ACMNZ Statement of Beliefs

Introduction

What we believe, preach and practice can only have real authority and truth if it is established firmly upon the Bible, the Word of God. This Statement of Faith has been set out with Scripture references and is useful for instruction in basic truths of the Christian faith. We contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Jude 3

The Bible

We believe in the plenary (full) verbal (the very words) inspiration of the Old and New Testaments as originally given by the Holy Spirit. The Bible constitutes the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. It is the complete revelation of God’s will and purpose for the human race.
Matthew 5:18
Luke 24:25-27
John 10:35
2 Timothy 3:16
1 Peter 1:10-12
2 Peter 1:20-21

The Godhead

The Bible teaches that there is one true and living God as distinct from the many other gods of the heathen. The Bible also reveals the living God is eternally existent in three persons defined by our Lord Jesus as “the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit”. They are indivisible as to unity. All possess the full attributes of Deity – omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, holy, eternal and immutable (unchanging).
Matthew 28:19
Ephesians 4:3-6
2 Corinthians 13:14
Isaiah 6:3; 44:24; 45:9
Malachi 3:6

God, our Heavenly Father

God as Creator stands as the Head of all, “for of Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” The whole family in heaven and earth finds its identity in Him, ultimately our Lord Jesus Christ as Redeemer, turns a cleansed and perfect kingdom over to God the Father. While both David and Isaiah refer to God as Father it was part of the purpose of Christ coming to earth to more fully reveal the love of our Heavenly Father to us.
Isaiah 63:16
John 1:18
Romans 11:36
Ephesians 3:14-15
1 Corinthians 15:24,28; 29:10

Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Bible teaches that our Lord Jesus Christ, being in all respects fully Deity became fully human, being born of the virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit. He was both the Son of God and the Son of Man. He was the Messiah (the Anointed One, the Christ) from the seed of Abraham, from the kingly line of David. He is the glory of God’s ancient people Israel and a Light to the Gentile nations.
Psalm 2
Matthew 1:20-23; 16:13-17
Luke 1:31-35; 2:27-32
John 1:1-3,14
Acts 2:29-30
Romans 1:3
Galatians 3:16
Philippians 2:5-8
Colossians 1:15-17; 2:9
1 Timothy 3:16
2 Timothy 2:8
Hebrews 1:1-3
As a human being, Jesus was tempted in all points as we are yet without sin. He lived a perfect sinless life because He was the Holy One of God. He suffered, bled and died upon the cross to provide our salvation. On the third day He rose again, physically, from the grave. He showed Himself alive to many witnesses then ascended to the Father. He will return again to be the Judge of the living and the dead.
Hebrews 4:15, 7:26
Luke 1:35
Acts 3:14
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Romans 4:24-25
1 Corinthians 15:5-7
Luke 24
John 20; 21
Acts 1:9-11
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
John 5:25-29
The Bible teaches that it pleases the Father that in all things Christ should have the pre-eminence. God the Father has exalted Christ giving Him a name superior to other created beings, with all power in heaven and on earth. He will reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. He is King of kings and Lord of lords and will fully exert that Kingly authority when He returns.
Psalm 2; 110:1-2
Isaiah 2:1-4
Zechariah 14:16-17
Matthew 25:31-46; 28:18
Acts 2:34-35
1 Corinthians 15:25-26
Philippians 2:9-11
Colossians 1:18
1 Peter 3:22
Revelation 19:11-16; 20:4-6
Because our Lord humbled Himself to the extent of dying for us, God the Father has honoured Him with the following designations and roles: He is the Redeemer of the human race, having taken our humanity but not our fallen nature. He is the Last Adam, restoring our fellowship with God which the first Adam lost. He is the Saviour of the human race, the only way to the Father, the only name by which we can be saved from our sins. He is the sole mediator between God and the human race. He is the mediator of the New Covenant made by the shedding of His own blood. He is our great High Priest having an eternal priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. He is our Intercessor in the Father’s presence, able to save us completely. He is our Advocate who represents our case before the court of heaven. He is the Head of the Church which is in the Body of Christ both in heaven and on earth. As such He is the Saviour, the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit and the giver of the ministry gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to His Church. Because He took upon Himself our humanity, God the Father has given to Him sole right to be the Final Judge of all. He will raise the dead at the shout of His voice and the sounding of the last trumpet. He will reign as King over all nations and ultimately turn the Kingdom over to His Father. Our Lord Jesus always accepted worship given to Him in His earthly ministry. No angel or human being has right to this, for worship belongs alone to God. In heaven, the same honour is given to Christ as the Lamb of God, as is given to the Father.
Job 19:25
Matthew 2:11; 8:2; 28:17
John 1:33; 5:23,25-28; 14:6
Acts 2:33; 4:12; 10:25-26
1 Timothy 2:5
Hebrews 7:15-25; 9:15; 12:24
Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:11; 5:23
1 Corinthians 15:24,45-49,52
Colossians 1:18
1 Peter 1:18-19
1 John 2:1
Revelation 5:13; 20:6; 22:8-9

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has all the attributes of Deity and is co-ranked as such with the Father and the Son by Jesus Himself. He is sent by both the Father and the Son to act in the world at large and particularly in the lives of believers. In both Old and New Testaments, he is the source of supernatural power in believers’ lives giving strength to resist evil and power to glorify God. The Holy Spirit is a person, not a mere influence. He is holy, eternal, omnipresent, creates, omniscient, omnipotent.
Genesis 1:3
Judges 3:10
Psalm 104:30; 139:7-10
Isaiah 59:19; 61:1-2
Matthew 28:19
John 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7-15
John 14:26; 16:12-13
Acts 1:5,8
1 Corinthians 2:10-11
2 Corinthians 13:14

The Human Race

God created the human race last, of all His creation. The human race was the masterpiece of His creation because our first parents were created in the image and likeness of God. This ability was not given to any other creatures of God’s earthly creation. From the very beginning of existence, our first parents were of high intelligence, given a mandate to have dominion over the whole earth and capable of fellowship with God. They were created for God’s pleasure and purpose.
Genesis 1:26,27; 2:7
Genesis 2:19; 1:28-30
Zechariah 12:1
1 Corinthians 2:10-12
Colossians 1:16
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Hebrews 2:6-8
Revelation 4:11
Unfortunately our first parents chose to disobey God’s command. An immediate change occurred. This is called “The Fall”. The human race now became sinners, experienced spiritual death being separated from God’s fellowship. As sinners they were now under condemnation, deserving of God’s wrath at the final judgment day. As sinners they had been taken captive by the god of this world, Satan, and were sold under sin, unable to save themselves. The human race thus is a fallen race capable of committing great sin and evil, even if educated and civilized.
Genesis 3:1-19
Isaiah 43:27; 59:2
John 3:17-19, 36
Romans 5:12,16-19; 7:14
2 Corinthians 4:4
Ephesians 2:1-3
1 Thessalonians 1:10

Salvation and the Message of the Cross

The human race were all alike sinners, under the bondage of sin and Satan, under judgment from a holy and just God and unable to save themselves. Salvation came to the human race by the intervention of God Himself in sending His own Son. The Bible states “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” We believe that the death of Christ was a proper sacrifice for sins. As the Lamb of God, holy and pure, He as our Great High Priest offered Himself, shedding His lifeblood. His sacrifice was a perfect once-for-all time sacrifice never needing to be repeated. His sacrifice justifies (acquits) us from all sin. It cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness. This is the gospel, the good news of salvation. Jesus Christ saves repentant sinners who believe in Him.
John 1:29
John 3:16-18,36
Acts 26:18
Romans 1:32; 3:23,25; 5:9; 6:10
1 Corinthians 5:7
Ephesians 2:3
1 Timothy 1:15
2 Timothy 2:25-26
Hebrews 1:3; 9:14,26,28; 7:27; 9:12,26,28; 10:10,12,14
1 Peter 1:19; 3:18
The message of the cross which includes the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the heart of the gospel. We believe in the merits and effectiveness of the precious blood of Christ. The Bible using word pictures teaches us that the blood of Christ redeems, cleanses, washes, justifies (acquits), purchases us to God, reconciles, sanctifies (sets apart as holy), makes us near, gives us right of access in prayer to God’s very throne and by it we overcome Satan.
Romans 3:23,24; 5:9-11
Ephesians 2:13
Colossians 1:20-22
Hebrews 1:19; 13:12
1 Peter 1:18-19
1 John 1:7,9
Revelation 1:5; 5:9; 7:14; 12:11
We believe that Jesus Christ rose physically from the dead as predicted by the Old Testament prophets, by Jesus Himself and as witnessed by many who saw Him and ate and drank with Him. We believe that we have a living Saviour seated in glory with the Father. From His Father’s presence He shall return in His glorified body. His resurrection guarantees our salvation and justification. Because He lives we who believe in Him will share in His glory at the resurrection to come.
Luke 24:25-27,44
John 11:24-26
Acts 1:9-11; 2:22-35; 13:30,31
Romans 5:10; 4:24,25; 10:9
1 Corinthians 15:4
Philippians 3:20-21
At the cross and resurrection the Old Testament saints who had by faith offered blood sacrifice in anticipation of Jesus Christ’s perfect sacrifice, now had their record cleared. Old Testament sacrifices covered sin. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice removed sin.
Leviticus 17:11
John 1:29
Romans 3:25-26
Hebrews 10:1-10; 11:39,40
At the cross and resurrection the Old Covenant made under Moses was legally set aside in order that the New Covenant made by the blood of Christ could come into effect.
Matthew 26:28
Galatians 3:13-14
Colossians 2:14
Hebrews 8:6-13; 10:8-18
At the cross and resurrection Satan’s control over the human race was legally broken. The Last Adam restored to us what the first Adam had lost. The seed of the woman had crushed the serpent’s head. Satan’s grip on the power of death was also broken as Jesus at His resurrection took the keys off Satan. At the Great White Throne of Judgement, Satan, all his evil hosts, Death and Hades will be finally sent to hell forever.
Genesis 3:15
John 12:31,32
1 Corinthians 15:45
Colossians 2:15
Hebrews 2:14-16
1 John 3:8
Revelation 1:18; 20:11-14
At the cross not only was the guilt of our sins dealt with but also the power of sin which worked through our soulish desires and our physical senses. At the cross Jesus bore God’s judgement due to us that “we should live in newness of resurrection life”.
Romans 8:2-3; 6:6,11
Galatians 2:20; 6:14
1 Peter 3:18; 4:1-2
At the cross healing from sickness and disease was obtained for us. Our Redeemer came to reverse the effects of sin and its curse.
Isaiah 53:4,5
Matthew 8:17
1 Peter 2:24
At the cross and resurrection the Father gained a people for His eternal purpose.
Isaiah 53:10-11
Hebrews 2:9-13
Ephesians 1:10-11; 3:10-11; 5:25-27
We believe in assurance of God’s salvation to each believer who truly believes in Christ as Saviour and Lord. This assurance is based upon His word (promises) to us, His work (the Cross) for us, and His witness within us (by His Holy Spirit).
John 14:23
Romans 8:16
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
2 Corinthians 1:20
Galatians 4:6
2 Peter 1:2-4
1 John 2:3-5; 5:10-12
Salvation for every human being was provided by Christ. However, only those who repent of their sins and believe on Christ, calling upon Him will be saved. God is not willing that one human being should perish.
Whoever believes may come to Christ. This is the message of the gospel. It is good news!
Ezekiel 33:11
John 3:16; 6:37
Acts 16:30-31
Romans 1:16; 5:18; 10:11,13
Hebrew 2:9
2 Peter 3:9
Salvation is only in Jesus Christ, God’s Holy Son.
John 14:6
Acts 4:12

Holy Spirit Baptism/Gifts of the Holy Spirit

We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit available to all believers. This experience follows salvation and is accompanied by the outward manifestation of speaking in new God given languages (tongues or glossalalia). We believe in all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit being available to believers in this modern era. These gifts are all supernatural and are listed in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 7-11. We also believe that New Testament pattern churches will encourage the exercise of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their meetings, in outreach and evangelism and in all aspects of believers witness and spiritual warfare in the world.
Matthew 3:11
Mark 1:8
Luke 3:16
John 1:33
Acts 1:5; 2:4,38,39; 4:29-31; 5:12-16; 8:4-8; 10:45,46; 11:15,16; 14:3,8-10; 19:6
1 Corinthians 12:7-11,28; 14:26,39
Hebrews 2:2-4

Healing and Deliverance Ministry

Our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated the Father’s will in setting humanity free from every kind of sickness and disease and every demonic power. We believe that all sickness and every demonic power is subject to the mighty name of Jesus. Healing can take place through the laying of hands, by anointing with oil, by the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, through the atoning work of Christ, through prayer requests, through faith, through the spoken word of God or by other sovereign acts of God.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Matthew 4:23,24; 8:16,17; 14:14
Mark 1:40,41
Acts 3:6,16; 10:38; 14:9,10; 19:11,12)
Hebrews 2:4
James 5:14-16

The Church

The Church is God’s new creation people, described as a holy nation, a royal priesthood, from every nation tribe and people, destined to reign with Christ in the age to come. All believers are priests to God and to Christ. The leadership of the Christian Church is given by Christ the Head of the Church. These gifts are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
Ephesians 4:11
1 Corinthians 12:28
We are living in times of significant restoration as the gifts of the apostle and prophet are both being restored and recognized. Local church is God’s idea. Believers from the beginning gathered regularly together for worship, prayer, for teaching, for the exercise of spiritual gifts, for pastoral care for equipping for Christian service, to share in the Lord’s Table and to give. Believers are instructed not to forsake the gathering of themselves together.
Hebrews 10:35
Local church should be the birthing place of Christian ministries. Elders have the role of shepherding the flock, providing direction, maintaining order and discipline, and most of all feeding the local church with the Word of God. In a mature New Testament church, elders will be in plurality, with one of the eldership serving as the senior ministry. All elders are not equal in function as gifting and experience impact Christian service. Humility is important among elders. Deacons and deaconesses serve the elders and the local church in tasks that need doing.
Acts 2:42,46,47; 6:1-6; 13:1; 14:23; 20:28
Romans 16:1-2
Ephesians 5:26-27
Philippians 1:1
Titus 1:5
1 Peter 2:9-10; 5:1-4
Revelation 5:9-10

Marriage and family

We believe in the sacredness of marriage, home and family life, as clearly defined by the Bible. Marriage and family life was the first institution of society, established by God Himself. He presided over the first marriage between a man and a woman, and pronounced His blessing over them, before they began their relationship together.
Our Lord Jesus Christ reaffirmed this by saying to the leaders of His time, “Have you not read that He who made them in the beginning ‘made them male and female’ and said ‘for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” “So then, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Matthew 19:4-6
Marriage was protected in the Ten Commandments given by God, as was home and family life. Three of the Ten Commandments specifically refer to these.
Exodus 20:12,14,17
Our Lord Jesus Christ likewise in the Sermon on the Mount addressed the sacredness of the institution of marriage, as well as impure sexual attitudes.
Matthew 5:27,28,31,32
The Bible is clear in both Old and New Testaments that sexual relationships outside of God’s original plan are prohibited. In New Testament times, immorality was widespread in Greek and Roman cultures, encouraged further by idol worship and festivities. The Christian Church always took a strong stand against such practices, consistent with Bible teaching.
Leviticus 18
Malachi 2:13-16
Romans 1:21-32
1 Corinthians 6:9,10
Galatians 5:19-21
Ephesians 4:17-24; 5:3-7
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
Hebrews 13:3,4
1 Peter 4:1-3
Revelation 21:8
God loves all people, but He does not condone sin. Nor does He bless what is forbidden. He supports every person who repents of their sin, and heals those who have been hurt in life. Supportive counsel and mentoring by mature Christians, will establish a lifestyle in new Christians, or in Christians needing restoration that honours God, and is for their own wellbeing.
Officers of the Christian Church are to exemplify God’s standards in marriage and home life.
1 Timothy 3:1-13
Instructions were given to congregations, strengthening the family unit regarding husband and wife, parent and child relationships
Ephesians 5:22-6:4
Colossians 3:18-21

The Ordinances

We believe in the baptism of believers by immersion in water as commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ. We also believe in remembering our Lord’s death and resurrection by sharing in the Lord’s Supper, until He returns.
Matthew 26:28; 28:19
Luke 22:19-20
Acts 2:38,41; 8:12; 10:48
Romans 6:3-6
1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Angels and Satan

The Bible many times refers to angels of light, created spirits who carry out His commands in the universe. In particular scripture shows that they serve those who are heirs of salvation i.e. believers. They are also involved in spiritual warfare, assisting the Church of God upon the earth. The Bible also refers to Satan, a once powerful angel of light called Lucifer, who rebelled against God taking many angelic spirits with him. Satan seeks to rob, kill and destroy. He is the tempter and adversary to every believer in Christ. Jesus Christ defeated Satan at Calvary and by His resurrection took the keys of Hades off Satan. At the final judgement, Satan will be cast into hell forever.
Genesis 3:15
1 Chronicles 21:1
Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6
Isaiah 14:12-17
Ezekiel 28:14-17
Daniel 10
John 10:10
Acts 8:26; 12:7-11
Ephesians 6:10-17
Colossians 2:15
Hebrews 1:13,14; 12:22
1 Peter 5:8-9
Revelation 1:18; 5:11,12; 12:3-17; 20:7-10

The Great Commission

The whole Christian Church worldwide has the same commission – to go from their place to the uttermost parts of the earth. Every local church should be part of this vision. Local churches can network together to achieve larger goals.
Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20
Mark 16:15-20
Luke 24:46-49
John 20:21
Acts 1:8

The End Times

Great events are scheduled for the end of this age. The Holy Spirit is being poured out across the nations. The greatest harvest in Church history is being reaped. God has an agenda for the Gentile nations, and for His ancient people Israel. Great natural disasters are scheduled. Sin and lawlessness will greatly increase. The antichrist will ultimately arise for a short season.
Daniel 7:11-27
Matthew 24:12
Acts 2:17-21; 3:21
Luke 21:24
Romans 11:25-29
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
1 Timothy 4:1-2
2 Timothy 3:1-4
James 5:7-8
Revelation 8; 13; 17:8-18; 19:19,20

The Blessed Hope

Our blessed hope occurs when the Lord Jesus returns for His people, raising the righteous dead and together with the Church on the earth gives us our resurrection bodies and receives us to Himself according to His promise.
John 14:1-3; 17:24
1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Ephesians 5:27
Philippians 3:20, 21
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Titus 2:13
Revelation 22:17

The Coming King

This age closes when Jesus returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, bringing His saints with Him. He will judge the living nations, overthrow Antichrist and initiate His millennial reign. After this, all the remaining dead of all ages will be raised. The righteous will be with Christ. The wicked together will Satan will be cast into hell forever. Our last enemy death will be finished and the curse on the earth abolished. There will be a new heaven and a new earth.
Psalm 2:7-12
Isaiah 65:17; 66:22
Matthew 19:28; 25:31-46
1 Corinthians 15:23-26
2 Peter 3:13
Jude 14,15
Revelation 19:11-21; 20:4-6,11-18; 21