
Declaration of Faith
Compiled by
Aimee Semple McPherson
The International Church
of the Foursquare Gospel
A Corporation
Angelus Temple
1100 Glendale Boulevard
Los Angeles, California
I. The Holy Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of the living God; true, 1immutable, steadfast, unchangeable, as its author, the Lord Jehovah; that it was written by holy men of old as they were moved upon and 2inspired by the Holy Spirit; that it is a 3lighted lamp to guide the feet of a lost world from the depths of sin and sorrow to the heights of righteousness and glory; an unclouded mirror that reveals the face of a crucified Saviour; a plumbline to make straight the life of each individual and community; a sharp two-edged sword to convict of sin and evil doing; a strong cord of love and tenderness to draw the penitent to Christ Jesus; a balm of Gilead, 4inbreathed by the Holy Spirit, that can heal and quicken each drooping heart; the only true ground of Christian fellowship and unity; the 5loving call of an infinitely loving God; the solemn warning, the distant thunder of the storm of wrath and retribution that shall overtake the unheeding; a sign post that points to Heaven; a danger signal that warns from Hell; 6the divine, supreme, and eternal tribunal by whose standards all men, nations, creeds, and motives shall be tried.
Scripture References Where Taught
- Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Matt. 24:35. Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in Heaven. Ps. 119:89.
- All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3:16, 17.
- Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps. 119:105.
- We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of men: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. II Peter 1:19-21.
- Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 5:39.
- Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. II Tim. 2:15. Let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Phil. 3:16. (Also I John 4:1; Isa. 8:20; I Thess. 5:21; Acts 17:11; I John 4:6; Jude 3; Eph. 6:17; Ps. 119:59, 60; Phil. 1:9-11.)
II. The Eternal Godhead
We believe that there is 1but one true and living God; maker of heaven and earth and all that in them is; the Alpha and Omega, who ever was, and is and shall be time without end, Amen; that He is infinitely holy, mighty, tender, loving and glorious; worthy of all possible love and honor, confidence and obedience, majesty, dominion and might, both now and forever; and that in the unity of the Godhead there are three, equal in every divine perfection executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption:
The Father
Whose glory is so exceeding bright that mortal man cannot look 2upon His face and live, 3but whose heart was so filled with love and pity for His lost and sin-benighted children that He freely gave His only begotten Son to redeem and reconcile them unto Himself.
The Son
4Co-existent and co-eternal with the Father, who, conceived by the Holy Spirit and 5born of the Virgin Mary took upon Himself the form of man, bore our sins, carried our sorrows, and by the shedding of His precious blood upon the cross of Calvary purchased redemption for all that would believe upon Him: then, bursting the bonds of death and hell rose from the grave and ascended on high leading captivity captive, 6that as the great Mediator betwixt God and man, He might stand at the right hand of the Father making intercession for those for whom He laid down His life.
The Holy Spirit
The 7third person of the Godhead, the Spirit of the Father shed abroad, omnipotent, omnipresent, performing an inexpressibly important mission upon earth, convicting of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, 8drawing sinners to the Saviour, rebuking, pleading, searching, comforting, guiding, quickening, teaching, glorifying, baptizing and enduing with power from on high, them who yield to His tender ministrations, preparing them for the great day of the Lord's appearing.
Scripture References Where Taught
- ... Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. Isa. 43:10. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. Isa. 44:8.
- Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. Ex. 33:20.
- For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.
- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. John 1:1-3. (Also Job 38:4-7.)
- Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son and they shall call his name Emmanuel. Matt. 1:23.
- I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. Isa. 43:11. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all. I Tim. 2:5. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Eph. 2:18.
- For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. I John 5:7.
- But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me. John 15:26. (Also II Cor. 13:14; Matt. 28:19; Rom. 8:11; John 16:7-14.)
III. The Fall of Man
We believe that man was 1created in the image of God, before whom he walked in holiness and purity, but that by voluntary disobedience and transgression, he fell from the Eden of purity and innocence to the depths of sin and iniquity, and 2that in consequence of this, all mankind are sinners sold unto Satan, 3sinners not by constraint but by choice, shapen in iniquity and 4utterly void by nature of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil, 5guilty and without excuse, justly deserving the condemnation of a just and holy God.
Scripture References Where Taught
- God created man in His own image. Gen. 1:27.
- Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned. Rom. 5:12. By one man's disobedience many were made sinners. Rom. 5:19. (Also John 3:6; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:15-19; 8:7.)
- We have turned every one to his own way. Isa. 53:6. (Also Gen. 6:12; 3:9-18.)
- Among whom also we had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Eph. 2:3. (See Rom. 1:18, 32; 2:1-16; Matt. 20:15; Gal. 3:10; Ezek. 18:19, 20.)
- ... So that they are without excuse. Rom. 1:20. That every mouth may be stopped: and all the world may become guilty before God. Rom. 3:19. (Also Gal. 3:22.)
IV. The Plan of Redemption
We believe that 1while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, the Just for the unjust; 2freely, and by divine appointment of the Father taking the sinner's place, bearing his sins, receiving his condemnation, dying his death, 3fully paying his penalty, and signing with His life's blood, the pardon of every one who should believe upon Him; 4that upon simple faith and acceptance of the atonement purchased on Mount Calvary, 5the vilest sinner may be cleansed of his iniquities and made whiter than the driven snow.
Scripture References Where Taught
- He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. Isa. 53:5.
- Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:14.
- Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isa. 55:7.
- Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. Heb. 7:25.
- Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isa. 1:18.
V. Salvation Through Grace
We believe that 1the salvation of sinners is wholly through grace; 2that we have no righteousness or 3goodness of our own 4wherewith to seek divine favor, and must come, therefore, throwing ourselves upon the 5unfailing mercy and love of Him who bought us and washed us in His own blood, 6pleading the merits and the righteousness of Christ the Saviour, standing upon His word and accepting the 7free gift of His love and pardon.
Scripture References Where Taught
- By grace are ye saved. Eph. 2:8.
- ... There is none righteous, no, not one. Rom. 3:10.
- All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Rom. 3:23.
- We are all as an unclean thing, for all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isa. 64:6.
- Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. John 6:47.
- But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Eph. 2:13.
- For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 6:23.
VI. Repentance and Acceptance
We believe that 1upon sincere repentance, godly sorrow for sin, and a whole-hearted acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ, they who call upon Him may be 2justified by faith, through His precious blood and 3that in place of condemnation they may have 4the most blessed peace, assurance and favor with God; that with open arms of mercy and pardon the Saviour waits to receive each penitent who will in unfeigned contrition and 5supplication for mercy, open the door of his heart and accept Him as Lord and King.
Scripture References Where Taught
- If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9.
- Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have access, by faith, into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. 5:1, 2.
- There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. Rom. 8:1.
- To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:77-79.
- ... Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37.
VII. The New Birth
We believe that the change which takes place in the heart and life at conversion is a very real one; 1that the sinner is then born again in such a glorious and transforming manner 2that old things are passed away and all things are become new; insomuch that the things once most desired are now abhorred, 3whilst the things once abhorred are now held most sacred and dear; and that now 4having had imputed to him the righteousness of the Redeemer and having received of the Spirit of Christ, new desires, new aspirations, new interests, and a new perspective of life, time, and eternity, fills the blood-washed heart 5so that his desire is now to openly confess and serve the Master, seeking ever those things which are above.
Scripture References Where Taught
- ... Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3.
- Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. II Cor. 5:17.
- If ye were of the world, the world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:19.
- I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Gal. 2:20. Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath sent forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Rom. 3:24, 25.
- Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. Ps. 1:1, 2.
VIII. Daily Christian Life
We believe that having been cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ and having received the witness of the Holy Spirit at conversion, 1it is the will of God that we be sanctified daily and 2become partakers of His holiness; 3growing constantly stronger in faith, power, prayer, love and service, first as babies desiring the sincere milk of the Word; 4then as dear children walking humbly, seeking diligently the hidden life, 5where self decreases and Christ increases; then as strong men having on the whole armour of God 6marching forth to new conquests in His name beneath His blood-stained banner, ever living a patient, sober, unselfish, godly life that will be a true reflection of the Christ within.
Scripture References Where Taught
- For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. I Thess. 4:3. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thess. 5:23.
- Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. II Cor. 7:1.
- The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Prov. 4:18.
- Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection. Heb. 6:1.
- For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Rom. 8:5.
- An highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. Isa. 35:8. (Also I Peter 2:2.)
IX. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that water baptism 1in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, according to the command of our Lord, is a blessed outward sign of an inward work; a beautiful and solemn emblem reminding us that even as our Lord died upon the cross of Calvary 2so we reckon ourselves now dead indeed unto sin, and the old nature nailed to the tree with Him; and that even as He was taken down from the tree and buried, 3so we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in newness of life.
We believe in the 4commemoration and observing of the Lord's supper by the sacred use of the broken bread, a precious type of the Bread of Life even Jesus Christ, whose body was broken for us; and by the juice of the vine, a blessed type which should ever remind the participant of the shed blood of the Saviour who is the true Vine of which His children are the branches; that this ordinance is as a glorious rainbow that spans the gulf of the years between Calvary and the coming of the Lord, when in the Father's kingdom, He will partake anew with His children; and that the serving and receiving of this blessed sacrament should be ever preceded by the most solemn heart-searching, 5self-examination, forgiveness and love toward all men, that none partake unworthily and drink condemnation to his own soul.
Scripture References Where Taught
- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matt. 28:19. (Also Acts 1:47, 48; Gal. 3:27, 28.)
- Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom. 6:4. (Also Col. 2:12; I Peter 3:20, 21; Acts 22:16.)
- Then they that gladly heard His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41. (Also Matt. 28:19, 20.)
- For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come. I Cor. 11:26. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. I Cor. 11:28.
- Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. II Cor. 13:5.
X. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the baptism of 1the Holy Spirit is the incoming of the promised Comforter in mighty and glorious fulness 2to endue the believer with power from on high; to glorify and exalt the Lord Jesus; to give inspired utterance in witnessing of Him; to foster the spirit of prayer, holiness, sobriety; to equip the individual and the church for practical, efficient, joyous, Spirit-filled soul-winning in the fields of life; and that this being still the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, the believer may have every reason to expect His incoming to be after the same 3manner as that in which He came upon 4Jew and Gentile alike in Bible days, and 5as recorded in the Word, that it may be truly said of us as of the house of Cornelius: the Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the beginning.
Scripture References Where Taught
- I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:16, 17.
- For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. ... Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:5, 8.
- And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4.
- Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Acts 8:17.
- While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Acts 10:44-46.
- And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:6. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? I Cor. 3:16.
XI. The Spirit-Filled Life
We believe that while the Holy Spirit is as a mighty rushing wind and as tongues of living flame that can shake and set ablaze whole communities for God, He is also as a gentle dove, 1easily grieved and wounded by impiety, coldness, idle conversation, boastfulness, a judging or criticizing spirit and 2by thoughts and actions dishonoring to the Lord Jesus; that it is therefore, the will of God that we 3live and walk in the Spirit, moment by moment, under the precious blood of the Lamb; 4treading softly as with unshod feet in the presence of the King; being patient, 5loving, truthful, sincere, prayerful, unmurmuring, instant in season, out of season serving the Lord.
Scripture References Where Taught
- And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Eph. 4:30-32. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Eph. 6:18.
- I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom. 12:1, 2.
- He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked. I John 2:6.
- Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Gal. 5:16, 25.
- If any man defile the temple of God him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. I Cor. 3:17.
XII. The Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit has the following 1gifts to bestow upon the believing church of the Lord Jesus Christ: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation; that, according to the degree of grace and faith possessed by the recipient, these gifts are divided to every man severally, as He, the Holy Spirit, will; that they are to be most earnestly desired and coveted, 2in the order and proportion wherein they prove most edifying and beneficial to the church; and 3that the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, should be put forth, 4cultivated, and diligently guarded as the resultant adornment, the constant, eloquent, and irrefutable evidence of a Spirit-filled life.
Scripture References Where Taught
- Concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. ... Covet earnestly the best gifts. I Cor. 12:1, 31. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. I Cor. 12:11.
- Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. I Cor. 14:12. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Rom. 11:29.
- Having then gifts according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait upon our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Rom. 12:6-8.
- Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. John 15:8.
- And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree, therefore, which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Luke 3:9.
XIII. Moderation
We believe that 1the moderation of the believer should be known of all men; that his experience and daily walk should never lead him 2into extremes, fanaticisms, 3unseemly manifestations, back-bitings, murmurings; but that his sober, thoughtful, balanced, 4mellow, forgiving, and zealous Christian experience should be one of steadfast uprightness, equilibrium, humility, self-sacrifice and Christ-likeness.
Scripture References Where Taught
- Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Phil. 4:5.
- That we, henceforth, be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine. ... But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. Eph. 4:14, 15.
- Charity doth not behave itself unseemly. I Cor. 13:5.
- Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering: forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Col. 3:12, 13.
XIV. Divine Healing
We believe that divine healing is the power of the Lord Jesus Christ 1to heal the sick and the afflicted in answer to believing prayer; that He who is the same 2yesterday, today and forever has never changed but is 3still an all-sufficient help in the time of trouble, able to meet the needs of, and quicken into newness of life the body, as well as the soul and spirit in answer to the 4faith of them who ever 5pray with submission to His divine and sovereign will.
Scripture References Where Taught
- Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Matt. 8:17.
- Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? Matt. 9:5.
- These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:17, 18.
- And now, Lord, behold their threatenings; and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they shall speak Thy Word, by stretching forth Thine hand to heal; that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy child Jesus. Acts 4:29, 30.
- Is any sick among you? 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 shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. James 5:14-16.
XV. The Second Coming of Christ
We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent; that He will descend from Heaven 1in the clouds of glory with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God; and that at this hour, which no man knoweth beforehand, the dead in Christ shall rise, then the 2redeemed that are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and that so shall they ever be with the Lord; that also seeing that a thousand years is as a day with the Lord, and 3that no man knoweth the hour of His appearance, which we believe to be near at hand, each day should be lived as though He were 4expected to appear at even, yet that in obedience to His explicit command, 5"Occupy till I come," the work of spreading the gospel, the sending forth of missionaries, and the general duties for the upbuilding of the church 6should be carried on as diligently, and thoroughly, as though neither ours nor the next generation should live in the flesh to see that glorious day.
Scripture References Where Taught
- For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. I Thess. 4:16, 17.
- ... Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2:12, 13.
- But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Watch, therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Therefore, be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh. Matt. 24:36, 42, 44.
- Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Heb. 9:28.
- ... Occupy till I come. Luke 19:13.
- Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord ... that when He cometh and knocketh, they may open unto Him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily, I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. Luke 12:35-37.
XVI. Church Relationship
We believe that having accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and King, and having thus been born into the family and invisible body or church of the Lord, it is the sacred duty of the believer, whenever this lieth within his power, 1to identify himself with, and 2labor most earnestly for the upbuilding of God's kingdom with the 3visible church of Christ upon earth; and that such visible church is a congregation of believers, who have associated themselves together in Christian fellowship and in the 4unity of the Spirit, observing the ordinances of Christ, worshipping Him in the beauty of holiness, 5speaking to each other in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs, reading and proclaiming His Word, laboring for the salvation of souls, giving of their temporal means to carry on His work, edifying, encouraging, establishing one another in the most holy faith, and working harmoniously together as dear children who are many members but one body of which Christ is the head.
Scripture References Where Taught
- I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. Ps. 111:1.
- Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Heb. 10:24, 25.
- ... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in numbers daily. Acts 16:5.
- So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Rom. 12:5. (Also see Rom. 12:6, 7, 8.)
- Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I shall make up my jewels; and I shall spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Mal. 3:16, 17.
XVII. Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of 1divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; and that governors and rulers should be prayed for, obeyed, and upheld, at all times except only in 2things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the 3ruler of the conscience of His people, 4the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.
Scripture References Where Taught
- ... The powers that be are ordained of God. ... For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Rom. 13:1, 3. (Also Deut. 16:18; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21-23; Jer. 30:21.)
- ... We ought to obey God rather than man. Acts 5:29. Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Matt. 10:28. (Also Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20.)
- ... One is your Master, even Christ. Matt. 23:10.
- And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Rev. 19:16. (Also Ps. 72:11; Rom. 14:9-13.)
XVIII. The Final Judgment
We believe that the dead both small and great shall be raised up and stand with the living before the 1judgment seat of God; and that when a solemn and awful separation shall take place wherein the 2wicked shall be adjudged to everlasting punishment and the righteous to life eternal; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or in hell on principles of righteousness as set forth in His holy Word.
Scripture References Where Taught
- For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. II Cor. 5:10.
- The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matt. 13:41-43.
XIX. Heaven
We believe that Heaven is the 1indescribably glorious habitation of the living God; and that thither the Lord has 2gone to prepare a place for His children; that unto this four-square city, whose builder and maker is God, the earnest believers who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and have overcome by the word of their testimony will be carried; that the Lord Jesus Christ will present them to the Father without spot or wrinkle; and that there in unutterable joy they will ever behold His wonderful face, in an everlasting kingdom whereunto comes no 3darkness nor light, neither sorrow, 4tears, pain, nor 5death, and wherein hosts of attending angels sweep their harps, sing the praises of our King, and bowing down before the throne, cry: "Holy, holy, holy."
Scripture References Where Taught
- Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. I Cor. 2:9.
- In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2.
- And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever. Rev. 22:5.
- And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. Rev. 21:4.
- Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more; neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light upon them, nor any heat. For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water. Rev. 7:15-17.
XX. Hell
We believe that hell is a place of outer darkness and deepest sorrow, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched; a place prepared for the devil and his angels where there shall be weeping and 1wailing and gnashing of teeth, a place of grief and eternal regret on the part of them who have rejected the mercy, love and tenderness of the crucified Saviour, choosing death rather than life; and that there into a 2lake that burns with fire and brimstone shall be cast the 3unbelieving, the abominable, the murderers, sorcerers, idolaters, all liars, and they who 4have rejected and spurned the love and sacrifice of a bleeding Redeemer,—passing the cross to their doom, 5in spite of every entreaty and warning of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture References Where Taught
- The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matt. 13:41, 42.
- And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:10, 15.
- The same shall drink of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever. Rev. 14:10, 11.
- Then shall He say unto them ... Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. Matt. 25:41. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9:43, 44.
- ... As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezek. 33:11.
XXI. Evangelism
We believe that seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, and that the end of all things is at hand, the redeemed children of the Lord Jehovah 1should rise and shine forth as a light that cannot be hid, a city set upon a hill, 2speeding forth the gospel to the ends of the earth, girding the globe with the message of salvation, declaring with burning zeal and earnestness the whole council of God; that when the Lord of Glory shall appear, they shall be found standing, with their loins girded about with truth, their activities and ministry laden down with the wealth of jewels they have won and guarded for Him, the precious 3souls, whom, by their faithful testimony they have been instrumental in leading from 4darkness into light; that soul winning is 5the one big business of the church upon earth; and that therefore every weight and hindrance which would tend to quench the flame or hamper the efficiency of 6world-wide evangelism should be cut off and cast away as unworthy of the church, 7detrimental to the most sacred cause of Christ and contrary to 8the great commission by our Lord.
Scripture References Where Taught
- I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. II Tim. 4:1, 2.
- Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Eph. 5:16.
- He that winneth souls is wise. Prov. 11:30.
- Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:20.
- Son of man I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Ezek. 3:17, 18.
- ... Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth and another reapeth. John 4:35-37.
- Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest. Matt. 9:38.
- Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15.
XXII. Tithing and Offerings
We believe that the method ordained of God to sustain His ministry and the spread of the gospel after His command is "Tithing" and is generally accepted throughout all Foursquare Churches, not only as God's method to take care of the material and financial needs of His church, but to raise the spiritual morale of His people to the extent that God must bless them. We are commanded in Malachi 3:10 to "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
In the matter of "giving" and "free-will offerings," they are ordered of the Lord and practiced in all Foursquare Churches as part of God's plan for the church's material needs and the spirituality of His people. We are admonished in Luke 6:38, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom, for with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
Being "joint heirs" with Him we know that giving unto His kingdom which is also ours is an enjoyable thing, it being more blessed to give than to receive, for we are commanded in II Corinthians 9:7, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of a necessity: for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver."
Members
Applicants for membership shall be first examined as to their faith, prayed with and encouraged by the Pastor or person or persons designated by said Pastor. Such applicant must show evidence of having genuine born-again experience, and living a Christ-like life, a deep love for the winning of souls, and the furthering of the cause of Foursquare Gospel evangelism throughout the earth, and must declare his loyalty to, and willingness to assist in the support of this association, both with his substance, as well as his undivided effort.
Each such applicant shall express his recognition of the fact that "a house divided against itself cannot stand," and his adherence to the policy of this association, that there shall be no disloyalty, insubordination, whispering, criticizing, or backbiting of this association, or its leaders, and that if at any time any member feels that he is no longer loyal or in unqualified sympathy or one-accord with this association, he shall ask for a letter of dismissal, and quietly withdraw from membership, and that if he should fail so to do, the authorities of the association reserve the right to tender such member such letter of dismissal; that the love of souls and the passion for soul winning must be the great undergirder and supreme end toward which all efforts lead, and that sidelines, nonessential issues and hairsplitting of doctrines which tend to break the unity and detract from the great white-heated flame of soul-winning must be checked wherever found, and that Christ must be made the central Figure and be lifted up till all men will see, love and be drawn near unto Him.
of the Foursquare Gospel
A Corporation
Compiled by Aimee Semple McPherson (1890–1944). Transcribed from the original pamphlet, Angelus Temple, Los Angeles, California.