Tenets Of Faith

What We Believe And Teach

The Apostolic Church America is built on a fundamental doctrinal belief based on the Holy Scriptures. Its theological beliefs are summarized in its confession of faith, known as the Tenets, which read as follows:

  1. The Unity of the Godhead and the Trinity of the persons therein. Genesis 1:1; Matt 3:16-17; 1 John 5:7
  2. The utter depravity of human nature, the necessity for repentance and regeneration, and the eternal doom of the finally impenitent (i.e. unrepentant). Gen 3:1-19; Isaiah 53:6; Acts 2:38; 17:30, John 5:28-29; Daniel 12:2; Romans 2:7, 6:23; 1 John 1:1-2
  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. John 8:46; 14:30; Col. 1:15; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 3:25; Acts 2:36; Phil. 2:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Rev. 22:20
  4. Justification and sanctification of the believer through the finished work of Christ. Acts 2:38; Luke 15:7; Romans 4:25; 5:16; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:30
  5. The baptism of the Holy Ghost for believers with signs following. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4; and Galatians 5:22
  6. The nine gifts of the Holy Ghost for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the Church, which is the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
  7. The sacraments of baptism by immersion and of the Lord’s Supper. Rom 6:4, 6:11, 6:13-14, Luke 3:21; Mark 16:16, Luke 2:22-24, 34; Mark 10:16, Luke 22:19-20; Matt. 26:21-29; Acts 20:7
  8. The divine inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures. 2 Tim 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21
  9. Church government by Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Elders, and Deacons. Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:28
  10. The possibility of falling from Grace. 1 Corinthians 10:12, 1 John 5:11, John 15:4, 1 John 5:12, Romans 5:1-2, John 8:51, 1 Timothy 4:1, 16; 2 Timothy 3:13-15, 1 Corinthians 15:1, Colossians 1:21-23
  11. The obligatory nature of Tithes and Offerings. Malachi 3:10, Matthew 23:23, Hebrews 7:1-4; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35

Rules of belief

  1. A personal testimony of your salvation in Christ (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9).
  2. Your acknowledgment of and obedience to the order and officers of the Church, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, elders, deacons, and deaconesses (Heb. 13:17; Eph. 4:11; I 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 (II John 1:9; Romans 6:4, 17; Luke 22:10; I 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. I Chron. 29:14; I Cor. 16:2; Matt. 23:23; Heb. 7:8, 17).
  6. That you keep the counsels of the Church within the Church (Matt. 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, I Cor. 12:25-26; I Tim. 2:1; Cal. 6:2).
  8. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3).

Rules of conduct

  1. Never come to the house of God without praying before coming (Matt. 6:7; Eph. 6:18).
  2. Be in your seat at the commencement of the service. You will thus be a good example to those who are late and neglectful (Gen. 22:3, Ps. 108:2; Prov. 8:17).
  3. Bring your children with you to the house of God. Relatives and servants also have souls. It is your duty and privilege to take care of them (Matt. 11:14; E. 22:10; Acts 10:24; John 1:41-45; Gen. 18:19).
  4. Make your pastor your personal friend. His sympathy, support, and counsel are needed by you. Constantly pray for him (I Thess. 2:7; Joel 2:17; Mal. 2:7; Rom. 15:30; II Cor. 1:11; Eph. 6:19; Heb. 13:17).
  5. Make the Church your spiritual home (Acts. 2:46-47; Ps. 133:1).
  6. When conversing on the hearth, never speak disrespectfully or critically of God’s servants or their ministrations in the presence of your children. If you sow to the wind, you may expect to reap the whirlwind (Gal. 6:7, Prov. 22:8, Hos. 8:7).
  7. Take your Bible with you to the house of God (Ps. 1:2, 119:16, 72; Rom. 15:4, II Tim. 3:16-17).