We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
1. Do we believe in God? Yes. We believe in God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. (Gen. 1:1-31; 17:1; Josh. 2:11; Ps. 8:3-8; Isa. 42:5; 1 Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6; Heb. 1:5; Rev 4:11; CoF I.)
2. Who is God? God is the one true, holy and living God, the Eternal Spirit, the Holy Trinity. (Deut. 6:4; Lev. 19:2; Jer. 10:10; Matt. 28:19; John 17:3; Heb. 9:14.)
3. What is the mystery of the Trinity? God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power. (Luke 3:21-22; John 15:26; Acts 2:33; Rom. 8:9-11; 2 Cor. 13:13; Gal. 4:4-6; Eph. 2:18; Titus 3:4-6; Heb. 9:14; 1 Pet. 1:2; CoF I.)
4. How is God Almighty? God is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love. (Job 12:13; 42:2; Ps. 89:14; 107:1; Isa. 55:9; Jer. 32:17; Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37, 18:7; Rom. 5:8, 11:33-36, 16:27; 1 John 4:7-16; CoF I.)
5. What is God’s relation to heaven and earth? God is Creator, Sovereign, and Preserver of all things. (Gen. 1:1-31; Deut. 4:39; 1 Kgs. 8:23; Neh. 9:6; Ps. 8:1; Prov. 16:9; Isa. 44:24; Acts 17:24; Rom. 8:28; Rev. 4:11; CoF I.)
6. How does God rule heaven and earth? God rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of all, to the glory of his name. (Exod. 34:6; Ps. 104:31, 116:5; Joel 2:13; Mic. 7:18-20; John 3:16; Eph. 2:4-7; 2 Pet. 3:9; CoF I.) We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through Him all things were made.
7. Do we believe in Jesus Christ? Yes. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God. (Mark 9:7; Matt. 3:17; John 3:16; Acts 2:36; Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 8:6; Phil. 2:11; Jude 1:4)
8. Is the Son God? Yes. The Son is eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. (Luke 10:22; John 1:1, 14, 18; 8:12; 10:30; Phil. 2:6; Col. 1:15, 19; 2:9; Heb. 1:1-5.)
9. What is the Son’s role in creation? Through Him all things were made. (John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:2.) For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.
10. Why did the Son of God become human? For us and for our salvation. (John 3:17; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 16:30-31; Rom. 3:21-26; 10:9; Titus 3:6-7; Heb. 7:25.) 4
11. How did the Son of God become human? He came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. (Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:30-35; John 1:1-2, 14; Rom. 1:3-4; Gal. 4:4; Phil. 2:6-8; 1 John 1:1-3, 4:2.)
12. Who is Jesus Christ? The Son of God and our Lord Jesus Christ are one person in whom the divine and human natures are perfectly and inseparably united. (Isa. 9:6; Matt. 1:20-23; John 1:14, 14:9-11; Rom. 1:3-4; Col. 1:15-20; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb 1:1-3; CoF II.) For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered death and was buried. On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.
13. How does God reconcile us in Christ? God reconciles us to himself through the death of Christ upon the cross. (Matt. 27:26, 50, 59-60; Mark 15:15, 37, 45-46; Luke 23:23-25, 46, 53; John 19:16, 30, 33-34, 38-42; Rom 3:21-26; 5:6-11; 1 Cor. 15:3-4.)
14. Did Jesus Christ rise bodily from the dead? Yes! On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. (Matt. 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-11, 36-43; John 20:1-17, 27; Acts 2:22-36; 1 Cor. 15:3-8, 1 Pet. 1:3.)
15. Is Jesus Christ Lord of heaven and earth? Yes. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end. (Luke 1:33, 24:51; John 5:22-29; Acts 1:9-11; 10:42; Rom. 8:34; 2 Cor. 5:10; Phil. 2:9-11; 2 Pet. 1:11; Rev. 11:15.)
16. Is Jesus Christ our great high priest? Yes. Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 4:14-16; 7:11-28; 1 John 2:1-2.)
17. Who is under judgment? All stand under the righteous judgment of Jesus Christ both now and in the last day. (Matt. 7:21-23; 25:31-46; John 5:22-29; Acts 10:42; 17:30-31; 2 Cor. 5:10; CoF XII.)
18. Are we made righteous by works? No. We are never made righteous inwardly nor accounted righteous before God through our works or merit. (Luke 5:32; Rom. 3:21-30; 4:2-5; 11:6; Gal. 2:15-16; Eph. 2:8-10; Titus 2:14; 3:4-7; 1 John 1:9; CoF IX.) 5
19. How can we escape the wrath of God? God justifies, or accounts righteous, penitent sinners who confess faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (John 3:36; Rom 3:21-30; 4:6-8; 5:6-11; Eph. 1:7-14; 2:3-7; 5:5-10; Col. 3:5-17; 1 Thess. 5:8-10; CoF IX.) We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
20. Do we believe in the Holy Spirit? Yes. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. (Isa 11:2; 61:1; 2 Cor. 3:17-18.; John 6:63; Rom. 8:11; Gal 6:8.) (John 6:63; Rom. 8:11; Gal 6:8.)
21. Is the Holy Spirit God? Yes. The Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. ( Matt. 28:19-20; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 2:9-11; 3:16; Gal 4:6) He has spoken through the prophets. (2 Sam. 23:2; Isa. 61:1-3; Zech 7:12; Matt. 1:22-23; Heb. 1:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; 2 Pet. 1:20-21.)
22. How does the Holy Spirit lead us to repentance? He convinces the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. (Mic 3:8; John 16:7-11; CoF III.)
23. Is salvation possible without the Spirit? No. The Spirit leads us through faithful response to the gospel into the fellowship of the Church. (CoF III) (John 3:3-6; Rom. 8:9-17; Eph. 2:17-22; Titus 3:4-7.)
24. How does the Spirit work in the Church? He comforts, sustains and empowers the faithful and guides us into all truth. (John 14:25-26; 16:12- 15; Rom. 8:2-6, 12-17, 26-27; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; Gal. 5:16-25; CoF III.)
25. Where is the truth about salvation to be found? We believe the Holy Bible, Old and New Testaments, reveals the Word of God so far as it is necessary for our salvation. (Ps. 119:105, 130; Matt. 4:1-4; 2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; CoF IV.)
26. How must we receive Scripture? The Holy Bible is to be received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and guide for faith and practice. (Prov. 30:5-6; Jas. 1:21-25; 1 Pet. 1:23-25; Jude 3; CoF IV.) We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
27. Do we believe in the Church? Yes. We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. (John 10:16; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 4:4-6; 5:25-27; 1 Pet. 2:9-10; Rev. 5:9-10.)
28. Who constitutes the Church? The Christian Church is the community of all true believers under the Lordship of Christ. (Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 1:2-3; Eph. 2:11-22; Rev. 7:9-10; CoF V.)
29. What is the Church? It is the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached by those divinely called, and the sacraments are duly administered according to Christ’s own appointment. (Jer. 1:5; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Cor. 11:23-27; CoF V.)
30. Why does the Church exist? Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit the Church exists for the maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world.(1 Cor. 12:27-28; 14:12; Gal. 6:1-2, 6-10; Eph. 4:11-16; Heb. 3:12-14; 10:23-25; CoF V.)
31. Is it right and good to worship our creator and redeemer? It is our duty and privilege to bow in adoration, humility, and dedication in the presence of God. (Ps. 92:1-2; 95:1-7; 103:1-5; 107:1; Phil. 2:9-11; Rev. 4:11; 5:9-14; CoF XIII.)
32. Why is worship essential to the life of the Church? The assembling of the people of God for worship is necessary to Christian fellowship and spiritual growth. (Acts 2:41-47, 4:31; Rom. 1:11-12; Heb. 10:23-25; CoF XIII.) We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
33. Do we believe that there is but one baptism? Yes. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. (Eph. 4:4-6.)
34. What is Baptism? Baptism signifies entrance into the household of faith and is a symbol of repentance and inner cleansing from sin, a representation of the new birth in Christ Jesus, and a mark of Christian discipleship. (Acts 2:37-39; Rom. 6:1-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Gal. 3:27-28; Col. 2:11-14; Heb. 10:19-22; CoF VI.) We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
35. What is our greatest hope? We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. (John 6:39-40; 11:25-26; Rom. 6:5-8; 8:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:20-23, 50-55; Phil. 3:10-12, 20-21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18.)
36. What are the two ultimate outcomes facing humanity? The righteous rise to eternal life and the wicked to eternal condemnation. (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43; 25:31-46; John 5:25-29; Rev. 20:11-15; 21:1-8; 22:1-5; CoF XII.) B. Wesleyan Characteristics
37. Are reason, tradition, or experience sufficient guides for Christian doctrine? No. Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be made an article of faith nor is it to be taught as essential to salvation. (Isa. 40:8; 2 Kgs. 17:15; Rom. 1:21; Eph. 4:17-18; Col. 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:16; CoF IV.)
38. What are the Sacraments? The Sacraments are symbols and pledges of the Christian’s profession and of God’s love toward us. (Mark 14:22-24; Matt 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20; John 6:53-59; Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:27; 1 Cor. 10:15-17, 11:23-25; CoF VI.)
39. Are the Sacraments symbols only? No. They are means of grace by which God works invisibly in us, quickening, strengthening and confirming our faith in him. (John 6:53-58; Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 10:15-17; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:20-21; CoF VI.)
40. How many Sacraments are there? Two Sacraments are ordained by Christ our Lord, namely Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (2 Kgs. 5:14; Isa. 44:3; Ezek. 36:25-27; Mark 14:22-24; Matt. 26:26-28; 28:19; Luke 22:19-20; John 3:5; 6:53- 58; Acts 22:16; CoF VI.)
41. May we baptize children? Yes. We believe children are under the atonement of Christ and as heirs of the Kingdom of God are acceptable subjects for Christian Baptism. (Luke 18:15-17; Acts 10:44-48; 16:15, 30-34; 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:16; CoF VI.)
42. Is Baptism sufficient for salvation? No. Baptized children should be nurtured and led to personal acceptance of Christ, and by profession of faith confirm their Baptism. (Deut. 6:20-25; Mark 16:16; John 1:12; 3:16; Acts 2:38; 16:29-34; Rom. 10:9-11; CoF VI.)
43. What is the Lord’s Supper? The Lord’s Supper is a means of grace, a representation of our redemption, a remembrance of the sufferings and death of Christ, and a token of love and union which Christians have with Christ and 8 with one another. (Mark 14:22-24; Matt. 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20; John 6:53-59; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-25; Gal. 3:27; CoF VI.)
44. How do we encounter Christ at the Lord’s Supper? Those who rightly, worthily, and in faith eat the broken bread and drink the blessed cup partake of the body and blood of Christ in a spiritual manner until he comes.(Luke 24:28-32; John 6:53-58; 1 Cor. 11:23-29; CoF VI.)
45. Are there other means of grace? Yes. Among them are prayer and searching the Scriptures. (Matt. 7:7-8; Luke 11:13, 18:1-5; John 5:39; Acts 17:11-12; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; James 1:5, 5:13-18.)
46. What is the natural state of humanity? We believe humanity is fallen from righteousness and, apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is destitute of holiness and inclined to evil. (Gen. 6:5; Ps. 51:5; Eccl. 9:3; Jer. 17:9-10; Rom. 3:23; 5:12-14; Eph. 2:1-3; 1 John 1:8; CoF VII.)
47. Can we free ourselves from the misery of this condition? No. In our own strength, without divine grace, we cannot do good works pleasing and acceptable to God. (Ps. 51:5; John 6:63; Rom. 7:14-24; Gal. 5:17; Eph. 2:1; CoF VII.)
48. Who then can be saved? With mortals it is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matt. 19:26; John 3:5, 16, 36; 5:24; 6:40; 8:51; 11:25-26; Rom. 5:8; Gal. 2:21; Eph. 2:1-10; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5.)
49. How does God save us? By his preventing, convincing, justifying, sanctifying, and glorifying grace. (Rom. 2:14-16; 3:21-26; 5:15; 6:14; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:21; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 2:12-13; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7; Heb. 10:22; 1 Pet. 4:10; 5:10; 1 John 3:9)
50. How does grace dawn in the helpless soul? God’s preventing (or prevenient) grace lightens the effects of original sin even before we are aware of our need for God. (Deut. 4:37; 7:6-8; 14:2; Matt 5:45; Luke 15:20; John 6:44; 15:5; 2 Pet. 3:9; Titus 2:11-12; D&D §102.)
51. How does preventing grace lighten the effects of original sin? It prevents the full consequences of our alienation from God and awakens conscience, giving an initial sense of God and the first inclinations toward life. (Luke 24:45; John 6:37; 12:32; Acts 16:14; Rom. 8:7-8; 1 Cor. 2:14; D&D §102.) 9
52. How does preventing grace re-establish the freedom of the will? While in our bound and helpless state, preventing grace breaks through and enables genuine response to God’s further grace.(2 Kings 6:17, 20; John 16:8-11; Acts 2:37; 8:31; 15:8; 16:30; D&D §102.)
53. Does God determine all human actions? No. Influenced and empowered by the Holy Spirit, humans are responsible in freedom to exercise their wills for good. (Gen. 2:16-17; Deut. 30:15-20; Josh. 24:14-15; 2 Chron. 7:14; Isa. 55:6-7; Matt. 16:24; Mark 1:17; John 1:12-13; 7:17; Rom. 10:8-9; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Pet. 3:9; Rev. 3:20; CoF VII.)
54. What is Salvation? By salvation, we mean, more than the promise of eternal life, but a present deliverance from sin, a restoration of the soul to its original purity; a recovery of the divine nature; in righteousness and true holiness, in justice, mercy and truth. 1 (Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 5:22-25; Titus 2:11-12, 3:5; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:9, 2:2.)
55. How does God lead us to repentance? God’s convincing grace awakens in us a desire to flee the wrath to come and enables us to begin to fear God and work righteousness. (Hos. 6:1; Mic. 4:1-2; Hab. 2:4; Zech. 8:20-23; John 16:8; Eph. 2:4-5; 2 Cor. 7:9-10; Heb. 13:18; D&D §102.)
56. How does God reconcile us to himself? God’s justifying grace works by faith to bring reconciliation to God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (Isa. 53:4-6, 12; John 3:16; Rom. 5:10-11; 2 Cor. 5:18-19; Eph. 2:13-16; Col. 1:19-20; Heb. 2:17; D&D §102.)
57. Is Christ’s atoning sacrifice for all humanity? Yes. The offering Christ freely made on the cross is the perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 56:8; John 1:29; 3:16-17; 5:24; 8:12; 11:25; 12:32; Rom. 8:11; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; 1 Tim. 2:3-6; Heb. 2:9; 10:12; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 1:9; 2:2; CoF VIII.)
58. Does God require any other sacrifice? No. Christ’s offering redeems us from all sin, so that no other satisfaction is required. (Deut. 10:12- 13; Rom. 3:21-26; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 10:12-14; CoF VIII.)
59. What does this justification do? It grants us pardon for sin. (Gen. 15:6; Ps 32:1-2; John 1:29; Rom. 1:16-17; 4:6-8; 5:9; Heb. 9:26; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2:24; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; D&D §102.)
60. How can we be assured of this pardon? God’s Spirit witnesses with our spirit that we are children of God. (Rom. 8:15-17; Gal. 3:26; 4:6-7; Eph. 1:13-14; 2 Tim. 1:7; Heb. 10:15-17; D&D §102.) 10
61. Is salvation only pardon and assurance? No. By regeneration, God renews us in righteousness through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Ezek. 36:26-27; 1 Cor. 2:14-16; Gal. 2:20; 5:16-25; Eph 2:1-5; Titus 3:4-7; 2 Pet.1:4; CoF IX.)
62. How are we changed in regeneration? We are made partakers of the divine nature and experience newness of life. (Gen. 15:6; 17:5; 35:10; John 3:3; Rom. 8:1; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 5:22-24; Col. 3:2-3; 2 Pet. 1:3-4, 23-25; 1 John 4:4; CoF IX.)
63. How does regeneration allow us to live as children of God? By this new birth the believer becomes reconciled to God and is enabled to serve him with the will and the affections. (Gen. 15:6; Deut. 6:5; 10:12-13; John 1:12; Rom. 8:16-17; 2 Cor. 6:18; Gal. 3:26; 4:4-7; Eph. 1:5-6; Phil. 2:13; 1 John 3:1, 10; CoF IX.)
64. Can we lose our salvation? Yes. We believe, although we have experienced regeneration, it is possible to depart from grace and fall into sin. (John 15:1-6; 1 Cor. 9:27; 10:11-12; 2 Cor. 11:3; Rom. 11:19-22; Gal. 5:4; 1 Thess. 3:8; 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 4:1-2; 5:15; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 4:3-4; Heb. 2:1-4; 3:12-14; 6:1-6; 2 Pet. 2:1-3, 20-21; 3:17; Rev. 2:4-5; 3:11; CoF IX.)
65. Are those who have fallen from grace forever condemned? No. They may even then, by the grace of God, be renewed in righteousness. (Deut. 4:29-31; 30:1-4; Ps. 51:12; Amos 9:14; Rom. 8:35-39; Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19-20; Jude 22-23; CoF IX.)
66. Can we have faith without works? No. We believe good works are the necessary fruits of faith and follow regeneration, but they do not remove our sins or allow us to avert divine judgment. (Matt. 7:21; John 14:15; Rom. 2:13; Eph. 2:8- 10; Jas. 1:22-25; 2:14-18, 26; CoF X.)
67. How does God’s grace continue its work in us through the Word and the Spirit? God’s sanctifying grace cleanses us from sin in our thoughts, words and acts, and enables us to live in accordance with God’s will. (Ps. 51:2, 7-12; Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:25-27; Gal. 5:16-25; Titus 2:11- 14; 1 John 1:7, 9; CoF XI.)
68. How is sanctification lived out? Holiness of heart and life (Lev. 20:26; Amos 5:14; Rom. 6:22, 12:1; 2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14; 1 Peter 2:5, 9), which includes works of piety (Rom. 12:12, 15:4; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Heb. 10:24-25; James 5:13-16) and works of mercy (Deut. 15:10-11; Ps. 82:3-4; Prov. 19:17; Isa. 61:1; Micah 6:8; Matt. 19:21, 25:31-46; Luke 11:42; Acts 2:44-45; Rom. 12:13). 11
69. What else does sanctifying grace do for us? It enables us to strive for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Matt 6:33; John 17:17; Rom. 8:29; 12:1; 2 Cor. 3:18; 7:1; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 1:21-22; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 6:1- 3; 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 1 John 3:2-3; 5:3; CoF XI.)
70. Is true holiness possible? Yes. Entire sanctification is a state of perfect love, righteousness, and true holiness which every regenerate believer may obtain. (Exod. 19:6; Lev. 11:44-45; 19:2; Deut. 7:6; 14:2; Matt. 5:43-48; 1 John 3;2-3; 5:3; CoF XI.)
71. What is the beauty of entire sanctification? It is being delivered from the power of sin; loving God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength; and loving one’s neighbor as one’s self. (Lev. 19:18; Deut. 6:5; Mark 12:30-31; Rom. 13:9-10; Gal. 5:13-14; 1 Thess. 5:23; CoF XI.)
72. Is entire sanctification gradual or instantaneous? Through faith in Jesus Christ this gracious gift may be received in this life either gradually or instantaneously. (Prov. 4:18; Acts 15:9; Eph. 4:15; Thess. 5:23-24; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; CoF XI.)
73. Should all pursue entire sanctification? Yes. It should be sought earnestly by every child of God. (Lev. 19:2; Ps. 86:11; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 2 Pet. 1:3-11; CoF XI.)
74. Does sanctification deliver us from the weaknesses of human nature? No. We believe this experience does not deliver us from the infirmities, ignorance, and mistakes common to man, nor from the possibilities of further sin. (Ps. 86; 1 Cor. 10:12; 2 Cor. 12:7-9; Gal. 6:9; Heb. 3:12-15; 10:26-3; Rev. 2:2-7; CoF XI.)
75. How shall we hold on to such a blessing? We must respond wholly to the will of God so that sin will lose its power over us; and the world, the flesh, and the devil are put under our feet. (Deut. 30:19-20; Josh 24:15; Ps. 37; Prov. 3:5-8; Matt. 8:18-22; Mark 8:34-38; Rom. 12:1; 16:20; Jas. 4:8; CoF XI.)
76. How do we have victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil? With watchfulness through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Deut. 6:16-19; Matt. 24:36-51; 25:1-13; Luke 21:34-36; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 5:8-9; CoF XI.)
77. What is the final work of grace in us? Our ultimate hope and promise in Christ is glorification, where our souls and bodies are perfectly restored. (Isa. 26:19; Dan 12:2-4; John 11:25-26; Rom. 6:5; 8:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:35-56; Phil. 3:20-21; Rev. 21:1-5; D&D §102.)
1. Holy Scripture –– “The canonical books of the Old and New Testaments (as specified in the Articles of Religion) are the primary rule and authority for faith, morals, and service, against which all other authorities must be measured” (¶ 104). As the Confession of Faith states, “We believe the Holy Bible, Old and New Testaments, reveals the Word of God so far as it is necessary for our salvation. It is to be received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and 2 guide for faith and practice. Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be made an article of faith nor is it to be taught as essential to salvation” (Article IV).
2. The Nicene Creed (A.D. 381) –– Along with the Apostles’ Creed and the Definition of Chalcedon, the Nicene Creed belongs to the universal church. These are permanent, unalterable doctrinal standards (¶ 105). The Nicene Creed is the primary organizing structure and source for the Ecumenical Affirmations of catechism.
3. The Articles of Religion and the Confession of Faith (CoF) –– “[B]oth the Articles of Religion and the Confession of Faith define the doctrinal boundaries of our church” and “express our church’s particular emphases and concerns, as well as our theological heritage of faith” (¶ 106). These standards affirm the ecumenical consensus and also articulate the Wesleyan way of salvation. They are the primary organizing structure and source for the Wesleyan Characteristics of catechism.
4. The Wesleyan Way of Salvation — The Wesleyan way of salvation articulated in the Articles of Religion and the Confession of Faith is central to the Wesleyan theological and our Doctrines and Disciplines and catechism.
1. THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven,
Is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.
* universal
2. THE NICENE CREED (A.D. 381)
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.
For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried. On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic* and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
* universal
3. THE DEFINITION OF CHALCEDON (A.D. 451)
Following the holy fathers, we teach with one voice that the Son of God and our Lord Jesus Christ is to be confessed as one and the same Person, That He is perfect in Godhead and perfect in manhood, truly God and truly man, of a reasonable soul and body consisting of one substance with the Father as regards His Godhead, and at the same time of one substance with us as regards His manhood, like us in all respects, apart from sin.
Begotten of His Father before the ages as regards His Godhead, But in these last days born for us and for our salvation of the Virgin Mary, the God- bearer.
This one and the same Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, must be confessed to be in two natures, without confusion, without changes, without division, not as parted or separated into two persons, but one and the same Son and only-begotten God the Word, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Even as the prophets from earliest times spoke of Him, And our Lord Jesus Christ Himself taught us,
And the creed of the fathers has handed down to us.
OUR WITNESS TO THE WORLD
We believe that all persons irrespective of their station or circumstances in life have been made in the image of God and must be treated with dignity, justice, and respect. We denounce as sin racism, sexism, and other expressions that unjustly discriminate against any person (Genesis 1-2, Deuteronomy 16:19-20, Luke 11:42, 19:9, Colossians 3:11).
We believe that life is a holy gift of God whose beginnings and endings are set by God, and that it is the particular duty of believers to protect those who may be powerless to protect themselves, including the unborn, those with disabilities or serious illness, and the aged (Genesis 2:7, Leviticus 19:32, Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 1:41-44).
The sacredness of all life compels us to resist the practice of abortion except in the cases of tragic conflicts of life against life when the wellbeing of the mother and the child are at stake. We do not accept abortion as a means of birth control or gender selection, and we call upon all Christians as disciples of the Lord of Life to prayerfully consider how we can support those women facing unintended pregnancies without adequate care, counsel, or resources (Exodus 22:23-23, Psalm 139:13-16, James 1:27).
We believe that all should have the right to work in safe conditions with fair compensation and free of grinding toil or exploitation by others. We respect the right of workers to engage in collective bargaining to protect their welfare. We pray that all should be allowed to freely follow their vocations, especially those who work on the frontiers of truth and knowledge and those who may enrich the lives of others with beauty and joy. We acknowledge that science and technology are gifts of God intended to improve human life and we encourage dialogue between faith and science as mutual witnesses to God’s creative power (Deuteronomy 5:12-14, Luke 10:7, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Timothy 5:18).
We believe that God has called us to share His concern for the poor and to alleviate the conditions and policies which have produced vast disparities in wealth and resources, both among individuals and nations, giving rise to poverty. We are called to improve the quality of life and opportunities for all God’s people as we share the good news to the poor and freedom for the oppressed (Leviticus 19:9-10, Matthew 25:37-40, Luke 6:20-25, James 2:1-5).
We believe that all have been summoned to care for the earth as our common home, stewarding its resources, sharing in its bounty, and exercising responsible and sustainable consumption so that there is enough for all (Genesis 2:15, Leviticus 26:34-35, Psalm 24:1).
We believe that human sexuality is a gift of God that is to be affirmed as it is exercised within the legal and spiritual covenant of a loving and monogamous marriage between one man and one woman (Exodus 20:14, Matthew 19:3-9, Ephesians 5:22-33).
We are saddened by all expressions of sexual behavior, including pornography, polygamy, and promiscuity, that do not recognize the sacred worth of each individual or that seek to exploit, abuse, objectify, or degrade others, or that represent less than God’s intentional design for His children. While affirming a scriptural view of sexuality and gender, we welcome all to experience the redemptive grace of Jesus and are committed to being a safe place of refuge, hospitality, and healing for any who may have experienced brokenness in their sexual lives (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24, 1 Corinthians 6:9-20).
We believe that children, whether through birth or adoption, are a sacred gift to us from God, and we accept our responsibility to both protect and nurture the youngest among us, particularly against such abuses as enforced child labor, involuntary conscription, human trafficking, and other such practices in the world (Deuteronomy 4:9-10, Psalm 127:3-5, 1 Timothy 5:4,8,16).
We believe that followers of God have been called to exercise self-control and holiness in their personal lives, generosity and kindness in their relations with others, and grace in all matters of life (Romans 12:9-21, Galatians 5:22-23).
We believe in the rule of justice and law in society, in the right of individuals to follow God’s call and to lawfully immigrate to new places, and in the pursuit of peace both between nations and individuals. We offer ourselves to work in order to reduce the bitterness that has overflowed in God’s world (Genesis 12:1, Isaiah 11:1-9, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Ephesians 2:19-10).
We believe the practice of the Golden Rule, treating others as we would wish to be treated, can effectively guide our social and business relationships. We seek to cultivate the mind of Christ and a heart for others (Matthew 7:12, Romans 12:1-2).
We believe that each person should have the right to exercise their religious beliefs without fear of persecution and that governments should respect freedom of religion and the important role of faith communities within the greater society. We further denounce discrimination or persecution which may target any because of their gender, economic status, ethnic or tribal identity, age, or political views (Isaiah 1:17, Matthew 5:44, Romans 8:35).
We believe in the final triumph of righteousness when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of Christ, and we accept our calling to work towards that end as Christ’s light and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16, Revelation 11:15-17, Revelation 21-22).
