We believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We especially emphasize the deity of Jesus Christ and the personality of the Holy Spirit.
We believe that human beings are born in sin; that they need the work of forgiveness through Christ and the new birth by the Holy Spirit; that subsequent to this there is the deeper work of heart cleansing or entire sanctification through the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and that to each of these works of grace the Holy Spirit gives witness.
We believe that our Lord will return, the dead shall be raised, and that all shall come to final judgment with its rewards and punishments.
Do you heartily believe these truths? If so, answer, “I do.”
Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and do you realize that He saves you now?
Response: I do.
Desiring to unite with the Church of the Nazarene, do you covenant to give yourself to the fellowship and work of God in connection with it, as set forth in the Covenant of Christian Character and the Covenant of Christian Conduct of the Church of the Nazarene? Will you endeavor in every way to glorify God, by a humble walk, godly conversation, and holy service; by devotedly giving of your means; by faithful attendance upon the means of grace; and, abstaining from all evil, will you seek earnestly to perfect holiness of heart and life in the fear of the Lord?
Response: I will.
The minister shall then say to the person or persons:
I welcome you into this church, to its sacred fellowship, responsibilities, and privileges. May the great Head of the Church bless and keep you, and enable you to be faithful in all good works, that your life and witness may be effective in leading others to Christ.
The minister shall then take each one by the hand, and with appropriate words of personal greeting welcome each into the church.
(Alternate form for members joining by letter of transfer:)
________________________________, formerly a member (members) of the Church of the Nazarene at ______________________________________, comes (come) to join the fellowship of this local congregation.
Taking each by the hand, or speaking to the group, the minister shall say:
It gives me pleasure on behalf of this church to welcome you into our membership. We trust that we will be a source of encouragement and strength to you and that you, in turn, will be a source of blessing and help to us. May the Lord richly bless you in the salvation of souls and in the advancement of His kingdom.
We believe:
In one God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That the Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living.
That all humanity is born with a fallen nature, and is, therefore, inclined to evil, and that continually.
That the finally impenitent are hopelessly and eternally lost.
That 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.
That believers are to be sanctified wholly, subsequent to regeneration, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
That the Holy Spirit bears witness to the new birth, and also to the entire sanctification of believers.
That our Lord will return, the dead will be raised, and the final judgment will take place, (paragraphs 20.1-20.8)
Do you heartily believe these truths? If so, answer, “I do.”
Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and do you realize that He saves you now?
Response: I do.
Desiring to unite with the Church of the Nazarene, do you covenant to give yourself to the fellowship and work of God in connection with it, as set forth in the Covenant of Christian Character and the Covenant of Christian Conduct of the Church of the Nazarene? Will you endeavor in every way to glorify God, by a humble walk, godly conversation, and holy service; by devotedly giving of your means; by faithful attendance upon the means of grace; and, abstaining from all evil, will you seek earnestly to perfect holiness of heart and life in the fear of the Lord?
Response: I will.
The minister shall then say to the person or persons:
I welcome you into this church, to its sacred fellowship, responsibilities, and privileges. May the great Head of the Church bless and keep you, and enable you to be faithful in all good works, that your life and witness may be effective in leading others to Christ.
The minister shall then take each one by the hand, and with appropriate words of personal greeting welcome each into the church.
(Alternate form for members joining by letter of transfer:)
________________________________, formerly a member (members) of the Church of the Nazarene at ______________________________________, comes (come) to join the fellowship of this local congregation.
Taking each by the hand, or speaking to the group, the minister shall say:
It gives me pleasure on behalf of this church to welcome you into our membership. We trust that we will be a source of encouragement and strength to you and that you, in turn, will be a source of blessing and help to us. May the Lord richly bless you in the salvation of souls and in the advancement of His kingdom.