About
The Christadelphians are a body of believers in Jesus Christ whose faith is based wholly on the Bible.
The name ‘Christadelphian’ simply means ’brothers and sisters in Christ’. It has been used to distinguish the community for more than 150 years. Our aim is to live by faith in Jesus Christ, according to his teaching and those of his followers from the first century AD. Like the early Christians, we expect Jesus to return from heaven to be a king on earth, bringing justice and peace.
Christadelphians are found around the world. We believe the Bible is God’s message and a handbook for life. Our faith is based wholly on the Bible which we try to read daily to learn of God’s purpose, for advice and comfort. What Christ and his apostles taught in the first century was truth, and it is still the truth today. Our beliefs and practices are modelled as closely as possible to the first century church. The Bible is our sole authority, there are no paid pastors, priests, or central authority.
Members contribute their time and energy voluntarily in service to God. Each ecclesia (the New Testament word for ‘church’) organises their own affairs, though the pattern is similar everywhere. Members are appointed to manage the affairs of the ecclesia and to preside at its meetings.
On Sundays we meet for a ‘memorial service’, often also called the ‘breaking of bread’. This is to remember the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. We also have a ‘Bible Hour’ where after a hymn, prayer and often a Bible reading one of the members gives a Bible talk. Midweek we have a ‘Bible class’ to read, study and learn from a section of the Bible.
Background: Over 150 years ago a medical doctor called John Thomas realised that the teachings of mainstream Christianity did not always agree with what he read in the Bible. He set about studying the Bible for himself. He gave talks and wrote articles to convince others in his conclusions, which were based solely on his reading and understanding of the Bible. He never claimed to have received any direct revelation or to have been inspired. Christadelphians today see him as a pioneer and his writings are valued but he encouraged others to read the Bible for themselves.
Christadelphians became a recognised movement and took their name during the American Civil War. At that time, church affiliation was required to register for conscientious-objector status, and in 1865, for registration purposes, Thomas chose the name Christadelphian. The name comes from the Greek in the New Testament and means “Brethren (and sisters) in Christ”.
What we Believe
The Bible is the only source of knowledge concerning God and His purpose. The Bible has been produced under inspiration of God and is therefore without error, except such as may be due to errors of transcription or translation.
1 Corinthians 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21
There is one true God, the creator of heaven and earth. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. He dwells in heaven, immortal and invisible and all powerful.
Genesis 1:1, Psalm 146:6, Isaiah 45:5-6, Acts 17:24, 1 Corinthians 8:6, 1 Timothy 2:5
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, born of the virgin Mary by the personal power of God, His Holy Spirit.
Matthew 3:16-17, Luke 1:35; Romans 1:1-4
The Holy Spirit is the power of God which He uses to accomplish His purpose, or Holy will.
Genesis 1:1-2, Job 33:4, Luke 1:35, Acts 10:38, Romans 8:11
When we die we cease to exist. Man is mortal and sinful, in need of salvation and unable to save himself. When man dies, his existence ends until the day of resurrection from the dead. The only hope of life is by resurrection at Christ's return.
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6; Romans 5:12,21, Romans 6:23
Salvation is through Jesus Christ. The perfect life of Jesus, his sacrificial death and resurrection to immortality guarantees that sin and death have been conquered. Jesus shared our nature but he overcame all temptation and died to save his followers from sin and death.
John 1:29, Hebrews 2:14, 4:15
God raised Jesus from the dead and he is now immortal and at God's right hand in heaven. Jesus was raised from the dead by God. Later he ascended into heaven.
Acts 2:22-24, 1 Corinthians 15:12-17, Ephesians 1:20-21,
The return of Jesus: Jesus will return personally to the earth to bring peace and righteousness and to establish God’s Kingdom with Jerusalem at its centre. There will be a resurrection and judgement of those responsible to God's word. Jesus will be King over the restored Kingdom of God in Israel and over the whole world.
Isaiah 9:6-7, Zechariah 14:9, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Acts 1:9-11, 2 Timothy 4:1
Belief and Baptism: To be saved, man must acknowledge his belief in the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. We must demonstrate our belief and need of forgiveness by being baptised by full immersion in water, confessing our sins. We then belong to God and have become an heir of the promises made to Abraham. As such we wait in patience for God’s coming Kingdom.
Daniel 7:18,27, Mark 16:15-16, Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:29, Ephesians 1:7
The regathered nation of Israel is God’s witness that His word will come to pass.
Jeremiah 30:10-11, Jeremiah 31:8, Ezekiel 37:1-14
The Judgement: Death is not final for the servant of God. He sleeps in peace knowing nothing, until he is raised to judgement. All responsible men and women will stand before the Lord Jesus to receive their reward: eternal life and endless joy in the Kingdom of God for the faithful; and shameful dismissal and oblivion in death for those who have been unfaithful to the word of God or knowingly have rejected it.
Daniel 12:1-2, John 5:28-29, Acts 17:31
The devil is not a supernatural being but is another name for sin.
Matthew 15:19-20, Hebrews 2:14-15, James 1:13-15
God has a plan for mankind. This is the Gospel message. God’s desire to save mankind is evident in the promises He made, particularly to Abraham and David. These promises concern God’s plan with mankind, His Kingdom on earth with Christ as King, and the way in which man can share these promises.
Romans 15:8-9, Galatians 3:8,9,16, 29, 2 Peter 1:4
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