"We, the members of Mizoram UPC (United Pentecostal Church of Mizoram) uphold and have faith in the Holy Bible, the Old Testament and the New Testament as are written under the inspiration of God (Timothy 3:16) and believe God's Salvation and belief and accept ourselves to be guided by the Holy Bible".CONFESSION OF THE CHURCH DOCTRINE (ARTICLES OF FAITH)1. THE ONE AND ONLY GOD:We strongly believe in Eternal God, everlasting with limitless power in one's life, status and strive to be Holy and have strong faith in only one God. God manifests himself as the Father, as a Son in Salvation of mankind and manifests himself as Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; II Corinthians 5:19; Joel 2:28).The holy scriptures of God not only prove the existence of God, but also adopt that God's wisdom is limitless that is written and preached in the Holy Bible. (Romans 1:19, 21, 28, 32; Romans 2:15). God is spirit (John 4:24).The greatest commandment in the scriptures is, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, is one" (Mark 12:29, Deuteronomy 6:4), "One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:16).This one God manifested himself in various forms in the Old Testament. He manifested himself among men as the son when he was in the form of flesh, manifested in the form of the Holy Spirit after he ascended to Heaven.2. THE SON OF GOD:The true God, Jehovah in the Old Testament took the form of man, born as the Son of Man from virgin Mary. Apostle Paul has rightly said, "Beyond all questions, the mystery of godliness is great:He appeared in a body,Was vindicated by the Sprit,Was seen by angels,Was preached among the nations,Was believed on in the world,Was taken up in glory"(I Timothy 3:16)"He came to that that was his own, but his own did not receive him" (John 1:11). "The one and only true God has taken the form of flesh and that is Jesus Christ…" "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation" (II Corinthians 5:19)."For in Christ the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form", (Colossians 2:9) and "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the Cross.(Colossians 1:19, 20) are of the belief and faith of this Church. And therefore, Jesus in humanity is the true human as well as God in Godliness. His flesh is that of the Lamb, or offerings of flesh to God. "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 2:5).Jesus on his Father's side is God in Holiness, on his Mother's side human being. Hence, he is rightly called God's Son and the Son of Man or, "God-in-Flesh"."For he 'has put everything under his feet'. Now, when it says that everything has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. (I Corinthians 15:27, 28). "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "Who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty" (Revelation 1:8).3. THE NAME:God has many forms, 'Elohim', 'the Almighty', 'Elshadai' and Jehova' and for the redemption in the Old Testament he adopted the name "LORD JEHOVAH"."For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, (Isaiah 9:6). Thus, Isaiah's prophecy was fulfilled when the name was announced for the Son of God. It is said, "She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). "Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).4. CREATION OF MAN AND THE FALL OF MAN:In the beginning God created man without sin and in full holiness, but man fell short of the glory of God as the first creations, i.e. Adam and Eve fell from the glory God on their own will; and they were driven out of Eden by God. Then sin entered the world through one man as he has rebelled against the ways of God. (Gen 1:27, Romans 3:23, 5:12).5. REPENTANCE AND REDEMPTION:Redemption from sin is true confessions, repentance, free from sin which is attained by faith from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). John the Baptist preached the gospel of repentance which was exposed by Jesus, the apostles then preached to the Jews and the Gentiles. (Acts 2:38, 11:18, 17:30).The word Repentance is derived from the Greek word meaning change in attitude, change of mind, change of thought, change of lifestyle and change in life as a whole.Jesus says that the wages of son is death. "Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached, in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem”. (Luke 24:47)6. WATER BAPTISM:According to God's scriptures, the way to attain water Baptism is being fully immersed in waster, full repentance from sin, and for those with full repentance and free from worldly pleasures. (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5). With confirmation and complete submission to God, Water Baptism should be administered by Ministers who are appointed to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19).7. BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT:According to Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist said, "……but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit". Lucanus said in Acts 2:4, "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them". The Holy Spirit and Baptism with Fire, filled with the Holy Spirit and the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Bible all have the same meaning which can be interchanged accordingly.The hope for attaining the Holy Spirit, filled or baptized which is manifested in their human body, speaking in other tongues are the true ways of the Bible (Acts 2:4; 1046; 19:6). The Lord has prophesized in the word of Prophet Joel, "I will pour out my Spirit on all people" (Joel 2:28).Apostle Peter explained the marvelous way on his attaining the Holy Spirit, "Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear" (Act 2:33)."The promise is for you and your Children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:39).8. GOD'S HEALING:When Israelites were redeemed from the land of Egypt, the Lord Jehovah's first covenant was the covenant of Healing. The Lord (Jehova Rapha-Lord Healer) said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you" (Exodus 15:26).In some translations it is put like this: "Jehova, I am your healer (physician-doctor". The Lord is our healer or physician (doctor) and he is the one and most powerful healer in the whole world. The Lord Jesus Christ preached the Good News, and healed many diseases and delivered from their weakness while preaching throughout the land of Galilee (Matthew 4:23)."Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). The suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ is anointed for the healing of our flesh and most importantly for the Salvation of our soul (I Peter 2:24). "But he was pierced for our transgressions ………………….. and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:15). According to the Gospel of Matthew 8:17, "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases".From here we know that God's Healing is in his Salvation, and that is very true. Furthermore, it is for all followers of Jesus Christ. The followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are aptly described as: "……….. they will place their hands on sick people and they will get well " (Mark 16:18).After these things, the apostle James in his epistle to all the Churches said, "Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the Church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confer your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective". (James 5:14-16). The promises of the healing power are thus for the Modern Church.9. SACRAMENT OR ASSOCIATION:At the night when our Lord Jesus was arrested, he joined a feast with his disciples on the Passover Feast. After this, SACRAMENT (The Last Supper) came to be established. "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, 'This is my body given for you, do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:19, 20). Paul taught the Church the dispensation of the Sacrament (I Corinthians 11:23, 24). Likewise, the bread and the grape wine resemble the crushing of the Lord for our iniquities and by the shedding of his Blood by which we are healed. Sacrament has a deep meaning in the Holy Spirit. Our Lord has been pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). This should be freshly remembered, and believed that for the love of Him the dispensation, and the sacrament is important .(Mark 12:30; I Corinthians 11:26).10. WASHING OF FEET:After the Passover Feast, as is written in John 13:4, 5 "… so He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel round his waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciple's feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped round Him. Then Jesus said, 'Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet'". (John 13:14, 15).Washing of feet is a symbol/sign for us to get our share from the Lord and it has been given to us by Him to do likewise. It was first originated from/by God Himself. The symbol is so true to be followed that we should keep on practicing washing of one another's feet so that we can show true humbleness.11. DEDICATING OF NEW-BORN CHILD:The word of God teaches us that Children are a heritage from the Lord. (Psalm 127:3-5). The offering of a new-born Child is a must for their attainment of salvation from the Lord. (Luke 2:22-33, I Samuel 1:27).12. HOLINESS:God's people must show the Lord's children the right way to live. We must live in holiness and show an example of godly lives according to God's scriptures, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say, 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age" (Titus 2:11, 12)."To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no desist was found in his mouth. When they hurtled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered he made no threats. Instead, entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (I Peter 2:21-23) "Make energy effort to live in peace with men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).For it is written, "But just as he who called you is holy in all you do; 'Be holy, because I am holy'. Since you called on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives on stranger here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ a lamb without blemish or defeat" (I Peter 1:15-19).The members of our Church should refrain from unholy lives which can tarnish the image of a good Christian's life and God-fearing members. They should not indulge themselves in worldly pleasures such as: theatres, dancing halls (worldly dance), fancy cosmetics, showing one's body unnecessarily through fashion, worldly games and entertainments, Radio programmes which are detrimental to our spiritual lives and unholy songs are very much disliked by the Church. Furthermore, chewing of guavas, taking in of tobacco products, drinking of alcoholic drinks and usage of abusive language are strictly prohibited by the Church. We must discourage these habitual practices and should rather encourage living in the Holy Spirit for the Church prepare ourselves for the second-coming of our Lord.13. THE GRACE OF GOD:The word of God teaches us, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, up right and godly lives in this present age". (Titus 2:11,12). "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came Through Jesus Christ". (John 1:17).A Christian should be self-restrained, to walk along with God and to keep himself in God's love (Juda 21). The meaning of God's grace is by showing favor. When man has fallen into sinful ways, and turned away from God's way then he has fallen from God's grace and favor. If he continues to he sinful, in the end he will be lost forever and thrown into Hell (John 15 :2,6; II Peter 2:20-22). Jude also tells us about those who has fallen and the reward that they should reap. (Hebrews 6:4-6).14. RESTORATION OF EVERYTHING:The holy scriptures of our God teach us that everything will be restored since the creation of the earth and has been announced through the mouth of the holy prophets (Acts 3:21). But we do not see that the Devil and the False prophets are not included here. (Revelation 20:10).15. SECRET ASSOCIATIONS:According to God's word, the Church members should not associate themselves or affiliate with any form of association or organization which are set up as secret society or faction and should not have any agreement with fellowship of non-believers which are bound together by taking of an oath. (James 5:3-7; II Corinthians 6:14-18).16. THE TRANSFORMATION OF THA SAINTSWe hope that our Lord Jesus Christ coming for his church is very nigh, and when the time comes, those who are dead in Christ will gloriously rise; and the living believers will be transformed and will greet the Lord and rise along with them. (I Thess.4:13-17; I Cor.15:51-54; Phil 3:20,21)17. MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE:In the Bible, it is written, "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9; 5:32). When anyone commits this sin, the other one who does not commit this sin could marry another spouse to the satisfaction of the Lord. For the sanctification and for preservation of God's way, it is our desire that a minister should not marry twice. "For it is time for judgements to begin with the Family of God" (I Peter 4:17).18. TITHES:Tithes-giving is God's way of deeply arranging possessions for the church members. It was started since the time of Abraham. In the time of Abraham, giving of tithes was bound together with faith, from the time of Moses it has become a commandment, and when the sons of Israel were obedient in the eyes of God, they gave tithes. This was justified by Lord Jesus himself (Mathew 23:23). Tithes (one-tenth of one's income) is God's share, and to avoid giving tithes is an act of robbing the rightful share of the Lord (Malachi 3 :8-11; Hebrew 7: 4-10).19. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST AND TRANSFORMATIONOF THE HOLY MEN:As he ascended to heaven, Lord Jesus clearly stated that he would come again; and this same message was spread far and wide by the Apostles during the establishment of the early Church. The second coming is awaited with earnest hope by the Sons of God. (Matt.24; Acts 1:11; Titus. 2:13,14)20. THOUSAND YEARS' REIGN:The church believes that the Lord Jesus Christ will come again and reign for a thousand years. (Rev.1:7; Matt. 24; 25:31; Rev.20:4; Zac.14:1-9;).21. THE LAST JUDGEMENT:After passing of a thousand years, the dead will be resurrected and they will be called before the white throne for the Last Judgement; and those whose names are not entered in the Book of life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire which has been prepared for Satan and his followers by God. Satan will be the first to be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Matthew 25: 41; Revelation 20: 7-15; 21: 1
