Article 17. CHRISTIAN INTEGRITY

ARTICLE 17 CHRISTIAN INTEGRITY

    We believe that it is a major Christian obligation to be strictly truthful and transparent in life and doctrine, with no secrecy or hypocrisy. The Lord Jesus Christ has forbidden to His followers the use of any and all oaths, because of the finite limitations of human beings, and the obligation always to speak the truth. In legal matters we therefore simply affirm the truth. We are opposed to membership in secret societies or lodges, because such membership would involve an unequal yoke with unbelievers, and because these organizations employ hierarchical titles, require oaths, stand for organized secrecy, and may offer salvation on grounds other than faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that it is in the church that we should find love, fellowship, and security.

Matthew 5:33-37; Matthew 23:7-10, Matthew 23:16-22; John 18:20; Acts 4:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18,2 Corinthians 7:1; James 5:12.