WHAT WE BELIEVE

COMMUNION– THE LORD’S SUPPER

At Mount Zion Christian Church, we believe in the power and significance of Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper. This sacrament is a reminder of the Lord's death and the promise of his return, as stated in I Corinthians 11:23-31. The bread symbolizes the Lord's broken body and the cup represents the new covenant in his blood, which grants us forgiveness and a relationship with God. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are called to judge ourselves and recognize the salvation it represents.

LAYING ON OF HANDS

We also believe in the practice of Laying on of Hands, which is rooted in the belief that power, anointing, or any other necessary quality can be transmitted through touch. This practice was practiced by the Levitical Priesthood and Jesus himself, as a means of blessing, healing, conferring office, receiving the Holy Spirit, and ordaining for consecration and ministry.

THE SCRIPTURES

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, the product of Holy Men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine (II Timothy 3:16, I Thessalonians 2:13: II Peter 1:21).

THE HOLY TRINITY

We also believe in the Holy Trinity, that God is one, manifested in three persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

MAN, HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION

Man, through Adam's transgression and fall, is a created being made in the likeness and image of God, but sin came into the world. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the work of the devil and restore man back to God through his sacrifice and shed blood. Salvation is a gift of God and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

ETERNAL LIFE AND NEW BIRTH

We believe in the importance of eternal life and the new birth in the salvation process. We understand that the first step towards salvation is a deep sense of remorse and repentance, which is often referred to as godly sorrow.

We also believe that the new birth is necessary for all individuals to experience eternal life. This new birth, as described in II Corinthians 7:10, I John 5:12, and John 3:3-5, is a transformative experience that allows individuals to be reborn spiritually and have a personal relationship with God, which leads to eternal life.

It is important to note that the new birth is a gift from God, through faith in Jesus Christ, that brings about a change in the heart and mind of an individual. This change allows one to live a life that is in alignment with God's will and purpose.

ETERNAL RETRIBUTION

We believe in the concept of eternal retribution for those who choose to reject salvation through Jesus Christ. We understand that the Bible speaks of a “literal” lake of fire where those who die in their sins without Christ will be eternally separated from God.

However, we also believe that the terms "eternal" and "everlasting", also carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence as used in noting the duration of joy and ecstasy of the saints in the presence of God. It is important to note that our understanding of eternal retribution should not be used to diminish the love and compassion that God has for all people. We believe that it is always possible for someone to turn to God and find salvation through Jesus Christ.

WATER BAPTISM

Baptism in water by immersion is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36-39). The following recommendation regarding the Water Baptismal formula is adopted to-wit: “On the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and by His authority, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.”

THE HOLY GHOST

The Baptism in the Holy Ghost and Fire is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to those who are believers in this dispensation and is received subsequent to the new birth. This experience is accompanied by the initial evidence of the speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance (Matthew 3:11; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:38-39; Acts 19:1-7; Acts 2:4).

SANCTIFICATION

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 regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation

(Hebrews 12:14; I Thessalonians 5:23; II Peter 3:18; II Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:12-14; I Corinthians 1:30).

DIVINE HEALING

Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God through the prayer of faith, and by laying on hands. It is provided for in the atonement of Christ, and it is a privilege of every member of the church today (Mark 16:18; James 5:14-20; I Peter 2:24; Matthew 8:17; Isaiah 53:4-5).

RESURRECTION AND THE RETURN OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

The Angels said,”This same Jesus shall so come in like manner.” His coming is imminent. When He comes, “The dead in Christ 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” ( Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16-17). Following the tribulation, He shall return to earth, as King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and together with His Saints, who shall be kings of priests, He shall reign a thousand years (Revelation 19:20; Hebrews 6:1-2).