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Statement of Faith and Practice of the Simcoe Gospel Chapel
Statement of Faith and Practice of the Simcoe Gospel Chapel
Simcoe Gospel Chapel is an independent church originating from the Plymouth Brethren Movement. It operates autonomously, free from the oversight of any other religious institutions. The main goals of the church are to evangelize non-believers and to support the spiritual growth of its members. Simcoe Gospel Chapel is not-for-profit–oriented; any financial surplus is directed towards its missions and goals. Furthermore, the church is not affiliated with any particular sect or denomination, striving instead to demonstrate the unity of the Christian faith by working together with various Christian churches, groups, and organizations.
Simcoe Gospel Chapel is an independent church originating from the Plymouth Brethren Movement. It operates autonomously, free from the oversight of any other religious institutions. The main goals of the church are to evangelize non-believers and to support the spiritual growth of its members. Simcoe Gospel Chapel is not-for-profit–oriented; any financial surplus is directed towards its missions and goals. Furthermore, the church is not affiliated with any particular sect or denomination, striving instead to demonstrate the unity of the Christian faith by working together with various Christian churches, groups, and organizations.
At the Simcoe Gospel Chapel we welcome all Christian believers to share in the services and in the observance of the Lord's Supper (Communion) on the basis of their personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Believers who desire to be a part of this local fellowship and under its leadership and guidance will normally meet with one or more of the elders before a public recognition of such desire and reception into the church. The Chapel does not have formal membership, but recognized fellowship.
Being a part of the fellowship of Christians here requires adherence to the principle doctrines of the Christian Faith as taught in the Scriptures. Those who engage in any teaching or counseling ministry on behalf of the church will be expected to teach, positively and wholeheartedly, the beliefs to which the Chapel is committed as expressed below. These beliefs are based on Scripture as indicated by the biblical references accompanying each section. This list is not completely exhaustive but it can be very difficult to understand. This list is the theological position of the Simcoe Gospel Chapel*. If you have any questions feel free to reach out. An easier understanding of our beliefs and purpose as a church can be found in About Us
At the Simcoe Gospel Chapel we welcome all Christian believers to share in the services and in the observance of the Lord's Supper (Communion) on the basis of their personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Believers who desire to be a part of this local fellowship and under its leadership and guidance will normally meet with one or more of the elders before a public recognition of such desire and reception into the church. The Chapel does not have formal membership, but recognized fellowship.
Being a part of the fellowship of Christians here requires adherence to the principle doctrines of the Christian Faith as taught in the Scriptures. Those who engage in any teaching or counseling ministry on behalf of the church will be expected to teach, positively and wholeheartedly, the beliefs to which the Chapel is committed as expressed below. These beliefs are based on Scripture as indicated by the biblical references accompanying each section. This list is not completely exhaustive but it can be very difficult to understand. This list is the theological position of the Simcoe Gospel Chapel*. If you have any questions feel free to reach out. An easier understanding of our beliefs and purpose as a church can be found in About Us
(*We are dispensational and Biblicist as according to the Scriptures. The Chapel is not reformed or Calvinistic, nor do we hold to Covenant Theology or TULIP. The Chapel is not Arminian in theology, that is, we do not believe man can lose his salvation, or in prevenient grace.) (We believe in Two Ordinances: Baptism and Communion (9-10))
We Believe . . .
We Believe . . .
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In one God, Almighty, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, holy, and eternally existing in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is gracious, merciful, compassionate, and abounding in steadfast love. He is also the righteous judge of all men. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 90:2; Revelation 4:8; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Nehemiah 9:17; 1 Peter 1:15-16)
In one God, Almighty, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, holy, and eternally existing in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is gracious, merciful, compassionate, and abounding in steadfast love. He is also the righteous judge of all men. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 90:2; Revelation 4:8; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Nehemiah 9:17; 1 Peter 1:15-16)
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In the Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the vigin Mary in his incarnation. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice for our sins, was buried, and rose bodily from the dead. He ascended into heaven, was exalted by the Father, and now intercedes as our High Priest and Advocate. (John 1:1-3, 14; Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-25; 9:24; 1 Peter 3:18; 2:22; 1 John 3:5; 5:7)
In the Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the vigin Mary in his incarnation. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice for our sins, was buried, and rose bodily from the dead. He ascended into heaven, was exalted by the Father, and now intercedes as our High Priest and Advocate. (John 1:1-3, 14; Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-25; 9:24; 1 Peter 3:18; 2:22; 1 John 3:5; 5:7)
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In the Holy Spirit, co-equal with the Father and the Son, who glorified the Lord Jesus, convicts people of sin, regenerates the believing sinner, and indwells all Christians. He guides, instructs, empowers, and gives gifts to believers for godly living and for service in building up the body of Christ. (John 14:16-17, 26; 16:7-15; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 12:11, 13)
In the Holy Spirit, co-equal with the Father and the Son, who glorified the Lord Jesus, convicts people of sin, regenerates the believing sinner, and indwells all Christians. He guides, instructs, empowers, and gives gifts to believers for godly living and for service in building up the body of Christ. (John 14:16-17, 26; 16:7-15; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 12:11, 13)
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In the Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testament, as the inspired Word of God, which are entirely trustworthy, and without error. His Word has been preserved for all generations. It is the complete revelation of God's will for the salvation of mankind, and the divine, final, and sole authority for all of Christian faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:21; John 10:35).
In the Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testament, as the inspired Word of God, which are entirely trustworthy, and without error. His Word has been preserved for all generations. It is the complete revelation of God's will for the salvation of mankind, and the divine, final, and sole authority for all of Christian faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:21; John 10:35).
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That man, who is created in the image and likeness of God, has sinned, and is guilty before a holy God, but can receive salvation by receiving the free gift of eternal life, believing in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, confessing their sinful nature and recognizing their need of a Saviour. Salvation is by God alone, man cannot attain salvation on his own, but only by acceptance of the free gift of God. (Genesis 1:27; John 3:3-5, 14:6; Romans 3:10, 23; 5:8-9, 12, 19; 6:23; 10:9-13; Titus 2:4-7)
That man, who is created in the image and likeness of God, has sinned, and is guilty before a holy God, but can receive salvation by receiving the free gift of eternal life, believing in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, confessing their sinful nature and recognizing their need of a Saviour. Salvation is by God alone, man cannot attain salvation on his own, but only by acceptance of the free gift of God. (Genesis 1:27; John 3:3-5, 14:6; Romans 3:10, 23; 5:8-9, 12, 19; 6:23; 10:9-13; Titus 2:4-7)
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That the death of Christ was vicarious and atoning. The death and resurrection of Christ provides the only ground for a sinners justification and acceptance by God. All who receive the Lord Jesus by faith are redeemed by his blood and are born of the Holy Spirit, becoming children of God. Those who are "born again": are sealed by the Spirit, have eternal life, are kept by the power of God, cannot lose that salvation, and shall never perish. (John 3:16-18. 36; 5:24; 10:27-29; Romans 3:21-26; 4:25; 5:6, 8-10; 8:1; Ephesians 1:7-8, 13-14; 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
That the death of Christ was vicarious and atoning. The death and resurrection of Christ provides the only ground for a sinners justification and acceptance by God. All who receive the Lord Jesus by faith are redeemed by his blood and are born of the Holy Spirit, becoming children of God. Those who are "born again": are sealed by the Spirit, have eternal life, are kept by the power of God, cannot lose that salvation, and shall never perish. (John 3:16-18. 36; 5:24; 10:27-29; Romans 3:21-26; 4:25; 5:6, 8-10; 8:1; Ephesians 1:7-8, 13-14; 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
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In the personal return of the Lord Jesus to rapture all believers in the clouds to be with himself forever. His coming is to be expected at any time and will be followed by the wrath of God upon unredeemed society including the Great Tribulation for Israel, the restoration of Israel, the physical second return of Jesus Christ, and the millennial reign of Christ. (John 14:2-3; Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Corinthians 15:23-25, 51-52; Matthew 24:4-44; Isaiah 2:-4; 11:1-10; Romans 11:25; Revelation 4-22; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-6) (II Samuel 7:11-16; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 37:26; 36:28-30)
In the personal return of the Lord Jesus to rapture all believers in the clouds to be with himself forever. His coming is to be expected at any time and will be followed by the wrath of God upon unredeemed society including the Great Tribulation for Israel, the restoration of Israel, the physical second return of Jesus Christ, and the millennial reign of Christ. (John 14:2-3; Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Corinthians 15:23-25, 51-52; Matthew 24:4-44; Isaiah 2:-4; 11:1-10; Romans 11:25; Revelation 4-22; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-6) (II Samuel 7:11-16; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 37:26; 36:28-30)
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In the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord in heaven, and of the unbeliever to everlasting conscious judgment in the Lake of Fire, and eternal exclusion from the presence of God. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 1 Corinthians 15:12-58; Luke 16:19-31; 23:39-43; John 5:24-29; 14:1-3; Revelation 20:11-15)
In the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord in heaven, and of the unbeliever to everlasting conscious judgment in the Lake of Fire, and eternal exclusion from the presence of God. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 1 Corinthians 15:12-58; Luke 16:19-31; 23:39-43; John 5:24-29; 14:1-3; Revelation 20:11-15)
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In Christian baptism as an expression of a believer's identification with Christ and commitment to follow Him. Baptism is not a means of, or an aid to salvation, nor a prerequisite to fellowship at the "Lord's table". It is, however, expected of all believers in obedience to our Lord. Our practice and belief is to baptize by immersion, symbolizing the believers death and burial with Christ, and his being raised with Him to live a new life. We believe that infant baptism, sprinkling, and any other form is unscriptural. (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:12, 35-39; 16:31-33)
In Christian baptism as an expression of a believer's identification with Christ and commitment to follow Him. Baptism is not a means of, or an aid to salvation, nor a prerequisite to fellowship at the "Lord's table". It is, however, expected of all believers in obedience to our Lord. Our practice and belief is to baptize by immersion, symbolizing the believers death and burial with Christ, and his being raised with Him to live a new life. We believe that infant baptism, sprinkling, and any other form is unscriptural. (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:12, 35-39; 16:31-33)
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That the celebration of the Lord's Supper (Communion) is the privilege and responsibility of all believers. No person who gives a credible confession of faith is to be refused participation in communion of our Lord, unless that person is willfully engaging in sin, persists in dissemination of false doctrine, creating schism, or is being disciplined by another church for such practices. (This is taking of communion unworthily) The observance of the Lord's Supper is done in a local church body, it does not require a designated leader or administrator of the elements. Believers may do so under the leadership of the Holy Spirit to remember and worship their Lord. The Bible does not give clear definition of how oft to have communion. the Chapel observes Communion weekly solely because we meet weekly. (Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:15-20; Acts 2:42, 46; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-24; 1 Peter 2:9)
That the celebration of the Lord's Supper (Communion) is the privilege and responsibility of all believers. No person who gives a credible confession of faith is to be refused participation in communion of our Lord, unless that person is willfully engaging in sin, persists in dissemination of false doctrine, creating schism, or is being disciplined by another church for such practices. (This is taking of communion unworthily) The observance of the Lord's Supper is done in a local church body, it does not require a designated leader or administrator of the elements. Believers may do so under the leadership of the Holy Spirit to remember and worship their Lord. The Bible does not give clear definition of how oft to have communion. the Chapel observes Communion weekly solely because we meet weekly. (Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:15-20; Acts 2:42, 46; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-24; 1 Peter 2:9)
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That the true Church is a living, spiritual Body of which Christ is the head. It is composed of all those who are genuine Christians who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour. They are united together in that one Body of Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. This Body of Christ is represented in local church bodies. (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
That the true Church is a living, spiritual Body of which Christ is the head. It is composed of all those who are genuine Christians who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour. They are united together in that one Body of Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. This Body of Christ is represented in local church bodies. (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
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That the Lord has called believers to fellowship together in local, autonomous congregations. These congregants, though autonomous in government, exist in vital union with all other believers. As Christians, we are to join in worshiping the living God, praying, building up one another in the faith, and giving of our time and money as good stewards for the Work of God. We are also to observe Communion, baptize converts, teach the Word of God, disciple believers, and proclaim the gospel to all the world. (Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:13)
That the Lord has called believers to fellowship together in local, autonomous congregations. These congregants, though autonomous in government, exist in vital union with all other believers. As Christians, we are to join in worshiping the living God, praying, building up one another in the faith, and giving of our time and money as good stewards for the Work of God. We are also to observe Communion, baptize converts, teach the Word of God, disciple believers, and proclaim the gospel to all the world. (Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:13)
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That the assembly of Christians is to be guided and led by recognized elders. These are leaders who are responsible before God as shepherds of His flock. The elders, alongside the pastor (14) are to share various responsibilities with other spiritual and capable men and women. The church should elect deacons who help in serving the church through the physical leadership within the church. At the Simcoe Gospel Chapel, the deacons serve as the Board of Directors. (as per ONCA) (Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Philippians 1:1; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2-3; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11) (deacons: Acts 6:1-7, 1 Timothy 3:8-13)
That the assembly of Christians is to be guided and led by recognized elders. These are leaders who are responsible before God as shepherds of His flock. The elders, alongside the pastor (14) are to share various responsibilities with other spiritual and capable men and women. The church should elect deacons who help in serving the church through the physical leadership within the church. At the Simcoe Gospel Chapel, the deacons serve as the Board of Directors. (as per ONCA) (Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Philippians 1:1; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2-3; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11) (deacons: Acts 6:1-7, 1 Timothy 3:8-13)
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That God has given pastors, evangelists, and teachers to the church for the edifying of the Body of Christ. The church should have a pastor who holds the ministry of the church and ministers to the church. His ministry is to preach the Word of God and serve God's people. The church should have a designated pastor who ministers to the congregation through preaching. He works alongside the elders (13) in the spiritual leadership of the church. Women can share with men in the various spiritual ministries of the church, an exception being the teaching or preaching of the Scriptures in front of the whole congregation. This is an exercise of authority that God has given men. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-11; Isaiah 58:1; Isaiah 61:1; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 2:11-14; 2 Timothy 4:1-2; Titus 1:3; 1 Corinthians 11:3-10; 14:34-35)
That God has given pastors, evangelists, and teachers to the church for the edifying of the Body of Christ. The church should have a pastor who holds the ministry of the church and ministers to the church. His ministry is to preach the Word of God and serve God's people. The church should have a designated pastor who ministers to the congregation through preaching. He works alongside the elders (13) in the spiritual leadership of the church. Women can share with men in the various spiritual ministries of the church, an exception being the teaching or preaching of the Scriptures in front of the whole congregation. This is an exercise of authority that God has given men. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-11; Isaiah 58:1; Isaiah 61:1; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 2:11-14; 2 Timothy 4:1-2; Titus 1:3; 1 Corinthians 11:3-10; 14:34-35)
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That it is the responsibility of all Christians to love God and their neighbor, to worship God in spirit and in truth, to study the Scriptures, and pray continually in order to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in daily living. We are to be filled with the Spirit, share the Good News of salvation through Christ with others, and encourage one another in the faith, as we look expectantly for the coming of our Lord. (Matthew 28:18-20; John 4:23-24; 15:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 2:10; 5:18-21, 22-26; Titus 2:11-15; Romans 12:1-2)
That it is the responsibility of all Christians to love God and their neighbor, to worship God in spirit and in truth, to study the Scriptures, and pray continually in order to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in daily living. We are to be filled with the Spirit, share the Good News of salvation through Christ with others, and encourage one another in the faith, as we look expectantly for the coming of our Lord. (Matthew 28:18-20; John 4:23-24; 15:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 2:10; 5:18-21, 22-26; Titus 2:11-15; Romans 12:1-2)
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