Apostles' Doctrine
The early church continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine. In other words, they continued to firmly adhere to what the apostles taught them. Just as the early church conducted themselves, so also should those of us who seek the Lord Jesus today.
The Bible lets us know that the foundation for the church was laid by the apostles and prophets. Those who strive to be successful in ministry and in the Lord must be committed to carrying on the work of the apostles, maintaining a thorough and wise perspective and understanding of the word of God. In today's church societies, many teachings are contradictory to this principle. As a result, many in today's churches, instead of dwelling in safety are actually in danger.
Remnant Christian Assembly is committed to earnestly contending for the faith (i.e., the doctrines and teachings) once delivered to the saints (i.e., the doctrines and teachings of the apostles — Jude 3). From a basic perspective, this includes the following principles of the doctrine:
- Men should "repent and believe the gospel".
- The gospel consists of the offering of Jesus
Christ for our sins including the suffering, death, burial, resurrection,
ascension and Lordship of Jesus. It has nothing to do with earthly
riches, financial prosperity and self esteem. We must preach Jesus
Christ and Him crucified, along with exhortations to submit to
His Lordship.
- Many teach today that baptism is not necessary.
This teaching is erroneous. Those who trivialize the commands
of the Lord Jesus, referring to them as optional or not necessary
are foolish. The Bible teaches that those who believe are commanded
to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission
of their sins — buried with Him in baptism and arising to walk
in the newness of life.
- Baptism should be administered in the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ, just as the apostles did. Though "in
the name of" refers to "authority", those performing
the baptism should verbally acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ
when performing this action (as well as all others). Father, Son
and Holy Ghost are positions/manifestations/offices, if you will.
They are not names. Many fail to realize that Jesus, after giving
the commandment in Matthew 28:19, taught the apostles for many
days following the exhortation. Peter was full of the Holy Ghost
and well informed when ministering in Acts 2. He was not suffering
from delusion.
- Many teach today that people receive the Holy
Spirit immediately upon belief, without any signs or demonstration
whatsoever. This is not scripturally accurate. Signs follow those
that believe (Mark 16). The manifestation (Greek — miraculous
working) of the Spirit is given to everyone who believes on the
Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 12). Acts 8 confirms that people do
not receive the Holy Ghost immediately upon belief, stating that
the Samaritans believed and had been baptized, but had not yet
Every true believer can and will receive God's Spriit. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His (Romans 8:9).
- While many teach "eternal security", telling people that their salvation is secure no matter what they do, the apostles did not teach this. Jesus instructed us to "strive to enter in at the strait gate". Peter exhorted us to "give diligence to make our calling and election sure". Paul admonished us to "labour to be accepted of Him...." (2 Corinthians 5).
The apostles' doctrines are emphatic and clear. As stated, Remnant Christian Assembly is determined to follow the examples left on record for us and bless the congregation and those whom we serve accordingly.
