We believe Protestantism is the purest form of Christianity, rediscovered by the reformers in the 16th century, when the bible became available for all peoples and languages.
The Waldensians in Italy, John Wycliff in England, John Knox in Scotland and John Huss in Czechoslovakia were all among the first reformers. But the term Protestants was first used to describe German Princes in the town of Speyer who were followers of the most influential reformer Martin Luther(click on Martin Luther). They protested against the suppression of their religious freedom and the false teachings of their day.
Martin Luther himself published his ninety five theses denouncing the Roman Catholic doctrines of penance and other false teachings. It has often been said that Luther nailed these to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg Germany.
As Luther's influence spread he was soon summoned to a hearing in Rome to explain his actions. He was questioned by the most high ranking papists, they ridiculed him saying:
"the whole world will be against you"
But the inspired German monk replied:
"then I am against the whole world"
The reformers became known as Protestants because they Protested or witnessed for the truth. The Roman Catholic Vulgate Bible translates the words "they testified" as "Protestantes"!
THE MAIN TEACHINGS OF PROTESTANTISM ARE:
->The bible is the inspired word of God and contains all things necessary for salvation.
->There is only one mediator between God and man, that being Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
->Freedom of worship for all people.
->We believe in the Godhead or Holy Trinity, that consists of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
->Salvation through faith alone.
->Sacrifice of mass should be replaced by the Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper. Bread and wine are taken in rememberance of Jesus. We reject the Roman Catholic belief that they become Jesus' body and blood.
->We do not pray to or worship statues
"Thou shalt have no other God's before me" exodus ch20 v3
"Do not bow down to any idol or worship it, because I am the Lord your God" Exodus ch20 v5
->Man should make confession of his sins to God above and not to a priest. Only God almighty can grant forgiveness for sins committed here on Earth.
->We believe in the virgin birth of our Lord Jesus from his mother Mary's womb. For this we are eternally thankful but we do not worship Mary as the Roman Catholic church does.
->Those who have faith in God and a sincere love for his son Jesus Christ will go to heaven to be with him after death. They will not go to a place called "limbo" or any other place which has been dreamed up by superstitious Roman Catholic clergy.
Protestantism has often been referred to as a tree with many different branches as it is a faith which contains many denominations.
Our Protestant Faith Is A Central Part Of Our Institution
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This was compiled with the help of information written by Bro. The Rev. Dr. M. W. DEWAR M.A. (Cantab), Dip. Theol. (London), Ph.D. (Q.U.B.) |
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