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Our Statement
of Faith
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
Statement of Fundamental and Essential Truths
PREAMBLE
- The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada stands firmly in the mainstream
of historical Christianity. It takes the Bible as its all-sufficient
source of faith and practice, and subscribes to the historic creeds
of the universal church. In common with historical, evangelical
Christianity, it emphasizes Christ as Saviour and coming King. It
also presents Christ as Healer and it adopts the distinctive position
that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence when Christ baptizes
in the Holy Sprit (See Section VI. 3).
I. HOLY SCRIPTURES
- All scripture is given by inspiration of God 2 Tim. 3:16,17 by
which we understand the whole Bible to be inspired in the sense
that holy men of God were moved by the Holy Spirit to write the
very words of Scripture. 2 Pet. 1:20,21 Divine inspiration extends
equally and fully to all parts of the original writings. The whole
Bible in the original is, therefore, without error and, as such,
is infallible, absolutely supreme and sufficient in authority in
all matters of faith and practice. Psa. 119: 160a; Matt. 5:17,18
The Bible does not simply contain the Word of God, but is, in reality,
the complete revelation and very Word of God inspired by the Holy
Spirit. Christian believers today receive spiritual illumination to
enable them to understand the Scriptures, 1 Cor. 2:12-14 but God does
not grant new revelations which are contrary or additional to inspired
biblical truth. Prov. 30:5,6
II. THE GODHEAD
- The Godhead exists eternally in three persons; the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, having the same
nature and attributes, and are worthy of the same homage, confidence,
and obedience. Math. 3:16,17; 28:19, 2 Cor. 13:14
The Father exists eternally as the Creator of heaven and earth, the
Giver of the Law, to whom all things will be subjected, so that He may
be in all. Gen. 1:1; 1 Cor. 15:28
The Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father,
is true God and true man. John 1:1,14; 10:30; 17; Phil. 2:6,7; Heb 1:8
He was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Luke 1:26-35
and by His sinless life, miracles and teaching, gave full revelation
of the Father. John 12:49; Acts 2:22; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26 He died
upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice.
Rom. 5:6,8; 1 Cor. 15:3; 1Pet. 3:18 He rose from the dead. Matt. 26:6;
1 Cor. 15:4,20 He is now at the right had of the majesty on high as
our great High Priest. Acts 1:9-11; 2:33; Heb. 8.1 He will come again
to establish His kingdom in righteousness and peace. Matt. 25:31
The Holy Spirit is also God, performing actions and possessing the attributes
of Deity. Acts 5:3,4 His personality is shown by the fact that He has
personal characteristics and that individuals may relate to Him as a
person. John 16:13-14
III. ANGELS
1. CLASSIFICATION
Angels were created as intelligent and powerful beings to do the will
of God and worship Him. Ps. 103:20; Rev. 5:11,12 However, Satan, the
originator of sin, fell through pride and was followed by those angels
who rebelled against God. These fallen angels or demons are active in
opposing the purposes of God. Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19; Eph. 6:11,12;
1 Tim. 4:1, Jude 6
Those who remained faithful continue before the throne of God and
serve as ministering spirits. Heb. 1:14
Demons attempt to thwart God's purposes; however in Christ, the believer
may have complete liberty from the influence of demons. Heb. 2:14; 1
John 3:8; 4:1-4 He cannot be possessed by them because his body is the
temple of the Holy Spirit in which Christ dwells as Lord. Matt. 6:24;
1 Cor. 6:19,20
IV. MAN
- Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God.
Gen. 1:26; 2:7 He fell through sin and, as a consequence, incurred
both spiritual and physical death. Rom. 5:12; James 1:14,15 Spiritual
death and the depravity of human nature have been transmitted to
the entire human race Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:10-19,23 with the exception
of the Man Christ Jesus. Heb. 7:26 Man can be saved only through
the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:6; Acts 4:12;
1 Tim. 2:5,6
V. SALVATION
1. ATONEMENT OF CHRIST
Salvation has been provided for all men through the sacrifice of Christ
upon the cross. Isa. 53:36; John 12:32,33; 1 Pet. 2:24 It is the only
perfect redemption and substitutionary atonement for all the sins of
the world, both original and actual. His atoning work has been proven
by His resurrection from the dead. Acts 2:36; Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:14,
17, 20; Heb. 10:12; 1 John 2:2 Those who repent and believe in Christ
are born again of the Holy Spirit and receive eternal life. Acts 20:21;
1 Pet. 1:23,25 Furthermore, in the atonement, divine healing was provided
for all believers. Isa. 53:4,5; Matt. 8:16b,17
Man can be born again only through faith in Christ. Repentance, a vital
part of believing, is a complete change of mind wrought by the Holy
Spirit, Isa. 55:7, Acts 17:30; Gal. 3:22,26; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:10-13
turning a person to God from sin.
Regeneration is a creative work of the Holy Spirit by which man is born
again and receives spiritual life. John 3:3b,5b,7; 1 Cor. 5:17,18a;
1 Pet. 1:23
Justification is a judicial act of God by which the sinner is declared
righteous solely on the basis of his acceptance of Christ as Saviour.
Rom. 3:24; 4:3-5; 5:1-2
VI. THE CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE
1. ASSURANCE
Assurance of salvation is the privilege of all who are born again by
the Spirit through faith in Christ, John 10:27-29; Rom. 8:35-39 resulting
in love, gratitude and obedience toward God. John 14:23; Col. 3:17;
1 John 2:6
Sanctification is dedication to God and separation from evil. 2 Cor.
6:14; 7:1 In experience it is both instantaneous John 17:17,19; Heb.
10:10,14 and progressive. 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Tim. 2:19-22; 1 Pet. 1:14-16
It is produced in the life of the believer by his appropriation of the
power of Christ's blood and risen life through the Person of the Holy
Spirit. Rom. 6:11,13,14,18 He draws the believer's attention to Christ,
teaches him through the Word and produces the character of Christ within
him. 1 Cor. 13, Gal. 5.22,23; 2 Pet. 1:3-4 Believers who sin must repent
and seek forgiveness through faith in the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:9; 2:1-2
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience in which the believer
yields control of himself to the Holy Spirit. Matt. 3:11; Acts 1:5;
Eph. 5:18 Through this he comes to know Christ in a more intimate way,
John 16:13-15 and receives power to witness and grow spiritually. 2
Cor. 3:18; Acts 1:8 Believers should earnestly seek the baptism in the
Holy Spirit according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. Luke
24:49; Acts 1:4,8 The initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit
is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Acts 2:1-4,39;
9:17; 1 Cor. 14:18 This experience is distinct from, and subsequent
to, the experience of the new birth. Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46
The gifts of the Spirit are supernatural abilities given by God through
the exercising of which believers are enabled to minister effectively
and directly in particular situations. 1 Cor. 12:4-11 They serve the
dual function of building up the Church and of demonstration the presence
of God within His Church. 1 Cor 12:7; 12:12,24-25
Divine healing provided in the atonement of Christ Mat. 8:16,17 is the
privilege of all believers. Prayer for the sick and gifts of healing
are encouraged and practised. 1 Cor. 12:28-30; James 5:14
VII. MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY
- Marriage is a provision of God whereby a man and a woman live
together in a life-long relationship Gen. 1:17; Rom. 1:21-27; 1
Cor. 6:9-10 that is legally sanctioned by the state to enable both
partners to meet their spiritual, physical and social needs. Marriage
is endorsed by Scripture 1 Cor. 7:1-2 and was sanctioned by Christ's
presence at the wedding in Cana. John 2:1-11 It is intended to provide
the wholesome expression of sexual desires, 1 Cor. 7:3-6; Heb. 13:4
companionship Gen. 2:18 and support to both partners. Col 3:19,
1 Pet. 3:7
Christian marriage is more than either a temporary relationship of
convenience intended to provide personal pleasure or a contract that
binds two people together in a legal partnership. Within a marriage
a "one flesh" relationship is created which goes beyond a physical
union to establish an emotional and spiritual oneness, and to provide
for the procreation of children. Gen. 1:28; 2:24; 1 Cor. 6:15-17
Marriage is to be an exclusive relationship that is maintained in
purity. Eph. 5:3,26,27 It is intended by God to be a permanent relationship.
Mal. 2:15-16; Matt. 19:4-6 It is a witness to the world of the relationship
between Christ and His church. Eph. 5:31-32
Marriage requires a commitment of love, perseverance and faith. Because
of its sanctity and permanence, marriage should be treated with seriousness
and entered into only after counsel and prayer for God's guidance.
Christians should marry only those who are believers. 2 Cor. 6:14-15
An individual who becomes a believer after marriage should remain
with his or her partner in peace, and should give witness to the gospel
in the home. 1 Cor. 7:12-14,16
The Bible holds family life as a position of trust and responsibility.
The home is a stabilizing force in society, a place of nurture, Eph.
6:4 counsel and safety for children.
VIII. THE CHURCH
1. THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH
All who are born again are members of the universal church, which is
the Body and Bride of Christ. 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 5:25b; Col. 1:18; 1
Tim. 3:15
The local church is a body of believers in Christ who have joined together
to function as a part of the universal church. Acts 14:23; 1 Cor. 16:19
The local church is ordained by God and provides a context in which
believers corporately worship God, John 4:23; Acts 20:7 observe the
ordinances of the church, are instructed in the faith and are equipped
for the evangelization of the world. Acts. 1:8; 11:19-24, 2 Tim. 2:2;
1 Pet. 5:2
(a) The Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a symbol, memorial and proclamation of the suffering
and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. This ordinance of communion is to
be participated in by believers until Christ's return. Matt. 26:26-28;
1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-26
(b) Water Baptism
Water baptism signifies the believer's identification with Christ in
His death, burial and resurrection and is practiced by immersion. Matt.
28:19; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38,41; 8:36-39; Rom. 6:3-5
(c) Ministry
A divinely called and ordained ministry is the provision of the Lord
to give leadership to the church as it fulfils its purposes. Acts 6:2b-4c;
13:2-4a; 14:23; Eph. 4:8,11-13
IX. THE END OF TIME
1. THE PRESENT STATE OF THE DEAD
At death the souls of the believers pass immediately into the presence
of Christ, 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:21, 23-24 and these remain in constant
bliss until the resurrection of the glorified body. Rom. 8:22,23; 1
Cor. 15:42-44; 2 Cor. 5:1,4b
The souls of the unbelievers remain after death conscious of condemnation
Luke 16:22-31; John 3:36 until the final bodily resurrection and judgement
of the unjust. Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Rev. 20:11-15
The rapture, the blessed hope of the church, is the imminent coming
of the Lord in the air to receive to Himself His own, both the living
who shall be transformed, and the dead in Christ who shall be resurrected.
1 Cor. 15:51-57; Phil 3:20-21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Titus 2:13 This event
takes place before the wrath of God is poured out during the tribulation.
Believers then will appear before the judgement seat of Christ to be
judged according to faithfulness in Christian service. Rom. 14:10-12;
1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:9-10
The tribulation will be a time of judgement on the whole earth. Matt.
24:15,21-22; 1 Thess. 5:1-3 During this period the Antichrist will emerge
to offer false hope to the nations. 2 Thess. 2:3-12; Rev. 13:11-18
The return of Christ to earth in power and great glory will conclude
the great tribulation with the victory at Armageddon, Matt. 24:27,30;
Luke 17:24,26-30 the defeat of Antichrist and the binding of Satan.
Rev. 16:12-16; 17:8,12-14; 19:11-20:3 He will introduce the millennial
age, Psa. 2:6-12; Dan. 2:44-45; Luke 22:29-30; Rev. 3:21; 20:6 restore
Israel to her own land, lift the curse which now rests upon the whole
creation, and bring the whole world to the knowledge of God. Isa. 1:24-27;
2:1-4; Zech. 14:3,4,9: Rom. 8:19-23; Rev. 22:3
There will be a final judgment in which the unbelieving dead will be
raised and judged at the great white throne, according to their works.
Dan 7:9-10; John 12:48; Rom. 2:2,6,11,16; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15
The beast and false prophet, the devil and his angels, and whoever
is not found in the Book of Life, shall be cast into the lake of fire,
not to annihilation, but to everlasting punishment, which is the second
death. Matt. 25:41b; Jude 6; Rev. 20:10,15; 21:8
The righteous will share the glory of God in the new heaven and the
new earth for eternity. Matt. 13:43; John 17:24; 2 Pet. 3:13; Heb. 11:10;
Rev. 21:1-2,10,22-23
This document is Copyright © with the Pentecostal
Assemblies of Canada.
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