Bible Study : The Ultimate Guide to the 16 Fundamental Truths Bible Study: Everything You Need to Grow

A Message from FA Memphis

The 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God represent the bedrock of our faith, providing a clear, scriptural roadmap for understanding God’s nature and His plan for humanity. These doctrines aren't just dry theology; they are life-giving principles that help every believer grow in maturity, confidence, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” , 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” , Hebrews 4:12

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” , Acts 1:8

Why Study the Fundamentals?

I’ve often been asked why we need a formal list of truths. Isn’t the Bible enough? Of course, the Bible is our ultimate authority. However, these 16 truths serve as a concise summary of what we believe the Bible teaches on the most critical issues of life and eternity. In a world where "truth" often feels like it's shifting under our feet, having a solid theological foundation keeps us from being tossed back and forth by every wind of new teaching.

When you dive into these truths, you aren’t just memorizing facts. You are getting to know the heart of God. You are discovering why you were created, how much you are loved, and what your future holds. Whether you are a brand-new seeker or have been following Jesus for decades, this guide is designed to help you navigate the essentials. Remember, in our community, the Assemblies of God worldview IS the guardrails. It keeps us safe, on track, and moving toward the heart of the Father.

The Foundation: Scripture and the Nature of God

The first few truths focus on the "Who" and the "How." How do we know God? Through His **Inspired Scripture** (Truth 1). We believe the Bible is the infallible rule of faith and conduct. It’s not just a historical book; it’s God speaking to us today. If you’re feeling lost, I encourage you to start there. Open the Word and let it speak.

Then we look at **The One True God** (Truth 2). He is eternally self-existent and has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery of the Trinity shows us that God is, at His very core, relational. Following that is **The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ** (Truth 3). Jesus isn't just a good teacher or a prophet; He is the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man. Understanding His sinless life and His miracles is vital to understanding our own worth in His eyes.

Finally, we have to address the "problem", **The Fall of Man** (Truth 4). We were created good, but through voluntary transgression, we fell. This explains the brokenness we see in the world around us. But the story doesn’t end there. That brokenness is the very reason Jesus came to us.

The Four Cardinal Doctrines

While all 16 truths are important, we highlight four "Cardinal Doctrines" that are essential to our mission. If these are the only things you ever learn, you’ll have the keys to a transformed life.

1. **Salvation of Man** (Truth 5): This is the "Welcome Home" moment. We are saved by grace through faith. It’s not about how hard you work or how many good deeds you do. It’s about what Jesus did on the cross. When you repent and believe, you are a new creation. You are never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God.

2. **Baptism in the Holy Spirit** (Truth 7): This is the empowerment for life and service. It’s a distinct experience following salvation that gives us the "fire" to live out our faith boldly. Along with this, we recognize the **Initial Physical Evidence** (Truth 8), which is speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.

3. **Divine Healing** (Truth 12): We believe that healing for the human body is provided for in the atonement. Jesus is still the Great Physician. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual, God cares about your wholeness.

4. **The Blessed Hope** (Truth 13): This is the promise of the Second Coming. Jesus is coming back for His Church! This hope keeps us motivated to share the Gospel with everyone we meet.

Walking the Path of Growth

Growth is a process, and Truths 9 through 11 show us what that looks like in our daily lives. **Sanctification** (Truth 9) is a fancy word for "becoming more like Jesus." It’s an act of separation from that which is evil and a dedication unto God. It doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. God meets you exactly where you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there.

We also value **The Church and Its Mission** (Truth 10) and **The Ministry** (Truth 11). We weren't meant to do this alone. The Church is the body of Christ, and we are called to worship together, build each other up, and reach the world. Every believer has a role to play, and the ministry is there to lead and equip us for that work.

If you're feeling isolated, I want you to know that there is a place for you here. Our online community is designed to be a digital home where you can find support and accountability. If you’re looking for family-safe entertainment to help guard your heart during this journey, I always recommend using tools like VidAngel or “Enjoy Movies Your Way.” Protecting your "eye gates" is a practical part of sanctification! For online safety, Bark and Covenant Eyes are also fantastic resources to keep your household on the right path.

Looking Toward Eternity

The final truths deal with what comes next. **The Millennial Reign of Christ** (Truth 14) and **The Final Judgment** (Truth 15) remind us that history is going somewhere. There is a day of reckoning, but for those in Christ, there is also the promise of **The New Heavens and the New Earth** (Truth 16). We look forward to a world where righteousness dwells, and where every tear will be wiped away.

Understanding these truths shouldn't make us fearful; it should make us intentional. It should give us a sense of urgency to love our neighbors and share the grace we’ve received. I encourage you to take these 16 truths and use them as a study guide. Look up the verses, ask the hard questions, and let the Holy Spirit lead you into all truth.

A Prayer for Your Journey

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the person reading this right now. I ask that You would open their heart and mind to the wonders of Your Word. As they study these fundamental truths, let them not just see words on a page, but see the face of Jesus. Give them clarity where there is confusion and peace where there is anxiety. Remind them that they are priceless in Your sight. Help us all to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Go to the Boundless website and join the Bible Study Club. Connect with Christians around the world to discuss these studies, pray together, and grow closer to God and each other.

If you have questions about these truths or need someone to pray with you today, please reach out to us at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org. We are here to support you 24/7. Whether you are homebound, unchurched, or just searching, you have a place here. You can also use our website to find a physical church near you if you're looking for an in-person community: we'd love to help with that handoff!

Layne McDonald

---

Guardrails verified checkbox: [x]