OUR TENETS
The word Tenet comes from the Latin word ‘tenere’ which means ‘to hold’. So the Tenets of the Apostolic Church are the Biblical truths which we must ‘hold on’ to and safeguard. In a world of shifting morals and beliefs, we need anchor points to ‘hold’ us in the truth. When you read Paul’s letters known as Epistles in the Bible, every time he wrote at some point he had to deal with bad
or false teaching (heresy) and the same is relevant today. Many may lead the church astray either through ignorance or deliberate distortion of Scripture. We accept the teachings of the Bible in its entirety, the Tenets do not seek to replace the Bible, but in eleven short statements seek to summarise the main truths. WHAT WE BELIEVE
TENET 1
The unity of the Godhead and the Trinity of the Persons therein. Useful Scriptures: Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14. TENET 2
The utter depravity of human nature, the necessity for repentance and regeneration, and the eternal doom of the finally impenitent. Useful Scriptures: Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2, Acts 20:21, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 20:11-15. TENET 3
The virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, triumphant resurrection, ascension and abiding intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ: his second coming and millennial reign upon earth. Useful Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-25, Hebrews 2:9, 1 Peter 2:21-24, Acts 2: 29-32. TENET 4
The justification and sanctification of the believer through the finished work of Christ. Useful Scriptures: Romans 3:21-24, 2Corinthians 3:17-18, Ephesians 4:23-24. TENET 5
The baptism of the Holy Ghost for believers, with signs following. Useful Scriptures: Acts 2, Acts 10:44-48. TENET 6
The nine gifts of the Holy Ghost for the edification, exhortation and comfort of the Church, which is the Body of Christ. Useful Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 13:9-12. TENET 7
The sacraments of baptism by immersion, and of the Lord’s Supper. Useful Scriptures: Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Romans 6:3-14. TENET 8
The divine inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures. Useful Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21. TENET 9
Church government by Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons. Useful Scriptures: Ephesians 4:11, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-11. TENET 10
The possibility of falling from grace. Useful Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:12, 1 Timothy 1:19, Hebrews 3:12. TENET 11
The obligatory nature of tithes and offerings. Useful Scriptures: Malachi 3:10-12. RULES OF BELIEF
1. A personal testimony of your Salvation in Christ. (Acts 4:12; Rom 10:9)
2. Your acknowledgment of and obedience to the Order and Officers of the Church: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons. (Heb 13:17; Eph 4:11; 1 Cor. 12:28)
3. Your presence in the meetings of the Church and abidance in full communion; that is, not to absent yourself more than three times from communion without sufficient reason given for your absence. (Heb 10:25)
4. Your conformity with the fundamental doctrines of the Church, as well as with the two ordinances, namely baptism by immersion, and the Lord’s Supper. (2 John 1:9; Rom 6:4, Luke 22:19, 1 Cor 11:24)
5. That you contribute towards the support of the cause, as taught unto us in the Word of God. (Gen 14:20, 28:22, Lev 27:30, 1 Chronicles 29:14, Heb 7:8)
6. That you keep the counsels of the Church within the Church. (Matthew 7:6)
7. That you pray for and help every member, remembering that we are joint members in the Body of Christ. (Heb 10:24; 1 Cor. 12:25; 1 Tim 2:1 Gal 6:2)
8. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:3 )
