What We Believe

Statement of Faith

I. Doctrine on Holy Scripture

We believe that “All Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Tim. 3:16), and by this we mean that the entire Bible is inspired by God because holy men of God were moved by the Holy Spirit to write it (2 Pet. 1:21). This inspiration extends equally and completely to all parts of Scripture—historical, poetic, instructive, and prophetic. Therefore, the Bible is inerrant in its original text, authoritative, and sufficient for all times (2 Pet. 1:19; John 5:39), Christocentric—it tells about Christ, and Christological—it teaches about Christ.

The center of the entire Bible is Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior, His Person and His work at the first and second comings. Therefore, no part of the Bible, including the Old Testament, can be correctly read or understood if it does not point to Him (Luke 24:27,44; Acts 17:2-3; 18:28; 26:22-23; 28:23). Therefore, having God's authority and power to influence people, the Holy Scriptures as the Word of God are given to us for guidance in all areas of our lives (Isa. 55:10-11; Ps. 118:105; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11).

Наша віра будується на відкритті: Бог відкриває Себе в історії людства, і 66 книг Біблії (39 Старого Завіту та 27 Нового Завіту) є виявом Його самовідкриття (Євр. 1:1-3).

Our faith is built on revelation: God reveals Himself in human history, and the 66 books of the Bible (39 of the Old Testament and 27 of the New Testament) are an expression of His self-revelation (Heb. 1:1-3).

We believe that, on the one hand, the Scriptures are the true testimony of godly people about the God they loved and served, and on the other hand, they are God's testimony and God's teaching in a form understandable to man.

Jesus Christ viewed the Scriptures as instructions from His Heavenly Father (Matt. 4:4; 7:10; 5:19-20; 19:4-6; 26:31, 52-54).
The Apostle Paul described the Old Testament as completely inspired by God.
The Apostle Peter confirms the divine origin of the biblical doctrine (2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Pet. 1:10-12)

We believe that Scripture is both a fully human and a fully divine book. Therefore, we accept all of its multifaceted content—history, prophecy, poetry, songs, wisdom, sermons, letters, and everything else—as from God.

Accepting the Bible as the authoritative and infallible Word of God obligates us to: thank God for the gift of His written Word (2 Cor. 9:15); and diligently build our faith and lives entirely and exclusively upon it (Rom. 10:17; Jude 1:20).

We believe that Scripture is a divine book for humans, the interpretation of which must take into account information about the author of the book, the historical and cultural context of its writing (Luke 10:26). At the same time, the Bible also contains allegorical texts.

Each book of the Bible is written to be understood by its intended audience, including the books that use symbolic language extensively—Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation.

In reading and explaining the Holy Scriptures, we must adhere to two principles: to accept the facts, commandments, promises, and warnings that God communicates to us as they are written (Luke 8:5-8); and to prayerfully meditate on the Scriptures and find what God wants to reveal (Luke 8:9-15).

II. Doctrine on god

We believe that there is one and only one God (Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4): living (Deut. 32:39-40), true (Ex. 34:6), perfect (Matt. 5:48).

He reveals Himself as an infinite, immeasurable, self-sufficient, eternal, and unchanging Person (Ex. 3:14; Ps. 44:7).

God is:

Holy (Ps. 21:4; 1 Pet. 1:16);
Almighty (Gen. 17:1; 18:14; Job 42:2; Luke 1:37);
Omniscient (Ps. 93:11; 138:2; Prov. 5:21);
Omnipresent (Gen. 28:16; Ex. 3:5);
The Creator and Sustainer of all that is (Rev. 1:8);
The only one worthy of glory and worship (Ex. 20:2-7; Matt. 4:10; Rom. 16:27).

We believe that God is Triune: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:1-2; Luke 3:21-22; Heb. 1:1-2; Rev. 3:22).

Each Person of the Trinity possesses the full complement of divine attributes. The Triune God is coequal and indivisible in His essence and attributes, so that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, yet not three Gods, but one God (John 10:30; 14:26).

We believe that God the Father is uncreated, without beginning, unbegotten, through whom all things were made (John 1:1-4). He is holy (1 Peter 1:16), good (Matthew 19:17), and just (Psalm 7:12; 70:19; Revelation 3:19).

God is the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Matt. 3:17; 17:5).

We believe that God the Son is not created, but only begotten, “in the bosom of the Father” (John 1:18). He is consubstantial with the Father and possesses all the attributes of God. For the sake of the salvation of people, He became incarnate and became man (Phil. 2:7), without losing His divine essence. He became true Man, in Whom the divine and human natures were perfectly united (without mixing, without changing, without dividing). Therefore, Jesus Christ is true God (1 John 5:20) and true

Man (Rom. 5:15; 1 Tim. 2:5).

Jesus Christ:

was immaculately conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:35);
born in the flesh of the Virgin Mary (Matt. 1:21; Luke 2:7);
lived a completely sinless life (1 Pet. 2:22; Heb. 4:15);
died on the cross for the sins of men (Matt. 27:50; Rom. 8:34);
rose from the dead (Matt. 28:5-6; Acts 1:3);
ascended and sat at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9);
is the only Advocate and Mediator between God and man (Rom. 8:34;

1 Tim. 2:5);
will come a second time in power and glory (Acts 1:10-11; John 14:1-3).

We believe that God the Holy Spirit is uncreated, proceeding from the Father through the Son (John 14:26). He is equal to the Father and the Son and possesses all the attributes of God.

Holy Spirit

is the inspirer of Holy Scripture (2 Pet. 1:21);
participates in creation (Gen. 1:2); salvation of man (Heb. 3:7); building

Churches (Eph. 2:22);

glorifies Christ (John 16:14);
reveals sin (John 16:8-9);
regenerates man (John 3:5-7);
leads on the path of sanctification (John 16:13).

We believe that the Divine Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit participated in the creation of heaven and earth, everything visible and invisible, as well as man himself.

We believe that the Divine Trinity participates in the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, and a new man to live in them (2 Pet. 2:13):

Jesus Christ forgives the sinner (Gal. 4:4);
The Father accepts us as sons and daughters (Gal. 4:5);
The Holy Spirit fills, sanctifies, and makes us heirs of the eternal

life (Gal. 4:6-7).

III. Doctrine on mankind

Creation

We believe that God created man from “dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” (Gen. 2:7). Therefore, man is a triune being (spirit, soul, and body) – Job 12:10; Isa. 57:16; 1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 4:12) – and belongs to the physical (visible) world and the spiritual (invisible) world.

God created man immortal in His image and likeness, which consist of intellectual, moral, volitional, and other properties (Gen. 1:26-27, 5:1; James 3:9).

God created man for the purpose of:

direct communication with her (Gen. 3:8);
worshiping Him (Ps. 66:4);
the continuation of the human race and “dwelling on all the earth” (Gen. 1:28; Acts

17:26);
to possess the world around us and work the earth (Gen. 1:28; 2:15; Ps. 8:7).

God created man with free will. He has the right to make his own choice between good and evil (Gen. 2:16-17; Deut. 30:19; Isa. 24:15; Jer. 21:8).

The Fall

We believe that man, through temptation from the devil, independently chose the path of disobedience to his Creator, thereby sinning against the Holy God (Gen. 3:1-6; Isa. 59:2; John 8:44).

At the moment of the Fall, man died spiritually and became mortal physically (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13).

Because of the fall of the first humans, all mankind inherited a sinful nature and mortality (Gen. 6:3; Ps. 50:7; 57:4; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 5:12). The result of the fall is that man cannot find God on his own (1 Cor. 2:14; Rom. 3:11).

IV. DOCTRINE ON SALVATION

We believe that God foresaw the fall of the first humans and therefore prepared a plan of salvation, according to which Christ was the Lamb destined to be slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). Christ, at God’s appointed time, took upon Himself the sin of the whole world, suffered the righteous judgment of God for it, and, having perfectly satisfied God’s justice, accomplished complete redemption and salvation (John 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21).

Salvation is accomplished by God by grace. Man receives it only through personal and independent conversion to God. Therefore, “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Faith

We believe that the conversion of a sinner to God requires faith, which is given to a person by the Holy Spirit through hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6; Acts 4:4). Faith has three basic elements:

knowledge of God, His Word, and His will (2 Tim. 1:12);
obedience to God and His Word (John 10:27; James 4:7);
accepting what God offers (John 1:12; Rom. 8:15).

The Holy Spirit, through faith, leads a person to repentance, prompting them to turn from sin and turn to God (Acts 11:21; 26:18; Eph. 2:8). Personal confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is confirmed by good works (2 Cor. 4:13; John 20:28; Rom. 10:9-19; Matt. 10:32,33; Luke 12:8-9; Acts 8:37).

Repentance and conversion

We believe that God grants repentance only through His grace and goodness. (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:37-38; 11:18; Rom. 2:4). Repentance and conversion include: regret for sin, confession of sin before God, forsaking sin, and accepting Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior (Prov. 28:13; 2 Cor. 7:10; Acts 26:20).

Repentance is a change in a person's mind, feelings, and especially his will, as evidenced by his actions (Acts 2:37-38; 9:6,20; Luke 15:20; Matt. 21:29; Acts 26:20; Luke 19:8-9).

Regeneration

We believe that the result of conversion and personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is being born again of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, which is a necessary condition for adoption and entry into the Kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; 3:3; James 1:18; 1 Cor. 4:15; Gal. 3:26).

Regeneration is the resurrection of a person from his dead spiritual state and birth to new life, not the reworking of a person's sinful nature (John 3:3, 5-6; 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 5:17; 1 Pet. 2:9; 2 Pet. 1:4).

The true signs of revival are a radical change of life, love for God, His Word, love for the Church and people; hatred of sin, thirst for communion with God through prayer, and being conformed to Christ (1 John 3:1; 5:1; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 2:5; Gal. 4:19; 5:13).

Those born again have assurance of salvation based on the Word of God (1 John 5:13), the witness of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:16), and the fact of their experienced acceptance of Jesus Christ (John 1:12).

Justification

We believe that a person, having believed in Jesus Christ, receives justification by faith, regardless of good works (Rom. 3:28; 2 Cor. 5:21). Through justification, the believer’s standing before God is changed, and he is freed from the feeling of guilt and fear of condemnation for sin, because Christ took all the guilt upon Himself and was punished in its place. The believer is credited with the righteousness of Christ, as if he were not guilty at all. The converted person receives peace with God and the right to possess a glorious inheritance with Christ (Rom. 4:5; 5:1; 5:9; 8:1; 8:17; 8:30).

Adoption

We believe that at the moment of belief a person becomes a child of God and receives all the rights, duties, and privileges of a Royal heir (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-2; Gal. 4:1-7).

We believe that God in Jesus Christ accomplished the salvation of man, reborn him to a new life, justified him and adopted him into the family of God (Eph. 2:19; 1 Pet. 2:9-10). God cares about our sanctification, for this is His will (1 Thess. 4:3; 1 Pet. 1:16).

Sanctification is separation from sin, consecration to God, and transformation into the image of Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 4:7; Phil. 2:15; Col. 3:5-8; 2 Cor. 6:17-18).
Growth in Sanctification

A person is initially sanctified and becomes holy in Christ at the moment of repentance, aving communion with the Holy God (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Rom. 1:7; Heb. 10:10).

Sanctification through growth is carried out throughout life as a process of liberation from the power and authority of sin, of being conformed to the Lord Jesus Christ, His life and character (2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:11-15; 5:27; Phil. 3:10-15; 1 Thess. 4:1; 2 Pet. 3:18; Rev. 22:11). For this, God has given:

The Word of God (Isa. 1:8; Ps. 1:1-2; Matt. 4:4; John 13:8; 2 Tim. 3:16-17);
prayer, through which the believer communicates with God, praises and

honors Him, confesses his transgressions, reveals his desires to Him, always and for everything gives thanks and cares for the repentance and salvation of other people (Matt. 26:41; John 4:23-24; 16:23; 1 John 1:9; 1 Thess. 5:17-18; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1-4);
the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies man (1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Thess. 2:13; Eph. 3:16; Gal. 5:22-23), directs the believer in life so that all things work together for his good (Rom. 8:28);
abiding by faith in Christ (John 15:2,5,8; 1Cor. 12:27).

Complete sanctification will come at the rapture of the Church, when the resurrection of the dead in the Lord will take place and the transformation of those children of God who live on earth will take place, receiving new sinless bodies, similar to the glorious body of the Lord (1 Thess. 3:13; 4:17; 5:23; 1 John 3:2).

The saved will share with Christ His glory forever and ever (John 17:22; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Hebrews 2:10; 2 Timothy 2:10).

V. Вчення про Церкву Христову

The Universal Church

We believe that the Universal Church is the invisible gathering of spiritually born people, redeemed by Jesus Christ from all nations throughout all time, who are united through the baptism of the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ. They are both in heaven and on earth (John 3:3, 1 Cor. 12:13).

The Universal Church of Christ is not a continuation of Old Testament Israel, but was established by Jesus Christ on the Day of Pentecost on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, where the cornerstone is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. It is the new people of God, the invisible temple of the Lord, a living spiritual organism, of which Jesus Christ is the Head, and all believers are members (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2; Gal. 3:28: Eph. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; Col. 1:18).

The Universal Church of Christ, after the end of the period of grace, will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord and to spend eternity with Him (1 Thess. 4:16-17).
Belonging to the Universal Church does not exempt a person from the obligation to belong to a local church, because only in it can he fulfill his duties towards his brothers and sisters in Christ (Heb. 10:25; Matt. 18:17).

The Local Church

We believe that the local church is a visible gathering of people born again who live in the same area, united by one faith on the basis of the Word of God and constant devotion to the "apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers" (Acts 2:42; Eph. 4:4-6), and is an integral part of the Universal Church.

The local church is called to establish the Kingdom of Christ on earth by preaching the Gospel (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15), worshipping and glorifying the Lord together (Eph. 5:18-20), and showing love and unity among believers (John 17:21-23; John 13:35).

In the local church, God, through calling and election, appoints ministers and endows each member with the necessary gifts for the service and building up of the Church of Christ (Eph. 4:11-13).

Believers join the local church through baptism by faith (Acts 2:41).

For church members, the Holy Scriptures establish certain responsibilities and duties in the relationships of husbands and wives (Eph. 5:22-33); parents and children (Eph. 6:1-4); elders and younger (Titus 2:2-6), ministers and church members (1 Peter 5:1-5).

Baptism by Faith

We believe that baptism is a commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is established for those who have repented of their sins, believed in Jesus Christ as personal Saviour, and were born again. Baptism is an act of their obedience to God and a testimony of their faith to others (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism by faith is an external sign that symbolizes the believer’s death to sin and his resurrection with Christ to new life (Romans 6:3-11; Galatians 3:27).

Baptism by faith is performed by ministers of the church (presbyters) through complete immersion in water of people who, in adulthood, consciously confess their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and God, have been taught the basics of faith in the church and keep the commandments of the Word of God in practical life (Acts 2:41; 8:36-38; 1 Pet. 3:21).

The Lord's Supper

We believe that the Lord's Supper is a commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was established in order to remember and proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes (1 Cor. 11:23-26; Luke 22:17-20).

The Lord's Supper expresses gratitude, the unity of believers with Christ and with each other (1 Cor. 10:16-17).

The bread and wine represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ, and by partaking of these signs, the believer has spiritual communion with Him (Matt. 26:26-28).

VI. Doctrine on the spiritual world

Angels of God

We believe that there are special spiritual beings – angels – who were created by God (Ps. 33:8; 90:11; 102:20; Col. 1:16).

Angels are superior to humans in power and knowledge (2 Sam. 19:35; Ps. 102:20; 2 Pet. 2:11). Angels do not marry (Matt. 22:30) and do not die (Luke 20:36).

The Lord created all angels as holy (Gen. 1:31; 2 Pet. 2:4). Angels are not equal to God, they are ministering spirits (Heb. 1:4-7; Ps. 103:4). They are not to be worshipped or honored as God is (1 Cor. 10:20).

Angels are hierarchically organized by God and perform various functions:

angels (Matt. 1:20);
archangels (Jude 9; 1 Thess. 4:16);
cherubim (Gen. 3:24; Ex. 26:1);
seraphim (Is. 6:2-6).

The majority of angels remain obedient to God and do His
will (Luke 2:9-14; Heb. 1:14). They praise God (Isaiah 6:3; Luke 2:13-14), worship God (Rev. 5:8-13), and serve God (Psalm 102:20; Matthew 1:20; 4:10; Luke 1:26-28). Angels also serve the Church and all who receive salvation (Heb. 1:14; Acts 5:18-19). The future of God’s angels is in glory (Matthew 25:31).

Demonic world

We acknowledge that the rest of the angels: demons (Matt. 8:28-31), unclean spirits (Mark 1:23) – did not preserve their dignity (Jude 6), sinned (2 Pet. 2:4). Some of them are imprisoned in the darkness of the abyss (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6), and the other part operates in freedom (Luke 8:30-31; Eph. 2:2). These angels resist the plans of God (Rev. 16:13-16) and contribute to the spread of false teachings (1 John 4:1-4; 1 Tim. 4:1), causing physical and mental suffering to people (12:22; 17:15-18; Luke 8:27-29).

The fallen angels also have an organization, and their leader is a former cherub (Ezek. 28:14-15). He is called Satan (adversary - Zech. 3:1-2; Job 1:6; 2:1), the devil (Matt. 4:1; 13:39; Rev. 20:2), the prince of this world (John 12:31).

Judgment is prepared for Satan and his angels (1 Cor. 6:3; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6) and punishment in the lake of fire (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10).

VII. Doctrine on last events

The Second Coming of Christ

We believe that Christ will soon come to earth a second time—in power and glory (Matt. 25:31; Acts 1:11). No one knows the exact time of His coming (Matt. 24:31).

We believe that there will be great tribulation on the earth (Matt. 24:21).

Resurrection of the dead

We believe in two resurrections in the future:

The first resurrection is the resurrection to life of those who have died in Christ, and the transformation of the faithful who remain alive (1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:6) and the resurrection of the martyrs of the times of the “great tribulation” (Rev. 20:4-6);
the resurrection of sinners for judgment (John 5:28-29; Rev. 20:12-13).

We believe that after the rapture, the Church will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10) to receive praise and crowns “according to what he has done in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Pet. 5:4; Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10).

We believe in the millennial kingdom of Christ (Rev. 20:2-4).

The Last Judgment

We believe in the final great white throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-13), which will begin after the final resurrection.

After the judgment, there will be eternity, which for some will be endless bliss with Christ, and for others, eternal torment (Matt. 25:46; Acts 12:2). The Holy Scriptures indicate the impossibility of moving from one state to another in eternity (Luke 16:24-26).

VIII. Principles of christian life

Marriage and Family

We believe that marriage is ordained by God, a union between a man and a woman (Gen. 2:18, 24) for the purpose of mutual help and support (Gen. 2:18; Eccl. 4:9); the continuation of the human race (Gen. 1:28). Sex is determined biologically, at birth, and cannot be changed (Gen. 1:27; Matt. 19:4).

We acknowledge that premarital sex is a sin and is condemned by God’s Word (Heb. 13:4; 12:16; 1 Thess. 4:3-5). In keeping with the practice of the early apostolic church and the counsel of the Apostle Paul, we encourage believers to marry believers (1 Cor. 7:12, 1 Cor. 7:39, 1 Cor. 9:5, 1 Cor. 7:6, 2 Cor. 6:14-18). According to Scripture, a man may have one wife, and a woman one husband (Matt. 19:4-6; 1 Cor. 6:16; 7:2). In the event of the death of a husband or wife, God’s Word does not forbid the surviving spouse from marrying (1 Cor. 7:39; Rom. 7:2-3).

Marriage between persons of the same sex is a sin and is forbidden according to Scripture (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 6:9-10).

We believe that the Lord commands that those who are married not to divorce (1 Cor. 7:10-13; Matt. 19:6; Mark 10:11-12). The Word of God allows divorce only for the cause of fornication (Matt. 19:9).

Marriage is a divine and social institution, therefore it must be sanctified by God's word and prayer (Col. 3:17), and also be carried out according to state laws (1 Pet. 2:13).

We recognize that children in the family are a precious gift from God (Ps. 126:3-5). Parents are responsible before God and society for the upbringing of their children (Eph. 6:4).

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Artificial termination of pregnancy (abortion) is viewed as murder and condemned as a willful sin (Rev. 21:8; Ps. 138:13, 16).

We recognize that a person who has converted to God must align their marital relationship with the Word of God, namely:

if the person was divorced at the time of repentance they must reconcile and, if possible, restore the family (Matt. 3:8; Rom. 12:18);
if the person was remarried at the time of repentance he or she was remarried, they should not divorce (1 Cor. 7:12-17);
In the case where at the time of repentance a person was in an a common law relationship, they must marry (1 Pet. 2:13).

Christian Freedom and Purity of Conscience

We recognize that the freedom of a Christian is freedom from the slavery of sin and spiritual death (Rom. 6:17-18, 22-23; Gal. 5:1; John 5:24).

We believe that Christian freedom is not an excuse for self-indulgence and for justifying evil (1 Pet. 2:16; Gal. 5:13; 1 Cor. 6:12; 8:9; 10:23-24). Therefore, we abstain from strangled meat, blood, and anything that has been cursed, or any form of divination or sorcery (Acts 15:29);

We believe that no one has the right to force a person to believe in God, to do His will, to serve God (John 6:67; 1 Peter 5:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:7). On this basis, we do not practice infant baptism, which is the right and conscious choice of every person.

Attitude to the State and Public Duties

We believe that “all authority comes from God” for the protection of the good and the punishment of the evil (Rom. 13:1-2).

We believe that the Church of Christ is not of this world (John 18:36). The Church, recognizing Christ as its Head, cannot and should not be under the guidance of secular power; even more so it cannot and should not itself have secular power and cannot act in its spirit and by its methods (Matt. 20:25-28; Luke 12:13-14).

We acknowledge that the Lord commands us to pray for leaders so that there may be peace and justice on earth (Jer. 29:7; 1 Tim. 2:1-3).

We recognize that a Christian should be a model citizen of his country and be subject to the authorities “not only for fear of punishment but also for conscience’ sake.” (Rom. 13:5-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17). If the demands of the authorities limit our freedom to carry out God’s commands, we have the right to do as God’s Word teaches us. (Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29)

We recognize that Christians, as citizens, may be members of government, elected bodies, and civic organizations, as long as their activities are consistent with the principles of the Gospel. This participation should not be on behalf of the church, but should be the individual’s own initiative (Rom. 16:23).

A Christian and Good Deeds

We recognize that Christians are obligated by godly living and prayer to promote the reign of goodness, freedom, justice, and peace for all people (Rom. 12:17-21; 14:19; Phil. 4:8; Heb. 12:14).

We believe that God created man for good deeds, which are an expression of gratitude to God for the accomplished and given salvation (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17; Eph. 2:10), a means of announcing God's love to people (Matt. 5:16), and a sign of living faith (James 2:17).

We recognize that a Christian should work, creating useful things (Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:6-13). The sphere of activity of a Christian is a matter of his conscience, but it should not contain violence and deception (Lk. 3:12-14; Mic. 6:8; Mal. 3:5; Jas. 5:4).