EXPANDED DOCTRINAL STATEMENT OF FAITH:
EXPLANATIONS AND REFERENCES
1. The Triune Godhead: God eternally exists as a trinity, revealing Himself in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – having each the same nature, attributes, and perfections and being worthy of the same worship and confidence. We refer to this interrelationship within the Trinity as the “Three in One and the One in Three” (i.e., the ‘tri-unity’ of God).
Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 14:16-17
a. God the Father: God is the absolute and sole Creator of all that exists, material and immaterial, through the agency of Jesus Christ. The Father has revealed Himself to all of mankind through natural theology and through specific revelation across the ages culminating in the incarnation of His Son. He is a God of love and holiness who orders all things to serve His eternal purposes. Through mercy and grace He adopts as His children all who repent of their sins, trusting in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Acts 17:24-25; Romans 1:20; Galatians 4:4-5;
Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 72:11; 1 John 4:10
b. God the Son: Jesus Christ is the co-eternal Son of God, Second Member of the Trinity, whom the Father sent to reconcile us to Himself in order to redeem us from the penalty of sin and eternal death. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and through the mystery of the incarnation--being born of the Virgin Mary--became flesh and dwelt among us. Thus He is true God and true man according to the Scriptures. He lived a perfect, holy, and sinless life. In submission to the redemptive purposes of God, He suffered crucifixion and death as a sacrifice for original sin and for all the transgressions of mankind. He physically rose from the dead for our justification and ascended into heaven where He now intercedes as the true High Priest for all who believe. He will return again in the body to judge the living and the dead and to establish His eternal kingdom.
Matthew 1:20-25; Luke 1:26-35; John 1:1-18; Acts 2:22-36; Romans
8:3; 8:32-34; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:12-22;
1 Timothy 6:14-16; Hebrews 1:1-5; 7:22-28; 1 John 1:1-3; 4:2-3,25;
Revelation 22:7,12
c. God the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is one with the Father and the Son in nature, majesty, and glory. As the Administrator of God’s grace to all mankind, He was sent by them to effect and seal the redemption of those who believe in Jesus Christ. He convicts, regenerates, guides, teaches, rebukes, indwells, empowers, comforts, intercedes, and unites all believers into one Body. He points to the supremacy of Jesus Christ in all things. His role continues to be an ongoing active one in the Church, imparting gifts to believers for the encouraging and up-building of the Household of Faith.
John 7:39; 14:15-18,26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:33; 15;8-9; 19:1-7; Romans
8:1-27; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11,27-31; 14:1-40; Galatians 3:1-14; 4:6;
Ephesians 3:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13;
1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 3:24; 4:13
2. The Scriptures Inspired: The Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired by God and are the revelation of God to mankind. The Holy Scriptures are inerrant in the original manuscripts and have been preserved by God as a divinely authoritative rule for our faith and conduct.
2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21
3. Sin and the Fall of Mankind: Man was created good and upright. Yet through the disobedience of our first parents sin came into the world, and physical, eternal death by sin. Sin is of two kinds: original sin and actual (or personal) sin.
a. Original Sin: Original sin entered the offspring of Adam like an infectious 'disease' of the godly image in which mankind was created, producing an eternal impasse between us and God. The result of this infection to our nature is death, physical and spiritual. Original sin also corrupted all of physical nature; a curse under which it continues to groan.
Genesis 3:1-24; 6:5; Job 15:14; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Mark
7:21-23; Romans 1:18-25; 5:12-14; 7:1-8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4;
Galatians 5:16-25; 1 John 1:7-8
b. Actual sin: Actual sin is a voluntary violation of a known law of God by a morally responsible person. It is the outworking of Adam's hereditary 'disease' within us which, when given free reign, turns our iniquity into actual transgressions against God’s law of love.
cf., Matthew 22:36-40; John 8:34-36; 16:8-9; Romans 3:23; 6:15-23;
8:18-24; 14:23; 1 John 1:9-2:4; 3:4,7-10
c. Fall and Condemnation: All of mankind is heir to the fall of Adam and corporately subject to a depraved world, its dark prince, and its coming judgment. Every individual is accountable before God for his actual sins and either accepting, neglecting, or rejecting the remedy for that sin provided by God.
John 8:44; Romans 3:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; Hebrews 10:27;
Revelation 20:11-13
4. Atonement: Jesus Christ made a full atonement (i.e., the 'cure' for our disease) for all human sin by His physical suffering; shedding of blood; and substitutionary, meritorious death on the cross. The sacrifice of His sinless life is the only grounds for our salvation; sufficient for every member of Adam’s fallen race, but only efficacious for those who repent and believe.
Isaiah 53:5-6,11; Mark 10:45; Luke 24:46-48; John 1:29; 3:14-17;
Acts 4:1-12; Romans 3:21-26; 4:17-25; 5:6-21; 1 Corinthians 6:20;
2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Galatians 1:3-4; 3:13-14; Colossians 1:19-23;
1 Timothy 2:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:9; 9:11-14; 13:12; 1 Peter
1:18-21; 2:19-25; 1 John 2:1-2
5. Free Will: Mankind’s creation in the image of God included the ability to choose between right and wrong, thus making us morally responsible and accountable. We can choose or reject God’s remedy for our sinful state and, once chosen, may subsequently choose to apostatize – turning our backs on God – and fall from grace. We do not hold to the doctrines of divine election (i.e., that God pre-ordains those who will inherit heaven and those who will be sentenced to hell) or irresistible grace (i.e., that you are “once saved always saved”). God will honor and judge us according to our choices, whether for good or ill.
Genesis 1:26; 2:16-17; Deuteronomy 28:1-2; 30:19; Joshua 24:15;
Psalm 8:3-5; Isaiah 1:8-10; Jeremiah 31:29-30; Ezekiel 18:1-4; Micah
6:8; Matthew 7:21-23; Romans 1:19-20; 2:1-16; 14:7-12; Galatians
6:7-8; Hebrews 10:26-31; Revelation 2:4-5; 3:1-3; 20:11-15; 21:27
6. Salvation: Salvation is the gift of God toward repentant mankind through Jesus Christ, ministered to us through justification, regeneration, and adoption.
a. Justification: Justification is the gracious and legal act of God whereby He grants us full pardon of all guilt and complete release from the penalty of our sins, both original and personal. We are accepted as being righteous “just as if” we had not sinned.
Psalm 32:3; Zechariah 3:4; John 5:24; Acts 13:39; Romans 5:16-19;
Colossians 2:13-14
b. Regeneration: Regeneration, or the ‘new birth’, is that gracious work of God whereby the moral nature of the repentant believer is spiritually quickened and given a distinctly spiritual life capable of faith, love, and obedience toward God.
Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 24:7; Hebrews 8:10; Ezekiel 11:19-20;
37:1-14; John 13:8; Romans 7:6; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:5-6;
Titus 3:5-6; Hebrews 10:22-23
c. Adoption: Adoption is that gracious act of God by which the justified and regenerated believer is constituted and declared as a son or daughter of God.
Deuteronomy 26:18; 28:10; Isaiah 43:6; Matthew 13:43; John 1:12-13;
Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Galatians 3:26; Revelation 21:7
d. Grace and Seal: Justification, regeneration, and adoption, while distinct elements and operations within the gift of salvation, are worked out simultaneously within the seeker of God and are obtained upon the condition of faith, preceded by repentance, and followed by good works. This condition of grace is witnessed by, sealed under, and effected through the Holy Spirit.
Mark 1:15; John 20:31; Acts 2:38;; Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10;
Titus 3:14; Hebrews 10:24; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30
7. Sanctification: Sanctification of the believer is both immediate and progressive; one is the gracious act of God, the other is the conscientious and obedient work of the believer throughout his lifetime as a Christian. Sanctification is the process whereby we are “set apart” and “made holy” for life and service in the presence of God. Whereas salvation frees and separates us from sin and judgment, sanctification prepares and equips us for heaven and glory.
a. Immediate Sanctification: By immediate sanctification we mean that perfect work of God by which believers are made free from original sin and brought into a state of grace (i.e., a pure heart) wherein we are free to choose a life of entire devotion and holy obedience. It is wrought by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation. Immediate sanctification is provided by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ and received in whole by faith.
Ezekiel 36:25-27; Luke 23:43; Acts 2:41; Romans 3:21-31; 8:1-4;
Ephesians 2:8-9
b. Progressive Sanctification: By progressive sanctification we mean the ongoing work of the believer to take what God has given us – a pure heart that desires to grow in grace – and actively train it up into a mature and Christ-like character. This desire must be consciously nurtured with careful attention given to the biblical requirements for holy standards of Christian living. Without intentional endeavor to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” one’s witness may be impaired, the grace of God frustrated, and our names removed from the Book of Life.
Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:17-5:21; Philippians
2:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
8. THE CHURCH: The Church is simultaneously and variously constituted as the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ, the community that confesses Jesus Christ as Lord, the covenant people of God made new in Christ, those who are called out from the world, and those who are called together by the Holy Spirit. God calls the Church to express its common life through various means: (1) in the unity and fellowship of the Holy Spirit; (2) in worship, preaching, and observance of the sacraments; (3) in ministry to one another in His Name; (4) by obedience to Christ as the Head of the Church; (5) through personal and corporate discipleship; and (6) through mutual accountability one to another. The mission of the Church to the world is to continue the redemptive work of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit through the witness of holy living, prayer and intercession, evangelism, and service. The Church Universal is comprised of the faithful across all ages, standing alongside of us as that “great cloud of witnesses.” The Church also exists as local congregations, organized to express local and cultural customs without deviating from the Great Tradition which organically binds them to the True Church, the ‘Spiritual Israel’. God calls the Church (and local churches) to abide under His rule in anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Exodus 19:3; Jeremiah 31:33; Matthew 8:11; 10:7; 16:13-19,24;
18:15-20; 24:31-46; 28:19-20; John 17:14-26; 20:21-23; Acts 1:7-8;
2:32-47; 6:1-2; 13:1; 14:23; Romans 2:28-29; 4;16; 10:9-15; 11:13-32;
12:1-8; 15:1-3; 1 Corinthians 5:11-6:1; Galatians 5:6,13-14; 6:1-5,15;
Ephesians 4:1-17; 5:25-27; Philippians 2:1-16; 1 Thessalonians
4:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:19-25; 1 Peter 1:1-2,13;
2:4-12,21; 4:10-11; 1 John 4:17; Jude 1:24; Revelation 5:9-10
9. TANGIBLE GRACE: Inasmuch as God desires to confer grace to His children, we believe that we accept this grace in two kinds: intangible grace through the Holy Spirit and tangible grace through the ministration of the sacraments by the divine ordinance of Christ. While those believers who participate in such solemn sacramental actions as nuptials, ordination, confession and reconciliation, laying on of hands for healing, etc., receive a special impartation of grace according to the act, all believers (e.g., married or single, clergy or laity, etc.) are privileged and commanded by Christ to enjoy the two Great Sacraments of the Church: baptism and communion.
a. Baptism: Christ, through His clear and unambiguous command, bids every believer to be joined to Him through baptism as a matter of obedience. Baptism is the mark of inclusion into the community of Christ; the New Testament Church knew nothing of a non-baptized Christian. Baptism, while a witness and testimony to the faith of the individual, is also instrumental in nature. Through baptism the believer enters the ‘name’ of the Trinity, is born again, is saved, is buried in Christ’s death and raised with Him in resurrection, and is incorporated into the Body of Christ. These effects of baptism are not automatic but are conditioned by faith and repentance on the part of the believer and by the working of the Holy Spirit on the part of God. The preferred method for baptism in this congregation is by full immersion in water according to the ‘formula’ declared by Christ (i.e., “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”) though physical limitations may require the use of other methods. We accept the baptism of those seeking church membership who have been baptized in other churches by either immersion or affusion (i.e., sprinkling or pouring), and will not require re-baptism for those who were baptized or christened as infants so long as they demonstrate the evidence of having matured into their Christian faith as claimed for them by their parents. The baptism of youth and adults is preferred by reason of their conscious decision in understanding the claims of Christ on their lives. The baptism of infants and young children—a longstanding tradition in the Historic Church—will be left to the decision of the rector and parents; for this parish, however, infant baptism is strongly encouraged.
Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38; 8:34-38; 16:33;
22:16; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Colossians
2:12; 1 Peter 3:18-21
b. Communion: Referred to variously as The Lord’s Supper or Holy Eucharist, Communion is our visible declaration and spiritual participation in Christ’s once-for-all perfect sacrifice for our sins till He comes again. It is served to those who are prepared in reverent appreciation of its significance. Through the prayers of consecration, the elements of Communion are set apart by the Holy Spirit as the spiritual yet tangible “body and blood” of Christ. The elements of bread and wine, once consecrated, are only served to those who have placed their faith in the redeeming work of Christ, who have received the mark of Christian baptism, and who walk in love with their fellow brothers and sisters. In this sense, the Table of the Lord is both ‘inclusive’—open to all obedient Christians (members and guests alike), and ‘exclusive’—closed to those believers who non-baptized or are grievously disobedient, or visitors who are non-believers or members of cults or foreign religions. The normal practice for the distribution of the elements is to invite the communicants forward to the altar and there receive the elements. Communicants can receive the bread and cup (eating and drinking each element individually) or by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup). We will observe communion on a weekly basis (more frequently if practicable) in obedience to the Lord’s command and in keeping with the traditional practice of the Ancient Church.
Exodus 12:1-14; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20;
John 6:28-58; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:14-21; 11:20-34
10. DIVINE HEALING: Divine healing is an integral part of the Good News. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement, and is the privilege of all believers. Members of this church are urged to seek anointing, the laying on of hands, and the prayer of faith for the healing of the sick. However, when deemed necessary the skill and ministration of doctors should not be refused.
Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16
11. THE GREAT TRIBULATION: This age will end with a Great Tribulation by which the earth and fallen mankind will be purged by God’s punishment and wrath. The Tribulation will also be that time when God’s supreme authority will prevail over the Beast, the False Prophet, and the Antichrist. The physical return of Christ to earth will mark the end of the Tribulation.
Daniel 9:20-27; Matthew 24:4-50; Mark 13:5-24; Luke 21:8-26;
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 6-18
12. RAPTURE OF THE SAINTS: The Lord Jesus Christ will return in the clouds and rapture to Himself the faithful of all ages. We who are alive at His coming shall not precede them who have died in the faith. They shall rise from the dead first and we shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air, so that we shall ever be with the Lord. The rapture of the saints will coincide with the Great Tribulation. We shall not set a time during the Tribulation when this shall happen (for there are various biblically supported doctrines concerning this matter); we simply testify that it will happen and enjoin all believers to keep watch and be ready.
Matthew 24:30-31,40-42; Mark 13:26-27; Luke 21:27-28; John 14:1-3;
Acts 1:9-11; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 7:9-10
13. THE PHYSICAL RETURN AND MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST: The Great Tribulation will end with the physical return of Christ to earth. He shall be accompanied with the armies of heaven and the saints of faith. He will defeat all the schemes and agents of Satan and will have Satan cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. He will then establish His throne on earth and we shall rule and reign with Him.
Zechariah 4:4-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-6
14. RESURRECTION, JUDGMENT, AND FINAL DESTINY: Satan shall be released at the end of the thousand years to attempt the deception of the faithful. He shall be bound and cast into the eternal lake of fire. All the sinful dead shall be raised in a general resurrection to stand with the faithful before the judgment seat of God – “they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” We believe that glorious and everlasting life is assured to all who believe in and obediently follow Jesus Christ our Lord and that the impenitent shall suffer for all eternity in hell, being cast into the lake of fire prepared for Satan, his angels, the beast, the false prophet, and all who follow him.
Daniel 12:1-2; Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 9:43-48; 1 Corinthians
15:42-55; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8
15. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS:
a. Marriage and the Christian Home: God instituted marriage for the intimate companionship of husband and wife (one man and one woman), and for the procreation and nurture of children. Those who marry in this church must share a common Christian commitment—a believer should not marry a non-believer. While we acknowledge that some marriages harbor tremendous suffering which may demand difficult interventions, we also acknowledge that divorce grieves the Lord. This church will not solemnize a same-sex marriage nor will this church knowingly allow same-sex partners to commune at the Lord’s Table. Christian parents should nurture their children through exemplary godly living, by praying for them, by leading them in family devotion, by bringing them to church, by teaching them the Scriptures, and by disciplining them in a manner pleasing to the Lord.
Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18-24; Proverbs 5:18-19; Malachi 2:13-16; Matthew
5:31-32; 19:4-9; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians
5:22-23, 6:4; Hebrews 13:4
b. The Lord’s Day and Work: God intended mankind to work diligently and honestly in his chosen vocation and to use that vocation as a witness to the living presence of Christ. Following the New Testament example, believers commemorate the resurrection of Christ on the first day of the week. On the Lord’s Day believers are admonished to especially occupy themselves with worship, instruction in the Word, Christian fellowship and service, and refreshing themselves in body and soul. Labor on Sunday should be limited to works of necessity, alleviating need, and acts of mercy.
Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-10; Matthew 6:33; Luke 24:1-36; Acts 2:1;
20:7; Romans 14:5-6; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12;
Hebrews 10:23-25
c. Oaths and Memberships: Christ forbids the swearing of oaths. Christians are obligated to speak the truth because they are always in the presence of God. Therefore, in legal settings, we simply affirm the truth. Likewise, because many lodges and secret societies require the use of oaths (as well as foster intimate alliances with unbelievers, advocate the study and protection of secret knowledge, make use of initiations and ceremonies that often deride or mimic and mock the Faith, and frequently use/misinterpret the Scriptures in heretical ways), we discourage membership in secret societies but rather seek to promote their intended beneficence through community service, fellowship, and brotherhood within and through the safety of the church.
Ezekiel 8:6-13; Matthew 4:9-10; 5:33-37; 23:1-12; John 18:19-23;
2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:6-13; James 5:12
d. Tithing. Tithing is an act of worship, stewardship, and obedience. We do not ‘enforce’ or ‘police’ tithing but simply declare what Scripture says, “The tithe belongs to the Lord,” and that refusal to tithe is a robbery committed against God. We understand the biblical tithe to mean one tenth of a member’s regular substance or increase. Tithing is the means by which the church is sustained and the message of Jesus Christ is proclaimed to the world. Gifts, alms for the poor, and offerings are all in addition to the tithe.
Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 6:21; 23:23;
2 Corinthians 9:7
e. Christian Discipline. Christians live in a world of brokenness and temptation and, in spite of the prompting of the Holy Spirit, may fall to the desires of the old nature – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. If a member of the church persists in sin and brings shame to his personal testimony, to the church, and to Christ, we hold to the biblical pattern for addressing such sin: first, that he may be privately spoken to by one member of the congregation so as to be reconciled by Christ; next, privately by two or three; and finally, publically by the congregation. If repentance is demonstrated, we have regained our brother. If his heart is calloused and recalcitrant, he shall be put out of the church. Discipline serves the dual purpose of safeguarding the purity and local testimony of the Bride of Christ and of restoring a brother to full love and fellowship within the congregation.
Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-12;
2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15
f. Dietary Laws or Restrictions: There are no dietary laws or restrictions placed on the members of this church accept to understand that our physical bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. In the matter of food and drink, we do Him honor by tending ourselves with biblical care and moderation in all things so long as our public example in these matters does not cause another brother or sister to stumble in their faith. We also advocate the superiority of whole, natural, fresh, non-GMO, unadulterated, non-highly processed, local simply-processed foods.
Genesis 9:3; Mark 7:18-19; John 2:9-10; Acts 10:14-15; 1 Corinthians
8:4-13; 10:23-33; 1Timothy 5:23
g. Military and Public Service: There are no restrictions placed on the decision of our members to serve in the Armed Forces. We believe such a decision to be a matter of personal conscience for the member in prayerful communion with God. We do pray, however, for that day when they will “beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Likewise, inasmuch as the Holy Spirit calls believers from all walks and stations of life, we place no restrictions on holding public office, serving in law enforcement, or engaging in public trade or interest so long as our labor is conducted with honesty, dignity, and with a clear reflection of the lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives.
Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3; Matthew 8:8-10; Luke 2:12-14; Acts 8:26-29;
16:29-34; Philippians 4:22
h. Funeral and Burial Requirements: We hold no formal opinion to the disposition of the deceased involving autopsies, the use of mortuary activity, or decisions regarding the choice between internment or cremation. Each family is able to prayerfully consider the options available to them. The body of the deceased, however, will be accorded the greatest possible level of dignity. Funeral services conducted by Holy Trinity Chapel will be according to the Tradition of the Church and the hope of resurrection, and will restrict any secular inclusions. Additionally, the Rector may deem it necessary to forgo participation in a funeral if such secular dignities requested by the family are contrary to Scripture and this Statement of Faith. If such is the case, all arrangements will be turned over to the care of the funeral director.
1 Samuel 25:1; 31:12; 2 Kings 23:17; Jeremiah 34:5; Matthew
27:52-23; John 5:28
i. Sin and Scripture: We acknowledge that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We also acknowledge that we must constantly submit our lives to God as a part of abstaining from the sins of the flesh. Thus, we stand with Scripture where it clearly speaks of these sins as a grievous abomination to the Lord and understand that those who habitually practice such sins without repentance and amendment of life have no part in the kingdom of heaven. These sins include: sexual immorality (including co-habitation), debauchery, idolatry, murder, witchcraft, adultery, prostitution, homosexuality, thievery, greed, drunkenness, orgies, gossip, blasphemy, and swindling. We also stand opposed to all New Age and Eastern expressions of higher spiritual consciousness practiced through such popular means as Reiki, Tai Chi, yoga, transcendental meditation, crystal healing, reflexology, horoscopes, labyrinth walks, etc.
Romans 1:21-32; 3:23; 6:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10,19; 9:27; Galatians
5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5; 1Timothy 1:19-20; 1 John
2:15-17; Revelation 22:15
EXPLANATIONS AND REFERENCES
1. The Triune Godhead: God eternally exists as a trinity, revealing Himself in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – having each the same nature, attributes, and perfections and being worthy of the same worship and confidence. We refer to this interrelationship within the Trinity as the “Three in One and the One in Three” (i.e., the ‘tri-unity’ of God).
Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 14:16-17
a. God the Father: God is the absolute and sole Creator of all that exists, material and immaterial, through the agency of Jesus Christ. The Father has revealed Himself to all of mankind through natural theology and through specific revelation across the ages culminating in the incarnation of His Son. He is a God of love and holiness who orders all things to serve His eternal purposes. Through mercy and grace He adopts as His children all who repent of their sins, trusting in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Acts 17:24-25; Romans 1:20; Galatians 4:4-5;
Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 72:11; 1 John 4:10
b. God the Son: Jesus Christ is the co-eternal Son of God, Second Member of the Trinity, whom the Father sent to reconcile us to Himself in order to redeem us from the penalty of sin and eternal death. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and through the mystery of the incarnation--being born of the Virgin Mary--became flesh and dwelt among us. Thus He is true God and true man according to the Scriptures. He lived a perfect, holy, and sinless life. In submission to the redemptive purposes of God, He suffered crucifixion and death as a sacrifice for original sin and for all the transgressions of mankind. He physically rose from the dead for our justification and ascended into heaven where He now intercedes as the true High Priest for all who believe. He will return again in the body to judge the living and the dead and to establish His eternal kingdom.
Matthew 1:20-25; Luke 1:26-35; John 1:1-18; Acts 2:22-36; Romans
8:3; 8:32-34; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:12-22;
1 Timothy 6:14-16; Hebrews 1:1-5; 7:22-28; 1 John 1:1-3; 4:2-3,25;
Revelation 22:7,12
c. God the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is one with the Father and the Son in nature, majesty, and glory. As the Administrator of God’s grace to all mankind, He was sent by them to effect and seal the redemption of those who believe in Jesus Christ. He convicts, regenerates, guides, teaches, rebukes, indwells, empowers, comforts, intercedes, and unites all believers into one Body. He points to the supremacy of Jesus Christ in all things. His role continues to be an ongoing active one in the Church, imparting gifts to believers for the encouraging and up-building of the Household of Faith.
John 7:39; 14:15-18,26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:33; 15;8-9; 19:1-7; Romans
8:1-27; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11,27-31; 14:1-40; Galatians 3:1-14; 4:6;
Ephesians 3:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13;
1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 3:24; 4:13
2. The Scriptures Inspired: The Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired by God and are the revelation of God to mankind. The Holy Scriptures are inerrant in the original manuscripts and have been preserved by God as a divinely authoritative rule for our faith and conduct.
2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21
3. Sin and the Fall of Mankind: Man was created good and upright. Yet through the disobedience of our first parents sin came into the world, and physical, eternal death by sin. Sin is of two kinds: original sin and actual (or personal) sin.
a. Original Sin: Original sin entered the offspring of Adam like an infectious 'disease' of the godly image in which mankind was created, producing an eternal impasse between us and God. The result of this infection to our nature is death, physical and spiritual. Original sin also corrupted all of physical nature; a curse under which it continues to groan.
Genesis 3:1-24; 6:5; Job 15:14; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Mark
7:21-23; Romans 1:18-25; 5:12-14; 7:1-8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4;
Galatians 5:16-25; 1 John 1:7-8
b. Actual sin: Actual sin is a voluntary violation of a known law of God by a morally responsible person. It is the outworking of Adam's hereditary 'disease' within us which, when given free reign, turns our iniquity into actual transgressions against God’s law of love.
cf., Matthew 22:36-40; John 8:34-36; 16:8-9; Romans 3:23; 6:15-23;
8:18-24; 14:23; 1 John 1:9-2:4; 3:4,7-10
c. Fall and Condemnation: All of mankind is heir to the fall of Adam and corporately subject to a depraved world, its dark prince, and its coming judgment. Every individual is accountable before God for his actual sins and either accepting, neglecting, or rejecting the remedy for that sin provided by God.
John 8:44; Romans 3:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; Hebrews 10:27;
Revelation 20:11-13
4. Atonement: Jesus Christ made a full atonement (i.e., the 'cure' for our disease) for all human sin by His physical suffering; shedding of blood; and substitutionary, meritorious death on the cross. The sacrifice of His sinless life is the only grounds for our salvation; sufficient for every member of Adam’s fallen race, but only efficacious for those who repent and believe.
Isaiah 53:5-6,11; Mark 10:45; Luke 24:46-48; John 1:29; 3:14-17;
Acts 4:1-12; Romans 3:21-26; 4:17-25; 5:6-21; 1 Corinthians 6:20;
2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Galatians 1:3-4; 3:13-14; Colossians 1:19-23;
1 Timothy 2:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:9; 9:11-14; 13:12; 1 Peter
1:18-21; 2:19-25; 1 John 2:1-2
5. Free Will: Mankind’s creation in the image of God included the ability to choose between right and wrong, thus making us morally responsible and accountable. We can choose or reject God’s remedy for our sinful state and, once chosen, may subsequently choose to apostatize – turning our backs on God – and fall from grace. We do not hold to the doctrines of divine election (i.e., that God pre-ordains those who will inherit heaven and those who will be sentenced to hell) or irresistible grace (i.e., that you are “once saved always saved”). God will honor and judge us according to our choices, whether for good or ill.
Genesis 1:26; 2:16-17; Deuteronomy 28:1-2; 30:19; Joshua 24:15;
Psalm 8:3-5; Isaiah 1:8-10; Jeremiah 31:29-30; Ezekiel 18:1-4; Micah
6:8; Matthew 7:21-23; Romans 1:19-20; 2:1-16; 14:7-12; Galatians
6:7-8; Hebrews 10:26-31; Revelation 2:4-5; 3:1-3; 20:11-15; 21:27
6. Salvation: Salvation is the gift of God toward repentant mankind through Jesus Christ, ministered to us through justification, regeneration, and adoption.
a. Justification: Justification is the gracious and legal act of God whereby He grants us full pardon of all guilt and complete release from the penalty of our sins, both original and personal. We are accepted as being righteous “just as if” we had not sinned.
Psalm 32:3; Zechariah 3:4; John 5:24; Acts 13:39; Romans 5:16-19;
Colossians 2:13-14
b. Regeneration: Regeneration, or the ‘new birth’, is that gracious work of God whereby the moral nature of the repentant believer is spiritually quickened and given a distinctly spiritual life capable of faith, love, and obedience toward God.
Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 24:7; Hebrews 8:10; Ezekiel 11:19-20;
37:1-14; John 13:8; Romans 7:6; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:5-6;
Titus 3:5-6; Hebrews 10:22-23
c. Adoption: Adoption is that gracious act of God by which the justified and regenerated believer is constituted and declared as a son or daughter of God.
Deuteronomy 26:18; 28:10; Isaiah 43:6; Matthew 13:43; John 1:12-13;
Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Galatians 3:26; Revelation 21:7
d. Grace and Seal: Justification, regeneration, and adoption, while distinct elements and operations within the gift of salvation, are worked out simultaneously within the seeker of God and are obtained upon the condition of faith, preceded by repentance, and followed by good works. This condition of grace is witnessed by, sealed under, and effected through the Holy Spirit.
Mark 1:15; John 20:31; Acts 2:38;; Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10;
Titus 3:14; Hebrews 10:24; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30
7. Sanctification: Sanctification of the believer is both immediate and progressive; one is the gracious act of God, the other is the conscientious and obedient work of the believer throughout his lifetime as a Christian. Sanctification is the process whereby we are “set apart” and “made holy” for life and service in the presence of God. Whereas salvation frees and separates us from sin and judgment, sanctification prepares and equips us for heaven and glory.
a. Immediate Sanctification: By immediate sanctification we mean that perfect work of God by which believers are made free from original sin and brought into a state of grace (i.e., a pure heart) wherein we are free to choose a life of entire devotion and holy obedience. It is wrought by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation. Immediate sanctification is provided by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ and received in whole by faith.
Ezekiel 36:25-27; Luke 23:43; Acts 2:41; Romans 3:21-31; 8:1-4;
Ephesians 2:8-9
b. Progressive Sanctification: By progressive sanctification we mean the ongoing work of the believer to take what God has given us – a pure heart that desires to grow in grace – and actively train it up into a mature and Christ-like character. This desire must be consciously nurtured with careful attention given to the biblical requirements for holy standards of Christian living. Without intentional endeavor to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” one’s witness may be impaired, the grace of God frustrated, and our names removed from the Book of Life.
Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:17-5:21; Philippians
2:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
8. THE CHURCH: The Church is simultaneously and variously constituted as the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ, the community that confesses Jesus Christ as Lord, the covenant people of God made new in Christ, those who are called out from the world, and those who are called together by the Holy Spirit. God calls the Church to express its common life through various means: (1) in the unity and fellowship of the Holy Spirit; (2) in worship, preaching, and observance of the sacraments; (3) in ministry to one another in His Name; (4) by obedience to Christ as the Head of the Church; (5) through personal and corporate discipleship; and (6) through mutual accountability one to another. The mission of the Church to the world is to continue the redemptive work of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit through the witness of holy living, prayer and intercession, evangelism, and service. The Church Universal is comprised of the faithful across all ages, standing alongside of us as that “great cloud of witnesses.” The Church also exists as local congregations, organized to express local and cultural customs without deviating from the Great Tradition which organically binds them to the True Church, the ‘Spiritual Israel’. God calls the Church (and local churches) to abide under His rule in anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Exodus 19:3; Jeremiah 31:33; Matthew 8:11; 10:7; 16:13-19,24;
18:15-20; 24:31-46; 28:19-20; John 17:14-26; 20:21-23; Acts 1:7-8;
2:32-47; 6:1-2; 13:1; 14:23; Romans 2:28-29; 4;16; 10:9-15; 11:13-32;
12:1-8; 15:1-3; 1 Corinthians 5:11-6:1; Galatians 5:6,13-14; 6:1-5,15;
Ephesians 4:1-17; 5:25-27; Philippians 2:1-16; 1 Thessalonians
4:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:19-25; 1 Peter 1:1-2,13;
2:4-12,21; 4:10-11; 1 John 4:17; Jude 1:24; Revelation 5:9-10
9. TANGIBLE GRACE: Inasmuch as God desires to confer grace to His children, we believe that we accept this grace in two kinds: intangible grace through the Holy Spirit and tangible grace through the ministration of the sacraments by the divine ordinance of Christ. While those believers who participate in such solemn sacramental actions as nuptials, ordination, confession and reconciliation, laying on of hands for healing, etc., receive a special impartation of grace according to the act, all believers (e.g., married or single, clergy or laity, etc.) are privileged and commanded by Christ to enjoy the two Great Sacraments of the Church: baptism and communion.
a. Baptism: Christ, through His clear and unambiguous command, bids every believer to be joined to Him through baptism as a matter of obedience. Baptism is the mark of inclusion into the community of Christ; the New Testament Church knew nothing of a non-baptized Christian. Baptism, while a witness and testimony to the faith of the individual, is also instrumental in nature. Through baptism the believer enters the ‘name’ of the Trinity, is born again, is saved, is buried in Christ’s death and raised with Him in resurrection, and is incorporated into the Body of Christ. These effects of baptism are not automatic but are conditioned by faith and repentance on the part of the believer and by the working of the Holy Spirit on the part of God. The preferred method for baptism in this congregation is by full immersion in water according to the ‘formula’ declared by Christ (i.e., “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”) though physical limitations may require the use of other methods. We accept the baptism of those seeking church membership who have been baptized in other churches by either immersion or affusion (i.e., sprinkling or pouring), and will not require re-baptism for those who were baptized or christened as infants so long as they demonstrate the evidence of having matured into their Christian faith as claimed for them by their parents. The baptism of youth and adults is preferred by reason of their conscious decision in understanding the claims of Christ on their lives. The baptism of infants and young children—a longstanding tradition in the Historic Church—will be left to the decision of the rector and parents; for this parish, however, infant baptism is strongly encouraged.
Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38; 8:34-38; 16:33;
22:16; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Colossians
2:12; 1 Peter 3:18-21
b. Communion: Referred to variously as The Lord’s Supper or Holy Eucharist, Communion is our visible declaration and spiritual participation in Christ’s once-for-all perfect sacrifice for our sins till He comes again. It is served to those who are prepared in reverent appreciation of its significance. Through the prayers of consecration, the elements of Communion are set apart by the Holy Spirit as the spiritual yet tangible “body and blood” of Christ. The elements of bread and wine, once consecrated, are only served to those who have placed their faith in the redeeming work of Christ, who have received the mark of Christian baptism, and who walk in love with their fellow brothers and sisters. In this sense, the Table of the Lord is both ‘inclusive’—open to all obedient Christians (members and guests alike), and ‘exclusive’—closed to those believers who non-baptized or are grievously disobedient, or visitors who are non-believers or members of cults or foreign religions. The normal practice for the distribution of the elements is to invite the communicants forward to the altar and there receive the elements. Communicants can receive the bread and cup (eating and drinking each element individually) or by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup). We will observe communion on a weekly basis (more frequently if practicable) in obedience to the Lord’s command and in keeping with the traditional practice of the Ancient Church.
Exodus 12:1-14; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20;
John 6:28-58; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:14-21; 11:20-34
10. DIVINE HEALING: Divine healing is an integral part of the Good News. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement, and is the privilege of all believers. Members of this church are urged to seek anointing, the laying on of hands, and the prayer of faith for the healing of the sick. However, when deemed necessary the skill and ministration of doctors should not be refused.
Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16
11. THE GREAT TRIBULATION: This age will end with a Great Tribulation by which the earth and fallen mankind will be purged by God’s punishment and wrath. The Tribulation will also be that time when God’s supreme authority will prevail over the Beast, the False Prophet, and the Antichrist. The physical return of Christ to earth will mark the end of the Tribulation.
Daniel 9:20-27; Matthew 24:4-50; Mark 13:5-24; Luke 21:8-26;
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 6-18
12. RAPTURE OF THE SAINTS: The Lord Jesus Christ will return in the clouds and rapture to Himself the faithful of all ages. We who are alive at His coming shall not precede them who have died in the faith. They shall rise from the dead first and we shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air, so that we shall ever be with the Lord. The rapture of the saints will coincide with the Great Tribulation. We shall not set a time during the Tribulation when this shall happen (for there are various biblically supported doctrines concerning this matter); we simply testify that it will happen and enjoin all believers to keep watch and be ready.
Matthew 24:30-31,40-42; Mark 13:26-27; Luke 21:27-28; John 14:1-3;
Acts 1:9-11; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 7:9-10
13. THE PHYSICAL RETURN AND MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST: The Great Tribulation will end with the physical return of Christ to earth. He shall be accompanied with the armies of heaven and the saints of faith. He will defeat all the schemes and agents of Satan and will have Satan cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. He will then establish His throne on earth and we shall rule and reign with Him.
Zechariah 4:4-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-6
14. RESURRECTION, JUDGMENT, AND FINAL DESTINY: Satan shall be released at the end of the thousand years to attempt the deception of the faithful. He shall be bound and cast into the eternal lake of fire. All the sinful dead shall be raised in a general resurrection to stand with the faithful before the judgment seat of God – “they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” We believe that glorious and everlasting life is assured to all who believe in and obediently follow Jesus Christ our Lord and that the impenitent shall suffer for all eternity in hell, being cast into the lake of fire prepared for Satan, his angels, the beast, the false prophet, and all who follow him.
Daniel 12:1-2; Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 9:43-48; 1 Corinthians
15:42-55; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8
15. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS:
a. Marriage and the Christian Home: God instituted marriage for the intimate companionship of husband and wife (one man and one woman), and for the procreation and nurture of children. Those who marry in this church must share a common Christian commitment—a believer should not marry a non-believer. While we acknowledge that some marriages harbor tremendous suffering which may demand difficult interventions, we also acknowledge that divorce grieves the Lord. This church will not solemnize a same-sex marriage nor will this church knowingly allow same-sex partners to commune at the Lord’s Table. Christian parents should nurture their children through exemplary godly living, by praying for them, by leading them in family devotion, by bringing them to church, by teaching them the Scriptures, and by disciplining them in a manner pleasing to the Lord.
Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18-24; Proverbs 5:18-19; Malachi 2:13-16; Matthew
5:31-32; 19:4-9; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians
5:22-23, 6:4; Hebrews 13:4
b. The Lord’s Day and Work: God intended mankind to work diligently and honestly in his chosen vocation and to use that vocation as a witness to the living presence of Christ. Following the New Testament example, believers commemorate the resurrection of Christ on the first day of the week. On the Lord’s Day believers are admonished to especially occupy themselves with worship, instruction in the Word, Christian fellowship and service, and refreshing themselves in body and soul. Labor on Sunday should be limited to works of necessity, alleviating need, and acts of mercy.
Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-10; Matthew 6:33; Luke 24:1-36; Acts 2:1;
20:7; Romans 14:5-6; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12;
Hebrews 10:23-25
c. Oaths and Memberships: Christ forbids the swearing of oaths. Christians are obligated to speak the truth because they are always in the presence of God. Therefore, in legal settings, we simply affirm the truth. Likewise, because many lodges and secret societies require the use of oaths (as well as foster intimate alliances with unbelievers, advocate the study and protection of secret knowledge, make use of initiations and ceremonies that often deride or mimic and mock the Faith, and frequently use/misinterpret the Scriptures in heretical ways), we discourage membership in secret societies but rather seek to promote their intended beneficence through community service, fellowship, and brotherhood within and through the safety of the church.
Ezekiel 8:6-13; Matthew 4:9-10; 5:33-37; 23:1-12; John 18:19-23;
2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:6-13; James 5:12
d. Tithing. Tithing is an act of worship, stewardship, and obedience. We do not ‘enforce’ or ‘police’ tithing but simply declare what Scripture says, “The tithe belongs to the Lord,” and that refusal to tithe is a robbery committed against God. We understand the biblical tithe to mean one tenth of a member’s regular substance or increase. Tithing is the means by which the church is sustained and the message of Jesus Christ is proclaimed to the world. Gifts, alms for the poor, and offerings are all in addition to the tithe.
Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 6:21; 23:23;
2 Corinthians 9:7
e. Christian Discipline. Christians live in a world of brokenness and temptation and, in spite of the prompting of the Holy Spirit, may fall to the desires of the old nature – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. If a member of the church persists in sin and brings shame to his personal testimony, to the church, and to Christ, we hold to the biblical pattern for addressing such sin: first, that he may be privately spoken to by one member of the congregation so as to be reconciled by Christ; next, privately by two or three; and finally, publically by the congregation. If repentance is demonstrated, we have regained our brother. If his heart is calloused and recalcitrant, he shall be put out of the church. Discipline serves the dual purpose of safeguarding the purity and local testimony of the Bride of Christ and of restoring a brother to full love and fellowship within the congregation.
Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-12;
2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15
f. Dietary Laws or Restrictions: There are no dietary laws or restrictions placed on the members of this church accept to understand that our physical bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. In the matter of food and drink, we do Him honor by tending ourselves with biblical care and moderation in all things so long as our public example in these matters does not cause another brother or sister to stumble in their faith. We also advocate the superiority of whole, natural, fresh, non-GMO, unadulterated, non-highly processed, local simply-processed foods.
Genesis 9:3; Mark 7:18-19; John 2:9-10; Acts 10:14-15; 1 Corinthians
8:4-13; 10:23-33; 1Timothy 5:23
g. Military and Public Service: There are no restrictions placed on the decision of our members to serve in the Armed Forces. We believe such a decision to be a matter of personal conscience for the member in prayerful communion with God. We do pray, however, for that day when they will “beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Likewise, inasmuch as the Holy Spirit calls believers from all walks and stations of life, we place no restrictions on holding public office, serving in law enforcement, or engaging in public trade or interest so long as our labor is conducted with honesty, dignity, and with a clear reflection of the lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives.
Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3; Matthew 8:8-10; Luke 2:12-14; Acts 8:26-29;
16:29-34; Philippians 4:22
h. Funeral and Burial Requirements: We hold no formal opinion to the disposition of the deceased involving autopsies, the use of mortuary activity, or decisions regarding the choice between internment or cremation. Each family is able to prayerfully consider the options available to them. The body of the deceased, however, will be accorded the greatest possible level of dignity. Funeral services conducted by Holy Trinity Chapel will be according to the Tradition of the Church and the hope of resurrection, and will restrict any secular inclusions. Additionally, the Rector may deem it necessary to forgo participation in a funeral if such secular dignities requested by the family are contrary to Scripture and this Statement of Faith. If such is the case, all arrangements will be turned over to the care of the funeral director.
1 Samuel 25:1; 31:12; 2 Kings 23:17; Jeremiah 34:5; Matthew
27:52-23; John 5:28
i. Sin and Scripture: We acknowledge that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We also acknowledge that we must constantly submit our lives to God as a part of abstaining from the sins of the flesh. Thus, we stand with Scripture where it clearly speaks of these sins as a grievous abomination to the Lord and understand that those who habitually practice such sins without repentance and amendment of life have no part in the kingdom of heaven. These sins include: sexual immorality (including co-habitation), debauchery, idolatry, murder, witchcraft, adultery, prostitution, homosexuality, thievery, greed, drunkenness, orgies, gossip, blasphemy, and swindling. We also stand opposed to all New Age and Eastern expressions of higher spiritual consciousness practiced through such popular means as Reiki, Tai Chi, yoga, transcendental meditation, crystal healing, reflexology, horoscopes, labyrinth walks, etc.
Romans 1:21-32; 3:23; 6:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10,19; 9:27; Galatians
5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5; 1Timothy 1:19-20; 1 John
2:15-17; Revelation 22:15