What We Believe
‘But thou hast fully known my doctrine,
manner of life,
purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience…’
(2 Timothy 3:10).
If you want to go directly to the
pages that provide our doctrinal statement, click the link of your choice;
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Basic Doctrinal Statement
-
Detailed Doctrinal Statement
If you wish to understand why we
provide two statements and so much in them, read on below...
Why it is import for you
to know what we believe
I am often disappointed when I come across Christian
websites or brochures that
provide introductory materials for Christian churches or organizations. I am
often disappointed because a doctrinal statement is either not provided at all, or what is provided
is so brief and vague that the person looking through the information is often left
wondering about some specific points.
Brief and vague doctrinal statements are more likely to entice more
people to make use of an organization’s services, because more people are likely to
believe the organization is in agreement with their own beliefs. This can be okay if the
organization and the individual seeking services are both doctrinally sound. But, it is
not okay if either one is doctrinally askew, or if they unknowingly differ in areas not
covered in the doctrinal statement.
The Biblical example is for individuals or organizations to fully disclose
their doctrinal position. This will likely decrease the number of those who would
venture past the introductory materials, just as the Bible teaches that many will be
offended by the gospel. Yet, I believe that full disclosure is what Paul practiced as was
reflected in his statement…
‘But thou hast fully known my doctrine,
manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience…’
(2 Timothy 3:10).
Web sites have a tremendous opportunity to lead people to saving faith in Jesus
Christ, and also to build up the body of Christ. But such can only be done if all is
soundly based upon God’s word. For example, one cannot be born again apart from the
word of God…
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of
incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (1 Peter 1:23).
No, we are not
worshipping the Bible. The Bible itself states that the Word is magnified
above the Name of God (Psalm 138:1) Thus, the
Word of God is integral to the entire divine process by which people are brought to faith
in Christ. The Word teaches that it is not by any human works, but by God’s
divine grace, that people are saved through faith and simple confession in; the Person of
Jesus Christ, His finished work, and His resurrection…
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt
be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not
of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should
boast. (Ephesians 2:2–9)
"Grace" in the original Greek here
is translated from χάριτι.
No matter how you look at it, this express describes some received by someone
who does not deserve it and has not paid for it. Thus, it is a "gift" (δῶρον)
of God.
It is obvious that the Spirit
of God is not speaking of the works of the world that can help a person to be
saved. After all, who would believe a person could be saved by committed
adultery, lying, stealing, or committing murder? He is speaking of religious
works instead that cannot save or help a person to be saved. Such works
would including, but are not limited to; joining a church, practicing the
religious rites of a church (including baptism, christening, given money, etc).
Even though talking to the Lord in prayer is how a person receives the gift of
eternal live, it is not the labor of daily prayers (as mentioned in Colossians
4:12) that completes or helps to keep one saved. Moreover, even Paul made clear
distinction in his winning people to Christ to save them and baptizing them.
17For Christ sent
me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of wordsc,
lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (1 Corinthians
1:17)
I am made all things to all
men, that I might by all
means save some. (1 Corinthians
9:22b)
Though Paul was sent to all people to
preach the gospel to save them, he frankly stated that his calling did not
including baptizing, and he rarely baptized people:
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and
Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in
mine own name. And I baptized also the household of
Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. (1 Corinthians
1:14-16)
Baptism and other religious and spiritual
works were not important to Paul -- to get them saved-- but preaching the gospel
as expressed in the Word of God was. This is not to say that there is no need
for new believers to be baptized, because there is a need! However, the
need is not to help a person be saved, but it is to enable a new believer to
openly and publicly identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ,
and to declare his or her new birth and intentions to walk with the Lord in that
new life.
Since it is likely that ~60 - 75% of the
2.3 billion people that profess to be Christians today struggle with this issue,
I will develop this a little further, beginning with the following:
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized
into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with
him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by
the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
(Romans 6:3-4)
The word "baptize" (translated
from βαπτίζω) in the New Testament is a word that refers to
identification, not a washing. For example;
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be
ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed
through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses
in the cloud and in the sea; (1 Corinthians 10:1-2)
During the people of Israel's exodus from
Egypt, the people of Israel were not washed by Moses or even put under the water
by him. Instead, they were identified with him. In fact, the people with
Moses were miraculously keep "dry" as they passed through a very wet sea. This
is the New Testament usus loquendi (local usage) of the word baptism.
The usage of the word denotes that of identifying with something, not
washing something. There is an other word used in the New Testament for
"washing." However, it is not translated from
βαπτίζω, it is
λουτρόν. This refers to washing something away or off, unlike the meaning
of "baptize."
Salvation is a gift that can only be
received as a gift -- apart for all works -- including all forms of water
baptism. Receiving Christian "salvation" in any other manner results in a
person being deceived into believing they are saved and right with God when they
are not, which is a very precarious and possibly damning position for the
deceived.
The Lord expressed this concern through the
Apostle Paul, when He had Paul to write:
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that
called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not
another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of
Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you,
let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now
again, If any man
preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be
accursed. (Galatians 1:6-9)
Notice, the true saving Gospel is compared
to being "called into the grace of Christ." Any other gospel that is not
of grace (thus, of works), cannot save, and is cursed of God. The same is true
for those who proclaim a gospel of works and for those who believe it.
It is the Spirit of God that draws a person to faith in Christ. He also
performs the supernatural act of washing away sin and bringing about the rebirth in the
believer…
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath
sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:44)
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing (λουτρόν) of regeneration
( i.e., being born again), and renewing of the
Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5–6)
Thus, it is not a believer's being baptized in water
that saves or completes his or her salvation, it is the spiritual baptism that
takes place when a person puts their faith in the Lord Jesus and is
simultaneously born-again by the same Spirit.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,
whether we be Jews
or Gentiles, whether
we be bond or free; and have been all made to
drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians
12:13) [Joining a church on earth does not get a person into the body of
Christ. It is the baptism by the Holy Spirit that accomplishes it by
identifying a new believer as child of God.]
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) [The Greek grammar here
shows that the "gift of the Holy Ghost," is not the Holy Spirit Himself, but
something the Holy Spirit gives, which is eternal life that achieved and
received through the new birth.]
While
Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as
came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of
the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues (true gift of diverse
tongues that ceased when the word of God was completed [1 Corinthians
13:8-10]), and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have
received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in
the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (Acts
10:44-48) [Like all today, the Spirit of God baptizes people at the moment
they put their faith in Christ as they confess Him as Lord from the heart.
Notice also, that after this Spiritual baptism had taken place, Peter sought
to convince the other six Jews with him that they should not resist water
baptizing these new born again believers and children of God to identify them
publicly as followers of Jesus Christ.]
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove
your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you
(in the Person of the Holy Spirit), except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians
13:5) ["Reprobate" is from a word that means non-genuine or non-approved. It
is another way of describing a person that is lost. This means that a person
cannot be saved and not have the Spirit of God in her or him. In, John 3:34,
we are told that the Lord does not give His Spirit by measure or in part. That
means that a person either has the Spirit of God or they do not. They do not
get a little of Him when she or he first gets saved, then get the rest or the
fullness of Him later and subsequently when she or he experiences the Baptism
of the Holy Spirit.]
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be
that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of
Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9) [Again, if a person has not the Spirit
of God dwelling them, which occurs when a person is baptized by the Spirit of
God, which takes place simultaneously when she or he expresses faith in Christ
and is born again, they cannot be a child of God and they are lost and
destined for hell.
Consequently, God's Word teaches that a
person can only be a part of body of Christ after having been baptized by the
Spirit of God. It is impossible for a person to be saved, having had their sins
forgiven, be destined for heaven, and yet not having been baptized by the Spirit
of God. In addition, there is no way a person can be saved or born again at
some point, then subsequently and later be baptized by the spirit of God. This
is one of many errors with many modern day Charismatics.
With all the above having been said, it is the word of God being shared by someone and also being received by the
hearer that makes the new birth and salvation possible…
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not
believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall
they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14)
It is not the word of God that is to be worshipped—it is the
Word made flesh
(John 1:14), the Lord Jesus Christ, who is to be worshipped. The true nature of the Lord
Jesus is inseparable from His word. It is by obeying and practicing the word of God that
believers can obey and worship the Lord Jesus. To worship Him in Spirit and in truth is to
worship the one who is revealed in the word of God, and according to God's word.
The importance of the word of God in God’s eternal scheme is evident from
even Old Testament times…
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy
name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above
all thy name. (Psalm 138:2)
The word of God is the avenue that people must travel in their quest to find God
and His perfect will for their lives. God expresses Himself through the word by doctrine.
And it is this doctrine that is all important in leading the lost to Christ and building
up and maturing those whom have already been saved and are seeking to grow from the milk
and meat of God’s word…
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word,
that ye may grow thereby: (1 Peter 2:2)
If any ministry or Christian organization professes to provide a spiritual
service to believers or non-believer, it must focus on the Word of God...
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth
nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are
life. (John 6:63)
Christian ministries must also focus on all doctrine, and all
scripture, for the Bible itself teaches that all scripture, and all
doctrine, is essential…
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. (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
Without promoting all doctrine that is based upon all scripture as the
divine basis in any ‘ministry,’ its activities are mere expressions of religious
altruism or marketing the sacred at best.
It is understandable that not all people wish to immediately engage in reading a
long doctrinal statement upon first being introduced to a ministry. This is especially
true when they are merely ‘browsing’ to see what is available. An initial brief
doctrinal statement concerning what some refer to as the 'essentials' is often all they
want.
However, when a person takes the step of going from mere browsing to becoming an
active participant, supporter, or receiver of services or goods, the need for full
doctrinal understanding and agreement become paramount. Agreement on the so-called
essentials is not enough.
God inspired the Apostle Paul to admonish the believers in Corinth to strive for
such perfect agreement that they all thought (‘same mind’) and said the same
things!
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no
divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind
and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
The context from which the previous passage was taken indicates that Paul’s
instruction on perfect agreement concerned Christian ideas and teaching (1:5–6), as
would be expressed in doctrine. When a group of believers are not in perfect agreement on
doctrine there are rents or tears (‘divisions’) that prevent true unity. When
such unity is absent, then quarrelsome strife (‘contentions’, 1:11,) ensues. The
word ‘contentions’ is translated from the Greek e[ride",
from which the English language gets the word heresy. Such contention may be overt
and intensely disruptive, or it may be relegated to the background and overlooked to
various degrees. Whether the strife is on the surface or below it, it is still there, and
it is disruptive to the cause of Christ and the Kingdom of God.
Paul’s instruction was for each believer to turn to the study of God’s
word and seek to arrive at the truth with the help, and by the power, of God’s
spirit. As each arrived at the truth they would also find themselves coming into perfect
spiritual harmony with each other.
Contrariwise, the modern ecumenical movement encourages each party to
‘overlook’ the differences in order to come together in some kind of humanistic
unity and pseudo-harmony. Such people may often link arms and sway side to side while they
look joyfully and starry-eyed up to heaven while singing spiritual songs of praise.
Other’s find common ground by speaking in 'unknown tongues.' But unfortunately, when
the lost witness such practices they often shake their heads and walk away in disgust,
believing that they have seen mad fanaticism in operation—which is exactly what Paul
said would occur…
If therefore the whole church be
come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or
unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? (1 Corinthians 14:23)
The beloved lost, whom the Spirit of the Father is drawing to his son, are usually
looking for something with true spiritual substance, understanding, and comprehension. The
Spirit of God prompts them to look for something real, something more than
‘religion,’ and something that transcends human to human relationships. They are
looking for a God who can understand them, and a God they can understand. Simply put, the
sincere seekers are searching for a God with whom they can ‘reason’…
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)
Ecumenical Christians often boast in their ability to differ in doctrine and
practice, yet being able to come together in worship, praise, ministry, and unity. But in
reality, their behavior portrays not a God of love and holy mystery, but instead a God who
seems to be unsure of just who He is, and also unsure of what His people are supposed to
believe and practice!
Thus, the lost that are being drawn by the Spirit of God turn away. They are
looking for a God who is consistent and immutable in His nature, and is also
consistent and immutable in His behavior toward those who would believe in
him. Such a God would by nature build a church that has the same characteristics.
Not all those without Christ will turn away from ecumenical demonstrations of
unity. The Creator of mankind placed within the makeup of mankind a yearning—or, an
itch if you will—for spiritual communion with Himself. The un-regenerated often
embark on an unbridled and unguided quest for someone or something that transcends the
physical dimension that will satisfactorily scratch the itch.
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time
will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they
heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their
ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:2-4)
The Enemy takes advantage of this itch by supplying various forms of religion and
rites to pacify those who would be satisfied with such. Lucifer, the angel of Light, is a
purveyor and peddler of spiritual junk food, and he knows exactly where and how to
scratch. He specializes in ecstatic warm-fuzzies, shaking signs, wavering wonders, endless
rites to righteousness, lose love, and music that makes the flesh move. But all this does
is promote a type of worship that is at odds to the spirit and truth way of God as it has
been revealed in His word.
In reality, such unwonted worship and ministry mock God. It mocks the immutability
of God. It mocks the unity of God with His word. It mocks the true spiritually inspired
and empowered unity that God ordained for his Church. It mocks the reason (the logos)
of God who has revealed Himself through His word, and desires for us to know, understand,
and worship Him accordingly.
The Spirit of the Heavenly Father will steer those, whom He is leading,
away from such ecumenical gatherings and displays, and to a place instead were the word of
God is simply taught, believed, and practiced. The Lord Jesus inspired the Apostle Paul to
warn that in the last days multitudes of people would be damned by being led astray by one
that would perform every sign, miracle, and wonder that was listed in the Bible...
7For the mystery of iniquity doth already
work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And
then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his
mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him,
whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And
for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That
they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
(2 Thess. 2:7-12)
Those who will be led into error and eternally damned are those who will reject
the simple teaching and practicing of God's word. Since God first created and placed
mankind in the world, those who reject His word do so because it conflicts with their
unbiblical desires and lifestyles. Desire and lifestyles that they love.
Unfortunately, too many today act as though parts of God's word no longer apply—or, is no longer essential. Such misled ones choose to focus on
a few 'key essentials,' and they deem the rest to be a matter of personal understanding
and preferences for each believer to act upon as they see fit.
In contrast, we believe full doctrinal disclosure is Biblical and absolutely
necessary for any ministry that professes to be Biblically based. An organization or
individual in ministry may provide a basic concise statement, but it must also make full
statement readily available. If properly done, the shorter statement will often let a
possible contact know right away if they are in doctrinal agreement. Once one reaches a
reasonable amount of assurance that they are in agreement, and they are sincerely
contemplating taking advantage of a service or ministry, they should then proceed on to
the in-depth statement to make sure that they are in full agreement.
Along with the so-called 'essentials,' we also believe the basic statement should
include a statement about…
The individual or organization’s belief and
practice on the three revelatory gifts of speaking in tongues, prophecy, and receiving
words of knowledge.
The individual or organization’s belief and
practice on ecumenism. If they cooperate with numerous denominations and organizations
they should be willing to disclose their names as well.
The individual or organization’s
limitations—if any—on cooperation and association.
This attitude may seem like overkill or nit-picking to some. But there are scores
of people who have had the unfortunate experience of investing time and labor, materials,
or financing in an individual or group, only later to learn that they had been supporting
or working with someone who held to doctrine, practices, philosophies, or associations
with which they seriously disagree. In such ventures people usually get hurt, angry, and
even disillusioned in their faith, and confusion reigns supreme. Full doctrinal disclosure
can, and will, prevent that.
In keeping with what we believe and teach, Last Chance Ministries has an
extensive
doctrinal statement for those who wish to read it. But it also provides a
shorter simpler
statement for those who initially wish to know about our basic beliefs. Just click on the
appropriate link in this paragraph or in the heading above for the one you desire.
You may not agree with any or all that we believe,
but you will know precisely what we believe. Only then you will be equipped to
either recommend us others or not, and you need not be concerned about being
embarrassed by doctrinal differences later on. You will also know if you can
work with us if you desire to do.
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos
3:3)
I assure you, if you contact me with a desire to work
us in any way, I am going to ask you about the doctrinal points covered in our
doctrinal statement posted here on LCM. Over the last six years I have been
contact by many from around the world whom I believe to be well meaning people
who desired to work with us. Most of the time I have not accepted their offers
because of doctrinal differences. I tried to be as gracious as possible in doing
so. But some have been obviously offended by my refusing to accommodate them or
work with, even though I had directed each to read our doctrinal statement
before contacting me again or coming to our field of work. Such behavior is not
becoming of those professing the name of Christ. It also causes needless
confusion, looks bad to the lost, and causes hurt feelings -- wall which could
have been avoided by each of them seeking to fully understanding my doctrinal
positions before they contacted me.
All the best as you seek to know, walk with, and
serve Him.
Walter
Robinson II
Visitors have viewed this page since
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