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The congregation of Grass Valley takes the Word of God very seriously.\u00a0 Preaching is expository, with occasional teaching on topical and relevant current issues which touch the Church and her people.\u00a0 The following sections are what we believe concerning the living and authoritative word of God.\u00a0 These summaries are modified from the 1561 Belgic Confession of Faith, which many faithful Christian churches have ascribe for hundreds of years, they are modified only to reflect some more modern language and in include scripture references.\u00a0 The Scripture quotes are from the King James Version, however if you mouse over the scriptures the New King Jame version will appear.\u00a0 We want to first begin with these words from Hebrew Chapter 4, they reflect the importance of Christ as the living Word of God, as well as the essential nature and necessary respect, honor and adherence to the Bible as Holy, infallible, inerrant and the only rule of life and faith as given to us by God himself through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.<\/i> Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.<\/i>\u201d (Hebrews 4:12\u201315)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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T<\/strong><\/span>HERE <\/span>I<\/span>S <\/span>O<\/span>NLY <\/span>O<\/span>NE <\/span>G<\/span><\/strong>OD!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
We all believe with the heart and confess openly there is one only simple and spiritual Being, which we call God; and that He is eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, immutable, <\/span>infinite, almighty, perfectly wise, just, good, and the over\ufb02owing fountain of all good.<\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cGod is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.\u201d (John 4:24)<\/p>\n
\u201cHear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.\u201d <\/em>(Deut 6:4)<\/p>\n
\u201cOne God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.<\/em>\u201d (Eph 4:6)<\/p>\n
\u201cFor there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.\u201d <\/em>(1 Tim 2:5)<\/p>\n
\u00a0 \u201cBut to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.\u201d<\/em> (1 Corinthians 8:6)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
B<\/strong><\/span>Y <\/span>W<\/span>HAT <\/span>M<\/span>EANS <\/span>G<\/span>OD <\/span>I<\/span>S <\/span>M<\/span>ADE <\/span>K<\/span>NOWN UNTO <\/span>U<\/span><\/strong>S?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
We know Him by two means: First, by the creation, preservation, and governance of the universe of which we are a part; which is before our eyes as a most elegant book, wherein all creatures, great and small, are as so many characters leading us to <\/span>see clearly His invisible attributes, even His eternal power and Godhead, <\/span>as the Apostle Paul says in Romans 1. All of these things are sufficient to convince men and leave them without excuse. Second, He makes <\/span> Himself more clearly and fully known to us by His Holy and Divine Word, that is, what is necessary for us to know in this life, to His Glory and our salvation.<\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cThe heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 19:1-3)<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20<\/sup> For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse<\/em>.\u201d (Rom. 1:19-20)<\/p>\n
\u201cThe law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 19:7-8)<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.\u201d<\/em>(2 Tim 3:15-17).<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.\u201d <\/em>(1 Pet. 1:23)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
T<\/strong><\/span>HE <\/span>W<\/span>RITTEN <\/span>W<\/span>ORD OF <\/span>G<\/span><\/strong>OD<\/strong>
\n<\/span>We confess that the Word of God was not sent, delivered or contrived by the will of man, but that <\/span>holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, <\/span>as the Apostle Peter says (2 Pet. 1:21); and since then God, from a special care which He has for us and our salvation, commanded His servants, the prophets and apostles, to commit His revealed word to writing; and He Himself wrote with His own finger the two tables of the law. Therefore we call such writings Holy and Divine Scriptures.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cFor the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost<\/em>.\u201d (2 Pet. 1:21)<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em>\u201cAnd the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.\u201d<\/em> (Hab. 2:2)<\/p>\n
\u201cAll scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness<\/em>.\u201d (2 Tim. 3:16).<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God<\/em>.\u201d (Exodus 31:18)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
C<\/span>ANONICAL <\/span>B<\/span>OOKS OF THE <\/span>H<\/span>OLY <\/span>S<\/span><\/strong>CRIPTURE<\/strong>
\n<\/span>We believe that the Holy Scriptures are contained in two books, namely, the Old and the New Testament, which are canonical, against which <\/span>nothing can be alleged. These are thus named in the Church of God. The books of the Old Testament are the five books of Moses, to wit: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; the book of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, the two books of Samuel, the two of the Kings, two books of the Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther; Job, the Psalms, the three books of Solomon, namely, the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs; the four great prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, (Lamentations), Ezekiel, and Daniel; and the twelve lesser prophets, namely, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
\n<\/span><\/p>\nThose of the New Testament are the four evangelists, to wit: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; the Acts of the Apostles; the thirteen epistles of the Apostle Paul, namely, one to the Romans, two to the Corinthians, one to the Galatians, one to the Ephesians, one to the Philippians, one to the Colossians, two to the Thessalonians, two to Timothy, one to Titus, one to Philemon; Hebrews; the seven epistles of the other apostles, namely, one of James, two of Peter, three of John, one of Jude; and the Revelation of the Apostle John.<\/span><\/p>\n
W<\/strong><\/span>HENCE THE <\/span>H<\/span>OLY <\/span>S<\/span>CRIPTURES <\/span>D<\/span>ERIVE <\/span>T<\/span>HEIR <\/span>D<\/span>IGNITY AND <\/span>A<\/span><\/strong>UTHORITY<\/strong>
\n<\/span>We receive all these books, and these only, as Holy and canonical, for the regulation, foundation, and confirmation of our faith; believing without any doubt all things contained in them, not because the Church receives and approves them as such, but more especially because the Holy Spirit witnesses in our hearts that they are from God, and also because they carry the evidence thereof in themselves. For the very blind are able to perceive that the things foretold in them are being fulfilled.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cBut continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.<\/em>\u201d (2 Tim. 3:14-17)<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost<\/em>.\u201d (2 Pet. 1:19-21)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
T<\/span>HE <\/span>S<\/span>UFFICIENCY OF THE <\/span>H<\/span>OLY <\/span>S<\/span>CRIPTURES TO <\/span>B<\/span>E THE <\/span>O<\/span>NLY <\/span>R<\/span>ULE OF <\/span>F<\/span><\/strong>AITH<\/strong>
\n<\/span>We believe that the Holy Scriptures (as defined above) fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe unto salvation is sufficiently taught therein. For since the whole manner of worship which God requires of us is written in them at large, it is unlawful for any one, though an apostle, to teach otherwise than we are now taught in the Holy Scriptures: <\/span>but even if we, or an angel from heaven<\/span>, as the Apostle Paul says (Gal 1:8). For since it is forbidden to add to or take away anything from the Word of God (Deut 12:32)<\/span>, <\/span>it does thereby evidently can clearly appear that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects.<\/span><\/p>\nNeither may we consider any writings of men, however holy these men may have been, of equal value with those divine Scriptures, nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God, since the truth is above all; <\/span>for all men are of themselves liars, and lighter than vapor <\/span>(Psalm 62:9). Terefore we reject with all our hearts whatever does not agree with this infallible rule, as the apostles have taught us, saying, <\/span>Test the spirits, whether they are of God <\/span>(1 John 4:1).\u00a0 Likewise: <\/span>If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house <\/span>(2 John 1:10).<\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cBut though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.\u201d (Galatians 1:8\u20139)<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.\u201d (Deuteronomy 12:32)<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.\u201d (Proverbs 30:5\u20136)<\/p>\n
\u201cFor I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.\u201d (Revelation 22:18\u201319)<\/p>\n
\u201cSurely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: To be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.\u201d (Psalm 62:9)<\/p>\n
\u201cBut he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?\u201d (Matthew 15:3)<\/p>\n
\u201cHowbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.\u201d (Mark 7:7)<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man\u2019s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:\u201d (1 Corinthians 2:4)<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.\u201d (2 Timothy 4:3\u20134)<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:\u201d (2 John 10)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Bible is the Infallible, Inerrant, Word of God The congregation of Grass Valley takes the Word of God very seriously.\u00a0 Preaching is expository, with occasional teaching on topical and relevant current issues which touch the Church and her people.\u00a0 The following sections are what we believe concerning the living and authoritative word of God.\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/biblefreak.org\/teaching\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/biblefreak.org\/teaching\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/biblefreak.org\/teaching\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/biblefreak.org\/teaching\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/biblefreak.org\/teaching\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/biblefreak.org\/teaching\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":732,"href":"https:\/\/biblefreak.org\/teaching\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14\/revisions\/732"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/biblefreak.org\/teaching\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}