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The American Institute for
Christian Education hold to these Doctrinal Truths.
While our expression may be unique, the doctrines are not.
We hold these expressed truths in common with all who are
born again by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on
the cross. We believe faith alone in Christ alone provides
Salvation for lost mankind.
The
Scriptures
We believe the
Holy Bible to be God’s authoritative and inspired Word. God
has preserved --- without error --- His word in the original
manuscripts. From the original manuscripts we now have the
66 books of the Old and New Testaments that constitutes the
Holy Scriptures, the closed cannon of Scripture.
These Scriptures (the Holy Bible) are relevant in all
respects for our: (1) teaching, (2) reproof, (3) correction
and (4) training in righteousness. They are able to instruct
us for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Because the
Bible is our authority and guide, it is able to guide us in
all doctrine, worship and Christian conduct!
(Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter
1:20-21.)
The
Godhead
We believe in one
God, the creator of all that exists in heaven and earth. The
Godhead is infinitely perfect and is revealed to man as
eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son and
the Holy Spirit. Each divine Person is rightfully called
God. Together, they are the Godhead spoken of in Holy
Scriptures. We believe the Father, Son and Holy Spirit each
have the same nature, attributes and perfection (essence).
They are each worthy of the same reverence and obedience.
(Genesis 1:1-2, 26; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:18-20;
Acts 5:3-4;
2 Corinthians 13:14; Colossians 2:9;
Revelation 1:4-6.)
The
Lord Jesus Christ
We believe that
Jesus is God revealed in the flesh, who was conceived of the
Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. We further believe
in the sinless life of our Lord, in His miracles, His
vicarious and atoning death on the cross. We also believe in
His bodily resurrection on the third day, His ascension into
heaven where He is presently seated at the right hand of the
Father (a place of power and authority). Furthermore we
believe in His imminent and personal return.
(John
1:1, 14; Luke 1:30-35; Hebrews 4:15; Matthew 4:23-25; Isaiah
53;
1 Peter 2:23-25; Acts 2:22-24; Philippians 2:5-11; Acts
1:11;
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.)
The
Holy Spirit
We believe in the
present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the
Christian is enabled to live a Godly life. He is our source
of power (anointing) for ministry, worship and service. He
testifies of Christ and restrains evil in the world
according to the divine will of the Father. The Holy Spirit
convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment;
regenerates all believers; and indwells all who are saved.
He is the only one who seals the Christian until the day of
redemption.
(Romans 8:9-17; John 15:26; 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7; John
16:7-15;
John 3:5-8; 1 John 2:20, 27; Ephesians 1:13-14.)
The
Fall of Man
We believe that
man was created in the image and likeness of God. However,
by willful transgression man fell, thereby incurring not
only physical death but spiritual death; separation from
God. The consequences of Adam’s sin was imputed (passed on)
to all mankind; therefore, all mankind possess a sinful
nature at physical birth. All who reach a state of moral
responsibility (age of accountability) become sinners before
God. Because of this "fallen nature" in mankind, he (she)
cannot attain divine righteousness by his (her) own efforts.
A new nature birthed from above by the Spirit of God
(regeneration) is absolutely essential for salvation. The
saved are called saints (who sometimes sin); the children of
God.
(Genesis 1:26-27, 31; 3:1-6; 8:21; Romans 3:9-12, 23;
5:12-21;
Ezekiel 18:20; Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-5.)
The
Salvation of Man
We believe in the
salvation of lost man through the finished work of Jesus
Christ upon the cross. Our salvation is based upon no work
or merit on the part of sinful man. It is based rather on
the substitutionary death of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This
gracious gift is received by faith; and, at that point the
believer is justified (made righteous). God imputed
(transfers) to him (the once sinner) the righteousness of
Christ. Now, that sinner becomes a saint, "hidden in
Christ."
(John
1:12-13; Romans 3:21-28; 4:1-5, 23-25; Romans 5:1-2, 6-8;
Ephesians 1:13-14; 2:1-10; Colossians 1:19-20; 2:13-14; 1
Peter 1:3-5,
1 Peter 18-21; 2:24-25; Colossians 3:3)
The
Resurrection
We believe in the
resurrection of both the saved and the lost. The saved will
be raised to eternal life with their LORD and will receive
their rewards for the good deeds done in the body while here
on this earth. The lost will be raised to face judgment and
damnation. Eternal punishment awaits the unbeliever.
(John 5:24-29; 1 Corinthians
3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:41-46; Revelation
20:11-15.) |