The
Augsburg Confession
& The Shepherds Way
& The Shepherds Way
By
Eric William King
People have asked what confessions of faith does “Ancient Antiochene Christianity” hold to
since the reformation. I will here
address that very issue with complete seriousness and faith in our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.
Ultimately the Bible is our true and complete
confession however in a world where many languages are spoken and
much confusion over definitions of terms and true Christian doctrine is debated
and added to everyday it is important to have an articulate statement of our
faith. We here at this ministry - which we truly believe is a continuation of
the one true faith once delivered - wish to share just what we hold to when it
comes to confessions.
One, we uphold and accept “The
Apostles Creed” (the oldest amongst faith statements in the true
Christian Church) and second we hold to the “Nicene
Creed”, third “The the
Athanasius Creed” and finally we uphold the complete and entire “Augsburg Confession” with an addendum on the doctrine of Baptism
which we believe St. Martin Luther would have upheld.
As far as church councils go we reject entirely the 7th
ecumenical Council of Trent because of its attacks on proper
reform.
Where Ancient Antiochene Christianity is
different from Lutheranism it does not conflict with Lutheranism.
For one, St. Martin Luther was not called of God to speak on Eschatology and we
have shown in our studies that the early church was pre-millennial and pre-tribulational.
Also, our understanding of Dispensational
Theology does not conflict with the Augsburg Confession in anyway.
We hold that the church is in one sense “spiritual
Israel” but this in no wise erases the prophecies yet to occur regarding
literal Israel. Ultimately the Christian Church does not replace literal Israel. Even the Augsburg Confession states
that the church is not literal Israel (See Article 7).
Regarding soteriology
we believe that true salvation is a complete work of God by grace through faith
and thus true salvation is secured. (Agreeing with the Lutheran “Formula of
Concord”, Article 11 – “God’s Eternal Foreknowledge & Election”)
Regarding the Sabbath
and “day keeping” we believe that
Jesus Christ is our ultimate Sabbath (rest) and that day keeping is unnecessary
though we do participate in the regular Christian holidays. (Augsburg
Confession, Article 15) Traditionally we meet and worship on Sunday’s just as
the early church did. (Agreeing with “Luther’s Large Catechism” & the Third
Commandment)
We also accept the Large &
Small Lutheran Catechisms.
We have previously given a basic list of thirteen things that we believe in and
these are a very basic summation of our faith which almost all Reformed and Protestant churches uphold. Regarding the Augsburg Confession it is
the most complete of our faith statements since the reformation.
Regarding hermeneutic rules we teach what are
called “the Seven Ancient Antiochene Rules
of Interpretation” which we believe were used by the first
Antiochene church founded by apostles St. Peter, St. Barnabas and St. Paul.
The Augsburg Confession
In the year 1530 on June 25th the famous
Augsburg Confession was presented to Charles the 5th at Diet of
Augsburg in response to false claims against Luther and those true Christians
who wanted true reform. By this time the
Protestant reformation was well underway.
The Augsburg Confession was put together to offer a
peaceful and strongly Biblical response to the emperor. As many German leaders read
the confession they were moved by the Holy Spirit to put their names on it so
it became a testimony of faith not just for Saxony but eventually for most of
Christendom.
It is comprised of 28 Articles of Faith which are well
articulated and explained by the use of Scripture
Alone (Sola Scriptura). Our ministry (“The Shepherds Way”
started on October 10th 2017) fully upholds the Augsburg Confession
as a thorough faith statement of true Christianity. We have one addendum
regarding the sacrament of Baptism talked of in Article 8. Our addendum is upheld by most all modern Lutherans today.
Regarding Baptism in our addendum we believe that the
Holy Spirit is secured in water baptism but in some cases precedes water
baptism in its security and that water baptism
is not applied in salvation in specific cases such as the thief on the cross. The
Holy Spirit baptism is the ultimate seal unto salvation. Water baptism is
also the outward sign and seal of an inner change before the congregation of
God’s people.
In truth we believe that St. Martin Luther’s reform was
the closest attempt to the return of pure Ancient Antiochene Theology.
It is our hope that the existing Lutheran
Synods would carefully review our teachings in the hopes that a more
thorough unity could occur amongst our people in the Christian churches based
on yet a clearer understanding of Sola
Scriptura.
I hope that this short explanation of our faith which has
been given the official title of “Ancient
Antiochene Christianity” helps our fellow Christians understand where we
stand. It is my hope that you would continue your in-depth studies with us here
at “The Shepherds Way” and the
“Nugget of Truth”.
Resting
in the finished work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Eric William King (October 10th 2017 – Rearticulated on April 8th
2020)
Dear Lutheran, watch the true Patrisitc History regarding Dispensationalism...
*Early Dispensationalism
*Understanding Dispensations
*Darby didn't create Dispensationalism
Dear Lutheran, watch the true Patrisitc History regarding Dispensationalism...
*Early Dispensationalism
*Understanding Dispensations
*Darby didn't create Dispensationalism
Patristic Church was Premillennial
*History of Premillennialism
Welcome ..........
Eric William King
"Christian Confirmation" Age 15 Year 1984
Basic Summation of our Christian Faith
The 13 Statements
“Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, ‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas,’ and ‘I of Christ.’ Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).
“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” (Galatians 1:6-9).
Return to the Truth......
“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” (Galatians 1:6-9).
Return to the Truth......
The Scriptures: We believe the Bible, the Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. The Holy Spirit gave the very words of these sacred writings to holy men of old. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21; Acts 1:16)
The Triune God: We believe that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is the creator of all things and upholds all things by the Word of His power. (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 17:3; Matthew 28:19; Revelation 4:11; Hebrews 1:3, 8, 10-13; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15, 16, 2:9; Acts 5:3, 4)
The Lord Jesus Christ: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, was crucified, shedding His blood for the remission of sins. Christ was buried, rose bodily from the grave on the third day, and ascended back to heaven. He sits at the right hand of the Father where He is our High Priest and Advocate. We are looking for His imminent return. (Matthew 1:20-25; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 1 John 2:1-2; Hebrews 4:14-16)
The Holy Spirit: We believe the Holy Spirit to be the third person of the Trinity. He indwells, guides, teaches, and empowers the believer for effective service and Holy living to the glory of Christ. He assures the believer of his eternal salvation. He also convicts the world of sin, of judgment, and of righteousness. (Romans 8:9; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:13, 14; 4:30; Romans 8:15, 16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 1:8; John 16:8-11)
The exceeding Sinfulness of Man: We believe that as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve, man is dead in trespasses and sin. This "death passed upon all men for all have sinned." Human nature is totally corrupt and estranged from God. A new life imparted by the Holy Spirit through the Word is absolutely essential to salvation. Man must be born again to receive eternal life. (Romans 5:12; Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 17:9; Ephesians 2:1, 2; John 3:3, 18; Titus 3:5; Philippians 3:4-9)
The Means of Salvation: We believe that the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ alone has accomplished our salvation. God uses His word and the Holy Spirit to call people. The Lord Jesus Christ became sin for us, and as our substitute, paid the penalty for our guilt. Through simple childlike faith alone in this substitutionary death, the repentant soul is born again by the power of God. "The old has gone, the new has come." (John 1:12; 5:24; 14:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; Romans 5:6-9; Ephesians 1:7)
Two Ordinances: We believe water baptism by immersion or sprinkling/pouring and the Lord's Supper (Communion) are ordinances to be observed as the Lord commanded in this age. (Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30)
The True Church: We believe that the True Church is composed of all those who have been born again by the power of the Holy Spirit and, thus, united together in the Body of Christ, and that sectarianism and denominationalism is to be avoided. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:4-6)
The Return of our Lord: We believe in the personal and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this blessed hope has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:12, 13)
The Resurrection of the Just and the Unjust: We believe in the resurrection of both the saved, to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment. Death does not end all. (John 5:29; Revelation 20:12-15)
Satan: We believe in the reality and personality of Satan (Job 1:6-12; Matthew 4:2-ll; John 8:44; Revelation 12:9,10)
The Eternal Destiny of Man: We believe in the eternal destiny of man. Heaven is a real place of eternal joy and bliss for the redeemed, and Hell is a real place of eternal condemnation for those who reject salvation in Christ. (John 11:25, 26; Mark 3:29; Hebrews 6:2;)
The Mission of the Church: We believe that the mission of the Church is to spread the gospel and make disciples of people in every nation. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)
The Triune God: We believe that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is the creator of all things and upholds all things by the Word of His power. (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 17:3; Matthew 28:19; Revelation 4:11; Hebrews 1:3, 8, 10-13; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15, 16, 2:9; Acts 5:3, 4)
The Lord Jesus Christ: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, was crucified, shedding His blood for the remission of sins. Christ was buried, rose bodily from the grave on the third day, and ascended back to heaven. He sits at the right hand of the Father where He is our High Priest and Advocate. We are looking for His imminent return. (Matthew 1:20-25; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 1 John 2:1-2; Hebrews 4:14-16)
The Holy Spirit: We believe the Holy Spirit to be the third person of the Trinity. He indwells, guides, teaches, and empowers the believer for effective service and Holy living to the glory of Christ. He assures the believer of his eternal salvation. He also convicts the world of sin, of judgment, and of righteousness. (Romans 8:9; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:13, 14; 4:30; Romans 8:15, 16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 1:8; John 16:8-11)
The exceeding Sinfulness of Man: We believe that as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve, man is dead in trespasses and sin. This "death passed upon all men for all have sinned." Human nature is totally corrupt and estranged from God. A new life imparted by the Holy Spirit through the Word is absolutely essential to salvation. Man must be born again to receive eternal life. (Romans 5:12; Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 17:9; Ephesians 2:1, 2; John 3:3, 18; Titus 3:5; Philippians 3:4-9)
The Means of Salvation: We believe that the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ alone has accomplished our salvation. God uses His word and the Holy Spirit to call people. The Lord Jesus Christ became sin for us, and as our substitute, paid the penalty for our guilt. Through simple childlike faith alone in this substitutionary death, the repentant soul is born again by the power of God. "The old has gone, the new has come." (John 1:12; 5:24; 14:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; Romans 5:6-9; Ephesians 1:7)
Two Ordinances: We believe water baptism by immersion or sprinkling/pouring and the Lord's Supper (Communion) are ordinances to be observed as the Lord commanded in this age. (Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30)
The True Church: We believe that the True Church is composed of all those who have been born again by the power of the Holy Spirit and, thus, united together in the Body of Christ, and that sectarianism and denominationalism is to be avoided. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:4-6)
The Return of our Lord: We believe in the personal and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this blessed hope has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:12, 13)
The Resurrection of the Just and the Unjust: We believe in the resurrection of both the saved, to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment. Death does not end all. (John 5:29; Revelation 20:12-15)
Satan: We believe in the reality and personality of Satan (Job 1:6-12; Matthew 4:2-ll; John 8:44; Revelation 12:9,10)
The Eternal Destiny of Man: We believe in the eternal destiny of man. Heaven is a real place of eternal joy and bliss for the redeemed, and Hell is a real place of eternal condemnation for those who reject salvation in Christ. (John 11:25, 26; Mark 3:29; Hebrews 6:2;)
The Mission of the Church: We believe that the mission of the Church is to spread the gospel and make disciples of people in every nation. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)
Eric William King, founder of "The Shepherds Way" & "Nugget of Truth"
The Shepherds Way - Original Christianity
The Shepherds Way continues to teach the Word of God in Truth. Showing the thread of Truth from the first Church of Antioch. Our first Bishop there being the Apostle Peter. We have the writings of our early teachers and the records of early Church history.
We show that there were no major denominations for the first 400 years of the church, before the Roman Catholic and Greek schism occurred. Hence, the first and most early church, the original church founded by our Saviour, Yzues Christos, still exists today in the modern Antiochene Church.
If you are a Christian and want to truly understand the unpolluted and rich theology of the original church than you are welcome to begin your free studies here by watching all of Eric William King's theological lectures and studies.
We thank God for the teaching tools that we have been given throughout the centuries and we are blessed to have in our Antiochene Library much information on the most early manuscripts.
So welcome fellow brother & sister in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Begin here to understand deeper Antiochene Christianity
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