These are the articles or statements of faith that we, the body at Abundant Glory Christian Center believe:
- THE SCRIPTURES
- THE TRUE GOD
- THE FALL OF MAN
- THE WAY OF SALVATION
- JUSTIFICATION
- THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
- REGENERATION
- REPENTANCE AND FAITH
- SANCTIFICATION
- GRACE
- THE HOLY SPIRIT
- THE CHURCH
- WATER BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER
- HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM
We believe that Scripture was written by holy men of God who spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Based upon 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 that Every Scripture is God- breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to Gods will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29) Whose redemptive name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the godhead, there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in holiness and under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgressions, fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners; being by nature utterly void of the holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore, under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace through the mediatorial office of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Himself our nature without sin; honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death makes a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate and all-sufficient Savior.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in Jesus’ blood; by virtue of which faith, His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel which involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
We believe the Scriptures teach that regeneration, or new birth, is that change wrought in spirit by the Holy Spirit, by which a new nature and spiritual life, not before possessed, are imparted, and the person becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus; a holy disposition is given to the mind, the will subdued, the dominion of sin broken, and the affections changed from a love of sin and self, to a love of holiness and God; the change is instantaneous, effected, solely by the power of God, in a manner incomprehensible to reason; the evidence of it is found in a changed disposition of mind, the fruits of righteousness, and a newness of life.
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties and also inseparable graces, wrought in our heart by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, helplessness and of the way of salvation through Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ our Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.
We believe the Scriptures teach that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, obedience, watchfulness, and prayer, and in the practice of all works of faith.
We believe the scriptures teach that the righteousness of the Christian believer does not depend upon observing any part of the law, but solely from faith in Christ. “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” Romans 11:6. Ephesians 2:4 – 9 says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ– by grace you have been saved– and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
We believe the Scriptures teach that the person of the Holy Spirit plays a major role in the work of grace toward the sinner and the Church collectively and individually. He convicts the world, dwells in the believer as His temple, unites the Church, reveals God’s truth, regenerates, fills and empowers us for service, guards us against error, equips us for spiritual warfare, gives comfort and encouragement, frees us from sin, glorifies Christ and enables to us to worship God, to name a few. The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in the fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22, 23, the character of Christ and equips us with spiritual gifts for ministry, 1 Corinthians 12:7 – 11. There are also gifts of service as described in Romans 12:3 – 8. The Holy Spirit is a guide for the believer in Christ, to help them live the Christian life in victory and with purpose and fulfillment.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His love, and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His word; that some of its scriptural ministries are Bishops, Elders and Deacons whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles of Timothy and Titus. Other ministries include the office of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher as outlined in chapter 4 of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of the believer, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Christian baptism is an outward act of obedience by which the believer fulfills, or completes, the inward righteousness he enjoys in his heart through faith in Christ’s atoning death and resurrection. On the Lord’s Supper, scripture teaches in 1 Corinthians 11:23 – 26 “For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me. In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant between God and his people–an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it. For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lords death until he comes again.”
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is for every believer, Acts 2:38,39, and that Jesus expects His people to be so baptized, Matthew 3:11; John 7:37 – 39. The outward evidence or manifestation that the believer has received the Holy Spirit’s baptism is with the evidence of speaking with other tongues; Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44 – 46; Acts 19:6. Though a believer may not speak in other tongues right away, the only outward biblical evidence that one has received is the evidence of speaking with other tongues.