Trinitarian monotheism; God is personal, holy, good; relationship with God is central
The Brethren in Christ affirm the classical Christian understanding of God: one eternal being subsisting in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). God is understood as personal—not an impersonal force—who desires relationship with creation and His people.
Holiness is a central divine attribute. God's holiness demands separation from sin and requires His people to pursue holiness in their own lives. This is not merely forensic (judicial) but transformative and relational. The Brethren in Christ emphasize that God's holiness calls believers to sanctified living, community discipline, and ethical obedience.
God is also characterized by love, mercy, and justice. The denomination rejects fatalism and emphasizes God's genuine concern for human flourishing and His desire that none perish. God's love provides the motive for redemption, though justice and holiness ensure that sin has real consequences and true repentance is required.
Key Distinctions
- Primary divine attribute:
- both affirmed; God transcendent yet personally invested in creation
Scripture References
Sources
- Brethren in Christ Church Confession of Faith
- BIC catechetical materials and pastoral theology
- Historic Christian creeds affirmed by the denomination