Go To Nations Articles of Faith

The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This statement of doctrinal truths is intended to be a basis of fellowship (i.e., that we all “speak the same thing”, I Corinthians 1:10, Acts 2:42). This statement is neither inspired nor contended for, but the truths set forth are held to be essential. No claim is made that these Articles of Faith contain all biblical truth, only that they cover our needs concerning these fundamental doctrines.

ARTICLE I: THE DIVINE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE

We accept the Holy Scriptures in their original form as the divinely inspired revelation of the mind and will of God because:

  1. They declare themselves to be inspired by God (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:19- 21; Revelation 22:19).
  2. The Lord Jesus Christ accepted them as divinely inspired (Matthew 5:17-18; 24:35).
  3. To those who accept them as inspired and act upon them, they prove themselves to be inspired (Romans 10:8-13).
  4. The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (II Timothy 3:15-17; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Peter 1:21).

ARTICLE II: THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

We believe in one true God, existing eternally in three persons, identified as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and referred to as the Holy Trinity. We understand the words “trinity” and “persons”, when used of God, as expressions of our understanding of what the scriptures teach regarding the being of God. We understand the triune God as one being in three persons (Hebrews 1:1-8; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 5:3-4; Matthew 3:16-17; Hebrews 9:14).

ARTICLE III: THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

We accept the Lord Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God the Father, conceived of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. He, being perfect God and perfect man, was crucified on the cross of Calvary, was buried, descended into Hell, was raised from the dead, He ascended to heaven, and is today at the right hand of the Father as our intercessor. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom is eternal (Matthew 1:18-20; Luke 1:26-31; I Corinthians 15:4-5; Colossians 1:20,2:14).

 

ARTICLE IV: THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person in the Holy Trinity, that He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and that He is of one substance, majesty, glory, and power with them. We understand that the church owes its power, life, growth, and ministry to His presence on the earth (Matthew 3:16; John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:8-11; Acts 1:8, 2:4, 13:2-4; Galatians 5:21-23; Ephesians 4:30; I Thessalonians 4:8).

 

ARTICLE V: THE DOCTRINE OF MAN

 We believe that God created man in His own image and placed Him as supreme over His earthly creation. The scriptures teach:

  1. That mankind was created, male and female.
  2. That they were created in a state of untried innocence.
  3. Human life begins at conception. Each person is formed in the womb according to the plan and purpose of God. Each person has intrinsic value because they bear the image of God. Any attempt to end a life in the womb is contrary to the established teaching of scripture (Psalm 139:13-16).
  4. That the first man and woman were historical persons, who through disobedience fell into sin
  5. That as a result of their fall, their posterity is born in a fallen state and becomes the objects of God’s redemptive plan.
  6. Due to sin, the nations, (biblical ethne’) were divided (Genesis 10 and 11). From this historical event began the concepts of diverse language, ethnicities, and variables in culture. God’s redemptive purpose has always been to reunite all peoples under Christ. He chose one man, Abraham, to become a nation, Israel, to represent Him before all nations (Genesis 12:1-3). All persons, male and female, all ethnicities, are therefore equal and equally loved by God. All are redeemable and invited to become one in Christ (John 1:12 & 13).
  7. That, as redeemable, those of the human race who accept God’s plan of redemption will experience eternal life (Genesis 1:26-29; 2:7, 15-23; 3:1-7; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 3:23-24, 5:12, 6:23; I Corinthians 15:22; Rev. 5:9 & 7:9).

 

ARTICLE VI: THE DOCTRINE OF SATAN

We believe that Satan (also known as the “devil”), is a personal, powerful spiritual being in the world today. We understand his origin, existence, and activities as follows:

  1. That he was originally a created angelic being of great beauty and power.
  2. That he exercised unusual authority in the presence of God.
  3. That he rebelled against God and as a result of this transgression was cast down.
  4. Those other angelic beings who followed Satan were cast down at the same time with him.
  5. That Satan, by his temptation and influence, brought about the fall of man.
  6. That presently he seeks to destroy the faith of every Christian.
  7. That those spirits which fell with him are now under his control and are possessing, afflicting, and tormenting human beings.
  8. That every truly born-again believer has been given mastery over Satan and his hosts of evil spirits through the power of the name of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:17-20; 25:41; 9. Luke 4:32; 9:42; 10:18-19; Genesis 3:14-15; Acts 10:38; I John 4:3-4; 5:18; Isaiah 14:12-19; Ezekiel 28:11-17).

 

ARTICLE VII: THE DOCTRINE OF SIN

We believe that sin is any lack of conformity in a free moral agent to the character, nature, and will of God--whether it is in the act, disposition, state, thought, or will. Our understanding of sin is as follows:

  1. It came into existence in heaven as a result of Satan’s rebellion.
  2. It entered the human family through the fall of Adam.
  3. That as a result of Adam’s fall, sin and death passed on to all his descendants.
  4. That repentance of sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is required of all who would be cleansed from it (Genesis 3:1-7; Ezekiel 28:15; Isaiah 14:12-17; Romans 3:23; 5:12-19; 10:8-13; Acts 17:30; I Corinthians 15:22; Galatians 3:22).

 

ARTICLE VIII: SALVATION OF MANKIND

REPENTANCE

The scriptures teach that repentance is a complete turning away from sin and a turning to God in submission and faith. We believe that a feeling of godly sorrow brings about repentance but that sorrow in itself is not necessarily repentance (Acts 26:18-20; 11:18; 17:30; II Corinthians 7:10).

REGENERATION

The scriptures teach that regeneration is the impartation of a Divine new nature into the heart of every repentant believer, thus causing him to become a new creature in Christ through spiritual rebirth (John 1:12-13; 3:3,5,6; II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-5; Titus 3:5-7; I Peter 1:23; I John 5:1).

RECONCILIATION

Reconciliation is the bringing together of God and man on the grounds of Christ’s redemptive work. This reconciliation brings the believer into a state of fellowship and communion with God (II Corinthians 5:18- 21; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:21; I John 1:3; Romans 5:11).

REDEMPTION

The scriptures teach that redemption is that act of God whereby, through the death of His Son, He paid the price, which His own holiness demanded the release of fallen men (Luke 1:68; Romans 3:23-24; I Corinthians 6:20; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:28-19; Revelations 5:9-10).

JUSTIFICATION

Justification is that act of God’s free grace whereby He absolves the sinner of all the guilt of his past transgressions and from the condemnation of the depravity into which he was born. This free pardon and forgiveness of all past sins are granted on the sole grounds of repentance and saving faith in Christ. The justified person stands appositionally sanctified in the sight of God through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ, and upon this basis, he enters into peace with God (Romans 3:25-26; 5:1,9; 8:30; Galatians 3:24).

 

ARTICLE IX: SINS OF CHRISTIANS

God has made provisions whereby every Christian, through the power of the indwelling Spirit, may live victoriously over sin. However, due to failure to walk in the Spirit, Christians fail and commit sin. Under such circumstances, a Christian is to immediately confess his sin to God and to turn to the Holy Spirit for help and guidance (Romans 6:1- 2; I John 1:6-2:2).

 

ARTICLE X: HOLINESS AND SANCTIFICATION

God demands holiness in the heart and life of all those who are His children by faith and regeneration. God is holy in Himself and so the obligation to be holy rests upon all of the members of His family (Psalms 22:3; I Peter 1:15- 16; II Corinthians 7:1; I Thessalonians 4:7).

Sanctification is represented in the following three aspects in the New Testament:

POSITIONAL

Positional sanctification is that state of holiness that results from the initial imputation of Christ’s righteousness (Hebrews 10:10; I Corinthians 1:30; 6:11; II Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 4:24; I Thessalonians 3:13; I Peter 1:2).

EXPERIENTIAL

While positional sanctification has to do with the believer’s standing before God at the moment of regeneration, experiential sanctification has to do with the spiritual quality of the believer’s daily life thereafter. Subsequent to regeneration and to positional sanctification, the attainment of experiential sanctification is possible only through the power and leadership of the indwelling Spirit. The work of the Holy Spirit enables the believer to live outwardly what the Holy Spirit has made him be inward, manifesting in a spiritually transformed lifestyle. This experience progresses as a believer walks in the Light and in the Spirit (I John 1:7, Romans 813; 12:1). Experiential sanctification is attained through the following:

  1. Yieldedness to God (Romans 6:17-22; 12:1).
  2. Recognizing freedom from the power of sin (Romans 6:11-13; 8:2-4; I John 2:12).
  3. Growth in the knowledge of the word of God (Philippians 3:12-16; Ephesians 4:12-15).
ULTIMATE

Ultimate sanctification relates to the believer’s final perfection in glory. This completeness in holiness will take place at the time when the church is presented faultless before the presence of the glory of God, free from every spot and wrinkle (Thessalonians 5:23; Ephesians 5:27; Colossians 1:22; Philippians 3:20-21; Jude).

THE AGENTS AND MEANS OF SANCTIFICATION

The agents and means of the believer’s sanctification are emphasized in the Holy Scriptures as follows:

From God’s Side

  1. God the Father (I Thessalonians 5:23-24; Philippians 2:12-13).
  2. God the Son (Hebrews 2:11; 10:10; Ephesians 5:25-27).
  3. God the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:11; II Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:2).
  4. The Word of God (John 15:3; 17:17; Hebrews 4:12).
  5. The Blood of Christ (Hebrews 10:29; 12:13; Ephesians 1:7).

From Man’s Side

  1. By faith in the redemptive sanctifying work of Christ (Acts 26:18).
  2. By accepting God’s promise by faith (II Peter 1:4).
  3. Through careful study of the scriptures (Ephesians 5:26).
  4. By earnestly following after peace and purity (Hebrews 12:14).
  5. By an act of will to separate oneself from things that are incompatible with Christian character and the nature of God (II Corinthians 6:17, 7:1; Romans 6:19-22).

 

ARTICLE XI: MARRIAGE, FAMILY, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY

God has wonderfully and immutably created each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen. 1:26- 27) (Also, reference Articles 5 and 20). Rejection of one’s biological gender is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

The term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one biological man and one biological woman in a single, exclusive union, as described in Scripture. (Gen. 2:18-25). God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5: Heb. 13:4).

As such, God has forbidden any sexual activity outside of a marriage between a biological man and a biological woman All forms of sexual immorality *(including, but not limited to, adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, sodomy, pedophilia, prostitution, bestiality, incest, and the creation or use of pornography) are sinful and offensive to God. (Lev.18; Matt. 15:18-20; 1 Cor. 6:9-10).

In order to preserve the function and integrity of Go To Nations as a Christian mission sending agency, and to provide a biblical role model to Go To Nations’ partners, participants, volunteers, and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Go To Nations in any capacity, agree to and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality. (Matt 5:16; Phil 2:14-16; 1 Thess. 5:22).

God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11).

MARRIAGE POLICY

Since God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a biological man and a biological woman, Go To Nations will only recognize marriages between one biological man and one biological woman. Further, the missionaries and staff of Go To Nations shall only ceremonially participate in weddings and officiate marriages between one biological man and one biological woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Go To Nations shall only host weddings between one biological man and one biological woman, who agree to and abide by the marriage policy, teachings, and belief of Go To Nations

If at any point clergy are legally forced to perform same-sex marriages, or any marriage that is counter to the Biblical view of marriage defined in these Articles of Faith or the Bylaws of Go To Nations, by local, state, or any national government, all missionaries

and affiliates of Go To Nations will opt out of performing civil ceremonies and will perform only biblically-based “covenant ceremonies” between one biological man and one biological woman defined within biblical standards as decribed in these Articles of Faith and the Bylaws of Go To Nations. (Genesis 1-3).

 

ARTICLE XII: THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The New Testament teaches that at the moment of regeneration, the Holy Spirit indwells each believer (John 14:16-17; 20:22; Romans 8:9-16; I Corinthians 3:16; II Corinthians 1:22; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 3:14-19). This indwelling of the Holy Spirit creates a new nature within the believer and forms the basis for sanctification and the development of spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). The progressive works of the Holy Spirit in the soul, spirit, and mind of the believer may be enumerated as follows:

  1. Inner conviction by the Holy Spirit (John 16:8; Acts 2:37).
  2. The indwelling of the Spirit brings about spiritual rebirth or regeneration (John3:5-6; Galatians 4:4-6; Romans 8:14-16).
  3. Experiential sanctification and spiritual fruit-bearing through the indwelling Spirit (I Corinthians 6:11; II Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:2).
  4. Baptism of the believer into the Body of Christ by the indwelling Spirit (I Corinthians 12:13).

 

ARTICLE XII: THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

The scriptures teach that baptism in the Holy Spirit is that endowment with power, which results from the Holy Spirit coming upon the believer after regeneration. It is promised to all believers and all should ardently expect and earnestly seek this baptism (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5-8; 2:38-39; 5:32). We can distinguish indwelling of the Spirit and baptism in the Spirit by noting the experience of the apostles recorded in John 20:19-23 when the Lord Jesus breathed the Spirit into them and then noting their baptism in the Spirit as he came upon them in Acts 2:1-4. This profound experience is therefore not only distinct from but also, is subsequent to, regeneration or the new birth.

 

ARTICLE XIII: INITIAL EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

The New Testament scriptures do not dogmatically assert that speaking with other tongues is the only initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit; however, the following points must be observed:

  1. It was the initial sign on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4).
  2. It was the initial sign when Gentile believers received the experience (Acts 10:46).
  3. It was the initial sign when the former converts of John received the experience (Acts 19:6).
  4. It is the confirmation of the promise of Jesus (Mark 16:17).
  5. The Apostle Paul indicated that it was one of the most meaningful Charismatic enablements (I Corinthians 12, 13, and 14).

 Though there is no indication that the apostle Paul spoke with tongues when he received the fullness of the Spirit, his own writings indicate that he looked upon this Charismatic enablement as one of the most valuable in his life (Acts 9:17-18; I Corinthians 14:2,18).

 

ARTICLE XIV: THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

The fruit of the Spirit is distinct from the Charismatic enablements or gifts, although there are nine of each (Galatians 5:22-23; I Corinthians 12:7-11). The fruit of the Spirit is the outward manifestation of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the new nature. Charismatic gifts are supernatural provisions in the mind and heart of the born-again person enabling him to minister and contribute properly, fully, and spiritually to the outreach, nurture, and direction of the Church. The fruit of the Spirit is more important in the life of the believer than are the Charismatic gifts because they are the manifestation of the true character of God, whereas the Charismatic gifts are an impartation of wisdom, knowledge, and power from God (John 15:1-9; Romans 6:20-22; 7:4; Ephesians 5:9).

ARTICLE XV: THE CHARISMATIC ENABLEMENTS OR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The scriptures teach that during the entire church age, Christian believers may seek and experience the operation of the ninefold ministration of the Holy Spirit known as Charismatic enablements or spiritual gifts. In I Corinthians 12, 13, and 14, they are referred to as “graces” or “enablements” as the Greek word for a gift does not appear in any of these three chapters. The scriptures indicate the following points regarding these charismatic enablements:

1  They are operated and directed solely by the Holy Spirit, when and where he deems fit (I Corinthians 12:11).

2  Since they are spontaneous Charismatic enablements operated by the Holy Spirit, they are never the personal possession of any believer (I Corinthians 12:30-31).

3  Their operation though a believer is not to be taken as an indication that the person has reached some new degree of spiritual perfection (I Corinthians 13:1- 3)

4  Christians in all stages of spiritual development are encouraged to follow after and desire spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:31, 14:1).

5  Their very names indicate their purpose in the life of the believer, in his ministry among the lost, his ministry to other believers, and his personal prayer ministry.

6  Their operation both privately and publicly must always conform to the scriptural order outlined in I Corinthians 12, 13, and 14.

7  Believers should earnestly seek and look forward to being divinely enabled to meet the spiritual challenges that may confront them, and to being used of the

Holy Spirit in the manifestation of these Charismatic enablements (I Corinthians 12:31; 13:1-13; 14:1-40).

 

ARTICLE XVI: DIVINE HEALING

We believe that through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, divine provision was made for the total person - spirit, soul, and body (Exodus 15:26; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8;17; I Peter 2:24). Divine healing, by its very title, indicates that it operates according to the sovereign will of God. Believers, therefore, are to minister to the sick in one or more of the following ways, and to leave the time, manner, and means of healing to God alone. Some of the ways God heals are:

  1. Through prayer and the laying on of hands (Mark 16:18).
  2. Through the prayer of faith and anointing with oil (James 5:14-16).
  3. Through Charismatic enablements of healing in action (Acts 3:1-11; 28:8-9; I Corinthians 12:9).
  4. Through spiritual counsel and guidance (Galatians).

 

ARTICLE XVII: THE RETURN OF CHRIST FOR HIS CHURCH

We believe that, according to the Holy Scriptures, our Lord will visibly return from heaven to judge the living and the dead. At His coming, all men shall rise again with their bodies and shall give account for their own works, and those that have done good (in placing their faith in Jesus Christ as the sole means of salvation) shall go into life everlasting; and those that have done evil, into eternal separation from God.

 

ARTICLE XVIII: THE FINAL JUDGMENT

We believe in a literal hell, reserved for the lost. There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil, his angels, the beast, and the false prophet will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20, 20:11-15, 21:8).

 

ARTICLE XIX: THE GREAT COMMISSION

God’s specific instructions to the Church are contained within His final command to go into all the world and preach the gospel. The gospel must be preached and disciples made in every nation, which includes every people group, tribe, and tongue.

Every member, local congregation, and ministry of Christ’s Church must be active participants in the fulfillment of this Great Commission (Genesis 12:1-3, Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 13:10, Revelation 7:9).

 

ARTICLE XX: THE ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH

MARRIAGE

Marriage is a holy institution of God whereby exactly two individuals (human beings), one biological man and one biological woman, are joined in a lifelong union. Marriage is modeled on the pattern of the relationship between Christ and His Church. Strong marriages are the foundation of strong families and communities and are essential to the functioning of the church.

COMMUNION

We believe that every Christian should regularly participate in Communion, which consists of the partaking of the symbolic elements of bread (the Body of Christ) and wine (the Blood of Christ). By participating in this ordinance we are:

  1. Expressing our remembrance of the Lord’s death until He comes.
  2. Expressing our faith in the New Covenant which was brought about through His shed blood.
  3. Expressing our participation by faith in the Body of Jesus Christ.
  4. Expressing our spiritual communion with Christ and with all those who make up His spiritual body. 5. Declaring our faith in His second coming (Matthew 26:26- 28; Luke 22:14-20; I Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-29).
BAPTISM

The scriptures teach that the mode of water baptism practiced by the apostles was single, total immersion in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Since our Lord commanded it, we believe it should be observed. It is to be understood as an act of faith and testimony subsequent to regeneration and as an outward sign of the inward spiritual work brought about in our hearts through the new birth.

 

ARTICLE XXI: THE CHURCH

DEFINITION

The word “church” comes from the Greek word “ecclesia”, which means “a called-out company.” This refers to those who have been called out of the world through regeneration and brought into vital, living, spiritual union with Jesus Christ. It is, through the Spirit, a self-perpetuating spiritual organism composed of all those who have been regenerated since the church began. The church is not contained within one movement, organization, or doctrinal emphasis, but rather is a composite of all true believers in Jesus Christ. We seek to uplift, encourage and cooperate with all segments of the Body of Christ and refrain from openly criticizing any group or individual that professes Jesus Christ as Lord (Ephesians 1:18-23; 4:16; Romans 8:30; Acts 15:14-18; I Peter 2:9).

GOVERNMENT
  1. Plurality of Elders
  2. Variety of Ministry Gifts
  3. Apostolic Authority
BIBLICAL CHURCH PRACTICES
  1. The Ordinances
    • Marriage
    • Communion
    • Baptism
  2. Laying on of Hands for Impartation of:
    • Spiritual authority
    • Healing
    • Spiritual gifts
  3.  Washing of Feet as an act of humility and servanthood
  4. Blessing of children
  5. Preaching of the Word
  6. Public Reading of Scripture
  7. Ordination of Ministers, Elders, Missionaries, and Leaders
  8. Evangelism and establishment of new churches and Ministries.
  9. Regular public gatherings and home fellowships
  10. Praise and worship
  11. Tithes and offerings
  12. Public and private prayer
  13. Caring for the poor, widows, needy
TRADITIONS

Many customs and practices have developed in the different expressions of Christ’s Church that are not specifically Biblical. These customs and practices are referred to as traditions. These traditions are usually culturally relevant and offer a sense of normality and ease to the people practicing them. Often, traditions can serve the church well, providing a welcome familiarity to the congregation or movement. These traditions are 
usually formed in areas of church life where there are no specific Biblical mandates. Traditions may develop and expire after a period of time since their relevance diminishes as the people that hold to their change. The traditions serve as enhancements to Biblical practices but are not in fact eternal truths like Biblical principles. There is a grave danger however when these traditions mutate into what the Bible refers to as “traditions of men.” When a simple tradition is elevated to the same level of authority as Biblical principals or what may be referred to as “essentials,” then the tradition becomes a menacing “tradition of men.” The church has historically allowed harmless and helpful traditions to become dangerous “traditions of men” and used these traditions to judge and condemn others who do not accept them as categorically valid or relevant. We must guard against the tendency to allow simple traditions to become “traditions of men” and as such, stumbling blocks to the furtherance of the Gospel.