We believe ...

• That God still desires such a visible unity among Christians today; that this was the expressed longing of the Lord Jesus on the eve of Calvary. Indeed, it was a primary reason for His death. The psalms declare how pleasant it is when God's people 'dwell together'. John 17:11,21,22,23; eg. Ps 133:1-3

• That this 'dwelling together' should be in the place of God's choosing; where He Himself dwells on earth. Note the principle of Deut 12:5; Ps 132:13-14; Eph 2:19-22

• That, accordingly, in succession to the tabernacle and temple of the Old Covenant, God's design now is for a spiritual house - 'a dwelling of God in the Spirit' - composed of believers obedient to God's prescription for collective worship and service. Eph 2:22

• That there's a plurality to be seen in this unity, as witness 'the churches of God' in various New Testament geographical localities; and that there's a unity in this plurality, as witness overall descriptions like 'the little flock', 'a holy nation', 'the kingdom of God', a 'holy' and 'royal' 'priesthood'. Luke 12:32; 1 Pet 2:4-9

• That the Holy Spirit appoints elders or overseers in every place where a church of God is planted, and that their close fellowship with similar elders everywhere in churches of God upholds the human responsibility for preserving the unity God desires. Titus 1:5; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts 15

• That it is relative to all this that the Bible teaches the privilege and united responsibility of disciples in 'the fellowship' to come together 'in church' to 'break bread' weekly in remembrance of the Lord Jesus; - accessing heaven in a spiritual sense in their worship as they do. Acts 2:42; Mat 26:26; 1 Cor 11:17,18,26; Heb 10:19

• That such an awesome privilege necessitates by its very nature, a separation from all that's contrary to the revealed will of God. The Bible itself demonstrates that it's possible sadly for an erring disciple to forfeit his/her place within this unity where God dwells and is collectively worshipped - but that even this serious loss does not bring into jeopardy his/her eternal security; as someone forever incorporated within the indestructible unity of the Church the Body of Christ itself. 2 Tim 2:19; 2 Cor 6:14; Jn 10:28; Mat 16:18; 1 Cor 5:1-13

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