Statement of Faith

Of Life Research International

We believe that holy men were inspired by God to write the Bible which is necessary, authoritative, sufficient, and esentially clear to teach us how to be saved and how to live lives pleasing to God. As our only rule of faith and practice it is its own interpreter, leaving us with the responsibility of prayerfully understanding and obeying it (Jer. 10:23; 2 Pet. 1:19-21; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Daniel 9:13)

There is but one God, creator of heaven and earth; who is eternal, all knowing, all seeing, all powerful, all loving, and entirely holy; who has always existed in three equal persons that share one purpose, attitude, and character. Holy Scripture refers to them as the almighty Father, the saving Son, and the sanctifying Holy Spirit (Is 40:25-31; 57:15; Matt:3:13-17).

Mankind (male and female) was created pure and holy, as living souls composed of body and spirit. Through the single, free-will act of Adam, their representative, they fell from God’s favor bringing guilt, corruption, and weakness to the entire race; and unless redeemed are all destined to eternal death. (John 3:36; Gen. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 15:30)

God, the eternal Son, took humanity on himself through the virgin birth and as Jesus, the Christ, fulfilled every requirement of God for reconciling the race to himself. This he did by being crucified, dead, and buried. And through resurrection the third day God fulfilled in him all his promises to mankind. Jesus now interecedes in heaven for those who receive him by faith and will soon appear in power and great glory to receive his own unto himself. (Matt.1:18-23; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; Heb. 7:25; 9:27,28)

Salvation for lost humanity comes through divine acceptance which we receive by faith alone and is manifest in a life of obedience to all the commandments of God. Perfect conformity to God’s law is the basis for our salvation. This conformity was accomplished by Jesus Christ on earth in the First Century and this good news is offered to all in the gospel. Those who accept the gospel become God’s children and unite their efforts with God’s Spirit in being progressively transformed into Christ’s image until glorification at the last day (Eph.2:8-10; Matt. 5:48; Rom 2:13; 8:9-27).

God has a church on earth which is Christ’s spiritual body. It is composed of true believers and hypocrites. It is the supreme object of his regard and is to become his bride in the final pre- advent judment. It is organized to proclaim the law and the gospel, baptize believers, ordain elders and deacons, and serve its members in holy communion and in caring ministry.(Eph. 5:21- 27; 2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 19:6-16)

We are living in the last days and the final crisis will be over the question of worship. Just prior to Christ’s second coming in glory God’s people give a three-fold message 1) calling everyone to worship God the Creator who in six literal days made this earth, 2) warning against a religion that includes human transformation as part of the basis or means by which God accepts us, and 3) pointing to Christ interceding in heaven, rather than the church on earth or any part of it, as the object of true worship and our only hope in final judgment. At this time God’s people are characterized by respect for the Ten Commandments and complete trust in Jesus alone. (Mal. 4; Rev. 13, 14; 22:6-21)