PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE| CORE BELIEFS

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In a world filled with diverse beliefs and spiritual paths, the question remains: What is God's plan for your salvation? At the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, we believe that the Bible provides a clear and unwavering answer. It is a journey of faith, marked by specific steps that lead to eternal life in Christ.

Central to this journey is the act of water baptism. This is not a mere ritual or symbolic gesture, but a profound act of obedience and surrender. It is through complete immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, that we experience the washing away of our sins and enter into a new covenant with God.

• Acts 2:38: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."   
• John 3:5: "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."   
• Colossians 3:17: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
• Acts 8:16: "(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)"   
• Mark 16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

The Bible speaks clearly about the necessity of water baptism. Jesus Himself declared, "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). It is through this sacred act that we identify with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, leaving behind our old life and embracing a new identity in Him.

Following water baptism, we believe in the infilling of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by the biblical sign of speaking in tongues.

• Mark 16:17: "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"   
• Acts 2:4: "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."   
• Acts 10:46-47: "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"   

This supernatural gift, first witnessed on the Day of Pentecost, is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's presence and power within the believer. It empowers us to communicate with God in a language beyond human understanding and serves as a constant reminder of our connection to the Divine.

The journey of faith does not end with baptism and the reception of the Holy Ghost. We are called to earnestly contend for the faith, standing firm in the Apostolic doctrine and resisting the temptations and deceptions of the world.

• Jude 1:3: "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."   
• Acts 2:41-42: "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."   
• Philippians 1:27: "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"   

This requires a lifelong commitment to spiritual growth, a hunger for God's Word, and a willingness to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a journey of transformation, as we continually seek to align our thoughts, words, and actions with the will of God.

We invite you to embark on this incredible journey of faith, to experience the transformative power of God's love and grace. At the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, you will find a community of believers dedicated to upholding the truth of the Gospel and supporting one another on the path to salvation.

May your heart be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you seek to understand God's plan for your life. Come, let us walk together toward the glorious destination that awaits us all - eternal life in Christ Jesus.