Often we are asked, "How are you different from
other Christian groups"? Apart from our distinctive organisation (with no
clergy or hierarchy), some of our doctrines are quite different from most
churches.
For example, we reject the doctrine of a 'Trinity'.
This doctrine developed in the 300 years after Jesus died as a result of
disputes within the orthodox church. The Bible teaches that Jesus was the Son of
God but nowhere does it speak of him 'pre-existing' in heaven as "God the
Son".
We also reject the idea of an "immortal
soul" that goes to heaven at death. The Bible teaches that the only hope
for eternal life is through a resurrection when Jesus returns.
Another difference is that we believe that baptism is
essential and for adults only. We believe that sprinkling of babies is not
baptism.
We also believe that the Bible uses the 'devil' as a
symbol of sinful human nature, and so we reject the doctrine of a supernatural
tempter.
