Biblical Principles for Living
NOTE: Hit Ctrl-F to FIND a specific word if you are looking for a
certain subject matter. Table of Contents
Article 100-1 - PREAMBLE
Article 101-1 - Worship
Article 101-2 - Spirit World
Article 102-1 - Holiness
Article 102-2 - Justice
Article 102-3 - Mercy
Article 102-4 - Humility
Article 102-5 - Truth and Integrity
Article 103-1 - Humanity in God’s Image
Article 103-2 - Repentance and Restitution
Article 103-3 - Marriage and Singleness
Article 103-4 - The Family
Article 103-5 - Divorce
Article 103-6 - Shared Life
Article 104-1 - Stewardship
Article 104-2 - Work and Rest
Article 104-3 - Civil Government
Article 104-4 - Christian Liberty & Servanthood
100-1.1
The Bible Fellowship Church sets forth these Biblical Principles for Living
to inform and guide disciples of Jesus Christ in making moral decisions and
living lives of obedience.
100-1.2
The BFC acknowledges the Scriptures as the supreme and final authority of
faith and conduct and the Holy Spirit as the source of power and guidance
for the believer. These principles are summaries of the biblical truth that
reveals the Lord's directives in various aspects of life.
100-1.3
Increasing ethnic and cultural diversity in many of the churches and the
prospect of new congregations being formed among various people groups have
prompted the BFC to seek to state the principles so that they may be
understood and applied by believers in any cultural context.
100-1.4
These principles are not exhaustive in that they do not cite all that the
Bible says in any of the aspects included and that they do not cover all
areas of life that the Scriptures address. In the future it may become
apparent that additional aspects of life need to be addressed and that the
current principles may need to be reconsidered with a view to amending them
after further reflection on the biblical truth.
100-1.5
Every believer is accountable to God for all that the Bible says. Moral
choices and actions should be based on the whole counsel of God. Each
believer must faithfully read, study and review all parts of the Scriptures
(2 Tim. 3:16, 17).
100-1.6
In seeking moral guidance, the believer should study the Old Testament books
of the Law with special focus on the Ten Commandments (Exo. 20:1-17). The
implications of the Law are explained and applied in the rest of the Old
Testament.
100-1.7
The Lord Jesus summarized the Law in the Great Commandments (Mat. 22:34-40;
Mark 12:30, 31) and explained the spiritual depth of the Law in the Sermon
on the Mount (Mat. 5-7). The application of the Law in the individual life
of the believer and the corporate life of the church is set forth in the New
Testament letters.
100-1.8
Since each believer is indwelled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, there is
an enabling to obey God's requirements (Rom. 8:3, 4). The Spirit controlled
person will demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23). He or she
will receive and employ the gifts of the Spirit (1 Pe. 4:10, 11; Rom.
12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-11). Where the life and power of the Holy Spirit are
present in an individual or church, the three abiding qualities, faith, hope
and love, will be evident (1 Cor. 13:13; 1 Thes. 1:3, Rom. 5:1, 2). The
greatest of these is love, and "love is the fulfillment of the law" (Rom.
13:10).
101-1.1
Worship is response to God
in all of life, whereby, in love, adoration, confession, thanksgiving,
praise, and service God's worth is declared.1 Worship is rooted
in reverence for and awe of the Lord and deepens as knowledge of God
increases.2 Worship is the privilege and responsibility of each
individual, family, and congregation. For the believer, worship is a life
style not limited by location or circumstance.
101-1.2
Worship is the ultimate
purpose of the church. The mission of the church is to declare God's glory
and His salvation to all ethnic groups so that some from all the families of
nations shall worship Him.3 Corporate worship is the assembled
church celebrating the glory of God and ascribing to Him praise and honor.
Christ, the head of the church, meets with and strengthens His people, who
are called out from the world by the Holy Spirit.4
101-1.3
God declares that He alone
is to be worshiped5 and this worship must be in spirit and truth.6
Such worship engages both mind and emotion, listening and responding to God
in joyful obedience not simply in routine activity.7 For
disobeying God’s instructions and substituting their own form of worship,8
Israel was severely punished. We therefore seek to learn from the Bible what
kinds of worship please the Lord.
101-1.4
Worship in the Old
Testament was a celebration of the mighty acts of the Lord, the covenant God
of Israel. Corporate worship was highlighted through prescribed ritual: a
priesthood, a sacrificial system looking forward to Christ's atonement,9
and particular times and places when and where worship should occur.10
This ritual was not made valuable by its repetition.11 Its value
came through heartfelt, thoughtful response to God, uniting the worshipers.12
101-1.5
Worship in the New
Testament is a celebration of the finished work of Christ, His victory over
Satan, sin, and death through His own incarnation, death, resurrection, and
ascension. Jesus claims for Himself authority over temple, Sabbath,
sacrifice, and service.13 The former place, priesthood, and
ritual were set aside14 as believers now observe15 a
new day, the Lord's Day,16 and new ordinances: Baptism and the
Lord’s Supper.17
101-1.6
Examples of corporate
worship in the New Testament include: the reading of Scripture, prayer,
praise, confession, singing, giving, thanksgiving, preaching and teaching,
and the ordinances.18 The expression of these may be shaped by
the cultural setting of a particular church and must be done in a fitting
and orderly way.19
1Psa.96:7-9; Rom.12:1
2 Psa.96:4, 2:11
3 Psa.96; Rom. 16:25-27; Rev.7:9-10
4 Eph.1:22,23
5 Exo.20:1-4
6 John 4:24
7 Mat. 15:7-9; 1 Cor. 14:15, 16
8 1Ki.12:25-13:10
9 Heb.9:13,14
10 Exo.20-40
11 Isa.29:13
12 Psa.51:16,17; 84:1,2
13 Mark 2:18-28
14 Heb.10:8-18
15 Heb. 10:19-25
16 John 20:19,26; Acts 20:7
17 Mat. 28:18-20; 1Cor.11:23-26
18 Acts 2:42-47; 4:23-37; 1 Tim. 4:13
19 1 Cor. 14:40
101-2.1
God is spirit1 and has created everything, including the visible
and the invisible. The invisible includes a great number 3 of
spirit beings. Among these are angels who are without flesh 4 and
remain invisible except when supernaturally revealed.5 Angels
surround God’s throne to worship and serve Him.6 They are
powerful 7 and are sent as God pleases 8 to provide
and care for,9 to protect and deliver,10 to instruct
and guide,11 to discipline and punish.12 They long to
comprehend fully the grace of salvation and rejoice over each sinner who
repents.13 God also created human beings who are spirit 14
and flesh to worship and serve Him as God alone.15
101-2.2
A created angelic being, later known as the devil or Satan, rebelled against
God.16 Within limits allowed by the sovereign God,17
Satan leads a powerful world system of wickedness which is hostile toward
God and His purposes.18 Satan may inflict pain, suffering,
emotional problems and may cause death.19 He can control people
to oppose the work of God, blind their minds to prevent their understanding
the Gospel, and oppress the servants of God.20 Anyone not led by
the Holy Spirit is open to Satan’s influence.21 He seeks to
influence nations and governments.22 Satan is a masterful
deceiver appearing at times as an angel of light and called the father of
lies.23 False prophets, false religions, and cults are
instruments of deception.24 Those blinded and deceived by Satan
live a life-style that is opposed to God.25
101-2.3
Other angels followed Satan in his rebellion against God. These fallen
angels, also known as evil spirits or demons, serve Satan, the god of this
evil world system.26 Satan and evil spirits can influence the
believer27 and possess unregenerate people and animals.28
God has enabled believers to cast out demons by His Spirit.29 God
may continue to give this enablement, however, the casting out of demons is
not in itself reason for boasting and not necessarily an evidence of an
individual’s relationship with Christ.30
101-2.4
Believers are commanded to stand against the evil spirit world 31
and are warned against such detestable things as divination, witchcraft,
sorcery, interpreting of omens, casting of spells, and consulting the dead.
These things are devices that Satan uses to lure people toward destruction.
People who practice these things are under the condemnation of God.32
Because of Satan’s power, victory is possible only through our Lord Jesus
Christ.33 Through the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross,
God has provided victory over this world system for those born of God.34
In prayerful dependence upon God, they are protected from and victorious
over the powers of darkness as they use all the armor God provides,
submissively draw near to Him, and resist the devil.35
101-2.5
The sovereign God is in control of the entire social, political, and
spiritual realm.36 God will cast Satan and all his followers into
the lake of fire which has been prepared for them where they will remain
forever.37 The kingdom of this world will one day become the
kingdom of our Lord and He will reign forever and ever.38
1John 4:24
2 Neh. 9:6; Psa. 148:2-6; Col. 1:16
3 Dan. 7:9-10; Rev. 5:11
4 Luke 24:39; Eph. 6:12; Heb. 1:14
5 Gen. 28:12; Luke 2:8-13; Mat. 28:1-6
6 Psa. 89:5-7; Isa 6:1_8; Rev. 7:11-12
7 2 Chr. 32:21; Acts 12:5-11; 2 Pe. 2:11
8 Psa. 103:20-21
9 Gen 24:7, 40; 1 Kgs. 19:5-8; Gen. 21:17-19; Luke 22:43
10 Exo. 23:20; Psa. 91:11-13; Dan. 6:22; Num. 20:15,16; Psa.
34:7; Acts 5:19-20
11 Luke 1: 26-37; Acts 27:23-26; Rev. 1:1; Mat. 2:13; Acts 8:26;
10:3-6
12 Luke 1:18-20; 2 Sam. 24:16-17; Acts 12:23
13 1Pe. 1:10-12; Luke 15:10
14 Rom. 8:16; 1Thes. 5:23
15 Exo. 20:3-5; John 4:23-24
16 Eze. 28:13-16; Rev. 12:9
17 Job 1:10-12; Psa. 103:19; Pro. 21:1; Col.2:9-10
18 Eph. 6:11-12; 1Jo 2:15-17; 5:19
19Job 1:8-20; Luke 13:10-16; John 8:44
20 Mat. 16:23; Luke 22:3_4; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Tim. 2:25-26
21 Mat. 12:43_45; Acts 5:3; Eph. 4:27
22 Acts 4:25_26; Rev. 20:3
23 2 Cor. 11:13-15; John 8:44
24 Acts 13:6-11; 2Thes. 2:9-10
25 John 8:37-38, 41; Eph. 2:1-3
26 Mat. 25:41; Eph. 6:11-12; Rev. 12:9
27 2 Cor. 11:12-15; Eph. 4:25-27; 1 Pe. 5:8, 9
28 Mat. 8:28-32; Mark 5:2, 6-13
29 Mark 3:14_15; Acts 8:6-7; 16:18, Mat.12:28
30 Mat. 7:22-23; Mark 9:38-40; Luke 10:20
31 Eph. 6:10-14; James. 4:7; 1Pe. 5:8-10
32 Exo. 20:4, 5; Lev. 19:26; Deu. 18:10-14, 20; Isa. 8:19,20
33 Rom 8:37-39; 2 Thes. 3:3; 1 Pe. 1:3-7
34 1 Cor. 15:57-58; Col. 2:13-15; 1Jo. 5:4_6
35 Eph. 6:13-18; James 4:7-8; Rev. 12:10_11
36 Job 1:1 - 2:13; Psa. 2:1-12
37 Mat. 25:41, 46; Rev. 20:10, 14-15
38 Dan. 7:13-14; Zec. 14:9; Rev. 11:15
102-1.1
God is holy.1 He is separate from and superior to all creation.2
He is absolutely pure and good.3 He cannot sin and hates sin.4
Because He is holy, He calls people to holiness.5
102-1.2
Holiness involves a setting apart, a dedicating or devoting, of someone or
something for a special purpose.6 Believers are set apart for God
and called saints, or holy ones.7 The Bible reveals the holiness
of God and declares His standard for a holy life.8 God’s law
teaches all people are sinners and His Spirit convicts of sin.9
All those who belong to God are, through the work of Christ, declared holy
and are responsible to live holy lives.10 God’s purpose is that
every believer through the experiences of this life be changed into the
likeness of His Son.11
102-1.3
Sanctification, or holy living, is progressively realized by the power of
the Holy Spirit.12 For Christians, there is to be a separation
from all forms of evil, and a full surrender to the Lord.13
Believers should not participate in any group which demands behavior or an
affirmation of beliefs that are opposed to our allegiance to Christ.14
They are not to continue any longer in the sinful ways of the world but
should rather seek to have all thoughts and actions conformed to the
revealed will of God.15 Sin’s control and its continued practice
must cease.16
102-1.4
The church is also called to holiness.17 Believers are to
encourage one another to live righteously,18 warn against the
dangers of all sin,19 confess and repent of all individual and
corporate sin,20 and submit to discipline as taught by the Lord.21
Christian leaders have a particular responsibility to set proper examples of
holy living.22
1Exo.15:11; Psa.99:9; Isa.6:3
2 Psa. 89:5-8; Isa.57:15; Rev.15:4
3 Psa.33:5; Hab.1:13; James 1:13
4 Exo.34:6-7; Psa. 5:4-6; 1Jo.1:5
5 Lev.10:3; 19:2; Acts 17:30, 31
6 Exo.20:8; Deut.7:6; 1Pe.2:9-10
7 1Cor.1:2; Rom.1:7; Heb.12:14
8 Exo.20:1-17; Mat.22:37-40; James.2:10
9 Rom.3:19-20; John16:7-14; 1Tim.1:8-11
10 Rom.3:23-26; Rom.8:1-17; Heb.10:10
11 Rom.8:28-29; Phil.1:6; 2Pe. 1:3-4
12 Rom.8:26-30; 2Cor.3:18; 2Thes.2:13
13 2Cor.6:14-7:1; Eph.4:17-5:14
14 Mat. 6:24; Acts 4:19, 20; Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 Cor. 7:23; Eph. 5:11
15 Rom.12:1-2; Col.3:9-10; 1Pe.1:13_16
16 Rom.6:1-14; Tit.2:11-14; 1Pe.2:11-12; 1Jo.2:13
17 1Cor.3:16-17; Eph.5:25-27
18 Gal.6:1-2; Heb.10:23-25
19 1Thes.5:14; James 5:19-20
20 Pro.18:13; 1Cor.5:1-2; 2Cor.2:5-8; 1Jo.1:9; Rev.3:19
21 Mat.18:15-17
22 Phil.3:17; Heb.13:7; 1Pe.5:1-3
102-2.1
By nature God is morally
perfect and righteous in every way. To say that God is just is to affirm the
rightness of His law and His faithful and consistent adherence to that law
in His judgments.1 Justice is the perfect application of His law
in the lives of human beings. Both human law and the application of that law
can distort God's justice and therefore be sinful and produce sin. Sin
causes human beings to enact and apply laws in ways that are unjust.2
Because God is just, He abhors the distortions of His law.3
102-2.2
In a world of sinful
people, injustice results when human beings are judged by such things as
color of skin, ethnicity, gender, age, social, economic and occupational
status. To evaluate people based on such external characteristics is
inconsistent with faith in Jesus Christ.4 Those who value people
in this way are acting out of ungodly cultural biases and sinful pride.5
Injustice also results when persons allow their own sinful motivations, such
as greed,6 jealousy,7 and envy,8 to shape
their relationships with other people. In Jesus Christ such wicked and false
distinctions or motivations are abolished.9
102-2.3
God's love for humankind knows no racial, national, economic, age, or gender
boundaries and God’s people must demonstrate this same impartial love.10
The proclamation of the gospel to every person regardless of location or
status will be a matter of great priority among those who love justice.11
102-2.4
Those who value justice
will seek consistent and upright applications of human law so that no one is
denied due process because of sinful distinctions.12 Those who
love justice will seek truth and act with integrity in all relationships.
102-2.5
The quest for justice in a
world distorted by sin will often yield imperfect and incomplete results.
The people of God who love justice will repent when they recognize their
failure to do justice and will renew their efforts to bring justice to those
who have been denied it.13
1Deut.10:17,18; Isa.5:6
2 Deut.16:19,20
3 Isa. 10:1, 2
4 James 2:1-4
5 Lev.19:5
6 Col. 3:5
7 James 3:14
8 Gal. 5:25, 26
9 Gal.3:28; Eph.2:14-16
10 Acts 10:34-36
11 Rom.3:9; 1Tim.2:3,4
12 Gen.18:19
13 Mic.6:8
102-3.1
Mercy, the unmerited response to human need,1 finds its source
and highest expression in God, in Whom justice and mercy meet in perfect
harmony.2 Rather than overlook sin, God showed His mercy most
clearly and fully by giving His beloved Son to die in our place.3
102-3.2
God the Father, demonstrated His mercy in providing salvation.4
God the Son, became the supreme example of that mercy in offering Himself
for our sins.5 Jesus offered forgiveness to the sinner,6
acceptance to the rejected,7 healing to the afflicted,8
food to the hungry,9 comfort to the bereaved,10 and
life to the dead.11
102-3.3
God's intention is that mercy characterize His people.12 In
extending mercy, we should pattern ourselves after our Head, Jesus Christ.13
The church and its individual members are called to a ministry of
mercy-giving,14 which aids in our growth and assurance of
salvation.15
102-3.4
Our ministry of mercy may be limited by our resources, our discernment, and
the Word of God,16 but it must never be limited by our bias
against any group or individual.17 In all humility, each
congregation ought to search itself for the presence of any cultural
arrogance, of social or racial prejudice, or of ungodly complacency, all of
which will hinder the offering of mercy. In some cases a congregation will
need to repent of its sinful attitudes.
1Titus
3:5-7
2Exo. 34:6,7; Psa. 89:14
3Rom. 3:21-26
4Eph. 2:4,5
5Heb. 2:17
6Mat. 9:2-6
7Mat. 9:9-13
8Mat. 9:35,36
9Mat. 14:13-21
10John 11:32-38
11John 11:25,26,43,44
12Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23
13Phil. 2:1-4
14Mat. 25:34-40; Gal. 6:10; James 1:27
151 John 3:17-19
162 Thes. 3:10; 2 John 10,11
17Luke 10:30-37; Mat. 5:44-46
102-4.1
Humility is an attitude of
heart and mind perfectly exemplified in the person and life of Christ.1
It characterizes those united with Christ,2 pleases God,3
and shapes both the life of the community of faith4 and the
ministry of the Lord's servants.5 The opposite of humility is
pride which meets divine resistance and anger.6
102-4.2
Humility is an acceptance
of one's true position in relationship to God,7 authorities,
other believers,8 society,9 and all of creation.10
Its reality is demonstrated in joyful service and appropriate submission
seen most clearly in the willing self-sacrifice of Christ.
102-4.3
In the individual
Christian, humility recognizes the grace of God which has made each believer
to be accepted in Christ. This viewpoint becomes a source of forgiveness and
patience within the Christian community.11 The Christian’s love
for others is greatly aided by the development of godly humility.
102-4.4
The unique servant quality
of Christian leadership is a direct result of godly humility. Elders of the
church do not dominate the congregation but are servants to the whole body.12
They do not desire to control, but rather to promote the development and
enrichment of every member. As heirs of grace together with their brothers
and sisters, Christian leaders must renounce the pride which creates
divisions and factions13 based on secondary theological issues,14
on areas of Christian liberty,15 or merely on personalities.16
102-4.5
Humility encourages each
church to cooperate with believers in gospel outreach,17 compels
us to seek to meet needs of others,18 and causes us to be
advocates for those who have none.19 Concern shown for the
disadvantaged in our world must be expressed through ministries of mercy20
and efforts to promote the growth of the congregation among all kinds of
people.21
1Phil.2:5-11
2 Phil.2:1-3
3 James 4:6
4 Eph.4:1,2
5 1Cor.3:6-9
6 Prov.3:34; James 4:6; 1Pet.5:5
7 1Pet.5:6; Luke 18:14
8 Eph.4:2; Phil.2:3
9 Luke 14:11
10 Psa. 8
11 Col.3:12,13
12 1Pet.5:2,3
13 1Cor.1:10
14 Gal. 5:6; Eph.4:2,3
15 Rom.14,15
16 1Cor.3:5; 4:6,7
17 Luke 9:49,50; Phil.1:15-18
18 Gal.6:9,10
19 Psa.82:3,4; Pro. 31:8, 9; Isa.1:17
20 Rom.12:14-16
21 Luke 10: 25-37; James 2:5-10
102-5.1
The Triune God — God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit — is
the only true God.1 God the Father is the God of truth,2
who has never lied,3 and never will. He is absolutely truthful.4
Jesus, who is God the Son, is the truth.5 He is full of grace and
truth.6 He always tells the truth.7 God the Holy
Spirit is the Spirit of Truth.8 He is the truth9 and
He guides believers into all truth.10
102-5.2
The Word of God is truth11 and is the standard for truth. Truth
does not change12 and the opposite of truth is falsehood. God
desires13 and requires14 that all people speak the
truth. His directives for truthfulness are found in the third15
and ninth16 commandments. Truth is truth even if it is not
understood or fully disclosed.17 The failure to be truthful,
including deceitfulness, is sin.18 Lying is among the sins of
unbelievers that will be judged in hell.19 Believers who lie are
disciplined by the Lord, possibly even to the point of death.20
102-5.3
The believer and the believing community are commanded to be truthful.21
This includes keeping promises and honoring contracts, whether written or
oral. In speaking the truth believers may formally call God to witness with
an oath or simply affirm the truth of their statements. 22 The
Christian and the church must keep their promises even when it is costly to
do so.23
102-5.4
In the Scriptures, truth
and integrity stand together.24 Integrity is soundness,
wholeness, consistency of character. Without truth there is no integrity.25
God is pleased with integrity26 and judges accordingly.27
Integrity protects believers28 and upholds them through difficult
times in life.29 It provides security and guidance for a
believer’s life.30 All teaching of God’s truth must show
integrity.31 Truth and integrity must be lived out in love so
that the body of Christ might mature.32
102-5.5
To fail to keep one’s word is a lack of integrity betraying the trust of
others and dishonoring the God of truth.33
1John 17:3
2 Isa. 65:16
3 Num. 23:19; Titus 1:2
4 Isa. 45:23; John 3:33
5 John 14:6
6 John 1:14; Eph. 4:21
7 John 8:40, 45, 46; 16:7; Rev. 3:7, 14
8 John 14:16, 17; 1 John 4:6
9 1 John 5:7
10 John 14:16, 17, 26
11 John 17:17
12 Psa. 119:89, 160
13 Psa. 51:6
14 Exo. 23:1; Psa. 34:12-14; Eph. 4:15, 25
15 Exo. 20:7; Lev. 19:12
16 Exo. 20:16
17 Mark 4:33, 34; John 16:12
18 Mark 7:22; Rom. 1:29
19 Psa. 5:6, 9, 10; Rev. 21:8; 22:14, 15
20 Jer. 9:4-9; Acts 5:1-10
21 Col. 3:8, 9
22 Matt. 26:63, 64; 2 Cor. 1:23; Heb. 6:16, 17; James 5:12
23 Psa. 15:1-4
24 Job 27:4, 5; Matt. 22:15, 16; 2 Cor. 1:17-20
25 Isa. 59:3, 4
26 1 Chr. 29:17
27 Psa. 7:8
28 Psa. 25:21
29 Psa. 41:12
30 Pro. 10:9; 11:3
31 Titus 2:7
32 Eph. 4:14-16
33 Matt. 5:33-37
103-1.1 The human
race exists as a result of an instantaneous creative act of God.1
Humanity shares many characteristics with other creatures, but is unique in
that each individual bears the image or likeness of God.2 This
image makes possible the worship of God,3 relationships between
persons,4 and responsibility to rule over God’s creation.5
Only God confers this image, and it cannot be removed by any created being.
Originally God’s image in humanity included true righteousness and holiness;
but by the entrance of sin into humanity these have been lost6
and the image distorted yet not destroyed.7
103-1.2 Because
human beings are made in God’s image, every person has an unique identity,
individual worth, and purpose to live for God’s glory.8 The image
of God is also the basis for the dignity of every person. All human life
should be cherished and protected, not neglected, despised or abused. God
forbids the unlawful destruction of human life, both murder and suicide, and
provides the strongest of sanctions, including capital punishment, to
protect it.9 The killing of the weak and defenseless by means of
abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia is a crime against both those persons
and the God whose image they bear. Christians should exert every effort to
oppose these evils in society, and other evils as defined and condemned by
Scripture, including racism;11 cultural bias;12 gender
discrimination;13 ignoring the poor,14 disabled15
and aged;16 and every other form of injustice against human
beings.17 They should respect the image of God in every person
despite the sins of that person or the consequences of those sins.18
They should also work to protect the dignity of every human being.19
1Gen.1:26,
27; 2:7
2Gen.5:1
3Gen.3:8-9; Acts 17:26-28
4Gen.2:18,23
5Gen.1:28; 2:15; Psa.8:3-8
6Eph.4:24; Col.3:10
7James 3:9
8Psa.139:1-18
9Ex.20:13; Gen.9:6
10Prov.24:11-12
11 Deut. 10:17-19; Gal. 2:6
12 Acts 10:27, 28; 1 Cor. 9:19-23
13 Mark 10:6, 10-12; Gal. 3:28, 29
14 Prov. 14:31; 21:13; James 2:1-4
15 Lev. 19:14; Deut. 27:18
16 Lev. 19:32; 1 Tim. 5:1,2
17 Deut. 27:19; Acts 20:35
181 Cor.6:9-11; James 3:9
19Rom.13:8-10; Rom. 12:10
103-2.1
God commands every person to repent.1 Without repentance there is
no salvation.2 Repentance is a work of the Holy Spirit producing
change of mind and heart that leads to a changed life.
103-2.2
For the believer, repentance is a daily obligation to live according to the
Word of God. When believers sin, they should repent and confess their sins.
When they do this, the Lord promises forgiveness and cleansing.3
103-2.3
People who repent are to produce fruit of repentance in their lives.4
One fruit of repentance for the believer who has sinned is to make
restitution for any loss the sin caused other people. Restitution is a
demonstration of repentance. Believers should make restitution5
in accordance with the Word of God to satisfy the righteousness of God.
103-2.4
Restitution involves restoration to the offended party that which was lost
through injury to reputation, life, limb or property which has been
destroyed, lost, stolen, or damaged due to one’s sin, negligence or
carelessness. Restitution was commanded by the Lord God in the Law.6
It is reiterated in the Proverbs7 and the prophets.8
It was advocated by John the Baptist9 and practiced by Zacchaeus
the chief tax collector.10 Jesus directed His followers to settle
any claims that anyone had against them even before going to the Lord in
worship.11 Such settlement would include restitution of any loss
suffered by others. Restitution is taught by the Apostle Paul in his letter
to Philemon12 and implied in his letter to the Ephesians.13
1Acts 2:38;
3:19; 17:30
2 Luke 13:3, 5
3 1 Jo. 1:9; Prov. 28:13
4 Mat. 3:8; Acts 26:20
5 Rom. 13:7-10
6 Exo. 21:26-36; 22:1-15; Lev. 6:1-7; 24:18; Num. 5:5-8
7 Pro. 6:30, 31
8 Eze. 33:14-16
9 Luke 3:7-14
10 Luke 19:8, 9
11 Mat. 5:23, 24
12 Philemon 18, 19
13 Eph. 4:28
103-3.1
Marriage is the joining together of one man and one woman in a covenant
union instituted and ordained by God.1 The purpose of this union
is to glorify God, demonstrate the relationship between Christ and the
Church,2 provide companionship, and perpetuate the human race.3
It is holy in God’s sight and is to be a bond until the death of one
partner.4 For this reason, marriage partners are commanded to be
committed to each other physically, emotionally, and sexually, and to have
no other than their marriage partner.5 Although God did not
specifically condemn polygamy in every instance and sometimes blessed the
individuals involved in polygamous relationships in the Old Testament, the
Old Testament standard is always one man married to one woman.6
This standard is reinforced by the teaching of our Lord during His earthly
ministry and the New Testament writers.7 The intimacy of marriage
includes mutual rights and mutual obligations of each partner to the other.8
Sexual relations outside of the marriage bond by either of the marriage
partners is adultery and degrades the spiritual and physical oneness and
permanence God reserved for marriage.9 For a Christian to marry a
non-Christian is a violation of the Word of God.10
103-3.2
God has revealed in
Scripture that His will is for some people to remain single; in such cases
singleness fulfills the plan of God.11 Those who can control
their sexual desires may remain unmarried to the glory of God.12
In fact, the single believer may have undivided loyalty and may be more free
to serve the Lord and His church.13 Abstinence from impure sexual
activity prior to marriage and outside of the marriage union is the Biblical
standard.14 Sexual intercourse is to be experienced only in the
marriage union; all sexual intercourse outside that union, including
homosexual relations, is sin in God’s eyes.15
1Gen.2:23-24
2Eph.5:22-23
3Gen.1:26-28; 2:18-25
4Rom.7:2; 1 Cor.7:39
5Heb.13:4
6Eph.5:31
7Mat.19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9; 1 Cor.6:16; Eph.5:31-33
81 Cor.7:1-5
91 Cor 6:16-18
101 Cor.7:39; 2 Cor.6:14-16
111 Cor.7:7,8,17
12Mat.19:11-12; 1 Cor.6:13; 7:9
131 Cor.7:32-35
141 Thes.4:3-8
151 Cor.6:18; Eph.5:3; Heb.13:4
103-4.1
The family was divinely
ordained by God at creation and is basic in God’s dealings with man. God’s
revealed pattern for the family is the marriage of one man and one woman and
includes their children and others who may reside with them. Each marriage
establishes a new family.1
103-4.2
The foundation for right relationships in the family is submission one to
another out of reverence for Christ.2 The husband is the head of
the family as Christ is the head of the church.3 As such, he
should fear the Lord; love, nurture, and encourage his family; provide
materially for them; take the lead in burden bearing and problem solving;
and through godly living and prayer give them wise and effective spiritual
leadership.4 He is to love his wife and live with her in a
compassionate and understanding way.5 The wife should fear the
Lord,6 submit to and respect her husband as the church is to
submit to Christ,7 and demonstrate loving and diligent concern
for her household.8
103-4.3
The biblical pattern for a
married couple is to have children and to manage the home.9 Some
may elect not to have children for valid reasons. Other couples may choose
to adopt children. Adoption is a God-honoring way to demonstrate
unconditional love by building families and bringing up children in a loving
and godly home.10 Some couples may be providentially prevented
from having children. In each of these cases the church must not be
judgmental.11 Where married couples choose to use artificial
birth control, great care must be exercised to use only those forms which
clearly do not cause an abortion.12
103-4.4
When more than one income
seems necessary and added employment is considered, the couple must
carefully evaluate the impact on their relationship and children.13
The decision should be made only after prayer, interaction, counsel,14
and mutual consent.15
103-4.5
Within the church there
exist family units that require special attention and mercy from the church.
With prayer, loving support, wise counsel, and God’s abundant grace these
families can be nurtured.16 The church should gladly and
unwaveringly supply comfort, encouragement, affirmation, and deep fellowship
for all family units.
103-4.6
Children are gifts and
blessings from God.17 The family is the primary setting in which
to nurture children in the faith. Great care is to be exercised by parents,
and by fathers in particular, to build Christian families and lead them in
worship.18 The father is not to exasperate his children,19
but to bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.20
103-4.7
The instruction and
guidance of children is the duty of parents.21 Fathers are
primarily responsible for exercising leadership in the maturing of children,22
and preparing them for service in the church and for living all of life for
the glory of God.23 Mothers share with husbands the bringing up
of children.24 The Scriptures also encourage grandparents to
assist in the training and instruction of their grandchildren.25
103-4.8
Children are to obey their
parents in respect and love.26 As long as they live, sons and
daughters are to honor their parents with loving concern and material care.27
103-4.9
Christian homes are
manifestations of the kingdom of God and each believing family member is an
ambassador of the King, to call lost men, women, and children to
reconciliation.28 We should open our homes in vigorous and
sustained hospitality to the unsaved as well as to the saved.29
Genuine compassion and Christian service will involve taking carefully
measured risks,30 but such risks are never a legitimate excuse
for cold-heartedness.
1Gen.2:23, 24; Mat. 19:4-6
2 Eph. 5:21
3 1 Cor. 11:2, 3
4 Pro.4:1-4, 10, 20-23; Eph.5:22-33; 1 Tim.5:8
5 1 Pet.3:7; Eph.5:25
6 Pro.31:30
7 Eph.5:22; 1 Pet. 3:1
8 Pro.31:27
9 Gen.1:27, 28; 1 Tim.5:14; Tit.2:3-5
10 Esther 2:7; Psa. 68:4-6; Eph. 1:4, 5
11 Rom.14:1-23; 1 Cor.7:1, 7, 8
12 Exo.20:13
13 1 Tim.5:8
14 Pro.11:14; 15:22
15 1 Pet.3:1-9
16 Psa.10:14; Rom.15:1, 2; Gal.6:10
17 Gen.4:1; 33:5; Psa.113:9; 127:3-5
18 Josh.24:15
19 Eph.6:4; Col.3:21
20 Pro.22:6; 29:15; Eph.6:4; Col.3:21
21 Deu.5:28, 29; 6:1-9
22 Isa.38:19; Eph.6:4; Col.3:21
23 1 Tim.3:4, 5, 12; Col. 3:17,23
24 Pro.1:8; 6:20
25 Deu.4:9; Psa.78:4-7; 2 Tim.1:5
26 Exo.20:12; Eph.6:1-3
27 Mark 7:9-13; 1 Tim.5:4, 8
28 2 Cor.5:18-21
29 Pro.11:30; Gal.6:10; Heb.13:2; 1 Pet.4:7-11
30 Mat.25:14-30
103-5.1
Divorce is the breaking of the marriage covenant instituted and ordained of
God. God hates it because it is inconsistent with His purpose1
and creates problems for all those associated with it. It is not permitted
for any reason other than adultery,2 and should be considered
only after careful and prayerful attempts for forgiveness and
reconciliation.3 Scripture permits but never requires that a
person divorce a marriage partner who has committed adultery.4
103-5.2
People divorced for
reasons other than that allowed by Scripture ought not marry another, but be
reconciled, and seek God’s resolution for the breakdown of the marriage.5
Divorced persons must seek forgiveness for any sin that led to, or is
associated with, their divorce. They should seek the grace of God for their
spiritual growth and healing.6
103-5.3
The church should seek to prevent divorce by offering both premarital
counseling and on-going opportunities for marital instruction.7
The principles that make for a godly marriage should be evident in the life
and example of every Christian family, especially the leadership of the
church.8
103-5.4
By the grace of God, those who have been divorced and those who have married
divorced persons, if they give evidence of forgiveness and Christian living,
may be admitted to church membership and do not forfeit the privilege of
serving within the Church.9 The elders of each particular church
should evaluate the circumstances surrounding a divorce or remarriage in
order to assure obedience to Scripture and confirm or establish the
legitimacy of any remarriage.10
103-5.5
The church should counsel those considering divorce to seek other solutions
to the problems in their relationships. There are times when a church is
called upon to exercise discipline towards those who are seeking, or who
have obtained a divorce. There are also times when a church is called upon
to exercise discipline towards those who are seeking to remarry, or who have
already remarried. Remarriage is permissible for those who have been
legitimately divorced or whose return to the former partner is determined by
the elders to be impossible.11 Individuals involved
in these circumstances must submit themselves to the Word of God in their
present situation.12
103-5.6
The responsibility of the church toward people considering divorce,
remarriage, or those who have been divorced or remarried, is always to apply
the Word of God in love.13 The goal of this ministry is to
restore any break in their fellowship with God and with the life of the
church, to preserve the purity of the church14 and to clear the
reputation of a person.
1Gen 2:24; Prov. 2:17; Mal. 2:14-16
2 Mat. 5:32; Rom. 7:2
3 Mk. 10:6-9; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11
4 Mat. 19:9
5 Psa. 139:23, 24; Rom. 7:2, 3; 1 Pet. 3:7-9
6 Gal. 5:14-23; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12, 13
7 Pro. 11:14 (15:22,23); Titus 2:3-8
8 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:6
9 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Heb. 2:11
10 Heb. 13:4
11 Dt 24:1-4; Mk. 10:11, 12; 1 Cor 7:39
12 1 Cor. 7:17-24
13 Eph. 4:15, 16
14 1 Thes. 4:3-7
103-6.1
Each believer belongs to
Jesus Christ and to every other believer.1 This belonging is a
relationship to God the Father,2 God the Son,3 God the
Holy Spirit4 and to all who belong to God.5 This
relationship is not the result of human effort, but begins with being born
from above6 and is the living out of the divine nature7
under the Lordship of Christ and the authority of His revealed Word.8
It unites all believers to one another and causes them to be different from
their world.9
103-6.2
The union with the Lord
and with one another is spiritual. The relationship of each believer with
the Lord is the basis for the relationship between believers10 in
sharing truth,11 love,12 and possessions.13
It is dependence not self-sufficiency and interdependence not independence.14
Participation in this life affects every believer and church15
and impacts their ministry in the world and to the world.16
103-6.3
Shared life is a privilege
and a responsibility.17 The life of the church, therefore, must
be a renewing, God-glorifying celebration of life in Christ and a spiritual
participation with other believers.18 Sharing this life in the
presence of God is worship19 and demands the loving exercise of
spiritual gifts20 as well as realization that we are responsible
to one another before God.21 The exercise of these gifts builds
up one another and equips the saints for the Lord’s work.22
Because this responsibility and accountability are necessary for the church
to grow in godliness,23 discipline must be practiced in every
community of believers.24 Not to do so brings the very name of
Christ into dishonor.25
103-6.4
Responding in mercy,
carrying each other’s burdens,26 is also a responsibility and
privilege of all believers to one another, and causes them to love, care,
share, and be involved with one another.27 All believers, and the
church as a body, must recognize, accept, and practice the spiritual
responsibilities of being one in Christ, no matter how deeply a fellow
believer has fallen into sin or the miseries of this world.28
103-6.5
Every believer is a member
of the body of Christ and must be joyfully and personally responsible to
live a life of loyalty to the Lord of the church,29 to His Word30
and involvement in its ministry31 and purpose.32 This
responsibility, although primarily focused on the local body, extends beyond
the particular church to other bodies of believers.33 Because
this is true, the shared life of the church breaks down the barriers of
race, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, and geography, for all believers
are one in Christ.34
1Rom.1:6; 12:4,5
2 1 John 1:3
3 Rom.6:3,4
4 1 Cor.12:13
5 1 Pet.2:9,10
6 John 3:3,5
7 2 Pet.1:4
8 1 John 1:7
9 1 Cor.10:14-22; 2 Cor.6:14,15
10 Eph.2:11-16; Rom.15:5-7
11 Eph.4:14-16
12 1 John 3:13-18
13 Acts 4:32-35; 2 Cor.8:1-5
14 1 Cor.12:14-27
15 Acts 2:44-47
16 2 Cor.8:23; Phil.1:5; Phi.6; Heb.13:16
17 Gal.5:13-16
18 1 John 1:1-4
19 Rom.12:1,2
20 1 Pet.4:10
21 Rom.12:3-13:10
22 Eph.4:11-16
23 1 Tim.6:11,12
24 1 Cor.5:12,13
25 Acts 5:11
26 Gal.6:2; Heb.13:16
27 Eph.4:31-5:2
28 2 Cor.2:7,8; Gal.5:25-6:2; Phi.10,11,15,16
29 1 Cor.12:6-11
30 John 10:3-5
31 Phil.1:27
32 Acts 11:19-26; Phil.4:14-16; Col.2:1,2;1Pet.5:9
33 Acts 13:1-4
34 Gal.3:27,28; Eph.2:14-16
104-1.1
God owns everything because He is God and created all things.1
Believers belong to God not only by creation but also by redemption.2
They are, therefore, to be good stewards or managers of all God has
entrusted to them.3
104-1.2
Believers have the
responsibility to proclaim the message of redemption and reconciliation to
the unredeemed.4 Spiritual gifts, skills and abilities are given
by God5 and are to be used for the benefit of others, especially
the body of Christ.6 Children7 and all others needing
care call believers to exercise stewardship.8 All the believers’
relationships provide opportunities to bring people to Christ and to
strengthen believers in the Christian life.9 The earth and all
things in it are for God’s glory.10 People are given the
responsibility to conserve and manage the earth and its natural resources.11
104-1.3
A believer’s possessions are to be used for God’s glory. The Bible teaches
that a portion of all resources is to be willingly and cheerfully returned
to God through tithes and offerings. Tithing,12 the giving of a
tenth, was practiced since the time of Abraham13 and was required
by God after the law was given.14 The New Testament teaches that
our giving is to be systematic, proportionate, cheerful, and generous.15
Such giving is an act of worship16 and a means of supporting the
work of Christ’s Church.17
104-1.4
Good stewards live all of life in submission to the Creator/Redeemer.
This life should be used to please God and glorify Him in thought, word, and
action.18 The believer’s body is the temple of God19
and is to be acceptable to Him.20 This wonderful creation is
meant to glorify God,21 in ways such as abstaining
from sexual immorality,22 maintaining a healthful diet23
including not over eating,24 proper exercise,25
and adequate rest.26 Believers are called to resist worry27
and to be clear-minded and self-controlled by purifying themselves from
everything that contaminates body, mind, and spirit.28
104-1.5
Before physical or mental
disability occurs, believers should take steps to provide for children,
health care, assets, payment of debts and other personal responsibilities.
Good stewardship includes developing an adequate plan to avoid unnecessary
loss of resources and to distribute assets in a God-honoring manner.29
1Gen. 1-2; Deu.10:14; Psa.24:1, 2
2 Gen. 3; Rom. 5; 1 Cor. 6:20
3 Deu. 8:11-18; Luke 12:41-48
4 1 Cor. 9:16, 17; 2 Cor. 5:17-19; 1 Thes. 2:3, 4
5 Exo. 35:30-35; Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:28; 1 Pe. 4:10
6 Rom. 14:19; 1 Cor. 14:12
7 Psa. 127:3
8 Luke 10:25-37; Eph. 6:4; 1 Tim. 5:8
9 Rom. 12:4, 5; 15:7; Phil. 1:12-14
10 Psa. 19:1-6; Rev. 4:11
11 Gen. 1:28; 2:15; Psa. 8:6-8; Lev. 25:23
12 Mal. 3:8-10; Mat. 23:23; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6, 7
13 Gen. 14:20
14 Lev. 27:30; Deu. 14:22; Mal. 3:8
15 1 Cor. 16:2
16 2 Cor. 9:12-15; Phil. 4:14-18
17 Num. 18:21, 24; 1 Cor. 9:7-14; 1 Tim. 5:17,18
18 1 Cor. 10:31; 2 Cor. 5:9; Col. 3:17
19 1 Cor. 6:19
20 Rom. 12:1, 2
21 Psa. 139:13, 14; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; Phil. 1:20
22 1 Cor. 6:18
23 Gen. 1:30, 31; 9:3; Psa. 107:9
24 Pro. 23:2, 3, 21; Phil. 3:18, 19
25 1 Tim. 4:8
26 Psa. 127:2
27 Mat. 6:25-34; Phil. 4:6
28 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Pe. 4:7
29 Pro. 13:22; 19:14; Ecc. 2:18-21
104-2.1
Human work and rest find
their origin in the work and rest, or sabbath, of God.1 The
original cycle of God's work and rest at creation sets the pattern for human
work and rest.2 Work and rest are therefore an essential part of
God's design for the human race.3 Humanity's fall into sin
brought a curse upon work and rest, resulting in pain, difficulty, and
futility.4
104-2.2
Redemption lays the
groundwork for the restoration of human work and rest to their place in the
original creation.5 Christians are therefore to engage in work
with honesty,6 diligence,7 and excellence,8
seeing their labor as an aspect of worship,9 service,10
and witness.11 Laziness is condemned in Scripture,12
as is poor and dishonest work13 and unjust treatment of workers.14
104-2.3
Christians should do their
work both as a service to the Lord15 and as a calling from God,16
undertake it with dependence on Him,17 and enjoy its fruit as His
blessing on their labors.18 Christians who supervise the work of
others are responsible to treat them justly and pay them fairly, without
threat or intimidation, realizing that they will answer to God for any
injustice to those under them.19 Work is given both to supply the
worker's needs, and to allow the worker to provide for the needs of others.20
104-2.4
Christians should also
observe the principle of rest in reverence for God,21 Who
mercifully provides a weekly rest for weary workers. The law of Moses also
required rest during the three annual feasts, and during the sabbatical and
jubilee years.22 These establish a precedent for occasional
opportunities of extended rest as the Lord provides.23 The
principle of rest is violated when people fail to take proper physical and
emotional rest.
104-2.5
Human work and rest will
be consummated at the return of Jesus Christ, when He rewards Christians for
their labor and invites them into His rest.24 In heaven, where
the Christian will be completely free from sin's curse, meaningful work for
the Lord and glorious rest in His presence will continue forever.25
1Gen.1:31; 2:1-3
2 Exo.20:8-11
3 Gen.1:28, 2:15
4 Gen.3:17-19; Ecc.2:17
5 Rom.8:18-25; 1Cor.15:57-58
6 Pro.11:1
7 Pro.12:24
8 Pro.22:29
9 Col.3:17,22
10 Col.3:23-24
11 1The.4:11,12; Tit.2:9,10
12 Pro.6:6-11; 2The.3:10-12
13 Pro.18:9; Amos 8:4-6
14 James 5:1-6
15 Eph.6:5-7
16 1Cor.7:17
17 Psa.127:1,2
18 Ecc.2:24; 5:18,19
19 Eph.6:9; Col.4:1
20 Pro.16:26; Eph.4:28
21 Deut.5:12-15
22 Lev.23,25
23 Mark 6:31
24 Matt.25:19-21; Heb.4:9-11
25 Rev.22:3
104-3.1
God, the King of Kings,
has established civil government to be under His authority, over people for
the public good, and to carry out His sovereign will.1 He has
revealed in His Word how this government should function in order to provide
for a peaceful, orderly society in which the Gospel might spread;2
protect the law-abiding people from the law-breakers by punishing the
evildoers;3 and bring justice and help to the defenseless, poor,
and needy of society.4
104-3.2
God requires all people to
submit to the civil government. People must pay required taxes for the
support of government functions;5 they must give respect and
honor to government officials;6 and they must be obedient and
helpful citizens of society.7 God also requires governments to be
accountable to Him for violation of His law and lawless governments come
under His judgment.8
104-3.3
Christians may serve in the various positions of civil government including
the police and military.9 Christians have special
responsibilities toward the civil government, including praying for those in
authority over them,10 exposing corruption and wickedness in
government,11 and bringing a godly influence to bear upon the
government.12 This means setting a godly example as a citizen,
raising a biblical voice on issues, accepting positions of leadership when
appropriate, and, under a democratic government, voting wisely. The exercise
of these responsibilities should demonstrate a Christian’s sensitive
consideration of the views of others in love without violence and without
forsaking biblical principles or the priority of glorifying God.
104-3.4
A Christian’s ultimate
allegiance must be to God, for the government’s authority over the believer
is limited by God’s prescribed boundaries.13 Therefore, a
believer may find it necessary at times to disobey human authority in order
to heed God’s higher laws, bearing the cost or sacrifice involved.14
104-3.5
All Christians have dual
citizenship; they are citizens of an earthly nation, and of the kingdom of
God.15 Both of these citizenships have their privileges and
responsibilities, and it is possible to cooperate with civil government
without compromising biblical principles.16 Yet, when the
believer is forced to choose between the two, he must submit to Jesus as
Lord. One day, every knee will bow to Him, and even today, He rules
sovereignly over the affairs of civil government.17
1Psa.24:1; Pro.21:1; Dan.4:31-37; Mat.28:18; John 19:11; Acts 17:24;
Rom.13:1-4; 1Pet.2:13, 14
2 1 Tim.2:1-4
3 Gen.9:6; Rom.13:3-5; 1 Pet.2:14; Pro.24:23-25
4 Pro.29:14; 31:8-9
5 Rom.13:6, 7; Mat.22:15-22
6 Rom.13:7; 1 Pet.2:17
7 Gen.41:46-57; Jer.29:7; Tit.3:1, 2
8 Psa. 2:1-5; 9:17; 75:6-7; Dan. 2:21; Luke 1:52
9 Pro. 8:15, 16; Luke 3:14; Acts 10:1, 2; Titus 3:1
10 1 Tim.2:1, 2
11 Pro.25:5; Dan.4:27; Luke 3:19
12 Pro.11:11; Dan.2:40-49; Mat.5:13-16; Luke 3:12-14
13 Exo.20:1-7; Deu.6:4-5; Luke 20:25; Rom.13:1, 2
14 Dan.3:8-18; Acts 5:29
15 Jer.29:7; Phil.3:20
16 Dan.1-6
17 Pro.21:1; Isa.43:13; Phil.2:9-11; 1 Pet.3:22
104-4.1
Christian liberty is the freedom of the believer to practice everything that
is not sin; it is the freedom of the believer to serve God without human
restraint.1 This privilege is obtained by the obedience of Jesus
Christ.2 The believer’s authority for faith and conduct is the
Holy Scriptures,3 revealing the unchanging holiness of God. With
Jesus Christ as Lord, every thought and action of the believer should be
submitted to Him.4 Christ’s death has broken the believer’s
slavery to sin5 and has freed the believer to yield obedience to
Christ in all things.6 Though all things apart from sin are
permissible, the believer should direct his actions according to what will
please the Lord and what will benefit others.7 Liberty should not
be used as a cover-up for evil!8
104-4.2
Believers will find that there are issues of lifestyle and worship not
clearly addressed in scripture. On these issues they may disagree due to
differences in spiritual maturity, varieties of cultural or economic
backgrounds, personal conscience or associations with their past.9
In these instances, believers should come to their convictions through
studying the scripture, prayer, and godly counsel, knowing that they will
give an account to God.10 They must not look down upon or
withhold acceptance of those who differ.11 In love they must be
willing to limit their actions for the sake of building up rather than
harming their brothers and sisters.12 In so doing, they follow
the example of their Lord who laid aside His rights for their good.13
104-4.3
Occasionally, concerns may
arise that will trouble the life and witness of the church. Clear and
consistent teaching of the scriptural principles that govern the life of the
believer should prepare the church for a peaceful consideration and
resolution of these issues. The particular church or the fellowship of
churches may counsel concerning that which is beneficial and that which may
well be avoided in a particular setting and time.14 Church
leaders must be careful to avoid unnecessarily burdensome rules, communicate
clearly this counsel and provide the biblical basis for their thinking.15
They should be ready to acknowledge and accept the sometimes temporary
nature of such decisions.16
104-4.4
Secular notions of freedom
imply unlimited exercise of desires and rights. Christian liberty, on the
other hand, includes submission to divinely established authorities and to
the needs of others. Obedience to God’s appointed overseers17
does not limit freedom but is an active exercise of it. Great care must be
taken to discern what are rightful directives of authority under God for
good18 and what are improper attempts to curtail Christian
liberty.19
104-4.5
Christian liberty may be
set aside voluntarily for the sake of others or the exercise of one’s own
spiritual discipline.20 Glorifying God,21 edifying
fellow believers,22 growing in grace23 and avoiding
all sin24 justify yielding up one’s rights and desires in keeping
with the call to servanthood in the Christian faith.25
1Gal. 2:4; 5:1; Col. 2:20-22
2. Col. 2:13-14; 1 Pe 2:24
3. Deu. 6:1-3; Mat. 5:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17
4. 2 Cor. 10:4-5; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27
5. Rom. 6:5-7, 11; Col. 3:3-5
6. Rom. 6:11-14, 19
7. 1 Cor. 9:15, 23; Phi. 2:4-5; Col. 3:1-2
8. Gal. 5:13; 1 Pe 2:16
9. Rom. 14:1, 2, 14, 23; 1 Cor. 8:7; 10:27-30
10. Rom. 14:5-12; 1 Jn. 3:21-22; Col. 3:16
11. Rom. 14:1, 3, 4, 13; Rom. 15:7
12. Rom. 14:13-21; 1 Cor. 8:9-13; 1 Cor. 10:32, 33
13. Phil. 2:5-8; 1 Pe 2:21-25
14. Mat. 28:18-20; Acts 15:13-30
15. Acts 15:19-21; 28-29; 1 Cor. 11:14, 15
16. Acts 15:29; 1 Cor. 7:25-28; 8:4, 8
17. Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Pe. 5:1-4
18. Acts 15:19, 20, 28; 2 Cor. 1:12
19. Mark 7:7, 8; Gal. 2:3, 4
20. Rom. 14:15; 1 Cor. 8:9-13; 10:23, 24
21. 1 Cor. 10:31 - 11:1
22. 1 Thes. 5:11
23. James 4:6; 2 Pe. 3:18
24. 1 Thes. 5:22
25. Gal. 5:25 - 6:2; Rom 12:9-13
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