Evergreen Faith : What Are the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God?
- Boundless Team
- Jun 8
- 5 min read
A Message from FA Memphis
The 16 Fundamental Truths are the core theological pillars of the Assemblies of God, providing a scriptural foundation for Christian faith and practice. These truths cover essential biblical doctrines, including the inspiration of Scripture, the nature of the Trinity, the fall of man, salvation through Jesus Christ, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the second coming of Christ. They serve as a roadmap for believers seeking a deeper, more structured understanding of the Bible and a unified basis for fellowship and ministry.
A Foundation You Can Stand On
Hi there! I’m Dr. Layne McDonald, the Online and Connection Pastor here at Boundless Online Church.
If you’ve ever sat down with your Bible and felt a little overwhelmed by where to start or how to connect the dots, you aren't alone. We all want to go deeper, but sometimes we need a frame for the house we’re building.
That is exactly what the 16 Fundamental Truths are. They aren't a replacement for the Bible: nothing ever could be: but they are a summary of what the Bible teaches on the most important topics of our faith.
Whether you are new to the faith or you’ve been walking with Jesus for decades, these truths help us stay grounded. They keep our study focused on the "main things" so we don't get lost in the weeds.
Let’s take a look at these truths together.
The Holy Scriptures
"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
Everything starts here. We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It isn't just a book of good advice or ancient history; it is our "all-sufficient rule for faith and practice." When we study, we aren't just looking for information; we are looking for the voice of God.
The One True God and Jesus Christ
The next two truths focus on who God is. We believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is what we call the Trinity.
Connected to this is the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. He didn't just start as a baby in a manger. He is the eternal Son of God. We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His death on the cross to pay for our sins, His physical resurrection, and His current seat at the right hand of God.
The Story of Us: Fall and Salvation
Why do we need Jesus? Because of the "Fall of Man." Humans were created good and upright, but we chose to go our own way. That choice brought sin and death into the world.
But God didn't leave us there. Truth number five is the heart of the Gospel: The Salvation of Man. We are saved by grace through faith. It isn't about being "good enough." It’s about accepting the work Jesus already did. When we repent and believe in Him, we are made new.
The Ordinances: Baptism and Communion
We follow two main "ordinances" or symbolic acts:
Water Baptism: An outward sign of an inward change. It’s like a public wedding ring for your soul, telling the world you belong to Jesus.
Holy Communion: Where we remember Jesus’ sacrifice through the bread and the cup. It’s a moment of reflection and connection with Him.
Empowered by the Spirit
This is a huge part of our identity at Boundless Online Church and within the Assemblies of God tradition. We believe the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience available to all believers.
It was the "normal" experience of the early church, and it’s meant to give us power for witnessing and living a holy life. This isn't about being "extra spiritual"; it’s about having the fuel we need to do the work God called us to do.
Truth eight notes that the initial physical sign of this baptism is speaking in other tongues. This is followed by a life of "Sanctification": the process of being set apart from sin and becoming more like Jesus every day.
The Mission and the Church
The Church isn't a building; it’s a people. Truth ten tells us that the Church is the Body of Christ. Our job is fourfold:
To be an agency for evangelizing the world.
To be a corporate body where we worship God.
To be a channel for God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son.
To be a people who demonstrate God’s love and compassion to all the world.
To help us do this, God provides "The Ministry." He calls men and women to lead, teach, and serve the body so we can all grow together.
Healing and the Future
We also believe in Divine Healing. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers. We serve a God who still heals today!
Finally, we look forward to the future with "The Blessed Hope." This is 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.
The final three truths outline the end of the story:
The Millennial Reign of Christ.
The Final Judgment.
The New Heavens and the New Earth.
Knowing the end of the story gives us peace in the middle of the story.
How to Use These Truths in Your Study
When you sit down for your Bible study, try using these truths as a lens. Ask yourself:
"What does this passage tell me about the nature of God (Truth 2)?"
"How does this help me live a sanctified life (Truth 9)?"
"How does this encourage my hope for the future (Truth 13)?"
Using a structure like this keeps your study balanced. You won't just focus on the parts of the Bible you find "easy," but you'll grow into a well-rounded follower of Christ.
If you ever feel stuck or have questions about these doctrines, don't hesitate to reach out. We love talking through these things! You can find more resources and deep dives on our podcasts page or browse through our blog.
A Prayer for Your Journey
Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that You haven't left us in the dark, but You have given us clear truths to light our path. As we study Your Scriptures, open our eyes to see You more clearly. Help us to not just know these truths in our heads, but to feel them in our hearts and live them out in our lives. Empower us by Your Spirit to be Your witnesses. Amen.
Next Steps
Are you looking for a community to study with? Check out our group lists to find a place where you can grow alongside others.
If you want to represent your faith and the ministry while you're out and about, you can check out some of our gear, like the Unisex Garment Dyed Hoodie or our Tote Bag.
We are here for you! Whether you have a question about theology or just need someone to stand in faith with you, reach out.
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.
Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.
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