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What We Believe

THE LIFE CHAPEL

STATEMENT OF FAITH AND PRACTICES

 

THE BIBLE: OUR AUTHORITY

  1. That the true meaning of Scripture is arrived at by applying the grammatical-historical principle of interpretation taking into consideration its context and the belief that divine revelation is revealed progressively by the Holy Spirit through the ages. â€‹

  2. That the results of the grammatical-historical rule of interpretation includes an understanding of God working out his plan and purposes through various distinct dispensations and the creation of the Church as the body of Christ as His witnesses in the present dispensation.​

  3. That the government and administration of the assembly shall be based solely on the testimony, pattern and commands contained in Scripture.

 

DOCTRINES: WHAT WE BELIEVE

  1. That God is One, revealed in Scripture as a Trinity of persons, existing eternally as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19).

  2. That the Bible is the Word of God, a sure basis for our faith and of final authority in all matters of doctrine and practice (2 Tim 3:16).

  3. That Jesus Christ was God manifest in flesh, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, being perfect God and perfect Man (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25).

  4. That man without exception is by nature and by practice a fallen creature and is consequently under condemnation and unable by any personal merit or works to fit himself for the presence of God (Rom. 3:23, 8:8; Tit. 3:5).

  5. That in love our Lord Jesus Christ suffered the penalty for sin at Calvary; that He rose from the dead, and now lives in Heaven as Saviour and Lord (John 1:14; 2 Cor. 8:9, 5:21; Acts 5:30-31).

  6. That by personal faith in Christ one may receive forgiveness of sin and receive the gift of God which is eternal life (Eph. 2:8, 9; Col. 1:14; Rom. 6:23).

  7. That the Holy Spirit convicts men of sin and brings about regeneration resulting in personal salvation. He indwells the believer from the moment of conversion. The believer is baptised into the body of Christ, the Church Universal (1 Cor. 12:13; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 1:13, 14).

  8. In the universal priesthood of the believer (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6, 5:9, 10).

  9. That all rejecting Christ as Saviour are lost eternally (John 3:36; Rev. 20:11-15).

  10. In the personality and malignity of Satan.

  11. That the Lord Jesus is coming again:-

    • For His Church (1 Thess. 4:14-17; Phil. 3:20-21)

    • With His Church to establish His Kingdom on earth (2 Thess. 1:7-10; Rev. 19:11-16).

  12. That hereafter there will be a resurrection, judgement and eternal punishment of the unsaved dead. For the redeemed a New Heaven and a New Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness (Rev. 21:1-3).

 

ASSEMBLY LIFE: OUR PRACTICE OF FAITH

  1. The scriptural observance of the ordinances of:-

    • Believer’s Baptism by immersion on personal confession of faith, and

    • Breaking of Bread on the first day of the week in commemoration of the Lord’s death in so far as circumstances allow (Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:41, 8:36, 38, 10:47-48, 20:7; Rom. 6:3, 4:1; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).

  2. The reception at the Lord’s Table of all Baptised Believers known to be sound in faith and godly in life (Rom. 15:7; 1 Cor. 5:6-8, 10:14-17).

  3. Acknowledging the lordship and superintendence of the Holy Spirit when the assembly meets to remember the Lord without any human chairmanship and allowing the freedom for brothers to lead in the worship of the assembly (1 Cor. 14:26-34).

  4. Observing the headship of Christ whenever the assembly meets with brothers having their heads uncovered and sisters their heads covered, sisters remaining silent and not exercising leadership which should be exercised by man.  Apart from this, sisters play a vital role in ministry in the assembly while still respecting God’s order within His church (1 Cor. 11:3-16, 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:11-12; Titus 2:3-4).

  5. Recognising and encouraging the exercise of the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to every believer for the edification of the whole body (1 Cor. 12:4-11). Not all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available today.  Gifts foundational to the establishment of the Church like apostles and prophets no longer exist.  Gifts which serve a revelatory purpose like prophecy, tongues and knowledge have since ceased with the completion of the New Testament canon (1 Cor 13:8-10).

  6. The preaching of the Gospel of God and the establishing of local Assemblies of believers in accordance with Divine Command (Matt. 28:18-29; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:44-48).

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