Editing Christadelphians (section)

== Beliefs ==
The Christadelphian body has no central authority or co-ordinating organisation to establish and maintain a standardised set of beliefs, but there are core doctrines accepted by most Christadelphians. In the formal statements of faith a more complete list is found; for instance, the Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith has 30 doctrines to be accepted and 35 to be rejected.<ref>{{Citation
| url = http://www.christadelphia.org/reject.php
| title = Doctrines to be Rejected
| access-date = August 29, 2012
}}</ref>

=== The Bible ===
Christadelphians state that their beliefs<ref>{{Cite web |title=Christadelphian Statement of Faith |url=http://www.christadelphia.org/basf.php |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=www.christadelphia.org}}</ref> are based wholly on the Bible,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.thechristadelphians.org.uk/about-us/| title = About us}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=March 2025}} and they do not see other works as inspired by God.<ref>{{cite book | last =Bull  | first =Mike| title =The Bible—The Word of God | publisher =Printland Publishers | location =Hyderabad | url =http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/p_bible.htm | isbn =81-87409-52-5 }}</ref> They regard the Bible as inspired by God and, therefore, believe that in its original form, it is error-free apart from errors in later copies due to errors of transcription or translation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christadelphia.org/basf.php |title=The Christadelphian Statement of Faith |publisher=Christadelphia.org }}</ref>

=== God ===
Christadelphians believe that God, [[Jehovah]],<ref>{{cite book |last=Roberts |first=Robert |title=The Meaning of the Christadelphian Movement as Apparent in the Report [by R. Roberts] of a Four Days gathering of Christadelphians ... in Birmingham, Etc |page=67 |year=1672 |location=United Kingdom}}</ref>{{refn|group=Note|While the name "Jehovah" has some usage amongst Christadelphians and is suitable in this article due to its interdenominational familiarity, many Christadelphians exclusively use the name "Yahweh" when referring to the name of God represented by the Tetragrammaton "YHWH".<ref>H.P. Mansfield, ''Publisher's Foreword'' in ''Yahweh Elohim: A Devotional Study of the Memorial Name'' (p. 8), Logos Publications, 1971, Accessed online at https://www.christadelphian.or.tz/sites/default/files/pdf-books/yahweh-elohim---1883.pdf</ref><ref>Mt Waverly Christadelphians, ''God'', Accessed online at https://bibletruth.net.au/god/</ref><ref>Kevin Hunter and Scott Stewart, ''Our Faith and Beliefs'', Accessed online at http://www.christadelphia.org/belief.php</ref>}} is the creator of all things and the father of true believers,<ref>{{cite book | last =Drabbenstott | first =Mark| title =God Our Father | publisher =Printland Publishers | year=2000 | location =Hyderabad | url =http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/p_father.htm | isbn =81-87409-64-9}}</ref> and that he is a separate being from his son, [[Jesus]] (who is [[Subordinationism|subordinate]] to him). They reject the doctrine of the [[Trinity]].<ref name="trinity1">{{cite book | last =Flint | first =James |author2=Deb Flint | title =One God or a Trinity? | publisher =Printland Publishers | location =Hyderabad | url =http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/p_onegod.htm | isbn =81-87409-61-4}}</ref><ref name="jesus">{{cite book|title=Jesus: God the Son or Son of God? |publisher=CMPA |location=Birmingham, UK |url=https://www.thechristadelphianjournal.com/resources/read-booklets-online/jesus-god-the-son-or-son-of-god/}}</ref>

[[File:Christadelphian Hall (Bath).JPG|thumb|Christadelphian Hall in [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], United Kingdom]]

=== Jesus ===
Christadelphians believe that Jesus was the promised [[Judaism|Jewish]] [[Messiah]] in whom the prophecies and promises of the [[Old Testament]] ([[Hebrew Bible]]) find their fulfilment.<ref name="jesus"/><ref name="zilmer">{{cite book | last =Zilmer| first =Paul | title =Who is Jesus? | publisher =Printland Publishers | location =Hyderabad | url =http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/p_jesus.htm | isbn =81-87409-68-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last =Tennant| first =Harry| title =Christ in the Old Testament: Israel's True Messiah | publisher =CMPA | location =Birmingham, UK | url =https://www.thechristadelphianjournal.com/resources/read-booklets-online/christ-in-the-old-testament/ }}</ref> They believe he is the [[Son of Man]]—in that he inherited human nature (with its inclination to sin) from his mother—and the [[Son of God]] by virtue of his miraculous conception by the power of God. Christadelphians reject the doctrine of [[Pre-existence of Christ]]. They teach that he was part of God's plans from the beginning and was foreshadowed in the Old Testament, but was not an independent being prior to his human birth.<ref name="jesus"/><ref name="zilmer"/><ref name="devil">{{cite book|title=Do You Believe in a Devil? |publisher=CMPA |location=Birmingham, UK |url=https://www.thechristadelphianjournal.com/resources/read-booklets-online/do-you-believe-in-a-devil/ }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.christadelphian-advocate.org/features/concerning/TC-v08n02.html |title=''The Christadelphian Advocate, Vol. 8, No. 2'' |access-date=2018-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108154821/http://www.christadelphian-advocate.org/features/concerning/TC-v08n02.html |archive-date=2013-01-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The faith posits that, though he was tempted, Jesus committed no sin, and was, therefore, a perfect representative sacrifice to bring salvation to sinful humankind{{explain|date=March 2025}}.<ref name="jesus"/><ref name="zilmer"/><ref name="devil"/> They believe that God raised Jesus from death and gave him [[immortality]], and he has ascended to [[Heaven]], God's dwelling place, until he returns to set up the Kingdom of God on earth.<ref name="zilmer"/>

=== The Holy Spirit ===

Christadelphians believe that the [[Holy Spirit#Christadelphians|Holy Spirit]] is the power of God used in creation and for [[salvation]].<ref name="spirit">{{cite book | last =Tennant| first =Harry | title =The Holy Spirit—Bible Understanding of God's Power | publisher =CMPA | location =Birmingham, UK | url =http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/holysprt.htm }}</ref> They also believe that the phrase ''Holy Spirit'' sometimes refers to God's character/mind, depending on the context in which the phrase appears,<ref name="trinity2">{{cite book|last=Broughton |first=James H. |author2=Peter J Southgate |title=The Trinity: True or False? |publisher=The Dawn Book Supply |location=UK |url=http://www.biblelight.org/trin/trinind.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118003323/http://www.biblelight.org/trin/trinind.htm |archive-date=18 November 2011 }}</ref> but reject the view that people need strength, guidance and power from the Holy Spirit to live a Christian life,<ref>{{cite book | last1 =Whittaker | first1 =Edward | last2 =Carr| first2 =Reg | title ='Spirit' in the New Testament| publisher =The Testimony }}, p. 117,132,145</ref> believing instead that the spirit a believer needs within themselves is the mind/character of God, which is developed in a believer by their reading of the Bible (which, they believe, contains words God gave by his Spirit) and trying to live by what it says during the events of their lives which God uses to help shape their character.<ref>{{cite book | last =Pearce | first =Graham | title =The Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit Gifts | publisher =Logos | url =http://www.antipas.org/books/holy_spirit_pearce/hsp_toc.html | access-date =2010-10-24 | archive-date =2010-10-26 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20101026015938/http://antipas.org/books/holy_spirit_pearce/hsp_toc.html | url-status =dead }}, p. 27-29. Also see the collated quotations from various other Christadelphian authors in [http://www.antipas.org/books/holy_spirit_pearce/hsp_09.html pp. 71–83] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030200422/http://antipas.org/books/holy_spirit_pearce/hsp_09.html |date=2010-10-30 }} of Pearce's book.</ref><ref>'I believe that the Holy Spirit is the only Authoritative, infallible, efficient, and sufficient teacher of the Christian religion, in all its parts. If I be asked, what is the manner in which he teaches this religion, I reply in the same way that all teachers convey instruction to their pupils; ''by words, either spoken or written''. ... Now Paul says that the ''sacred Scriptures are able to make us wise to salvation, by the faith'' (or gospel) ''which is through Jesus Christ''. What more do we want than wisdom in relation to this matter? If the sacred Scriptures are able to make us wise, we need no other instrumentality. The Holy Spirit by the word, without infusing a single idea into it more than it actually and ordinarily contains, and without any collateral influence, teaches us all wisdom and knowledge that is necessary ...' John Thomas, ''The Apostasy Unveiled'', as quoted in G. Pearce, ''The Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit Gifts'', pp. 71–2</ref> Christadelphians deny the personhood of the Holy Spirit<ref name="trinity1"/><ref name="jesus"/><ref name="spirit"/><ref name="trinity2"/> and the present-day possession of the Holy Spirit (both "gift of" and "gifts of") (see [[cessationism]]).<ref name="spirit"/><ref name="trinity2"/><ref name="zilmer"/>

=== The Kingdom of God ===
Christadelphians believe that Jesus will return to the Earth in person to set up the Kingdom of God in fulfilment of the promises made to [[Abraham]] and [[David (biblical king)|David]].<ref>{{cite book| last=Wilson| first=Sheila | title =The End of the World: Horror Story—or Bible Hope? | publisher =CMPA | location =Birmingham, UK | url =http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/endworld.htm }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last =Scott| first =Malcolm |  title =Christ is Coming Again! | publisher =Printland Publishers | location =Hyderabad | url =http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/p_coming.htm | isbn =81-87409-34-7}}</ref> This includes the belief that the coming Kingdom will be the restoration of God's first Kingdom of Israel, which was under David and Solomon.<ref>{{cite book|last=Morgan |first=Tecwyn |title=Christ is Coming! Bible teaching about his return |publisher=CMPA |location=Birmingham, UK |url=https://www.thechristadelphianjournal.com/resources/read-booklets-online/christ-is-coming/ }}</ref><ref name="Hughes">{{cite book | last =Hughes | first =Stephen|  title =The Kingdom of Heaven on Earth! | publisher =Printland Publishers | location =Hyderabad | url =http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/p_kingdom.htm | isbn =81-87409-55-X}}</ref><ref name="Owen">{{cite book|last=Owen |first=Stanley |title=The Kingdom of God on Earth: God's plan for the world |publisher=CMPA |location=Birmingham, UK |url=https://www.thechristadelphianjournal.com/resources/read-booklets-online/the-kingdom-of-god-on-earth/ }}</ref> For Christadelphians, this is the focal point of the [[gospel]] taught by Jesus and the [[Twelve Apostles]]. They believe that the Kingdom will be centred upon Israel, but Jesus will also reign over all the other nations on the Earth.<ref>{{cite book|last=M. |title=Israel: God's People, God's Land |publisher=CMPA |location=Birmingham, UK |url=https://thechristadelphianjournal.com/read-booklets-online/israel/ }}</ref> Old Paths{{definition needed|date=March 2025}} Christadelphians continue to believe that the Kingdom of God is to be restored to the land of Israel promised to Abraham and ruled over in the past by David, with a worldwide empire.<ref>{{Cite web |title=www.GospelTruth.info [What is the true Gospel?] |url=http://www.gospeltruth.info/gospel.htm |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=www.gospeltruth.info}}</ref>

=== The Devil ===
Christadelphians believe that the word ''[[devil]]'' is a reference in the scriptures to sin and human nature in opposition to God, while the word ''[[satan]]'' is merely a reference to an adversary or opponent (be it good or bad) and is frequently applied to human beings. According to Christadelphians, these terms are used in reference to specific political systems or individuals in opposition or conflict and not to an independent spiritual being or [[fallen angel]]. Accordingly, they do not define [[Hell in Christianity|Hell]] as a place of eternal torment for sinners, but as a state of eternal death and non-existence due to [[Annihilationism|annihilation]] of body and mind.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_delp.htm| title = ''About the Christadelphians: 1848 to now.''| access-date = 2017-04-02| archive-date = 2011-05-20| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110520113420/http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_delp.htm| url-status = dead}}</ref>

=== Salvation ===
Christadelphians believe that people are separated from God because of their sins but that humankind can be reconciled to him by becoming disciples of Jesus.<ref>{{cite book| last=Watkins| first=Peter | title =The Cross of Christ| publisher =CMPA | location =Birmingham, UK | url =http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/cross.htm }}</ref><ref name="salvation">{{cite book | last =Flint| first=James|author2=Deb Flint | title =Salvation | publisher =Printland Publishers | location =Hyderabad | url =http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/p_salvation.htm}}</ref> This is by belief in [[the Gospel]], through [[repentance]], and through [[baptism]] by total immersion in water.<ref name="salvation"/><ref name="baptism">{{cite book|title=Why Baptism Really Matters: What must we do to be saved? |publisher=CMPA |location=Birmingham, UK |url=https://thechristadelphianjournal.com/read-booklets-online/why-baptism-really-matters/ }}</ref> They reject [[assurance of salvation]], believing instead that salvation comes as a result of remaining "in Christ". After death, believers are in a state of [[Psychopannychism|non-existence]], knowing nothing until the [[Resurrection]] at the return of Jesus.<ref>{{cite book|title=After Death – What? |publisher=CMPA |location=Birmingham, UK |url=https://thechristadelphianjournal.com/read-booklets-online/after-death-what/ }}</ref> Following the judgement, the "accepted" receive the gift of [[immortality]] and live with Jesus on a restored Earth, assisting his establishment of the [[Kingdom of God]] and rule over the remaining population for a [[Millennialism|millennium]].<ref>{{cite book| title =Resurrection & Judgement | publisher =CMPA | location =Birmingham, UK | url =https://thechristadelphianjournal.com/read-booklets-online/resurrection-judgement/}}</ref> Christadelphians deny the immortality of the soul.

=== Life in Christ ===
The ''Commandments of Christ'' demonstrates the community's recognition of the importance of biblical teaching on morality. Marriage and family life are important. Most Christadelphians believe that sexual relationships should be limited to heterosexual marriage, ideally between baptised believers.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Christian Life: Marriage—"Only in the Lord" |url=http://www.bibleed.com/bibleteachings/christianlife/marriage.asp |access-date=2008-04-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427021425/http://www.bibleed.com/bibleteachings/christianlife/marriage.asp |archive-date=2008-04-27 }}</ref><ref>''Homosexuality and the Church: Bible Answers to Moral Questions'' (Birmingham: Christadelphian Magazine and Publishing Association). Available [http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/homosex.htm online]</ref>