Statement of Beliefs
An overview of the foundational biblical doctrines, teachings, and principles held by the Intercontinental Church of God.
What We Believe
The beliefs of the Intercontinental Church of God are grounded in the Old and New Testaments and seek to reflect the teachings, example, and message of Jesus Christ.
Explore the individual doctrines below along with the scriptural references associated with each belief.
God & the Spiritual Realm
Foundational beliefs concerning God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, mankind, and the angelic realm.
God
God is the supreme creator and sustainer of the entire universe who is eternal, all present, and all powerful.
God is a single spirit family presently consisting of God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. God is a loving, kind, and merciful being who is sharing His magnificent and eternal existence by reproducing Himself through mankind.
Bible
The entire Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God which contains His plan of salvation and the record of His participation in history.
The Bible is God's method of revealing knowledge that man cannot discover for himself; the foundation of knowledge and the guidebook of life. God's written Word is revealed in two parts, the Old and New Testaments.
Jesus Christ
Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God and the Son of man. He is the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament and described in the New Testament as fully human and fully divine.
He died for the sins of mankind, was resurrected and ascended to heaven, and will return to earth to establish the Kingdom of God.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the spiritual extension of God, containing the essence, power, and mind of God. God uses His Holy Spirit to beget Christians as His sons and daughters.
The Holy Spirit spiritually strengthens Christians and serves as an earnest or guarantee of future eternal life.
Mankind
Humans have no inherent immortality as flesh and blood physical beings; however, they can receive eternal life as a free gift from our loving and merciful Creator God.
Mankind was created by God in His own image, with a spiritual component that gives rise to the human mind.
Angelic Realm
Angels were created by God as powerful spirit beings and serve as His agents, messengers, and ministering spirits.
Like mankind, angels possess free moral agency. Some, led by Satan the devil, rebelled against God and became demons.
Salvation, Faith & Repentance
Beliefs concerning God's gift of salvation and the Christian response of faith, repentance, and baptism.
Salvation
The penalty for sin is death, but salvation is the means by which God saves mankind from that penalty so that eternal life may be given.
Working through Jesus Christ, the process includes calling, repentance, baptism, justification, receiving the Holy Spirit, living a life of faith and obedience, and ultimately entering God's Kingdom.
Faith
Faith is the absolute knowledge that God exists and that He can and will fulfill His promises. Faith is necessary for salvation.
Repentance
Repentance is acknowledging one's sins and resolving to obey God, demonstrated by meaningful change in one's life.
True repentance is the first step toward reconciliation with God and ultimate salvation.
Baptism
Baptism symbolizes the renunciation of the past sinful way of life, the burial of the old person in a watery grave, and emergence into a new, Spirit-led life following Jesus Christ.
It follows repentance and acceptance of Christ's sacrifice and is performed by full immersion.
Laying on of Hands
The laying on of hands is performed for receiving God's Holy Spirit after baptism, at ordinations, anointing of the sick, and for other special purposes.
The Kingdom, Gospel & Resurrection
Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God is the government of God, ruled by the family of God. It will be established on earth by Jesus Christ upon His return.
Jesus Christ will rule as King of Kings, with resurrected saints ruling with Him.
Gospel
The gospel is the message preached by Jesus Christ and His church concerning Christ, the coming Kingdom of God, the restoration of God's government on earth, and how mankind may enter that Kingdom.
Resurrections
The hope of mankind and the promise to Christians is resurrection from the dead. Scripture describes the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the saints at His return, and additional resurrections within God's plan.
Judgment
A person's period of judgment corresponds to his or her opportunity for salvation. Those who deliberately reject God's way ultimately face the second death.
God's Law, Sabbath & Holy Days
Law of God
The law of God is a perfect expression of God's love toward mankind and reflects His character. It teaches how to worship God, love others, live abundantly, and prepare for eternal life.
Biblical Covenants
Scripture records covenants made by God with individuals and groups throughout history. The New Covenant expands God's law to include one's mental attitude and spiritual intent.
Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments are the foundation of biblical teaching and show mankind how to express love toward God and fellow human beings.
Sabbath
The seventh-day Sabbath was instituted at creation and is to be taught and kept holy in accordance with biblical instruction.
It was reaffirmed at Sinai and taught by Jesus Christ. Sabbath observance is fundamental to the Christian's relationship with God.
Annual Holy Days
The seven annual Holy Days or appointed feasts depict God's plan of salvation for mankind. They were ordained by God, kept by ancient Israel, continued by early New Testament Christians, and are observed today.
Tithing
Tithing is considered a private matter between the individual and God and an act of worship. The Church teaches the biblical responsibility to tithe without policing or enforcing it.
The Christian, Family & Church
Sin
Sin is the transgression of God's law and failure to meet the standards reflected in the character of Jesus Christ.
God forgives sin upon repentance, accepting the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for the penalty of repented sin.
The Christian
A true Christian is one who has repented of past sins, has been baptized, and in whom the Holy Spirit now dwells.
The Christian Family
The family is the core of a stable society, and marriage is the basis of the family. Men and women have equal spiritual potential before God.
Marriage, child rearing, and family relationships therefore hold an important place in biblical teaching and the life of the Church.
Healing
Divine healing is a miracle and gift of God, which He may bestow in His mercy and love upon those who call upon Him in time of need.
The healings performed by Jesus Christ demonstrate His compassion, power, and the ultimate hope of resurrection and God's Kingdom.
The Church of God
The Church is the spiritual body of Christ. Physically, it consists of people called by God and given His Holy Spirit.
As a spiritual body, the Church is composed of baptized, Spirit-led Christians throughout the world.
Learn More About Our Beliefs
If you have questions about the Statement of Beliefs or would like more information about attending the Rocklin congregation, please contact our minister.
Rocklin, CA 95677