STATEMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL AND ESSENTIAL TRUTHS
PREAMBLE
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada stands firmly in the
main stream of historical Christianity. It takes the Bible as its
all-sufficient source of faith and practice, and subscribes to the historic
creeds of the universal church. In common with historical, evangelical
Christianity, it emphasizes Christ as Saviour and coming King. It also
presents Christ as Healer and it adopts the distinctive position that speaking
in tongues is the initial evidence when Christ baptizes in the Holy Sprit (See
Section VI. 3).
I. HOLY SCRIPTURES
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Tim.
3:16,17), by which we understand the whole Bible to be inspired in the sense
that holy men of God were moved by the Holy Spirit to write the very words of
Scripture (2 Pet. 1:20,21). Divine inspiration extends equally and fully to
all parts of the original writings. The whole Bible in the original is,
therefore, without error and, as such, is infallible, absolutely supreme and
sufficient in authority in all matters of faith and practice (Psa.119:160a;
Matt. 5:17,18). The Bible does not simply contain the Word of God, but is, in
reality, the complete revelation and very Word of God inspired by the Holy
Spirit. Christian believers today receive spiritual illumination to enable
them to understand the Scriptures (1 Cor. 2:12-14), but God does not grant new
revelations which are contrary or additional to inspired biblical truth (Prov.
30:5,6).
II. THE GODHEAD
The Godhead exists eternally in three persons; the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, having the same nature
and attributes, and are worthy of the same homage, confidence, and obedience
(Math. 3:16,17; 28:19, 2 Cor. 13:14).
1. THE FATHER
The Father exists eternally as the Creator
of heaven and earth, the Giver of the Law, to whom all things will be
subjected, so that He may be in all (Gen. 1:1; 1 Cor. 15:28).
2. THE
SON
The Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal and only
begotten Son of the Father, is true God and true man (John 1:1,14; 10:30; 17;
Phil.2:6,7; Heb 1:8). He was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin
Mary (Luke 1:26-35), and by His sinless life, miracles and teaching, gave full
revelation of the Father (John 12:49; Acts 2:22; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26). He
died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice
(Rom.5:6,8; 1 Cor. 15:3; 1 Pet. 3:18). He rose from the dead (Matt. 26:6; 1
Cor.15:4,20). He is now at the right hand of the majesty on high as our great
High Priest (Acts 1:9-11; 2:33; Heb. 8.1). He will come again to establish His
kingdom in righteousness and peace (Matt. 25:31).
3. THE
HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is also God,
performing actions and possessing the attributes of Deity (Acts 5:3,4). His
personality is shown by the fact that He has personal characteristics and that
individuals may relate to Him as a person (John 16:13-14).
III.
ANGELS
1. THE ANGELS
Angels were created as intelligent and powerful beings to
do the will of God and worship Him (Ps. 103:20; Rev. 5:11,12). However, Satan,
the originator of sin, fell through pride and was followed by those angels who
rebelled against God. These fallen angels or demons are active in opposing the
purposes of God (Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19; Eph. 6:11,12;1 Tim. 4:1, Jude
6). Those who remained faithful continue before the throne of God and serve as
ministering spirits (Heb. 1:14).
2. THE
BELIEVER AND DEMONS
Demons attempt to thwart
God's purposes; however in Christ, the believer may have complete liberty from
the influence of demons (Heb.2:14; 1 John 3:8; 4:1-4). He cannot be possessed
by them because his body is the temple of the Holy Spirit in which Christ
dwells as Lord (Matt. 6:24;1 Cor. 6:19,20).
IV.
MAN
Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God
(Gen. 1:26; 2:7). He fell through sin and, as a consequence, incurred both
spiritual and physical death (Rom. 5:12; James 1:14,15). Spiritual death and
the depravity of human nature have been transmitted to the entire human race
(Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:10-19,23) with the exception of the Man Christ Jesus (Heb.
7:26). Man can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ
(John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5,6).
V.
SALVATION
1.
ATONEMENT OF CHRIST
Salvation has been provided for all men through the
sacrifice of Christ upon the cross (Isa. 53:36; John 12:32, 33; 1 Pet. 2:24).
It is the only perfect redemption and substitutionary atonement for all the
sins of the world, both original and actual. His atoning work has been proven
by His resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:36; Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor.15:14, 17, 20;
Heb. 10:12; 1 John 2:2). Those who repent and believe in Christ are born again
of the Holy Spirit and receive eternal life (Acts 20:21; 1 Pet. 1:23, 25).
Furthermore, in the atonement, divine healing was provided for all believers
(Isa. 53:4, 5; Matt. 8:16b, 17).
2.
REPENTANCE AND FAITH
Man can be born again only
through faith in Christ. Repentance, a vital part of believing, is a complete
change of mind wrought by the Holy Spirit (Isa. 55:7, Acts 17:30; Gal.
3:22,26; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:10-13), turning a person to God from sin.
3.
REGENERATION
Regeneration is a creative work of
the Holy Spirit by which man is born again and receives spiritual life (John
3:3b, 5b, 7; 1 Cor. 5:17,18a; 1 Pet. 1:23).
4.
JUSTIFICATION
Justification is a judicial act of
God by which the sinner is declared righteous solely on the basis of his
acceptance of Christ as Saviour (Rom. 3:24; 4:3-5; 5:1-2).
VI. THE
CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE
1.
ASSURANCE
Assurance of salvation is the privilege of all who are
born again by the Spirit through faith in Christ, (John 10:27-29; Rom.8:35-39)
resulting in love, gratitude and obedience toward God (John 14:23; Col. 3:17;
1 John 2:6).
2.
SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification is dedication to
God and separation from evil (2 Cor. 6:14; 7:1). In experience it is both
instantaneous (John 17:17,19; Heb.10:10,14) and progressive (1 Thess. 5:23; 2
Tim. 2:19-22; 1 Pet. 1:14-16). It is produced in the life of the believer by
his appropriation of the power of Christ's blood and risen life through the
Person of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 6:11,13,14,18). He draws the believer's
attention to Christ, teaches him through the Word and produces the character
of Christ within him (1Cor. 13, Gal. 5.22, 23; 2 Pet. 1:3-4). Believers who
sin must repent and seek forgiveness through faith in the cleansing blood of
Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9; 2:1-2).
3.
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
The baptism in the
Holy Spirit is an experience in which the believer yields control of himself
to the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11; Acts 1:5; Eph. 5:18). Through this he comes to
know Christ in a more intimate way (John 16:13-15), and receives power to
witness and grow spiritually (2 Cor. 3:18; Acts 1:8). Believers should
earnestly seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit according to the command of our
Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8). The initial evidence of the
baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives
utterance (Acts 2:1-4, 39; 9:17; 1 Cor. 14:18). This experience is distinct
from, and subsequent to, the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17;
10:44-46).
4. THE
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
The gifts of the Spirit are
supernatural abilities given by God through the exercising of which believers
are enabled to minister effectively and directly in particular situations (1
Cor. 12:4-11). They serve the dual function of building up the Church and of
demonstration the presence of God within His Church (1 Cor 12:7; 12:12,
24-25).
5.
DIVINE HEALING
Divine healing provided in the
atonement of Christ (Mat. 8:16,17) is the privilege of all believers. Prayer
for the sick and gifts of healing are encouraged and practised (1 Cor.
12:28-30; James 5:14).
VII.
MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY
Marriage is a provision of God whereby a man and a woman
live together in a life-long relationship (Gen. 1:17; Rom. 1:21-27; 1
Cor.6:9-10) that is legally sanctioned by the state to enable both partners to
meet their spiritual, physical and social needs. Marriage is endorsed by
Scripture (1 Cor. 7:1-2) and was sanctioned by Christ's presence at the
wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11). It is intended to provide the wholesome
expression of sexual desires (1 Cor. 7:3-6; Heb. 13:4), companionship (Gen.
2:18) and support to both partners (Col 3:19, 1 Pet. 3:7).
Christian marriage is more than either a temporary
relationship of convenience intended to provide personal pleasure or a
contract that binds two people together in a legal partnership. Within a
marriage a "one flesh" relationship is created which goes beyond a physical
union to establish an emotional and spiritual oneness, and to provide for the
procreation of children (Gen. 1:28; 2:24; 1 Cor. 6:15-17).
Marriage is to be an exclusive relationship that is
maintained in purity (Eph. 5:3,26,27). It is intended by God to be a permanent
relationship (Mal. 2:15-16; Matt. 19:4-6). It is a witness to the world of the
relationship between Christ and His church (Eph. 5:31-32).
Marriage requires a commitment of love, perseverance and
faith. Because of its sanctity and permanence, marriage should be treated with
seriousness and entered into only after counsel and prayer for God's guidance.
Christians should marry only those who are believers (2 Cor.6:14-15). An
individual who becomes a believer after marriage should remain with his or her
partner in peace, and should give witness to the gospel in the home (1 Cor.
7:12-14,16).
The Bible holds family life as a position of trust and
responsibility. The home is a stabilizing force in society, a place of nurture
(Eph. 6:4), counsel and safety for
children.
VIII.
THE CHURCH
1. THE
UNIVERSAL CHURCH
All who are born again are members of the universal
church, which is the Body and Bride of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 5:25b; Col.
1:18; 1 Tim. 3:15).
2. THE
LOCAL CHURCH
A.
Purpose
The local church is a body of believers
in Christ who have joined together to function as apart of the universal
church (Acts 14:23;1 Cor. 16:19). The local church is ordained by God and
provides a context in which believers corporately worship God (John 4:23; Acts
20:7), observe the ordinances of the church, are instructed in the faith and
are equipped for the evangelization of the world (Acts. 1:8; 11:19-24, 2 Tim.
2:2; 1 Pet.5:2).
B.
Ordinances
(a) The Lord's Supper
The Lord's
Supper is a symbol, memorial and proclamation of the suffering and death of
our Lord Jesus Christ. This ordinance of communion is to be participated in by
believers until Christ's return (Matt. 26:26-28;1 Cor. 10:16-17;
11:23-26).
(b) Water Baptism
Water baptism
signifies the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial and
resurrection and is practiced by immersion (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15-16; Acts
2:38,41; 8:36-39; Rom. 6:3-5).
C.
Ministry
A divinely called and ordained ministry
is the provision of the Lord to give leadership to the church as it fulfils
its purposes (Acts 6:2b-4c; 13:2-4a; 14:23; Eph. 4:8,
11-13).
IX. THE
END OF TIME
1. THE
PRESENT STATE OF THE DEAD
At death the souls of the believers pass immediately into
the presence of Christ, and remain in constant bliss until the resurrection of
the glorified body (Rom. 8:22,23; 1 Cor. 15:42-44; 2 Cor. 5:1,4b).
The souls of the unbelievers remain after death conscious of
condemnation (Luke 16:22-31; John 3:36), until the final bodily resurrection
and judgement of the unjust (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Rev.
20:11-15).
2. THE
RAPTURE
The rapture, the blessed hope of the
church, is the imminent coming of the Lord in the air to receive to Himself
His own, both the living who shall be transformed, and the dead in Christ who
shall be resurrected (1 Cor. 15:51-57; Phil 3:20-21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Titus
2:13). This event takes place before the wrath of God is poured out during the
tribulation. Believers then will appear before the judgment seat of Christ to
be judged according to faithfulness in Christian service (Rom. 14:10-12; 1
Cor. 3:11-15;2 Cor. 5:9-10).
3. THE
TRIBULATION
The tribulation will be a time of
judgment on the whole earth (Matt. 24:15,21-22; 1 Thess. 5:1-3). During this
period the Antichrist will emerge to offer false hope to the nations (2 Thess.
2:3-12; Rev. 13:11-18).
4. THE
SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
The return of Christ to
earth in power and great glory will conclude the great tribulation with the
victory at Armageddon (Matt. 24:27,30;Luke 17:24,26-30), the defeat of
Antichrist and the binding of Satan (Rev.16:12-16; 17:8,12-14; 19:11-20:3). He
will introduce the millennial age (Psa.2:6-12; Dan. 2:44-45; Luke 22:29-30;
Rev. 3:21; 20:6), restore Israel to her own land, lift the curse which now
rests upon the whole creation, and bring the whole world to the knowledge of
God (Isa. 1:24-27; 2:1-4; Zech.14:3,4,9: Rom. 8:19-23; Rev. 22:3).
5. THE
FINAL JUDGMENT
There will be a final judgment in
which the unbelieving dead will be raised and judged at the great white
throne, according to their works (Dan 7:9-10; John 12:48; Rom. 2:2,6,11,16;
Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15).
The beast and false prophet, the devil and his angels,and
whoever is not found in the Book of Life, shall be cast into the lake of fire,
not to annihilation, but to everlasting punishment, which is the second death
(Matt. 25:41b; Jude 6; Rev. 20:10,15; 21:8).
6. THE
ETERNAL STATE OF THE RIGHTEOUS
The righteous will
share the glory of God in the new heaven and the new earth for eternity (Matt.
13:43; John 17:24; 2 Pet. 3:13; Heb.11:10; Rev.
21:1-2,10,22-23).
This document is Copyright © with the Pentecostal Assemblies
of Canada.
Used by permission
of Rev. David Ball,
General
Secretary-Treasurer of the PAOC,
received on 10/21/98