Salvation by faith in Christ; baptism by immersion practiced; kingdom hope central
The COGC affirms that salvation is received through genuine faith in Jesus Christ — his atoning death and resurrection — accompanied by repentance from sin. Believer's baptism by full immersion is practiced as an act of obedience associated with conversion, following the New Testament pattern. Salvation encompasses both present forgiveness of sins and the future gift of immortal life in the coming kingdom of God.
The COGC's understanding of salvation is inseparable from its kingdom theology: the full realization of salvation — the gift of immortality — awaits the resurrection and the establishment of the earthly kingdom of God at Christ's return. Present salvation is real but partial; the complete fulfillment of what God promises is future and bodily. This gives COGC soteriology a future orientation that distinguishes it from some evangelical traditions focused primarily on present spiritual experience.
The COGC is Arminian in its general orientation: salvation is offered to all through the gospel, and individuals are genuinely free to respond or refuse. Calvinist unconditional election and double predestination are rejected. The COGC's small size and evangelical character mean that personal conversion and baptism are expected of all members as the entry point into the covenant community.
Key Distinctions
- Justification means:
- faith + baptism; no innate immortality; resurrection at Christ's return
- Election type:
- Arminian; no eternal hell; annihilationism for the wicked
- Baptismal regeneration:
- baptism by immersion important; part of the conversion process
- Eternal security:
- conditional — the dead sleep until resurrection; annihilation for unfaithful
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of God General Conference Statement of Faith