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I. The Sabbath-Colossians 2:16-17.
Resolution:
The Sabbath is a weekly, cyclic Sabbath.
The dietary regulations in the Law of Moses which enabled man to be sanctified were fulfilled when Christ was crucified on the cross.
The festival or new moon prefigures the salvation of Christ. The main activity was to offer sacrifices. The festival, new moon, ordinances and statutes are now fulfilled in Christ.
The Sabbath is a perpetual commandment which transcends the era of the law. It prefigures the grace in Christ and eternal rest in heaven. Christ has brought the rest in His grace and thus the statutes are fulfilled in Christ. Yet, the commandment still remains, and the Sabbath we observe today is of grace in order to have rest in Christ and to hope for eternal rest in the future.
II. The Significance and Efficacy of Foot Washing
Conclusion:
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
Water baptism is for the forgiveness of sins through the precious blood of the Lord; and one is regenerated, justified, puts on Christ and becomes the child of God. The efficacy to cleanse sins by the Lord’s blood continues throughout one’s life of faith
The administration of the sacrament of the Foot Washing is to instantly have a part in the Lord. Thereafter, through the Lord’s grace, truth and power, and through the believer’s determination, one would be able to walk according to His teachings, pursue holiness, and to have a part in the Lord continuously.
Mutual Foot Washing teaches us to serve in humility and to accept one another with love.
Resolution:
Foot Washing is a holy sacrament based on the following:
(1) The Lord personally set an example (Jn 13:15)
(2) The Lord commanded the disciples to administer the sacrament (Jn 13:15)
(3) Has a direct relationship with salvation (having a part with the Lord) (Jn 13:8)
(4) One shall be sent in order to administer the sacrament (Jn 13:16).
The discussion on whether the sacrament of Foot Washing has a cleansing effect is to be continued (five votes for, three votes against, and 14 votes deferred for further research).
The continuity and complementary aspects of the relationship between the sacrament of Foot Washing as having a part in the Lord, being baptized into Christ, and the totality in the Lord’s grace and truth were explained. There are no conflicts or contradictions between the two
Bro. Hong-Hsiung Ko was requested to collect the written records of the early churches regarding the sequence of administering the sacrament of Foot Washing and water baptism for further research by the TRC members.
The resolution regarding mutual Foot Washing: According to the sixth item in the Basic Beliefs, the sacrament shall be administered on each newly baptized believer only once in a lifetime. Mutual Foot Washing may be administered using water when necessary.
III. Can Christians be Cremated?
Resolution:
Resurrection is not affected by the mode of burial. There are no clear teachings in the Bible concerning cremation.
IV. Can a Deaconess Administer the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Water Baptism?
Resolution:
According to the Bible, there is no gender differentiation in the duties between a deacon and deaconess who are both ordained ministers. However, between the male and female, the deaconesses should uphold the virtues of submissiveness and humility. If a male ordained minister is present, he should administer the sacraments.
V. Can a Deaconess Lay Hands?
Resolution:
According to the Bible, there is no gender differentiation in the duties between a deacon and deaconess who are both ordained ministers. The deaconess should always pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit, be humble and submissive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In principle, it is more suitable for a deaconess to lay hands on sisters or children.
VI. To Ordain a Church Council/Board Member as a Deacon for a Specific Term.
Resolution:
A church council/board member may not necessarily be qualified to be ordained as a deacon.
There is no biblical reference as to the term of office for a deacon. The qualifications of a deacon and the duties of a church council/board member should be separated. His deaconship should remain unless he has been dishonorably dismissed. The duties assigned are based on the actual needs.
An ordained deacon may be ordained as an elder if his qualifications and duties are in accordance with the teachings of the Bible.
VII. Can a Minister Who Does Not Have the Holy Spirit Administer the Sacraments?
Resolution:
A person who does not have the Holy Spirit does not possess the qualifications of becoming a minister.
A minister who has yet to receive the Holy Spirit cannot administer the sacraments.
VIII. The True Church Comes from the East.
Resolution:
According to the prophecy of the Bible, we believe that the true church comes from the East.
According to historical facts, we believe that the East, as prophesied in the Bible, is China.
When we preach the gospel to non-believers, begin with the Basic Beliefs. After the person has believed, find the right opportunity to teach the believer that the true church comes from the East.
IX. The Doctrine of Exclusivity.
Resolution:
We believe that there is only one True Church based on the following reasons:
*One body (Eph 4:4-5)
*One household of God (Eph 2:19-20)
*The highest of the mountains (Is 2:2-3; Mic 4: 1-2)
*The only Holy City--New Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-2)
*The only bride of Christ (Eph 5:23,25; Songs 6:8-9)
*One Ark (Gen 6:14; 7:7; I Pet 3:20)
*One flock (Ezk 34: 12-14; Jn 10:16)
The True Church is identical to the apostolic church which has the Truth, Holy Spirit and miracles.
The True Jesus Church is the True Church of the end time.
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