OUR FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF
Embracing Faith: Unveiling the Core Tenets of the Redeemed Christian Church of God
In a world filled with diverse beliefs, the Redeemed Christian Church of God stands tall, rooted in its fundamental conviction: a dedication to Christian teachings and the embodiment of a Christ-like attitude among the children of God. Let’s delve into the core beliefs that shape the essence of this vibrant religious community.
## Biblical Foundation: A Guiding Light
At the heart of the Redeemed Christian Church of God lies a profound reverence for the Holy Scriptures. The belief is firmly anchored in the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, as articulated in II Timothy 3:16-17. Every Christian teaching and attitude is intricately woven into the fabric of the Old and New Testaments – a commitment illuminated by passages such as II Timothy 3:10-15, II Peter 1:21, John 17:17, and Psalms 119:105.
## Unveiling the Divine Trinity: God in Three Persons
The Church affirms the oneness of God, the Creator of both visible and invisible realms, as elucidated in Genesis 1:1, Psalms 86:9-10, Isaiah 43:10-11, and John 1:1-3. God, the eternal existence, imparts life to every creature, as expressed in Ezekiel 3:14 and John 5:26.
## Jesus Christ: The Savior and Son of God
Central to their belief is the acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the redeemer of sins, and the Savior of the world. Rooted in passages like John 1:1-14, John 14:9, Matthew 1:18-25, and Isaiah 53:5-6, the Church emphasizes Christ’s death, resurrection, and the redemption he brought.
## The Holy Spirit: Source of Power and Guidance
The Holy Spirit, the third person in the Trinity, shares equal power and glory with God the Father and God the Son. This divine entity, as outlined in John 14:16-17, John 15:26, and Matthew 3:16, plays a pivotal role in teaching, speaking to believers, and bearing witness in them.
## Trinity Unveiled: Three in One
An analogy drawn from the egg – comprising the yolk, the white, and the shell – mirrors the concept of the Trinity. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost are believed to be one God, yet manifesting as three distinct persons, as affirmed in Genesis 1:16-29, Matthew 3:16-17, and Matthew 18:19.
## Confronting Evil: The Existence and Defeat of the Devil
The Redeemed Christian Church of God acknowledges the presence of a devil, a malevolent force responsible for introducing sickness, sin, and death into the world. Rooted in Genesis 3:1-16, the Church warns of the devil’s desire to bring about the downfall of believers, drawing inspiration from passages like Matthew 4:1-11, James 4:7, and 1 Peter 5:8.
## The Essence of Man: Created in God’s Image
Understanding man’s purpose is deeply embedded in Genesis 1:26, where God formed man from the dust of the ground, breathing life into his nostrils. Man, consisting of body, soul, and spirit, is regarded as God’s ambassador on earth, tasked with controlling and caring for all creatures.
## Spiritual Milestones: Repentance, Justification, and Sanctification
Repentance is defined as the godly sorrow for sins, accompanied by a sincere decision to abstain from them, as highlighted in Acts 3:19, Acts 20:21, and 2 Corinthians 7:10. Justification, a grace of God, cleanses believers from sin, allowing them to stand blameless before God, as detailed in Acts 13:39, Romans 3:25-26, and Galatians 3:24. Sanctification, a continuous cleansing of the soul, follows justification, a process meticulously unfolded in John 17:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, and Hebrews 12:14.
## Baptism: A Symbolic Journey
### Baptism by Trinity
The Redeemed Christian Church of God advocates immersion water baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, aligning with Matthew 28:19. This sacred act symbolizes repentance and union with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, echoing Romans 6:1-23 and Colossians 2:11-13.
### Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Believers are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit, a promise from the Father, leading to the manifestation of spiritual gifts and the ability to speak in tongues, in line with Acts 2:4, Acts 10:34-36, and Acts 19:2-6.
## Power of Prayer: A Vital Connection
The Church emphasizes the importance of prayer, rooted in scriptures such as Zechariah 12:10, Romans 8:26, and John 16:23. Prayer, directed through the name of Jesus, is regarded as a powerful means to connect with God, with faith serving as a cornerstone, according to James 1:6-8 and Hebrews 11:6.
## Living a Holy Life: Restitution and Avoidance of Worldliness
Restitution is deemed a sign of genuine repentance, necessitating the repair of damages caused by one’s actions, aligning with Leviticus 6:1-7 and Acts 24:16. The Church underscores the importance of abstaining from worldly activities, condemning dancing halls, cinema halls, and revelry, as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 5:22, Galatians 5:19-21, and Revelation 1:5-6.
## Upholding Virtue: Swearing, Obedience, and Debt
The Church advocates against swearing, cursing, or blasphemy, drawing inspiration from Romans 12:14, Matthew 5:34, and James 5:12. Christians are encouraged to obey authorities, honour parents, and refrain from willful debts, guided by scriptures like 1 Peter 2:13-14, Romans 13:1-5, and Romans 13:7-8.
## Church Discipline: A Call to Obedience
Rebellion against church authority is strongly discouraged, as highlighted in Numbers 12:1-10, Numbers 16:1-4,32, and Hebrews 13:17. The Church believes in disciplining members who deviate from biblical teachings, promoting a culture of obedience and submission.
## Marriage, Family, and Social Ethics
The Church upholds monogamy as the divine order, permitting divorce only in cases of adultery. Marriage is deemed honourable, and the Church condemns worldly patterns in marriage ceremonies, guided by scriptures such as Matthew 5:31-32, Mark 10:11-12, and 1 Corinthians 7:39.
## Holy Communion and Foot Washing
The Redeemed Christian Church of God observes the sacrament of the Holy Communion, a symbolic representation of Christ’s body and blood, as commanded in Luke 22:19-20 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Foot washing, an act of humility and service, is practised in obedience to John 13:14-17.
## The Second Coming: Anticipating the Glorious Return
The Church fervently believes in the second coming of Christ, as expressed in John 14:1-3, Acts 1:11, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. This expectation serves as a motivation for holy living, evangelism, and the fulfilment of the Great Commission.
# Embracing Unity: Beyond Doctrinal Walls
While these core tenets define the Redeemed Christian Church of God, the spirit of unity and love transcends doctrinal boundaries. The Church, committed to fulfilling the Great Commission, welcomes all who seek Christ with open arms, striving for a world where faith, hope, and love reign supreme.