God gives all believers spiritual gifts. They are for the strengthening of God’s people (the Church) and proof of God’s existence and power to unbelievers. The gifts of the Spirit are active and relevant today.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 1 Peter 4:10
Sanctification is the ongoing process of allowing God’s character to be developed in us.
Romans 6:19; Galatians 5:22-25
Divine healing is active in the lives of people today through Jesus, who is the Healer. Healing includes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual restoration.
I have no problem with it in principle, except that it is the production of a single group, and not that of the Church.
I am afraid most mainline churches would not subscribe.
At first glance, I notice there’s no mention of the Church and its role in God’s overarching plan. There’s a “specialized” interest in gifts of the Holy Spirit and healing – interesting that that should be so emphasized in a general statement of faith.
Perhaps I am overly sensitive to this (from my own similar Church background ), but I perceive that the doctrine of sanctification of the believer is incomplete in this statement. From my study of the subject, I am of the opinion that sanctification is both a process of growth in the believer’s life and importantly, also granted as being accomplished by grace instantly through Christ Jesus.
The statement by this ministry supports the process of growth part of sanctification, but neglects that crucial element that Christ Jesus IS our sanctification (as well as our justification, holiness, and salvation). By neglecting the fact that Christ Jesus is our sanctification, the practice of the Church tends to drift toward the doctrine of works as believers strive for personal sanctification.
[blockquote]But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,
1 Corinthians 1:30 (New American Standard Bible)[/blockquote]
Without including the element that Christ Jesus is our sanctification, the doctrine is incomplete and out of balance and may lead to possible mischief down the road for the believer. Those striving to be sanctified should not despair over their shortcomings. Thanks be to God, Jesus Christ is our sanctification!
I would not worry too much about the lack of mention of the Church in the statement. True, there should be some mention and there should be an attempt to “plug” believers into a local Church body (and perhaps they do this, but do not mention it in their Statement of Faith). However, I think that it is also remember the words of our Lord…
[blockquote] “Master,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” ~ Luke 9:49-50 [/blockquote]
Spoo!
Typo…However, I think that it is also [b]important to[/b] remember the words of our Lord…
If only her writings and “preaching” were based on the statement of faith instead of exhortations to leading a more fulfilled life. This statement of faith is analagous to the 39 Articles for most of TEC; still there but not used in any foundational way