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Christadelphian Statement of Faith

What do Christadelphians believe?

 

THE STATEMENT OF FAITH — DOCTRINES TO BE REJECTED— THE COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST

CONTENTS

THE STATEMENT OF FAITH

 

THE FOUNDATION

That the book currently known as the Bible, consisting of the Scriptures of Moses, the prophets, and the apostles, is the only source of knowledge concerning God and His purposes at present extant or available in the earth, and that the same were wholly given by inspiration of God in the writers, and are consequently without error in all parts of them, except such as may be due to errors of transcription or translation. 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Cor. 2:13; Heb. 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Cor. 14:37; Neh. 9:30; John 10:35.

GOD

1. That the only true God is He Who was revealed to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, by angelic visitation and vision, and to Moses at the flaming bush (unconsumed) and at Sinai, and Who manifested Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ, as the supreme self-existent Deity, the ONE FATHER, dwelling in unapproachable light, yet everywhere present by His Spirit, which is a unity with His person in heaven. He hath, out of His own underived energy, created heaven and earth, and all that in them is. Isa. 40:13-25; 43:10-12; 44:6-8; 45:5; 46:9-10; Job 38-40; Deut. 6:1-4; Mark 12:29-32; 1 Cor. 8:4-6; Eph. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:5; Neh. 9:6; Job 26:13; Psa. 124:8; 146:6; 148:5; Isa. 40:25-27; Jer. 10:12-13; 27:5; 32:17-25; 51:15; Acts 14:15; 17:24; 1 Chron. 29:11-14; Psa. 62:11; 145:3; Isa. 26:4; 40:26; Job 9:4; 36:5; Psa. 92:5; 104:24; 147:4-5; Isa. 28:29; Rom. 16:27; 1 Tim. 1:17; 2 Chron. 16:9; Job 28:24; 34:21; Psa. 33:13-14; 44:21; 94:9; 139:7-12; Prov. 15:3; Jer. 23:24; 32:19; Amos 9:2-3; Acts 17:27-28; Psa. 123:1; 1 Kings 8:30-39, 43, 49; Matt. 6:9; 1 Tim. 6:15-16.

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

2. That Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God, begotten of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, without the intervention of man, and afterwards anointed with the same Spirit, without measure, at his baptism. Matt. 1:23; 1 Tim. 3:16; Acts 2:22-24, 36; Matt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:26-35; Gal. 4:4; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 3:16-17; Isa. 11:2; 42:1; 61:1; John 3:34; 7:16; 8:26-28; 14:10-24.

3. That the appearance of Jesus of Nazareth on the earth was necessitated by the position and state into which the human race had been brought by the circumstances connected with the first man. 1 Cor. 15:21-22; Rom. 5:12-19; Gen. 3:19; 2 Cor. 5:19-21.

THE ORIGINS OF MANKIND, SIN, AND REDEMPTION

4. That the first man was Adam, whom God created out of the dust of the ground as a living soul, or natural body of life, "very good" [Publisher&39;s Note: Gen. 1:31] in kind and condition, and placed him under a law through which the continuance of life was contingent on obedience. Gen. 2:7; 18:27; Job 4:19; 33:6; 1 Cor. 15:46-49; Gen. 2:17.

5. That Adam broke this law, and was adjudged unworthy of immortality, and sentenced to return to the ground from whence he was taken-a sentence which defiled and became a physical law of his being, and was transmitted to all his posterity. Gen. 3:15-19, 22-23; 2 Cor. 1:9; Rom. 7:24; 2 Cor. 5:2-4; Rom. 7:18-23; Gal. 5:16-17; Rom. 6:12; 7:21; John 3:6; Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22; Psa. 51:5; Job 14:4. 

6. That God, in His kindness, conceived a plan of restoration which, without setting aside His just and necessary law of sin and death, should ultimately rescue the race from destruction, and people the earth with sinless immortals. Rev. 21:4; John 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:10; 1 John 2:25; 2 Tim. 1:1; Titus 1:2; Rom. 3:26; John 1:29.

SALVATION PROMISES

7. That He inaugurated this plan by making promises to Adam, Abraham and David, and afterwards elaborated it in greater detail through the prophets. Gen. 3:15; 22:18; Psa. 89:34-37; 33:5; Hos. 13:14; Isa. 25:7-9; 51:1-8; Jer. 23:5.

JESUS CHRIST: BIRTH, MINISTRY, AND MISSION

8. That these promises had reference to Jesus Christ, who was to be raised up in the condemned line of Abraham and David, and who, though wearing their condemned nature, was to obtain a title to resurrection by perfect obedience, and, by dying, abrogate the law of condemnation for himself, and all who should believe and obey him. 1 Cor. 15:45; Heb. 2:14-16; Rom. 1:3; Heb. 5:8-9; 1:9; Rom. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 8:3-4; Heb. 2:15; 9:26; Gal. 1:4; Heb. 7:27; 5:3-7; 2:17; Rom. 6:10; 6:9; Acts 13:34-37; Rev. 1:18; John 5:21-22, 26-27; 14:3; Rev. 2:7; 3:21; Matt. 25:21; Heb. 5:9; Mark 16:16; Acts 13:38-39; Rom. 3:22; (Psa. 2:6-9; Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 11:15; Jer. 23:5; Zech. 14:9; Eph. 1:9-10) -- [Note: These passages in parathensis must be considered together.]

9. That it was this mission that necessitated the miraculous begettal of Christ of a human mother, enabling him to bear our condemnation, and, at the same time, to be a sinless bearer thereof, and, therefore, one who could rise after suffering the death required by the righteousness of God. Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-35; Isa. 7:14; Rom. 1:3-4; 8:3; Gal. 4:4; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 2:14-17; 4:15.

10. That being so begotten of God, and inhabited and used by God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was Emmanuel, God with us, God manifested in the flesh-yet was, during his natural life, of like nature with mortal man, being made of a woman of the house and lineage of David, and therefore a sufferer, in the days of his flesh, from all the effects that came by Adam&39;s transgression including the death that passed upon all men, which he shared by partaking of their physical nature. Matt. 1:23; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 2:14; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 2:17.

11. That the message he delivered from God to his kinsmen, the Jews, was a call to repentance from every evil work, the assertion of his divine sonship and Jewish kingship; and the proclamation of the glad tidings that God would restore their kingdom through him, and accomplish all things written in the prophets. Mark l:l5; Matt. 4:17; 5:20-48; John 10:36; 9:35; 11:27; 19:21; 1:49; Matt. 27:11-43; John 10:24-25; Matt. 19:28; 21:42-43; 23:38-39; 25:14-46; Luke 4:43; 13:27-30; 19:11-27; 22:28-30; Matt. 5:17; Luke 24:44.

12. That for delivering this message, he was put to death by the Jews and Romans who were, however, but instruments in the hands of God, for the doing of that which He had determined before to be done-namely, the condemnation of sin in the flesh, through the offering of the body of Jesus once for all, as a propitiation to declare the righteousness of God, as a basis for the remission of sins. All who approach God through this crucified, but risen, representative of Adam&39;s disobedient race, are forgiven. Therefore, by a figure, his blood cleanseth from sin. Luke 19:47; 20:1-26; John 11:45-53; Acts 10:38-39; 13:26-29; 4:27-28; Rom. 8:3; Heb. 10:10; Rom. 3:25; Acts 13:38; 1 John 1:7; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Pet. 3:18; 2:24; Heb. 9:14; 7:27; 9:26-28; Gal. 1:4; Rom. 3:25; 15:8; Gal. 3:21-22; Gal. 2:21; 4:4-5; Heb. 9:15; Luke 22:20; 24:26, 46-47; Matt. 26:28.

13. That on the third day, God raised him from the dead, and exalted him to the heavens as priestly mediator between God and man, in the process of gathering from among them a people who should be saved by the belief and obedience of the Truth.  1 Cor. 15:4; Acts 10:40; 13:30-37; 2:24-27; 4:27-33; Luke 24:51; Eph. 1:20; Acts 5:31; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 8:1; Acts 15:14; 13:39; Heb. 4:14-15.

14. That he is a priest over his own house only, and does not intercede for the world, or for professors who are abandoned to disobedience. That he makes intercession for his erring brethren, if they confess and forsake their sins. John 17:9; Heb. 10:26; 1 John 2:1; Prov. 28:13.

THE GOSPEL

15. That he sent forth apostles to proclaim salvation through him, as the only Name given under heaven whereby men may be saved. Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 26:16-18; 4:12.

16. That the way to obtain this salvation is to believe the Gospel they preached, and to take on the Name and service of Christ, by being thereupon immersed in water, and continuing patiently in the observance of all things he has commanded, none being recognized as his friends except those who do what he has commanded. Acts 13:48; 16:31; Mark 16:16; Rom. 1:16; Acts 2:38, 41; 10:47-48; 8:12; Gal. 3:27-29; Rom. 6:3-5; 2:7; Matt. 28:20; John 15:14.

17. That the Gospel consists of "The things concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ." Acts 8:12; 19:8, 10, 20; 28:30-31.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

18. That the "Things of the Kingdom of God" are the facts testified concerning the Kingdom of God in the writings of the prophets and apostles, and definable as in the next 12 paragraphs.

19. That God will set up a Kingdom in the earth, which will overthrow all others, and change them into "the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ." Dan. 2:44; 7:13-14; Rev. 11:15; Isa. 32:1, 16; 2:3-4; 11:9-10.

20. That for this purpose God will send Jesus Christ personally to the earth at the close of the times of the Gentiles. Acts 3:20-21; Psa. 102:16, 21; 2 Tim. 4:1; Acts 1:9, 11; Dan. 7:13; Luke 21:24-27; Rom. 11:25-26.

21. That the Kingdom which he will establish will be the Kingdom of Israel restored, in the territory it formerly occupied, namely, the land bequeathed for an everlasting possession to Abraham and his Seed (the Christ) by covenant. Mic. 4:6-8; Amos 9:11, 15; Eze. 37:21-22; Jer. 23:3, 8; Gen. 13:14-17; Heb. 11:8-9; Gal. 3:16; Lev. 26:42; Mic. 7:20.

22. That this restoration of the Kingdom again to Israel will involve the ingathering of God's chosen but scattered nation, the Jews; their reinstatement in the land of their fathers, when it shall have been reclaimed from "the desolation of many generations"; the building again of Jerusalem to become "the throne of the Lord" and the metropolis of the whole earth. Isa. 11:12; Jer. 31:10; Zec. 8:8; Eze. 36:34-36; Isa. 5l:3; 60:15; 62:4; Jer. 3:17; Mic. 4:7-8; Joel 3:17; Isa. 24:23.

23. That the governing body of the Kingdom so established will be the brethren of Christ, of all generations, developed by resurrection and change, and constituting, with Christ as their head, the collective "Seed of Abraham," in whom all nations will be blessed, and comprising "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets," and all in their age of like faithfulness. Dan. 12:2; Luke 13:28; Rev. 11:18; 1 Thess. 4:15-17; John 5:28-29; 6:39-40; Luke 14:14; Matt. 25:34, 46; Rev. 5:9-10; Dan. 7:27.

RESURRECTION AND JUDGMENT

24. That at the appearing of Christ prior to the establishment of the Kingdom, the responsible (namely, those who know the revealed will of God, and have been called upon to submit to it), dead and living -- obedient and disobedient -- will be summoned before his judgment seat "to be judged according to their works," and "receive in body according to what they have done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rom. 2:5-6, 16; 14:10-12; 1 Cor. 4:5; Rev. 11:18.

25. That the unfaithful will be consigned to shame and "the second death," and the faithful, invested with immortality, and exalted to reign with Jesus as joint heirs of the Kingdom, co-possessors of the earth, and joint administrators of God's authority among men in everything. Matt. 7:26; 8:12; 25:20-30; Dan. 12:2; Gal. 6:8; 5:21; 2 Thess. 1:8; Heb. 10:26-31; 2 Pet. 2:12; Rev. 21:8; Mal. 4:1; Psa. 37:30-38; Prov. 10:25-29; 1 Cor. 15:51-55; 2 Cor. 5:1-4; James 1:12; Rom. 2:7; John 10:28; Matt. 5:5; Psa. 37:9, 22, 29; Rev. 5:9; Dan. 7:27; 1 Thess. 2:12; 2 Pet. 1:11; Rev. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 5:10; Psa. 49:7-9; Luke 22:29-30.

26. That the Kingdom of God, thus constituted, will continue a thousand years, during which sin and death will continue among the earth&39;s subject inhabitants, though in a much milder degree than now. Rev. 20:4-9; 11:15; Isa. 65:20; Eze. 44:22, 25; 1 Cor. 15:24-28.

27. That a law will be established which shall go forth to the nations for their "instruction in righteousness," resulting in the abolition of war to the ends of the earth, and the "filling of the earth with the knowledge of the glory of Yahweh as the waters cover the sea." Mic. 4:2; Isa. 42:4; 11:1-10; 2:4; Hab. 2:14.

THE MISSION OF THE KINGDOM

28. That the mission of the Kingdom will be to subdue all enemies, and finally death itself, by opening up the way of life to the nations, which they will enter by faith, during the thousand years, and (in reality) at their close. 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 21:4; 20:12-15; Isa. 25:6-8.

29. That at the close of the thousand years, there will be a general resurrection and judgment, resulting in the final extinction of the wicked, and the immortalization of those who shall have established their title (under the grace of God) to eternal life during the thousand years. Rev. 20:11-15; 1 Cor. 15:24.

30. That the government will then be delivered up by Jesus to the Father, Who will manifest Himself as the "All-in-All"; sin and death having been taken out of the way, and the race completely restored to the friendship of the Deity. 1 Cor. 15:28.

DOCTRINES TO BE REJECTED

As a further clarification to the points made in our Statement of Faith, we provide the following list of doctrines to be rejected. Fellowship cannot be extended to anyone who holds, teaches, fellowships or countenances any of the doctrinal heresies referred to below:

  1. We reject the doctrine - that the Bible is only partly the work of inspiration - or if wholly so, contains errors which inspiration has allowed.
  2. We reject the doctrine - that God is three persons.
  3. We reject the doctrine - that the Son of God was co-eternal with the Father.
  4. We reject the doctrine - that Christ was born with a "free life."
  5. We reject the doctrine - that Christ&39;s nature was immaculate.
  6. We reject the doctrine - that the Holy Spirit is a person distinct from the Father.
  7. We reject the doctrine - that man has an immortal soul.
  8. We reject the doctrine - that man consciously exists in death.
  9. We reject the doctrine - that the wicked will suffer eternal torture in hell.
  10. We reject the doctrine - that the righteous will ascend to the kingdoms beyond the skies when they die.
  11. We reject the doctrine - that the devil is a supernatural being.
  12. We reject the doctrine - that the Kingdom of God is "the church."
  13. We reject the doctrine - that the Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ merely.
  14. We reject the doctrine - that Christ will not come till the close of the thousand years.
  15. We reject the doctrine - that the tribunal of Christ, when he comes, is not for judgment of saints, but merely to divide among them different degrees of reward.
  16. We reject the doctrine - that the resurrection is confined to the faithful.
  17. We reject the doctrine - that the dead rise in an immortal state.
  18. We reject the doctrine - that the subject-nations of the thousand years are immortal.
  19. We reject the doctrine - that the Law of Moses is binding on believers of the Gospel.
  20. We reject the doctrine - that the observance of Sunday is a matter of duty.
  21. We reject the doctrine - that baby sprinkling is a doctrine of Scripture.
  22. We reject the doctrine - that those without knowledge - through personal choice, immaturity, or lack of mental capacity - will be saved.
  23. We reject the doctrine - that man can be saved by morality or sincerity, without the Gospel.
  24. We reject the doctrine - that the Gospel alone will save, without obedience to Christ&39;s commandments.
  25. We reject the doctrine - that a man cannot believe without possessing the Spirit of God.
  26. We reject the doctrine - that men are predestined to salvation unconditionally.
  27. We reject the doctrine - that there is no sin in the flesh.
  28. We reject the doctrine - that Joseph was the actual father of Jesus.
  29. We reject the doctrine - that the earth will be destroyed.
  30. We reject the doctrine - that baptism is not necessary to salvation.
  31. We reject the doctrine - that a knowledge of the Truth is not necessary to make baptism valid.
  32. We reject the doctrine - that some meats are to be refused on the score of uncleanness.
  33. We reject the doctrine - that the English are the ten tribes of Israel, whose prosperity is a fulfillment of the promises made concerning Ephraim.
  34. We reject the doctrine - that marriage with an unbeliever is lawful.
  35. We reject the doctrine - that we are at liberty to serve in the Army, Navy, Police Force, or any service whatsoever requiring the Oath of Allegiance or use of force.
  36. We reject the doctrine - that we are at liberty to take part in politics, or recover debts by legal coercion.

THE COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST

How should we behave as followers of Jesus Christ in today&39;s world?

  • "Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you." - Jesus.
  • "Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded." - Jesus
  • "If ye know these things, happy are ye, if ye do them." - Jesus
  • "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom, but he that doeth the will of my Father." - Jesus
  • "Be doers of the Word, not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." - James
  • "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar." - John

PREFACE

Popular theology has obscured the principle of obedience as the basis of our acceptance with God in Christ, by its doctrine of "justification by faith alone," and that too, of the most momentary character in the hour of death. It is part of the modern restitution of primitive apostolic ways, to recognize distinctly, that while faith turns a sinner into a saint, obedience only will secure a saint&39;s acceptance at the judgment seat of Christ; and that a disobedient saint will be rejected more decisively than even an unjustified sinner.

The rule or standard of obedience is to be found in the commandments of Christ. Christ speaks very plainly on this subject in the statements quoted on the title-page. They are summed up in this saying of his - "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love."

Before we can keep his commandments, we must know them; and in order to know them to any purpose, we must remember them. This epitome is intended as a help to the memory. The commandments are picked out from the apostolic writings, and classified in a way convenient to remember, and printed in a form convenient for carrying about on the person daily, so that they may be often looked at, and imprinted on the mind. The references are supplied for the satisfaction of those who desire to be quite sure of their foundation. What excellent men and women are those who keep all these commandments! Where are they? Lord, increase their number. — ROBERT ROBERTS

Included are the commandments of our Lord's apostles, concerning whom he said, "He that heareth you, heareth me"; and Paul, "The things that I write are the commandments of the Lord."

Contents

I. CONCERNING GOD

1. Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and all thy soul, and all thy strength, and all thy mind. (Matt. 22:37)

2. Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. (Matt. 10:28)

3. Glory in the Lord; not in man. (1 Cor. 3:21; 2 Cor. 10:17).

4. Be imitators of God; be like Him in His kindness to the undeserving. (Matt. 5:45-48; Eph. 5:1).

5. Pray to God always and faint not. (Luke 18:1; Matt. 7:7; 26:41; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6, Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Tim. 2:8; Heb. 4:16); pray with brevity and simplicity (Matt. 6:7); pray secretly (Matt. 6:6).

6. Have faith in God; cast your care upon Him: He knows your need and will provide. (Mark 11:22; Matt. 6:25; Phil. 4:6, 1 Peter 5:7).

7. Give yourselves to His service without reserve, recognizing that you cannot serve God and Mammon (Matt. 6:24; Rom. 12:1).

8. In everything give thanks to Him for this is His will and pleasure concerning you. (Eph. 5:20 ; Col. 3:15, 17; 1 Thess. 5:18; Heb. 13:15).

9. Recognize Him in all your ways, saying concerning your purposes "if the Lord will." (Jas. 4:15; Prov. 3:6).

10. Come out from the world and be separate unto Him, as His sons and daughters. (2 Cor. 6:14-17).

II. CONCERNING CHRIST

11. Let Christ dwell in your heart by faith. (Eph 3:17).

12. Give him a higher place than father, mother, husband, wife, children, relations, houses, and lands. (Luke 14 26; Matt 10:37).

13. Set your affections upon him, and not upon the present world at all. (Col. 3:1-4; 1 John 2 : 15).

14. Take him for an example and follow in his steps. (I Pet. 2:21-23; John 13:15).

I5. Abide in him: do not let him slip from your memory and affections. (John 15 :7; Heb. 2:1).

16. Call him to remembrance every first day of the week in the breaking of bread, as he has appointed. (Matt. 26:26-27; 1 Cor. 11:24-26; Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2).

17. Be not ashamed to confess him before men, (Luke 12:8; Mark 8:38; 2 Tim. I:8), at the same time taking care to expose not your holy things to the profane. (Matt. 7:6).

18. Aim to be in a state of continual readiness for his coming. With this in view, be on your guard against the engrossments of business, the cares of life, and the allurements of pleasure. (Matt. 24:14; Luke 12:35-37; 14:26; 2 Pet. 3:14).

19. Endure to the end, submitting to hardship if the necessary consequence. (Matt. 24:13; 2 Tim. 2:3).

20. Hold fast your confidence and rejoicing in him till you die or he come. (Rev 2:10-25; Heb. 3:14).

III. CONCERNING BRETHREN AND SISTERS

21. Love one another with a pure heart fervently. (John 13:34; Rom. 12:10; Eph. 5:2; Col. 3:14; 1 Thess. 4:9; Heb. 13:1; 1 Pet. 1; 22; 1 Pet. 4:8; 1 John 3:14-19).

22. Brethren not to exercise lordship over one another; the greatest to be as the youngest; he that is chief as he that doth serve; Christ&39;s example the illustration of what is meant. (Matt. 23:11; Luke 22:26-27; John 13:13- 17).

23. Not to be angry without righteous cause; and to take care lest anger even in that case lead to sin. (Matt. 5:22; Eph. 4:26; Col. 3:8).

24. In case of breach, to seek reconciliation and exercise forgiveness to the utmost extent. (Matt. 5:24; 18:35; Col. 3:13).

25. In case of sin (known or heard of) speak not of it to others, but tell the offending brother of the matter between thee and him alone, with a view to recovery. (Matt. 18:15; Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19-20).

26. Grudge not: Judge not: condemn not one another. (Matt. 7: 1; Rom. 14:13; 1 Cor. 4:5; Jas. 4:11).

27. Shut not your ear to the needy: relieve the afflicted. (Acts 20:35; Rom. 12:13; Jas. 2:16; Gal. 6:10; 1 John 3:17).

28. To seek not your own welfare only, nor bear your own burdens merely, but have regard to those of others. (Phil. 2:4; 1 Cor. 10:24; Gal. 6:2).

29. Be of one mind, and follow the things that make for peace. (1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Pet. 3:8; Rom. 14:19).

30. Confess your faults one to another. (Jas. 5:16).

IV. CONCERNING THE STRANGER

31. Let your light shine before men. (Matt. 5:16; 10:32-33). Hold forth the Word of Life. (Phil. 2: 16). Say to the perishing, Come. (Rev. 22:17).

32. Agree with your adversary quickly, submitting even to wrong for the sake of peace. (Matt. 5:25; 1 Cor. 6:7; Rom. 12:18-19).

33. Do good to all men as opportunity may allow. The Samaritan succoured a stranger in distress: "Go thou and do likewise." If even thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink. (Gal. 6:10; Luke 6:27- 28; 10:37; Rom. 12 : 20; Matt. 5:44).

34. Pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you. (Matt. 5:44).

35. Recompense to no man evil for evil. (Rom. 12:17; 1 Thess. 5:15); render not evil for evil or railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing. (1 Pet. 3:9); bless, and curse not. (Rom. 12:14).

36. Resist not evil; compel not the restitution of stolen goods: avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath. (Matt. 5:39-40; Luke 6:29- 30; Rom. 12:19).

37. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:21).

38. As ye would that men should do unto you, do ye also so to them. (Matt. 7:12; Luke 6:31).

39. Walk not as other Gentiles walk- (Eph 4:17): have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness- (Eph. 5:7-11): be not conformed to this world- (Rom. 12:2): come out from among them and be ye separate. (2 Cor. 6:17).

40. Walk honestly toward them that are without; give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully; be blameless and harmless, as the sons of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. (1 Thess. 4:12; 1Tim. 5:14; Phil. 2:15).

V. CONCERNING YOUR OWN CHARACTER

41. Be ye holy in all manner of conversation (1 Pet. 1:15-16): without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. (Heb. 12:14).

42. Be wise as serpents, harmless as doves- (Matt. 10:16; Phil. 2:15): not fools- (Eph. 5:15-17): gentle, meek, kindhearted, compassionate, merciful, forgiving- (2 Tim. 2:24; Tit. 2:2; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12; Matt. 18:35).

43. Old and young to be sober, grave, sincere and temperate. (Phil. 4:5; Tit. 2:2,7; 1 Pet. 1:13; 5:8).

44. To be hearty in everything. "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men." (Rom. 12:1-2; Col. 3:23).

45. To be watchful, vigilant, brave, joyful, courteous, and manly. (1 Cor. 16:13; Phil. 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:6,8,10; 2 Pet. 1:5-7).

46. Be sympathetic with others both in their sorrows and in their joys. (Rom. 12:5).

47. All of you be clothed with humility, not proud, minding not high things, but condescending to men of low estate. (Luke 14:11-13; Rom. 11:20; 12:3-16; Phil. 2:3; Col. 3:12; 1 Pet. 5:5-6).

48. Be patient towards all, especially the weak and erring. (Rom. 12:10; 14:1; 15:1; 1 Thess. 5:14); put away anger, wrath, bitterness, and all evil speaking. (Eph. 4 :31; 1 Pet. 2:1).

49. Follow after whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseful. (Phil. 4:8); abhor evil, and abstain from its appearance. (Rom. 12:9; 1 Thess. 5:22).

50. Things not to be named, still less practised, among saints: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, drunkenness, covetousness, wrath, strife, sedition, hatred, emulation, boasting, vain glory, envy, jesting, foolish talking. (Eph. 5:3-4; Gal. 5:19-21).

VI. CONCERNING YOUR ACTIONS

51. Do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:3; Col. 3:17).

52. Live no longer the rest of your time in the indulgence of the lusts of the flesh, but in doing the will of God. (1 Pet. 4:2): reckon yourselves dead to sin but alive to righteousness (Rom. 6:11) doing the will of God from the heart (Eph. 6:6) henceforth live not unto yourselves, but unto him who died for you and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15).

53. Be zealous of good works, always abounding in the work of the Lord, wearying not in well doing. (2 Tit. 2:14; 1 Cor. 15:58; 1 Thess. 4:1; Heb. 6:11; Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13).

54. Beware of false teachers. (Matt. 7:15; Phil. 3:2; 1 John 4:1).

55. Beware of covetousness; lay not up treasure upon earth: be ready to every good work. (Luke 12:15; Matt. 6:19; Titus 3:1; Heb. 13:5).

56. Give to him that asketh, and to him that is in need, visiting the fatherless and the widow in their afflictions; and give liberally and cheerfully, remembering that the Lord loveth a cheerful giver, and is well pleased with such sacrifices. (Matt. 5:42; Rom. 12:13; 2 Cor. 9:6-8; Heb. 13:16; Jas. 1:27).

57. Do not your alms before men, to be seen of them; let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. (Matt. 6:1-4).

58. Labour not to be rich: having food and raiment, be content. (1 Tim. 6:8; John 6:27; Matt. 6:19).

59. Riches are dangerous if they come to your hand, turn them into safeguards and friends by using them liberally in the Lord&39;s service, whose stewards we are. (1 Tim. 6:10,17-19; Luke 12:18-21; 16:9-13; 1 Pet. 4:10).

60. Walk in the spirit: walk worthily; put off the old man of the flesh: put on the new man renewed in knowledge after the divine image. (Gal. 5:16- 26; Eph. 4:24; 5:8-19; Col. 3:9).

61. Cleanse yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. Your bodies are members of Christ, and God's temple; if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy. (2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Thess. 4:3; 1 Cor. 3:16- 17; 6:15-20).

62. Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Heb. 12:14; Rom. 12:18; 14:19; 2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 4:3).

63. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification, even as I (Paul) please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many that they might be saved. (Rom. 15:2; 1 Cor. 10:33).

64. Do all things without murmuring and disputing. (Phil. 2:14).

65. Speak evil of no man; be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness to all men. (Tit. 3:2).

66. Be swift to hear; slow to speak; slow to wrath. (Jas. 1:19).

67. Depart from all iniquity: let none of you suffer as an evil doer, or as a busybody in other men&39;s matters. (2 Tim. 2:19; 1 Pet. 4:15).

68. If any man suffer according to the will of God, let him commit the keeping of his soul to Him in well-doing, not rendering evil for evil, but rejoicing that he is a partaker of Christ&39;s sufferings. (1 Pet. 4:19; 1 Thess. 5:15; 1 Pet. 4:13).

69. Drive away youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22).

70. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, desire it with the ardour of a new-born babe for its mother&39;s milk; meditate on these things; give thyself wholly to them. (Col. 3:16; 1 Pet. 2:2; 1 Tim. 4:15).

71. Pay your debts: owe no man anything, but to love one another. (Rom. 13:7-8).

72. Be subject to rulers: obey magistrates: submit to every law and ordinance of man, except where they come into conflict with the law of Christ. (Tit. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-17; Rom. 13:6; Acts 4:19).

VII. CONCERNING YOUR THOUGHTS AND SPEECH

73. The harbouring of unlawful desire is divinely reckoned as guilty action. It is forbidden. (Matt. 5:27-28).

74. Mortify, therefore, or hold in subjection, your members which are upon earth. (Col. 3:5; Gal. 5:24; 1 Cor. 9:27).

75. Remove all causes of spiritual stumbling, or hindrance from your path, even at the risk of pain and loss. (Matt. 5:29; Heb. 12:1).

76. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt; let no filthy communication proceed out of your mouth, but sound speech, with gravity, and sincerity and simplicity. (Matt. 5:37; Eph. 4:29; Col. 3:8; 4:6; Titus 2:7-8).

77. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God. (1 Pet. 4:11).

78. Speak every man truth with his neighbour; lie not one to another. (Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9).

79. Swear not at all: let your communication be yea, yea, and nay, nay. (Matt. 5:34; Jas. 5:12).

80. Out of the same mouth ought not to proceed blessing and cursing. (Jas. 3:10).

VIII. CONCERNING MATRIMONIAL RELATIONS

81. At liberty to marry whom you will, only in the Lord. (1 Cor. 7:39).

82. Husbands and wives not to separate except for adultery. (Matt. 19:6- 9; 1 Cor. 7:10) which will exclude from the Kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 6:9).

83. A husband or wife becoming a believer without the other, not to leave the other, if he or she consent to a peaceable life. (1 Cor. 7: 12-15).

84. Husbands to love, honour, and cherish their wives. (Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:19; 1 Pet. 3:7).

85. Wives to love, submit to, and obey their husbands as the head. (Eph. 5:23-24; Col. 3:18; 1 Pet. 3:1).

IX. CONCERNING PARENTS AND CHILDREN

86. Parents to bring up their children in the enlightenment of the truth, and to have them in subjection with all gravity. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 1 Tim. 3:3-4).

87. Children to obey their parents in all things. (Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20).

X. CONCERNING MASTERS AND SERVANTS

88. Masters to be kind, just and considerate. (Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1).

89. Servants to be obedient in all things to their masters, not with eye service as men pleasers, but with all faithfulness as unto Christ, even if the master happen to be a bad one. (Eph. 6:5-8; Col. 3:22; 1 Tim. 6:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:18). But servants are at liberty to leave. (1 Cor. 7:21).

90. If the master be a brother, the servant (also a brother or sister), instead of rendering a slacker service on that account, is to show a greater measure of obedience. (1 Tim. 6:2).

XI. CONCERNING DISOBEDIENT BRETHREN

91. If any man obey not the apostolic commands, the brethren to have no company with him. (2 Thess. 3:14).

92. To avoid these causing divisions. (Rom.16:17).

93. To withdraw from everyone walking disorderly, or not in accordance with apostolic precept. (2 Thess. 3:6).

94. To put away wicked persons. (1 Cor. 5:11).

95. To reject or receive not into fellowship those who consent not to the doctrine or the commandments of the Lord Jesus. (2 John verses 8-10; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; Titus 3:10).

96. If any will not work, he is not to be relieved. (2 Thess. 3:10; 1 Tim. 5:8).

XII. CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLIES OF THE BRETHREN

97. All things to be done decently, and in order. (1 Cor. 14:40).

98. All things to be done in love, and in mutual submission. (1 Cor. 16:14; 1 Pet. 5:5).

99. Sisters to keep silence (1 Tim. 2:11-12), and to dress modestly and in sobriety. (1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Pet. 3:3-4).

100. The brethren at liberty on all questions of eating and drinking, and the observance of feasts, Sabbaths, and holy days (Col. 2:16; 1 Cor. 10:25; Rom. 14:5-7), except that they are not at liberty to do anything inconsistent with holiness, or the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Heb. 12:14).