WHAT ARE TENETS?
The word Tenet comes from the Latin word ‘tenere’ which means ‘to hold’. So the Tenets of the Apostolic Church are the Biblical truths which we must ‘hold on’ to and safeguard.
In a world of shifting morals and beliefs, we need anchor points to ‘hold’ us in the truth. When you read Paul’s letters known as Epistles in the Bible, every time he wrote at some point he had to deal with bad or false teaching (heresy) and the same is relevant today. Many may lead the church astray either through ignorance or deliberate distortion of Scripture. Thus we need to ‘hold on’ to what the Bible tells us.
We accept the teachings of the Bible in its entirety, the Tenets do not seek to replace the Bible, but in eleven short statements seek to summarise the main truths.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
TENET 1
The unity of the Godhead and the Trinity of the Persons therein.
Useful Scriptures: Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14.
TENET 2
The utter depravity of human nature, the necessity for repentance and regeneration, and the eternal doom of the finally impenitent.
Useful Scriptures: Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2, Acts 20:21, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 20:11-15.
TENET 3
The virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, triumphant resurrection, ascension and abiding intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ: his second coming and millennial reign upon earth.
Useful Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-25, Hebrews 2:9, 1 Peter 2:21-24, Acts 2: 29-32.
TENET 4
The justification and sanctification of the believer through the finished work of Christ.
Useful Scriptures: Romans 3:21-24, 2Corinthians 3:17-18, Ephesians 4:23-24.
TENET 5
The baptism of the Holy Ghost for believers, with signs following.
Useful Scriptures: Acts 2, Acts 10:44-48.
TENET 6
The nine gifts of the Holy Ghost for the edification, exhortation and comfort of the Church, which is the Body of Christ.
Useful Scriptues: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 13:9-12.
TENET 7
The sacraments of baptism by immersion, and of the Lord’s Supper.
Useful Scriptures: Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Romans 6:3-14.
TENET 8
The divine inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures.
Useful Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21.
TENET 9
Church government by Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons.
Useful Scriptures: Ephesians 4:11, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-11.
TENET 10
The possibility of falling from grace.
Useful Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:12, 1 Timothy 1:19, Hebrews 3:12.
TENET 11
The obligatory nature of tithes and offerings.
Useful Scriptures: Malachi 3:10-12.
