A. The Issue
In Christian circles, there is theological debate about the security of the believer. The core issue is whether or not a Christian, once saved, can ever return to a position of not being saved.

At one end of the spectrum are those who believe that once a person receives Christ, it doesn’t matter how he lives—he is secure. The more common view is that if a person does not live a holy life, he was never saved in the first place. At the other end of the spectrum are those who believe a Christian never possesses full assurance, since his status is dependant upon his obedience at that time. The two positions can be labeled as “once saved, always saved,” and “trying hard but never sure.” We do not believe that either of these positions reflects the full teaching of Scripture.

The second truth that brings balance is man’s responsibility to walk in faith. We who have received Christ must continue to live in Him, being strengthened in the faith (Col. 2:6). Living by faith, or abiding in Christ, is essential for bearing fruit, for the fruitless are cut off from Christ, who is the vine (Jn. 15:1-6; Rom. 11:19-22). Adding Christ-like character to our faith makes us effective and productive and keeps us from ever falling (2 Pet. 1:5-11). While God provides help to defeat temptation, we can reject it and become entangled and overcome by sin, making us worse off than before we knew Christ as Lord and Savior (2 Pet. 2:20,21). We have a responsibility to not only watch ourselves, but also to encourage fellow believers so that none are hardened by sin’s deceitfulness and turn away from God (Heb. 3:12-14). We must rescue those who wander from the truth, which many will do in the latter days (Jam. 5:19,20; 1 Tim. 4:1). Two parallel passages reflect both truths:

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.” (Jude 24)

“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith.” (Col. 1:22,23)

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• Eternal security is a not a primary doctrine; that is, what one believes about it does not determine whether or not he is a Christian. God will still save whom he chooses regardless of our position on the issue. Within the church there is room for differing viewpoints. One of our guiding principles is that in matters that are non-essentials, we advocate liberty and love. In other words, we can disagree and still maintain unity.

• While those within the church may hold to differing views, the position that will be taught by the leadership is that we will emphasize the security of the believer who is walking in faith. We will teach both God’s ability to sustain the believer and our responsibility to continue to grow in faith. God promises to provide us with everything we need to grow (2 Peter 1:3), yet we have to make use of those resources (2 Peter 1:5-8). God’s plan is not simply to get us into the kingdom, but to enable us to be productive in our relationship with Christ. As leaders, we are responsible to praise those who are growing in their faith and admonish those who are unproductive (Hebrews 3:12-14; James 5:19-20).

• The ultimate test of whether or not someone is a Christian is faith that bears fruit. On one hand, those who hold to “once saved, always saved” conclude that a fruitless “Christian” was never saved in the first place. Those who believe he was truly saved understand him to have fallen away. Either way, the person lacks security. On the other hand, both views agree that the professing believer who walks by faith and bears fruit has full assurance of his salvation. His confidence is not based on anything he has done, but instead is based in Whom he has placed his faith. As Paul said, “I know whom I have believed, am convinced he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day” (2 Tim. 1:12).

• While we believe it is possible for a believer to turn away from Christ, or to fall away from grace (Gal. 5:2-4), this does not happen easily. The hardening of the heart comes after continuous refusal to heed the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the providence of the Lord in times of temptation. Jesus warned that life’s worries and riches can cause a person who has begun spiritual growth to be choked (Mt. 13:22). When a believer sins, he must acknowledge that sin before the Lord in order to keep his heart from hardened because of sin’s deceitfulness.

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A. The Issue
Our culture has witnessed a steady dissolution of the biblical view of marriage, evidenced in a rise in the practice of cohabitation, out-of-wedlock births, marital unfaithfulness and divorce. Even the very definition of marriage is being debated by our society. More than ever before, we must look to the scriptures to understand God's design for marriage.

B. The Biblical Teaching
God's plan for marriage1 is an exclusive, life-long covenant2 between a man and a woman,3 establishing a mutually supportive relationship.4 Marriage provides the framework for relational intimacy,5 sexual fulfillment,6 and raising children.7 Marriage reflects God's love for His Church.8 (The following discusses each part of the statement.)

1. "God's plan for marriage…" Marriage is a spiritual union created by God and legally recognized by the state. Couples who desire success in their marriage must seek to follow God's design for marriage, developing a union that is emotionally, physically and spiritually fulfilling.
¨ Husbands and wives will encounter many challenges that will test their marriage (1 Cor. 7:28). Therefore, it is wise for couples to seek guidance from the Lord, mature believers and professional counselors.
¨ While God has a plan for marriage, he does not plan that all be married (Mt. 19:12; 1 Cor. 7:8,25-28,32-35). The single person who is fully devoted to the Lord and the work of the kingdom is commended. Those who forbid marriage are to be guarded against as false teachers (1 Tim. 4:1-3).

2. "… is an exclusive, life-long covenant…" Marriage is entered into through a public or private ceremony where the relationship is ratified by a recognized authority. ¨ Marriage is an earthly relationship that is meant to last until the couple is separated by death (Mt. 19:6; 22:30; 1 Cor. 7:39). ¨ Divorce is hated by God (Mal. 2:16) and is caused by and/or results in much pain and dysfunction in families. Divorce is permissible, thought not preferred, in certain instances, namely sexual immorality (Mt. 19:9) and desertion (1 Cor. 7:15) as well as abuse and addiction. Divorce is not an unforgivable sin, and those who have been restored following a divorce should not be prohibited from service and leadership in the church.

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3. "…between a man and a woman…" Marriage is meant to be the union of a single man and a single woman (1 Cor. 7:2). The Bible forbids homosexuality and with it the union of two men or two women.

4. "…establishing a mutually supportive relationship." In marriage, both husband and wife seek to help their partner grow to full spiritual maturity. The husband is charged to serve and sacrifice for his wife (Eph. 5:28-30). The wife is to follow the husband's leadership in the family. The relationship is based on love and respect, with both husband and wife submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph. 5:21). Although men and women differ in their God-given roles, they possess equal worth before God (Gal. 3:28).

5. "Marriage provides the framework for relational intimacy..." God said that it was not good for man to be alone, and therefore created woman to be man's companion (Gen. 2:18). In marriage, a couple can become soul-mates.
¨ God's best is for both parties to be believers. The Scriptures caution believers being united with unbelievers for the fact they don't have the most important thing in life in common (2 Cor. 6:14).

6. "…sexual fulfillment..." In marriage, a man and woman are united, becoming "one flesh" (Gen. 2:24). God's plan is for sexual expression to take place in the security of the marriage relationship (Heb. 13:4). The gift of sex is to be reserved solely for one's spouse. Sexual activity before or outside the marriage is immoral. The willingness to wait until marriage is a sign of self-control and respect (1 Thess. 4:3-8). While the Bible does not address couples living together before marriage, it is unwise:
¨ Living together is meant to follow the commitment of marriage. Cohabitation puts unhealthy pressure on the couple to engage in sex before marriage (1 Cor. 7:1-2, 8-9).
¨ Living together tarnishes the witness of believers who should desire to live above reproach (Eph. 5:3).

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7. "… and raising children." Adam and Eve were charged to "be fruitful and increase in number" (Gen. 1:28). Children are a gift from God (Ps. 127:3). They mature best in a home where both father and mother take an active role in their development.
¨ Due to physical or emotional reasons, not every couple should raise children.
¨ Parents have an obligation to provide sensitive instruction and training in godliness for their children (Eph. 6:4).
¨ When the husband-wife relationship is given priority, couples are able to fulfill their role as parents more effectively.
¨ Sometimes a parent must raise children alone. While this is not the ideal situation, God can minister through that parent to help the children mature.

8. "Marriage reflects God's love for His church." The marriage relationship is symbolic of the deep devotion God possesses for his People (Eph. 5:25-27). In the book of Revelation, the church is pictured as the bride whom Christ returns to escort away to heaven.(Rev. 19:6-9).

C. Conclusion
1. As a church, we will teach the Biblical plan for marriage and support legislation that protects the sanctity of marriage.
2. We will share information from this statement with couples in teaching and pre-marital/marriage counseling with the hope of establishing and rebuilding stronger marriages.
3. Since a person's relationship with God takes precedence over all other relationships and determines the health of those relationships, we will seek to disciple people.
4. Before divorce is considered, every measure will be taken to restore the marriage, including marriage training, marriage counseling and possibly separation for the purpose of prayer and restoration. If the relationship does end in divorce, the church will try to mediate and minimize the negative effects of the divorce.
5. The church will seek to provide encouragement and support for divorced people, single parents and their children, and spouses of unbelievers.

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There is a growing acceptance in churches of the position that says the barriers that separate men and women are part of the curse and have been removed by Christ's death. Therefore, women are to have equal status with men not only in salvation, but in ministry as well. They should not be restricted from any leadership role in the church simply because of gender.

The more traditional position emphasizes that while men and women are equal in regards to salvation, there are certain roles that God has restricted to men, particularly the general leading and teaching roles (elders and pastors). The phrase "equal yet different" is used to describe the roles of men and women in the church (and in the family as well).

B. The Biblical Teaching
In interpreting the passages dealing with women and leadership, we must be careful to differentiate between binding biblical principles and changing cultural traditions. There is danger, on the one hand, of making cultural practices binding. But there is equal danger in disregarding biblical principles altogether.

In 1 Timothy 2:8-15, three issues are raised which help us see this approach at work. In the first instance, men are commanded to pray (the biblical principle), lifting holy hands (the cultural expression). Men should be noted for regular prayer that flows from a pure life. But their position in prayer might be kneeling or bowing. In the second instance, women are commanded to dress with modesty (the biblical principle), not braiding their hair or wearing gold or pearls (the cultural expression). Women today can braid their hair and wear jewelry in an attitude of modesty, yet there are definitely other manners of dress that would be considered immodest.

The third instance concerns women being submissive and not usurping the leadership of men (the biblical principle) and learning in quietness, not teaching (the cultural expression). The drastic change the church brought to society's treatment of women in the first century warranted caution in women asserting their newfound liberty in a way that would hurt the church body.

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Two biblical reasons are given for man's position of being head, or the leader, of woman. According to 1 Timothy 2:13-14, the apostle Paul states that men have been given the role of headship based on 1). Creation and 2). the Fall. Adam was set forth as the head because he was formed before Eve. Then, when Eve disregarded Adam's authority, she sinned and used her leadership to convince Adam to also sin. No other reason is provided for man being given the position of head. This does not imply that men are better leaders or more gifted or more geared toward leadership roles. Nor does it imply than men are spiritually superior. The fact is, some roles, like that of elder, are limited to men, just as some tasks, like that of childbearing, are restricted to women.

Much of the fear of male-headship comes from a misunderstanding of authority. Jesus described godly authority in much different terms than contemporary society. While ungodly leaders abuse others for personal gain, the Christian leader demonstrates authority by serving others (see Mark 10:35-45). Husbands are called to imitate the leadership of Christ in their marriages, being willing to lay down their lives for their wives (Eph. 5:25-28).

The New Testament lists a number of relationships, including husband/wife, parent/child, government/citizen and master/servant that remain intact even for Christians. The difference for believers is the spirit of love in which both parties operate. Therefore, while men have been given the responsibility of leadership in the home and church, they are wise to use their leadership to elevate others and allow them to minister to their fullest potential. Men are to lead with a heart of service and women are to serve with a spirit of submissiveness.

Paul follows this discussion in 1 Timothy 2 with the qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The list addresses men who desire to serve in that leadership role. There is no evidence that women served as elders, though they may have served as deaconesses. (We know that Phoebe was called a deaconess in Romans 16:1 and that 1 Timothy 3:11 may refer to deaconesses rather than wives of deacons).

C. Conclusion
1. The Eldership, being the shepherding body of the church, is comprised of qualified men. This is the only leadership role limited to men.
2. One of the marks of the New Testament age is that both men and women are gifted to serve (see Acts 2:17). Women are very capable leaders and therefore ought to able to serve where they are gifted, ministering under the oversight of the Eldership. In so doing, they are not usurping authority, but demonstrating submission to it.
3. The church has often erred in prohibiting women from serving in certain areas of ministry. In order to change the mindset, the congregation needs to be educated about leadership roles, and care must be taken to change the practices. Paul's reminder that some practices are permissible but not beneficial should be a guiding principle as the church opens up some of these culturally restricted roles to women.

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B. The Biblical Teaching
• It appears that in each of the cases when the Spirit came upon people (Acts 2,10,19), speaking in tongues was bestowed by God on these believers as a sign of acceptance by God and a testimony to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues is listed among the gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit to select individuals (1 Cor. 12). There is no indication that God has discontinued bestowing these gifts in the church age. While tongues will cease someday (1 Cor. 13:8), we do not know when that day is.
• Speaking in tongues is not listed as one of the greater gifts
(1 Cor. 12:28-31)
• If tongues are not interpreted, they do not edify the body (2 Cor. 14:1-5). We are to desire gifts that build up the church (1 Cor. 14:12).
• People are not to speak in tongues during public worship without the message being interpreted (1 Cor. 14:13).

C. Conclusion
1. In churches today, speaking in tongues is a controversial subject that has sometimes become divisive. Because speaking in other languages is a phenomenon found also in non-Christian religions, it is important that the fruit of the Spirit-Christlike character-be the identifying mark of a Spirit-filled believer.

2. We believe that God may still choose to equip certain believers with this gift. If someone claims to possess this gift, and an interpreter is present, the elders are willing to listen and evaluate whether or not the message is consistent with Scripture and appears to be from the Lord. Because the potential for abuse and error are so great, we are cautious about incorporating it into the public worship of this church. We want to be sensitive to the voice of God, yet cautious of false gifts and abuses.

3. Regarding tongues as a personal prayer language, we believe the Scriptures do not speak clearly to this issue. We do not want to interfere in a person's private prayer life-prayer is a very personal matter between the believer and God--yet the Bible is clear that God responds readily to the prayers of His children when spoken in their native languages. Speaking in tongues is not described as a higher form of prayer.

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B. What the Bible Says
Diligent Bible study is required to find consistency in the passages that appear to support both of the views mentioned. In our study, we believe that God, in His sovereignty, has given man the ability and responsibility to respond to God. While predestination is a biblical doctrine, it has to do with God's plans for Christians, those who have responded to the gospel by an act of their will. That plan begins with adoption into His family (Eph. 1:5) and continues through growth and glorification (Rom. 8:29,30). The fact that God does not pre-determine man's decisions yet has given him a free will is evident in both Salvation and Growth.

In Salvation
In the act of Creation, God gave Adam and Eve the responsibility of tending the Garden of Eden. God's sovereignty saw fit to give mankind the capacity of a free will, one that can choose to respond in obedience or disobedience. In violation of God's will, Adam and Eve chose to disobey His command and consequently received a curse. Like these original parents, all of us have followed in their footsteps by turning away from God by our own choosing (Is. 53:6; Rom. 3:12,23). Likewise, our sin has earned us the penalty of death (Ezek. 18:19-24; Rom. 6:23).

In response to sin, God put into action a plan of redemption. He loves everyone and does not show favoritism (Jn. 3:16; Ac. 10:34,35). His love was demonstrated through Christ's death on the cross, where He experienced death for everyone and became the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world (Heb. 2:9; 1 Jn. 2:2). God desires all men to come to a knowledge of the truth, to repent and be saved (1 Tim. 4:2; 2 Pet. 3:9). He invites all to believe in the Lord and call upon His name for salvation (Jn. 3:16; Ac. 2:21). Whoever responds to the gospel by believing, repenting and being baptized will be saved (Mk. 16:16; Ac. 2:38).

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Human response must be possible because God commands all men to repent and to be reconciled to Himself (2 Cor. 5:20; Ac. 17:30). He rewards those who seek Him and comes near to those who draw near to Him (Heb. 11:6; Jas. 4:8). The truth is, the gospel of Christ would not be "good news to all men" unless it was truly available to everyone (Lk. 2:10).

Doesn't God draw people to Christ? Those who come to Christ are drawn by God through the gospel message, which is power for salvation for all who believe (Jn. 6:44, 12:32; Rom. 1:16). Faith is birthed through hearing the word of Christ and leads one to call upon the Lord for salvation (Rom. 10:9-17). The purpose of the gospel is to convince people "that Jesus is the Christ" and to believe in Him (Jn. 20:31). Only when the message is combined with faith is it of any use (Heb. 4:2).

Can a spiritually dead person choose to believe? Indeed, the Bible says that sinners are spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1), yet spiritual death does not imply the inability to respond. It refers to the inability to "resurrect" or save oneself. As in the parable of the Prodigal Son, the young man who was "dead" due to his rebellion came to his senses and returned to his father where he found "life" (Lk. 15:24). Spiritually dead people can look to God, and are thus raised through faith in the power of God (Col. 2:11-12). Salvation is a gift of God, given to all who respond in faith (Eph. 2:8,9).

Aren't the elect the ones whom God saves? God does not elect, or chose, specific individuals for salvation. Salvation means to be "in Christ," the Elect One. All who believe are in Christ and are God's chosen people (1 Pet. 2:9). According to Jesus, many are called but few are chosen. As Jesus' parable of the banquet proved, the chosen ones are not those who are invited but those who accept His invitation (Mt. 22:14). This was the case of the nation of Israel. Though they were God's chosen nation, individuals had to choose to believe in order to be true "children of Abraham." Though the nation was chosen, not every child of Israel was saved. Jesus wept over Israel because He longed to gather them to Himself, but they were not willing (Rom. 10:21; Mt. 23:37).

The choice has been given to man to either receive or reject Christ. It is his responsibility to respond with faith. Those who reject Christ and do not believe will stand condemned (Jn. 3:18). Those who resist the convicting work of the Holy Spirit and reject God's purpose for their lives are sternly warned (Ac. 7:51; Jn. 5:39; Lk. 7:30). Yet God is patient, not willing that any perish but waiting for all to come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).

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In Spiritual Growth
Predestination does not refer to salvation but to God's plan for believers, a growth plan that takes them from conversion to full maturity in Christ. His plan is for believers to be adopted as children of God (Eph. 1:5) and conformed into the likeness of Christ (Rom. 8:28,29) for the praise of his glory (Eph. 1:12). Predestination is based on God's foreknowledge (Rom. 8:;29; 1 Pet. 1:2) What does God know beforehand? The Scripture does not say specifically, but we know this much. Because He is omniscient, He knows how each individual will respond to the gospel invitation. He also knows His plan for believers.

But knowing does not determine all that will happen. Believers continue to possess the capacity to accept or reject God's plan for them. It is God's will that believers abstain from sexual impurity; that they rejoice always and pray without ceasing. Yet the fulfillment of these is left to the believer's choosing. While everything does happen according to God's overall plan, not every individual decision is in agreement with His desires. God predetermined man's free will, but he does not determine his choices.

We believe it is inconsistent to hold the position that one can respond to God's call through an exercise of free will, but following conversion, loses that freedom. Just as we are saved by faith, we must continue to walk in faith (Rom. 1:17). God's Spirit works to provide direction and power, but just like in conversion, we must respond to the call by keeping in step with the Spirit and sowing to please the Spirit (Gal. 5:25; 6:8). We must be careful not to grieve the Spirit nor quench His work in our lives (Eph. 4:30; 1 Thes. 5:19). There are many serious warnings given to believers to remain faithful and to grow in their faith to make their election clear (2 Tim. 2:12; Heb. 3:12; 1 Pet. 1:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-21). Each believer will be held accountable for how he builds on the foundation of Christ (1 Cor. 3:10-15). Eternal rewards will be based on how a believer lives (2 Cor. 5:10). To those who overcome, God promises he will never blot their name from the Book of Life (Rev. 3:5). But to those who return to unbelief, they will be cut off from God (Rom. 11:20).

God not only responds to the faith of those who call upon the Lord for salvation, but He also responds to faith as it is expressed in prayer (1 Chron. 5:20; Mt. 21:22; 2 Cor. 1:10,11). Prayer can change the outcome of situations. This does not violate God's sovereignty, because He has established this as His chosen way of working through believers in this world.

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C. Conclusions
In conclusion, we believe that God is sovereign, but in His sovereignty He has given man the great ability and responsibility to respond to His Word. This position is consistent with the character of God, Who in love offers salvation to everyone, and in justice holds each man accountable for his own choices. Knowing that persons and history are not predetermined encourages believers to be actively involved in the work of the kingdom.

1. Because salvation is of God, we will worship Him humbly and gratefully. We will praise Jesus Christ for His atoning death and thank God for his patient love for us.

2. Because we believe God issues His call to unbelievers through the Gospel, and because He desires all to be saved, we will be fervent in sharing the biblical message of God's universal love with everyone we can and give them the opportunity to respond with faith, for faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. We will be aggressive in missionary work that takes the gospel to other nations.

3. Because of our ultimate accountability, we will challenge believers to live responsively and responsibly. We have been given "everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him" (2 Pet. 1:3). We will teach people to be responsive to the Holy Spirit and the Word. God is faithful to provide a way of escape from sin, but we are responsible to take that path (1 Cor. 10:13). We can do all he asks through the strength He provides
(Phil. 4:13).

4. Because our prayers move the hand of God, we will pray boldly and continually as a church. We will pray believing we can impact people near and far through the power of intercession.

[See the Position Paper: "The Security of the Believer" for a statement on assurance.]