What do Apostolics believe in the Apostolic Church?

Historical and Biblical Foundations

Apostolics in the Apostolic Church draw their name and primary focus from the teachings and practices attributed to the original apostles of the New Testament—figures like Peter, John, and Paul, who laid foundational doctrine and church practice in passages such as Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Many adherents trace a modern continuity of those doctrines from the early church outlined in the Book of Acts, seeking to restore and maintain these first-century beliefs and practices in contemporary congregations.

From a historical perspective, the modern Apostolic movement is generally seen as growing out of the worldwide Pentecostal revival in the early 20th century. While sharing similarities with other Pentecostal groups—including an emphasis on Spirit baptism, speaking in tongues, and commitment to holiness—Apostolics also hold certain distinct doctrines of salvation and church polity that shape their identity.

Belief in the Authority of Scripture

Apostolics affirm the Bible as the inspired word of God, consistent with 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” They maintain that the entirety of Scripture—from Genesis to Revelation—must harmonize as a cohesive revelation of Yahweh’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

This high view of Scripture undergirds every aspect of faith and practice. Archaeological finds, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls confirming the textual consistency of Old Testament books, and manuscript discoveries demonstrating the reliable transmission of the New Testament (highlighted by collections such as the John Rylands Papyrus [P52] and Codex Sinaiticus), bolster Apostolics’ confidence that the Bible they hold today accurately reflects the apostolic message of the first century.

Doctrine of God

Apostolics are commonly associated with either Oneness or a strongly unified view of the Godhead. While some Apostolic branches hold to a traditional Trinitarian theology, many Apostolics believe in one eternal God who has revealed Himself through Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, often emphasizing that Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9). They uphold that Yahweh is the Creator of all (Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”), that Jesus was both fully God and fully man (John 1:14), and that the Holy Spirit is the promised Comforter (John 14:16–17), empowering believers for service and holy living.

Christ and Salvation

Apostolics teach that Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh, the sole Redeemer of humanity through His death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Concerning the resurrection, they affirm the historicity of Christ’s rising from the grave, often citing the multiple eyewitness accounts (1 Corinthians 15:5–8) and the transformative effect it had on those witnesses as solid grounds for believing in the literal event.

Salvation typically centers on Acts 2:38: “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and reception of the Holy Spirit are viewed as the essential steps of the New Birth experience. The Apostolic Church highlights the importance of holiness in daily life, stating that believers are set apart for divine purposes (1 Peter 1:15–16).

Baptism and the Name of Jesus

One major distinctive of many Apostolic groups is baptism specifically in the name of Jesus Christ, interpreting passages such as Acts 10:48 and Acts 19:5 as instructive of the formula used by the early church. Believers are immersed in water, symbolizing the burial of the old life and the resurrection into new life with Christ (Romans 6:3–4). This emphasis on baptism in Jesus’ name aligns with the pattern found in the Book of Acts, underscoring a desire to mirror the immediate post-resurrection church.

Spirit Baptism and Gifts

Apostolics teach that believers should experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit, following the Scriptural precedent of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4, 10:44–46, 19:6) as an initial sign of receiving the Spirit. This experience is more than a momentary encounter; it is viewed as a transformational indwelling of God’s presence that equips believers for evangelism, moral purity, and service within the church.

Many Apostolic congregations also embrace the ongoing operation of spiritual gifts outlined in 1 Corinthians 12:8–10—gifts such as prophecy, healing, and the interpretation of tongues. Modern testimonies of miraculous healing are frequently recounted, along with references to biblical miracles (e.g., Acts 3:1–10), affirming the belief that the Holy Spirit continues to work supernaturally in present times.

Holiness and Separation from the World

Personal holiness is paramount within Apostolic teaching. Following directives such as 2 Corinthians 6:17 to “come out from among them and be separate,” believers are encouraged to exhibit purity in behavior, attire, and thought life. Holiness standards may vary, but the goal is to reflect a distinct Christ-centered life that avoids anything seen as dishonoring to God. This commitment arises from the conviction that every part of a believer’s life should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and be a testimony of transformation to the world.

Worship and Church Life

Apostolics often place strong emphasis on fervent worship, enthusiastic praise, and heartfelt prayer. Services characteristically include collective singing, testimonies of God’s working, the preaching of Scripture, and communal prayer. These practices echo the first-century gatherings detailed in Acts 2:46–47: “With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”

Church governance among Apostolics typically encourages a structure where local congregations are often led by pastors and elders who maintain accountability within a fellowship of like-minded congregations. This seeks to model the biblical pattern of church organization found in the pastoral epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus).

Eternal Hope

Apostolic teaching affirms belief in Christ’s imminent return, in keeping with 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. They anticipate the resurrection of the dead and the final judgment, trusting in the ultimate hope of eternal life with God. This expectation fosters a daily commitment to holy living and evangelistic outreach, as believers seek to share their hope in Christ’s resurrection and the promise of eternal fellowship with Him.

Mission and Evangelism

Motivated by the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and its portrayal in Acts, Apostolics are mission-minded, striving to spread the gospel across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Evangelistic efforts often involve community outreach, global missions, and the personal witness of everyday believers. Accounts of early church growth in Acts 2:41 and Acts 6:7 inspire modern Apostolic believers toward continuous expansion of the kingdom of God.

Summary

In summary, the Apostolic Church holds Scripture as the ultimate authority, viewing the New Birth message of repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit as central to salvation. Maintaining a distinct commitment to holiness, separation from ungodly influences, and a fervent expectation of Christ’s return, Apostolics seek to emulate the faith and practice of the believers who walked with Christ and carried the gospel to the ends of the earth in the Book of Acts.

Rooted in the consistent biblical manuscript record that testifies of the unchanging gospel, bolstered by credible archaeological and historical evidence for the events of Scripture, and guided by the manifest work of the Holy Spirit, Apostolics faithfully proclaim that the God who created the universe (Genesis 1:1) has revealed Himself through Christ’s resurrection and continues to save and transform today (Romans 10:9–10). Their goal is to follow the apostolic pattern set forth in the New Testament, ever seeking to align their faith with the life-changing call of Jesus Christ.