New Apostolic Church
The New Apostolic Church (NAC) traces its roots to the Catholic Apostolic Church in England (1830s), which believed in the restoration of the apostolic office. The NAC was formally constituted in Hamburg in 1863. It holds that Christ has restored living apostles to earth, led by the Chief Apostle, whose authority is binding on members. It teaches three sacraments: Holy Baptism, Holy Sealing (confirmation by an Apostle), and Holy Communion. The NAC teaches that only those sealed by an Apostle can receive the full gift of the Holy Spirit, and maintains an unusual doctrine of sacraments for the departed. It is strongest in Germany, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Theology
Christology
Soteriology
Salvation
Nuanced
Faith, Holy Baptism, and Holy Sealing by Apostle required for full spiritual standing
Atonement & Ransom
Affirms
Christ's death atones for sin; faith and sacraments apply its benefits
Predestination
Nuanced
Synergistic; God desires all to be saved; ongoing opportunity extends to departed
Original Sin
Affirms
Humanity fallen through Adam; baptism and sealing needed for regeneration
Eschatology
Soul & Afterlife
Nuanced
Immortal soul; departed souls receive sacraments vicariously; bodily resurrection
Hell
Nuanced
Eternal separation possible; NAC emphasizes ongoing opportunity for departed
Heaven
Affirms
Eternal life; resurrection; fellowship with God and the community of saints
Second Coming
Affirms
Christ will return to judge the living and dead; watchfulness and readiness required
Millennium
Nuanced
Amillennial tendency; no literal 1000-year reign; imminent return focus
Ecclesiology
Church Authority
Nuanced
Chief Apostle as highest authority; restored apostolic office; hierarchical governance
Clergy & Priesthood
Nuanced
Ordained male clergy; hierarchical offices; Apostles have unique spiritual authority
Sacraments & Ordinances
Nuanced
Three sacraments: Baptism, Holy Sealing (by Apostle), Holy Communion; sacraments for departed
Scripture
Biblical Canon
Affirms
Protestant 66-book canon; Scripture important but living Apostles' word also authoritative
Biblical Inerrancy
Nuanced
Scripture inspired and authoritative; living Apostles' teachings also binding
Extra-biblical Revelation
Affirms
Living Apostles receive revelation and teaching from Christ; Chief Apostle's word authoritative
Scripture Interpretation
John 1:1 — "The Word Was God"
Affirms
Eternal Word (Logos) fully divine; coequal with Father in Trinity
Isaiah 7:14 — "Virgin or Young Woman"
Affirms
Isaiah 7:14 prophecy fulfilled in Virgin Mary; Jesus miraculous birth
Matthew 16:18 — "Upon This Rock"
Nuanced
Peter's foundational role affirmed; apostolic authority through NAC apostles
Romans 9:18-21 — "God's Sovereign Choice"
Nuanced
God's sovereignty and human faith both essential; synergistic soteriology
James 2:24 — "Justified by Works"
Nuanced
Faith and works both necessary; works of faith through sacraments
Matthew 28:19 — "Baptize in the Name"
Affirms
Trinitarian baptism formula affirmed; administered by NAC clergy in Trinity
Hebrews 1:8 — "Your Throne, O God"
Affirms
Psalm 45 applied to Jesus; affirms Christ's full divinity and eternal throne
Revelation 20:1-6 — "The Thousand Years"
Nuanced
Millennium interpreted variously; NAC eschatology less defined on timing
Genesis 1:1-2 — "In the Beginning"
Affirms
Genesis 1:1-2 affirmed as creation account; God as Creator of all ex nihilo
Mark 16:9-20 — "The Longer Ending"
Nuanced
Passage recognized as late addition; included but with uncertainty noted
John 7:53–8:11 — "The Woman Caught in Adultery"
Nuanced
Passage recognized as late addition; acknowledged but includes in usage
1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"
Nuanced
Recognized as late addition; Trinitarian doctrine from other sources affirmed
Deuterocanonical Books — "Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, Maccabees"
Denies
Deuterocanonical books not accepted; Protestant canon of 66 books affirmed
Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"
Denies
Shepherd of Hermas not canonical; post-apostolic but valuable devotional text
Ethics & Practice
Sabbath
Nuanced
Sunday worship; no Sabbatarian theology; liturgical calendar observed
Blood Transfusions
Affirms
Blood transfusions permitted; no prohibition on life-saving medical treatment
Military Service
Affirms
Military service permitted; obedience to civil authorities; Romans 13
Holidays
Affirms
Christmas, Easter celebrated; NAC liturgical calendar; apostolic event commemorations