
Friends of Jesus Christ International Gospel Mission
“Contending earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” [Jude 1:3]
INTRODUCTION: OUR FOUNDATION AND CONFESSION
We, the body of believers known as Friends of Jesus Christ International Gospel Mission, do solemnly and joyfully set forth these TENETS OF FAITH. They are not the traditions of men, but the revealed, unchanging TRUTH of ALMIGHTY GOD as contained in HOLY SCRIPTURE.
We declare that JESUS CHRIST is LORD to the glory of GOD THE FATHER [Philippians 2:11]. We are a Gospel Mission called to lift up CHRIST, preach HIS Word without compromise, walk in the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, and prepare a people for HIS soon return.
These tenets are our anchor in a shifting world [Hebrews 6:19], our sword in spiritual battle [Ephesians 6:17], and our roadmap for holy living, corporate worship, and global mission. We receive them with humility, teach them with clarity, defend them with boldness, and live them by grace.
“For from HIM and through HIM and to HIM are all things. To HIM be glory forever. Amen.” [Romans 11:36]
PART I: THE GODHEAD
- The Holy Scriptures – The Inerrant, Infallible, All-Sufficient Word of GOD
We believe the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments constitute the complete, verbally inspired Word of GOD [2 Timothy 3:16]. Every word was breathed out by GOD through holy men carried along by the HOLY SPIRIT [2 Peter 1:21]. The original manuscripts are inerrant and infallible [Psalm 119:160]. Scripture is the supreme, final, and sufficient authority for all faith, doctrine, practice, ethics, and conduct [Matthew 5:18]. It is eternal [Isaiah 40:8], living and active [Hebrews 4:12], and it alone is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, making the man of GOD complete [2 Timothy 3:16-17]. - The One True GOD – Eternal, Self-Existent, and Sovereign
We believe in one GOD and one GOD alone [Deuteronomy 6:4]. HE is eternal, without beginning or end [Exodus 3:14; Psalm 90:2]. HE is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, holy, sovereign, righteous, merciful, loving, and immutable [Malachi 3:6]. HE is the Creator of all things from nothing [Genesis 1:1], the Sustainer of the universe by HIS power [Colossians 1:17], and the sovereign LORD who rules over all history [Isaiah 45:5-6]. There is none beside HIM [Isaiah 45:5; Revelation 4:8]. - The Holy Trinity – One GOD in Three Persons
We believe the one GOD eternally exists in three distinct, co-equal, co-eternal Persons: GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON JESUS CHRIST, and GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT [Matthew 28:19]. Each Person is fully and truly GOD [1 John 5:7], yet there is only one GOD [2 Corinthians 13:14]. The Trinity is the foundational mystery and reality for all Christian doctrine, worship, prayer, and salvation [Genesis 1:26; Isaiah 48:16]. - GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY
We believe in GOD THE FATHER, the first Person of the Trinity. HE is the eternal FATHER, the Creator and Sovereign Ruler of all creation [Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 64:8]. HE is perfectly holy, infinitely loving, absolutely righteous, and faithful to every covenant promise [Matthew 6:9]. In HIS sovereign love, HE predestined, called, and adopted believers as HIS children through JESUS CHRIST [Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:15-17]. - GOD THE SON – JESUS CHRIST THE LORD
We believe JESUS CHRIST is the eternal SON OF GOD, the second Person of the Trinity [John 1:1-2]. HE is fully GOD and fully man, without confusion or mixture [John 1:14; Colossians 2:9]. HE is the eternal Word made flesh, the exact representation of the invisible GOD [Colossians 1:15]. In HIM all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily. HE is immutable [Hebrews 13:8], and every knee shall one day bow at HIS name [Philippians 2:10-11].
- GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT – Divine Person and Power
We believe in GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, the third Person of the Trinity, fully GOD, co-equal and co-eternal with THE FATHER and THE SON [Acts 5:3-4]. HE is not an impersonal force but a divine Person who thinks, feels, grieves, and wills [John 16:13; Ephesians 4:30]. HE inspired the Scriptures [2 Peter 1:21], convicts the world of sin [John 16:8], regenerates the sinner [Titus 3:5], indwells every believer permanently [1 Corinthians 6:19], empowers for service [Acts 1:8], and intercedes for the saints [Romans 8:26-27].
PART II: CREATION AND HUMANITY
- Creation – GOD’s Sovereign Work Ex Nihilo
We believe GOD spoke the heavens, earth, and all that is into existence out of nothing ex nihilo by the word of HIS power [Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:3]. Creation is not eternal; it had a definitive beginning [John 1:3]. The entire universe reveals GOD’s glory and handiwork [Psalm 19:1]. Humanity is the crown of creation, made for GOD’s glory, worship, and dominion [Revelation 4:11]. - Humanity – Created in GOD’s Image, Imago Dei
We believe GOD created humanity, male and female, in HIS own image and likeness [Genesis 1:26-27]. Imago Dei means every human possesses inherent worth, dignity, moral conscience, rationality, creativity, and the capacity for personal relationship with GOD [Psalm 8:5-6]. Humanity’s purpose is to glorify GOD, worship HIM, steward creation, and enjoy HIM forever [Isaiah 43:7]. - The Tripartite Nature of Man – Spirit, Soul, and Body
We believe man is a unified tripartite being: spirit, soul, and body [1 Thessalonians 5:23]. GOD formed the body and breathed into it the breath of life, making man a living soul [Genesis 2:7]. The spirit is the God-conscious dimension for communion with GOD. The soul includes mind, will, and emotions. The body is the earthly vessel and temple of the HOLY SPIRIT [1 Corinthians 6:19-20]. All three dimensions are redeemed and important to GOD [3 John 1:2]. - The Sanctity and Dignity of All Human Life
We believe human life is sacred and inviolable from conception to natural death because every person bears GOD’s image [Psalm 139:13-16]. The intentional taking of innocent life is a direct violation of GOD’s holy law [Exodus 20:13]. We therefore affirm the value, dignity, and rights of every human life regardless of age, race, gender, ability, or social status [Jeremiah 1:5]. - Marriage, Family, and GOD’s Design for Sexuality
We believe marriage is a sacred, lifelong covenant between one biological man and one biological woman, instituted by GOD at creation and reaffirmed by JESUS CHRIST [Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6]. The family is the foundational institution of human society [Proverbs 22:6]. Human sexuality is GOD’s good gift to be expressed exclusively within the covenant of marriage [Hebrews 13:4]. We affirm the complementary, God-ordained roles of husband and wife [Ephesians 5:22-33].
PART III: SIN, THE LAW, AND THE FALL
- The Reality, Origin, and Defeat of Satan
We believe Satan is a real, personal, fallen cherub who rebelled against GOD through pride [Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-17]. He is the adversary, the accuser of the brethren, the father of lies, and the god of this present age [John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 4:4]. Though he seeks to destroy, he is a defeated foe whose eternal destruction is certain [Revelation 20:10]. - The Fall of Man and Its Cosmic Consequences
We believe Adam and Eve were created perfect, innocent, and in unbroken fellowship with GOD [Genesis 2:25]. Through Satan’s deception and their willful disobedience [Genesis 3:6], they fell from innocence. This Fall introduced spiritual death, moral corruption, suffering, and physical death into all creation [Romans 5:12; Romans 8:20-22]. - Original Sin and the Doctrine of Total Depravity
We believe that through Adam’s fall, all humans inherit both guilt and a corrupt sin nature [Psalm 51:5]. Every person is by nature spiritually dead, enslaved to sin, and utterly unable to save themselves or please GOD apart from divine grace [Ephesians 2:1-3]. Total depravity means every aspect of man is affected by sin, not that man is as evil as possible [Jeremiah 17:9]. - Sin as Transgression Against GOD’s Holy Law
We believe GOD’s moral Law is holy, righteous, and good [Romans 7:12]. Sin is any thought, word, deed, motive, or disposition that falls short of or rebels against GOD’s perfect standard [1 John 3:4]. Sin is ultimately against GOD HIMSELF [Isaiah 59:2]. The Law reveals sin, pronounces condemnation, and drives sinners to CHRIST [Galatians 3:24]. - The Ten Commandments – GOD’s Timeless Moral Standard
We believe the Ten Commandments [Exodus 20:1-17] are the foundational expression of GOD’s moral law. They remain a binding standard for righteousness [Matthew 5:17-19]. For the New Testament believer, they are not a means of salvation but a mirror of holiness, a revealer of sin, and a guide for life, now written on the heart by the HOLY SPIRIT [Jeremiah 31:33; Romans 13:8-10]. - The Temporal and Eternal Consequences of Sin
We believe sin separates man from GOD [Isaiah 59:2] and results in death, both physical and spiritual [Romans 6:23]. Sin destroys relationships, corrupts societies, and gives ground to demonic influence. Unrepentant sin culminates in eternal separation from GOD in the lake of fire [Revelation 20:14-15]. The glorious counter-truth is that the gift of GOD is eternal life in JESUS CHRIST [Romans 6:23].
PART IV: REDEMPTION AND SALVATION
- The Miraculous Virgin Birth of JESUS CHRIST
We believe JESUS CHRIST was supernaturally conceived by the HOLY SPIRIT and born of the Virgin Mary [Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23]. This fulfilled prophecy and was essential to HIS sinlessness. Because HE had no human father, HE was born without Adam’s inherited sin nature, making HIM the only qualified Redeemer [Galatians 4:4-5; Hebrews 7:26]. - The Perfect, Sinless Life of JESUS CHRIST
We believe JESUS CHRIST lived a perfectly sinless, holy, and obedient life in every thought, word, and deed [Hebrews 4:15]. Though tempted in all points as we are, HE remained without sin [1 Peter 2:22]. HIS sinless life qualified HIM as the spotless, unblemished Lamb of GOD [1 Peter 1:19]. HIS perfect righteousness is imputed to all who believe [2 Corinthians 5:21]. - The Substitutionary, Atoning Death of JESUS CHRIST
We believe JESUS CHRIST voluntarily suffered and died on the cross as the substitutionary atonement for the sins of all humanity [Isaiah 53:5]. HE bore our sins in HIS body [1 Peter 2:24], satisfied GOD’s righteous wrath [Romans 3:25], and reconciled us to THE FATHER [Colossians 1:20]. There is no forgiveness, justification, or reconciliation apart from the shedding of HIS blood [Hebrews 9:22]. - The Literal, Bodily Resurrection of JESUS CHRIST
We believe JESUS CHRIST rose physically, bodily, and literally from the dead on the third day [Matthew 28:6]. The resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith [1 Corinthians 15:17]. It validates HIS deity [Romans 1:4], confirms THE FATHER’s acceptance of HIS sacrifice, defeats death and the grave, and guarantees the future resurrection of all believers [1 Corinthians 15:20]. - The Ascension and Present Exaltation of JESUS CHRIST
We believe JESUS CHRIST ascended bodily and visibly into heaven [Acts 1:9] and was exalted to the right hand of GOD THE FATHER [Ephesians 1:20]. HE now reigns as King of kings, our Great High Priest, Mediator, and Intercessor [Hebrews 7:25; 1 Timothy 2:5]. HE is Head over all things to the Church [Ephesians 1:22]. - Man’s Complete Redemption Through the Blood of CHRIST
We believe GOD provided full, complete, and eternal redemption for fallen humanity through the blood of JESUS CHRIST [Ephesians 1:7]. Redemption means we have been bought back from the bondage of sin, death, and Satan [Colossians 1:13-14]. It restores us to right standing with GOD, grants new life in the SPIRIT, and secures an eternal inheritance [1 Peter 1:18-19]. - Biblical Repentance – Turning to GOD
We believe genuine repentance is a GOD-given, SPIRIT-wrought turning from sin to GOD [Acts 17:30]. It involves a complete change of mind, heart, and direction [Mark 1:15]. True repentance is more than worldly sorrow; it is a wholehearted turning away from sin and a turning to GOD through JESUS CHRIST [2 Corinthians 7:10]. Repentance is non-negotiable for salvation [Luke 13:3]. - Salvation by Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, in CHRIST Alone
We believe salvation is entirely the work of GOD [Ephesians 2:8-9]. It is a free, unmerited gift received by grace alone, through faith alone, in JESUS CHRIST alone [Acts 4:12]. No human effort, religious ritual, or good work can contribute [Titus 3:5]. GOD initiates, enables, and will complete the work of salvation [Philippians 1:6]. - Justification by Faith
We believe justification is GOD’s instantaneous legal declaration that a repentant sinner is righteous [Romans 3:24]. It is based entirely on the righteousness of JESUS CHRIST credited to the believer’s account [Romans 4:5]. The justified believer stands before GOD completely forgiven, acquitted, and clothed in CHRIST’s righteousness [Philippians 3:9] - The New Birth – Regeneration by the HOLY SPIRIT
- We believe salvation produces a radical, supernatural transformation [John 3:3-7]. By the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, the spiritually dead sinner is made alive in CHRIST [Ephesians 2:5]. The believer becomes a new creation [2 Corinthians 5:17]. This is divine transformation from within, not external reformation [Titus 3:5].
- Adoption into GOD’s Family
We believe all who are born again are adopted as children of GOD [Romans 8:15]. Through the SPIRIT of adoption, believers receive the right to call GOD “ABBA, FATHER” [Galatians 4:6]. Adoption bestows a new identity, a secure inheritance, and eternal belonging in the family of GOD [Ephesians 1:5; 1 John 3:1]. - Sanctification – The Progressive Pursuit of Holiness
We believe sanctification is the HOLY SPIRIT’s ongoing work to separate believers from sin and conform them to the image of JESUS CHRIST [2 Corinthians 3:18]. Positionally, believers are declared holy in CHRIST. Progressively, they are being made holy day by day [1 Thessalonians 4:3]. Without holiness no one will see THE LORD [Hebrews 12:14]. - Perseverance and Assurance of the Believer
We believe all who are truly born again are kept by GOD’s power and shall never ultimately perish [John 10:28-29]. The HOLY SPIRIT is the seal and guarantee of the believer’s eternal inheritance [Ephesians 1:13-14]. Believers can have full assurance through the Spirit’s witness, transformed life, and GOD’s promises [1 John 5:13]. - Obedience as the Necessary Fruit of Faith
We believe genuine faith in JESUS CHRIST produces a life of wholehearted obedience [John 14:23]. Obedience is not the root of salvation but the fruit [James 1:22]. A true disciple lives, walks in, and is transformed by the Word [Romans 12:2]. Obedience brings blessing and glorifies GOD before the world [Deuteronomy 28:1-2].
PART V: THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SPIRITUAL LIFE
- The Baptism in the HOLY SPIRIT with Evidence
We believe the baptism in the HOLY SPIRIT is a definite, post-salvation experience [Acts 1:8]. It immerses the believer in the SPIRIT and endues them with power for bold witness [Luke 24:49]. The initial physical evidence, as uniformly recorded in Acts, is speaking in other tongues as the SPIRIT gives utterance [Acts 2:4; Acts 10:46; Acts 19:6]. - The Nine Charismatic Gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT
We believe all nine gifts listed in [1 Corinthians 12:8-10] are operational and necessary for the Church today. These are: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. They are sovereignly distributed by the SPIRIT for edification, Gospel confirmation, and Kingdom advancement [1 Corinthians 12:7; Hebrews 2:4]. - The Ninefold Fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT
We believe every true believer is called to bear the SPIRIT’s fruit [Galatians 5:22-23]. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are the character of JESUS CHRIST reproduced in the believer [John 15:5]. This fruit is the primary evidence of genuine salvation [Matthew 7:16-20]. - Divine Healing Provided in the Atonement
We believe divine healing is included in JESUS CHRIST’s atoning work [Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24]. GOD is JEHOVAH-RAPHA, the GOD who heals [Exodus 15:26]. It is HIS will that HIS people walk in divine health spirit, soul, and body [3 John 1:2]. Healing is ministered through prayer, laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and the prayer of faith [James 5:14-16]. - The Gift and Ministry of New Testament Prophecy
We believe in the present ministry of prophecy for edification, exhortation, and comfort [1 Corinthians 14:3]. All prophecy must be tested by and submitted to Scripture [1 Thessalonians 5:20-21]. We also affirm the prophetic Scriptures concerning Israel and JESUS CHRIST’s return, all of which are being fulfilled [2 Peter 1:19-21]. - Prayer and Intercession – The Church’s Lifeline
We believe prayer is communion with GOD, the channel of HIS power, and a primary weapon of spiritual warfare [Philippians 4:6-7]. GOD hears and answers prayer [John 14:13-14]. Every believer is called to pray without ceasing [1 Thessalonians 5:17] and to stand in the gap for others [1 Timothy 2:1-2]. - Biblical Fasting – Humbling the Soul Before GOD
We believe fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline ordained by GOD [Matthew 6:16-18]. JESUS taught “when you fast,” not “if” [Matthew 6:16]. Fasting humbles the soul, sharpens spiritual sensitivity, breaks spiritual bondages [Isaiah 58:6], and releases extraordinary power [Mark 9:29]. - Worship – The Highest Calling of the Redeemed
We believe worship is the greatest privilege of redeemed humanity [John 4:23-24]. Worship is a lifestyle of devotion, honor, and surrender [Romans 12:1], not merely a musical event. Corporate worship builds up the Body, exalts GOD, and invites HIS manifest presence [Hebrews 13:15]. - The Sabbath Day – The Seal of GOD and Sacred Rest
We believe GOD sanctified the seventh day at creation [Genesis 2:2-3]. The fourth commandment uniquely contains GOD’s SEAL: HIS Name, Title, and Territory [Exodus 20:8-11]. The Sabbath is an eternal sign between GOD and HIS people [Ezekiel 20:12]. It begins and ends at sunset [Leviticus 23:32]. True observance includes ceasing from labor, holy convocation, delighting in THE LORD, acts of mercy, family instruction, and spiritual renewal [Isaiah 58:13-14]. JESUS CHRIST is LORD of the Sabbath [Mark 2:28] and taught its true spirit of mercy [Hebrews 4:9-11]. - Stewardship, Tithing, and Cheerful Offerings
We believe GOD is the owner of all things and believers are stewards [Psalm 24:1]. The tithe, one-tenth of income, is the foundational standard [Malachi 3:10]. Offerings express generosity beyond the tithe [2 Corinthians 9:6-7]. GOD promises to open the windows of heaven upon the faithful giver [Proverbs 3:9-10].
PART VI: THE CHURCH
- The Universal Church – The Body and Bride of CHRIST
We believe in the one holy, universal Church, the Body of CHRIST [Ephesians 1:22-23]. It comprises all true believers redeemed by JESUS CHRIST’s blood across all ages, nations, and tongues [Matthew 16:18]. The Church is CHRIST’s bride, and HE is building it [Revelation 19:7-8]. - The Local Church – GOD’s Ordained Expression
We believe the local church is the visible, ordained expression of CHRIST’s Body in a community [1 Timothy 3:15]. It is the pillar and ground of truth. In the local church believers gather for worship, prayer, teaching, fellowship, ordinances, accountability, and equipping [Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:25]. - Church Leadership and Biblical Government
We believe GOD has set in the Church a plurality of Spirit-called, biblically qualified leaders: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers [Ephesians 4:11]. Elders and deacons must meet the qualifications of [1 Timothy 3:1-13]. Church government is to be biblical, accountable, and servant-hearted, not worldly [Acts 20:28]. - Water Baptism by Immersion After Salvation
We believe water baptism is a sacred ordinance commanded by JESUS CHRIST [Matthew 28:19]. It is the public declaration of the inward reality of salvation [Romans 6:3-4]. It symbolizes the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with CHRIST [Colossians 2:12]. Baptism follows conversion and is an act of obedience, not salvation [Acts 2:38]. - The LORD’s Supper – Holy Communion
We believe the LORD’s Supper is a sacred ordinance instituted by JESUS CHRIST [Luke 22:19-20]. It is observed regularly as a memorial of HIS broken body and shed blood [1 Corinthians 11:24]. It proclaims HIS death until HE comes [1 Corinthians 11:26] and requires self-examination [1 Corinthians 11:28]. - Biblical Church Discipline for Purity and Restoration
We believe the Church has the authority and responsibility to maintain purity through biblical discipline [Matthew 18:15-17]. The purpose is always redemptive: to restore the fallen, protect the flock, and honor GOD’s name [Galatians 6:1]. Discipline is carried out in love [1 Corinthians 5:13]. - Christian Fellowship and the Unity of the SPIRIT
We believe believers are commanded to love one another [John 13:34] and to maintain the unity of the SPIRIT in the bond of peace [Ephesians 4:3]. Koinonia fellowship is a vital mark of the true Church [Acts 2:42]. Division grieves the SPIRIT; unity is a powerful witness to the world [John 17:21].
PART VII: CHRISTIAN LIFE AND CONDUCT
- Discipleship and Lifelong Christian Growth
We believe every believer is called to be a disciple [Matthew 28:19-20]. Discipleship involves the daily disciplines of Bible study, prayer, worship, fellowship, service, and obedience [2 Peter 3:18]. Growth toward maturity is the normal pattern of the Christian life [Ephesians 4:13-15]. - The Christian’s Responsibility to the Scriptures
We believe every believer must read, study, meditate on, memorize, and obey the Word [Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 2:15]. Scripture is bread for the soul, a lamp for the path, and a sword for warfare [Joshua 1:8; Ephesians 6:17]. Neglect of the Word leads to weakness and deception [Matthew 4:4]. - Personal Holiness and Separation to GOD
We believe GOD calls every believer to a life of personal holiness [1 Peter 1:16]. Holiness is inward transformation that expresses itself outwardly in righteous living [2 Corinthians 7:1]. Without holiness no one will see THE LORD [Hebrews 12:14]. - Spiritual Warfare and the Believer’s Authority in CHRIST
We believe every believer is engaged in spiritual warfare against the devil and demonic forces [Ephesians 6:12]. We are equipped with the full armor of GOD [Ephesians 6:10-18]. We resist the devil [James 4:7], exercise authority [Luke 10:19], and overcome by the blood of the LAMB [Revelation 12:11]. - The Christian’s Relationship to the World
We believe believers are called to be in the world but not of it [John 17:16]. We are to be salt and light [Matthew 5:13-16], influencing culture and shining in darkness. We must guard against worldliness, the love of money, and ungodly conformity [1 John 2:15-17]. - Christian Ethics, Integrity, and Righteous Conduct
We believe Christians are called to the highest standard of integrity, honesty, and justice in every area of life [Colossians 3:23]. The character of JESUS CHRIST must be reflected in every relationship and transaction [Micah 6:8]. Hypocrisy is a serious offense to GOD [Matthew 5:37]. - Social Justice and Compassion for the Vulnerable
We believe the Gospel compels believers to love their neighbors practically [James 1:27]. The Church must care for the poor, orphan, widow, stranger, and the oppressed [Isaiah 58:6-7]. We are to be CHRIST’s hands and feet [Matthew 25:35-40].
PART VIII: ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS
- The Nation of Israel and GOD’s Unconditional Covenant
We believe the Jewish people are GOD’s covenant people, chosen and beloved [Romans 11:1]. GOD’s covenants with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David are unconditional and everlasting [Genesis 17:7]. The land of Israel was given as an eternal inheritance [Genesis 17:8]. GOD has not forsaken HIS people [Jeremiah 31:35-37]. - The Gospel Commission to All Nations
We believe the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST is for every tribe, tongue, and nation [Matthew 28:19]. GOD’s heart for the nations is revealed from [Genesis 12:3] to [Revelation 7:9]. The Church is commissioned to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth [Acts 1:8]. - The Reconciliation of Jew and Gentile in One Body
We believe JESUS CHRIST has broken down the dividing wall of hostility [Ephesians 2:14]. Salvation comes to Gentiles through the Jewish Messiah [John 4:22]. The Church does not replace Israel but is grafted into GOD’s covenant olive tree [Romans 11:17-24]. Both Jew and Gentile are one in CHRIST [Galatians 3:28-29].
PART IX: THE HOLY DAYS / FESTIVALS AS ORDAINED BY GOD
“These are the appointed feasts of THE LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times.” [Leviticus 23:4]
- We believe GOD’s appointed times are eternal prophetic shadows that reveal MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST [Colossians 2:17].
We do not observe them to be saved [Galatians 5:6], but to remember CHRIST, teach prophecy, and align our worship with GOD’s redemptive calendar.
A. The Seven Annual Feasts of THE LORD – [Leviticus 23]
- Passover – Pesach | [Leviticus 23:5]
Fulfillment: CHRIST our Passover LAMB was sacrificed for us [1 Corinthians 5:7].
Church Application: Special Communion service remembering redemption by HIS blood. - Feast of Unleavened Bread | [Leviticus 23:6-8]
Fulfillment: CHRIST, the sinless ONE, calls us to purge sin from our lives [1 Corinthians 5:8].
Church Application: A season of repentance, holiness, and spiritual cleansing. - Feast of Firstfruits | [Leviticus 23:10-11]
Fulfillment: CHRIST is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep [1 Corinthians 15:20].
Church Application: Celebration of resurrection power, new life, and hope. - Feast of Weeks – Pentecost – Shavuot | [Leviticus 23:15-16]
Fulfillment: The HOLY SPIRIT was poured out; the Church was born in power [Acts 2:1-4].
Church Application: Emphasis on SPIRIT-baptism, empowerment, and harvest of souls. - Feast of Trumpets – Rosh Hashanah | [Leviticus 23:23-25]
Fulfillment: A divine call to repentance, awakening, and GOD’s kingship.
Prophetic Application: The trumpet of GOD at CHRIST’s return [1 Thessalonians 4:16].
Church Application: Watchfulness, holiness, and readiness for the Bridegroom. - Day of Atonement – Yom Kippur | [Leviticus 23:26-32]
Fulfillment: CHRIST entered the true Holy Place once for all to make atonement [Hebrews 9:12].
Church Application: Solemn assembly, fasting, and corporate repentance. - Feast of Tabernacles – Sukkot | [Leviticus 23:33-36]
Fulfillment: GOD tabernacled among us [John 1:14; Revelation 21:3].
Prophetic Application: The Millennial Kingdom when GOD dwells with man.
_Church Application*: Thanksgiving, joy, and celebration of GOD’s provision and missions.
B. The Weekly Sabbath – The Perpetual Sign
We believe GOD sanctified the seventh day as a perpetual sign of creation and redemption [Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 31:16-17]. Believers rest in CHRIST [Hebrews 4:9-10] while gathering weekly for worship [Acts 20:7].
C. Ongoing Ordinances
Water Baptism [Matthew 28:19] and Holy Communion [1 Corinthians 11:24-26] remain as commanded by JESUS CHRIST until HE comes.
PART X: LAST THINGS – ESCHATOLOGY
- The Personal, Visible Second Coming of JESUS CHRIST
We believe in the personal, visible, bodily, and glorious return of JESUS CHRIST [Acts 1:11]. HE will come first for HIS saints [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17], and then with HIS saints to establish HIS Kingdom [Revelation 19:11-14]. HIS return is imminent [Matthew 24:44]. - The Rapture of the Church
We believe JESUS CHRIST will descend from heaven with a shout [1 Thessalonians 4:16]. The dead in CHRIST shall rise first, then the living shall be caught up together [1 Corinthians 15:52]. This is the blessed hope [Titus 2:13]. - The Great Tribulation
We believe following the Rapture there will be a period of great tribulation [Matthew 24:21]. This time includes the rise of the Antichrist, the outpouring of GOD’s wrath, and culminates in Armageddon [Revelation 6-19]. - The Millennium – The Thousand-Year Reign of JESUS CHRIST
We believe CHRIST will reign on earth for one thousand years [Revelation 20:4-6]. Satan will be bound. This will be an era of righteousness, peace, and the knowledge of THE LORD covering the earth [Isaiah 11:9]. - The Great White Throne Judgment
We believe all unbelievers will stand before GOD at the Great White Throne [Revelation 20:11-15]. They will be judged according to works and cast into the lake of fire [Hebrews 9:27]. - Heaven and the Reality of Eternal Life
We believe heaven is the eternal dwelling place of GOD and the redeemed [Revelation 21:3-4]. GOD will make all things new, and there shall be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain [Revelation 21:5]. - Hell and Eternal Conscious Punishment
We believe hell is real, eternal, and a place of conscious torment for those who reject JESUS CHRIST [Matthew 25:46]. It was prepared for the devil and his angels, but will also be the destiny of the unrepentant [Revelation 20:15]. - The New Heaven and New Earth
We believe that at the consummation GOD will create a new heaven and a new earth [Revelation 21:1]. The New Jerusalem will descend, and GOD HIMSELF will dwell with HIS people forever [Revelation 22:5].
CONCLUSION: OUR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION AND MISSION
We do not merely assent to these tenets with our minds. We embrace them with our hearts, confess them with our mouths, and live them by the grace and power of the HOLY SPIRIT.
We are Friends of Jesus Christ International Gospel Mission — a people redeemed by blood, sealed by the SPIRIT, grounded in the Word, and sent to the nations. We will not shrink from this TRUTH. We will teach it to our children, preach it to the lost, and guard it against all compromise (Jude 1:3).
Until JESUS CHRIST returns, we will be faithful. We will be holy. We will be bold. We will be a Gospel Mission.
“Now to HIM who can keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of HIS glory with great joy, to the only GOD, our Savior, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time, now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25).
