Slideshow image

The fundamental teachings of this organization are based on King James Bible (Old and New Testament), and include some of Bishop Dugger’s 40 points of doctrine, as well as the other relevant scriptural statements of faith.  The purpose in stating these basic beliefs is to establish a doctrinal foundation for those choosing to be members and also organizations wishing to affiliate with this organization. These Statements of Basic Belief represents the core but not the whole beliefs of Mount Zion Worcester from a biblical and historical perspective. While Church Members are not required to fully understand or articulate all aspects of the Statements of Core Beliefs, the explicit rejection of any part of it may disqualifies one from membership in Mount Zion Worcester. Revisions to the Statements of Core Beliefs in order to more clearly align to Scripture shall be at the sole discretion of the Pastor, Ministerial body and Church Committee, with the understanding that such changes will be communicated to the Members of Mount Zion Worcester.

At the center of Messianic (Christian) faith and practice stands the belief that God has spoken to the world in the person and work of Yahshua Messiah (Jesus Christ), which is accurately and authoritatively revealed in the Bible (“the Bible,” “Scripture” or “the Scriptures” both old and new testaments). The Bible is the inspired, inerrant and sufficient Word of God and is thus the ultimate authority for life, faith and morals. Though the various theological statements of Mount Zion Worcester reflect succinct summaries of biblical boundaries, it is the Bible itself to which we are in ultimate submission.

Members have the responsibility and opportunity to engage the Pastor and ministers and Church Committee on areas of theological disagreement. However, membership carries with it the implicit understanding that the Pastor, Ministerial body and Church Committee shall function as the interpretive authority on biblical meaning and application for the purpose of Church doctrine, practice, policy and discipline.

Messianic Beliefs

  1. We believe that God has commanded that marriage involves the union of one man and one woman in permanent sacred fidelity. Though various cultures and customs have evolving definitions of marriage, it is God alone who has ultimate authority to prescribe and describe the marital relationship (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:1-9, Mark 10:1-12). Furthermore, sexual intimacy is only properly exercised and pursued within the confines of this marital relationship. Sexual immorality, defined as any sexual activity outside of the boundaries of the sacred marital relationship between one man and one woman, is clearly and expressly prohibited by the Lord (Matthew 15:19, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 13:4). As a consequence, the Church regards any and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or even lustful intent toward such, as sinful and ultimately unsatisfying. Moreover, the Church of God also regards as sinful the intent or desire to surgically alter one’s biological sex to a different sex. Since the body is a creation of God, the Church of God holds sexual identity to be biologically determined, and associated gender norms are to be observed as appropriate to biblical standards. Disagreement with one’s biological sex only leads to spiritual confusion and emotional chaos (Genesis 1:27, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). In order to preserve the function and integrity of the Church as the local Body of Messiah (Christ), and to provide a biblical example to the Church of God Members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the Church in any capacity or united to the Church in membership should abide by and agree to this and conduct themselves accordingly.
  2. Though sinful sexual expression is egregious (as is all sin), the gospel provides redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking mercy and forgiveness through Yahshua Messiah (Jesus Christ) (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 2:1-10, Titus 3:3-7). Furthermore, there is a difference between temptation and unrepented sin. Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, yet He never sinned. Members, employees, volunteers and attendees of Mount Zion Worcester wrestling with all manner of sexual temptation will find a Church ready to point them to Jesus and join with them to fight for their obedience to Christ. Jesus called the weary and heavy-laden to Himself. As a church desiring to follow Christ fully, Mount Zion Worcester will be a safe place for men and women fighting sexual temptations of all kinds. For those fighting temptation and repenting of sin, Mount Zion Worcester will provide love, care and direction (Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:14-16). Mount Zion Worcester’s principle on Marriage and Sexuality does not provide grounds for bigotry, bullying or hate, as we fully believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect and dignity, regardless of his or her lifestyle. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated as sinful and are not in accordance with the Scriptures nor the doctrines of Mount Zion Worcester.
  3. We believe human life and children are gifts from God. (Job 3:16, Psalms 51:5, 139:14-16,Isaiah 44:24, 49:1, Luke 1:44).
  4. We believe that every Christian, as a steward of the wealth entrusted to him, should give cheerfully to the support of their local church in tithes and offerings for the relief of those in need and the spread of the Gospel (Mal. 3:10, Genesis 14:20, Proverbs 3:9-10, Acts 4:34-37, 1 Corinthians 16:2, II Corinthians 9:6-7, Galatians 6:6, Ephesians 4:28, I Timothy 5:17-18, I John 3:17). Where support is needed from the local, the assembly led by the Pastor should determine how to support requests and other initiatives globally.
  5. Sin is the transgression of the Law. (John 3:4).
  6. Justification from sin is through Christ Jesus alone. (1 Cor. 6:11: Romans 4:25; 5:16-18)
  7. A Christian should dress modestly, and should refrain from all worldliness. (1Tim. 29, 1 Cor. 11:7, 14-15; 1John 2:15-16).
  8. All carnal warfare and the participation therein are condemned by the Lord. (Matt. 5:38-39, 1 Cor. 10:4; Ex. 20:13).
  9. The Law of the clean and unclean meats is to be observed. (Lev. 11).
  10. The use of wine should be moderated and intoxicating liquors and alcoholic should be refrained from. Use of stimulants (exception are: prescription of a medical doctor or Nurse Practitioner, and coffee), tobacco, or any habit forming or mind-bending drugs are forbidden. (1 Cor. 3:16-17; Prov. 20)
  11. Jesus condemned divorce and remarriage as being the sin of adultery. A man is permitted to have only one living wife, and the woman only one living husband. (Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2-3; Tim. 3:2).
  12. He is our High Priest and Mediator before the throne of God. (I Tim. 2:5. Luke 1:26-35, John 1:14-18, Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, Phil. 2:6, Rom. 9:5, Col. 2:9).
  13. We believe in the bodily ascension of Yahshua (Jesus) to heaven, His exaltation, and personal, literal, and bodily coming again the second time for His Church (John 14:2-3, I Thessalonians 4:13-18), and establishing everlasting Kingdom here on earth.
  14. We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace, through repentance and faith in the perfect and complete work of Yahshua (Jesus) on the cross by which we obtain total forgiveness of sin. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 9:12, 22, Romans 5:11), and thereafter abide in the entirety of the 10 commandments and works of faith.
  15. We believe in conversion in order to be saved (Acts 3:19) and  that complete immersion of water baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit (Matt: 28:19, Act 2:38, Mark 1:9-10) and communion in Lord’s Supper are open only to those who have accepted Yahshua (Jesus) as their Messiah and Savior (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:34-36, 19:1-6, I Corinthians 11:17-28).
  16. We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a real experience, at or subsequent to salvation, empowering believers as witnesses of Christ (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5, 2:1-4, 8:14-17, 10:44-46).
  17. Sanctification and holiness is commanded for the people of God. (Acts 20:32; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
  18. There is power in the prayer of the righteous (James 5:16; John 14:13-14).
  19. The prayer of faith and anointing with oil will heal the sick. (James 5:14-15).
  20. The laying on of hands is to be practiced. (Acts 8:17, 6:6).
  21. Man was created perfect, but through disobedience fell, bringing imperfection, death and God’s wrath upon mankind. (Gen. 3; I Cor. 15:21-22)
  22. The Lord’s Supper is to be observed annually at the beginning of the 14th day of Nisan (Hebrew month), Jesus being our example (Luke 22:7-20: I Cor. 11:23-26. 13:4-5). We further believe that use of multiple cups as practiced during Yahshua’s time and the Jews today during Passover is to be practiced (Luke 22:17).
  23. We believe that the Footwashing must take place Before the Emblems of the Body of Messiah (Christ) are received. Yahshua (Jesus) washed His disciples’ feet first and we are to follow His example (John 13:7, 13-15). Yahshua (Jesus) washed Judas Iscariot’s feet, then excused him before presenting the Emblems of His Body to the eleven disciples (John 13:26,27; Mark 14:18,19, 22-24; Matt. 26:22,23,29-30)  
  24. We believe in the reality and personality of Satan and that he is the declared enemy of God and man. We further believe that while a Christian can be tempted by Satan, a Christian cannot be demon possessed (Matthew 25:41, II Corinthians 6:14-18, 7:1 I Pet. 5:8; I John 3:8; Jude 9; Matt. 4:1-11).
  25. We believe God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home, 2) the church, and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God (Romans 13:1-7, Ephesians 5:22-24, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 2:13-14).

  26. We believe that God has commanded that marriage involves the union of one man and one woman in permanent sacred fidelity. Though various cultures and customs have evolving definitions of marriage, it is God alone who has ultimate authority to prescribe and describe the marital relationship (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:1-9, Mark 10:1-12). Furthermore, sexual intimacy is only properly exercised and pursued within the confines of this marital relationship. Sexual immorality, defined as any sexual activity outside of the boundaries of the sacred marital relationship between one man and one woman, is clearly and expressly prohibited by the Lord (Matthew 15:19, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 13:4). As a consequence, the Church regards any and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or even lustful intent toward such, as sinful and ultimately unsatisfying. Moreover, the Church of God also regards as sinful the intent or desire to surgically alter one’s biological sex to a different sex. Since the body is a creation of God, the Church of God holds sexual identity to be biologically determined, and associated gender norms are to be observed as appropriate to biblical standards. Disagreement with one’s biological sex only leads to spiritual confusion and emotional chaos (Genesis 1:27, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). In order to preserve the function and integrity of the Church as the local Body of Messiah (Christ), and to provide a biblical example to the Church of God Members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the Church in any capacity or united to the Church in membership should abide by and agree to this and conduct themselves accordingly

  27. Though sinful sexual expression is egregious (as is all sin), the gospel provides redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking mercy and forgiveness through Yahshua Messiah (Jesus Christ) (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 2:1-10, Titus 3:3-7). Furthermore, there is a difference between temptation and unrepented sin. Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, yet He never sinned. Members, employees, volunteers and attendees of Mount Zion Worcester wrestling with all manner of sexual temptation will find a Church ready to point them to Jesus and join with them to fight for their obedience to Christ. Jesus called the weary and heavy-laden to Himself. As a church desiring to follow Christ fully, Mount Zion Worcester will be a safe place for men and women fighting sexual temptations of all kinds. For those fighting temptation and repenting of sin, Mount Zion Worcester will provide love, care and direction (Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:14-16). Mount Zion Worcester’s principle on Marriage and Sexuality does not provide grounds for bigotry, bullying or hate, as we fully believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect and dignity, regardless of his or her lifestyle. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated as sinful and are not in accordance with the Scriptures nor the doctrines of Mount Zion Worcester.

  28. We believe human life and children are gift from God. (Job 3:16, Psalms 51:5, 139:14-16,Isaiah 44:24, 49:1, Luke 1:44).

  29. We believe that every Christian, as a steward of the wealth entrusted to him, should give cheerfully to the support of their local church in tithes and offerings for the relief of those in need and the spread of the Gospel (Mal. 3:10, Genesis 14:20, Proverbs 3:9-10, Acts 4:34-37, 1 Corinthians 16:2, II Corinthians 9:6-7, Galatians 6:6, Ephesians 4:28, I Timothy 5:17-18, I John 3:17). Where support is needed from the local, the assembly led by the Pastor should determine how to support requests and other initiatives globally.

  30. Sin is the transgression of the Law. (John 3:4).

  31. Justification from sin is through Christ Jesus alone. (1 Cor. 6:11: Romans 4:25; 5:16-18)

  32. A Christian should dress modestly, and should refrain from all worldliness. (1Tim. 29, 1 Cor. 11:7, 14-15; 1John 2:15-16).

  33. All carnal warfare and the participation therein are condemned by the Lord. (Matt. 5:38-39, 1 Cor. 10:4; Ex. 20:13).

  34. The Law of the clean and unclean meats is to be observed. (Lev. 11).

  35. The use of wine should be moderated and intoxicating liquors and alcohol should be refrained from. Use of stimulants (exceptions are: prescription of a medical doctor or Nurse Practitioner, and coffee), tobacco, or any habit forming or mind-bending drugs are forbidden. (1 Cor. 3:16-17; Prov. 20).

  36. Jesus condemned divorce and remarriage as being the sin of adultery. A man is permitted to have only one living wife, and the woman only one living husband. (Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2-3; Tim. 3:2).

  37. There is a final re-gathering of the dispersed people of Israel back to their land, one that is taking place now. (Jer. 16:14-15; Amos 9:14-15).

  38. The third angel’s message is a present day message, and will continue to the advent of Jesus (Rev. 14:9-11).

  39. The seven last plagues are future and literal. (Rev. 16).

  40. The return of Jesus will be literal, visible personal and is imminent. (Matt. 24:27; Rev. 1:7).

  41. The institution of the Kingdom of Heaven is at the return of our Lord Jesus Christ and the throne of David will be established at Jerusalem in the person of Jesus Christ. (Isa. 9:6-7: Luke 1:32-33).

  42. Christ will return and fight in the battle of Armageddon. His coming will bring peace to the earth, and He will rule the world from Jerusalem during the 1 000 years of restoration (the Millennium). (Zechariah 14; Rev. 20:4-6: Micah 4:3-7).

  43. The righteous dead will be resurrected and rewarded at the coming of Jesus. (1 Thes. 4:16: Rev. 22.12).

  44. The meek shall inherit the earth and dwell therein forever. (Matt. 5:5: Prov. 10:30).

  45. After the 1,000-year restoration period, Christ will deliver the Kingdom to God, the Father. It is then that the wicked will be resurrected to final judgment. (1 Car. 15:22-24: Rev. 20, 21 and 22: John 5:28-29).

  46. We believe in eternal life for believers in the new Kingdom here on earth (John 5:24, 3:16), and destruction and separation from God for unbelievers (Mark 9:43-48, II Thessalonians 1:9, Rom. 16:23); Revelation 20:10-15).

  47. The inspired name for God’s called out assembly is the ‘Church of God” (1 Cor. 1.2; 10:32; 11:16, 22; 15:9; 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal 11:3; I Thess. 2:14; 2 Thess. 1:4 ; 1 Tim. 3:5,15; Acts 20:28), and the inspired protected name of mountain and people of Elohim (God) is Mount Zion (Isa. 2:3, Ps 48:2, Ps. 125:1, Isa 8:18, 18:7 and Joel 3:16). We therefore are called “Mount Zion Assembly, Church of God 7th Day” combining the holy mountain, a chosen place and people of God and the apostolic name of the assembly.

  48. Ministers of the Church of God are called “Elders and Pastors” (Acts 14:23, 1Tim. 5:17-19; Tit. 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:1;  3 John. 1:1; Jer. 2:8, 3:15; Eph. 4:11) and are those male disciples accepted into the Ministry upon recommendation by and ordained through investigation both from inside and outside the Church, as to character, his attributes as a Christian, his ability to teach, his maturity in presenting the Word of God, and his faithfulness in the Doctrine of the Church (See Mount Zion Worcester Pastor’s Qualifications, Duties and Responsibilities document). No one being entangled in adultery may hold any office in the Church (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5-9; Tim. 3:1-5). We don’t use titles such as Reverent, Father, etc. as these titles have no scriptural basis.

  49. While the Bible clearly requires that the Pastor (Elders) be male and leaders of the church (see above), the Bibles clearly shows that sisters have had enormous contribution, impact and support of and in the Church (Judges 2:16, 4;5., Mic 6:4, 2 Kings 22, Acts 2:17-18, Rom. 16:7, Rom. 16:1-2, Rom. 16:3-4). Women were Prophetess, Judges’, Deaconess, Evangelists with Paul in his journeys, even playing a significant role in instructing Apollos. Mt. Zion Worcester believes that qualified, Godly fearing women can be appointed as Deaconess and Evangelists. Women should however not usurp authority of the Pastor (Elder) nor not teach if we have a qualified male is present.

  50. The Overseer shall have general care and guidance over the churches as a whole in a region or group of churches in territories or various countries as need requires (Acts 20:28), while the local minister shall have authority over the local congregation.