Catechesis of the GMC

A. Ecumenical Affirmations

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

1. Do you believe in God?

Yes. I believe in God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

(Gen. 1:1-31; 17:1; Josh. 2:11; Ps. 8:3-8; Isa. 42:5; 1 Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6; Heb. 1:5; Rev 4:11)

2. Who is God?

God is the one true, holy and living God, the Eternal Spirit, the Holy Trinity.

(Deut. 6:4; Lev. 19:2; Jer. 10:10; Matt. 28:19; John 17:3; Heb. 9:14)

3. What is the mystery of the Trinity?

God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power.

(Luke 3:21-22; John 15:26; Acts 2:33; Rom. 8:9-11; 2 Cor. 13:13; Gal. 4:4-6; Eph. 2:18; Titus 3:4-6; Heb. 9:14; 1 Pet. 1:2)

4. How is God Almighty?

God is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love.

(Job 12:13; 42:2; Ps. 89:14; 107:1; Isa. 55:9; Jer. 32:17; Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37, 18:7; Rom. 5:8, 11:33-36, 16:27; 1 John 4:7-16)

5. What is God’s relation to heaven and earth?

God is Creator, Sovereign, and Preserver of all things.

(Gen. 1:1-31; Deut. 4:39; 1 Kgs. 8:23; Neh. 9:6; Ps. 8:1; Prov. 16:9; Isa. 44:24; Acts 17:24; Rom. 8:28; Rev. 4:11)

6. How does God rule heaven and earth?

God rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of all, to the glory of his name.

(Exod. 34:6; Ps. 104:31, 116:5; Joel 2:13; Mic. 7:18-20; John 3:16; Eph. 2:4-7; 2 Pet. 3:9)

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through Him all things were made.

7. Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

Yes. I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God.

(Mark 9:7; Matt. 3:17; John 3:16; Acts 2:36; Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 8:6; Phil. 2:11; Jude 1:4)

8. Is the Son God?

Yes. The Son is eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.

(Luke 10:22; John 1:1, 14, 18; 8:12; 10:30; Phil. 2:6; Col. 1:15, 19; 2:9; Heb. 1:1-5.)

9. What is the Son’s role in creation?

Through Him all things were made.

(John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:2.)

For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.

10. Why did the Son of God become human?

For us and for our salvation.

(John 3:17; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 16:30-31; Rom. 3:21-26; 10:9; Titus 3:6-7; Heb. 7:25.)

11. How did the Son of God become human?

He came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.

(Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:30-35; John 1:1-2, 14; Rom. 1:3-4; Gal. 4:4; Phil. 2:6-8; 1 John 1:1-3, 4:2.)

12. Who is Jesus Christ?

The Son of God and our Lord Jesus Christ are one person in whom the divine and human natures are perfectly and inseparably united.

(Isa. 9:6; Matt. 1:20-23; John 1:14, 14:9-11; Rom. 1:3-4; Col. 1:15-20; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb 1:1-3)

For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered death and was buried. On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.

13. How does God reconcile us in Christ?

God reconciles us to himself through the death of Christ upon the cross.

(Matt. 27:26, 50, 59-60; Mark 15:15, 37, 45-46; Luke 23:23-25, 46, 53; John 19:16, 30, 33-34, 38-42; Rom 3:21-26; 5:6-11; 1 Cor. 15:3-4.)

14. Did Jesus Christ rise bodily from the dead?

Yes! On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures.

(Matt. 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-11, 36-43; John 20:1-17, 27; Acts 2:22-36; 1 Cor. 15:3-8, 1 Pet. 1:3.)

15. Is Jesus Christ Lord of heaven and earth?

Yes. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.

(Luke 1:33, 24:51; John 5:22-29; Acts 1:9-11; 10:42; Rom. 8:34; 2 Cor. 5:10; Phil. 2:9-11; 2 Pet. 1:11; Rev. 11:15.)

16. Is Jesus Christ our great high priest?

Yes. (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 4:14-16; 7:11-28; 1 John 2:1-2.)

17. Who is under judgment?

All stand under the righteous judgment of Jesus Christ both now and in the last day.

(Matt. 7:21-23; 25:31-46; John 5:22-29; Acts 10:42; 17:30-31; 2 Cor. 5:10)

18. Are we made righteous by works?

No. We are never made righteous inwardly nor accounted righteous before God through our works or merit.

(Luke 5:32; Rom. 3:21-30; 4:2-5; 11:6; Gal. 2:15-16; Eph. 2:8-10; Titus 2:14; 3:4-7; 1 John 1:9)

Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

19. How can we escape the wrath of God?

God justifies, or accounts righteous, penitent sinners who confess faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

(John 3:36; Rom 3:21-30; 4:6-8; 5:6-11; Eph. 1:7-14; 2:3-7; 5:5-10; Col. 3:5-17; 1 Thess. 5:8-10)

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

20. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

Yes. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life.

(Isa 11:2; 61:1; 2 Cor. 3:17-18.; John 6:63; Rom. 8:11; Gal 6:8.)

21. Is the Holy Spirit God?

Yes. The Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.

(Matt. 28:19-20; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 2:9-11; 3:16; Gal 4:6) He has spoken through the prophets.

(2 Sam. 23:2; Isa. 61:1-3; Zech 7:12; Matt. 1:22-23; Heb. 1:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; 2 Pet. 1:20-21.)

22. How does the Holy Spirit lead us to repentance?

He convinces the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.

(Mic 3:8; John 16:7-11)

23. Is salvation possible without the Spirit?

No. The Spirit leads us through faithful response to the gospel into the fellowship of the Church.

(John 3:3-6; Rom. 8:9-17; Eph. 2:17-22; Titus 3:4-7.)

24. How does the Spirit work in the Church?

He comforts, sustains and empowers the faithful and guides us into all truth.

(John 14:25-26; 16:12- 15; Rom. 8:2-6, 12-17, 26-27; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; Gal. 5:16-25)

25. Where is the truth about salvation to be found?

We believe the Holy Bible, Old and New Testaments, reveals the Word of God so far as it is necessary for our salvation.

(Ps. 119:105, 130; Matt. 4:1-4; 2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)

26. How must we receive Scripture?

The Holy Bible is to be received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and guide for faith and practice.

(Prov. 30:5-6; Jas. 1:21-25; 1 Pet. 1:23-25; Jude 3)

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

27. Do you believe in the Church?

Yes. I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church.

(John 10:16; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 4:4-6; 5:25-27; 1 Pet. 2:9-10; Rev. 5:9-10.)

28. Who constitutes the Church?

The Christian Church is the community of all true believers under the Lordship of Christ.

(Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 1:2-3; Eph. 2:11-22; Rev. 7:9-10)

29. What is the Church?

It is the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached by those divinely called, and the sacraments are duly administered according to Christ's own appointment

(Jer. 1:5; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Cor. 11:23-27)

30. Why does the Church exist?

Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit the Church exists for the maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world.

(1 Cor. 12:27-28; 14:12; Gal. 6:1-2, 6-10; Eph. 4:11-16; Heb. 3:12-14; 10:23-25)

31. Is it right and good to worship our creator and redeemer?

It is our duty and privilege to bow in adoration, humility, and dedication in the presence of God.

(Ps. 92:1-2; 95:1-7; 103:1-5; 107:1; Phil. 2:9-11; Rev. 4:11; 5:9-14)

32. Why is worship essential to the life of the Church?

The assembling of the people of God for worship is necessary to Christian fellowship and spiritual growth.

(Acts 2:41-47, 4:31; Rom. 1:11-12; Heb. 10:23-25)

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

33. Do you believe that there is but one baptism?

Yes. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

(Eph. 4:4-6.)

34. What is Baptism?

Baptism signifies entrance into the household of faith and is a symbol of repentance and inner cleansing from sin, a representation of the new birth in Christ Jesus, and a mark of Christian discipleship.

(Acts 2:37-39; Rom. 6:1-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Gal. 3:27-28; Col. 2:11-14; Heb. 10:19-22)

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

35. What is our greatest hope?

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

(John 6:39-40; 11:25-26; Rom. 6:5-8; 8:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:20-23, 50-55; Phil. 3:10-12, 20-21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18.)

36. What are the two ultimate outcomes facing humanity?

The righteous rise to eternal life and the wicked to eternal condemnation.

(Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43; 25:31-46; John 5:25-29; Rev. 20:11-15; 21:1-8; 22:1-5)

B. Wesleyan Characteristics

37. Are reason, tradition, or experience sufficient guides for Christian doctrine?

No. Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be made an article of faith nor is it to be taught as essential to salvation.

(Isa. 40:8; 2 Kgs. 17:15; Rom. 1:21; Eph. 4:17-18; Col. 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:16)

38. What are the Sacraments?

The Sacraments are symbols and pledges of the Christian's profession and of God's love toward us.

(Mark 14:22-24; Matt 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20; John 6:53-59; Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:27; 1 Cor. 10:15-17, 11:23-25)

39. Are the Sacraments symbols only?

No. They are means of grace by which God works invisibly in us, quickening, strengthening and confirming our faith in him.

(John 6:53-58; Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 10:15-17; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:20-21)

40. How many Sacraments are there?

Two Sacraments are ordained by Christ our Lord, namely Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

(2 Kgs. 5:14; Isa. 44:3; Ezek. 36:25-27; Mark 14:22-24; Matt. 26:26-28; 28:19; Luke 22:19-20; John 3:5; 6:53- 58; Acts 22:16)

41. May we baptize children?

Yes. We believe children are under the atonement of Christ and as heirs of the Kingdom of God are acceptable subjects for Christian Baptism.

(Luke 18:15-17; Acts 10:44-48; 16:15, 30-34; 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:16)

42. Is Baptism sufficient for salvation?

No. Baptized children should be nurtured and led to personal acceptance of Christ, and by profession of faith confirm their Baptism.

(Deut. 6:20-25; Mark 16:16; John 1:12; 3:16; Acts 2:38; 16:29-34; Rom. 10:9-11)

43. What is the Lord’s Supper?

The Lord's Supper is a means of grace, a representation of our redemption, a remembrance of the sufferings and death of Christ, and a token of love and union which Christians have with Christ and with one another.

(Mark 14:22-24; Matt. 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20; John 6:53-59; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-25; Gal. 3:27)

44. How do we encounter Christ at the Lord’s Supper?

Those who rightly, worthily, and in faith eat the broken bread and drink the blessed cup partake of the body and blood of Christ in a spiritual manner until he comes.

(Luke 24:28-32; John 6:53-58; 1 Cor. 11:23-29)

45. Are there other means of grace?

Yes. Among them are prayer and searching the Scriptures.

(Matt. 7:7-8; Luke 11:13, 18:1-5; John 5:39; Acts 17:11-12; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; James 1:5, 5:13-18.)

46. What is the natural state of humanity?

We believe humanity is fallen from righteousness and, apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is destitute of holiness and inclined to evil.

(Gen. 6:5; Ps. 51:5; Eccl. 9:3; Jer. 17:9-10; Rom. 3:23; 5:12-14; Eph. 2:1-3; 1 John 1:8)

47. Can we free ourselves from the misery of this condition?

No. In our own strength, without divine grace, we cannot do good works pleasing and acceptable to God.

(Ps. 51:5; John 6:63; Rom. 7:14-24; Gal. 5:17; Eph. 2:1)

48. Who then can be saved?

With mortals it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

(Matt. 19:26; John 3:5, 16, 36; 5:24; 6:40; 8:51; 11:25-26; Rom. 5:8; Gal. 2:21; Eph. 2:1-10; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5.)

49. How does God save us?

By his preventing, convincing, justifying, sanctifying, and glorifying grace.

(Rom. 2:14-16; 3:21-26; 5:15; 6:14; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:21; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 2:12-13; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7; Heb. 10:22; 1 Pet. 4:10; 5:10; 1 John 3:9)

50. How does grace dawn in the helpless soul?

God’s preventing (or prevenient) grace lightens the effects of original sin even before we are aware of our need for God.

(Deut. 4:37; 7:6-8; 14:2; Matt 5:45; Luke 15:20; John 6:44; 15:5; 2 Pet. 3:9; Titus 2:11-12)

51. How does preventing grace lighten the effects of original sin?

It prevents the full consequences of our alienation from God and awakens conscience, giving an initial sense of God and the first inclinations toward life.

(Luke 24:45; John 6:37; 12:32; Acts 16:14; Rom. 8:7-8; 1 Cor. 2:14)

52. How does preventing grace re-establish the freedom of the will?

While in our bound and helpless state, preventing grace breaks through and enables genuine response to God’s further grace. (2 Kings 6:17, 20; John 16:8-11; Acts 2:37; 8:31; 15:8; 16:30)

53. Does God determine all human actions?

No. Influenced and empowered by the Holy Spirit, humans are responsible in freedom to exercise their wills for good.

(Gen. 2:16-17; Deut. 30:15-20; Josh. 24:14-15; 2 Chron. 7:14; Isa. 55:6-7; Matt. 16:24; Mark 1:17; John 1:12-13; 7:17; Rom. 10:8-9; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Pet. 3:9; Rev. 3:20)

54. What is Salvation?

By salvation, we mean, more than the promise of eternal life, but a present deliverance from sin, a restoration of the soul to its original purity; a recovery of the divine nature; in righteousness and true holiness, in justice, mercy and truth.

(Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 5:22-25; Titus 2:11-12, 3:5; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:9, 2:2.)

55. How does God lead us to repentance?

God’s convincing grace awakens in us a desire to flee the wrath to come and enables us to begin to fear God and work righteousness.

(Hos. 6:1; Mic. 4:1-2; Hab. 2:4; Zech. 8:20-23; John 16:8; Eph. 2:4-5; 2 Cor. 7:9-10; Heb. 13:18)

56. How does God reconcile us to himself?

God’s justifying grace works by faith to bring reconciliation to God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

(Isa. 53:4-6, 12; John 3:16; Rom. 5:10-11; 2 Cor. 5:18-19; Eph. 2:13-16; Col. 1:19-20; Heb. 2:17)

57. Is Christ’s atoning sacrifice for all humanity?

Yes. The offering Christ freely made on the cross is the perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.

(Gen. 12:3; Isa. 56:8; John 1:29; 3:16-17; 5:24; 8:12; 11:25; 12:32; Rom. 8:11; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; 1 Tim. 2:3-6; Heb. 2:9; 10:12; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 1:9; 2:2)

58. Does God require any other sacrifice?

No. Christ’s offering redeems us from all sin, so that no other satisfaction is required.

(Deut. 10:12- 13; Rom. 3:21-26; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 10:12-14)

59. What does this justification do?

It grants us pardon for sin.

(Gen. 15:6; Ps 32:1-2; John 1:29; Rom. 1:16-17; 4:6-8; 5:9; Heb. 9:26; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2:24; 1 John 2:2; 4:10)

60. How can we be assured of this pardon?

God’s Spirit witnesses with our spirit that we are children of God.

(Rom. 8:15-17; Gal. 3:26; 4:6-7; Eph. 1:13-14; 2 Tim. 1:7; Heb. 10:15-17)

61. Is salvation only pardon and assurance?

No. By regeneration, God renews us in righteousness through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Ezek. 36:26-27; 1 Cor. 2:14-16; Gal. 2:20; 5:16-25; Eph 2:1-5; Titus 3:4-7; 2 Pet.1:4)

62. How are we changed in regeneration?

We are made partakers of the divine nature and experience newness of life.

(Gen. 15:6; 17:5; 35:10; John 3:3; Rom. 8:1; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 5:22-24; Col. 3:2-3; 2 Pet. 1:3-4, 23-25; 1 John 4:4)

63. How does regeneration allow us to live as children of God?

By this new birth the believer becomes reconciled to God and is enabled to serve him with the will and the affections.

(Gen. 15:6; Deut. 6:5; 10:12-13; John 1:12; Rom. 8:16-17; 2 Cor. 6:18; Gal. 3:26; 4:4-7; Eph. 1:5-6; Phil. 2:13; 1 John 3:1, 10)

64. Can we lose our salvation?

Yes. We believe, although we have experienced regeneration, it is possible to depart from grace and fall into sin.

(John 15:1-6; 1 Cor. 9:27; 10:11-12; 2 Cor. 11:3; Rom. 11:19-22; Gal. 5:4; 1 Thess. 3:8; 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 4:1-2; 5:15; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 4:3-4; Heb. 2:1-4; 3:12-14; 6:1-6; 2 Pet. 2:1-3, 20-21; 3:17; Rev. 2:4-5; 3:11)

65. Are those who have fallen from grace forever condemned?

No. They may even then, by the grace of God, be renewed in righteousness.

(Deut. 4:29-31; 30:1-4; Ps. 51:12; Amos 9:14; Rom. 8:35-39; Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19-20; Jude 22-23)

66. Can we have faith without works?

No. We believe good works are the necessary fruits of faith and follow regeneration, but they do not remove our sins or allow us to avert divine judgment.

(Matt. 7:21; John 14:15; Rom. 2:13; Eph. 2:8- 10; Jas. 1:22-25; 2:14-18, 26)

67. How does God’s grace continue its work in us through the Word and the Spirit?

God’s sanctifying grace cleanses us from sin in our thoughts, words and acts, and enables us to live in accordance with God's will.

(Ps. 51:2, 7-12; Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:25-27; Gal. 5:16-25; Titus 2:11- 14; 1 John 1:7, 9)

68. How is sanctification lived out?

Holiness of heart and life (Lev. 20:26; Amos 5:14; Rom. 6:22, 12:1; 2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14; 1 Peter 2:5, 9), which includes works of piety (Rom. 12:12, 15:4; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Heb. 10:24-25; James 5:13-16) and works of mercy (Deut. 15:10-11; Ps. 82:3-4; Prov. 19:17; Isa. 61:1; Micah 6:8; Matt. 19:21, 25:31-46; Luke 11:42; Acts 2:44-45; Rom. 12:13).

69. What else does sanctifying grace do for us?

It enables us to strive for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

(Matt 6:33; John 17:17; Rom. 8:29; 12:1; 2 Cor. 3:18; 7:1; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 1:21-22; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 6:1- 3; 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 1 John 3:2-3; 5:3)

70. Is true holiness possible?

Yes. Entire sanctification is a state of perfect love, righteousness, and true holiness which every regenerate believer may obtain.

(Exod. 19:6; Lev. 11:44-45; 19:2; Deut. 7:6; 14:2; Matt. 5:43-48; 1 John 3;2-3; 5:3)

71. What is the beauty of entire sanctification?

It is being delivered from the power of sin; loving God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength; and loving one's neighbor as one's self.

(Lev. 19:18; Deut. 6:5; Mark 12:30-31; Rom. 13:9-10; Gal. 5:13-14; 1 Thess. 5:23)

72. Is entire sanctification gradual or instantaneous?

Through faith in Jesus Christ this gracious gift may be received in this life either gradually or instantaneously. (Prov. 4:18; Acts 15:9; Eph. 4:15; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18)

73. Should all pursue entire sanctification?

Yes. It should be sought earnestly by every child of God. (Lev. 19:2; Ps. 86:11; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 2 Pet. 1:3-11)

74. Does sanctification deliver us from the weaknesses of human nature?

No. We believe this experience does not deliver us from the infirmities, ignorance, and mistakes common to man, nor from the possibilities of further sin.

(Ps. 86; 1 Cor. 10:12; 2 Cor. 12:7-9; Gal. 6:9; Heb. 3:12-15; 10:26-3; Rev. 2:2-7)

75. How shall we hold on to such a blessing?

We must respond wholly to the will of God so that sin will lose its power over us; and the world, the flesh, and the devil are put under our feet.

(Deut. 30:19-20; Josh 24:15; Ps. 37; Prov. 3:5-8; Matt. 8:18-22; Mark 8:34-38; Rom. 12:1; 16:20; Jas. 4:8)

76. How do we have victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil?

With watchfulness through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Deut. 6:16-19; Matt. 24:36-51; 25:1-13; Luke 21:34-36; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 5:8-9)

77. What is the final work of grace in us?

Our ultimate hope and promise in Christ is glorification, where our souls and bodies are perfectly restored.

(Isa. 26:19; Dan 12:2-4; John 11:25-26; Rom. 6:5; 8:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:35-56; Phil. 3:20-21; Rev. 21:1-5)