Christmas & the Book of Revelation

The Bible, written by human authors under divine inspiration and moved by the Holy Spirit, is the living word of God and the only authoritative source of doctrine and practice for Christians.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:19–21; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 16:19; Psalm 119:105.

God is one person, almighty, eternal, immortal, and the Creator whose Holy Spirit is His divine power and influence.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4; Revelation 1:8; 1 Timothy 1:17; Matthew 19:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Psalm 51:11; Luke 1:35.

Jesus is the Messiah, the only begotten Son of God, born of the virgin Mary. He was tempted but remained sinless, making him the perfect human representative of God.

Scripture: Matthew 16:16; John 3:16; 5:30; 12:49; Luke 1:34–35; Hebrews 1:3; 4:15.

Human beings are mortal and sinful. Without salvation, each person is destined to die, which is the cessation of consciousness. The soul refers to the entire person, not an immaterial or immortal part of humanity.

Scripture: Genesis 2:7; 2:16–17; 3:6; 3:19; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Ecclesiastes 9:5–6; Ezekiel 18:20.

Salvation is God’s gracious gift of eternal life by forgiveness of sins through Jesus, based upon his death and resurrection. It is received through faith in the coming kingdom of God, as proclaimed in the gospel message. Faith is demonstrated through sincere repentance, baptism by immersion, and faithful perseverance.

Scripture: John 3:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; Hebrews 3:14; James 1:12.

The Church of God consists of all who have accepted the gospel message, and are united as one in Jesus, the promised son of Abraham, through faithful obedience to his teachings. Through Jesus, we become Abraham’s seed and joint-heirs with Israel, sharing in the promises God made to them. We assemble according to the instructions of Jesus and the Apostles.

Scripture: Acts 2:47; Acts 20:28; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4:4–6; 2:19–20; 3:10; Galatians 3:26–29; Acts 2:42; 1 Timothy 4:13.

Israel, the descendants of Abraham through Jacob, are God’s chosen nation, being central to His plan of salvation. The Church does not replace Israel, but joins with them in God’s redemptive plan. We rejoice as we see God working towards fully restoring the nation according to the promises He made to them.

Scripture: Romans 9:4–5; 11:1; 11:25–26; Genesis 12:1–3; Isaiah 41:8; 49:6; Romans 4:9–25; Hebrews 11:8–19; 11:38–12:2; James 2:20–24; Ephesians 2:15–16; Galatians 3:8; Psalm 72:8; Genesis 15:18; Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:24–28.

The future everlasting Kingdom of God will be on a renewed earth, which will be the home for all of God’s people. This new era of human history will be initiated when Jesus physically returns to resurrect the dead in Christ, who will then reign with him from Jerusalem over the whole world. Jesus’ millennial reign will conclude with the final judgement, destruction of the wicked, and the abolishment of sickness, war, and death. Jesus will then hand over this kingdom to God his Father, and everything will be perfect as God intended.

Scripture: John 17:21–23; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 5:9–10; 20:4–5; 21:1–8; 2 Peter 3:12–14; 1 Corinthians 15:28.