Q&A - OUR ONLY GOD AND SAVIOUR

Questions And Answers Series

A. JESUS CHRIST, OUR ONLY GOD AND SAVIOUR

Q1. Who is Jesus Christ whom Christians believe in?

When the Lord Jesus Christ came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” And they said, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." (These were prophets and saints who had died). In fact, men do not know the true status of the Lord Jesus Christ. One of the disciples, Simon Peter said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The Lord Jesus Christ said that it was not flesh and blood that had revealed to Peter but the Heavenly Father. The Lord Jesus Christ had personally confirmed that He is the everlasting God who came into the world as a human being. (Matthew 16:13-16).

During the time of prophet Isaiah (about 700-800 B.C.), there was already this prophecy, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14). Even the angel in Joseph’s dream mentioned “Emmanuel”. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1: 23). “God with us” really means the Lord Jesus Christ lives among men.

The author of Hebrews said, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” (Hebrews. 2:14). This clearly proves that through His crucifixion, the Lord Jesus Christ had replaced our unrighteousness with His righteousness and that through His death, He had destroyed the devil who has power over death. Those who believe His words and rely on His name will receive the grace of salvation and therefore no longer become slaves of sins. Therefore, this proves that the Lord Jesus Christ is God who had come in flesh and blood and had destroyed the devil who had power over death.

In his epistle to Timothy, Paul also testified, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1Timothy 3:16)

In conclusion, the above Biblical verses prove that the Lord Jesus Christ whom Christians believe in is the only True God, the Creator of the Heavens and earth. He was manifested in the flesh.

John 1:1-3 ¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.²The same was in the beginning with God.³All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:14_up And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.

Q2. Why do we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?

We believe in Him because He is the only True God, the Creator of the heavens and earth. He came into the world in human form to bring salvation to those who believe in Him and that they might be saved.

John 3:17_lp … but that the world through him might be saved.

How is this explained?

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1Timothy 2:5). Indeed the Lord Jesus Christ is the link, the mediator, between God and men because “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

The Lord Jesus Christ has said, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Only by the Lord Jesus who is the Mediator between God and man can men come to the Father.

There was once when many of the Lord Jesus’ disciples left Him and did not walk with Him anymore. Then He said to His twelve disciples “Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:66-68).

Therefore, accepting and submitting to the Lord Jesus Christ have to be man’s rightful choice because in the Lord Jesus Christ there is life, which is the words of eternal life.

This is the lifelong conviction of Christians.

B. SALVATION

Q1. Why do we need Salvation?

Salvation is the grace of redemption. Grace is that which is freely received. The Bible states that salvation is freely given by the Lord Jesus Christ, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world in the “flesh” to bear the sins of all mankind so that those who believe and accept His name might be justified freely.

Some may ask, “I have been upright in this life. Why is it that I am considered to have sin and require salvation?” David said, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalms 51:5). David has proven that the little life in the mother’s womb has sin, termed the original sin.

The Lord Jesus Christ’s disciples asked Him about a man who was born blind. “And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” (John 9:1-3). These verses reveal to us the existence of original sin and the sins of parents (forefathers) which are passed on to their descendants. Man’s original sin came from Adam. Adam had rebelled against God’s commandments by listening to his wife. Consequently, even the earth was cursed by God in His severe fury.

Apostle Paul confirmed that, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1Corinthians 15:22).

Indeed, all descendants of Adam carry this sin of death, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Therefore, the Lord Jesus Christ rebuked the Jews, saying “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:24).

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18). “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23). Man is drowned in sin. The preaching of the gospel of salvation is a vital responsibility of the true church. Hence, everyone needs salvation in order to escape the sin of death which has been passed on by our forefather, Adam.

Q2. How can mankind be saved from sins and obtain Salvation?

The Bible says, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22). Only blood can wash away sins. People in the olden days had to sprinkle blood of animals on sacrificial altars making atonement for their souls because there is life in the blood.

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Therefore, the Lord Jesus Christ discussed with Nicodemus the importance of regeneration (rebirth). The Lord Jesus Christ answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5). Elder Peter also advises saying, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” (1Peter 1:18-19).

Hence, in order for a man to receive redemption from his sins, he has to receive baptism, in full immersion, with head bowed and with the Holy Spirit as the witness. The Holy Spirit testifies the effectiveness of such a baptism.

Today, the baptism conducted in True Jesus Church is the correct mode of baptism in full immersion, with head bowed and with the Holy Spirit as the witness.

Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C. THE TRUE CHURCH AND THE TRUE GOSPEL

Q1. Is the True Jesus Church the only church which preaches the Truth that will lead mankind to Salvation?

The True Jesus Church was established by the Holy Spirit and is a revival of the Apostolic Church. It is through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that the Church is named. In 1917, at Beijing (formerly Beiping), North of China in the East, the Latter Rain Holy Spirit established the True Jesus Church and from there she prospered. The True Church was commissioned to continue the unfinished work of the Apostolic Church, that is to witness for the Truth.

The Church established by the Former Rain Holy Spirit is called the Apostolic Church.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The Church established by the Latter Rain Holy Spirit is called the True Jesus Church.

Revelation 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea.

The Lord Jesus Christ had answered Pilate, saying, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37_lp). Indeed, the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world; the main aim of His coming ‘in the flesh’ was to preach the Heavenly Kingdom. The work of preaching the Heavenly Word is progressive and therefore the Lord Jesus Christ said, “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by Me.” (John 6:57). The True Jesus Church submits to the Lord’s instruction to partake the Lord’s flesh and blood in the Spirit, to be in one body with Him and to live for Him.

The True Jesus Church, being borne of the Holy Spirit and the True Word, portrays God’s thoughts and image. She is submissive in accepting the commission to witness for the Truth. She relies entirely on the Bible as the standard of the Truth in her preaching.

Apart from the True Jesus Church, is there any other church worthy to preach the Word of God’s Kingdom?

The True Jesus Church is the only messenger sent to preach the True Gospel of Salvation because she has the Holy Spirit as her witness and therefore, is the only true church with God dwelling in her.

Q2. How do I know that the True Jesus Church is preaching the Truth?

The Bible or Scriptures form the basis or standard of the Truth. To assess whether what is being preached to us is the Truth, we have to examine whether it conforms to what is written in the Bible. Teachings that conform to the Bible are true teachings. Heresies abound as there are many false christs and false preachers in the world.

2Timothy 3:15-17 ¹⁵And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

John 5:39-40 ³⁹Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.⁴⁰And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Galatians 1:6-12 ⁶I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: ⁷Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. ⁸But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. ⁹As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. ¹⁰For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. ¹¹But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. ¹²For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1John 4:1-6 ¹Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. ²Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: ³And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. ⁴Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. ⁵They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. ⁶We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

2Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preachethanother Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

D. BAPTISM

Q1. I was baptized in another church before. Do I need to be baptized again in the True Jesus Church?

There is only one effective baptism which is performed only once. Baptism is only effective when the Holy Spirit is the witness. Therefore, one must be baptized again in the correct mode of baptism (in full immersion with head bowed in a natural source of water and with the Holy Spirit as witness) in the True Jesus Church for the remission of one’s sins.

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism

Acts 19:1-6 ¹And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,²He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.³And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.⁴Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. ⁵When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Q2. What constitutes the correct mode of Water Baptism?

Biblical teachings concerning Water Baptism are as follows:-

Water Baptism must be performed by one ordained by the Church, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in full immersion with head bowed in a natural source of water, with the Holy Spirit as witness.

• In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit is “Jesus”. Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ carried out baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

• Place of Baptism

John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

Matthew 3:13-17 ¹³Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. ¹⁴But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? ¹⁵And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. ¹⁶And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: ¹⁷And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Acts 8:36-39 ³⁶And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?³⁷And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. ³⁸And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.³⁹And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Zechariah 13:1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

• Significance of having the head bowed

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Romans 6:3-6 ³Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? ⁴Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ⁵For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: ⁶Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

“In the likeness of His death” does not refer to that of the burial of the Lord Jesus Christ in the tomb; it refers to the Lord bowing His head when He gave up the spirit.

• Holy Spirit

The witnesses in Baptism are the Holy Spirit, Water and Blood for the effective remission of sins.

Baptism without the witness of the Holy Spirit will not be able to remit sins.

1John 5:4-8 ⁴For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. ⁵Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? ⁶This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. ⁷For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. ⁸And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

1Peter 1:18-19 ¹⁸Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; ¹⁹But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

Q3. If a person has received the Holy Spirit before Water Baptism, is he required to undergo Water Baptism?

Even though a person has received the Holy Spirit before Water Baptism, he must still undergo the Baptism of Water. There can be no exemption because the Lord Jesus Christ said that to enter the kingdom of God one must be born again of water and of the Spirit.

Acts 10:44-48 ⁴⁴While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. ⁴⁵And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. ⁴⁶For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, ⁴⁷Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?⁴⁸And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

John 3:3-5 ³Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ⁴Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? ⁵Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Being born of water and of the Spirit means having to undergo baptism of water and baptism of the Holy Spirit.

E. THE CHURCH

Q1. Why is our Church called “True Jesus Church”?

The word, “True” distinguishes the True Jesus Church as the true Church of God as opposed to other churches in the world. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself testified that He is the true vine thus revealing the existence of false vines or false churches. The Lord Jesus Christ foretold that in the last days there shall arise false christs and false prophets and He had warned us to be wary of their existence. The True Jesus Church does not belong to either the Catholic or Protestant Churches, but is a revival of the Apostolic Church. She is God’s true church in the Last Days.

John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Hebrews 8:2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

1John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Matthew 24:24 Forthere shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

The Church must bear the name of the Lord Jesus Christ because the Church is the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are churches which bear the names of saints or their founders but not the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. God said, “In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee”. In the name of our God we should set up our banners.

Psalms 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Ephesians 1:22-23 ²²And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, ²³Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Exodus 20:24_lp …… in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Q2. What are the requirements of God’s True Church?

God’s True Church must bear His name – “Jesus”. The Church must have the power of the Holy Spirit with her, manifest miracles and wonders, preach the Truth, the gospel of Salvation, and keep the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

1Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:20-22 ²⁰And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;²¹In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:²²In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.