New Apostolic Church
Southern Africa
Contents
- Introduction
- 1 The revelations of God
- 1.1 The self-revelation of God in creation and history
- 1.1.1 God reveals Himself as the Creator
- 1.1.2 God reveals Himself in the history of Israel
- 1.1.3 God reveals Himself in His Son
- 1.1.4 God reveals Himself in the time of the church
- 1.2 Holy Scripture
- 1.2.1 Content and structure of Holy Scripture
- 1.2.2 The Old Testament
- 1.2.3 The later writings of the Old Testament
- 1.2.4 The New Testament
- 1.2.5 The significance of Holy Scripture for doctrine and faith
- 1.3 Present-day revelations of the Holy Spirit
- 1.4 Faith as mankind's response to the revelations of God
- 2 The Creed
- 2.1 Biblical creeds
- 2.2 The origin of the early church creeds
- 2.3 The early church creeds and their significance for the New Apostolic Church
- 2.4 The New Apostolic Creed
- 2.4.1 The First Article of Faith
- 2.4.2 The Second Article of Faith
- 2.4.3 The Third Article of Faith
- 2.4.4 The Fourth Article of Faith
- 2.4.5 The Fifth Article of Faith
- 2.4.6 The Sixth Article of Faith
- 2.4.7 The Seventh Article of Faith
- 2.4.8 The Eighth Article of Faith
- 2.4.9 The Ninth Article of Faith
- 2.4.10 The Tenth Article of Faith
- 3 The triune God
- 3.1 The nature of God
- 3.1.1 One God in three persons
- 3.1.2 God, the One
- 3.1.3 God, the Holy One
- 3.1.4 God, the Almighty
- 3.1.5 God, the Eternal
- 3.1.6 God, the Loving One
- 3.1.7 God, the Gracious and Righteous One
- 3.1.8 God, the Perfect One
- 3.2 God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- 3.2.1 References to the triune God in the Old Testament
- 3.2.2 References to the triune God in the New Testament
- 3.2.3 The development of the doctrine of the Trinity
- 3.2.4 The unity of the three divine persons
- 3.3 God, the Father
- 3.3.1 God, the Creator
- 3.3.2 Man in the image of God
- 3.3.3 Man's fall into sin
- 3.3.4 Man as an entity consisting of body, soul, and spirit
- 3.4 God, the Son
- 3.4.1 The only begotten Son of God
- 3.4.2 The incarnate Word
- 3.4.3 Jesus Christ, true Man and true God
- 3.4.4 References to Jesus Christ in the Old Testament
- 3.4.5 Jesus Christ–the Redeemer
- 3.4.6 Majestic titles of Jesus
- 3.4.6.1 Messiah–Christ–Anointed One
- 3.4.6.2 Lord
- 3.4.6.3 Son of Man
- 3.4.6.4 Immanuel–Servant of God–Son of David
- 3.4.7 The ministries of Christ–King, Priest, and Prophet
- 3.4.8 New Testament references to the person and activity of Jesus Christ
- 3.4.8.1 The conception and birth of Jesus
- 3.4.8.2 Jesus' baptism in the Jordan
- 3.4.8.3 Jesus' temptation in the wilderness
- 3.4.8.4 Jesus' teaching activity
- 3.4.8.5 Jesus' miracles
- 3.4.8.6 Jesus' parables and images
- 3.4.8.7 Jesus and the law
- 3.4.8.8 Jesus and His Apostles
- 3.4.9 Jesus' passion and sacrificial death
- 3.4.9.1 Jesus institutes Holy Communion
- 3.4.9.2 Jesus in Gethsemane
- 3.4.9.3 Jesus before the high council
- 3.4.9.4 Jesus before Pilate and Herod
- 3.4.9.5 Jesus' crucifixion and sacrificial death
- 3.4.9.6 Old Testament references to Jesus' suffering and sacrificial death
- 3.4.9.7 Jesus' references to His suffering and death
- 3.4.9.8 References to Jesus' sacrificial death in the letters of the Apostles
- 3.4.9.9 The cross
- 3.4.10 Jesus Christ's activity in the realm of the dead
- 3.4.11 The resurrection of Jesus Christ
- 3.4.11.1 The significance of Jesus Christ's resurrection for salvation
- 3.4.11.2 The appearances of the Risen One
- 3.4.11.3 The resurrection body of Jesus Christ
- 3.4.12 The ascension of Jesus Christ
- 3.4.13 Jesus Christ as the head of the church
- 3.4.14 Jesus Christ as the head of the creation
- 3.4.15 The promise of Jesus Christ's return
- 3.5 God, the Holy Spirit
- 3.5.1 The Holy Spirit as a divine person
- 3.5.1.1 The Holy Spirit in unity with the Father and the Son
- 3.5.1.2 The Holy Spirit and the incarnation of the Son of God
- 3.5.2 The Holy Spirit as a power–the gift of the Holy Spirit
- 3.5.3 Evidence of the Holy Spirit's activity in the time of the Old Testament
- 3.5.3.1 The Spirit of God
- 3.5.3.2 The activity of the Holy Spirit in the prophets of the Old Testament
- 3.5.4 Jesus Christ's promise to send the Holy Spirit
- 3.5.5 The Holy Spirit and the church
- 4 Mankind in need of redemption
- 4.1 Evil–the powers opposed to God
- 4.2 The fall into sin
- 4.2.1 The consequences of the fall into sin for mankind
- 4.2.1.1 Mankind in sin
- 4.2.1.2 Sinful mankind is still loved by God
- 4.2.1.3 Conscience
- 4.2.1.4 Reason
- 4.2.1.5 Faith
- 4.2.2 The consequences of the fall into sin for the creation
- 4.3 Sin and guilt
- 4.4 God's plan of salvation
- 4.4.1 Hope for salvation in the Old Testament
- 4.4.2 Jesus Christ–Saviour and Mediator of Salvation
- 4.4.3 The preparation of the bridal congregation
- 4.5 Election
- 4.5.1 Election in the Old Testament
- 4.5.2 Election in the New Testament
- 4.5.3 God's free election by grace
- 4.6 God's blessing
- 4.6.1 God's blessing in the creation
- 4.6.2 God's blessing in the old covenant
- 4.6.3 God's blessing in the new covenant
- 4.7 The functions of the law
- 4.7.1 The term "law"
- 4.7.2 The law as a guide to righteous conduct
- 4.7.3 The law as a guide for recognising sin
- 4.8 The law and the gospel
- 5 God's commandments
- 5.1 Living in faith according to God's commandments
- 5.2 God's commandments–an expression of His love
- 5.2.1 Love for God
- 5.2.2 Love for our neighbour–love for our fellow human being
- 5.2.3 Love for our neighbour–love in the congregation
- 5.3 The Ten Commandments
- 5.3.1 The term "commandment"
- 5.3.1.1 The count
- 5.3.1.2 The Ten Commandments in the Old Testament
- 5.3.1.3 The Ten Commandments in the New Testament
- 5.3.1.4 The wording
- 5.3.2 The First Commandment
- 5.3.2.1 God–Lord and Benefactor
- 5.3.2.2 God leads out of bondage
- 5.3.2.3 Worship and the fear of God
- 5.3.2.4 The prohibition against worshipping other gods
- 5.3.2.5 The prohibition of images
- 5.3.2.6 Violations of the First Commandment
- 5.3.3 The Second Commandment
- 5.3.3.1 God's name
- 5.3.3.2 Forms of taking the name of God in vain
- 5.3.3.3 The threat of punishment
- 5.3.3.4 Hallowing God's name–prayer and conduct of life
- 5.3.3.5 Oath–Vow
- 5.3.4 The Third Commandment
- 5.3.4.1 Reasons for the Third Commandment in Israel
- 5.3.4.2 The Sabbath in Israel
- 5.3.4.3 Jesus Christ and the Sabbath
- 5.3.4.4 From Sabbath to Sunday
- 5.3.4.5 Keeping Sunday holy–in divine service
- 5.3.4.6 Working on Sundays–between duty and sanctification
- 5.3.4.7 The structure of the Sunday
- 5.3.5 The Fourth Commandment
- 5.3.5.1 The Fourth Commandment according to the understanding of the Old Testament
- 5.3.5.2 Jesus Christ and the Fourth Commandment
- 5.3.5.3 The Fourth Commandment in the letters of Apostle Paul
- 5.3.5.4 The broadening of the Fourth Commandment in Christian tradition
- 5.3.5.5 The Fourth Commandment in modern life
- 5.3.6 The Fifth Commandment
- 5.3.6.1 The prohibition against killing in the Old Testament
- 5.3.6.2 The prohibition against killing in the New Testament
- 5.3.6.3 The significance of the Fifth Commandment today
- 5.3.6.4 Specific questions concerning the Fifth Commandment
- 5.3.7 The Sixth Commandment
- 5.3.8 The Seventh Commandment
- 5.3.8.1 Theft in general legal systems
- 5.3.8.2 The prohibition against theft in the Old Testament
- 5.3.8.3 The prohibition against theft in the New Testament
- 5.3.8.4 Various forms of theft
- 5.3.9 The Eighth Commandment
- 5.3.9.1 Original meaning
- 5.3.9.2 Examples of false witness in the time of the Old Testament
- 5.3.9.3 Examples of false witness in the time of the New Testament
- 5.3.9.4 False witness today–prohibition against lying and fraud
- 5.3.9.5 Further violations of the Eighth Commandment
- 5.3.9.6 False and true witness in the spiritual sense
- 5.3.10 The Ninth and Tenth Commandments
- 6 The church of Jesus Christ
- 6.1 Concerning the term "church"
- 6.2 Biblical foundation
- 6.2.1 Old Testament references to the church of Jesus Christ
- 6.2.2 The beginning of the church of Christ
- 6.2.3 Images for the church of Jesus Christ in the New Testament
- 6.3 The church of Jesus Christ–a mystery
- 6.4 Belief in the one, holy, universal, and apostolic church
- 6.4.1 Distinguishing features of the church
- 6.4.1.1 The church is "one"
- 6.4.1.2 The church is "holy"
- 6.4.1.3 The church is "universal"
- 6.4.1.4 The church is "apostolic"
- 6.4.2 The manifestation of the church of Christ in history
- 6.4.2.1 The church of Jesus Christ at the time of the early Apostles
- 6.4.2.2 The church of Jesus Christ after the death of the early Apostles
- 6.4.2.3 The church of Jesus Christ after the reoccupation of the Apostle ministry
- 6.4.3 The church of Jesus Christ and ministry
- 6.4.4 The church of Jesus Christ and the sacraments
- 6.4.5 The church of Jesus Christ and the future
- 6.5 The church of Jesus Christ and the churches as institutions
- 7 Ministry
- 7.1 Ministry and duties
- 7.2 Source of ministry in the church
- 7.3 Biblical foundation
- 7.4 The Apostle ministry
- 7.4.1 Characteristics of the Apostle ministry
- 7.4.2 Equipping and sending of the Apostles
- 7.4.3 Peter–the head of the early Apostles
- 7.4.4 New Testament references to the activity of the Apostles
- 7.5 The development of the ministries from the Apostle ministry
- 7.5.1 Continuity of the Apostle ministry
- 7.5.2 Interruption in the activity of the Apostles
- 7.5.3 The reoccupation of the Apostle ministry
- 7.6 The ministries in the New Apostolic Church
- 7.6.1 The apostolate
- 7.6.2 The function of the apostolate
- 7.6.3 The self-conception of the Apostles
- 7.6.4 The authority of the Apostle ministry
- 7.6.5 The Apostles in the church of Jesus Christ
- 7.6.6 The Chief Apostle ministry
- 7.6.7 The District Apostle ministry
- 7.7 Ordination
- 7.8 The exercise of a ministry
- 7.9 Tasks of the ministries
- 7.10 Appointments
- 8 The sacraments
- 8.1 Holy Baptism with water
- 8.1.1 Definition of the term
- 8.1.2 The biblical basis for Holy Baptism with water
- 8.1.2.1 Old Testament references to Holy Baptism with water
- 8.1.2.2 Holy Baptism with water in the New Testament
- 8.1.3 The necessity of Holy Baptism with water for salvation
- 8.1.4 The proper dispensation of Holy Baptism with water
- 8.1.5 Prerequisites for receiving Holy Baptism with water
- 8.1.6 The effects of Holy Baptism with water
- 8.1.7 Faith and Holy Baptism with water
- 8.1.8 Holy Baptism with water and Holy Sealing
- 8.1.9 Holy Baptism with water and following Christ
- 8.1.10 Holy Baptism with water and the Apostle ministry
- 8.2 Holy Communion
- 8.2.1 Designations for the sacrament
- 8.2.2 Old Testament references to Holy Communion
- 8.2.3 Jesus' miracles of feeding and Holy Communion
- 8.2.4 The Passover meal
- 8.2.5 The institution of Holy Communion by Jesus Christ
- 8.2.6 Holy Communion in the first epistle to the Corinthians
- 8.2.7 The significance of bread and wine
- 8.2.8 Holy Communion as a meal of remembrance
- 8.2.9 Holy Communion as a meal of profession
- 8.2.10 Holy Communion as a meal of fellowship
- 8.2.11 Holy Communion as an eschatological meal
- 8.2.12 The real presence of the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion
- 8.2.13 The real presence of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion
- 8.2.14 The relationship between forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion
- 8.2.15 Holy Communion and the Apostle ministry
- 8.2.16 The words of consecration in Holy Communion
- 8.2.17 The celebration and receiving of Holy Communion
- 8.2.18 The prerequisites for partaking in Holy Communion
- 8.2.19 The manner in which Holy Communion is received
- 8.2.20 The effects of Holy Communion
- 8.2.21 Eligibility for partaking in Holy Communion
- 8.2.22 Communion celebrations of the churches
- 8.3 Holy Sealing
- 8.3.1 Concerning the term "sealing"
- 8.3.2 The promise of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
- 8.3.3 Jesus' anointing with the Holy Spirit
- 8.3.4 The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost
- 8.3.5 Further attestations of Holy Sealing in the New Testament
- 8.3.6 The proper dispensation of Holy Sealing
- 8.3.7 Prerequisites for receiving Holy Sealing
- 8.3.8 Holy Sealing as an act of God
- 8.3.9 The effects of Holy Sealing
- 9 Life after death
- 9.1 The immortality of the soul
- 9.2 Death
- 9.3 The afterlife of the soul
- 9.4 The beyond
- 9.5 The condition of souls in the beyond
- 9.6 Help for the departed
- 10 The doctrine of future things
- 10.1 The return of Jesus Christ
- 10.1.1 The promise of the return of Jesus Christ
- 10.1.2 Events associated with the return of Jesus Christ
- 10.1.3 The bridal congregation
- 10.2 The marriage of the Lamb
- 10.3 The great tribulation
- 10.4 The coming of the Lord with power and great glory
- 10.5 The first resurrection
- 10.6 The continuation of the plan of salvation
- 11 From the history of Christianity
- 11.1 The early Christian congregations
- 11.2 Christianity after the death of the early Apostles
- 11.2.1 The Church Fathers and the ecumenical councils
- 11.2.2 Christianity–the state religion and its spread
- 11.2.3 Aspects of Christianity in medieval Europe
- 11.2.4 The Reformation
- 11.2.5 Catholicism and Protestantism in upheaval
- 11.2.6 Christianity at the beginning of the nineteenth century
- 11.3 The reoccupation of the Apostle ministry in the Catholic Apostolic Church
- 12 Divine service, acts of blessing, and pastoral care
- 12.1 Divine service
- 12.1.1 General remarks concerning divine service
- 12.1.2 Divine service in the Old Testament
- 12.1.3 Divine service in the New Testament
- 12.1.4 Further development of Christian divine service
- 12.1.5 Divine service as an encounter with God
- 12.1.6 Proclamation of the word
- 12.1.6.1 Concerning the term "sermon"
- 12.1.6.2 The proclamation of the word in the New Testament
- 12.1.6.3 The proclamation of the word today
- 12.1.7 The Lord's Prayer
- 12.1.7.1 The Lord's Prayer in divine service
- 12.1.7.2 The seven pleas
- 12.1.7.2.1 "Our Father in heaven"
- 12.1.7.2.2 "Hallowed be Your name"
- 12.1.7.2.3 "Your kingdom come"
- 12.1.7.2.4 "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven"
- 12.1.7.2.5 "Give us this day our daily bread"
- 12.1.7.2.6 "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors"
- 12.1.7.2.7 "And do not lead us into temptation"
- 12.1.7.2.8 "But deliver us from the evil one"
- 12.1.7.2.9 "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever"
- 12.1.7.2.10 "Amen"
- 12.1.8 Forgiveness of sins in the divine service
- 12.1.8.1 God–the One who forgives
- 12.1.8.2 God's patience–the sacrificial service in the Old Testament
- 12.1.8.3 The sacrifice of Christ–foundation for the forgiveness of sins
- 12.1.8.4 Prerequisites for obtaining forgiveness of sins
- 12.1.8.5 Repentance and remorse
- 12.1.8.6 Sin that is not forgiven
- 12.1.8.7 Proclamation and authority
- 12.1.8.8 Effects of the forgiveness of sins
- 12.1.9 Dispensation of the sacraments in the divine service
- 12.1.10 The closing benediction
- 12.1.11 Acts of blessing in the sequence of the divine service
- 12.1.12 Ordinations, appointments, reinstatements, retirements
- 12.1.13 Divine services for the departed
- 12.1.14 Music in the divine service
- 12.2 Acts of blessing
- 12.2.1 Prenatal blessing
- 12.2.2 Confirmation
- 12.2.3 Weddings, wedding anniversaries, and engagements
- 12.2.3.1 The wedding blessing
- 12.2.3.2 Blessing at wedding anniversaries
- 12.2.3.3 Engagement blessing
- 12.2.4 Dedication of church buildings
- 12.3 The church funeral
- 12.4 Pastoral care
- 12.4.1 Instruction of children
- 12.4.2 Youth care
- 12.4.3 The pastoral care visit
- 12.4.4 Confession
- 12.4.5 Support in death and grieving
- 12.5 Church holy days
- 13 New Apostolic Christians and their life of faith
- 13.1 Prayer
- 13.1.1 Prayers in the Old Testament
- 13.1.2 Jesus teaches prayer
- 13.1.3 Jesus prays
- 13.1.4 The prayer of the early Christians
- 13.1.5 The prayer of New Apostolic Christians
- 13.1.6 Effects of prayer
- 13.2 Willingness to offer and sacrifice
- 13.2.1 From Old Testament sacrificial service to devoting one's life to God
- 13.2.2 Jesus Christ–the model of willingness to sacrifice
- 13.2.3 Willingness to offer and sacrifice based on faith, gratitude, and love
- 13.2.4 Sacrifice and blessing
- 13.3 Marriage and family
- 13.3.1 Marriage as a divine institution
- 13.3.2 Marriage and the wedding blessing
- 13.3.3 Sex and family planning in marriage
- 13.3.4 Parental responsibilities
- 13.3.5 Responsibilities of the children
- 13.4 Discharging one's obligations at work and in society
- 13.5 The New Apostolic Church as part of society
- Appendix