carmel: bible college formerly Anchor Bible Training Centre's programmes and activities of governing the form of worship will be based upon and at all times be consistent with the following creed and beliefs.
The Scriptures
We believe that the Scriptures, both the Old and New Testament, are inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct. 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Romans 10:17.
The Godhead
There is one God. This one God has a plural nature. This one God is called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; all distinct personalities: all designated God. Romans 1:7; Hebrews1:8; Acts 5:3,4.
Jesus Christ our Lord
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He is the Son of God; we believe in His vrgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His atoning death as our substitute, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father. John 1:1-3; John 1:18, Jesus died for all men, His blood is the only redemption from sin and by His stripes we are healed. Titus 2:13; Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13, 14; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Peter 3:18.
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, distinct from God the Father and God the Son. 2 Corinthians 13, 14; Acts 10:38. The Holy Spirit is personal and is God, the third person of the Holy Trinity .John14:16; John16:7; Acts 5:3,4.
The Creation of Man and His Fall
We believe God created man in His own image, that man sinned and thereby incurred the penalty of death, both physical and spiritual: that all human beings inherit a sinful nature which results (in the case of those who reach moral responsibility) in actual transgression. Genesis 1:26-28; Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 John 3:8-10. Man is a sinner, fallen from original righteousness. Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:9, 10, 22, 23.
Eternal Life and New Birth
We believe the Bible teaches that salvation is by grace, a free gift of God to all those who believe in Christ. Those who receive Christ by faith have their sins forgiven and become children of God, a new creation in Christ Jesus. Titus 3:4-7; John 1:12, 13; Romans 10:9, 10; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Salvation
Is a free gift, no one can add anything to the completed work of Jesus Christ to receive it. It is received by faith and faith alone. Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8,9.
Water Baptism
We believe that baptism in water is by immersion and is a direct commandment of our Lord for believers only. The ordinance is:
a symbol of the Christians identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection
a public confession of the new believer's faith in Christ.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, empowering and equipping believers for service with the accompanying supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit. Mark 16:17; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4, 38, 39. This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth. Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:2. The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:1-6.
Sanctification
We believe the Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of the new birth and continuing until the rapture of the Church when we will receive a glorified body. 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 John 3:2). Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil and of dedication unto God.1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:10-14.
Divine Healing
We believe divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel. Deliverance is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers. Isaiah 53:4-6. Healing is for physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God through the prayer of faith, and the laying on of hands. Mark 16:18; James 5:14-16.
The Resurrection of the Righteous and the Second Coming of Christ
We believe in the rapture of the Church which the Bible calls the blessed hope of the believer. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
Hell and Eternal Retribution
We believe that all men who reject Christ and do not conform to the plan of God for man, will pay the eternal death penalty for sin, will be resurrected from the dead to immortality, will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgement and will be punished with everlasting damnation in the lake of fire. John 5:28, 29; Romans 6:23; Mark 9:43-50, Revelation 20:10-15.
Satan
We believe that the devil exists and he is the real enemy of Christians. Personal names and personal pronouns are used with reference to him. Luke 4:1-3; John 8:44; Acts 10:38; 1 John 3:8; Ephesians 6:10-12; 1 Peter 5:8.
The Church
The true Church is made up of all those individuals who have put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Only the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the repentant sinner qualifies one for membership in the true body of Christ .Ephesians 1:22, 23; Ephesians 2:18-22; Hebrews 12:23.
The Primary Mission of the Church is:
To be an agency of God for evangelising the world and enforcing Satan's defeat.
To be a corporate body in which man may worship God.
To be a channel of God's purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son.