FUNDAMENTALIST, BIBLE, AND CONSERVATIVE EVANGELICAL CHURCHES
In the late nineteenth century, the attack on historic Christianity by German rationalism and theological liberalism was pervasive. Scholars in this tradition taught that the Bible is a fallible human document, approached Scripture with an antisupernatural bias, and dismissed miracles as the fantasies of ignorant people in biblical times who did not understand the laws of nature. They viewed humanity as fundamentally good with no real sin problem. They saw Jesus neither as God incarnate nor as a divine Savior but rather as a man supremely full of God who lived with ethical and moral excellence. Jesus was portrayed as an example to the human race, a mere moral teacher. He did not die on the cross for our sins, but His death nevertheless has an uplifting moral influence on people, setting an example of sacrifice.
The fundamentalist movement emerged largely in reaction to this tidal wave of modernism and theological liberalism. Fundamentalists are conservative Christians who hold to the fundamental doctrines of Christianity and not to liberal interpretations. These doctrines include the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible, the Trinity, creationism (as opposed to evolution), human depravity, salvation by faith in Christ, the full Deity of Christ, His virgin birth, His miracle-working power, His substitutionary atonement, His resurrection from the dead, His ascension into heaven, His premillennial second coming, and the resurrection of every human being with an ultimate destiny in heaven or hell, depending on whether one has placed faith in Christ.
Fundamentalists ultimately took their name from a series of widely distributed small books called The Fundamentals: A Testimony of Truth, published from 1910 to 1912. These books, published by two wealthy Presbyterians, were distributed freely and contained nearly 100 articles defending the doctrines listed above (and others).
Though ascribing the emergence of fundamentalism to a few key conservative Christians would be a gross oversimplification, these names are worthy of mention:
Dwight L. Moody (1837–1899). Moody was a powerful evangelist whose voice shook a nation for the cause of Christ. He was the founder of the Moody Bible Institute. His influence survives to the present day.
John Nelson Darby (1800–1882). Darby was a dispensationalist whose emphasis on biblical prophecy touched a nerve among American and British Christians. He was instrumental in popularizing belief in a coming rapture of the church, followed by a seven-year tribulation period, the second coming of Christ, and the establishment of the millennial kingdom. He was also instrumental in causing an increasing number of people to reject the idea of a state church (such as the Church of England) and pursue a nondenominational approach to church life.
Cyrus Scofield (1843–1921). Scofield, also a dispensationalist, edited the Scofield Reference Bible, which became wildly popular among American Christians. It too served to focus attention on biblical prophecy. The formation of a Jewish state in 1948 gave a stamp of approval to fundamentalist teaching because fundamentalists had long taught that the prophetic Scriptures indicated that Israel would come back to her homeland.
Because of the influence of these and other Christians, the fundamentalist movement emerged and forever changed the religious landscape. Today virtually thousands of fundamentalist bodies exist in the United States.
Distinctive Ideas in Fundamentalist, Bible, and Conservative Evangelical Churches
• The label fundamentalist derives from a series of small books titled The Fundamentals: A Testimony of Truth.
• There is a very strong commitment to the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture.
• There is a strong commitment against theological liberalism.
• Most churches are premillennial and pretribulational.
• Every church is autonomous.
AMERICAN EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
Founded: 1944
Members: 17,400
Congregations: 190
Beginnings
The American Evangelical Christian Churches were founded by G.W. Hyatt in Chicago, Illinois, in 1944. This association is made up of churches and individuals who accept a doctrinal statement called the “Seven Articles of Faith” (the Bible as God’s Word, the virgin birth, the Deity of Christ, salvation through the atonement, guidance through prayer, the second coming, and the establishment of the millennial kingdom). The association is dedicated to the spread of the gospel at home and in foreign lands through churches, ministers, and missionaries.
The association also seeks to provide an alternative ministerial track for those who have not been formally trained at a seminary but who sense the call of God on their lives to the work of ministry. This ministerial track is also appropriate for those who have chosen not to go through a denominational ministerial track. The association operates a college where members can pursue educational needs. Following training, ministerial students receive licenses qualifying them to perform the various functions of ministry.
Beliefs
This denomination has very brief doctrinal requirements.
The Bible. The Bible is the written and verbally inspired Word of God. It contains the revealed will of God. It is the all-sufficient rule for faith and practice and has final authority.
Jesus Christ. Jesus is full Deity. He took on human flesh without giving up His Deity, having been born of the Virgin Mary. His death on the cross was an atonement for sin. He will one day return.
The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides believers throughout their lives.
Sin and salvation. Salvation is made possible by the atonement wrought by Christ at the cross.
The church. Each local church is independent and autonomous. Polity is congregational. Women are welcome in ministry.
The end times. The rapture is an imminent event in which Christ will meet all believers (dead and alive) in the air and take them back to heaven. The second coming of Christ will occur after the tribulation period. Following this, Christ will set up His millennial kingdom.
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rapture
The dead in Christ are instantly raised from the dead, and living Christians are instantly translated into their resurrection bodies. Both groups meet Christ in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
tribulation period
A seven-year period during which God will pour out His judgments on earth (Revelation 4–18). Many believe it follows the rapture.
Following the tribulation period, Christ will come again in glory and majesty as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).
millennial kingdom
Following the second coming, Christ will rule on earth for a thousand years (Revelation 20:2-3).
eternal state
After the millennial kingdom, believers will dwell forever in heaven. Unbelievers are forever consigned to hell (Revelation 20:11–21:27).
BAPTIST BIBLE FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL
Founded: 1950
Members: 525,000
Congregations: 3300
Beginnings
In 1950, Baptist pastor G.B. Vick was asked by certain Baptist leaders to become the president of the Bible Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, a school affiliated with the World Fundamental Baptist Missionary Fellowship, run by John F. Norris. Without warning, a Baptist feud erupted. Before Vick even arrived to begin his job, the dictatorial and militant Norris opposed him, had him ousted, and managed to have a man of his own choosing installed as president. Vigorous debate erupted, Norris’s actions were challenged by many, an impasse was reached, and Vick decided to resign.
Vick promptly met with 120 pastors and sympathizing laypeople to consider a new organization. The Baptist Bible Fellowship International emerged out of the dissatisfaction these Baptists felt toward Norris and his organization. In addition to the Baptist Bible Fellowship, the Baptist Bible College was also founded. Vick became the head of this school, and another Baptist leader, W.E. Dowell, became the first president of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International.
Beliefs
The Bible. The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit and contains truth without any mixture of error. It is infallible. It contains the complete and final revelation of God’s will for humankind. It constitutes the supreme standard for human conduct, creeds, and opinions.
God. The one true living God is an infinite, intelligent Spirit. He is glorious in holiness. He is the Maker and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. Within the unity of the Godhead are three persons who are equal in every divine perfection—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ. Jesus is both the Son of God and God the Son. He is the Savior of humankind. In the Incarnation, He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He wrought salvation at the cross. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where He is now enthroned.
The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is equal in nature to the Father and the Son. He was active in creation, restrains evil, convicts men of sin, bears witness to the truth, and is the agent of the new birth. He also seals, endues with power, guides, teaches, and sanctifies believers.
Sin and salvation. Adam and Eve voluntarily sinned against God and fell from their happy estate. Now all human beings are sinners, not by constraint but by choice, and are therefore under God’s just condemnation.
Salvation is wholly of God’s grace and is a free gift, made possible by Jesus’s vicarious sacrifice on the cross. To be saved, sinners must be born again. Those who repent and believe in Christ are justified, which means God pardons their sin, gives them eternal life, and imputes the very righteousness of Christ to them. True believers in Christ will endure to the end and not lose their salvation. A special providence of God watches over their welfare.
The church. The church is a congregation of baptized believers who are associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel. The mission of the church is found in the Great Commission—to make disciples, to build up the church, and to teach and instruct as He has commanded.
Every church is autonomous, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations. The officers of the church are pastors-elders and deacons, whose qualifications and duties are clearly delineated in Scripture. Only men are eligible for leadership positions. The one Superintendent of the church is Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Churches cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the gospel. Each church is free to determine the measure and method of its cooperation.
The sacraments. Baptism is by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It points to our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and it pictures our own death to sin and resurrection to new life. It is a prerequisite to participation in the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is to be preceded by a solemn self-examination and commemorates the dying love of Christ. Only members of the church can participate in the sacrament.
The end times. Jesus is coming again personally, bodily, and visibly. He will rule during the millennial kingdom for 1000 years, putting all enemies under His feet. There will be a final judgment. The saved will enjoy everlasting blessedness in heaven, and the wicked will experience everlasting conscious suffering.
Distinctives. Scriptural giving (tithing) is considered one of the fundamentals of the faith. Only the King James Version is used in English-speaking congregations. Jesus is viewed as a Baptist in His thinking and work.
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www.baptistbiblefellowshipinternational.org
elders
These leaders of the church oversee (1 Timothy 3:1), rule (1 Timothy 5:17), and guard right doctrine (Titus 1:9).
deacons
These male leaders serve the elders and the congregation in various capacities (Acts 6:1-6).
deaconesses
These female leaders serve the elders and the congregation in various capacities (Romans 16:1). (Many churches do not consider deaconesses to be legitimate church officers.)
BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Founded: 1950
Members: 177,500
Congregations: 1300
Beginnings
Originally called the North American Baptist Association (Little Rock, Arkansas, 1950), this association of independent conservative Baptist churches adopted its present name in 1968. The churches associated with the group cooperate on missions work, a worldwide radio outreach, and a publications department that publishes Sunday school curricula and other kinds of religious materials. The local church is primary—the association exists only to facilitate the ministries of the church.
The association cooperates only with other Christian groups that hold to the same fundamentalist doctrines they do. They encourage a separation from all churches and church alliances that uphold heresies and ideas not in keeping with God’s Word.
Beliefs
The Bible. The Bible—including both the Old Testament and the New Testament—is verbally inspired and infallible. It is the final standard for the believer’s faith. It is to be interpreted literally.
God. The one true God is the Creator of the universe. He is eternally manifest in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three persons are equal in the divine attributes.
Jesus Christ. Jesus is full Deity. He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. He was born of a virgin. He died for human sin, was buried, and rose from the dead. He then ascended back to heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us.
The Holy Spirit. The personhood and work of the Holy Spirit are affirmed.
Sin and salvation. Human beings are totally depraved as a result of the fall. Salvation is based entirely on the blood atonement wrought by Christ on the cross. Believers are justified by faith alone and not by any works. Believers are eternally secure in their salvation.
The church. All churches in the association must subscribe to the fundamentalist interpretation of Christian doctrine. Churches are autonomous, each choosing its own officers, directors, and missionaries. Pastors and deacons are the permanent offices of the church (pastors do the teaching; deacons assist the pastors). The denomination does not endorse women in the ministry. Churches share equally in the cooperative activities of the association. Such cooperation is entirely voluntary.
The sacraments. Baptism is for believers only. The proper mode is immersion. It represents a confession of faith in Jesus Christ. Only baptisms administered by the authority of a scriptural Missionary Baptist church are valid. Such baptism is a prerequisite for partaking of the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial to be observed in the context of the church, celebrated only by baptized believers. It is a memorial to the crucified body and shed blood of Christ.
The end times. Christ will come again personally and bodily. This event is imminent. Following His coming, He will reign on earth for 1000 years. There will be two resurrections. The first is the resurrection of the righteous, which takes place at Christ’s second coming. The second is the resurrection of the wicked, which takes place at the end of the millennial kingdom. There will be a judgment of all humankind. True believers will experience everlasting happiness in heaven. Unbelievers will suffer everlasting punishment in hell.
Distinctives. Members recognize a perpetuity of independent Baptist churches from Christ’s day until His second coming.
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CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE
Founded: 1897
Members: 430,000
Congregations: 2000
Beginnings
The Christian and Missionary Alliance was founded in 1897 as a result of a merger of two societies established a decade earlier by Dr. Albert Simpson (1843–1919), a Presbyterian minister. These two societies were the Christian Alliance, involved in home missions, and the Evangelical Missionary Alliance, involved in missions abroad. The Christian and Missionary Alliance seeks to exalt Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and coming King. It also seeks to complete Christ’s Great Commission, evangelizing and discipling people throughout the United States.
Beliefs
The Bible. The Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired and are inerrant as originally given. The Bible is the only rule of Christian faith and practice.
God. The one true God is infinitely perfect. He eternally exists in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ. In the Incarnation, Jesus was true God and true man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross—the just for the unjust—as a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of humanity. He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, where He is now at the right hand of Majesty as our great High Priest.
The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit convinces the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He indwells, guides, teaches, and empowers believers. God desires all believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and be wholly sanctified, separated from sin and the world.
Sin and salvation. Adam and Eve fell through disobedience to God, thereby incurring both spiritual and physical death. Since then all human beings have been born with a sin nature, separated from God. Those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life, and become the children of God.
The church. The church is composed of all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, are redeemed through His blood, and are born again of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the head of the church. Local churches meet together to worship God, be edified through God’s Word, pray, fellowship, proclaim the gospel, and observe the ordinances. Christ commissions the church to go into the entire world as His witness, preaching the gospel to all nations. Women can be credentialed but not ordained for ministry.
Local churches develop their own bylaws, but they adhere to a common constitution set by the denomination. Local churches are part of geographical districts, and a national office oversees all ministry in the United States.
The sacraments. Baptism is for believers, and the proper mode is immersion. The Lord’s Supper is open to all who profess to be born-again Christians.
The end times. Jesus will come again to establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace. This coming is imminent and will be personal, visible, and premillennial. The just will be resurrected to life, and the unjust will be resurrected to judgment. The saved will have everlasting joy and bliss in heaven. The unsaved will live forever in conscious torment.
Distinctives. Christ’s atonement provides for the healing of the mortal body. Prayer for the sick and anointing with oil are scriptural teachings.
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the Three Aspects of Sanctification
definition
The word sanctify means “set apart.” The word indicates a twofold separation—separation from sin, and separation to a life of obedience to God. There are three aspects of sanctification—positional, progressive, and ultimate.
positional sanctification
This becomes a reality for the believing sinner from the moment of conversion (1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:10,14,29). The believer is positionally set apart from sin (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2).
This has to do with the believer’s daily growth in grace, becoming in practice more and more set apart for God’s use. This comes about by daily yieldedness to God and by separation from sin (1 Peter 1:15-16).
ultimate sanctification
This is attained only when we are completely set apart from sin in heaven (following death). Believers will be “like him” (1 John 3:2) and conformed to His image (Romans 8:29).
CONSERVATIVE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Founded: 1947
Members: 200,000
Congregations: 1200
Beginnings
The Conservative Baptist Association of America was founded in 1947 at Atlantic City, New Jersey. It emerged from the fundamentalist–modernist controversy that afflicted the Northern Baptist Convention. The conservatives at the convention attempted to alter its liberal course, but to no avail. They finally broke away and formed a new conservative body—the Conservative Baptist Association of America. It operates under the name CBAmerica.
This association considers itself as a loose affiliation or cooperative agency that equips like-minded churches and facilitates missions. The ultimate goal is to fulfill the Great Commission. Toward this end, the association was involved in planting hundreds of churches throughout America during the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. In the 1980s, this church planting continued, but the association was also involved in training congregations for evangelism and discipleship.
A wide range of services is offered to affiliate churches. This includes conflict resolution, financial analysis, retirement planning, referrals for counseling, help on church growth, assistance on women’s and youth ministry, ministry placement, and more. A national conference is held annually.
Beliefs
The Bible. The Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God. It is inerrant and infallible in the original manuscripts. It is the supreme and final authority on all matters of which it speaks.
God. The one true God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. He eternally exists in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Though they are equal in the divine perfections, they have distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption.
Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s eternal Son and has the same divine nature as the Father and Holy Spirit. In the Incarnation, He was very God and very man, having been born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, died as a substitutionary sacrifice on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. He now engages in priestly intercession on behalf of believers.
The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is engaged in the ministries of regeneration, sanctification, and preservation. He glorifies Jesus and empowers believers for godly living.
Sin and salvation. All people are sinners by nature and by choice. They are spiritually dead and separated from God. Salvation is by grace through faith and is based entirely on the work of Christ at the cross. Those who repent of sin and believe in Jesus as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Salvation results in righteous living and good works.
The church. The church is Christ’s spiritual body, of which He is the head. It is composed of all who have been born again by the Holy Spirit. Local churches are made up of believers baptized by immersion after their confession of faith in Jesus. The church gathers for worship, instruction, evangelism, and service.
Each local church is self-governing, free from any interference by ecclesiastical authorities. These churches nevertheless work interdependently to enhance their effectiveness.
The sacraments. The two ordinances are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is by immersion.
The end times. The second coming of Christ will be personal, visible, and premillennial. There will be a bodily resurrection of the saved and the lost. All humans will be judged. The saved will enjoy eternal life in heaven, while the unsaved will be consigned eternally to hell.
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Founded: 1930
Members: More than 62,000
Congregations: 1000
Beginnings
IFCA International is the new name of the former Independent Fundamentalist Churches of America. The name was changed because it was felt that fundamentalist was no longer a suitable term because of undesirable radical and militant nuances.
The Independent Fundamentalist Churches of America joined together in 1930 in Cicero, Illinois, as an association of Bible-believing churches and organizations whose goal was to safeguard fundamental doctrine. The founders—including Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and Baptists—include such well-known Christian personalities as theologian J. Oliver Buswell and Radio Bible Class founder M.R. DeHaan. Members have included such influential leaders as Charles Ryrie, John Walvoord, J. Vernon McGee, and John MacArthur.
The bylaws of the association state that its purpose is to unify those who have separated from denominations that harbor unbelievers and liberal teachers, and to encourage one another in world evangelism. The association also provides a united front in defending the fundamental teachings of Scripture. The unity of affiliate churches is based on acceptance of a 16-article doctrinal statement.
The association coordinates and facilitates joint participation without in any way infringing on each church’s autonomy. Membership is voluntary and is reaffirmed annually.
Beliefs
The Bible. The Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God. It is infallible and God-breathed, inerrant in the words of the original manuscripts. It is the final authority for life and faith.
God. The one true God eternally exists in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are eternal in being, identical in nature, and equal in power and glory.
Jesus Christ. Jesus is the eternal Son of God. In the Incarnation, He became a man without ceasing to be God, having been born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life and died as a substitutionary atonement for the sins of humanity. He physically rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, was exalted to the right hand of the Father, and is now our intercessor and advocate.
The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit convinces the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates believers, baptizes them into the body of Christ, indwells and seals them, and guides them into the truth.
Sin and salvation. In Adam’s sin all humanity fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God. Salvation is a free gift that people receive through personal faith in the Lord Jesus. This gift is based entirely on the blood Jesus shed at the cross of Calvary. Once saved, believers are secure in their salvation.
The church. The universal church is the body and bride of Christ. It is a spiritual organism composed of all born-again persons of the present age. Each local church is autonomous and independent, free from any external authority or control. Each church chooses its own name, sets up its own government, calls its own pastor, and invites into the pulpit any speakers it deems sound in the faith. As well, each church is free to determine which missionaries it will support. Yet independent does not mean isolated. Churches voluntarily associate to network in accomplishing common goals.
The sacraments. All believers are encouraged to be baptized in water as a testimony of their faith in Christ. All born-again persons are invited to celebrate the Lord’s Supper regardless of church membership.
The end times. Jesus will rapture the church prior to the tribulation period. This event is imminent. Following the tribulation, the second coming of Christ will occur, after which He will set up His millennial kingdom. At the bodily resurrection of all human beings, the saved will inherit eternal life, and the unsaved will go to everlasting punishment. Heaven and hell are literal places.
Distinctives. IFCA International has two distinctives. First, IFCA International espouses dispensationalism. The different dispensations are not different ways of salvation but rather different divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs humankind according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations are the focus of much Scripture: the age of the law, the age of the church, and the age of the millennial kingdom.
Second, IFCA International takes a stand against movements that are contrary to historic Christianity. These include ecumenism (which promotes the organizational unity of all Christianity and ultimately all religions), neo-orthodoxy (a movement that often uses evangelical terminology but in fact seriously departs from orthodoxy), and neo-evangelicalism (a movement within evangelicalism characterized by a toleration of and dialogue with theological liberalism).
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pretribulational view
Christ will rapture the entire church before any part of the tribulation period begins.
midtribulational view
Christ will rapture the church at the midpoint of the tribulation period.
posttribulational view
Christ will rapture the church after the tribulation period.
partial rapture view
Only spiritual Christians are raptured throughout the tribulation period.
Founded: 1820
Members: More than 86,000
Congregations: 1200
Beginnings
In the early 1800s, many Christians in the British Isles were uncomfortable with the formalism, clericalism, and spiritual dryness of churches run by a denominational hierarchy. These Christians sought a simpler form of Christianity so they could read Scripture and worship the Lord in small gatherings like those of the early church. They met together for communion, prayer, and Bible teaching, using a simple New Testament pattern. Eventually, large gatherings were established in Dublin and Plymouth. The movement as a whole ultimately took on the name Plymouth Brethren* because the gathering in Plymouth was so large and influential. Soon, through steady evangelism and church planting, churches began cropping up all over England, Scotland, Europe, and North America. Famous Plymouth Brethren include George Mueller, John Nelson Darby, Sir Robert Anderson, F.F. Bruce, Jim Elliot, H.A. Ironside, William Kelly, C.H. Mackintosh, W.E. Vine, and G.V. Wigram.
Beliefs
The Bible. The Bible is verbally and fully inspired in the words of the original manuscripts.
God. The one true God is eternally manifest in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (there is a Trinity in unity).
Jesus Christ. Jesus is the eternal Son of God.
The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity.
Sin and salvation. Salvation is based entirely on the work of Christ at the cross. Those who believe in Christ are eternally secure in their salvation.
The church. Church gatherings are often unstructured. This is especially true of the hour-long Remembrance Meeting (Communion service). There are no salaried ministers. There is no distinction between the clergy and the laity. Generally, gifted brothers in the congregation minister as they are able. These individuals are often supported in their work of ministry, but they are not in authority over the congregation. Gifted sisters minister at women’s Bible studies.
The sacraments. Baptism is for believers only (not infants), and the proper mode is immersion. The Lord’s Supper is celebrated weekly at Remembrance Meetings. It is for all believers who have separated themselves from evil.
The end times. Plymouth Brethren are pretribulational, premillennial, and dispensational. Christ’s rapture of the church is considered imminent. The saved will experience eternal bliss in heaven. The unsaved will suffer eternal torment in hell.
Distinctives. Many women wear head coverings during the church service.
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* This group’s use of the word brethren should not be taken to mean that it is affiliated with the Brethren churches associated with the Pietist movement.