The
last tenet, it themes
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet “…Unlike the preceding (four) tenets, the last tenet of
faith does not relate to a specific theme but addresses three general themes
about our:
- Membership in the
body of Jesus Christ;
- Love for God and our
neighbour; &
- Submission to authority…”
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme “…We believe “that our souls are sanctified and clothed in
righteousness in the body of Jesus Christ, in preparation for our membership of
the soul-bride”. This theme essentially relates to our membership of the body
of Jesus Christ, the Church. [ROM
12:1-5] It is a good time to reflect on our own lives in the light of [1 JOH 1:5-10]…”
To the author of this tenet:
We are sanctified through (not in) the offering of the
body of Jesus Christ once
for all (Hebrews
10:10). This verse is not referring to some church, but to the body of Jesus (Matthew 27:58, Mark 15:43,
Luke 23:52,
John
19:38-40, John 20:12).
The church is the body
of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27-30, Ephesians 4:11-16)
because Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23,
Colossians
1:18). Similarly the wife is the body of her husband because the
husband loves and cares for his wife, and would give his life for her (Ephesians
5:22-33).
Romans 12:1-5
is an appeal to dedicate our bodies as holy living sacrifices, as a reasonable
service to God and as members in the church.
1 John 1:5-10
is about walking in the light and the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us from sin.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Soul “…This tenet states that our “souls” are sanctified and
clothed. The soul is transformed by the rebirth and is created to God’s image
and exists forever - is everlasting. Our purpose in the Church is to prepare
the soul to spend the everlasting life with God – salvation. [GEN 1:26 & I PET 1:9]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Satan himself is
transformed into an angel of light, and his ministers are transformed as
ministers of righteousness whose end will be according to their works (2 Corinthians
11:14-15). You can speak with the tongues of angels and understand
all mysteries, but without charity you are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Pure
religion before God is not some church, but to visit the
fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep ourselves unspotted from
the world (James
1:26-27).
The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation
to everyone that believes (Romans 1:16), with the heart man believes unto
righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10).
Salvation is obtained by our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9) and it is
the holy scriptures, not some spoken words of some person who believes they’re God’s mouthpiece,
which are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme: Body “…The tenet further refers to the body of Jesus Christ. A
“body” is a collection of members, put together in an orderly fashion with each
member serving a particular purpose. We believe that the Church of which we are
members, is the body of Jesus Christ. [EPH
4:15-16; 5:30]…”
To the author of this tenet:
The church is the body
of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27-30, Ephesians
4:11-16) because Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23,
Colossians
1:18). Similarly the wife is the body of her husband because the
husband loves and cares for his wife, and would give his life for her (Ephesians
5:22-33). Read all the verses!
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme: Jesus Christ. “…The “Jesus Christ” referred to in this tenet, does not only
refer to the Son of God in the time of the Bible, but rather relates to the
Jesus Christ that lives today in the body of the Church of which we are
members. [I COR 12:12-28; ROM 12:4-8]…”
To the author of this tenet:
1 Corinthians 12:29-39 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are
all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with
tongues? do all interpret?
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Sanctified “…To clean and to remove dirt or filth. Cleaning is not a
spontaneous occurrence, but requires work and effort and it is done for
specific reasons – to remove dirt that contains germs and other negative
elements that might cause disease; and to make something presentable [EZE 36:24-27]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Yes, cleaning from our
point of view “requires work and effort”,
but when you read the prophecy in Ezekiel 36:25 it says “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean”.
This cleansing process is unlike any work and effort done by a person; if it
was then we could save a lot on soap, water and elbow grease.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme: Sanctified “…Similar to cleaning one’s natural body, so too does the soul
require cleansing as the first step to prepare it for entry into the Church and
membership of the body of Jesus Christ. Cleansing of the soul is done through
the word (water) of Godly teaching.
[EPH 5:26-30]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Those verses are not
referring to the cleaning of souls outside the church so they can enter the
church. Those verses are referring to the church being presented to Christ as a glorious church, sanctified and
cleansed with the washing of water by the word.
Ephesians 5:25-32 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the
church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and
cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present
it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love
their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no
man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as
the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh,
and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and
shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great
mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
The word of truth is
the gospel of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme: Clothe “…To clothe is to cover something with cloth / garment(s). Like
cleaning, clothing is not spontaneous but also requires work / effort and it is
done for specific reasons – to protect one from the external elements that
might cause harm; and to make oneself presentable. [EPH 6:10-17]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Those verses are not
referring to clothing; those verses are referring to the whole armour of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the
power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able
to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore
take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand
in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand
therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,
and
having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet
shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above
all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take
the helmet of salvation,
and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
There’s a difference in
function between the whole armor of God and clothing, see if you can spot the
differences:
- Those
that are victorious will be clothed in white (Revelation 3:5)
- The
white clothing hides the shame of our nakedness (Revelation 3:18)
- The
twenty four elders seated around the throne are clothed in white (Revelation 4:4)
- The
multitudes standing before the throne and the Lamb are clothed in white (Revelation 7:9)
- The
armies in heaven are clothed in linen that is white and clean (Revelation 19:14)
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme: Clothe “…Similar to clothing one’s natural body, so too does the soul
require clothing in preparation for entry into the Church and membership of the
body of Jesus Christ. Clothing of the soul is done through doing the good deeds
of God. [REV 19:7-8]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Those verses are not
referring to clothing of the soul before entry into the church; those verses
are referring to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Revelation 19:6-10 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and
as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,
Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and
give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife
hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in
fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of
saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto
the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true
sayings of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See
thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the
testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of
prophecy.
Jesus’ wife (Ephesians 5:25-32) is clothed in
the righteousness of saints. Righteousness is the adherence to moral
principles. The righteousness of God is by faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme: In Christ Jesus “…The processes of cleansing (with the water of the word) and
clothing (doing the good deeds) – changing our lives to bear the fruits of
God’s spirit – are only possible in Jesus Christ, the Church. [JOH 15:5]…”
To the author of this tenet:
John 15:1-7 I am the true vine, and my Father is the
husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every
branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in
me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in
the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the
branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much
fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast
forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the
fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you,
ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Clothing isn’t good
deeds and our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and not to be relied upon (Isaiah 64:6,
Ezekiel 33:12-13).
Genuine righteousness comes through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme: Preparation “…To be ready to do or face-up to something in the future –
having the necessary means in one’s possession or at one’s disposal to meet a
future challenge that is in store for us. [II
COR 11:1-2]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Those verses refer to Paul
and the false apostles.
2 Corinthians 11:1-4 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and
indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have
espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin
to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve
through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity
that is in Christ.
For if he
that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached,
or if ye
receive another spirit, which ye have not received,
or another
gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme: Bride “…A woman, about to be married. A bride is always a beautiful
sight, filled with good attributes and ready to commit to a relationship of
unity with her husband (the groom). [MAT
25:1-13]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Those verses refer to
the parable of the ten virgins. This parable was spoken by Jesus when He was on the mount of Olives.
Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto
ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And
five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took
their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their
vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered
and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom
cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed
their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our
lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be
not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for
yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that
were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward
came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered
and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye
know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Jesus is the Bridegroom (Matthew 9:14-15,
Mark 2:18-20,
Luke 5:33-35,
John 3:27-29,
Ephesians
5:23-32) and the church is His bridesmaid also known as the body of Christ (Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians
10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 4:11-13). False apostles and false prophets
cannot forge or counterfeit the coming of the Son of man, the only way they can
try is by attempting to deceive people with false
interpretations. Jesus warns us not to follow them because
they will say “Lo
here” and then try
convincing people that they (false prophets and false churches) are Christ (Matthew 24:23-28).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme: Soul-bride “…The souls of the members of the Church comprise this body of
the spiritual bride – the soul-bride / bride of souls – about to marry Jesus
Christ through a covenant of loyalty and commitment to a common goal. [REV 21:1-2 & PRO 31:10 - 31]…”
To the author of this tenet:
The verses in Revelation
are referring to the new heaven and new earth, and the new Jerusalem coming
down from God out of heaven.
Regarding the church, Jesus is the Bridegroom (Matthew 9:14-15,
Mark 2:18-20,
Luke 5:33-35,
John 3:27-29,
Ephesians
5:23-32) and the church is His bridesmaid also known as the body of Christ (Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians
10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 4:11-13).
The verses in Proverbs
are referring to a virtuous wife that fears the LORD. You’ll notice that she is
described in accordance to the customs of the East.
- The
virtuous woman seeks wool and flax (Proverbs 31:13)
- The
virtuous woman brings her food from afar (Proverbs 31:14)
- The
virtuous woman’s household is clothed in scarlet (Proverbs 31:21)
- The
virtuous woman is dressed in purple silk (Proverbs 31:22)
OAC
Confession of Faith: Theme:
Bride - Qualities “…In anticipation of her wedding, a bride is immaculately
prepared to enhance her positive attributes – cleansing and beautification are
parts of this preparatory process. Similarly the soul-bride shall be a crown of
glory in the hand of the Lord etc. [ISA
62:1-8]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Those verses are
prophecies referring to Zion’s coming salvation.
Isaiah 62:1-12 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's
sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as
brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
And the Gentiles
shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory:
and thou
shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
Thou
shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD,
and a royal
diadem in the hand of thy God.
Thou
shalt no more be termed Forsaken;
neither
shall thy land any more be termed Desolate:
but thou
shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah:
for the
LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.
For as a
young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee:
and as
the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
I have
set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their
peace day nor night:
ye that
make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he
establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
The LORD
hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no
more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies;
and the sons
of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:
But they
that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD;
and they
that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.
Go
through, go through the gates;
prepare
ye the way of the people;
cast up,
cast up the highway;
gather
out the stones;
lift up a
standard for the people.
Behold,
the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter
of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh;
behold,
his reward is with him, and his work before him.
And they
shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD:
and thou
shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.
New Jerusalem is the holy
city of God which comes down out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her
husband (Revelation
3:12, Revelation 21:2). Only they which are written in the Lamb's book of life shall be able to
enter this city (Revelation 21:25-27).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme: Bride - Qualities “…In addition to being cleansed before the wedding, a bride is
clothed with pure, white linen, the deeds of righteousness and the garments of
salvation. [ISA 61:10-11]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Jesus is the true Bridegroom of the soul,
He clothes me with the garments of salvation and covers me with the robe of
righteousness.
Isaiah 61:8-11 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt
offering;
and I
will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with
them. And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring
among the people:
all that
see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath
blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God;
for he
hath clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he
hath covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a
bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments,
and as a
bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
For as
the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are
sown in it to spring forth;
so the
Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the
nations.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: First Theme: Unity “…The purpose of the bride going through a process of
preparation is to be presented to her husband. At this stage the bride and
groom make a covenant to each other. A similar unity is established between the
soul-bride and Jesus Christ, the Church. [EPH
5:26-33]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Either you’re just
plain blind or you’re deliberately twisting Scripture to suit your doctrine!
The “soul-bride” is the church, Jesus Christ is the Bridegroom! I see you
conveniently left out the preceding verses (Ephesians 5:22-25)!
Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto
the Lord.
For the husband
is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:
and he
is the saviour of the body.
Therefore
as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own
husbands in every thing.
Husbands,
love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
That he
might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
That he
might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle,
or any such thing;
but that
it should be holy and without blemish.
So ought men
to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth
himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh;
but nourisheth
and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
For we
are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
For this
cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his
wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
This is a
great mystery:
but I
speak concerning Christ and the church.
Nevertheless
let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself;
and the
wife see that she reverence her husband.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme “…We believe “that as children of God we must love Him above
all, serve Him in submissiveness, honour the brotherhood and love our neighbour
as ourselves”. This theme essentially relates to our love for God and our
neighbour. [LUK 10:27]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Allow me to contribute
more verses so you can understand the context.
Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus
said unto him,
Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with
all thy soul,
and with
all thy mind.
This is
the first and great commandment.
And the
second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these
two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Mark 12:28-34 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them
reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him,
Which is the first commandment of all?
And Jesus
answered him,
The first
of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
And thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with
all thy soul,
and with
all thy mind,
and with
all thy strength:
this is
the first commandment.
And the
second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
There is
none other commandment greater than these.
And the
scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth:
for there
is one God;
and there
is none other but he:
And to
love him with all the heart,
and with
all the understanding,
and with
all the soul,
and with
all the strength,
and to
love his neighbour as himself,
is more
than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
And when
Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from
the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
Luke 10:25-27 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him,
saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What
is written in the law? how readest thou?
And he answering
said,
Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with
all thy soul,
and with
all thy strength,
and with
all thy mind;
and thy
neighbour as thyself.
And he
said unto him, Thou hast answered right:
this do,
and thou shalt live.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: Love “…To respect and have (good) fear not to do anything to
disappoint God our Father; to always be obedient to His word that comes to us
through His servants and to do His good will. [I JOH 5:2-3]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Allow me to contribute
more verses so you can understand the context.
1 John 5:1-5 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of
God:
and every
one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
By this
we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
For this
is the love of God, that we keep his commandments:
and his
commandments are not grievous.
For
whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:
and this
is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Who is he
that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of
God?
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: “Above All” “…The most important or first thing in my mind. Nothing must be
more important than to be obedient to God’s word and to do His good will.
Nothing should prevent me from being obedient to His word and to do His will. [DEU 6:4-5]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Allow me to contribute
more verses so you can understand the context.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Hear, O Israel:
The LORD
our God is one LORD:
And thou
shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart,
and with
all thy soul,
and with
all thy might.
And these
words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou
shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou
sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest
down, and when thou risest up.
And thou
shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets
between thine eyes.
And thou
shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
There is only one God and Father who is above all.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: Serve Him in Submissiveness “…To display this love
for God (i.e. to be obedient to His words and to do His good will) without
questioning the word of instruction that comes to us through His servants. [HEB 13:7]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Allow me to contribute
more verses so you can understand the context.
Hebrews 13:5-9 Let your conversation be without covetousness;
and be
content with such things as ye have:
for he
hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
So that
we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do
unto me.
Remember
them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God:
whose
faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Jesus
Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Be not
carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good
thing that the heart be established with grace;
not with
meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: “…We are God’s children because we heard His call, promised to
serve Him and became members of the Church. He is our Father and we are
expected to do everything in our power to be obedient to His words that come
through His servants and to do His good will; God above all. [DEU 4:5-9 & 39]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Slowly now, this is how
cults are formed. Blind obedience to “His words that come through His servants”
is a cult practice that places more emphasis on the “servant” than on God. You’re using the
obedience that Moses commanded from Israel as a proof text for your doctrine.
Under the old covenant, Israel led by Moses had the ministration of death,
written and engraven in stones (2 Corinthians 3:1-18). Jeremiah prophesied of
a new covenant that would be made with the house of Israel and the house of
Judah (Jeremiah
31:31-34). Jesus is the High Priest and mediator of
the new covenant which is a better covenant than the first (Hebrews 8:1-13,
Hebrews
12:22-24). The canon is complete, we cannot add to the Bible (Deuteronomy 4:2, Deuteronomy 12:32, Proverbs 30:5-6,
Revelation
22:18-19).
Therefore any spoken “words that come through His servants” must
align with scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: Honour. “…To recognise and have respect for something or someone. Just
as we are expected to honour God the Father, so too must we honour His Son,
Jesus Christ the Church. [MAL 1:6
& JOH 5:23]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Matthew 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching
Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared
greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus
is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life
through his name.
Acts 8:34-37 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom
speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip
opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch
said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said,
If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said,
I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Acts 9:19-20 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was
Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he
preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
Romans 1:3-4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made
of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the
Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the
resurrection from the dead:
Ephesians 5:23-25 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as
Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Therefore
as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their
own husbands in every thing.
Husbands,
love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave
himself for it;
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: Brotherhood “…The obedient children of God that are grouped together in an
orderly structure as brothers (and sisters) in the Church. [I PET 2:17]. Comrades in arms against evil – fighting in unity by
being active members in God’s army. [HEB
13:1]…”
To the author of this tenet:
The verse in 1 Peter 2:17
is referring to honor, love and fearing God. Brotherhood refers to the
Christian fraternity. There’s no mention of orderly groups being obedient to
their cult leader. When you read that verse in
context with the other verses (1 Peter 2:13-25), it’s about being respectful
to the government and living an exemplary life by following the steps of Christ. He is the only Shepherd and Bishop
of our souls.
The verse in Hebrews 13:1
is referring to the continuance of brotherly love, there’s no mention of
comrades in arms or orderly groups.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: Summary (thus far) “…To “honour the brotherhood” is to
recognise and have respect for the brotherhood of the Church; for both their
person and office in the Church (as shepherds and teachers) and to regard them
as God’s servants and children through whom He speaks and makes His will known
unto us. [PSA 133:1-3]…”
To the author of this tenet:
I don’t think you read
the verse you quoted (from your previous statement) properly; here it is for
your perusal:
1 Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God.
Honour the king.
It doesn’t say “honour the brotherhood”, it says Love the brotherhood. There’s a difference. To
honor all men means you show respect to men when you communicate with them. It
doesn’t necessarily mean you respect their opinions if they disagree with you.
To love the brotherhood means to love the Christian fraternity of which Christ is the Head. Nowhere does the Bible
say you must respect an office or a title in a church. It is God that works
the manifestation of the Spirit in every man and the manifestation is not a title (1 Corinthians 12:6-7). You don’t
need to carry the title or “office” of messenger to be a messenger.
It is the Spirit that divides to every man severally as he will (1 Corinthians
12:11). You’re trying to bring honor to the wrong entity.
1 Corinthians 12:29-30 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are
all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with
tongues? do all interpret?
The verse in Psalms 133:1
refers to the pleasantness of brethren dwelling together in unity.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: Neighbour “…Someone that lives a similar life to mine or crosses my path
from time to time. Our neighbours in the Church are those people that, like us,
hear and do the will of God. [LUK
10:29–37]. Together we form the brotherhood in Christ…”
To the author of this tenet:
Those verses are not
referring to a brotherhood of neighbors living similar lifestyles in the same church. It’s the parable of the
good Samaritan as told by Jesus when a certain lawyer wanted to know
who his neighbor was (Leviticus 19:18, Luke 10:25-29).
- The
Samaritans were foreigners that intermarried with Israelites in Samaria (2 Kings 17:24-41).
- The
Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans (John 4:9).
- The
Samaritans worshipped in mount Gerizim while the Jews worshipped in Jerusalem (John 4:20).
In the parable a
certain man was robbed and wounded on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho. The
thieves left him for dead (Luke 10:30).
- A
priest came by, one would expect him to know God’s law of love and show
compassion, but he just walked on by (Luke 10:31).
- Then
a Levite came by, one would expect him to know God’s law of love and show
compassion, but he also just walked on by (Luke 10:32).
- Then
the Samaritan comes along and goes above and beyond what was expected of him (Luke 10:33-35).
Of the three, it was
the Samaritan that had compassion on the wounded man. He saw a need in a fellow
human being and by his compassion, became that man’s neighbor (Luke 10:36-37).
The question you should therefore ask yourself is not “who is my neighbor?” but
rather “to whom can I be a neighbor?” It is not what you receive, but what you
give irrespective of race, creed or nation. Love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: Neighbour “…Our neighbour is not only the person that presently hear and
do God’s will with us, but also those that used to do His will (who have left
His ways and need to be recovered) and those that are still to hear His will to
start doing it (those who are still to receive this gospel). [JOH 10:16 & MAT 9:37-38]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Did you understand the
parable of the good Samaritan and who your neighbor is (Luke 10:25-37)?
Only Jesus is the good shepherd, He gave His
life for the sheep (John 10:11-18, Hebrews 13:20-21, 1 Peter 2:21-25,
1 Peter
5:1-4). His sheep know His voice and He will bring them into one
fold.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: Love (for Neighbour) “…Like the love for God, so too must we
respect our neighbour and fear to do anything to disappoint him/her. Because
they are God’s children, we must always do good deeds to them – help,
encourage, be friendly, lighten their burden and bring them back to Church.
[I JOH 4:20-21]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Let’s add the preceding
verses and then read that piece in context.
1 John 4:7-21 Beloved, let us love one another:
for love
is of God;
and every
one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that
loveth not knoweth not God;
for God
is love.
In this
was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only
begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Herein
is love,
not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the
propitiation for our sins.
Beloved,
if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at
any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected
in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath
given us of his Spirit.
And we
have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of
the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God
dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that
God hath to us.
God is
love;
and he
that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made
perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:
because
as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love;
but
perfect love casteth out fear:
because
fear hath torment.
He that feareth
is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If
a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar:
for he
that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath
not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God
love his brother also.
You’ll notice that the
word “neighbor” doesn’t appear in these verses, we are however asked to love
our brother. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and
sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Can you confess that Jesus
(
not some church) is the Son of
God?
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: Cross “…Our spiritual responsibility (cross) is summarised in the two
great commandments: ”love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…love thy
neighbour as thyself”. “On these two commandments hang all the law and the
prophets.” [MAT 22:37-40]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Picking up your cross
to follow Jesus has nothing to do with following
commandments (Mark
10:19-31).
Let’s see what Jesus said about our cross. In the first
century the cross was a symbol of death, it was the torture stake used by the
Romans to torture people to death. The Romans forced those that were convicted
to carry their crosses to the place of execution; carrying your cross back then
was what we would call today “dead
man walking”. It was
a literal death sentence.
Matthew 10:34-39 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth:
I came
not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against
his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law
against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own
household.
He
that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:
and he
that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And he
that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
He
that findeth his life shall lose it:
and he
that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Every time Jesus said we should pick up our cross to
follow Him, it was followed with a promise of eternal life (Matthew 16:24-28,
Mark 8:34-38,
Luke 9:23-27).
Picking up your cross
to follow Jesus means forsaking all that you have to
become His disciple (Luke 14:25-33). Are you willing to lose your
life by following Jesus?
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: Cross “…The cross, our spiritual covenant, consists of two elements –
an upright pole planted in the earth and points upwards to remind us of the
commandment of God to love Him; to be obedient to His words and will (that come
from above) above all things. [LUK
10:27]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Very imaginative but you’re confusing the
parable of the good Samaritan (Leviticus 19:18, Luke 10:25-29) with the cross (Matthew
10:34-39, Matthew 16:24-28, Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:23-27).
You also seem to be ignorant of the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-40, Hebrews 8:1-13,
Hebrews
12:18-29).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Second Theme: Cross “…The second element of the cross is a section that is attached
to the upright pole and points sideways to remind us to love our neighbour. The
elements of Holy Communion, the cup and the plate are also representative of
the elements of the cross. [I COR
10:14-17]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Very imaginative but now you’re confusing the
cross with one’s neighbor and shifting the focus from Christ to the cross.
1 Corinthians 10:13-19 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common
to man:
but God
is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;
but will
with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore,
my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
I speak
as to wise men;
judge ye
what I say.
The cup
of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?
The bread
which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
For we
being many are one bread, and one body:
for we
are all partakers of that one bread.
Behold
Israel after the flesh:
are not
they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
What say
I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to
idols is any thing?
We should not be
worshipping idols. Communion of the blood and body of Christ (not the cross) means to be in
partnership with Christ (not the cross).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet “…The
HTC for this period continues to explain the last tenet of faith that deals
with the three general themes about our:
- Membership in the
body of Jesus Christ;
- Love for God and our
neighbour; and
- Submission to
authority
This month is dedicated
to the last statement.
[Read Confession of
Faith]…”
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Third Theme “…We believe “that for the Lord’s sake, we must subject
ourselves to the rulers and powers placed over us, submit ourselves to every
ordinance and acknowledge and respect the legitimate rulers of the land in
which we live, even if we have to suffer anguish”. This theme essentially
relates to our submission to authority. [PHI
2:5-16]…”
To the author of this tenet:
You’re shifting the
focus from Christ Jesus to rulers and powers of the land (Romans 13:1-7,
1 Peter
2:13-17). We are to follow Christ's example of humility, the verses below
don’t mention anything about subjecting ourselves to every ordinance of man.
Philippians 2:1-11 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any
comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil
ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of
one mind.
Let
nothing be done through strife or vainglory;
but in
lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not
every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let
this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who,
being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made
himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made
in the likeness of men:
And being
found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
Wherefore
God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every
name:
That at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in
earth, and things under the earth;
And that every
tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Do you confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the
Father? We should shine as lights in the world.
Philippians 2:12-18 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in
my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to
do of his good pleasure.
Do all
things without murmurings and disputings:
That ye
may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst
of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Holding
forth the word of life;
that I
may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Yea, and
if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and
rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
Being blameless and
harmless as the sons of God is not quite the same as submitting ourselves to
every ordinance of man (Exodus 1:8-22, Joshua 2:1-24, 1 Samuel
14:43-45, 1 Kings 18:3-4, Daniel 3:12-23, Daniel 6:10-15,
Acts 4:18-21,
Acts 5:25-29,
Revelation
13:15). Be mindful that God’s law is above any other law conceived
by man. When we submit ourselves to the ordinances of man, it should be as
servants of God and to silence the ignorance of foolish men (1 Peter 2:15-16).
We are commanded to pray for our leaders and all men (1Timothy 2:1-6).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Third Theme: Order: “…A time and a place for everything; everything is in its place
and there is a place for everything. Order exists when leaders fulfil their
task by introducing rules that their followers are to obey. Without order,
society will fall into chaos! Like society, the Church must also function in an
orderly manner and for this purpose God instituted an officer structure and
rules in the Church. [I COR
14:33&40]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Those verses are not
referring to an officer structure in the church, but to orderly
worship, tongues and prophesy. There’s a difference.
1 Corinthians 14:26-40 How is it then, brethren? when ye come
together,
every one
of you hath a psalm,
hath a
doctrine,
hath a
tongue,
hath a
revelation,
hath an
interpretation.
Let all
things be done unto edifying.
If any
man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and
that by course;
and let
one interpret.
But if
there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church;
and let
him speak to himself, and to God.
Let the
prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
If any
thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
For ye
may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
And the
spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
For God
is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Let your
women keep silence in the churches:
for it is
not permitted unto them to speak;
but they
are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
And if
they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home:
for it is
a shame for women to speak in the church.
What?
came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
If any
man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the
things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
But if
any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
Wherefore,
brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all
things be done decently and in order.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Third Theme: “For the Lord’s sake” “…The “Lord” refers to the Church, its
members and institutions. “For the Lord’s sake” therefore refers to those
things that are beneficial to the Church; to advance the Church and not
embarrass or bring it into disrepute. [MAT
5:13-16]…”
To the author of this tenet:
There’s no such
statement in the Bible, you’re trying to shift the focus from the Lord to your church. Jesus Christ is the Lord and the Bible always
mentions the church as a separate entity to our Lord (Acts 2:47, Acts 14:23, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Corinthians
4:17, 1 Corinthians 16:19, Ephesians 5:29, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians
1:1, 2
Timothy 4:22, James 5:14).
You’re embarrassing your own church and bringing it
into disrepute with your unbiblical statements.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Third Theme: Subject “…A verb meaning to be submissive or obedient. Remember the
explanation about our having to “serve God in submissiveness” (refer previous
HTC) which means that we must be obedient to His words and do His good works
without questioning the words of instruction that are brought to us by His
servants. [HEB 13:7&17 and I PET 2:13-18]…”
To the author of this tenet:
You’re shifting the
focus from God to what you call “His servants”.
Written more directly,
this is your formula:
“serve God in submissiveness
= be
obedient to His words and do His good works
= without
questioning the words of instruction that are brought to us by His servants”
Our obedience should only
be to God, not to some mere mortal who fancies himself as “His servant”.
Hebrews 13:6-9 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper,
and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Remember
them which
have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God:
whose
faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Jesus
Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Be not
carried about with divers and strange doctrines.
For it is
a good thing that the heart be established with grace;
not with
meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
We should be obedient
as far as possible without betraying Christ. Whatsoever we do should all be done
to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31-33). Servants should be
obedient to their masters as unto Christ doing the will of God from the heart
(Ephesians
6:5-8). Obey them who watch for your souls (Hebrews 13:17). When we submit
ourselves to the ordinances of man, it should be as servants of God and to
silence the ignorance of foolish men (1 Peter 2:15-16).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Third Theme: Summary “…Leaders and rulers are essential for the good and orderly
functioning of society – even the Church. We should recognise this fact and
respect and be obedient (subject ourselves) to the leaders and the rulers of
society (also the leaders and rulers of the Church) because this is to the
benefit and progress of the Church (the Lord) and will not bring the Church
into disrepute. [DEU 4:5-9 & 39]…”
To the author of this tenet:
I don’t know why you’re
quoting from the Old Testament since the church didn’t exist as a functioning
body (the body of Christ) in
the Old Testament. The day of Pentecost
marked the beginning of the church when the Spirit was poured out about 2,000
years ago (Acts
1:4-5, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:41-47). Joel the prophet
prophesied about the pouring out of the spirit (Joel 2:28-32) and Joel’s prophecy
was fulfilled in the New Testament on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-21).
Deuteronomy 4:5-10 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as
the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye
go to possess it.
Keep therefore
and do them;
for this
is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which
shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and
understanding people.
For what
nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the
LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
And what
nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous
as all this law, which I set before you this day?
Only take
heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things
which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the
days of thy life:
but teach
them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
Specially
the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the
LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them
hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall
live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.
Moses was forbidden
from entering the good land beyond Jordan (Deuteronomy 3:23-26). Israel’s right to hold
property in the land of Canaan was dependent on their obedience to God’s
statutes and judgments and teaching their children to do the same.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Third Theme: Rulers and Powers. “…People, groups or institutions in a position of leadership who
/ that draft rules which we have to obey, thereby creating order in society. We
refer to both natural and spiritual (Churchly) leaders and rulers. Many of the
laws that are in general use come from the Ten Commandments in EXO 20. [TITUS 3:1-7]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Do you know the Ten
Commandments and have you read the laws of your respective country? Do yourself
a favor and do a one-to-one comparison. You will find that murder, theft and being
a false witness are about the only laws that compare with only three of the Ten
Commandments. Many of the laws that are in general use do not come from the Ten Commandments.
Titus 3:1-11 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and
powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak
evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto
all men.
For we
ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy,
hateful, and hating one another.
But after
that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Not by
works
of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he
saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the
Holy Ghost;
Which he shed
on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
That
being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the
hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that
thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto
men.
But avoid
foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings
about the law;
for they
are unprofitable and vain.
A man
that is an heretick
after the first and second admonition reject;
Knowing
that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned
of himself.
According to Strong’s,
the word “heretick” is translated from the Greek word aihretikos and is defined as:
a schismatic.
(“heretic” is the Greek word itself.): - heretic [the Greekord itself].
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Third Theme: Ordinances: “…Natural and spiritual rules and laws instituted for the
orderly functioning of both society (e.g. Road Traffic Safety Act) and the
Church (e.g. domestic rules of the Church, the will of God – especially the two
great commandments). [HEB 8:10; 10:16 & MAT 22:36-40]…”
To the author of this tenet:
OAC
Confession of Faith:
Obedience
“…To listen to rules, laws or the will of God; pay attention; and to keep these
rules / do the will of God / adhere to the rules and laws. When we are obedient
to the rules, laws and the will of God, good and beautiful qualities become
evident in our lives – bearing the good fruit of God in our lives – the fruit
of the Spirit. [I SAM 15:22 & GAL 5:22&23]…”
To the author of this tenet:
When the laws of man
contradict the laws of God, you will have to make a choice, you cannot serve
two masters just as you can’t please God and mammon (Matthew 6:19-24, Luke 16:1-13).
You will notice that
Samuel wasn’t referring to some officer in a church, He was referring to the
LORD (1
Samuel 15:22).
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Third Theme: Summary (thus far) “…God expects of us, His children, to obey Him, but also to be
obedient to the ordinances (rules / laws) of the rulers and powers of the
Church and of our land. This applies to both natural and spiritual (Church)
leaders and their rules and laws. [ROM
16:19]…”
To the author of this tenet:
We seem to have
different Bibles because my Bible doesn’t coincide with your statements.
Romans 16:17-19 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause
divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;
and avoid
them.
For they
that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly;
and by good
words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
For your
obedience is come abroad unto all men.
I am glad
therefore on your behalf:
but yet I
would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
Their loyalty and
obedience was known to all men,
their loyalty and obedience wasn’t to
all men, read it again carefully.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Third Theme: Legitimate Rulers: “…People, groups or institutions that are appointed to a
position of leadership in a legal / righteous manner. Just like the leaders in
the Church (e.g. the House Priest, the choir leader, Sunday school teacher,
etc.) are appointed through the legitimate rules of the Church, so too are the
leaders of the country, municipality, school, etc. appointed by means of the
rules and laws of the land in order for these leaders to be “legitimate”. We
should give both the natural and spiritual leaders the obedience that they are
entitled to. [MAR 12:14-17]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Pharaoh was the
legitimate ruler of Egypt and instructed the midwives to kill the newborn sons
of Israel (Exodus
1:8-22). Was the Pharaoh entitled to obedience?
The king of Jericho was
the legitimate ruler of Jericho and instructed Rahab to bring the two Israeli
spies to him (Joshua
2:1-24). Was the king of Jericho entitled to obedience?
Saul was the legitimate
ruler of Israel and instructed the people to kill Jonathan for tasting some
honey (1
Samuel 14:43-45). Was Saul entitled to obedience?
Ahab was the legitimate
ruler of Israel and his wife Jezebel (daughter of Ethbaal, king of the
Zidonians) started killing the prophets of the LORD (1 Kings 18:3-4). Was Ahab and
Jezebel entitled to obedience?
Nebuchadnezzar was the
legitimate ruler of Babylon and ordered everyone to fall down and worship an
image of gold at the sound of music (Daniel 3:12-23). Was Nebuchadnezzar entitled
to obedience?
Darius was the
legitimate ruler of Babylon and signed a firm decree that all petitions were to
be made to him directly instead of to God (Daniel 6:10-15). Was Darius entitled to
obedience?
The council made up of
rulers, elders, scribes, the high priest and his kindred were the legitimate
spiritual leaders of Israel and commanded Peter and John not to speak at all
nor teach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18-21, Acts 5:25-29).
Was the council entitled to obedience?
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Third Theme: The Land in which we Live “…The natural country in which we live.
We should obey the laws of our country for we are citizens or residents
thereof. However, we also have a spiritual land, the Church that God has given
unto His people. We should also obey the rules and ordinances of our Church. [EZE 36:24]…”
To the author of this tenet:
There’s no scripture
that says you should obey the rules and ordinances of the OAC. You’re shifting the focus from
scripture and Christ Jesus to the OAC.
2 Timothy 3:10-17 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life,
purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions,
which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I
endured:
but out
of them all the Lord delivered me.
Yea, and all
that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
But evil
men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being
deceived.
But
continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of,
knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
And that from
a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise
unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the
man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
OAC
Confession of Faith: Last
Tenet: Third Theme: Summary (thus far) “…We should obey the legitimate leaders of the natural and
spiritual land in which we live, namely our country and the Church. We may
sometimes feel anguished and may not always agree with the rules or laws that
they institute, but obedience is essential to ensure an orderly life; in the
Church and in the land in which we live. [1
PET 2:9-17]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Were Shiphrah, Puah,
Rahab, Obadiah, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel, Peter and John obedient to
the legitimate leaders (Exodus 1:8-22, Joshua 2:1-24, 1 Kings 18:3-4,
Daniel
3:12-23, Daniel 6:10-15, Acts 4:18-21, Acts 5:25-29,
Revelation
13:15)?
We should be obedient
as far as possible without betraying Christ. Whatsoever we do should all be done
to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31-33). Servants should be
obedient to their masters as unto Christ doing the will of God from the heart
(Ephesians
6:5-8). Obey them who watch for your souls (Hebrews 13:17). When we submit
ourselves to the ordinances of man, it should be as servants of God and to
silence the ignorance of foolish men (1 Peter 2:15-16).
OAC
Confession of Faith:
Revision
“…We have come to the end of the explanation regarding the Confession of Faith
of the Old Apostolic Church. Review the five tenets that comprise the
Confession of Faith, namely: We believe in:
- God (Father, Son and
Holy Ghost)
- The Church
- Three holy sacraments
- The Holy Scriptures
- Membership of the
Church; love for God, the Brotherhood, our neighbour and ourselves; and
submission to authority.
[Confession of Faith]…”
To the author of this tenet:
Unfortunately your
tenets are all scripturally flawed. Please start reading the Bible and allow
the words of Christ to shape you, don’t try shaping the
words of Christ to fit your doctrine.
“...if you're using
Scripture as a springboard to say whatever you want rather than teaching what
the Bible actually says, you might as well exegete Little Bo Peep..." –
John MacArthur
