Our Distinctives

Central Africa Baptist University holds the following doctrines firmly and charitably. We recognize that good, godly men disagree on some of these points. We will acknowledge our differences in a spirit of mutual respect and may cooperate as appropriate with those who hold a different position.

#11 We believe that the universe as well as mankind is a result of the direct creative act of God. God created the universe and that which it contains in consecutive days of 24 hours each. We reject all forms of evolution whether theistic or naturalistic. (Genesis 1:1, 27; Colossians 1:16)

#12 We believe in the sanctification of the believer. Sanctification in the Bible has the idea of the believers being set apart for Gods service and thus becoming more like his Master. Sanctification can be viewed in three aspects. Positional sanctification occurs the moment a person is saved and he dons the robes of Christs righteousness. Practical sanctification is an ongoing process whereby the believer becomes more and more conformed to the likeness of Gods Son. Perfect sanctification shall occur someday when we go to be with the Lord (either through death or translation) and we no longer have to contend with the old nature because we shall become like He is. (I Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 3:20-21; II Peter 3:18; I John 3:2)

#13 We believe God has given spiritual gifts to Christians to serve in and through the local church. Every believer has at least one gift and the use of the gifts is always for the ultimate purpose of bringing glory to God. Among the gifts listed in the Bible, we believe that sign gifts (miracles, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy) were temporary in nature and given to the church in its infant state before the completion of the canon of Scripture. Therefore, we reject the modern charismatic movement and the confusion which it has brought. (Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:1-11; 13:8; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 2:20-21; 4:11-12; Hebrews 2:4)

#14 We believe in the church of Jesus Christ as Gods institution for this age to accomplish His purposes in the world. The church as the body of Christ is comprised of all believers from Pentecost to the Rapture. Local churches are visible expressions of the body of Christ meeting in a particular time and place. Christ is the Head of the Church and the Word of God is to be its source of authority. The local church is to be comprised of baptized (by immersion) believers who meet together for worship, fellowship, service, edification, and evangelism. Local churches are to be led by men serving in the Biblical offices of pastors (elders) and deacons. They are to observe the two ordinances of baptism and the Lords supper. (Acts 1:5; 2:41-47; I Corinthians 11:17-34; 12:13; Galatians 1:2; Colossians 1:18; I Timothy 3:2, 8)

#15 We believe that God has a plan and a program for the end of the ages. The next event on Gods prophetic calendar is the return of the Lord Jesus. We believe this return will be accomplished in two phases. The first phase called the Rapture of the church will be pre-millennial and is an imminent event. After the Rapture, the seven year tribulation will occur climaxed by the second phase of Christs return referred to as the Revelation. Following this will be the Millennial reign of Christ culminating in the Great White Throne Judgment of the lost. After this comes the eternal state. We believe in the conscious eternal punishment of the lost in hell and the blessed eternal felicity of the saints in heaven. (I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 3:10; 6-19; 19:11-16; 20:1-6, 11-15; 21:1-8)

#16 We believe God has called believers to live a life characterized by personal, ecclesiastical and even familial separation. Personally we are to refrain from all things that would defile us or bring shame to the name of Christ which we bear. We are called to live a life characterized by holiness and purity and to be an example of what the believer is to be like to a watching world. Ecclesiastically we are called upon to refrain from cooperation or alliances with groups which do not stand unashamedly for the truths revealed in the Word of God. Thus we do not to cooperate with any organization or movement that is connected with apostasy or that places less than primary emphasis on the authority of the Word of God. We believe co-operation should be limited to those of like precious faith. (Romans 16:17; I Corinthians 6:19-20; II Corinthians 6:14-17; I Thessalonians 5:22; II Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; I John 2:15, 17; II John 9, 10)