THE RIVER ROOM CHURCH, INC. .
What We Believe
The following is taken from the Constitution of The River Room Church,
Inc., titled “Article VII – Statement of Fundamental Truths
The
River
Room
Church,
embraces
the
following
statements
concerning
the
truth.
The
Bible
is
our
all-sufficient
rule
for
faith
and
practice.
This
Statement
of
Fundamental
Truths
is
intended
as
a
basis
of
fellowship
among
us
(i.e.,
that
we
all
speak
the
same
thing,
I
Corinthians
1:10;
Acts
2:42).
No
claim
is
made
that
this
Statement
of
Fundamental
Truths
contains
all
Biblical
truth,
only
that
it
covers
our
need
as
to
these
Fundamental
Christian
Doctrines.
We
do
not
presume
to
say
the
phraseology
employed
in
this
Statement
of
Fundamental
Truths
is
inspired
or
that
it
is
the
final
work
on
Bible
truth.
However,
we
are
persuaded
it
is
proper
and
consistent
with
the
Holy
Scriptures
to
“set
forth
in
order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1).
A.
The
Holy
Scriptures
We
believe
the
Bible
is
the
inspired
Word
of
God,
the
supreme
revelation
from
God,
and
of
God.
It
is
the
inerrant,
infallible,
and
altogether
authentic,
accurate,
flawless
and
authoritative
Word
of
God,
therefore
the
supreme
and
final
authority
in
all
things.
It
is
the
direct
revelation
of
the
Will
of
God
for
all
men
and
for
all
time
(II
Timothy
3:
16-17,
II
Peter
1:21,
II
Peter
3:2,
Revelation
22:
18-29).
Both
Old
and
New
Testaments
were
written
by
Holy
men
inspired
by
the
Holy
Spirit,
and
are
God’s
revealed
Word
to
man.
They
are
the
sufficient,
infallible rule and guide to salvation and all Christian worship and service.
B.
God
That
Scripture
teaches
that
there
is
one,
and
only
one,
true
living
God,
who
is
self-existent,
and
the
eternal
“I
AM,”
the
creator
of
heaven
and
earth
and
the
redeemer
of
mankind.
That
He
has
chosen
to
reveal
Himself
as
Father,
Son,
and
Holy
Ghost,
the
same
in
essence,
though
distinct
in
personality
(Deuteronomy
6:4;
Isaiah
43:10-l1;
Matthew
28:18-l
9;
Luke
3:22).
These
three
are
one
God,
having
the
same
nature,
attributes,
and
perfection
and
are
worthy
of
the
same
homage
and
obedience
(Mark
12:29;
John
1:14;
Acts
5:3,
4;
II
Corinthians
13:14;
Revelation
1:4-6).
The
mode
of
His
existence,
however,
is
a
subject
far
above
the
understanding
of
man.
He
is
the
fountain
of
all
perfection
and
happiness.
He
is
glorified
by
the
whole
of
creation
and
is
worthy
to
be
loved
and
served
by
all
intelligence.
He,
therefore,
is
the
only
proper
object
of
worship
(Jeremiah
10:10;
Exodus
3:14;
Psalms
90:2;
Matthew 28:19, 20; Job l1:7; Psalms 19:1, 2; 145:10; 150:6; Exodus 34:14).
C. Creation
Of the World God spoke into existence the world and all things that it contains, for His own pleasure, and the
enjoyment of His creatures (Revelation 4:11; I Timothy 6:17).
Of Man God created man in His image according to Genesis 1:26 as a triune being consisting of spirit, soul
(which is made of the mind, will and emotions), and a body.
D.
Primitive
Man
and
His
Fall
Our
first
parents,
in
their
original
state,
were
upright.
They
naturally
preferred
and
desired
to
obey
their
creator,
and
had
no
preference
or
desire
to
transgress
His
will,
until
they
were
influenced
and
inclined
by
Satan
to
disobey
God’s
commands.
Previous
to
this,
the
only
tendency
of
their
nature
was
to
do
righteousness.
In
consequence
of
their
first
transgression,
the
state
under
which
the
posterity
of
Adam
came
into
the
world
is
so
different
from
that
of
Adam,
that
they
no
longer
had
that
righteousness
and
purity
which
Adam
had
before
the
fall;
they
are
not
willing
to
obey
God
but
are
inclined
to
do
evil.
Hence,
none,
by
virtue
of
any
natural
goodness
and
mere
work
of
their
own,
can
become
the
children
of
God
(Genesis
1:26-31;
3:
l-7;
Ecclesiastes
7:29;
Psalms 51:5; John 6: 44; Romans 5:12-21; I Corinthians 2:14).
E. Jesus Christ He is the Son of God and the Son of Man, was born miraculously of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:
23; Luke 1:31, 35). He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; I Peter 2:22). That He came into the world to save men
from the guilt and condemnation of sin (John 3:16), offering His blood as an atonement (I Corinthians 15:3; II
Corinthians 5:21) and making it available to all who exercise faith in Him. His bodily resurrection from the dead
(Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; I Corinthians 15:4). His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33;
Philippians 2:9-l1; Hebrews 1-3). Also that His divinity is proved from His titles, His attributes, and His works (John
1:14; Luke 1:26-35; Acts 4:12; Acts 16:31). That He is presently seated at the right hand of God the Father,
interceding for His redeemed. We also acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord over all things in Heaven, and in Earth,
and under the Earth (John 1:12-14; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 7:37-38; Philippians 2:9-10; Hebrews 7:25).
F. The Holy Spirit
1.
The
Scriptures
ascribe
to
the
Holy
Spirit,
the
acts
and
attributes
of
an
intelligent
being.
He
guides,
knows,
moves,
gives
information,
commands,
forbids,
sends
forth,
reproves,
as
the
instrumental
segment
of
the
“God
Head”
in
the
liberal
dispersion
of
spiritual
gifts,
and
can
be
sinned
against
(John
16:13;
I
Corinthians
2:11;
Genesis
1:2; Acts 10:19; 13:2; 16:6; 13:4; John 16:8; Mark 3:29; Acts 7:51; Ephesians 4:30; I Corinthians 12).
2.
The
works
of
God
are
ascribed
to
the
Holy
Spirit;
creation;
inspiration,
giving
of
life,
and
sanctification
(Job
33:4; II Peter 1:21; I Peter 3:18; I Corinthians 6:11).
3.
Of
Sanctification:
That
sanctification
is
the
process
by
which,
according
to
the
will
of
God,
we
become
partakers
of
His
holiness;
that
it
is
begun
at
regeneration;
and
that
it
is
carried
on
in
the
hearts
of
believers
by
the
presence
and
power
of
the
Holy
Spirit
in
the
continual
use
of
the
appointed
means,
especially
the
Word
of
God,
self-examination,
self-denial,
watchfulness,
and
prayer
(I
Thessalonians
4:3;
I
John
2:29;
Romans
8:5;
Philippians
2:12-13).
G.
The
Salvation
of
Man
Man's
only
hope
of
redemption
is
through
the
shed
blood
of
Jesus
Christ,
the
only
Son
of
God.
Salvation
is
received
through
repentance
toward
God
and
faith
toward
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ.
By
the
washing
of,
regeneration,
and
renewing,
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
being
justified
by
grace
through
faith,
man
becomes
an
heir
of
God
according
to
the
hope
of
eternal
life.
The
inward
evidence
of
salvation
is
direct
witness
of
the
Spirit
and
the
outward
evidence
to
all
men
of
a
life
of
righteousness
and
true
holiness
(Luke
24:47;
John
3:3;
Romans
10:13-l5;
Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Romans 8:16; Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).
1.
Salvation
is
an
inclusive
word,
which
gathers
into
itself
all
the
redemptive
acts
and
processes,
i.e.,
justification,
redemption,
deliverance,
imputation,
sanctification,
glorification,
etc.
The
Hebrew
and
Greek
words
for
salvation
imply
the
ideas
of
deliverance,
safety,
preservation,
healing,
and
soundness.
Salvation
is
by
grace
through
faith,
is
a
free
gift,
and
wholly
without
human
works
(Romans
3:27-28,
4:1-8,
6:23,
Ephesians
2:8).
Salvation is in these three tenses:
a.
Condition
of
Salvation
-
The
grace
of
God,
which
brings
salvation,
hath
appeared
to
all
men,
through
the
preaching
of
repentance
toward
God
and
faith
toward
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ;
man
is
saved
by
the
washing
of
regeneration
and
renewing
of
the
Holy
Ghost,
and,
being
justified
by
grace
through
faith,
he
becomes
an
heir
of
God according to the hope of eternal life (Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:47; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Ephesians 2:8-9).
b.
Evidences
of
Salvation
-
The
inward
evidence,
to
the
believer,
of
his
salvation,
is
the
direct
witness
of
the
Spirit
(Romans
8:16).
The
outward
evidence
to
all
men
is
a
life
of
unconditional
love,
righteousness,
and
true
holiness, demonstrated by the fruit of the Spirit (John 13:35; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:24).
c.
Final
Result
of
Salvation
-
The
spirit
of
the
believer
who
dies
in
Christ
immediately
goes
to
be
with
the
Lord
(Ecclesiastes 12:7; Luke 23:42-43; II Corinthians 5:8).
H. The Doctrine of Baptisms
We believe the New Testament teaches three baptisms.
First
,
there
is
the
baptism
whereby
the
repentant
sinner,
upon
trusting
Jesus
Christ
as
his
Savior,
is
baptized
by
the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13).
Secondly
,
there
is
water
baptism
by
immersion
for
Christian
believers
only.
This
we
believe
to
be
an
ordinance
of
the
Church,
whereby
the
believer
experiences
the
reality
of
co-crucifixion
and
co-resurrection
with
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ
(Matthew
28:19-20;
Romans
6:3-6).
Baptism
in
water
by
immersion
shall
be
observed
as
commanded
in
the
Scriptures
by
all
who
have
repented
of
their
sins
and
have
believed
on
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ
to
the
saving
of
their
souls
and
who
give
clear
evidence
of
their
salvation
(Matthew
28:19;
Acts
2:38;
Romans
6:3-5;
Colossians
2:12).
Those
who
have
become
partakers
of
Christ
by
faith
in
His
shed
blood
are
commanded
to
be
water
baptized
(by
immersion)
into
Christ.
In
this
act
of
faith
we
participate
in
Christ’s
burial
and
resurrection
and
receive
a
circumcision
of
the
heart.
The
church
retains
the
right
to
deny
performing
water
baptisms
to
those
who
it
determines
are
outside
the
body
of
Christ,
(unbelievers),
living
in
a
state
of
unrepentant
sin.
(Genesis
17:1-4;
John
3:1-6; Acts 19:4, Romans 2:28-29; I Peter 3:18-22; I John 5:8).
Thirdly,
there
is
the
filling
or
baptism
in
the
Holy
Spirit
by
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
which
may
occur
at,
or
subsequent
to
conversion.
We
believe
that
speaking
in
tongues
as
the
Spirit
gives
the
utterance
is
the
normative
evidence
of
this
baptism.
Further,
we
believe
that
by
the
believer’s
continued
submission
to
the
Holy
Spirit,
his
very
weakness
is
transformed
into
strength
to
witness
for
Jesus
Christ
in
power,
and
to
live
according
to
the
will
of
God
(Acts 1:5-6; 10:46; 11:28; 19:6).
I. Ordinances of the Gospel
1.
Baptism
in
Water
-
The
ordinance
of
baptism
is
a
symbolic
burial
with
Christ,
to
be
observed,
whenever
physically
possible
as
commanded
in
the
Scriptures
by
all
who
have
repented
of
their
sin,
and
truly
believed
in
their
heart
on
Christ
as
Savior
and
Lord.
The
symbolic
immersion
in
water
is
a
personal
and
public
statement
of
faith
in
the
death,
burial
and
resurrection
of
Jesus
Christ
on
our
behalf,
and
is
a
commitment
to
lay
down
our
lives
to
be
one with Him in His death, burial and resurrection. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 10:47-48; Colossians 2:11-12).
2.
The
Lord’s
Supper
-
The
center
of
the
Lord’s
Supper
is
truly
a
communion,
a
personal
relationship
with
Jesus
Christ.
In
his
rich
mercy,
God
made
us
alive
together
with
Christ,
and
raised
us
up
with
him
and
seated
us
with
him
in
the
heavenly
places
(Ephesians
2:4-6).
It
is
from
this
position
that
we
come
to
the
Lord's
Table,
to
feed
upon
the
body
and
blood
of
Christ
in
a
spiritual
manner,
because
we
believe
that
Jesus
Christ
is
the
bread
of
life,
the
One
who
feeds
our
souls
with
His
heavenly
life,
and
brought
salvation
with
His
death.
As
the
faithful
eat
the
bread
and
drink
the
wine,
we
feed
on
Christ
by
faith
(John
6:48,
51,
53-57;
Luke
22:19-20;
I
Corinthians
2:1l-l2).
We
acknowledge
the
ordinance
of
the
Lord's
Supper
in
remembrance
of
Jesus
and
as
a
testimony
of
our
communion
(common-union)
with
Him
in
His
body,
the
church,
looking
forward
to
the
soon
return
of
our
Savior
and
a
looking
back at the work Jesus did for us on the cross.
J.
The
Promise
of
the
Father
All
believers
are
entitled
to,
and
should
ardently
expect
and
earnestly
seek
the
Promise
of
the
Father,
the
baptism
in
"the
Holy
Ghost
and
fire",
according
to
the
command
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ.
To
be
baptized
with
the
Holy
Ghost,
and
with
fire,”
means
that
Jesus
has
the
ability
to
immerse
(baptize)
people
in
the
presence
of
God
so
that
they
are
aware
of
their
sin
and
convicted
of
the
need
to
be
cleansed
of
that
sin
(
John
16:8
).
The
Promise
is
the
filling
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
to
be
filled
with
the
fire
of
love,
the
fire
of
God’s
power,
the
fire
of
suffering,
the
fire
of
purification,
the
fire
of
judgment,
and
the
overwhelming
glory
of
God.
The
fire
refines
and
purifies,
giving
him
or
her
a
new
nature
(2
Corinthians
5:17).
This
was
the
normal
experience
in
the
early
Christian
Church.
With
it
comes
the
endowment
of
power
for
life
and
service,
and
the
bestowment
of
the
gifts
and
their
uses
in
the
work
of
the
ministry
(Luke
24:49,
Acts
1:4-5,
Acts
2:4).
With
the
baptism
of
the
Holy
Spirit
comes
such
experiences as:
1.
an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39, Acts 4:8)
2.
a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43, Hebrews 12:28)
3.
an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42)
4.
a more active love for Christ, for His Word and for the lost (Mark 16:20)
5.
speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10).
K. Sanctification Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and a dedication unto God (Romans
12:1-2; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12). The Scriptures teach a life of “holiness without which no man shall see
the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). By the power of the Holy Ghost we are able to obey the command: “Be Holy, for I am Holy”
(I Peter 1:15, 16). Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and
resurrection, and by faith, reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the
dominion of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6: l-l1,13; 8: l-2, 13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 12:12-l3; I Peter 15).
L. The Church and the Ministry We believe that all who are united by the new birth to Jesus Christ are members
of the “Universal Church”, the “Body of Christ”. We also believe that the local congregation of Christian believers is
divinely instituted and is the chosen instrument of God for the furtherance of God’s work here on Earth. While
appreciating the work of para-Church groups, we believe that the local Church is God’s chosen vehicle for world
evangelization and the nurture of Christians. We further believe in the spiritual unity of all believers and in working
together with others who believe in salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ for the causes of evangelism,
missions and benevolence (Matthew 16:16-l8; John 17:21; Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:3-10; Colossians 3:14-l5). The
Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of
her great commission and purpose. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the Church of the
Firstborn, whose name is written in heaven in the "Lamb’s Book of Life". As such, the Bible reveals that we are
members one of another, and the basis of our fellowship is in Christ, in the power of the Spirit (Ephesians 1:22;
2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23).
M.
Responsibility
of
the
Believer
We
believe
that
it
is
essential
that
each
believer
lay
a
foundation
of
Biblical
truth
and
experience
upon
which
he/she
builds
his/her
life.
These
foundation
stones
are:
repentance
from
dead
works,
faith
toward
God,
doctrine
of
baptisms,
laying
on
of
hands,
resurrection
of
the
dead,
and
eternal
judgment,
all
of
which are prerequisites to going on to perfection (spiritual maturity) (Hebrews 6:1-2).
We
believe
each
Christian
is
called
and
chosen
in
God
to
be
a
priest
unto
God
to
offer
up
the
sacrifice
of
praise,
to
give
of
their
time,
strength,
and
material
possessions
to
the
service
of
the
Lord.
All
believers
have
been
purchased
with
the
blood
of
Jesus
Christ
and
are
no
longer
their
own,
but
belong
to
the
Father
to
be
used
for
His
glory;
and
as
possessions
of
the
Lord,
must
give
themselves
to
serving
Him,
finding
their
place
in
the
Church,
His
body,
and
making
themselves
available
by
being
present
when
the
Church
comes
together,
that
they
might
be
able
to
minister
their
gifts
and
talents
for
the
building
up
of
the
Body
of
Christ
(John
15:16;
Ephesians
1:4-5;
I
Corinthians
6:20;
12:18;
Hebrews
13:15;
I
Peter
2:5,9).
We
believe
that
the
whole
purpose
of
man
is
to
glorify
God
and
to
enjoy
Him
forever.
Therefore,
we
believe
in
the
act
of
praising
and
worshipping
God
with
one’s
total
being
as
set
forth
in
the
Holy Scriptures. (Psalms 149; 150; Mark 12:29-31; Ephesians 5:18-21).
N. Five-Fold Ministry The Church is to be taught and led by the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and
Teachers for the purpose of every believer seeing and exercising their priestly or kingly ministry (I Peter 2:5,9 and
Revelation 16). The five-fold ministry is to teach and train its people to do the work of the ministry with maturity
and unity in mind. Working with these ministries will be Elders, Deacons, and the gifted men and women of the
Church (Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:11-13; I Timothy 3:2-12; Titus 2:1-15).
O.
Divine
Healing
Deliverance
from
sickness
is
provided
for
in
the
atonement,
and
is
the
privilege
of
all
believers.
The
ministration
of
the
laying
on
of
hands
accompanied
with
the
anointing
of
oil
for
the
healing
of
the
sick
shall
be
granted
as
request
is
made,
and
as
the
need
may
require
(Isaiah
53:4-5;
Matthew
8:16-17;
Mark
16:17-18;
James
5:14-15).
P. The Total Prosperity of God We believe that the Gospel of the Kingdom is God’s absolute answer to man’s
total need and total prosperity.
1. Spiritually -(John 3:3,11; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-l 0)
2. Mentally - (II Timothy 1:7; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3)
3. Physically - (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:17; I Peter 2:24)
4. Financially - (III John 2; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; II Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14)
5. Socially - (Proverbs 3:4; I Samuel 2:26; Romans 14:18; II Corinthians 8:21)
Q.
The
Blessed
Hope
The
resurrection
of
those
who
have
fallen
asleep
in
Christ,
and
their
translation
together
with
those
who
are
alive
and
remain
unto
the
coming
of
the
Lord,
"The
Rapture",
is
the
imminent
and
the
blessed
hope of the Church (I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; I Corinthians 15:51).
R.
Laying
on
of
Hands
A
simple
belief
that
God's
power
or
anointing
can
be
transmitted
from
one
person
touching
or
praying
over
another.
First
practiced
by
the
Levitical
priesthood
(Numbers
8:10-l1,
27:22-23).
Jesus
practiced
it
as
a
blessing,
(Mark
10:13-16)
and
it
has
been
used
by
Him
and
others
for
healing
(Mark
5:22-23;
16:18;
Acts
14:3;
19:11-l2;
28:8;
Luke
4:40),
conferring
office
(Acts
8:16-l8),
receiving
anointing
(I
Timothy
4:14)
and
for
Ordination
(I
Timothy 4:14). We believe in the doctrine of the laying on of hands for:
1. The confirming of believers to commitment and ministry in the local Church.
2. The confirming of one’s call by God to special ministry in the local Church (Acts 13:1-3).
3. The imparting of spiritual gifts (I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6).
4. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17-l8).
5. The ministry of healing of the sick through the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16).
6. The blessing and dedicating of children to the Lord (Mark 10:16).
S.
Deliverance
The
need
for
deliverance
is
manifested
by
an
inability
to
be
free
from
bondage:
e.g.
mental
(emotional),
physical
or
spiritual
normally
associated
with
demonic
activity.
It
is
God’s
desire
to
bring
deliverance
to
His
people
(Job
5:19;
Psalms
91:3;
II
Timothy
4:18;
Hebrews
2:15;
II
Peter
2:9).
We
have
been
granted
the
authority
in
the
name
of
Jesus
to
bring
deliverance
to
others
(Mark
16:17;
John
14:12;
I
Corinthians
12:8-l
1.
We
must
understand
that
our
warfare
is
with
the
forces
of
evil
(Ephesians
6:12),
our
weapon
is
the
Word
of
God,
our
authority
and
power
is
from
Jesus
Himself
(Mark
16:17;
Acts
1:8)
and
that
the
battlefield
is
in
the
spiritual
realms
(Ephesians 6: 10-l8; II Corinthians 10:3-5; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:22-23).
T.
Gifts
of
the
Spirit
The
nine
gifts
of
the
Spirit
set
forth
(I
Corinthians
12)
should
and
must
be
operative
in
the
Church
to
enjoy
the
fullness
of
God.
These
gifts
are
imparted
by
the
sovereignty
of
the
Holy
Spirit
and
only
work,
or are operated by this one, and the self-same Spirit (I Corinthians 12:11).
U.
The
Millennial
Reign
of
Christ
The
second
coming
of
Christ
includes
the
rapture
of
the
saints,
which
is
our
blessed
hope.
Followed
by
the
visible
return
of
Christ
with
His
saints
to
reign
on
the
earth
for
one
thousand
years
(Zechariah
14:5;
Matthew
24:27,
30;
Revelation
1:7;
19:1l-l
4;
20:1-6).
This
millennial
reign
will
bring
the
salvation
to
the
nation
of
Israel
(Ezekiel
37:21-22;
Zephaniah
3:19-20;
Romans
11:26-27)
and
the
establishment
of
universal
peace (Isaiah 11:6-7; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3-4).
V.
The
Final
Judgment
and
Eternal
State
We
believe
that
at
death,
the
spirit
and
soul
of
those
who
have
trusted
in
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
pass
immediately
into
His
presence
and
there
remain
in
conscious
bliss
until
the
resurrection
of
the
glorified
body,
when
Jesus
Christ
comes
for
His
own,
whereupon
soul
and
body
reunited
shall
be
with
Him
forever
in
glory.
But
the
spirits
and
souls
of
the
unbelieving
remain
after
death,
conscious
of
condemnation,
and
in
misery
until
the
final
judgment
of
the
Great
White
Throne
when
soul
and
body
reunited
shall
be
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire,
not
to
be
annihilated,
but
to
be
eternally
punished,
and
totally
removed
from
the
presence
of
the
Lord
and
from
the
glory
of
His
power
(Luke
16:19-26;
23:42;
II
Corinthians
5:8;
Philippians
1:23;
II
Thessalonians
1:7-8;
Jude
6,
7;
Revelation
20:1l-l
5).
There
will
be
a
final
judgment
in
which
the
wicked
dead
will
be
raised
and
judged
according
to
their
works.
Whosoever
is
not
found
written
in
the
Book
of
Life,
together
with
the
devil
and
his
angels,
the
beast,
and
the
false
prophet,
will
be
consigned
to
everlasting
punishment
in
the
lake
which
burns
with
fire
and
brimstone,
which
is
the
second
death
(Matthew
25:46;
Mark
9:43-48;
Revelation
19:20;
20:1l-l5; 21:8).
W.
The
New
Heavens
and
the
New
Earth
We,
according
to
His
promise,
look
for
new
heavens
and
a
new
earth
wherein dwells righteousness (II Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:22).
X.
Tithing
and
Offerings
Both
the
Old
and
New
Testament
Scriptures
teach
tithing
as
God’s
financial
plan
for
the
support
of
His
work.
These
are
to
be
practiced
continually
by
all
believers,
and
are
outward
expressions
of
the
unity
of
the
Church,
the
Body
of
Christ,
as
it
joins
together
in
support
of
the
work
of
the
Lord
(Malachi
3:8-10;
I
Corinthians
16:2;
Genesis
28:22;
Matthew
23:23;
Deuteronomy
26;
14:28-29;
15:7-11;
Numbers
18:8-l1;
Ezekiel
44; Proverbs 14:21; 29:7; Luke 11:41; 12:33).
Y.
Death
As
a
result
of
original
sin,
all
mankind
is
subject
to
the
death
of
the
body.
The
soul
does
not
die
with
the
body,
but
immediately
after
death
enters
into
a
conscious
state
of
happiness,
or
misery
according
to
the
character
here
possessed
either
by
rejection,
or
acceptance
of
the
Savior
(Romans
5:12;
Ecclesiastes
12:7;
Philippians
1:23).
Z.
Of
the
World
to
Come
We
believe
that
the
end
of
this
age
is
rapidly
approaching
(I
Peter
4:7).
We
believe
in
“That
Blessed
Hope”
-the
personal,
imminent
return
of
our
Lord
and
Savior
Jesus
Christ
(Acts
1:ll;
I
Thessalonians
4:13-l8).
We
believe
in
the
bodily
resurrection
of
the
just
and
of
the
unjust,
the
everlasting
blessedness
of
the
saved, and the everlasting punishment of the lost without Christ (Acts 24:15; Matthew 24:31-46; Revelation 22:11).
AA.
Help
to
the
Poor
We
believe
that
it
is
the
intent
of
our
Lord
and
Savior
Jesus
Christ
to
feed
the
hungry
(Matthew
25:34-40;
Isaiah
58:7-8);
to
care
for
the
poor
(Matthew
19:21;
Psalm
112:9;
II
Corinthians
9:6-9);
and
to
care
for
the
widows
and
orphans
(James
1:27).
We
further
believe
that
such
ministry
should
be
toward
His
name
to both saints and unbelievers (Hebrews 6:l0).
ORDINANCES AND PRACTICES
We
hold
that
the
following
sacraments
(ordinances
and
practices)
are
in
harmony
with
the
Scriptures
and
are
to
be
observed
by
the
Church.
These
sacraments
are
to
be
administered
by
those
Scripturally
qualified
(I
Timothy
3:1-l1;
Titus 1:5-6).
A.
Water
Baptism
by
immersion,
shall
be
observed
as
commanded
in
the
Scriptures
by
all
who
have
repented
of
their
sins
and
have
believed
on
the
Lord
Jesus
Christ
to
the
saving
of
their
souls
and
who
give
clear
evidence
of
their
salvation
(Matthew
28:19;
Acts
2:38;
Romans
6:3-5;
Colossians
2:12).
Those
who
have
become
partakers
of
Christ
by
faith
in
His
shed
blood
are
commanded
to
be
water
baptized
(by
immersion)
into
Christ.
In
this
act
of
faith
we
participate
in
Christ’s
burial
and
resurrection
and
receive
a
circumcision
of
the
heart
(Genesis
17:1-4;
John
3:1-6;
Romans
2:28-29;
I
Peter
3:18-22;
I
John
5:8).
The
church
retains
the
right
to
refuse
performing
water
baptisms
to
those who it determines are outside the body of Christ, (unbelievers), living in a state of unrepentant sin.
B.
The
Lord’s
Supper
is
a
memorial
of
the
covenant
made
with
God
through
the
blood
of
Christ.
It
is
a
continuation
of
the
Passover
Feast,
which
God
commanded
His
covenant
people
to
observe.
Those
who
have
made
covenant
with
God
through
the
blood
of
Christ
and
have
been
water
baptized
are
instructed
to
participate.
The
Church
participates
in
the
Lord’s
Supper
as
a
body
or
family,
with
each
believer,
in
fellowship
adding
to
the
blessedness
of
the
experience
(Exodus
11,
12;
Mark
14:24;
Luke
22:19-20;
I
Corinthians
10:16;
11:23-26).
The
church
retains
the
right
to
refuse
serving
communion
to
those
who
it
determines
are
outside
the
body
of
Christ,
(unbelievers),
living
in
a
state
of
unrepentant sin.
C.
The
Dedication
of
Children,
is
the
presentation
of
a
child
to
God,
and
therefore
establishes
a
covenant
between
God
and
Christian
parent(s).
God
promises
blessing
and
protection
to
the
child
whose
parents
are
faithful
to
rear
him/her
in
the
services
of
the
Lord.
Such
a
child
is
made
holy
and
is
part
of
the
covenant
family
of
God
by
the
Godly
faith
of
his
parents
until
he/she
reaches
the
age
of
accountability,
whereupon
he/she
becomes
responsible
as
an
individual
before
God
and
is
commanded
to
repent.
The
Church
retains
the
right
to
refuse
dedicating
a
child
or
children
to
the
Lord
if
it
determines
the
parents
are
not
living
a
Christian
lifestyle
as
identified
in
Article
VII
the
Statement
of
Fundamental Truths. (Psalms 34:11; Isaiah 54:13; Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:13-l 6; Luke 18:15-l 6; I Corinthians 7:14).
D.
Anointing
Oil,
is
administered
for
healing.
If
there
have
been
sins
committed
against
Christ
or
His
Body
they
are
to
be
confessed.
The
anointing
oil
is
then
administered
for
both
physical
and
spiritual
restoration
with
the
laying
on
of
hands when required (Mark 16:18; James 5:14).
E.
The
Baptism
in
the
Holy
Spirit,
is
a
necessary
and
vital
experience
for
every
believer,
is
evidenced
by
the
initial
physical
sign
of
speaking
with
other
tongues
as
the
Spirit
gives
utterance.
Those
who
seek
the
fullness
of
the
Spirit
shall receive prayer for the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15-17; 19:2-6).
F.
Marriage
is
a
covenant
made
between
two
people,
one
man
and
one
woman,
with
God.
The
Christian
marriage
covenant
requires
the
married
parties
to
be
faithful,
loving
and
helpful
to
each
other
as
long
as
they
both
shall
live.
(Malachi
2:15-16;
Matthew
5:32;
19:5-6,9;
Romans
7:2-3;
I
Corinthians
7:10-11,
15;
II
Corinthians
6:14;
Ephesians
5:22-25).
Marriage
is
a
union
ordained
by
God.
It
was
first
instituted
by
God
in
the
early
chapters
of
Genesis,
codified
in
the
Levitical
law,
the
Old
Testament
prophets
compared
it
to
a
relationship
between
God
and
his
people,
examples
of
it
are
in
the
historical
narratives,
and,
the
scripture
discusses
the
unique
unity
of
this
relationship.
Jesus
explained
the
original
intention
and
core
elements
of
marriage,
and
several
New
Testament
Epistles
give
explicit
instructions
on
this
union.
Marriage
is
a
typology
of
Jesus
Christ
and
the
Church.
As
such,
the
Church
views
marriage
as
a
profound
spiritual
institution
established
by
God.
We
believe
the
term
“marriage”
has
only
one
meaning,
and
that
is
marriage
sanctioned by God which joins one man, and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture.
Due to the importance of marriage in the biblical witness, this church adopts the following:
Only
currently
Licensed
or
Ordained
River
Room
Church
Pastors
may
officiate
a
marriage
ceremony
or
renewal
of
vows ceremony.
Staff
Pastors
shall
be
subject
to
dismissal
and
loss
of
Licensing/Ordination
for
officiating
a
same
gender
or
transgender
marriage ceremony, or a same gender or transgender renewal of vows ceremony.
Marriage
applicants
wishing
to
have
a
marriage
ceremony
or
renewal
of
vows
ceremony
performed
by
a
River
Room
Church
Pastor,
or
to
use
any
of
the
Church
facilities
or
properties,
shall
affirm
their
agreement
with
the
above
noted
Ordinances
and
Practices
marriage
section
and
the
church’s
Foundations
of
Faith,
and
shall
conduct
themselves
in
a
manner
that
is
consistent
therewith
.
The
River
Room
Church
welcomes
homosexuals,
seeking
to
become
more
Christ
like
and
striving
to
follow
the
beliefs
of
this
church,
but
its
facilities,
or
properties
may
not
be
used
by
any
individual,
group,
or
organization
that
advocates,
endorses,
or
promotes
homosexuality
or
transgender
life
as
an
alternative
or
acceptable
lifestyle,
as
this
comes
against
our
beliefs
through
scripture.
This
policy
applies
to
events
including
but
not
limited
to:
Birthday
parties,
Classes,
Reunions,
Anniversaries,
Baby
Showers,
Weddings,
and
Renewal of Vows services.
All
marriage
applicants
must
receive
premarital
counseling
by
a
River
Room
Church
Staff
Pastor.
Upon
completion
of
premarital
counseling
a
recommendation
to
proceed
with
the
ceremony
will
be
submitted
to
the
Executive
Pastor
of
Ministries
for
review
and
final
approval.
No
marriage
ceremonies
will
be
permitted
without
Executive
Pastoral
approval
first.
Any
marriage
ceremony
or
renewal
of
vows
ceremony
performed
on
Church
premises
shall
be
officiated
by
a
River
Room Church Staff Pastor.
The River Room Church Staff Pastors assigned by the Church to implement the procedures contained in this Marriage
statement may, in his or her sole discretion, decline to make Church facilities available for, and/or decline to officiate at,
any ceremony when, in his or her judgment, there are significant concerns that one or both of the marriage applicants
may not be qualified to enter into the sacred bond of marriage for theological, doctrinal, moral or legal reasons.
