians
16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 9: 1- 15). It is
our duty to respect and to submit to those
whom the Lord Jesus has placed over us in the
church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-137, Hebrews
13:7, 17). Our exercise of authority must be
as a spiritual example rather than as a lord
over God's flock (Matthew 20:25- 28: 1 Peter
5:1-3). Furthermore, our submission must be a
manifestation of the spiritual grace of
humility (Ephesians 5:21:1 Peter 5:5, 6).
Finally, we are to avoid affiliation with
oath-bound societies. Such societies may
appear to have spiritual character, but by
being oath-bound and secretive, they
contradict Christian spirituality (John 18:20;
2 Corinthians 6: 14-18). Christians must not
belong to any body or society that requires or
practices an allegiance that supersedes or
excludes their fellowship in Christ (Matthew
12:4749: John 17:21-23).
Being Good
Stewards
In the Scriptures, the virtues of thrift and
simplicity are honored, but the vices of waste
and ostentation are solemnly prohibited
(Isaiah 55:2; Matthew 6:19-23). The living of
a godly and sober life requires the wise and
frugal use of our temporal blessings,
including time, talent and money. As good
stewards we are to make the most of our time,
whether for recreation or for work (Ephesians
5:16; Colossians 4:5). The idle use of leisure
time degrades (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; 1
Timothy 5:13), but the edifying use of it
brings inner renewal. All our work and play
should honor the name of God (1 Corinthians
10:31). As good stewards we must use fully our
spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians
12:1-11, 27-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter
4:9-11) and natural talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
for the glory of God. As good stewards we must
recognize that the wise use of money is an
essential part of the Christian's economy of
life. God has committed temporal blessings to
our trust (Matthew 7:1 I; James 1:17).
MORAL PURITY
We
will engage in those activities which glorify
God in our body and which avoid the
fulfillment of the lust of the flesh. We will
read, watch and listen to those things which
are of positive benefit to our spiritual
well-being.
Glorifying God in Our
Body
Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and
we are to glorify God in our body (Romans
12:1,2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20: 10:31). We are
to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust
of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Examples of
fleshly behavior which do not glorify God are
noted in several passages of Scripture (Romans
1:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians
5:19-21; Revelation 21:8). Sinful practices
which are made prominent and condemned in
these scriptures include homosexuality,
adultery, worldly attitudes (such as hatred,
envy, jealousy), corrupt communication (such
its gossip, angry outbursts, filthy words),
stealing, murder, drunkenness and witchcraft.
Witchcraft has to do with the practices of the
occult, which are forbidden by God and lead to
the worship of Satan.
Reading, Watching and Listening
The literature we read, the programs we watch
and the music we listen to profoundly affect
the way we feel, think and behave. It is
imperative, then, that the Christian read,
watch and listen to those things which
inspire, instruct and challenge to a higher
plane of living. Therefore, literature,
programs and music which are worldly in
content or pornographic in nature must be
avoided. A Christian is not to attend (or
watch on television) movies or theatrical
performances of a demoralizing nature (Romans
13:14; Philippians 4:8).
Benefiting Spiritual
Well-Being
The use of leisure time in the life of a
Christian should be characterized by those
activities which edify both the individual and
the body of Christ (Romans 6:13; 1 Corinthians
10:31,32). We are to avoid places and
practices which are of this world.
Consequently, a Christian must not be a part
of any other types of entertainment which
appeal to the fleshly nature and/or bring
discredit to the Christian testimony (2
Corinthians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22; 1
John 2:15-17).
PERSONAL INTEGRITY
We
will live in a manner that inspires trust and
confidence, bearing the fruit of the Spirit
and seeking to manifest the character of
Christ in all our behavior.
Trust and Confidence
A
Christian should be trustworthy, dependable
and a person of his word (Matthew 5:37; 1
Peter 2:11, 12). Therefore, the swearing of
oaths is contrary to a Christian's
trustworthiness and should be avoided (Matthew
5:34-37; James 5:12). Christ, by precept and
example, taught that we love our enemy and
prefer our brother (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans
12:10; Philippians 2:3, 1 John 3:16). We
should behave in a way that will point others
to Christ (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1).
Fruit of the Spirit
If
we live in the Spirit, we will manifest the
fruit (attitudes and actions) of the Spirit
and will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh
(Galatians 5:16, 22-25; 1 John 1:7). Trustful
relationships with others are a natural
outgrowth of our positive relationship with
the Lord (Psalm 1:1-3; Matthew 22:37-40). A
lack of fruit-bearing in our lives will be
judged (Matthew 7:16-20; Luke 13:6-9; John
15:1-8).
Character of Christ
Love for others is the hallmark of the
Christ-life (John 13:34, 35; 15:9-13; 1 John
4:7-11). In His relationship with His Father,
Jesus displayed submission (Luke 22:42; John
4:34; 5:30). In His relationship with others,
He demonstrated acceptance (John 8:11),
compassion (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34) and
forgiveness (Matthew 9:2; Luke 5:20). We
cannot bear the fruit of the Spirit and
manifest the character of Christ without being
spiritually joined to Christ (John 15:4, 5)
and without having the seed of the Word
planted in our heart (John 15:3, 1 Peter 1:22,
23).
FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY
We will give priority to fulfilling family
responsibilities, to preserving the sanctity
of marriage and to maintaining divine order in
the home.
Priority of the Family
The family is tile basic unit of human
relationship and as such is foundational to
both society and the church (Genesis 2:18-24).
The divine origin of the family, along with
its foundational character, makes it
imperative that we give priority to ministry
to the family, both from a personal and
corporate standpoint. The practice of
Christian disciplines and virtues should begin
in the Home (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7). Therefore,
our families should establish some pattern for
family devotions and should endeavor to
provide a Christian environment in the home (1
Timothy 3:3, 4; 5:8).
Sanctity of Marriage
Marriage is ordained of God and is a spiritual
union in which a man and a woman are joined by
God to live together as one (Genesis 2:24;
Mark 10:7). Because of the divine character of
marriage it is a lifelong commitment with the
only clear biblical allowance for divorce
being fornication (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). Sexual
involvement, either before marriage or with
someone other than the marriage partner, is
strictly forbidden in Scripture (Exodus 20:14;
1 Corinthians 6:15-18). Understanding the
sanctity of marriage, partners should strive
to maintain a happy, harmonious and holy
relationship. Should divorce occur, the church
should he quick to provide love, understanding
and counsel to those involved. The remarriage
of divorced persons should be undertaken only
after a thorough understanding of and
submission to the scriptural instructions
concerning this issue (Matthew 19:7-91 Mark
10:2-12; Luke 16:18: Romans 7:2, 3; I
Corinthians 7:2, 1(), 11 ). Should a Christian
desire to remain single, this decision should
be respected and should he seen as a viable
scriptural alternative (1 Corinthians 7:8,
32-34).
Divine Order in the Home
When God created man, HE created them male and
female (Genesis 1:27). He gave them distinctly
different characteristics ( 1 Corinthians
11:14, 15; I Peter 3:7) as well as different
responsibilities (Genesis 3:16-19; 1 Peter
3:1-7). In God's order, the husband is head of
the home (Ephesians 5:22-31; Colossians 3:18,
19), parents are to nurture and admonish their
children (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21), and
children are to obey and honor their parents
(Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians
3:20). In order for harmony to exist in the
home, God's order of responsibility must be
observed.
BEHAVIORAL TEMPERANCE
We
will practice temperance in behavior and will
abstain from activities and attitudes which
are of offensive to our fellowman or which
lead to addiction or enslavement.
Temperance
One of the cardinal Christian virtues is
temperance or self-control (1 Corinthians
9:25; Titus 1:8, 2:2). It is listed as fruit
of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). We are
admonished to practice moderation and balance
in our behavior (Philippians 4:5). The
Scripture indicates that it is within our
prerogative to control our thinking
(Philippians 4:8), our anger (Ephesians 4:26)
and our communication (Ephesians 4:29;
Colossians 3:8). To exercise self-discipline
reflects the power of God in our life (1
Corinthians 9:27:2 Peter 1:5-11).
Offensive Behavior
The Bible speaks clearly that we are to be
sensitive to the needs and feelings of others
as a demonstration of our love for them
(Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:9-21, 13:10;
Philippians 2:3-5). At times it is necessary
for us to control our behavior so as not to
bring offense to others (Romans 14:13-21; 1
Corinthians 8:9-13). As we know Christ after
the Spirit, we are also to know others in the
same manner so we will not judge them after
their outward behavior alone (2 Corinthians
5:16). A respect and tolerance for differences
in others should characterize our
relationships (Romans 14:2, 3:1 Corinthians
8:8; Ephesians4:2; Colossians 3:13; 1 Timothy
4:1-5).
Addiction and Enslavement
One of the primary benefits of our liberty in
Christ is freedom from the domination of
negative forces (John 8:32, 36; Romans 6:14;
8:2). We are counseled not to put ourselves
again under bondage (Galatians 5:1).
Therefore, a Christian must totally abstain
from all alcoholic beverages and other
habit-forming and mood-altering chemical
substances and refrain from the use of tobacco
in any form, marijuana and all other addictive
substances, and further, must refrain from any
activity (such as gambling or gluttony) which
defiles the body as the temple of God or which
dominates and enslaves the spirit that has
been made free in Christ (Proverbs 20:1;
23:20-35; Isaiah 28:7; 1 Corinthians 3:17;
5:11; 6:10; 2 Corinthians 7:1; James 1:21).
MODEST APPEARANCE
We
will demonstrate the scriptural principle of
modesty by appearing and dressing in a manner
that will enhance our Christian testimony and
will avoid pride, elaborateness or sensuality.
Modesty
According to the biblical idea, modesty is an
inner spiritual grace that recoils from
anything unseemly and impure, is chaste in
thought and conduct, and is free of crudeness
and indecency in dress and behavior (Ephesians
4:25, 29, 31; 5:1-8; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10).
Therefore, modesty includes our appearance,
dress, speech and conduct and can be applied
to all situations. The essential issue is,
does our style of life please or displease
God?
Appearance and Dress
Our life, character and self-image are
reflected by our apparel and mode of dress.
The admonition of Scripture, "Be not conformed
to this world," reminds us that our manner of
dress must be modest and decent (Romans 12:2;
1 Thessalonians 5:22, 23). It is not
displeasing to God for us to dress well and be
well groomed. However, above all we must seek
spiritual beauty, which does not come from
outward adornment with jewelry, expensive
clothes or cosmetics, but from good works,
chaste conversation, and a meek and quiet
spirit (Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 3:3-5).
Pride, Elaborateness, Sensuality
As
godly people we are to abstain from all lusts
of the flesh and avoid dressing in a manner
that encourages immoral thoughts, attitudes
and lifestyles (Galatians 5:13-21; 1 Peter
2:11, 2 Peter 1:4). Our beauty does not depend
on elaborate, showy dress; extravagant, costly
attire; or on the use of jewelry or cosmetics
but on our relationship with Christ. External
adornment, whether clothing or jewelry, as an
outward display of personal worth, is contrary
to a spiritual attitude (James 2:1-4).
SOCIAL OBLIGATION
It
should be our objective to fulfill our
obligations to society by being good citizens,
by correcting social injustices, and by
protecting the sanctity of life.
Being Good Citizens
As
Christians we are members of the kingdom of
God as well as a social order of this world.
Obedience to God requires us to act in a
responsible manner as citizens of our country
(Mark 12:13-17; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter
2:13-17). Therefore, we should support civil
law and order; hold our leaders in respect and
pray for them; participate in school,
community and governmental activities;
exercise our voting rights; and speak out on
clear-cut moral issues. God's law is supreme,
but we are to obey the laws of our country
insofar as they are not in conflict with
obedience to God (Acts 5:29). When it becomes
necessary to disagree with practices and
requirements of government, we should do so
out of a concern for the promotion of
righteousness and not out of delight in
discord and controversy.
Correcting Social Injustices
Love for others and the recognition of the
equal worth of all men in the sight of God
(Acts 10:34; 17:26) should compel us to take
steps to improve the situation of those who
are underprivileged, neglected, hungry,
homeless and victimized by prejudice,
persecution and oppression (Matthew 22:39;
Romans 13:8-10; 1 John 3:17). In all of our
dealings, we must be sensitive to human needs
(Luke 10:30-37; James 1:17) and guard against
racial and economic discrimination. Every
person should have freedom to worship and
participate in the life of the church
regardless of race, color, sex, social class
or nationality.
Protecting the Sanctity of Life
God alone confers life (Genesis 1:1-31);
therefore, we are responsible to God to care
for our physical life and that of others. If
the circumstances require, we must be prepared
to risk our life in the service of our
neighbor (John 15:13); but the general rule is
that we must respect our physical life and
employ every worthy means to maintain it.
Since God alone confers life, God alone must
decide when it is to be ended (Psalm 31:14,
15). Because a human fetus is sacred and
blessed of God, we believe that we have the
responsibility to protect the life of the
unborn (Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:41 ). It is our
firm conviction that abortion and euthanasia
of aged, mentally incompetent, terminally ill
and otherwise handicapped, for reasons of
personal convenience, social adjustment or
economic advantage, are morally wrong.
Furthermore, we
believe it is our Christian responsibility to
care for the earth and its resources. In the
beginning God gave man dominion over the earth
(Genesis 1:26-30). This does not, however,
give us license to pollute our natural
environment or to waste the resources of the
earth.
From its inception in 1886, the Church of God
has been a holiness church. The following
resolution passed in 1960, which was a
reaffirmation of our commitment to the
principles of biblical holiness, remains the
standard of the church today.
RESOLUTION RELATIVE TO PRINCIPLES OF
HOLINESS OF CHURCH OF GOD
The foundation of
the Church of God is laid upon the principles
of biblical holiness. Even before the church
experienced the outpouring of the Holy Ghost,
its roots were set in the holiness revival of
the past century. It was, and is, a holiness
church-holiness in fact and holiness in name.
The passing of
time has not diminished our holiness position
or convictions. The years have, instead,
strengthened our knowledge that without
holiness it is impossible to please God.
We hereby remind
ourselves that the Scriptures enjoin us at all
times to examine our own hearts. The
continuing and consistent life of holiness
requires this. Conditions of our day
desperately require it. The subtle
encroachment of worldliness is a very real and
unrelenting threat to the church. We must,
therefore, beware lest we become conformed to
the world or lest a love for the world take
root in our hearts and manifest itself as lust
of the flesh, lust of the eye, or the pride of
life.
For these reasons, we present the following:
|
