The Church of God is a DIVINE INSTITUTION which can be found world-wide.
Our headquarters mailing address is: P. O. Box 450, Charleston, TN, 37311.
Our former Overseer was Bishop Robert J Pruitt who served from 1993 until 2006 when he resigned because of failing health. In the same year at the General Assembly of The Chruch of God Bishop Stephen E. Smith was installed as the General Overseer of The Church of God and continues to serve the Church in that capacity.
The Church of God accepts the whole Bible rightly divided. All those who become members of The Church of God must accept the following covenant in the affirmative:
"Will you sincerely promise in the presence of God and these witnesses that you will accept this Bible as the Word of God -- believe and practice its teachings rightly divided -- the New Testament as your rule of faith and practice, government and discipline, and walk in the light to the best of your knowledge and ability?"
This is a "perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten."
Bible Beliefs
We Hold These Truths...
These vital points of New Testament doctrine are some of the prominent teachings of The Church of God. Not all Christian Church organizations teach these points of doctrine the same way. The Church of God accepts the whole Bible rightly divided and holds these sacred truths as they have been revealed in the Scriptures by the Holy Ghost. All those who become members of The Church of God must accept the following covenant in the affirmative:
"Will you sincerely promise in the presence of God and these witnesses that you will accept this Bible as the Word of God believe and practice its teachings rightly divided the New Testament as your rule of faith and practice, government and discipline, and walk in the light to the best of your knowledge and ability? "This is a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten."
Repentance
... Repentance is the act of turning from and forsaking sin. Read Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19.
Justification
... Justification is a state and an act. It is the state of being void of offense toward God by the act of God's forgiveness of the transgressions for which one has repented. See Romans 5:1-9; Titus 3:7.
Regeneration
... Regeneration is an act of God performed in the justified heart whereby new, spiritual life is generated. See Titus 3:5. ... Regeneration is simultaneous with the new birth. Also see, Matt. 19:28.
Born Again
... To be born again is to become a new creature in Christ and a child of God. This new birth is the result of repentance, justification and regeneration and is accompanied by a definite inner witness. See John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9. ... The new birth is a prerequisite for the experience of sanctification.
Sanctification
... Sanctification is the second definite work of grace, an instantaneous work wrought in the regenerated heart by the Holy Ghost with the blood of Christ. In regeneration actual transgressions are forgiven, but in sanctification the Adamic nature, or inbred sin, is eradicated. Sanctification restores man to the holy estate of Adam before the fall, and gives him the grace to live a life of holiness, thus making him eligible for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. Sanctification is subsequent to justification. See Romans 5:2; 1 Corinthians 1:30; I Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 13:12; 1 John 1..9.
Holiness
... Holiness is the state of being free from sin, a condition made possible by the experience of sanctification. God requires man to live sinless in this present world and provides the means through the shed blood of Christ. See Luke 1:74, 75; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Hebrews 12: 14.
Water Baptism
... Water baptism is the act of being immersed in water according to the instructions of Christ. Although this ordinance has no power to wash away sin, it represents the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Only those who have already been born again are eligible for water baptism. See Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:8-10; John 3:22, 23; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 10:47, 48; 16:33.
Baptism with the Holy Ghost
... The baptism with the Holy Ghost which is subsequent to sanctification is the enduement of power for service. This baptism is always accompanied by the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. It is the filling of the temple already made clean by sanctification and is a gift of God in answer to the prayer of Christ. Read Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49-53; Acts 1:4-8.
Speaking in Tongues
... Speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance is the initial, physical evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This is separate and distinct from the gift of tongues, which is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit. John 15:26. Also read, Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:6.
Full Restoration of the Gifts to The Church
... The gifts of the Spirit were set in the Church to be operated by the Spirit according to the will of God. They are manifested through individual members. The gifts are given to the Church and not to individuals. These gifts were all operated in the early Church and were restored to the Church in these last days. See 1 Corinthians 12:1, 7-10, 28, 31; 1 Corinthians 14:1.
Signs Following Believers
... Miraculous signs will accompany the work and ministry of true believers. See Mark 16:17-20; Romans 15:18, 19; Hebrews 2:4.
Fruit of the Spirit
... The Spirit-filled life will manifest the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These virtues are divine in origin and spring from a Spirit-filled heart. See Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:11.
Divine Healing
... The sacrifice of Christ provided not only for the salvation of the souls of men but also for the healing of man's physical ailments. Divine healing is healing accomplished by the power of God and is available to all who believe. the same as salvation. Read Psalms 103:3; Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:16, 17; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24.
The Lord's Supper
... The Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ and is a sacred ordinance which we are commanded to observe in commemoration of Christ and His death. Only sinless and consecrated Christians are eligible to partake of this Supper. See Luke 22: 17-20; 1 Corinthians 1 1:23-33.
Washing the Saints' Feet
... Feet washing was instituted by Jesus on the night of the Last Supper and is a New Testament ordinance we are enjoined to observe. Its observance was taught by the apostles and practiced by the early Church. See John 13:4-17; 1 Timothy 5:10.
Tithing and Giving
... Tithing is the paying of one tenth of our increase into the treasury of the Church. It began with Abraham, continued under the law and received Christ's approval. Giving differs from and is in addition to tithing. Both are part of God's plan to finance His work on earth. Read Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 1 1:42; 1 Corinthians 1 6:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Hebrews 7:1-21.
Restitution Where Possible
... Restitution is the act of restoring something wrongfully taken or the satisfying of one who has been wronged. God requires those who become converted to perform such tasks if at all possible. See Matthew 3:8; Luke 1 9:8, 9; Romans 13:8.
Pre-Millennial Second Coming of Jesus
... First, to resurrect the dead saints and to catch away the living saints to meet Him in the air. Read in Matthew 24:27,28; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. ...Second, to reign on earth a thousand years. Read also, Zechariah l4:4, 5; Luke 1:32; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Jade 14, 15; Revelation 5:10; 19:11-21;20:4-6.
Resurrection
... All the dead will be resurrected. The righteous dead will be raised in the first resurrection which is at Christ's appearing. The resurrection of the wicked dead will occur after the thousand years reign of Christ on earth. See Isaiah 26: 1 9; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:5, 6.
Eternal Life for the Righteous
... Those who die in the Lord and those who are serving Him when He returns will receive a reward of eternal life. Read in Matthew 25:46; Luke 1 8:30; John 10:28; Romans 6:22; 1 John 5:1 1-13.
Eternal Punishment for the Wicked
... The unconverted and the wicked are doomed to eternal punishment, from which there is no escape-no liberation or annihilation. See Matthew 25:4 1 -46; Mark 3:29; 2 Thessalonians 1:8, 9; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:8.
Total Abstinence from all Liquor or Strong Drinks
... The Bible expressly forbids the use of intoxicating beverages. Even slight indulgence is not in keeping with the Scriptural standard of holiness. Read Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-32; Isaiah 28:7; 1 Corinthians 5:1 1; 6:10; Galatians 5:21.
Against the Use of Tobacco in Any Form, Opium, Morphine, Etc.
... The use of tobacco and the habitual use of narcotics are sinful practices which defile the body, the temple of the Holy Ghost, and is an outward evidence of an impure heart. Read Isaiah 55:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31, 32; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:3-8; James 1:21.
On Meats and Drinks
... The New Testament makes no rigid rule concerning what the Christian shall eat or drink (with the exception of strong drink). We have no right to judge what our brother eats or what he drinks. Read in Romans 14:2-3, 17; 1 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
On The Sabbath
... The observance of the Sabbath was a requirement of Jewish law and as such was not carried over into the Grace Dispensation. Sunday is not the Sabbath but is merely a day set aside to give special attention to the worship of God. Instead of keeping only the Sabbath day holy, we are required in this dispensation to keep every day holy. The Jewish Sabbath is a type of Christ, who is our rest, rather than the day. See Hosea 2:11; Romans 14:5, 6; Colossians 2:16, 17.
Against Wearing Gold for Ornament
... Ornaments of precious stones and metals are evidences of a prideful heart and are unbecoming to a child of God. See 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 1 John 2:15-17; Ezekiel 14:3-8; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3, 4.
Against Belonging to Lodges
... The Bible is opposed to the people of God being unequally yoked together with unbelievers; it is opposed to deeds done in secret. Many secret societies require the taking of an oath, which is expressly forbidden in Scriptures. Read Matthew 5:34; John 18:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; James 5:12.
Against Swearing
... The taking of an oath is a vain thing and condemned by the Scriptures. An affirmation to the truth of anything is sufficient. Read Matthew 5:34-37; James 5:12.
Against the Divorce and Remarriage Evil
...Divorce and remarriage constitutes the sin of adultery. The only allowable causes for remarriage are fornication and death. However, fornication is not unfaithfulness or simple adultery, but is a state of being married to another's wife or husband. See Matthew 5:32; 14:3, 4; 19:3-12; Mark 10:12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 13; 6:9, 13, 16-18; 7:2, 10, 11; Acts 15:28, 29; Revelation 2:20-22.
All Have Sinned
"... As by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Romans 5:12).
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
When Adam sinned, man's peaceful relationship with God was broken, and every soul that has been born into the world has needed to be reconciled to God. God has provided a saviour.
All Can Be Saved
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (I Corinthians 15:22).
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (I Timothy 2:3,4).
"The Lord is ... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
Since all have sinned and have inherited eternal death, yet all may be saved and inherit eternal life, it is necessary that all know how to be saved.
How To Be Saved
Hear and Believe the Gospel:
The gospel is God's good news that He has given us a Saviour to save us from our sins. When we hear this good news, we must believe it -- accept it as truth by faith.
"... Jesus came... preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:14,15).
When we have heard and believed the gospel, we will feel conviction; a sense of godly sorrow for having sinned against the One who loves us.
Repent:
The godly sorrow of conviction prompts us to repent and forsake our sins and our sinful ways of living.
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: ..." (2 Corinthians 7:10).
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken [convicted] heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite [repentant] spirit" (Psalm 34:18).
Accept God's Forgiveness -- Justification by Faith:
God's Word assures the repentant soul of His forgiveness. This is His Spirit witnessing with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). He is due our thanksgiving and praise.
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet [qualified] to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness [sin], and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:12-14).
"Therefore being justified [acquitted of our sins and guilt] by faith [simply believing], we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ " (Romans 5:1).
We stand before Him forgiven and accepted -- "just-as-if-I'd" never sinned!
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more" (Hebrews 8:12).
Immediately upon being justified by faith, God begins His work of regeneration in the inner man of the heart. This is a renewing in which the justified believer passes from death unto life spiritually. He is born again into the kingdom of God -- a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Confess Christ Boldly:
Jesus requires that we confess Him before men unashamedly:
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32,33).
"Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of this Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38).
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16).
Be Baptized in Water:
This is an act of obedience to Christ's command, and a testimony to the world that we have committed our lives to Him and are living in submission to His will. Jesus said:
"... Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15,16).
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 3:21).
Peter used the analogy of the ark in Noah's day. If Noah and his family had not obeyed God and entered the ark, they would not have been saved from the flood. The ark was indirectly a means of their salvation, but God looked at their obedience.
Baptism is a burial; an immersion, not a sprinkling or pouring. Christ's death and burial are shown forth in water baptism:
"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 6:4).
Sanctification
In justification, our sins are forgiven; but the fleshly, sinful nature inherited from Adam's fall remains. Sanctification is a second definite work of grace wrought in the heart by the Holy Ghost, by which the heart is cleansed and made pure from inbred or inherited sin by application of the blood of Jesus.
"... Our old man [Adamic nature] is crucified [put to death] with him [Christ], that the body of sin [sinful nature] might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead [crucified] is freed from sin" (Romans 6:6,7).
"... The carnal [fleshly] mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Romans 8:7).
Sanctification destroys this enmity and removes the desire to sin. We are thereby enabled to live a life of holiness. The experience must by sought and accepted by faith.
Baptism With The Holy Ghost
After His resurrection, Jesus said to His disciples, "... Receive ye the Holy Ghost" (John 20:22). He had already told them that He was going back to the Father, but that He would send them, "... another Comforter... which is the Holy Ghost" (John 14:16, 26). It is evident that they would not receive the Holy Ghost until after His ascension back to the Father. Among His last words to them just before He left them once again He said:
"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49).
In Acts 1:4, 5 and 8, He said, "... Wait for the promise of the Father... ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence... ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you..." This came to pass on the day of Pentecost just a few days after He had spoken that command.
"... They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4)
The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking in other tongues by the power of the Spirit. This baptism is for all who are sanctified and desire to receive it.
"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39).
Saved To The Uttermost
This leaflet is only a "capsule presentation" of the saving grace and power of God. If you will accept His bountiful provision, you can be saved to the uttermost-- saved completely and forever:
"Wherefore he [Christ] is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).
You can reach us at:
115 Clifton Pond Rd.
Louisburg, N.C. 27549
Phone: (252) 904-6654
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:30AM to 5:30PM
