Teachings and Doctrines Confirmed in 1967 World Delegates Conference

[Doctrines]

I. To Confirm the Doctrine of Water Baptism.

Suggestions:

Believe that water baptism is the sacrament for the remission of sins and for regeneration. The water baptism must be administered in the name of the Lord Jesus by a baptist who has received water baptism. The person receiving baptism must be completely immersed in the living water with the head facing downward.

Resolution:

Passed as amended: Believe that Water Baptism is the sacrament for the remission of sins and for regeneration. The water baptizer must be administered in the name of the Lord Jesus by a baptist who has received water baptism and the Holy Spirit. The person receiving baptism must be completely immersed in living water with head bowed and face downward.

II. To Confirm the Doctrine of Foot Washing.

Suggestions:

Believe that the teachings underlying the sacrament of Foot Washing are mutual love, holiness, humility, servitude and forgiveness, and to have a part with the Lord. All believers who are baptized shall have their feet washed in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Resolution:

Passed as amended: Believe that the sacrament of Foot Washing allows a believer to have a part with the Lord. The teachings underlying this sacrament are mutual love, holiness, humility, servitude and forgiveness. All believers who are baptized shall have their feet washed once in the name of the Lord Jesus. Mutual Foot Washing may be practiced when necessary.

III. To Confirm the Doctrine of Holy Communion. 

Suggestions:

Believe that the Holy Communion is the sacrament to commemorate the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, to partake of the Lord’s flesh and the Lord’s blood together, and to be in communion with the Lord in order to have eternal life and be raised on the last day. This sacrament should be administered as often as possible, but only one unleavened bread and grape juice shall be used.

Resolution: Passed.

IV. To Confirm the Doctrine of Holy Sabbath. 

Suggestions:

Believe that the Sabbath (Saturday) is a holy day that is blessed by God. It is to be observed under grace for the commemoration of God’s creation and salvation, with the hope of eternal rest in the life to come.

Resolution: Passed.

V.  To Confirm the Doctrine of Baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

Suggestions:

Believe that receiving of the Holy Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance in the heavenly kingdom; speaking in tongues is the evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit.

Resolution: Passed.

VI. To Confirm the Concept of One God. 

Suggestions:

Believe that Jesus Christ, in order to save humankind, became flesh and came to earth. He died for sinners and resurrected on the third day. After returning to heaven, He became the Mediator. He is the only Savior, He and the Father are one, He is the Ruler of the universe, and He is the only true God.

Resolution:

Passed as amended: Believe that Jesus Christ was manifested in the flesh, died on the cross for the redemption of sinners, resurrected on the third day, and ascended to heaven. He is the only Savior of mankind, the Ruler of the heavens and the earth, and the only true God.

VII. To Confirm the Name of the Church. 

Suggestions:

The Chinese name remains as the “True Jesus Church.” For the purpose of unification, the churches in other countries may translate the name into their own language based on the Chinese name.

Resolution: Passed.

[Others]

I. The Lord’s Prayer. 

Suggestions:

The congregation may recite the Lord’s Prayer together during prayer.

To publish an exposition of the Lord’s Prayer in the form of a tract.

Resolution: Passed.

II. Can a Cross Be Erected Outside the Chapel? 

Suggestions:

Each local church may decide for itself. No rigid rule is imposed.

Resolution: Passed.

III. Should a Woman Cover Her Head When Praying or Delivering a Sermon? 

Suggestions: 

If covering of the head is practiced by certain regions, the woman may do so. However, covering the head need not be practiced in other regions.

To be further studied and discussed.

Resolution: 

Passed according to suggestions #1 and #2.

[Special Motions]

I. Can a Woman Deliver Sermons from the Pulpit?

Resolution:

Women are allowed to deliver sermons and are also allowed to deliver sermons from the pulpit.