17

The Church of God is composed of all spiritually regenerate persons, whose names are written in heaven.

18

The churches severally are to be composed of such regenerate persons as by providential permission, and by the leadings of the Holy Spirit, become associated together for holy fellowship and ministries.

19

The Church of the Nazarene is composed of those persons who have voluntarily associated themselves together according to the doctrines and polity of said church, and who seek holy Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, the entire sanctification of believers, their upbuilding in holiness, and the simplicity and spiritual power manifest in the primitive New Testament Church, together with the preaching of the gospel to every creature.

20

Recognizing that the right and privilege of persons to church membership rest upon the fact of their being regenerate, we would require only such avowals of belief as are essential to Christian experience. We, therefore, deem belief in the following brief statements to be sufficient. We believe:

20.1

In one God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

20.2

The Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living.

20.3

Human beings are born with a fallen nature, and are, therefore, inclined to evil, and that continually.

20.4

The finally impenitent are hopelessly and eternally lost.

20.5

The atonement through Jesus Christ is for the whole human race; and that whosoever repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is justified and regenerated and saved from the dominion of sin.

20.6

That believers are to be sanctified wholly, subsequent to regeneration, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.