Frontline Ministries
Statement of Faith
Also see "How to be Saved" at the bottom of this page.

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Our Authority:
God's Word

There is only one God: the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, manifested in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Although there are three persons, there yet remains only one God. We find no difficulties in this, for God can do whatever He desires. Jesus is the Son, although that name was not applied to him until he was born on the earth. We believe that each member of the Godhead is fully God. We reject the false notion that the Holy Spirit is merely God’s power, but believe that he is fully God, and has the full attributes of God and personality. Note: the words person and personality are used for lack of better terms to describe a thinking, intelligent being. We do not say that God is a person such as a man.

"I am the Lord,* and there is none else, there is no God beside me." (Isaiah 45:5)

* the word translated Lord here is Jehovah in Hebrew, which means self-existent or eternal.

"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." (I John 5:7)

* the Word spoken of here is the Son, Jesus, as is evident from John 1:14.

The writings contained in the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New Testament (in their original languages, and minus the apocrypha), are the inspired, accurate record God intended to have handed down for mankind to use in teaching the truth. God’s Word is true, consistent and eternal. His meanings do not change or fluctuate with the times or for different cultures. God’s people should diligently study God’s Word so that they may know him, gain wisdom, and understand what he wants us to know and do.

"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16&17)

God created the universe, its physical laws, the planets, the stars and sun, life, people, angels, animals, plants and even space and time. We reject theistic evolution, but believe that everything was created in six literal days, as set forth in the Genesis record. All things were created from nothing at the Word of God, and were not made from anything that existed previously. It was for his own pleasure that God created.

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11)

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3)

"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast." (Psalm 33:6-9)

Of the Godhead, it was the Son who did the creating.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3)

The "Word" in the passage above is the Son, Jesus, as is evident from John 1:14.

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

"Giving thanks unto the Father . . . who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son . . . who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. For by him [the Son] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him, and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he [Jesus, the Son] is the head of the body, the church…" (Colossians 1:12-18)

Jesus of Nazareth was and is the Messiah (Greek: Christ), as foretold by the Old Testament prophets. We believe that while Jesus was on the earth he was entirely man and entirely God, and that he cooperated with the limitations of humanity to fulfill his earthly mission.

We believe that Jesus was miraculously conceived of a virgin, preached the gospel of the kingdom, was murdered and buried, but was raised to life again on the third day, and that forty days later He ascended physically into heaven—an act witnessed by the apostles—and sat down at the right hand of the Father in heaven, there to remain until his return at the first resurrection.

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6)

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2)

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…" (John 1:14)

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Hebrews 2:9)

Jesus is the High Priest and Mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 12:24), which has replaced the Old Covenant.

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt…" (Jeremiah 31:31&32)

"For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second." (Hebrews 8:7)

"In that he saith, ‘A new covenant,’ he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:13)

"…he is the mediator of the new testament [covenant]…" (Hebrews 9:15)

"…Jesus the mediator of the new covenant…" (Hebrews 12:24)

"…the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus…" (Hebrews 3:1)

"…we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God…" (Hebrews 4:14)

Jesus was the only sinless man. Without his purity, he could not have been the Lamb of God without spot or blemish.

"…you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (I Peter 1:19)

" [He] was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)

Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Covenant sacrificial lamb. When John (the baptizer) saw Jesus at the river Jordan he told his own disciples, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

The death Jesus died was a sacrifice to atone for the sins of those who believe.

"…we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins… (Ephesians 1:7)

"…the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin…" (I John 1:7)

On the third day, Jesus was physically raised from the dead. He was truly dead, and he truly came to life, and he was seen by many people who testified to that fact. It was foretold and necessary for Jesus to have risen from the dead. This resurrection is a foretaste and hope of the future resurrection of believers.

"And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree. Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly. Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead." (Acts 10:39-41)

"But God raised him from the dead, and he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people." (Acts 13:30&31)

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures, and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep." (I Corinthians 15:3-6)

"But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, ‘Why are you troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as you see me have.’" (Luke 24:39)

"And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, opening and alleging, that it was necessary for Christ to have suffered, and to rise again from the dead…" (Acts 17:2&3)

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)

"And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; you are yet in your sins." (I Corinthians 15:17)

All have sinned, as the Bible plainly states. Man is separated from God due to sin, and no good works can bring a person into fellowship with God. Salvation from eternal separation from God is only through Jesus, and through no other way or religion. The death of Jesus was a sacrifice, and His shed blood covers our sin, something we cannot do for ourselves. It is only by the grace of God, through faith in this sacrifice, that a person can be saved from eternal damnation in the lake of fire.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Titus 3:5)

"For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 2:5)

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
 

Repentance, Good Works and Obedience

Repentance is a turning away from sin to a life lived for God. The Bible also mentions repentance from "dead works" (works which we feel will help save us). Although repentance and good works do not contribute to a person’s salvation, we believe that they go hand-in-hand with faith, and are evidence of a believer’s life of obedience and gratitude toward God for the salvation freely given. Good works proceed from a heart which has been renewed, as God teaches us in Ephesians 4. The old man is dying away, and we are to allow God to make us into a new creature (II Corinthians 5:17). God tells us in I Corinthians 2 that the spiritually minded person has the mind of Christ, and so, good works are not done grudgingly or from a desire to be seen by others. We believe what Jesus said in Matthew 7, that an evil tree cannot bring forth good fruit, and that a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit. Jesus said that we will know a tree by its fruit, and we believe that a tree that bears no fruit, or that bears evil fruit, is an evil tree. We conclude that it is possible for a person to profess that they know Christ, but to deny him by their works. We believe that works ultimately testify to a person’s heart more than his words. We believe that if a person is a child of God, they will "bring forth fruits worthy of repentance" (Matthew 3:8).

Those who profess belief in Jesus as their saviour are commanded to be baptized. Water baptism is symbolic; in no way does it impart salvation or grace to a believer, nor does it contribute to salvation or grace. It is a commandment of the Lord and is done out of love and obedience toward God. We believe that, according to the biblical model, water baptism should be by immersion.

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." (Romans 6:3-5)

"And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, 'See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?' And Philip said, 'If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.' And he answered and said, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'"(Acts 8:36&37)

"And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized." (John 3:23)

Communion is also symbolic. It does not impart salvation or grace to a believer. It is a commandment, and is done out of love and obedience toward God. Jesus said we are to do it in remembrance of him.

"And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, ‘Take this, and divide it among yourselves, for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.' And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, 'This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.' Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.'" (Luke 22:17-20)

"For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord's death till he come." (I Corinthians 11:26)

There is coming a time of Great Tribulation upon the earth, during which the true church will be greatly persecuted. During this time there will be a one-world government and a one-world religion. We believe that many of the present "Christian" denominations will fall prey to this religion's false gospel and follow after its end-time lies. The true church will be public enemy #1 during this time.

"If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." (John 15:18&19)

"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (Matthew 24:21&22)

"And he [the beast] causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads, and that no man might buy or sell, except those that have the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." (Revelation 13:16&17)

"…and all the world wondered after the beast. And they [all the world] worshipped the dragon [the dragon is Satan, see Rev. 12:9 & 20:2] which gave power unto the beast: and they [all the world] worshipped the beast…" (Revelation 13:3&4)

Those who have been saved by faith, but have died, will come to life again with immortal bodies when Jesus returns. This is called the First Resurrection. Those who are alive at his return shall also receive immortal bodies. We will be gathered together and ever be with the Lord.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:16&17)

"Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." (I Corinthians 15:51-53)

"…and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived [came to life] and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection…" (Revelation 20:4-6)

All men shall be judged, for the Bible says, "…it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment…" (Hebrew 9:27).

"…we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, '"As I live," saith the Lord, "every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."' So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Romans 14:10-12)

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (II Corinthians 5:10)

"And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:12-15)

There is only one church. That church is not any particular denomination. That church is not a building made of wood or bricks or stone. The church is comprised of all those who have been born again through the blood of Jesus and have become children of God. The only way for a person to become a part of this church is to be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus. Merely joining a church on paper does not make one a child of God, nor does it guarantee that a person will be saved. In the Bible, the church is referred to as the Body of Christ.

God commands his children to meet together for worship, prayer and praise to the Lord, and to encourage, help, exhort and admonish one another. True Christians prefer the company of other Christians, and people who claim to know the Lord but prefer the company of sinners have deep spiritual problems or are not yet converted. Believers are a family. God is our Father, and we strive to practice this by bearing one another’s burdens.

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is…" (Hebrews 10:24&25)

"Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints." (Psalm 149:1)

"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another." (Romans 12:9&10)

"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently…" (I Peter 1:22)

"If a brother or sister be without clothing, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, ‘Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" (James 2:15&16)

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10)

The faith of a healthy body of believers extends in three directions: toward God, toward each other, and toward the unsaved. We believe that any person who names the name of Jesus as Savior will want others to know of His redeeming grace, and will not be ashamed to tell others how to become a child of God. Everyone, evangelist or not, is an ambassador for Christ (Christ = Messiah), and is given ample opportunity to share the message of God's love as well as God's wrath. This mandates that all believers be as well-studied in doctrine as possible. We strive to be ambassadors both in our personal life, toward family, associates and acquaintances, and with organized public ministry, as time and finances allow.

"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that has no reason to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)

"And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in him for the saying of the woman [at the well], which testified, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’" (John 4:39)

"…be ready always to give a gentle and reverent answer to every man that asks you a reason for the hope that is in you…" (I Peter 3:15)

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?" (Romans 10:13-15)

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." (II Timothy 4:2)

In God’s Word, bishops (overseers), pastors and elders are the same ministry. Church leadership may be comprised of one elder or a group of elders who act as shepherds (pastors) to the flock. The number of elders may fluctuate. Elders’ responsibilities include dedication to prayer; studying, knowing and teaching God’s word; structuring and leading worship; baptizing converts; administering communion; discipleship; protecting the flock from wolves who come in sheep's clothing; evangelism; appointment of deacons; collection and distribution of funds, and; administration of justice where needed. Elders must meet the requirements set forth in Scripture:

"Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock." (I Peter 5:2,3)

"A bishop [overseer] then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity, (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?), not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he falls into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good reputation with unbelievers; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." (I Timothy 3:2-7)

"For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre, but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:7-10)

"…they that have the rule over you… …watch for your souls…" (Hebrews 13:17)