Statement of Faith

Zion Temple Center for Biblical Studies embraces the following statements concerning the truth. The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice.  This Statement of Fundamental Truths is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the same thing; I Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42).  No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these fundamental doctrines.  We do not presume to say the phraseology employed in this Statement of Fundamental Truths is inspired or that it is the final work on Bible truth.  However, we are persuaded it is proper and consistent with the Holy Scriptures to “set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1).

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Infallible Word of God

We believe that the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, were written by holy men inspired by the Holy Spirit and are God’s revealed word to man.  They are the sufficient, infallible rule and guide to salvation and all Christian worship and service (II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 3:15-17; I Thessalonians 2:13).  The Bible is the inspired Word of God, equally in all parts and in the whole; it is totally inerrant in the original manuscripts.  It is the supreme revelation from God and of God, superior to conscience and reason, though not contrary to them; and it is therefore our infallible rule in all manners.  All the Scriptures center about the Lord Jesus Christ and hence, no portion is properly read nor understood until it leads to Him.

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Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Son of Man

Jesus was born miraculously of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1: 23; Luke 1:31, 35).

He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; I Peter 2:22).

He came into the world to save men from the guilt and condemnation of sin (John 3:16), offering His blood as atonement (I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5:21) and making it available to all who exercise faith in Him. 

He resurrected from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; I Corinthians 15:4). 

He is exalted to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1-3). 

His divinity is proved from His titles, His attributes, and His works (John 1:14; Luke 1:26-35; Acts 4:12; Acts 16:31). 

He is presently seated at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for His redeemed. 

We also acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord over all things in Heaven, and in Earth, and under the Earth (John 1:12-14; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 7:37-38; Philippians 2:9-10; Hebrews 7:25).

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Baptism 

We believe the New Testament teaches at least three baptisms. First, there is the baptism whereby the repentant sinner, upon trusting Jesus Christ as his Savior, is baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13).  Secondly, there is water baptism by immersion for believers only.  This we believe to be an ordinance of the Church, whereby the believer experiences the reality of co-crucifixion and co-resurrection with the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-6).  Thirdly, there is the filling or baptism in the Holy Spirit by the Lord Jesus Christ, which may occur at or subsequent to conversion.  We believe that speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance is the normative evidence of this baptism.  Further, we believe that by the believer’s continued submission to the Holy Spirit, his very weakness is transformed into strength to witness for Jesus Christ in power, and to live according to the will of God (Acts 1:5-6; 10:46; 11:28; 19:6).

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Baptism - Ordinance

Baptism by immersion shall be observed as commanded in the Scriptures by all who have repented of their sins and have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls and who give clear evidence of their salvation (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12).  Those who have become partakers of Christ by faith in His shed blood are commanded to be water baptized (by immersion) into Christ.  In this act of faith we participate in Christ’s burial and resurrection and receive a circumcision of the heart (Genesis 17:1-4; John 3:1-6; Romans 2:28-29; I Peter 3:18-22; I John 5:8).

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Baptism in the Holy Spirit

 The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a necessary and vital experience for every believer and is evidenced by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.  Those who seek the fullness of the Spirit shall receive prayer for the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15-17; 19:2-6).

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Responsibility of the Believer

We believe that it is essential that each believer lay a foundation of Biblical truth and experience upon which he/she builds his/her life.  These foundation stones are: repentance from dead works, faith toward God, doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment, all of which are prerequisites to going on to perfection (spiritual maturity) (Hebrews 6:1-2).