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Tunaamini - We Believe

MUNGU ANA MPANGO WA KIMUNGU

Imeandikwa; “Matendo yake yote yanajulikana tangu mwanzo wa ulimwengu” (Matendo 15:18). Historia ya wanadamu, kama inavyofunuliwa katika Biblia Takatifu, inatia ndani kipindi cha miaka 7,000 hivi tangu kuumbwa kwa Adamu hadi mwisho wa Ufalme wa Milenia chini ya utawala wa Kristo. Mengi katika Biblia sasa ni historia iliyoandikwa kimbele. Ukombozi kupitia damu ya Yesu umefumwa kama uzi wa dhahabu katika Biblia yote kuanzia Mwanzo hadi Ufunuo.

Mwanzo inafichua anguko la mwanadamu katika dhambi na mauti pamoja na tumaini lililoahidiwa la uzao (Yesu Kristo) ili kulipia dhambi hiyo ya kutotii katika bustani ya Edeni. Kote katika Agano la Kale uzi huu umechukuliwa na kupanuliwa hadi kwenye utoaji halisi wa maisha ya Yesu Msalabani. Inatabiri zaidi kurudi kwa Kristo kwa Bibi-arusi Wake. Wakati huo atausimamisha Ufalme wa Mungu na hawa watakuwa ufufuo wa wafu wote, wenye haki na wasio haki. Mwishoni mwa miaka hii 1,000, Kristo ataukabidhi ulimwengu huu mkamilifu, usio na dhambi kwa Baba ili Aweze kuwa “yote katika yote.” (Tafadhali ona 1 Kor. 15:28). Mwanadamu ataishi katika upatano mkamilifu na mapenzi ya kimungu ya Mungu kulingana na ujuzi wa kimbele wa Muumba wetu mwenye kutisha, Mungu na Baba. Lisifuni Jina Lake! Katika kijitabu hiki, tutachambua mpango huu kwa uelewa mpana zaidi wa imani yetu ya Kimaandiko.

BWANA MUNGU

Tunaamini katika BWANA MMOJA ambaye ni Mbunifu Mkuu na Mbuni wa Ulimwengu. Yeye ni Asiyekufa, Mungu na Mwenyewe, hana mwanzo wala mwisho. Tabia yake ni ya ukamilifu, kuwa Mwenye Upendo-Yote, Mwenye Hekima Yote, Mwenye Nguvu Zote, Mwenye Haki Yote. Neno lake linasema yeye ni NURU na UPENDO. BWANA Mungu habadiliki. Sifa Zake zimefunuliwa kwa wote kwa njia ya utaratibu na uzuri wa ulimwengu mzima katika kitabu cha maumbile na vilevile katika Kitabu Chake kilichoandikwa, Biblia, na hasa katika Mwanawe aliye katika sura na mfano Wake. Yeye ni Muweza wa yote na Mjuzi wa yote, anajua mambo yote kabla hayajatokea. Yeye yuko nje ya wakati na nafasi. BWANA huyu wa Kutisha, ambaye jina lake ni Yehova, ni Mungu na Baba wa Bwana Yesu Kristo.

Tafadhali Soma: Mwa. 1:1; Zab. 89:13, 14; 90:2; 83:18; 103:19; Kwa mfano. 6:3; Kumb. 6:4, 5; 32:4, 1 Nya. 29:10-13; Isaya 40:12-15; 42:9; 44:8; 46:8-11; 48:3; Mal. 3:6; Yak. 1:17; Rum. 1:19; 1 Kor. 8:5, 6; 1 Tim. 1:17; Yohana 3:16, 5:24; 20:17; Tito 1:2; 1 Yohana 4:16.

YESU KRISTO

Yeye ndiye Mwana wa Pekee wa Mungu, aliyekuwepo kabla ya kuwa mwanadamu, Yesu Kristo. Yeye ndiye “mzaliwa wa kwanza juu ya viumbe vyote.” Katika kuwako Kwake kabla aliitwa Logos, au Neno la Mungu; Kiumbe cha Roho aliye mtukufu zaidi, aliyepewa pendeleo, na Mungu na Baba Yake, kuwa wakala mtendaji wa kuumba vitu vyote mbinguni na duniani. "Vitu vyote viliumbwa kwa njia yake na kwa ajili yake na bila yeye hakuna chochote kilichofanyika." Kwa wakati ufaao wa Mungu, Alimtuma Mwanawe wa Pekee ulimwenguni. Logos kwa hiari alijimwaga utukufu wote aliokuwa nao; Uhai wake ulihamishwa, kwa uwezo wa kimungu wa Mungu, ndani ya tumbo la uzazi la Mariamu, naye akazaliwa mwanadamu mkamilifu. Alifanya hivi ili kuwa Mkombozi wa Adamu na wote waliopotea katika dhambi na mauti kupitia kwa Adamu, akiitimiza Haki ya Mungu ya Kiungu kwa kufa juu ya Msalaba wa Kalvari kama sadaka kamilifu ya Dhambi. Utiifu wake wa uaminifu ulithawabishwa na Mungu na Baba Yake alipofufuliwa kutoka kwa wafu na kupewa uwezo wote mbinguni na duniani na vilevile kuongezwa utukufu na heshima, na kutokufa, akiwa ameketi mkono wa kuume wa Baba Yake. Baadhi ya vyeo vya Bwana Yesu Kristo ni: “Mwana wa Pekee,” “Mwana wa Daudi na Bwana,” “Shina na Mzao wa Daudi,” “Adamu wa Pili,” “Bwana kutoka mbinguni,” “Mshauri wa Ajabu,” “ Baba wa wakati ujao,” “Mfalme wa Amani,” “Mwana wa Adamu,” “Wakili,” “Mpatanishi.”

Tafadhali soma: Mit. 8:22-30; Isa. 9:6; Yohana 1:1-3, 10, 14, 34; 3:16; 8:14,23; 12:34; 17:5; Mt.13:41; 22:42-45; 24:27, 30, 25:31; Luka. 1:26-38; 2:49; 19:10; Jn. 6:35, 62; 8:42, 58; 10:36; 17:5; Matendo 1:6-11; 2:24; 2 Kor. 8:9; Gal. 4:4; Fil. 2:7, 8; Kol. 1:15-18; 1 Tim. 2:3-6; Ebr. 2:9; 7:26; 12:24;1Yohana 2:1; 4:1-3, 9; 1 Kor. 15:45-47; Ufu. 1:17; 2:8, 18; 3:14; 22:16.

BIBLIA TAKATIFU

Biblia ni mkusanyo wa vitabu 66, vilivyoandikwa na manabii, mitume na watu wengine watakatifu wa Mungu, walioandika chini ya maongozi ya Mungu na uongozi wake. Kuanzia Mwanzo hadi Ufunuo, Biblia inafichua mpango Wake wa ukombozi na mapenzi ya Kimungu kwa wanadamu ambayo yanajikita katika Mwanawe, Bwana Yesu Kristo. “Agano la Kale limo katika Agano Jipya lililofunuliwa... Agano Jipya liko katika Agano la Kale limefichwa,” zote zikiwa katika upatano mkamilifu.

Tafadhali soma: Yoh. 17:3, 17; Zab. 119:105; 2 Tim. 1:13; 2:15; 3:16, 17; Tito 1:9.

SHETANI

Hapo awali, Shetani alikuwa kerubi mzuri, mwenye nguvu na mwenye hekima ambaye jina lake lilikuwa Lusifa, likimaanisha nuru. Aliwekwa na Mungu katika bustani ya Edeni ili kuwatunza wazazi wetu wa kwanza, Adamu na Hawa. Kwa wakati ufaao, moyo wa Lusifa ulijawa na kiburi, tamaa na hamu ya kuwa kama Mungu Aliye Juu Zaidi. Lusifa, baada ya dhambi kupatikana moyoni mwake, akawa Shetani, maana yake ni Adui. Alimdanganya mama Hawa, jambo ambalo lilisababisha kutotii kwake na vilevile kwa Adamu. Shetani pia alishawishi umati wa malaika wamfuate na kufanya agizo lake karibu na wakati wa Gharika kuu. Baada ya Gharika waliwekwa “katika minyororo ya milele mpaka Siku ya Hukumu.” Shetani na mwenyeji wake bado wanafanya kazi sana duniani leo, wakishawishi na kusababisha hofu, mkanganyiko na uovu miongoni mwa watu wote. Mwanzoni mwa Ufalme wa Kristo duniani, atafungwa katika “shimo lisilo na mwisho” ili asidanganye mataifa. Mwishoni mwa Ufalme wa Mungu wa miaka 1,000, Shetani atafunguliwa kwa ajili ya kujaribiwa mara moja kwa mwisho kwa ainabinadamu na kisha kuharibiwa, pamoja na wale wote wasioweza kurekebishwa.

Tafadhali soma: Mwa. 3:1-6; Kumb. 32:4; Isa. 14:12-15; Eze. 28:11-19; Mt. 4:1-11; Mk. 3:26, 27; Jn. 12:31; 14:30; Rum. 16:20; 2 Kor. 2:11; 4:4;11:14; Jn. 8:44;1 Pt. 5:8; 2 Pt. 2:4; Yuda 6; Efe. 2:2; Ebr. 2:14; Ufu. 20:1-3, 7-10 .

DHAMBI

Biblia inatangaza kwamba dhambi ni kutotii mapenzi ya Mungu yaliyoelezwa na kwamba adhabu ya dhambi ni KIFO, si mateso ya milele. Mungu alimuonya Adamu kwamba ikiwa angemuasi bila shaka atakufa. Kwa kuwa Adamu alikosa kumtii Muumba wake kimakusudi, yeye, pamoja na Hawa, walihukumiwa kifo. Kwa urithi, watoto wote wa Adamu wamezaliwa chini ya hukumu yake; kwa hiyo, haidhuru wanaishi jinsi gani au wapi, wao ni wa rangi gani au wa taifa gani, wanadamu wote wameteuliwa kufa.

Tafadhali soma: Mwa. 2:17; 3:17-19; Zaburi 51:5; Ezekieli 18:4; Warumi 1:18; 2:23; 3:23; 5:12; 6:23; Waebrania 9:27; Yakobo 1:15; Ufu. 1:5.

KIFO CHA ADAMU KINA ASHIRIA USINGIZI

Kifo cha Adamu ni matokeo ya dhambi. Imewakumba wanadamu wote kwa sababu “wote wamefanya dhambi.” Kifo ni kukoma kwa maisha, sio kuendelea kwa maisha mahali pengine. Katika Biblia, kifo kinafananishwa na usingizi; mwanadamu anapokufa hupoteza fahamu zote, maarifa, hisia, hekima n.k. Mwanadamu anawekwa kaburini (sheol kwa Kiebrania; hades kwa Kigiriki) ambako anapumzika kama usingizini. Ni mahali ambapo mawazo yote hupotea. Mwanadamu anapokufa, roho humrudia Mungu aliyeitoa. Ni uharibifu wa kuwa na mahali ambapo wema na waovu huenda hadi ufufuo.

Tafadhali soma: Mwa. 3:19; Zab. 37:10; 145:20; 146:4; Mhu. 3:19, 9:5, 10; 12:7; Isa. 35:10; Eze. 18:4, 20; Yohana 5:28, 29; 11:11-14; Matendo 7:60; 13:36; 2 Pet. 3:4; 1 Kor.15:13-18, 22, 51; 1 Thes. 4:14.

KUZIMU, KUZIMU, KUZIMU na KUZIMU

Kama ilivyoonyeshwa chini ya kichwa cha kifo cha Adamu, kuzimu ni tafsiri ya neno la Kiebrania sheol na neno la Kigiriki hades. Maana ya asili ya maneno haya ilikuwa shimo, shimo, kaburi, kaburi, au mahali pa kimya ambapo walio hai waliweka wafu wao. Hata hivyo, karne nyingi baada ya Mitume kulala usingizi; maana mpya ya asili ya kipagani ilianzishwa, ikaaminiwa, na kupitishwa na makasisi.

Mahali palipoitwa “kuzimu” palifafanuliwa kuwa mahali pa moto halisi unaochemka na kuunguza na kiberiti ambapo roho za wenye dhambi zisizoweza kufa zingetumwa juu ya kifo cha miili yao. Hapo, shetani alisemekana kuwaletea maumivu na mateso ya milele. Fundisho hili la Kishetani, lililokopwa kutoka kwa dini za kipagani, limesababisha hofu mioyoni mwa watu, hivyo kuwaweka katika ujitiisho kamili kwa makasisi. Hakuna mahali kama vile adhabu kwa watenda-dhambi panapotajwa katika Biblia, ingawa katika Ufunuo wametumia lugha ya mfano inayotumiwa katika sura ya 20 na 21 ili kuonyesha kwamba mahali kamapo pa mateso yapo. Ufafanuzi halisi wa mfano wa tajiri na Lazaro unatumiwa pia kuendeleza fundisho hili la kumvunjia Mungu heshima. Katika Ufu. 20:14 hebu tuangalie kwa makini kwamba kifo na kuzimu vilitupwa ndani ya “ziwa la moto.” Je!, ikiwa ni ziwa la moto, inawezaje kutupwa katika ziwa la moto? Sehemu iliyosalia ya mstari pamoja na Ufu. 21:8 inatupa maelezo sahihi kuhusu “ziwa la moto” ni nini hasa – “Hii ndiyo mauti ya pili” au uharibifu kamili. Hivyo tunaweza kuamini kikweli yale yanayosemwa katika Warumi 6:23 : “Kwa maana mshahara wa dhambi ni MAUTI, bali karama ya Mungu ni UZIMA wa milele katika Kristo Yesu Bwana wetu.” Namshukuru Mungu, Yeye ni Upendo na hatawahi kutesa kiumbe chake chochote! Siku moja kaburi lenyewe litashindwa na kukomeshwa, kwani “adui wa mwisho atakayeangamizwa ni mauti” (1Kor. 15:26). Mungu asifiwe kwa ahadi hii!

HASARA YA ISRAEL - FAIDA YA MATAIFA

Kuanzia Musa hadi Yesu, taifa la Israeli lilikuwa watu waliochaguliwa na Mungu. Kwao walipewa Sheria na manabii na ahadi zilifanywa. Taifa hilo lilishindwa kutii Mungu na Sheria Yake, jambo ambalo lilifikia upeo kwa kumkataa Bwana Yesu Kristo. Kwa sababu ya kukataliwa huko, Israeli iliangamizwa kama taifa na kutawanywa katika Milki yote ya Roma. Kisha upendeleo ulikuja kwa Wamataifa pamoja na Wayahudi mmoja mmoja waliomkubali Yesu Kristo kama Mwokozi wao binafsi. Mungu aliendelea ‘kuchukua watu kwa ajili ya Jina Lake’ kutoka kwa Wayahudi na Wasio Wayahudi pia. Hata hivyo, unabii unatangaza kwamba Mungu atarudisha tena uhusiano pamoja na taifa la Israeli watakapokusanywa tena katika nchi yao na kumkubali Yesu Kristo kuwa Masihi wao. Unabii huo umekusudiwa kwa ajili ya wanadamu wote na pia Israeli ambao watabarikiwa katika Ufalme wa Mungu.

Tafadhali soma: Kut. 19:5, 6; Amosi 3:2; Zek. 12:10; Isa. 51:1-3; Mal. 2:1-9; Mt. 23:39; Luka 23:18-25; Yohana 10:16; Matendo 7:51-53; 15:14-17; 26:6, 7; Rum. 11:1, 2, 15-26; Eze. 37:1-14.

WOKOVU

Wokovu wa wanadamu ulikamilishwa na kifo cha Bwana Yesu Kristo kwenye Msalaba wa Kalvari. Kwa kuwa watu wote wako chini ya hukumu ya haki ya dhambi na kifo, ili kuokolewa ni lazima mtu amkubali Bwana Yesu kuwa Mwokozi wao, atubu kutoka kwa dhambi na kuongoka au kugeuzwa kuacha njia yao ya maisha ya awali. Wokovu ni zawadi ya bure ya Mungu kwa njia ya kifo cha Mwanawe, kilichopangwa tangu kuumbwa kwa ulimwengu, kwa maana dhambi ya mwanadamu ilijulikana na Mungu.

Tafadhali soma: Isa. 53:5; Ebr. 9:22; Mk. 10:45; Jn. 1:29; Jn. 3:16, 36; Rum. 5:6; 1 Kor. 7:23; 15:3, 21; Ebr. 2:9, 16; 5:9; 9:12; 1 Pt. 1:18, 19; Fil. 2:8; 1 Yohana 2:2; Ufu. 5:9. Efe.2:8-10.

UFUNZO

Hatua hii ya kuachwa kabisa kwa mapenzi ya Mungu ndiyo chipukizi cha Wokovu wetu, unaotokana na moyo uliojaa Wema wa Bwana, Neema Rehema na Upendo. Hili si jambo la lazima kwa Wokovu bali ni mwaliko uliotolewa na Bwana Yesu aliposema, “Mtu ye yote akitaka kunifuata, na ajikane mwenyewe, ajitwike msalaba wake, anifuate. Kwa yeyote anayekubali mpango huo mzuri ajabu, wakijitoa wenyewe kwa Mungu kupitia uhusiano wa kibinafsi pamoja na Bwana Yesu Kristo, thawabu, ikiwa mwaminifu, ni kubwa sana. Tunapozaliwa mara ya pili, tunakuwa viumbe vipya katika Yesu Kristo, “ya kale yamepita na yote yamekuwa mapya!” Hakuna uhusiano wa ndani zaidi au wa kibinafsi zaidi ya huu, kwa kuwa sasa sisi ni watoto wa Mungu na tumepozwa Kristo kama Bibi-arusi Wake. Thawabu kwa waamini ni: Utukufu, heshima na kutokufa; kufanyika Bibi-arusi wa Kristo; wamepewa jiwe jeupe, na juu yake limeandikwa jina jipya, asilolijua mtu ila yeye alipokeaye; kupewa taji ya uzima; ikipewa Nyota ya Asubuhi; wamevaa mavazi meupe; kuwa nguzo katika hekalu la Mungu; kuwa kama Kristo na kumwona jinsi alivyo; kuketi pamoja na Yesu katika kiti chake cha enzi; kutawala mataifa kwa fimbo ya chuma na kutawala pamoja na Yesu Kristo katika Ufalme wa Mungu kwa miaka 1,000.

Tafadhali soma: Mt. 16:24; Mk. 8:34; 10:21; Luka. 9:23; 12:32; Jn. 17:24; 2 Kor. 5:17; 11:2; 2 Tim. 2:12; 1 Yoh. 3:2, 3; Ufu. 2:7, 10, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 19:7-9; 21:9; 22:17.

UBATIZO

Ubatizo wa kuzamishwa uliamriwa na Bwana Yesu Kristo. Kuzamishwa ndani ya maji kunaashiria kifo cha mwamini kwa utashi wake binafsi, huku kule kutoka majini kunaonyesha hamu yake ya kuishi maisha ya ufufuo ndani ya Kristo, yaani, ishara ya nje ya kile ambacho tayari kimetokea katika moyo wa mwamini; kuzamishwa kwa mapenzi katika mapenzi ya Mungu. Kwa hivyo tunabatizwa katika kifo cha Kristo, na sasa ahadi yetu ni “kusulubishwa pamoja na Kristo,” ili “kufufuliwa ili tuenende katika upya wa uzima.”

Tafadhali soma: Mt. 3:13-15; 28:19, 20; Rum. 6:1-11; `12:1,2; 1 Kor. 12:12, 13; Gal. 2:20; 3:27; Kol. 3:3; Ebr. 10:7.

ROHO MTAKATIFU

Roho Mtakatifu wa Mungu alimiminwa juu ya wanafunzi waliokusanyika siku ya Pentekoste. Tangu wakati huo, imemiminwa kwa wanafunzi Wake ambao wamejitoa kikamilifu kumfuata Yesu. Hii ni zawadi ya thamani ya Mungu; Ni nguvu na uwezo wake mwenyewe ambao humpa Mkristo mwongozo, nuru, faraja, hekima, nguvu na furaha. Bila hivyo, maisha kwa Mkristo yasingewezekana. Pamoja nayo, Mkristo ana uwezo na nguvu za kuwa mwaminifu hadi kufa. Hii "roho ya nguvu, upendo na akili timamu" pia ni mwalimu wetu.

Tafadhali soma: Luka 11:13; Yohana 14:26; 16:13; Matendo 2:1-12; Yoeli 2:28, 29; Warumi 5:5; 8:9, 14, 16; 15:13; 1 Kor. 2:9-12; 6:19; 12:7; Efe. 1:13, 14; 5:18-20; 1 Thes. 4:8; 2 Tim. 1:7; 1 Petro 1:12; 1 Yohana 5:4, 18 .

NAFSI

Ulimwengu wote umeongozwa kuamini kwamba mwanadamu ana ndani yake kitu kinachoitwa nafsi isiyoweza kufa, ambayo wakati wa kifo huenda mahali fulani kwenye anga, iwe mbinguni, kuzimu, toharani, nirvana, uwanja wa kuwinda wenye furaha, nk. Imani hii haifundishwi katika Biblia, kwa maana hakuna mahali popote ambapo tunapata neno “nafsi isiyoweza kufa.” Badala yake, tunaona kwamba mwanadamu NI nafsi, si kwamba ANAYO. Katika Mwanzo 2:7 Neno la Mungu linasema hivi: “Mungu akampulizia mtu pumzi ya uhai na mtu AKAWA nafsi hai.” Andiko la Ezekieli 18:4, 20 linasema waziwazi, “nafsi itendayo dhambi, ndiyo itakayokufa.” Katika kumhukumu Adamu Mungu hakutaja chochote kuhusu nafsi ya Adamu kwenda popote baada ya kifo. Badala yake, alisema kwa uwazi, “kwa maana wewe u mavumbi, nawe mavumbini utarudi” (Mwanzo 3:19).

Hii ina maana kwamba mtu NI nafsi -- hisia fahamu, uwezo wa kufikiri na hisia. Anapokufa, hawezi kufikiri na kuhisi. Kulingana na Maandiko, kaburi linatungoja sisi sote, wema na uovu, na hakuna mateso ya milele yanayongojea. Hakuna hata moja inayotajwa mahali kama hii kwa Baba Adamu kama adhabu ya dhambi. Nafsi inaweza kuangamia, na tunaambiwa wazi kwamba tusiogope mtu awezaye kuangamiza mwili, bali yeye awezaye kuangamiza mwili na roho pia” (Mathayo 10:28)! Kutokufa kwa nafsi lilikuwa ni wazo la Shetani ambaye alimwambia Mama Hawa, “HAKIKA HUTAkufa” (Mwanzo 3:4). Kanisa limeahidiwa, ikiwa ni aminifu, “watavaa” kutokufa ambako wanapaswa “kutafuta.” Ikiwa tayari tulikuwa nayo, hatungelazimika kuivaa au kuitafuta.

Tafadhali soma: Mwanzo 2:17; Zaburi 89:48; 115:17; 145:20; Mhu. 3:19, 20; Isaya 26:19; Warumi 2:6, 7; 6:23; 1 Kor. 15:53; 1 Tim. 6:16.

UFUFUO

Ufufuo unafanyika kwa wote. Kutakuwa na ufufuo wa wenye haki na wasio haki. Wale walio na haki au kuhesabiwa haki kupitia kifo cha Kristo na wamefanya mema, wakifuata mapenzi ya Mungu katika maisha yake, watapata ufufuo wa uzima wa milele na kutokufa. Wale ambao hawajachukua njia hii watafufuliwa ili kuhukumiwa hapa duniani. Neno hili hukumu linaashiria kesi na kisha hukumu. Miaka elfu ya Ufalme wa Mungu itakuwa wakati wa hukumu ya uadilifu, kipindi cha majaribio, wakati wakaaji wa nchi watakuwa na kila faida ya kujifunza uadilifu. Ikiwa watakataa kutii na kuishi, basi wataadhibiwa kwa uharibifu wa milele, yaani, kifo cha pili ambacho hakitakuwa na kurudi.

Tafadhali soma: 1 Nya. 16:31-34; Isa. 11:1-5; 26:9; Eze. 16:53-56; Jn. 5:22, 25, 28, 29; Matendo 17:31;24:15; 1 Kor. 6:2; 15:13-17; 20-23; 2 Pt. 3:7, 8; Ufu 20:6;

UFALME WA MILENIA na KURUDISHWA

Neno milenia linamaanisha miaka elfu moja. Inatumika kwa Ufalme wa Mungu hapa duniani. Wakati huu, Shetani atafungwa ili asidanganye watu ambao watafufuliwa. Kristo Yesu na Bibi-arusi Wake, kanisa, watakuwa watawala kamili wa ulimwengu mzima wa Ufalme huu. Kila mtu atakuwa na majaribu ya kibinafsi ambayo kwayo ataamua ikiwa atakubali au kutokubali maandalizi ya uadilifu ya Mungu na kuishi milele, au kukataa njia Zake na kufa kifo cha pili. Lakini kila mmoja atapata fursa kamili ya kufundishwa na kurekebishwa kwa kupata ujuzi kamili wa Ukweli.

Tafadhali soma: Yoeli 2:28; Sef. 3:8, 9; Zab. 30:5; 49:14, 15; Isa. 2:3, 4; 29:18, 19; 33:5, 6; 35:1-10; 40:5; 52:10; 65:17; Yer. 3:17-25; Hagai 2:7; Danieli 2:44; 7:27; Matendo 3:19-22; Mt. 13:43; Yohana 12:48; Rum. 14:9; Gal. 3:8; Fil. 2:9-11; 2 Pet. 3:13; Ufu. 15:4; 20:3, 4; 21:7, 22-26 .

MAUTI YA PILI

Maandiko husema juu ya kifo cha pili ambacho hakitakuwa na tumaini la ufufuo. Kifo hiki kitakuwa kwa wale wanaokataa, chini ya baraka za Ufalme, kuwa watiifu kwa utawala wa uadilifu wa Bwana. Kifo hiki chaonyeshwa waziwazi na Bonde la Hinomu, karibu na Yerusalemu. Wakati wa Kristo bonde hili lilitumika kama dampo la uchafu na mahali pa kuchomea jiji. Jina lake la Kigiriki lilikuwa “gehenna.” Moto katika Bonde la Hinomu uliwekwa hai kila wakati ili kuwaka na kuangamiza kabisa kila kitu kilichotupwa humo. Hakuna kiumbe hai kilichowahi kutupwa kwenye moto huu, isipokuwa tu miili ya wanyama na wahalifu waliouawa na takataka. Kile ambacho moto haukuangamiza, minyoo walifanya, wakionyesha maangamizi kamili ya chochote kilichowekwa ndani yake. Mwishoni mwa Milenia, kifo cha Adamu na kuzimu (kaburi) vitatupwa kwa njia ya mfano katika Gehena ili kuharibiwa milele. Hili pia linaonyeshwa kuwa “ziwa liwakalo moto na kiberiti” ambamo Shetani na malaika wasiotubu watatupwa, pamoja na kifo na moto wa mateso, kuharibiwa milele, na hivyo kukomesha kifo chote. Hili ni tendo la huruma ya Mungu kwa wale ambao hawana hamu ya kuishi chini ya haki kamilifu.

Tafadhali soma: Isa. 25:8; Mt. 10:28; Ebr. 6:4; Ufu. 20:7-10, 14; ( linganisha na Ebr. 2:14, 15 na Zab. 145:20 ); 21:8.

NEEMA na REHEMA

Neema ni zawadi isiyostahiliwa na Mungu kwetu. Ni kutupa tusiyostahili, kama vile rehema haitupi tunachostahili! Neema hutuonyesha fadhili zisizostahiliwa na nyingi na iliyopangwa kwa ajili ya wokovu wetu, wakati rehema ya Mungu ilituokoa kutoka katika kifo ambayo ilikuwa adhabu yetu ya haki kwa dhambi. Neema ya Mungu - inatuhesabia haki; inatuunganisha na Kristo; hutufanya kuwa viungo vya Mwili Wake; hutupatia njia ya kumfikia Mungu kwa njia ya Roho Mtakatifu; anakomboa na kusamehe dhambi zetu zote; hutufanya kuwa wakamilifu katika Kristo; hutuweka huru kutokana na hukumu zote; inatuhakikishia mambo yote hufanya kazi pamoja kwa wema; hutuficha pamoja na Kristo katika Mungu; hutufanya raia wa mbinguni; hutupatia roho ya nguvu, upendo na akili timamu; hutusaidia katika kila wakati wa mahitaji; hutufanya kuwa chumvi na mwanga wa dunia; hutufanya kuwa tawi katika mzabibu wa kweli ili tuweze kuzaa matunda ya Roho Mtakatifu na njia ya maisha yake; anatufanya kuwa hekalu la Mungu, watumishi wa upatanisho, wafanyakazi pamoja na Mungu; hutuketisha katika ulimwengu wa roho; hutufanya kuwa kazi ya Mungu; hutupatia nguvu kamili katika Kristo.

Tafadhali soma: Zab. 84:11; Yohana 1:12; 15:1, 5,15,16; Matendo 15:11; Rum. 5:1, 15-17; 6:23; 8:1, 2, 28, 33-35; 1 Kor. 3:16; 6:17, 20; 12:27; 2 Kor. 1:21; 5:17-20; 6:1; Efe. 1:1, 5, 8; 2:6, 8, 10, 18; 3:2; Fil. 3:20; 4:13.

GOD HAS A DIVINE PLAN

It is written; “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18). The history of mankind, as revealed in the Holy Bible, encompasses a period of some 7,000 years from the creation of Adam to end of the Millennial Kingdom under Christ’s rule. Much in the Bible is now history written in advance. Redemption through the blood of Jesus is woven like a golden thread throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.

Genesis reveals the fall of man into sin and death as well as the promised hope of a seed (Jesus Christ) to atone for that sin of disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Throughout the Old Testament this thread is picked up and extended to the actual giving of Jesus’ life on the Cross. It further predicts the return of Christ for His Bride. At that time He will set up God’s Kingdom and these will be a resurrection of all the dead, both just and unjust. At the end of these 1,000 years, Christ will turn over this perfected, sinless world to the Father so that He can be “all in all.” (Please see 1 Cor. 15:28). Man will live in perfect harmony with God’s divine will according to the foreknowledge of our awesome Creator, God and Father. Praise His Name! In this booklet, we will break down this plan for a more comprehensive understanding of our Scriptural belief.

THE LORD GOD

We believe in ONE LORD God who is The Grand Architect and Designer of the Universe. He is Immortal, Divine and Self-existing, having no beginning and no end. His character is one of perfection, being All-Loving, All-Wise, All-Powerful, All-Just. His Word says He is LIGHT and LOVE. The LORD God is unchangeable. His attributes are revealed to all by way of the universal order and beauty in the book of nature as well as in His written Book, the Bible, and especially in His Son who is in His image and likeness. He is Omnipotent and Omniscient, knowing all things before they happen. He exists outside of time and space. This Awesome LORD, whose name is Jehovah, is the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Please Read: Gen. 1:1; Psa. 89:13, 14; 90:2; 83:18; 103:19; Ex. 6:3; Deut. 6:4, 5; 32:4, 1 Chron. 29:10-13; Isaiah 40:12-15; 42:9; 44:8; 46:8-11; 48:3; Mal. 3:6; Jas. 1:17; Rom. 1:19; 1 Cor. 8:5, 6; 1 Tim. 1:17; John 3:16, 5:24; 20:17; Titus 1:2; 1 John 4:16.

JESUS CHRIST

He is the Only Begotten Son of God, existing before He became the man, Jesus Christ. He is “the first-born over all creation.” In His pre-existence He was called the Logos, or Word of God; a most glorious Spirit Being, given the privilege, by His God and Father, to be the active agent of creating all things in heaven and earth. “All things were created by him and for him and without him nothing was made.” In God’s due time, He sent His Only Begotten Son into the world. The Logos willingly emptied Himself of all the glory He had; His life was transferred, by God’s divine power, into the womb of Mary, and He was born a perfect man. This He did to become the Redeemer of Adam and all who were lost in sin and death through Adam, satisfying God’s Divine Justice by dying on Calvary’s Cross as the perfect Sin-offering. His faithful obedience was rewarded by His God and Father when He was raised from the dead and given all power in heaven and on earth as well as added glory and honor, and immortality, being seated at His Father’s right hand. Some of the titles of the Lord Jesus Christ are: “The Only Begotten One,” “David’s son and Lord,” “Root and Offspring of David,” “Second Adam,” “Lord from heaven,” “Wonderful Counselor,” “Father of the age to come,” “Prince of Peace,” “Son of Man,” “Advocate,” “Mediator.”

Please read: Prov. 8:22-30; Isa. 9:6; John 1:1-3, 10, 14, 34; 3:16; 8:14,23; 12:34; 17:5; Matt.13:41; 22:42-45; 24:27, 30, 25:31; Luke. 1:26-38; 2:49; 19:10; Jn. 6:35, 62; 8:42, 58; 10:36; 17:5; Acts 1:6-11; 2:24; 2 Cor. 8:9; Gal. 4:4; Phil. 2:7, 8; Col. 1:15-18; 1 Tim. 2:3-6; Heb. 2:9; 7:26; 12:24;1 John 2:1; 4:1-3, 9; 1 Cor. 15:45-47; Rev. 1:17; 2:8, 18; 3:14; 22:16.

THE HOLY BIBLE

The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written by the prophets, apostles and other holy men of God, who wrote under God’s divine inspiration and direction. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals His plan of redemption and Divine will for mankind which is centered in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. “The Old Testament is in the New revealed...the New Testament is in the Old concealed,” both being in perfect harmony.

Please read: Jn. 17:3, 17; Psa. 119:105; 2 Tim. 1:13; 2:15; 3:16, 17; Titus 1:9.

SATAN

Originally, Satan was a beautiful, powerful and wise cherub whose name was Lucifer, meaning light. He was placed by God in the Garden of Eden to care for our first parents, Adam and Eve. In due time, Lucifer’s heart became filled with pride, ambition and a desire to be like the Most High God. Lucifer, after sin was found in his heart, became Satan, meaning Adversary. He deceived mother Eve, which led to her disobedience as well as Adam’s. Satan also induced a multitude of angels to follow him and do his bidding around the time of the great Flood. After the Flood they were placed “in everlasting chains until the Judgment Day.” Satan and his host are still very active in the world today, influencing and causing fear, confusion and evil among all people. At the beginning of Christ’s Kingdom on earth, he will be imprisoned in a “bottomless abyss” so as not to deceive the nations. At the end of the 1,000-year Kingdom of God, Satan will be loosed for one final testing of mankind and then destroyed, along with all the incorrigible.

Please read: Gen. 3:1-6; Deut. 32:4; Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:11-19; Matt. 4:1-11; Mk. 3:26, 27; Jn. 12:31; 14:30; Rom. 16:20; 2 Cor. 2:11; 4:4;11:14; Jn. 8:44;1 Pt. 5:8; 2 Pt. 2:4; Jude 6; Eph. 2:2; Heb. 2:14; Rev. 20:1-3, 7-10.

SIN

The Bible declares that sin is disobedience to the expressed will of God and that the penalty for sin is DEATH, not eternal torment. God warned Adam that if he disobeyed Him he would surely die. Since Adam willfully disobeyed his Creator, he, with Eve, was sentenced to death. By heredity, all Adam’s children have been born under his condemnation; therefore, no matter how or where they live, what race or nationality they are, all mankind is appointed to die.

Please read: Gen. 2:17; 3:17-19; Psalm 51:5; Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 1:18; 2:23; 3:23; 5:12; 6:23; Hebrews 9:27; James 1:15; Rev. 1:5.

ADAMIC DEATH SIGNIFIES SLEEP

Adamic death is the result of sin. It has engulfed all mankind because “all have sinned.” Death is the cessation of life, not a continuation of life somewhere else. In the Bible, death is likened to sleep; when man dies he loses all consciousness, knowledge, feeling, wisdom etc. Man is placed into the grave (sheol in Hebrew; hades in Greek) where he rests as in a sleep. It is the place where all thoughts perish. When man dies, the spirit returns to God who gave it. It is a destruction of being and the place where both the good and wicked go until the resurrection.

Please read: Gen. 3:19; Psa. 37:10; 145:20; 146:4; Eccl. 3:19, 9:5, 10; 12:7; Isa. 35:10; Ezek. 18:4, 20; John 5:28, 29; 11:11-14; Acts 7:60; 13:36; 2 Pet. 3:4; 1 Cor.15:13-18, 22, 51; 1 Thes. 4:14.

SHEOL, HADES, HELL and the GRAVE

As noted under the topic of Adamic death, hell is a translation of the Hebrew word sheol and of the Greek word hades. The original meaning of these words was hole, pit, grave, tomb, or a place of silence where the living placed their dead. However, centuries after the Apostles fell asleep; a new meaning of heathen origin was introduced, believed, and adopted by the clergy.

The place called “hell” was described as a place of literal boiling and burning fire and brimstone where the immortal lost souls of sinners would be sent upon the death of their bodies. There, the devil was said to inflict pain and everlasting torture upon them. This Satanic doctrine, borrowed from heathen religions, has caused fear in the hearts of the people, thus keeping them in absolute subjection to the clergy. No such place of punishment for sinners is mentioned in the Bible, though in Revelation they have taken the symbolic language used in chapters 20 and 21 to indicate such a place of torment does exist. The literal interpretation of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus is also used to perpetuate this God-dishonoring teaching. In Rev. 20:14 let us carefully note that both death and hell were cast into the “lake of fire.” How can hell, if it IS the lake of fire, be cast into the lake of fire? The remainder of the verse as well as Rev. 21:8 gives us the proper explanation as to what the “lake of fire” really is – “This is the second death” or total destruction. Thus we can truly believe what is stated in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is DEATH, but the gift of God is eternal LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Thank God, He is Love and would never torture any of His creatures! One day the grave itself will be defeated and abolished, for “the last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Cor. 15:26). Praise God for this promise!

ISRAEL’S LOSS - THE GENTILES’ GAIN

From Moses to Jesus, the nation of Israel was God’s chosen people. To them the Law and the prophets were given and the promises made. The nation failed to obey God and His Law, which culminated in their rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result of this rejection, Israel was destroyed as a nation and dispersed throughout the Roman Empire. Favor then came to the Gentiles as well as individual Jews who accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. God proceeded to “take out a people for His Name” from both Jews and Gentiles. Nevertheless, prophecies declare that God will again restore a relationship with the nation of Israel when regathered to their land and they accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah. These prophecies are meant for all mankind as well as Israel who will be blessed in God’s Kingdom.

Please read: Ex. 19:5, 6; Amos 3:2; Zech. 12:10; Isa. 51:1-3; Mal. 2:1-9; Matt. 23:39; Luke 23:18-25; John 10:16; Acts 7:51-53; 15:14-17; 26:6, 7; Rom. 11:1, 2, 15-26; Ezek. 37:1-14.

SALVATION

The salvation of the human race was accomplished by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross. Since all men are under the just condemnation of sin and death, to be saved one must accept the Lord Jesus as their Savior, repent from sin and be converted or turned around from their former way of life. Salvation is the free gift of God by way of the death of His Son, planned from the foundation of the world, for man’s sin was foreknown by God.

Please read: Isa. 53:5; Heb. 9:22; Mk. 10:45; Jn. 1:29; Jn. 3:16, 36; Rom. 5:6;1 Cor. 7:23; 15:3, 21; Heb. 2:9, 16; 5:9; 9:12; 1 Pt. 1:18, 19; Phil. 2:8; 1 John 2:2; Rev. 5:9. Eph.2:8-10.

DISCIPLESHIP

This step of full abandonment to the will of God is the outgrowth of our Salvation, stemming from a heart overwhelmed by the Lord’s Goodness, Grace Mercy and Love. This is not mandatory for Salvation but is an invitation given by the Lord Jesus when he said, “IF any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” To any who accept this wonderful provision, devoting themselves to God through a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, the reward, if faithful, is a tremendous one. When we are born-again, we become new creatures in Jesus Christ, “old things have passed away and all things have become new!” There is no more intimate or personal relationship than this one, for we are now the children of God and are espoused to Christ as His Bride. The rewards to the faithful are: Glory, honor and immortality; becoming the Bride of Christ; given a white stone and on it a new name written, which no man knows except he that receives it; given the crown of life; given the Morning Star; clothed in white raiment; to become a pillar in the temple of God; to be like Christ and see Him as He is; to sit with Jesus in His throne; to rule the nations with a rod of iron and reign with Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of God for 1,000 years.

Please read: Matt. 16:24; Mk. 8:34; 10:21; Luke. 9:23; 12:32; Jn. 17:24; 2 Cor. 5:17; 11:2; 2 Tim. 2:12; 1 Jn. 3:2, 3; Rev. 2:7, 10, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 19:7-9; 21:9; 22:17.

BAPTISM

Baptism by immersion was commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ. Being immersed into water signifies the believer’s death to self-will, while the coming up out of the water shows his desire to live the resurrected life in Christ, i.e., an outward sign of what has already transpired in the believer’s heart; an immersion of the will into the will of God. We are thus baptized into Christ’s death, and now our commitment is to be “crucified with Christ,” so as to be “raised to walk in newness of life.”

Please read: Matt. 3:13-15; 28:19, 20; Rom. 6:1-11; `12:1,2; 1 Cor. 12:12, 13; Gal. 2:20; 3:27; Col. 3:3; Heb. 10:7.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

God’s Holy Spirit was poured out on the gathered disciples at Pentecost. Ever since, it has been poured out on His disciples who have fully devoted themselves to follow Jesus. This is a precious gift of God; It is His own energy and power which gives the Christian guidance, enlightenment, comfort, wisdom, strength and joy. Without it, life for the Christian would be impossible. With it, the Christian has the power and strength to be faithful unto death. This “spirit of power, love and a sound mind” is also our teacher.

Please read: Luke 11:13; John 14:26; 16:13; Acts 2:1-12; Joel 2:28, 29; Romans 5:5; 8:9, 14, 16; 15:13; 1 Cor. 2:9-12; 6:19; 12:7; Eph. 1:13, 14; 5:18-20; 1 Thess. 4:8; 2 Tim. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:12; 1 John 5:4, 18.

THE SOUL

The whole world has been led to believe that man has within himself something called an immortal soul, which at death goes off somewhere into space, be it heaven, hell, purgatory, nirvana, the happy hunting ground, etc. This belief is not taught in the Bible, for nowhere do we find the term “immortal soul.” Rather, we find that man IS a soul, not that he HAS one. In Genesis 2:7 the Word of God states: “God breathed into man the breath of life and man BECAME a living soul.” Ezekiel 18:4, 20 states clearly, “the soul that sins, it shall die.” In sentencing Adam God made no mention of Adam’s soul going anywhere after death. Rather, He plainly said, “for you are dust, and unto dust shall you return” (Genesis 3:19).

This means that man IS a soul -- a conscious sentiment being, capable of thinking and feeling. When dead, he is incapable of thinking and feeling. According to Scripture, the grave awaits us all, good and evil, and there is no eternal torment awaiting any. There is not one mention of such a place to Father Adam as penalty for sin. A soul can perish, and we are clearly told that we are not to fear man who is able to destroy the body, but Him who can destroy BOTH body and soul” (Matthew 10:28)! Immortality of the soul was the thought of Satan who said to Mother Eve, “Thou shalt NOT surely die” (Genesis 3:4). The church is promised, if faithful, they will “put on” immortality which they are to “seek for.” If we already had it, we would not either have to put it on or seek for it.

Please read: Genesis 2:17; Psalm 89:48; 115:17; 145:20; Eccl. 3:19, 20; Isaiah 26:19; Romans 2:6, 7; 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:53; 1 Tim. 6:16.

RESURRECTION

The resurrection is held out to all. There will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. Those who are just or justified through the death of Christ and have done good, following the will of God in his life, will have a resurrection to eternal life and immortality. Those who have not taken this course will be resurrected to judgment here on earth. This word judgment signifies a trial and then a verdict. The thousand years of God’s Kingdom will be a time of righteous judgment, a trial period, when the inhabitants of the land will have every advantage to learn righteousness. If they refuse to obey and live, then they will be punished with everlasting destruction, i.e., second death from which there will be no return.

Please read: 1 Chron. 16:31-34; Isa. 11:1-5; 26:9; Ezek. 16: 53-56; Jn. 5:22, 25, 28, 29; Acts 17:31;24:15; 1 Cor. 6:2; 15:13-17; 20-23; 2 Pt. 3:7, 8; Rev. 20:6;

THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM and RESTITUTION

The term millennium means one thousand years. It is applied to God’s Kingdom here on earth. During this time, Satan will be bound that he may not deceive the people who will be resurrected. Christ Jesus and His Bride, the church, will be the absolute, world-wide rulers of this Kingdom. Each person will have an individual trial in which to decide whether or not he will accept God’s righteous provisions and live forever, or reject His ways and die the second death. But each will have a full opportunity for instruction and rehabilitation by coming to a full knowledge of Truth.

Please read: Joel 2:28; Zeph. 3:8, 9; Psa. 30:5; 49:14, 15; Isa. 2:3, 4; 29:18, 19; 33:5, 6; 35:1-10; 40:5; 52:10; 65:17; Jer. 3:17-25; Haggai 2:7; Daniel 2:44; 7:27; Acts 3:19-22; Matt. 13:43; John 12:48; Rom. 14:9; Gal. 3:8; Phil. 2:9-11; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 15:4; 20:3, 4; 21:7, 22-26.

SECOND DEATH

The Scriptures speak of a second death from which there will be no hope of a resurrection. This death will be for those who refuse, under the blessings of the Kingdom, to be obedient to the Lord’s righteous rule. This death is vividly illustrated by the Valley of Hinnom, near Jerusalem. At the time of Christ this valley was used as a garbage dump and incinerator for the city. Its Greek name was “gehenna.” The fire in the Valley of Hinnom was always kept alive to burn and completely destroy all that was thrown into it. No living thing was ever thrown into these fires, only the bodies of animals and executed criminals and garbage. What the fire did not destroy, worms did, showing the complete annihilation of whatever was put into it. At the end of the Millennium, Adamic death and hell (the grave) will be symbolically thrown into Gehenna to be forever destroyed. This is also pictured as “the lake burning with fire and brimstone” where Satan and the unrepentant fallen angels will be cast, as well as death and hell, forever destroyed, thus ending all death. This is an act of God’s mercy to those who have no desire to live under perfect righteousness.

Please read: Isa. 25:8; Matt. 10:28; Heb. 6:4; Rev. 20:7-10, 14; (cp. With Heb. 2:14, 15 and Psa. 145:20); 21:8.

GRACE and MERCY

Grace is the unmerited gift of God to us. It is giving us what we do not deserve, even as mercy is not giving us what we do deserve! Grace shows us undeserved and abundant kindness and planned for our salvation, while God’s mercy rescued out of death which was our just penalty for sin. God’s Grace - justifies us; unites us with Christ; makes us members of His Body; gives us access to God through the Holy Spirit; redeems and forgives all our sins; makes us complete in Christ; frees us from all condemnation; assures us all things work together for good; hides us with Christ in God; makes us citizens of heaven; gives us the spirit of power, love and a sound mind; helps us in every time of need; makes us the salt and light of the earth; makes us a branch in the true vine that we can bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit and a channel of His life; makes us God’s temple, ministers of reconciliation, co-workers with God; seats us in heavenly places; makes us God’s workmanship; gives us complete strength in Christ.

Please read: Psa. 84:11; John 1:12; 15:1, 5,15,16; Acts 15:11; Rom. 5:1, 15-17; 6:23; 8:1, 2, 28, 33-35; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:17, 20; 12:27; 2 Cor. 1:21; 5:17-20; 6:1; Eph. 1:1, 5, 8; 2:6, 8, 10, 18; 3:2; Phil. 3:20; 4:13.

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