BIBLICAL TRUTH
The human terminology employed in this statement is not inspired nor contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full Gospel ministry. No claim is made that it contains all the truth in the Bible, only that it covers orthodox fundamental matters. The Celebration Temple of God embraces the following statements concerning the biblical truths we believe. Those statements of truth are intended simply as a basis for our fellowship and the hope we have in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We do not claim that these statements contain all the biblical truths, nor all the biblical truths we hold close, but only that they speak to our beliefs in these fundamental doctrines. Nor do we suggest that the words used in these statements are inspired in and of themselves, or that they represent the final work on biblical truths. We are persuaded, however, that these statements are appropriate and consistent with the Holy Scriptures and set forth a declaration of those we believe.
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
The Holy Scriptures of the Bible, in the original manuscripts, are the inspired and infallible Word of God in all its parts and in the whole. The Bible is the all-sufficient, infallible and authoritative rule for faith and conduct. Both, the Old and New Testaments were written by holy men as they were inspired and carried along by the Holy Spirit. As God's revealed Word to man, the Holy Scriptures are the guide to salvation and to all Christian worship and service. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12)
THE ONE TRUE GOD
The Bible teaches us that there is but one true and living God. He is all-powerful and all-knowing, and His love is from everlasting to everlasting. God is the eternal "I AM," the Creator and Ruler of heaven and earth, and the Redeemer of mankind. God has chosen to reveal Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association, by simultaneously existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one and the same though distinct in personality. The three are one God, having the same nature, attributes, and perfection and are worthy of the same worship and obedience.
GOD THE FATHER
The Father is infinite, personal, perfect in holiness, and wise. He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of mankind. He hears and answers the prayer of the righteous. He saves from sin and death all that come to Him through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, in whom He is well pleased. He is a loving father to His devoted children.
GOD THE SON
Jesus is the Christ. He is the Son of God and the Son of Man, and born of the Virgin Mary. He came into the world to save men from the guilt and condemnation of sin, offering His blood as atonement for sin and making it available to all who put faith in Him. He Himself lived a sinless life, and although innocent, was crucified, died and was buried. On the third day, Jesus Christ was physically resurrected from the dead. He was exalted to the right hand of God and His divinity is proved from all that exists, all that can be seen, His life, His words and teachings, His ministry, and His attributes.
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is as much God as the Father and the Son. He, therefore, is equal in perfection, wisdom, and power and in feelings and emotions. He loves, comforts, draws to salvation, guides, empowers, leads, teaches, gives revelation, commands, forbids, sends reproves, distributes spiritual gifts, and He can be sinned against and grieved. The works of God ascribed to the Holy Spirit include creation, inspiration, giving of life, washing of rebirth and renewal, and sanctification.
MAN'S FALL AND REDEMPTION
The first man was created good and upright, for God said, "Let us make man in our image and after our likeness." Man, by voluntary transgression, fell, and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Genesis 1:26-31; Romans 5:12-21)
THE SALVATION OF MAN
For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Thus, man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the only Son of God. Salvation is by grace through faith, is a free gift, and wholly without human works. Salvation is received through repentance of sin, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing away of sin only by the blood of Jesus Christ and by rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, a man is born again and has eternal life. (Titus 2:22; Luke 24:47)
EVIDENCE OF SALVATION
The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the [Holy] Spirit and a good conscience toward God. And the outward evidence to all men is a life of love, righteousness, and holiness under the Lordship of Christ. (Romans 8:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:4; 2 Timothy 1:9)
THE CHURCH
The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Holy Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission and purpose. Each believer is an integral part of the church, and their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. All who are saved and united by a new birth in Jesus Christ are part of Christ's church universal, which is His body and the congregation of Christian believers is God's chosen instrument for corporate worship, world evangelism, the furtherance of God's work here on Earth, and the nurturing of Christians to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son. Each believer, born of the [Holy] Spirit, is an integral part of the church of the firstborn, whose name is written in heaven. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)
BAPTISM BY IMMERSION
We believe water baptism by total immersion is commanded of every believer in the Scriptures. Therefore we follow in our Lord's example. The ordinance of baptism is a burial with Christ should be observed (as commanded in the Scriptures) by all who have repented and truly believed in their heart on Christ as Lord and Savior are to be baptized. In doing so, they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they have also been raised with Him to walk in newness of life in Him as Lord and Savior of their lives (Matthew 3:16; Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4)
THE LORD'S SUPPER (HOLY COMMUNION)
The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements - bread and the fruit of the vine - symbolizes the Passover, the perfect redemption, the new covenant in His precious blood, and our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord's Supper serves as a continual memorial of His suffering and death and as a prophecy of His second coming. It was commanded by Jesus Christ of His disciples in remembrance of Him and is enjoined on all believers until He comes [again]. (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:25)
