Basic Teachings
Basic Teaching
Quotations from the New Testament of The Holy Scriptures
Their Charter is 2 Timothy 2:19
“Yet the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, The Lord knows those that are his; and Let everyone who names the name of the Lord withdraw from iniquity.”
And
“If therefore one shall have purified himself from these, in separating himself from them, he shall be a vessel to honour, sanctified, serviceable to the Master, prepared for every good work. But youthful lusts flee, and pursue righteousness. faith, love, peace, with those that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart.” (v. 21,22)
The Charter is central to the Exclusive Brethren fellowship. The information below says more about their beliefs.
Timothy 2:19
These words: “withdraw,” “separate” and “with those” are key to the fellowship. They believe that common social activities involve fellowship. These include:
– eating and drinking: (1 Corinthians 5:11)
– memberships: directorships, associations, clubs, life assurance, shares or stock in public companies, health plans, etc: (2 Corinthians 6:14)
– entertainment: (2 Timothy 2:19 and 2 Corinthians 6:17).
Consequently, as a matter of conscience, their social activities and links described as the fellowship and are reserved exclusively for those with whom they eat the Lords Supper.
This sacred remembrance of the Lord Jesus and His death at the Lord’s Supper is the core of their Christian fellowship, and the inspiration to live a life apart from worldly pleasures and pursuits; a precious heritage passed down the generations.
As true to this position of separation, they are promised and experience the blessings of being in the divine family:
“Be not diversely yoked with unbelievers, for what participation is there between righteousness and lawlessness? or what fellowship of light with darkness?… Wherefore come out from the midst of them, and be separated, saith the Lord, and touch not what is unclean, and I will receive you; and I will be to you for a Father, and ye shall be to me for sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Assembly Discipline
The apostle Paul was commissioned by Christ to establish the administration of local assemblies according to a universal standard of doctrine based on his teaching ” as I teach everywhere in every assembly” ( 1 Cor 4:17). Also, as in the holy city in Revelation 21:21 ” And the twelve gates , twelve pearls ; each one of the gates , respectively , was of one pearl ; ”
In his teaching , Paul outlines the functions of the local company, and includes the provisions for the maintenance of the believer’s soul. The possession of the Holy Spirit is invaluable but it is also envisaged that Christians can render a service to one another to give strength to overcome in the tests of life. Hebrews 5:2 speaks about ” being able to exercise forbearance towards the ignorant and erring.”
However, Paul also provides for stronger action , where necessary, to maintain a pure position in loyalty to Christ. Such scriptures are 2 Thessalonians 3:14, Matthew 18:18, Galatians 6:1, 2 Timothy 2:19, John 20 :23 and 1 Corinthians 5:5 and 5:13. These provisions are only applied when all else has failed to produce a change of mind.
There is no scriptural idea that an assembly is put in a position where it cannot clear itself from evil. Every such case of assembly discipline is open to review and appeal, and, when upheld becomes binding on every assembly universally.
Christ