The Scriptures
We believe that the holy bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure to heavenly institution; that it has ELOHIYM for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its manner. It reveals the principles by which ELOHIYM will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the work, the true center of “The believer’s union and the supreme standard and authority by which human conduct and opinion should be tried.
The True Universal God
We believe the Scripture teach that there is one, and only one, living and true universal ELOHIYM, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is ELOHIYM. He is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth; the Father of all Races of Mankind. In the unity of the God-head there are three persons, the Father, (ELOHIYM) the Son, (YESHUA) and the RUACH HA QODESH; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
Original Sin
We believe the scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of His Maker. However, by voluntary transgression, fell from that holy and happy state, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners not by constraint but choice. As being by nature, utterly voided that holiness required by the law of ELOHIYM, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation, without defense or excuse.
Salvation
We believe the Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation.
Justification
We believe the Scriptures teach that we are accounted righteous before ELOHIYM only after the merit of our Messiah and Savior YESHUA by faith, and not of our own works and deserving. Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with ELOHIYM, and secure every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
Freeness of Salvation
We believe the Scripture teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel and the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith. Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own determined depravity and voluntary projection of the gospel, which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
Regeneration
We believe that the Scripture teach that in order to be saved; men must be regenerated, or born again. This effect is a manner above our comprehension by the RUACH HA QODESH in connection with the Divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith and newness of life.
Repentance
We believe the Scriptures teach repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in the soul by the regenerating Spirit of ELOHIYM. Whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by The Messiah, we turn to ELOHIYM with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy. At the same time, heartily receiving the Messiah as our Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all sufficient Savior.
Sin after Justification
We believe the Scripture teach that sin willingly committed after justification is sin against the RUACH HA QODESH, and unpardonable. Wherefore, the grant of repentance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after justification. After we have received the RUACH HA QODESH, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin and by the grace of ELOHIYM, rise again and amend our lives. Therefore, they are to be condemned who say that they cannot commit sin as long as they live here; or deny the place of forgiveness for those who truly repent.
Sanctification
We believe the Scriptures teach that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of ELOHIYM, we are made partakers of his Holiness. It is a progressive work begun in regeneration and is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the RUACH HA QODESH, the Sealer and Comforter. This is a continual use of the appointed means – especially the Word of ELOHIYM – self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer, and in the practice of all godly exercise and duties.
The Tabernacle
The Visible Tabernacle of The Messiah is a congregation of faithful men and women where the Pure Word of ELOHIYM is preached and the Sacraments are duly administered, according to The Messiah’s ordinance. All those things that of necessity are requisite to same; that a congregation may hold services in a house or outdoors, as was done by the Messiah’s Apostles, or may, as conditions and circumstances will permit, acquire and edifice for convenience and accommodation.
The Sacraments
The sacraments ordained of The Messiah are not only badges or tokens of the believer’s profession, but rather they are certain signs of grace, and ELOHIYM’s will toward us, by which He work invisibly in us and not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our faith in Him. There are two Sacraments ordained of YESHUA our Messiah in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of our Messiah. We believe that only such as worthily receive the same are approve of YESHUA, and they that receive them unworthily, purchase to themselves condemnation, as Saint Paul said. (I Corr. 11:29)
Baptism
We believe he Scriptures teach that Baptism is not only a sign of profession and mark of difference whereby, The believer’s are distinguished from others that are not Baptized, it is also a sign of regeneration of the new birth.
We believe that the form of Baptism whether by immersion, sprinkling or pouring of water, is a matter purely to the choice and desire of the individual to be so baptized. It is the duty of the Tabernacle to so comply with such request as circumstances, conveniences and local conditions will allow. Where no other choice is made known, the Tabernacle shall baptize by immersion, excepting where circumstances, shall make it imperative to baptize otherwise.
The Blessing of Infants
We believe the Scriptures teach that the blessing of infants is an institution of The Messiah’s Tabernacle, YESHUA having commanded His Tabernacle: “Suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven. And He took them in His arms, put His hands upon them and blessed them.”
The Blessing of Infants however, is by no means to be accepted as a sign or profession of faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, with its effect, in death to sin and resurrection to a new life. Only persons, who have reached their age of discretion, or at the customary 12 years, are to be received into the Tabernacle for The believer’s baptism upon regeneration and profession of faith in YESHUA as the Messiah and their personal Savior, in the Name of ELOHIYM, YESHUA and RAUCH HA QODESH, the Father, the Son and the HOLY GHOST.
The Messiah’s Feast
We believe the Scripture teach the Messiah’s Feast to be a mandate of the believers to His Tabernacle and is a necessary institution as a moral and spiritual contribution to the welfare of the true believers and of the believer’s Tabernacle. The Messiah’s Feast being a provision of bread and wine, representing The Messiah’s body and blood, partaken of by all faithful believers assembled for the purpose, in commemoration of the death of their Messiah, showing their faith in the merits of His sacrifice, their dependence on Him for spiritual nourishment, and their hope of life eternal through His resurrection from the dead; its observance to preceded by faithful self-examination.
Universal Brotherhood
We believe that the Scriptures teach that ELOHIYM made of one blood all races and nations of mankind for to dwell upon the face of the earth, according to nations and countries. It was never intended for individuals of one race to lose their identity into another race, but through the Word of ELOHIYM and the Gospel of our Messiah. The believer’s in YESHUA each with their ethnic group would accept ELOHIYM’s plan of salvation. Thereby, causing cooperation one with the other to the end that His kingdom come on Earth; His will be don on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Civil Authority
We believe the scripture teach that the civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order of human society. We are to pray for our civil authorities and be continuously honored, and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Messiah, YESHUA, who is the only Messiah of the conscience and the PRINCE OF THE KINGS OF THIS EARTH.
The World to Come
We believe the scripture teach that the end of the world is approaching and a New Jerusalem from above as seen by Saint John the Divine is about to be established. At the last day, The Messiah will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution. A solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless sorrow, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgement will forever fix the final state of men in heaven or hell on principles of righteousness.
On Other Faiths
African Universal House of Worship concerns itself with propagation of the teachings of YESHUA of Nazareth and the Word and Commandments in the old and new Testaments of the Holy Bible. These teachings are otherwise, commonly known as of the Conditions of Faith. African Universal House of Worship shall, at all times, promote, foster and maintain for the mutual advancement of all concerned, goodwill and peace; where teachings are based upon the principles of the Fatherhood of ELOHIYM and the Brotherhood of Man.
On the Ministry
The ministry is of ELOHIYM and not of man. ELOHIYM’s African Universal Tabernacle does not question the right and claims of any individual of approved character to have been called o f ELOHIYM to preach the Gospel. In all such instances, it is the policy of the Tabernacle to give credence to, and to readily accede to such claims. The only exception being that an individual desiring to serve through the African Universal House of Worship must be qualified and willing to be subjected to preparation and training in the proper and intelligent interpretation of the old and new Testaments. If one is found deficient in the ministry, then training will occur in accordance with the guidelines as prescribed in the Standard Operational Procedures of African Universal House of Worship, USA.