What are the Tenets and why do we have them?
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. Thus we need to ‘hold on’ to what the Bible tells us.
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. If you were to stop for a moment and think about it, that is a huge task.
Initially the tenets are in short form. They have been expanded into a more contemporary style where the reasons why we believe it are explored, please feel free to contact us if you would like to view these.
The one true and living God who eternally exists in three persons in unity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The inherent corruptness of man through the Fall; the necessity of repentance and regeneration by grace and through faith in Christ alone and the eternal separation from God of the finally unrepentant.
The Virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, triumphant resurrection, ascension and continuing intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ; His second coming and millennial reign upon earth.
The Justification and sanctification of believers through the finished work of Christ.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit for believers with supernatural signs, empowering the church for its mission in the world.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit for the building up of the Church and ministry to the world.
The Sacraments of Baptism by immersion and of the Lord’s Supper.
The divine inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures.
Christ’s leadership of the Church through apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, elders and deacons, for unity, maturity and growth of the church.
The security of the believer as he remains in Christ.
The privilege and responsibility of bringing tithes and offerings to the Lord.