CHRISTADELPHIAN BELIEFS
The Christadelphians are a body of believers in Jesus Christ whose faith is based wholly on the Bible. The name ‘Christadelphian’ comes from two Greek words meaning ’brothers (and sisters) in Christ’ and was adopted in the 1860’s.
Our aim is to live by faith in Jesus Christ, according to his teaching and those of his followers from the first century AD.
We believe that those who follow Jesus and his apostles, looking for strength and forgiveness from God, may confidently place their hope in Christ’s return to the earth, when he will grant eternal life to his people and establish the long-awaited Kingdom of God here on earth.
Our community is united by a core ‘statement of faith’ which was originally written in 1866 by Robert Roberts and has been revised on several occasions since. The booklet (located left) addresses our accepted bible truth, doctrines to be rejected and the commandments of Christ with biblical references. We invite you to browse our statement of faith and contact us here if you have any queries regarding our tenets. Find our more about us by visiting the Christadelphian Auxiliary Lecturing League at thechristadelphians.org.uk.
Continue reading for a full list of our beliefs.
One God – One Creator
There is only one God, the creator of heaven and earth. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ – The Son Of God
Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God , born of the virgin Mary by the personal power of God, His Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ Perfection
Christ was all God’s promises and intentions made flesh. Sharing our nature, he revealed God to us, not in form or feature, but in sublime holiness, absolute righteousness and boundless love, qualities which run through every word, every act of compassion, every part of his life.
The Wages Of Sin Is Death
Man is mortal and sinful, in need of salvation and unable to save himself. When man dies, his existence ends until the day of resurrection from the dead.
God Has A Plan For Us
God’s desire to save mankind is evident in the gracious promises He made, particularly to Abraham and David. These promises concern God’s plan with mankind, His Kingdom on earth with Christ as King, and the way in which man can share these promises.
Salvation Through Jesus Christ
Jesus’s perfect life, sacrificial death and resurrection to immortality guarantees that man’s twin enemies (his sinfulness, sometimes referred to as the devil, and his mortality), have been altogether conquered. Jesus was the only begotten Son of God, but shared every aspect of our nature, and was sinless.
Acknowledgement Of Belief
To be saved a man must acknowledge his belief in the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.
Full Immersion Baptism
He must demonstrate his belief and need of forgiveness by asking for God’s pardon, and by being baptised by full immersion in water, confessing his sins. He now belongs to God and has become an heir of the promises made to Abraham. As such he waits in patience for God’s coming Kingdom.
Following Jesus In Life
His new life in Jesus Christ is one of fellowship and service with other believers. Each day he should follow Jesus his Master, living an unselfish life based upon a love for God and for his neighbour. The life of the believer is one of prayerful confidence in God and of quiet, dedicated service.
Remembering Jesus Through Bread and Wine
Week by week, by breaking bread and drinking wine, he remembers the saving work of God in Christ.
The Return Of Jesus
Jesus will return personally to the earth to bring peace and righteousness and to establish God’s Kingdom with Jerusalem at its centre. The regathered nation of Israel is God’s witness that this will come to pass.
The Judgement Seat
Death is not final for the servant of God. He sleeps in peace knowing nothing, until he is raised to judgement by his returning Lord. All responsible men and women will stand before the Lord Jesus to receive their reward: eternal life and endless joy in the Kingdom of God for the faithful; and shameful dismissal and oblivion in death for those who have been unfaithful to the word of God or knowingly have rejected it.
Allegiance to Jesus Christ
Christ’s disciples give their allegiance to him and him alone. They live as citizens of his Kingdom, waiting for his return. They obey all human laws, except when they conflict with God’s commands.
Marriage
Christadelphians uphold the sanctity of marriage, and resist all forms of immorality. They will not take up arms nor become involved in politics.
