Beliefs

Fundamental Beliefs Of The Elim Christian Centre Belfast

The Bible is God's Inspired Word

The Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments, are inspired by God. They are the revelation of God to man; they are inerrant and infallible; and they are our rule of faith and conduct.

2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:21; Galations 1-8; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

The Plan of Salvation

We believe that salvation is by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is His precious blood that cleanses from sin. The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit. The outward evidence to men is a life of righteousness and true holiness.

Romans 8:16, 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8-9, 4:22; Titus 2:12.

The One True God

There is one true God, the eternally self-existent "I Am", the Creator of heaven and earth. He alone is God; there is none else beside Him. In the Bible He has revealed Himself as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father is the fullness of the Godhead invisible; the Son is the fullness of the Godhead manifested (visible); and the Holy Spirit is the fullness of the Godhead acting in the lives of men.

Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; John 5:7.

The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ was God manifested in human flesh. We believe in:

• His virgin birth. Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35
• His sinless life. Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22
• His miracles. Acts 2:22, 10:38
• His atoning death. 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21
• His bodily resurrection from the dead. Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39
• His exaltation to the right hand of God. Acts 1:9-11, 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11
• His personal future return to this earth. Acts 1:11

The Ordinances of the Church

• Baptism in Water. All who repent and believe are to be baptized. We believe in baptism by total immersion in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the believer's first step in obedience and is a public testimony of his identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
  Acts 8:12, 16; Romans 6:4
• Holy Communion. The ordinance of communion symbolizes the broken body and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we partake of the bread, we remember His Body which was broken for us. As we partake of thewine, we remember His Blood which was shed for us. It is a memorial of His death, and a promise of His second coming.
  1 Corinthians 11:24-26

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost and the Gifts of the Spirit

We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tonges. We also believe that all the gifts of the Spirit as listed in the Scrupture are available to the church today.

Acts 2:4; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12

The Church

The church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit. All, regardless of denominational affiliation, who have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior by faith, and have been cleansed by His precious blood are part of the church and are brothers and sisters in Christ. ELIM CHURCH is an independent congregation and is not affiliated with any religious denomination or organization. This does not mean we do not fellowship with other Christians. We gladly fellowship with God's people in other churches in our community and around the world.

Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 12:23.

Divine Healing

We believe in praying for the sick and anointing them with oil in the Name of the Lord, that they may be healed. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." What He did in the past, He is still doing today.

Hebrews 13:8; James 5:14

The Blessed Hope

We believe that Jesus Christ is going to return to this earth, and those who have fallen asleep in Christ will be resurrected from their graves and, together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. This is the imminent and blessed hope of the church.

Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:13.

The Millennial Reign of Christ

The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, 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, 19:11-14, 20:1-6.

The Final Judgment

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be judged according to their works. Whosoeveris not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.

Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20, 20:11-15, 21:8.

The Lifting of Hands

Hands lifted can mean many things. It can be a physical response to the joy we feel in our God. It may also express our total surrender to God as we worship Him. Whatever it may mean to the individual, the lifting of our hands is a valid expression of worship and is very Biblical.

"Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord." Psalm 134:1.

"Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy Name." Psalm 63:4.

"I will, therefore, that men pray everywhere lifing up holy hands without wrath and doubting." 1 Timothy 2:8.

The Clapping of Hands

To clap your hands is, according to Scripture, another valid way of expressing worship unto God. Clapping of hands is a universal expression of joy. If there is any valid reason at all for joy, it is to be found in the privilege of coming into His presence and worshipping Him with our whole hearts.

"O clap your hands all ye people; shour unto God with a voice of triumph." Psalm 47:1.

Praying for the Sick and Anointing with Oil

This is a Scripture-based practice.

"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." James 5:14-15.