We hold these truths
Basic Bible Beliefs
These prominent teachings express how The Church of God understands and lives the New Testament faith—accepting the whole Bible, rightly divided.
Explore the beliefsOur foundation
The Word of God,
believed and lived.
The Church accepts the Bible as God’s Word and the New Testament as its rule of faith, practice, government, and discipline.
International resourceTwenty-nine teachings
Explore the beliefs.
Open each teaching for a concise introduction, then tap a Scripture reference to read it in the King James Version. For the complete approved wording, use the linked international resource.
01New life in ChristRepentance
Turning away from sin and turning wholeheartedly toward God.
02New life in ChristJustification
God forgives the sins of the person who repents and brings that person into peace with Him.
03New life in ChristRegeneration
God gives new spiritual life in the heart of the person He has justified.
04New life in ChristBorn Again
Through repentance, justification, and regeneration, a person becomes a new creation and a child of God.
05New life in ChristSanctification
A definite work of grace following justification, cleansing the believer and enabling a holy life.
06New life in ChristHoliness
God calls His people to live holy lives through the grace He provides.
07Spirit-filled lifeWater Baptism
Believers are immersed in water in obedience to Christ, representing His death, burial, and resurrection.
08Spirit-filled lifeBaptism with the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost empowers sanctified believers for service and witness.
09Spirit-filled lifeSpeaking in Tongues
Speaking as the Spirit gives utterance is the initial physical evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
10Spirit-filled lifeGifts Restored to the Church
The Holy Spirit gives and operates spiritual gifts within the Church according to God’s will.
11Spirit-filled lifeSigns Following Believers
God confirms the Gospel through signs that accompany faithful Christian witness.
12Spirit-filled lifeFruit of the Spirit
A Spirit-filled life displays love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control.
13Spirit-filled lifeDivine Healing
The Church believes God heals and encourages believers to seek Him in the prayer of faith.
14Ordinances and stewardshipThe Lord’s Supper
The Church observes this sacred ordinance in remembrance of Christ and His death.
15Ordinances and stewardshipWashing the Saints’ Feet
Following Jesus’ example, the Church observes feet washing as a New Testament ordinance of humble service.
16Ordinances and stewardshipTithing and Giving
Tithing and generous giving support the work and mission of the Church.
17Ordinances and stewardshipRestitution Where Possible
True repentance seeks to restore what was wrongfully taken and make right the harm done wherever possible.
18Our future hopePre-Millennial Second Coming of Jesus
Jesus will return for His saints and will reign upon the earth.
19Our future hopeResurrection
All the dead will be raised: the righteous at Christ’s appearing and the wicked afterward.
20Our future hopeEternal Life for the Righteous
Those who belong to Christ receive the promised reward of eternal life.
21Our future hopeEternal Punishment for the Wicked
Scripture teaches final judgment and eternal punishment for the unrepentant.
22Christian conductAbstinence from Liquor and Strong Drink
The Church teaches total abstinence from intoxicating drink as part of holy Christian living.
23Christian conductAgainst Tobacco and Narcotics
Christians are called to avoid practices that defile or enslave the body.
24Christian conductOn Meats and Drinks
Apart from strong drink, the New Testament does not impose rigid dietary rules or permit judging one another over food.
25Christian conductOn the Sabbath
The Church sets aside Sunday for worship while teaching that believers are called to holy living every day.
26Christian conductAgainst Gold for Ornament
The Church emphasizes inward spiritual beauty and modesty rather than adornment with precious metals.
27Christian conductAgainst Belonging to Lodges
Believers should not enter secret or unequal associations that conflict with open Christian faithfulness.
28Christian conductAgainst Swearing
A Christian’s truthful affirmation should be sufficient without taking an oath.
29Christian conductMarriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
Marriage is a sacred lifelong covenant, and the Church follows the New Testament teaching concerning divorce and remarriage.
Questions are welcome.
A local pastor can help you explore these teachings carefully through Scripture and prayer.