Bible Study: The Ultimate Guide to the 16 Fundamental Truths Bible Study: Everything You Need to Grow
- Boundless Team
- Jun 9
- 5 min read
Have you ever felt like your faith is a beautiful house, but you aren’t quite sure how deep the foundation goes? In a world that feels increasingly loud and confusing, knowing exactly what you believe: and why you believe it: is the difference between being tossed by the waves and standing firm on the Rock.
If you’ve been searching for clarity, you aren’t alone. Many people in our community are asking: What is a 16 Fundamental Truths Bible study, and how can it help me grow closer to Jesus?
A 16 Fundamental Truths Bible Study is a deep dive into the core biblical doctrines of the Assemblies of God. These truths provide a scriptural framework for understanding God, salvation, the Holy Spirit, and the future. By studying these 16 principles, believers build a firm foundation for their faith, ensuring they are rooted in the authoritative Word of God and empowered for Christian living.
Why Study the 16 Fundamental Truths?
The Assemblies of God (AG) was formed in 1914 with a desire for unity and a commitment to the "full gospel." The 16 Fundamental Truths were not written to replace the Bible, but to summarize what the Bible teaches so that we can grow together in "the unity of the faith" (Ephesians 4:13).
Whether you are looking for an Assemblies of God Memphis connection or you are joining us from across the globe, these truths are meant to be a map for your spiritual journey. They take the vast beauty of Scripture and organize it into clear, life-changing promises.
The 4 Cardinal Doctrines: The Pillars of Your Faith
While all 16 truths are essential, four are considered "Cardinal Doctrines" because they are the heart of the Pentecostal message. If you are starting a Bible study, these are a great place to begin:
Salvation: The truth that every person can be restored to fellowship with God through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (Truth #5).
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: An experience following salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service (Truth #7).
Divine Healing: The belief that God still heals the sick today as part of Christ's work on the cross (Truth #12).
The Second Coming: The "Blessed Hope" that Jesus will return for His Church, bringing eternal life and restoration (Truth #13).
A Closer Look: The Full List of 16 Truths
To help you in your personal or group study, here is a summary of the 16 Fundamental Truths. You can use this list as a syllabus for your next 16 Fundamental Truths Bible Study sessions.
1. The Scriptures Inspired
The Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is our "all-sufficient rule for faith and practice."
2. The One True God
God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM," and as the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
Jesus is fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died for our sins, rose again, and is now exalted at the right hand of God.
4. The Fall of Man
Humanity was created good, but by voluntary transgression, we fell into sin, bringing both physical and spiritual death into the world.
5. Salvation (Cardinal Doctrine)
Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a gift of grace, not earned by works.
6. The Ordinances of the Church
We practice two ordinances: Water Baptism by immersion (testifying to our death to sin) and Holy Communion (remembering Christ's suffering and death).
7. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Cardinal Doctrine)
This is a promise for all believers, distinct from and following the experience of the new birth. It brings power for life and service.
8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance.
9. Sanctification
Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God. It is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit.
10. The Church and Its Mission
The Church is the Body of Christ. Its mission is to evangelize the world, worship God, and build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son.
11. The Ministry
A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the fourfold purpose of leading the Church in evangelization, worship, edification, and compassion.
12. Divine Healing (Cardinal Doctrine)
Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers.
13. The Blessed Hope (Cardinal Doctrine)
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church.
14. The Millennial Reign of Christ
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years.
15. The Final Judgment
There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works.
16. The New Heavens and the New Earth
"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21, 22).
How to Use This Guide in Your Bible Study
Starting a deep-dive study can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is a simple 3-step plan to get the most out of your 16 Fundamental Truths Bible Study:
One Truth at a Time: Don’t try to rush through all 16 in one night. Take one truth per week. Read the corresponding Scripture passages and ask, "How does this change how I see God today?"
Study in Community: Faith wasn't meant to be a solo sport. Join our Bible Study Club to discuss these truths with others who are on the same path.
Pray Through the Truths: When you study Divine Healing, pray for the sick. When you study the Holy Spirit, ask for His empowerment. Let the doctrine move from your head to your heart.
Connection in the 901: Assemblies of God Memphis
If you are in the Memphis area, you might be looking for a local expression of these truths. Boundless Online Church works closely with First Assembly Memphis to bridge the gap between digital community and local fellowship. You can join live worship every Sunday at 10:30 AM CST to see these truths in action through worship, teaching, and prayer.
Whether you are a "Memphis Searcher" or a "Global Viewer," these 16 truths connect us to a heritage of faith that spans over a century and reaches into eternity.
Practical Takeaway: 3 Ways to Reclaim Your Peace Today
As you begin your study, remember that truth is meant to bring peace. Here are three practical ways to apply these truths right now:
Rest in Truth #5: Remind yourself that your salvation is a gift of grace. You don't have to earn God's love today.
Lean on Truth #12: If you are hurting, ask for the "Divine Physician" to bring comfort and healing to your body and mind.
Hope in Truth #13: When the news feels dark, remember the "Blessed Hope." This world is not the end of the story.
A Prayer for Your Journey
Lord, thank You for the firm foundation of Your Word. As I begin this study of the 16 Fundamental Truths, open my eyes to see Your beauty and my heart to receive Your grace. Help me to grow deep roots in You so that I can bear fruit for Your Kingdom. Amen.
You are seen. You are loved. You are not forgotten. You are never alone.
Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join groups, submit prayer requests, watch sermons, listen to podcasts, explore books and music, or connect with our online church community.
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