"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine."
2 Timothy 4:2
2 Timothy 4:2
Our Theological Position
Biblical Separation
It is the position of Iglesia de la Gracia that all its members practice biblical separation. The purpose of this biblical doctrine is to protect the holiness of God, to guard the purity of His Word, and to help each individual walk in holiness and grow spiritually.
Biblical separation is practiced in two forms:
- Ecclesiastical Separation is separation from other churches or oganizations with unbiblical doctrines or practices. We will not join together in ministry or purpose with such churches or organizations (1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).
- Personal Separation is the practice of separation from the world, from sin, and from the disobedient brother (Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 12:1-2).
Pragmatism
It is the position of Iglesia de la Gracia to not practice pragmatism in ministering and evangelizing. Pragmatism is the philosophical position that suggests that the ends justify the means. In other words, according to pragmatism, attracting people is of utmost importance and the church can employ the most effective means to arrive at this end. The problem with this philosophy is that it goes completely against what God teaches in his Word about Himself, His holiness, and what pleases Him. In the church today the manner in which we arrive at the final goal (the evangelization and true salvation of lost souls) should always be guided by the Word of God, not by what pleases man or appeals to the masses (worldly music, entertainment, etc.). The methods we employ to reach the lost are of utmost importance to our holy God (1 Chronicles 13:7-10).
The Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement
It is the position of Iglesia de la Gracia to reject the charismatic/pentecostal movement in all its forms: wordly music; disorderly worship; supposed signs, wonders, and healings; modern day prophets proclaiming new prophecies, revelations, and words of wisdom; those that call themselves modern day apostles; the use of unknown tongues, etc. We will practice ecclesiastical separation from such movements.
Marriage and Divorce
It is the position of Iglesia de la Gracia that the only biblical marriage ordained by God is the union between one man and one woman, and that such a union is to last a lifetime. We will not recognize as valid before God civil unions between two men or two women. This is the same perverse homosexuality condemned by God in the Scriptures.
As for divorce, there are only two biblical defenses: adultery and abandonment by the unblieving spouse. Nevertheless, in both cases God's ideal is that the couple be reconciled with one another (Genesis 2:21-24; Romans 1:24-32; 1 Corinthians 7:10-15; Matthew 5:31-32).
Music
It is the position of Iglesia de la Gracia to maintain a high standard regarding the music we utilize in the services of our church. We will not adopt or permit the use of wordly music during the worship of our holy Lord. The music we will employ will be balanced among the melody, harmony, and rhythm; and the words of the Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that we sing will promote theologically sound doctrine. Furthermore, the personal lives of those that minister in the church in the area of music will reflect Christlikeness both inside and outside the church. We will not promote artists or popular Christian groups, nor will we employ music styles that imitate the world and draw attention to man rather than God (Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:16).
Alcoholical Beverages
The official position of Iglesia de la Gracia is that the true believer should abstain from the consumption of all forms of alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, liquor, etc.). The Word of God gives us much advice about how we should walk and not walk, and what we should do and not do (Romans 12:1-2; 13:13; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:1-3; 5:18; Colossians 1:10). Furthermore, the Scripture warns us about wine, beer, and drunkenness (Proverb 20:1; 23:21, 31; 31:4). Therefore, recognizing that inebriation and drunkenness are sins into which any person partaking in the use of alcoholic beverages can fall (Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:18); and affirming that not all that is lawful is convenient or edifies and that the true believer should be without offense, seeking the good of others and the glory of God rather than his own personal preference or pleasure (1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-32; Philippians 2:3-4); and recognizing that the true believer should give no offense or occasion for stumbling to anyone else (2 Corinthians 6:3; Romans 14), the members of Iglesia de la Gracia have agreed to abstain from the consumption of alchoholic beverages for personal testimony sake, for the good of the other brethren, and for the glory of God.
