Doctrinal Statements

There is only one God (Isa. 45v5), named YHWH (Ex. 34v6) who exists eternally (Ps. 90v2), is everywhere at once (Psalm 139v7-10), as a trinitarian God (Gen. 1v26-27, Matt. 3v16-17, Deut. 6v4). Each part of the trinity has distinct functions (John 1v1-5, 14v10), but remains mutually submissive and glorifying (John 8v28-29). Though God exists apart from a physical body (John 2v24), He is self-conscious (Ex. 3v14) and deeply relational of himself (John 14v21) and others (Heb. 11v6), having emotions (Ex. 32v9-14) and thoughts (Ps. 115v12). God is self-sufficient and needs nothing else to help him exist or originate his existence (John 5v26, Acts 17v25). God is pure and holy (1 Pet. 1v15, 16), true (Titus 1v2), wise (Rom. 11v33), and in control of all things (Rom. 8v28, Eph. 1v11, Col. 1v16-17). He is unchanging (Mal. 3v6), acts as he sees fit and appropriate (Ps. 115v3) and limitless in his power and authority (Heb. 1v3, Matt. 19v26, 28v18). And can choose to limit his own authority (Duet. 32:6-7, Rev. 5 8-9).

God’s character is that he is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, faithful, and the same from generation to generation (Ex. 34v6-7). God is also just and punishes those who are disobedient, hurt others, and cause harm (Ex. 34v6-7, Ps. 145v17, Matt. 12v36-37, 18v6). God is in control of darkness, chaos, and the spiritual beings of chaos (Is. 45v7), having supreme authority over them (Matt. 18v18). God loves the poor and the oppressed (Matt. 5v1-12). God is love, sacrificial, and generous (Rom. 5v8,1 John 4v7-12, Matt. 6v30).

The Holy Spirit is the second person of the trinity (Gen. 1:1-2, 2 Cor. 13:14, Matt. 3:13-17), equal with the Father and Son (Acts 5:3-4), being given by the Father and the Son (Jn. 15:26). The Spirit is eternal (Heb 9:14), knows all things (1 Cor 2:10-11), is always present in all spaces (Ps. 139:7), and is all powerful (Gen. 1, Rom. 15:13, Acts 1:8). The Spirit seems to have emotions (Eph. 4:30,) and a center for intellectual thought and agency (Rom. 8:27, 1 Cor. 12:11). The Spirit is a teacher (Jn. 14:26, Lk 12:12) helping us in our need (Jn 15:26), convicting us in all things (Jn 16:8), and interceding on our behalf (Rom. 8:26).

The Spirit was an active part of creation (Gen 1:2, 26, Job 26:13, Ps. 33:6). The Spirit has brought revelation and prophecy from the beginning (1 Sam. 10:10-11, 2 Ki. 2:9-15, 2 Pet. 1:21), empowering early followers of YHWH to lead and outwork justice (Jdg 6:34, 1 Sam. 16:13). The Spirit was promised to be on Jesus (Is. 61:1) and to empower the diversity of disciples in the future (Joel 2:28).

The Spirit was present in the conception of Jesus (Matt. 1:18, 20), in the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:16-17), and in the ministry of Jesus (Matt 12:28, Acts 10:38). The Spirit served Jesus as a guide (Matt. 4:1, Mark 1:12) and a glorifying agent in Jesus’ ministry (Jn. 16:13-14). The Spirit aids humanity in convicting them about sin, holiness, and judgement (Jn. 16:8); solely initiating the process of regeneration (Tit. 3:5), ongoing process of sanctification (1 Pet. 1:2), and eventual glorification (1 Cor. 1:51-53, Phil. 3v20-21).

The Spirit indwells humanity when they place their belief in Christ (Jn. 14:17), baptizing them into adoption as children (Rom. 8:15), making them part of God’s family (1 Cor. 12:13). Humanity can be uniquely empowered by the Spirit (Eph 5:18) and should be girded by love (1 Cor 12:31, 13:1), led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14). Spiritual gifts are given to every believer (Rom. 12:6-8, 1 Cor. 12) as the Spirit desires (1 Cor. 12:9). They are given (Acts 2:4) to build up one another and the local church (Eph. 4:11-12, 1 Cor. 12:7, 1 Pet. 4:10), to promote unity (1 Cor. 12:24-26), to promote fellowship (2 Cor. 13:14), and to move the church towards worship (1 Cor. 14:15).

Although sin can affect the work of Spirit (Gal. 5:16-26), the Spirit is given to help (Jn. 15:26), to teach (Jn. 16:13), illuminate (1 Cor. 2:12-15), comfort (Acts 9:31) and empower the Church to accomplish the mission of God (Acts 1:8, 2:4, Is. 61:1-4).

The Second Person of the Trinity (Gen 1:1, 18:1-3, Col. 1:16), the Word (Jn 1:1) has existed since the beginning. He was incarnated (Is. 7:14, Matt. 1:23) and named Jesus (Matt. 1:21) as part of YHWH’s mission to rescue humanity from sin and death (Gen 3:15, 1 Cor. 15:54-57, Col. 2:15). Jesus comes as a prophet (Deut. 18:15-16, Mark 1:21-22), priest (Heb. 4:14-16, 5:10, Ps. 110:4), and anointed King (Matt. 26:6-13, Luke 19:38). As a prophet, he knows the will of the Father (Jn. 10:30, 10:37), is able to say what will happen in the future (Luke 19:30-34, Mark 13), and is the revelation of God to humanity (Jn 1:18, Heb 1:1-2).

As the long-awaited priest, he intercedes for us as (Rom. 8:34, 1 Jn.2:1, Heb 7:25), he mediates for us (1 Tim. 2:5-6) and makes sacrifice for us of himself (Rom. 3:25, Jn 1:29, Heb. 9:26). This work of atonement (Gal. 3:13, 1 Pet. 2:24, Rom. 6:6) is the Father and Son working together in agony to appease their wrath against rebellion, sin, and death (Rom. 3:25, 1 Jn. 2:2, Gen. 22:1-19). His substitutionary work (Jnh. 1:14-17, Is. 53:5-6) meant that he suffered what was meant for rebellious humanity (1 Pet. 2:24) and that humanity now had a way of relating to YHWH (Gen 4:5-7, Eph. 2:8, Mk.10:45). This powerful work, his death on the cross (Heb 2:9, John 19:30), is for all people (1 Tim 2:4-6, Rom. 1:20); YHWH desiring that all would be saved (Jn. 3:16, Matt. 28:19-20), but acknowledging that only a limited group of people (Jn. 17:9, Rom. 11:7) would choose to relate to YHWH on these terms (Eph. 2:8. Mk. 10:45). Jesus substitutionary death redeems his followers from the power of sin and death in their lives (Is. 61:1, Acts 1:8, Lk. 10:18-20, Col. 1:13, Lk. 22:31-43), and works to reconcile creation (Rom. 5:10, 2 Cor. 5:18, Col 1:21-22). Further, his atoning work has redeemed us from sin (Rom. 5:18, 1 Pet. 2:24), condemnation (Rom. 8:1), and Mosaic law (Rom. 7:1-5, Eph. 2:15).

As the anointed King, Jesus reigns in power, having triumphed over the powers of darkness (Gen 3:15, Psalm 110:1, 2 Cor. 15:21-26, Jn. 19:30, Luke 22:38, Col 2:15). He is a humble king, teaching the way of service towards friends and enemies (Phil. 2:1-11, Mark 10:45, Jn. 15:15, Matt. 5:44). Jesus will bring 1000 years of peace (Rev 20:6), defeat the Satan once and for all (Rev. 20:10), and usher in new creation (Rev 21:1,6, Matt. 25:34).

YHWH created humanity in the beginning (Gen. 1:26). Humanity was blessed (Gen. 1:28), dwelled in the temple-garden (Gen. 2:15), and were partners with YHWH (Gen 1:28, Gen. 2:15). Adam was made from the dust and had the breath of life breathed on him (Gen. 2:5, Ecc. 12:7). Man was made first and woman was made from the holy side of man (Gen 2:21, Ex. 26:26). Humanity was made in the image of God, distinctly male and female (Gen 1:27, Col 1:15, Jas. 3:9). Though they were made in a sequence, this is not a baring on their value and substance, they are equals and complement one another, exuding immense reliance on one another (Gen. 2:20-24, Gen 3:16). As God’s partners, they are a blessing to others (Gen. 12:2, Jer. 29:7). Humanity is plagued by sin because of Adam (Gen. 3:6, Rom. 5:12) but can be redeemed (Eph. 1:7, Rev. 5:9-10) and sanctified (Titus 2:4, Col. 1:23) through Jesus. Humanity is both spirit (the unseen, but not fully known) and body (the seen, but also not fully known), an interacting duality of being that at times is in competition with itself and at other times is in synchronization (Matt. 10:28, 2 Cor. 4:16, Matt. 26:41, Rom. 6:13). In this way, the immaterial does affect the material, and the material likewise affects the immaterial (2 Cor. 5:2-4). But as God’s image bearers, Humanity can be renewed (Col. 1:21-22, Eph. 4:24) being remade into the image of Jesus (Col. 3:10, Rom. 8:29), presented as a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9) to the Father (Col. 1:22). Redeemed Humanity will have resurrected bodies (Matt. 10:28, 1 Cor. 15:42-51, Acts 24:15, Dan. 12:2) and spirit, which will live into eternity as a diverse humanity worshipping Jesus. (Rom. 8:22-24, Rev. 7:9).

Sin originated in the dual rebellion of the Satan (1 Jn 3:8, Ez. 28:13-16) and humanity (Jn 8:44, Rom. 3:23). Humanity chose to rebel against God (Gen. 3:6) thereby sinning and succumbing to the curse of sin: death. As sin originated in Adam and Eve, all humanity inherits their rebellious nature and condemnation (Rom. 5:12-19, Eph. 2:1). Sin can be an action (Ez. 24:14), a thought (Heb. 4:12) or nature (Eph. 2:1-3) that disrupts God’s shalom, his established harmony in all things. Further, the continued resistance to the restoration of this harmony is rebellious sin as well (Jnh 1:3, 4:1-3, Jn. 13:27). Marriages are affected by sin (Gen. 4:19-24), families are affected by sin (Gen 27), and other relationships are affected by sin (Gen 3:7, 16:1-15, Jn. 15:12-15). Sin, the act of rebellion towards harmony or shalom, is done to people (2 Sam. 13:11), by people (2 Sam. 13:14, 1 Sam. 13:9), and in the presence of people (Num. 19:11-22, Luke 16:18). Humanity loves evil more than good (Ps. 42:3) and chooses to constantly disrupt God’s harmony (Pro. 26:11, Rom. 8:7, 1 Ki. 8:33-36). Sin, therefore, has become nature for humanity (Ps. 51:5, Eph. 2:3). The punishment for sin in death (Gen. 2:17, 1 Cor. 15:21-22, Jn. 3:16) and all who sinned, such as angels, demons, the Satan, and Humanity, will be judged (Jer. 17:10, 1 Cor. 6:3, Rev. 20:7-10). Ultimately, sin can be forgiven (Matt. 12:31, Ps. 103:12) but it needs to be confessed (Rom. 10:9, 1 Jn. 1:9, Ps. 51). Confessing sin to God and one another is a privilege and a moment of Christian regeneration (Eph. 2:5, Ja. 5:16, Acts 19:18). All sin can be forgiven and healed by the work of Jesus (1 Jn. 1:9, Phil. 3:12-14, 1 Tim. 2:5) and the invitation of Jesus is to master sin (Gen. 4:7, 2 Cor. 10:5-6) being fully made into Christ’s image in glory (Rom. 8:29-30).

Angels are invisible beings (2 Ki. 6v17) who often serve as messengers (Matt. 1v20) and provide care to God’s people (1 Ki. 19v7). These spiritual beings (Heb. 1v14) existed before the formation of our world (Job 38v7) and were created by God (Ps. 148v1-6) for his glory (Col. 1v16, Rev. 5v11-13, Isa. 6v3). Angels are holy (Mark 8v38), powerful (1 Pet. 2v11), smart (1 Pet. 1v12), seem to have and experience emotions (Job 38v7, Luke 15v10), and it appears that they cannot die (Luke 20v36). There are a lot of angels (Heb. 12v22), and they have a hierarchy and order as a military unit would (Ps. 89v5-7, Eph. 3v10, 6v12) to accomplish God’s purposes and plans (Ps. 103v20). Angels can appear to humanity in human form (Gen. 18v1-8, Heb 13v2), and angels can bring destruction and judgement from God (Heb. 4v13-17, 2 Ki. 6v17, Gen. 19v13, 2 Thess. 1v7-8). Angels have their own center for decision making (Isa. 14v12-15) and some chose to follow one angel named Satan in his rebellion (Is. 14, Eph. 6v11-12, Rev 12v4). Disobedient angels are currently in chains locked away in darkness awaiting judgement (Jude 6).

The Satan was created by God and was good (1 Tim. 4v4, Col. 1v16-17, Eze. 28v15) and became arrogant, violent and jealous (1 John 3v8, Eze. 28v16). Satan is a crafty tempter (Gen. 3v1-7, 1 Thess. 3v5), accuser of God’s people (Rev. 12v10, Job 1v9-11, Zec. 3v1), and a liar (John 8v44). Satan is the prince of this world (Matt. 12v24), the god of this age (2 Cor. 4v4), leading a group of powerful (Acts 26v18) demons. The Satan is the enemy of humanity, desiring to partner with humanity for destruction and chaos (Eze. 28).

Though demons are destined for the eternal fire (Matt. 25v41), they are still powerful, influential, and oppressive (Rev. 16v13-16, Acts 10v38). Demons can inflict disease and torment (Matt. 9v33, Lk. 13:11-16) and they can possess humans (Matt. 4v24). Though they cannot possess Christians, they can dominate, deceive through false doctrine (1 Tim 4v7), and influence Christians (Acts 26v18, Col. 1v13, Js. 4v7, 1 Peter 5v8, Acts 19v16). Demons can have regional jurisdiction and can be powerful gods (Deut. 32v17, 1 Cor. 10v20). Demons are fighting in a cosmic war against God (Eph. 6v12), but they have been defeated by Jesus and can be defeated by Christians through resisting in self-control (Eph. 6v11-18, Js. 4v7). God has defeated Satan and his demons through Jesus’ covenantal faithfulness to die on the cross (Col. 2v13-15) and now Christians have authority over demons (Col. 3v19-15). Ultimately, demons, disobedient angels, and Satan will all be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20v10).

Since the beginning of time, God has made himself known through creation (Rom. 1v18-21) and has had a sense of nearness through what has been made (Acts 17v27, Romans 1v18-21). God’s general revelation is most commonly in the lived experience of all people in that they can eat and drink and be cared for through nature (Acts 14:17, Matt. 5v45). Not only that, but the conscience of all people also bears witness of justice and judgement as created by God (Rom 2v14-15), showing the wisdom (Ps. 104), glory (Ps. 8v1), and power (Rom. 1v20) of God, leaving humanity without excuse (Rom. 2v14-16). Although humanity is without excuse, sin has distorted general revelation and prevents humanity form understanding (Rom. 1v18, 25) God’s purpose to make himself known (Ps 19, Acts 17v27). Although sin has prevented us from understanding general revelation, all of humanity are still accountable for it (Rom. 1v20), though it does not fully communicate the Gospel of saving grace through Jesus (Rom. 10v14-28, Eph. 2). Still, general revelation serves as a reminder of God’s kindness to always provide for humanities basic needs (Matt. 6v25-34, John 6v31-32, Ex. 16v4, Phil. 4v19).

Special revelation comes through angels (Luke 2v9-14), dreams (Matt. 1v20-21), Prophets (Ezek. 38v17) and God’s Spirit through humans writing (2 Tim 3v16). In addition, special revelation has come through the life, teaching, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus (Col. 2v9, Heb. 1v2-3, John 1v1). Although special revelation reveals God’s character, plan and nature (Hos. 6v6, John 17v3), parts of special revelation are still hidden or unknown to us (Deut. 29v29, Ps. 145v3, Rom. 11v33, 1 Cor. 13v12).  

All scripture, 66 books in total, is special revelation, written by human authors (Jer. 1v9, Gal. 1v15) and should be viewed as holy and inspired by Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3v16, Rev 1v1, 2 Peter 1v21). Scripture is used and therefore confirmed by Jesus (Matt. 5v17-29, Luke 24v27) and likewise is used and therefore confirmed by the apostles (Acts 2v14-41, 2 Tim. 3v16, 2 Peter 3v15-16). As God is flawless, truthful, and cannot lie, so his scripture is flawless, truthful, and tells no lies (Psalm 12v6, Titus 1v2, Heb. 6v18, Ps. 119v160). All scripture is authoritative (1 Kings 2v3, 2 Tim. 3v16, 2 Thess. 2v14-15), useful for development into the image of Jesus. Scripture tells us about God’s story of redemption (Matt. 5v17, Gal. 3v16) all pointing us to Jesus (Luke 24v27, 44, Heb 1v1-2, John 1v) to be made into his image (Rom. 8v29, 2 Cor. 3v18, James 3v9). Scripture, as special revelation, will be an everlasting testimony of Yahweh and his plan to rescue humanity from sin and death and defeat Satan (Matt 24v35, Isa. 40v8, Rev. 12).

Perhaps the most special revelation that we have received is the person and work of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. (Heb. 1v1-3, Jn. 1v1, 14)

God’s sincere desire is that salvation should be for everyone (2 Pet. 3:9, 1 Tim. 2:3), being rich in mercy from the beginning (Ex. 34:6-7, Eph. 2:4-5). Salvation is a free gift (Eph. 2:8-9), generously given (Rom. 2:4), and enabled by God (2 Pet. 1:1, 2 Tim. 2:25). The Father, Son and Spirit all work together to see salvation come to the world (Eph. 1:3-14). From the beginning of time (Gen. 2:17), the Father has elected groups (Deut. 7:6, Hab. 1:6) and individuals (Isa. 45:1, Matt. 4:18-29) for his purpose and salvation based on his wisdom (Dan. 4:35, Job 42:2). The Son has been given the elect (Jn. 6:39, 17:19) and becomes the choice sacrifice to God (Eph. 5:2, 2 Cor. 5:21, Rom. 3:25), being sent (Jn. 20:21) for the nations (Matt. 28:19-20, Jn. 12:32) reconstituting them into his new family (Matt. 12:46-50, Eph. 4:6, Rev. 5:3-5). Because Salvation is a free gift (Eph 2:8-9), reconstituting a new familial bond (Matt. 12:46-50, Rev 5:3-5, Eph. 4:6) therefore, Salvation cannot be lost (Rom. 11:29). Although Salvation cannot be lost, the good works and bad works of a Christian will be judged and rewarded (Matt 25:14-30, Jam 1:12, Ecc. 12:14).

Humanity is enslaved by sin (Rom. 6:19), completely helpless (Eph. 2:5), and unable to save themselves from God’s wrath (Rom. 4:1-5). Humanity has agency to hear the Gospel and respond in belief (Rom. 10:12-17, Acts 16:21, Rom. 3:22) or disbelief (Jn. 12:37, 16:9, Rom. 1:25-26). Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension (Heb. 10:14) are the proper substitution (1 Pet. 1:18-19) that now offers humanity salvation from the wrath of God (Rom. 5:9, Rev. 16:1) and gives eternal life (Jn. 3:15, Rev. 7:9-10). In this way, Jesus has both become and overcome the sins of the world (Jn. 3:16, 2 Cor. 5:21). Salvation grants (Phil. 1:29) that humanity become children of God through adoption (Jn. 1:12), being made into the new person of Christ (Eph. 4:24) empowered by the Spirit (1 Sam. 10:6, Rom. 8:9-13). Upon confession of sin (1 Jn. 1:9, Pro. 28:13, Acts 3:19) and belief, a person is indwelled by the Spirit, which can be dramatic (Acts 2:1-4) or very simple (Acts 9:17).

The Spirit is sent by the Father and Son (Jn. 14:26, 15:26, 20:22) for our regeneration (1 Pet. 1:23), even prior to faith (Tit. 3:5). The Spirit further empowers believers towards sanctification (1 Pet. 1:2, Matt. 5:48) walking in obedience (Heb. 12:14, 1 Pet. 1v14-16) as partners on God’s mission (Matt. 28:19-20, Acts 1:8). The Spirit further convinces the Christian of sin, righteousness, and judgement (Jn. 16:4-11), causing the Christian to be born again and endure towards the perfecting of their faith (1 Pet. 1:3-5). God’s salvific work will be fully completed and fulfilled in his second coming (Heb 9:28, Rev. 19:11) resulting in humanity being fully transformed into their new bodies (1 Cor. 1:51-53, Phil. 3v20-21) and joining the redeemed in chorus (Rev. 5:13).

Item descriptionThe Global Church

The universal, global, diverse, united (Eph 4:3) church is one body of Christ, empowered by the same Spirit, through the same powerful work of Jesus to rescue the nations (Eph 4:4-6, Rev 5:9-10, Col 1:21-22). Jesus is the chief shepherd, the senior pastor of the global church (Col 1:18, Eph 1:20-23, Matt 28:18). The Global church is made up of members regenerated by the Spirit (Titus 3:5); men, women, and children have been given gifts of the spirit to build up the global body of Christ (1 Cor 12, Rom 12:4-8, Joel 2:28-32). The church is made up of Israelites and gentiles, coheirs with Christ, having been rescued from darkness and transferred to the light (Eph 3:4-6, Deut 32:7-9, Col 1:13) and established as God’s ambassadors on earth (Matt 16:18-19, 2 Cor 5:18-20).

Further, the Church is baptized with the power of the Spirit (Acts 1:5, Acts 4:31) to do good works (Gal 6:9) as a priestly people in and on behalf of the nations (1 Pet 2:9-10, Job 42:7-9) proclaiming the Gospel to all (Matt 28:19-20). The church was a mystery to the angels and spiritual beings (Eph 3:8-13) but is the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham (Rom 4:12), so grafting gentiles into God’s faithful plan for humanity to be redeemed (Gal 3:29, Rom 11:11-31, Eph 1:3–14).

The Local Church

The local church is a local expression of God’s global church and therefore shares in her uniqueness of diversity, giftedness, holiness, and mission (Eph 4:3-6, Acts 4:31, Rev 5:9-10, Act 17:26-27, Matt 28:19-20, Acts 1:8). Specific leaders have been given to the local church for maturity, teaching, doctrine and for fulfilling the great commission (Eph 4:11-16). The Local church is being built into a community through sacrifice and mission (1 Pet 2:5,10), pursuing good works in their communities (Gen 1:28, Jer 29:4-7, 1 Pet 2:10) through gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12).

The local church is a set apart people in their communities (Rev 5:9, Gen 12:3) baptized for the forgiveness of their sins (Gen 6:11-13, Josh 3), and empowered for local mission (Joel 2:28, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:17). The Church gathers locally to remember the Gospel and their calling (Heb 10:25, Eph 2:10), having a commitment to the public teaching of scripture, eating with one another, and praying with one another (Acts 2:42). The local church oversees the ordinances of communion (1 Cor 11:24-25), marriage (Eph 5:25-33) and baptism (Acts 2:37-41).

Leadership in the Local Church

The local church has two offices: pastors (given specifically to men in the local church (1 Tim 3:2)) and deacons. Pastors have a specific group of qualifications and calling (Acts 13:2, 1 Tim 3:1-7, Tit 1:5-9) and deacons also have a specific group of qualifications and calling (Romans 16:1, Acts 6:1-7, 1 Tim 3:8-13). The Elders and deacons in a local church should number in a corresponding manner to the needs of the local church and distinct calling of Jesus, the senior pastor (Acts 6:1-6 Acts 1:23-26, Titus 1:5). Local church elders and deacons should function as teams (Deut. 1:13, Acts 11:30, Acts 15:4, Acts 22-23, Acts 14:23) collectively discerning the wisdom and leadership of Jesus by example (1 Pet 5:1-4). 

Local elders should be treated with honor and respect that matches their sacrificial leadership (1 Thess. 5:12, 1 Tim 5:17). Elders are not only responsible to model godliness (1 Pet 5:3), but they are also to teach the scriptures to the members of the local church (1 Tim 3:2, Acts 2:14). Deacons work locally to support the needs of the members and the administration of the local church (Acts 6, Eph 4:13-16). Church members faithfully serve one another (John 15:12, 1 John 3:11), offering the best of their thoughtfulness towards one another and God’s mission (Acts 13:2), leveraging everything they have (Acts 2:45). The local leaders in the church also administrates justice (Is 1:17, Acts 5:1-11) through church discipline among one another (Matt 18:15) for the sake of holiness and maturity (Matt 5:48, Col 1:28). This act of discipline ultimately culminates in the removal of someone who is unrepentant (1 Cor 5:13).

Humanity: Death and Judgement

Because of sin (Gen 3:7), death has entered God’s creation order (Gen 3:2-3). In this way, all of humanity is subject to death and relational hostility because of sin (Rom 5:12, 1 Cor 15:22). But Jesus has entered as a high priest for all nations and given his own blood as a fulfillment of the first covenant (Gen 15), and initiator of a new covenant (Heb 9:11-28). Christians will have a bodily death (Is. 57:1-2), a separating of the interacting duality of humanity’s body and soul (Matt 10:28), after which a location of peace with Jesus will be their waiting place (Luke 16:22, 23:43, Is 57:1-2). This is an immediate and joyful transition for the Christian (2 Cor 5:8, Phil 1:23) and an immediate, troubling, and tormented place for the non-Christian (Luke 16:23, Rev 20:13).

Jesus: His Return, Reign, and Judgement and New Creation

Once the whole world is evangelized (Matt 28:19-20), all the previously distant nations (Deut 32:7-9) have heard the gospel (Matt 24:14, Acts 1:8) and the church has endured their time of persecution (Daniel 12:1, Rom. 8:17-18, Heb 12:1-4, Col 1:24, Phil 3:10-1, 1 Pet 4:13, Rev 12:11) Jesus will return (Acts 1:11, Eze 38-39, Rev 1:7).  The exact time of Jesus’ return is not for us to know (Acts 1:6-7). Angels do not know, and Jesus does not know when the return will happen, it is only known by the Father (Matt 24:36, Acts 17:31). At Jesus’ return, all the gods and demons will mourn (Matt 8:28-34) and the nations will mourn (Matt 24:30) because of Jesus’ power and glory. The return of Jesus will be unexpected (1 Thess 5:2, Matt 24:39) but Christians should stay alert (Matt 24: 44) and accomplish their task (Matt 24:14) in light of Jesus’ return (Matt 24:45-46).

Upon the return of Jesus, the dead will resurrect to meet the living and Christ in the air, the initial establishing of Jesus’ Kingdom on earth (1 Thess 4:13-17, 1 Cor 15:52). Jesus will establish justice and righteousness and bring order to creation and relationships again (Is 11:1-16, Gen 1). He will bind the Adversary, the ancient serpent, for 1000 years (Rev 20:2) while Jesus and his Church will reign in justice and righteousness for 1000 years (Rev 20:4, 6). After the 1000 year reign and the 1000 year imprisonment of the Serpent, God will release the serpent again for a season of deceiving the nations again (Rev 20:3, 7), during which the serpent will mount a final rebellious defense (Rev 20:8) only to be defeated and thrown into the lake of fire, tormented day and night forever (Rev 20:10).

With the serpent defeated, all humanity will be judged at God’s great white throne for their works, both good and bad (Ps 62:12, Pro 24:12, Matt 16:27, Rom 2:6, Matt 25:31-46, 2 Thess 1:5-12). For the Christians, their good works and bad works will be judged and rewarded (Matt 25:14-30, Jam 1:12, Ecc 12:14). For the non-Christian, those whose name is not written in the book of life (Rev 20:12-14), their works will be judged, and they will be separated from God for eternity and thrown into the lake of fire (Rev 20:15), a place of eternal torment (Matt 25:30).

Finally, a new heaven and a new earth will come (Rev 21:1) and there will be no more death in it (Rev 21:1). Its centerpiece will be a new Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God with humanity forever (Rev 21:2)