What Does Christ Gospel Church Teach? Wrap-Up

What does Christ Gospel Church teach? Over the last several weeks, I have done my best to answer this question. We have come a long way, analyzing Reverend Berniece R. Hicks' teaching on Scripture, mankind, God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the good news. Hopefully we can now more clearly understand the basic beliefs of CGC. As a result, I pray that individuals will effectively assess and address the differences that exist between our beliefs and what is taught by CGC.

Since CGC has a global presence, including affiliate churches in half a dozen African countries and shortwave broadcasts to many others, evangelical Christians must respond to Hicks' claims with the truth revealed by God in Scripture. Lord willing, the Africa Center for Apologetics Research will be established in East Africa to defend our faith against error and corruption.

Here are the previous posts in this series:

• What Does Christ Gospel Church Teach?
• Christ Gospel Church on Scripture
• Christ Gospel Church on Mankind
• Christ Gospel Church on God
• Christ Gospel Church on the Lord Jesus Christ: Part One and Part Two
• Christ Gospel Church on the Good News: Part One and Part Two

Christ Gospel Church on the Good News: Part Two

(Christ Gospel Church is an international sect with affiliate churches in half a dozen African countries and shortwave broadcasts to many others. You can read the previous posts in this series here: What Does Christ Gospel Church Teach?, Christ Gospel Church on Scripture, Christ Gospel Church on Mankind, Christ Gospel Church on God, Christ Gospel Church on the Lord Jesus Christ: Part One and Part Two, Christ Gospel Church on the Good News: Part One)

V. The Good News

This week, we continue studying CGC's teaching on the Good News. After looking at mankind's need, we are now ready to understand the degrees of reward. When taken together, their gospel message becomes clear.

The Degrees of Reward

God has commanded that believers grow in Grace and Knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ (I Peter 2:1,2; II Peter 3:18). God's Word commands that the believer grow unto the measure of the Stature of the Fullness of Jesus Christ or unto full spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:13,14).[1]

For Hicks, salvation is the first step in the Christian life, not the sum of the Christian life. Christians are to live a life devoted to God. "God gives us His Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ so that we can have a New Heart created in us; thus our New Heart can perform the good works of His Master Plan and Purposive Will."[2] Hicks points to Ephesians 4:11-13 to show the goal for followers of Christ: "In his letter to the church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul set forth the possibility of growth to full maturity in the Spiritual Stature of Christ, which every believer is called to press toward."[3] She reveals how believers are to achieve this goal with the following insight: "Nowhere in Scripture do we find such a precious gem of truth or such a complete picture of the measure of the stature of Christ, which Paul relates in Ephesians 4:13, then in the Old Testament Tabernacle."[4] Consequently, one discovers the stature of Jesus Christ through the detailed blueprint of the Old Testament Tabernacle.

Achieving the spiritual stature of Christ enables one to be a member of Christ's bride. This objective is accomplished through one's works and is distinct from salvation. "According to the Scriptures, man's Salvation is a gift. . . . But the Prize of being in Christ's Bride comes by personal choice and by spiritual growth unto the measure of the Stature of the Fullness of Christ."[5] Later, Hicks is even more explicit: "The Bible tells us that the Bride made herself ready, which speaks of her works. Salvation is a Gift to all believers from God, and, therefore, does not consist of works. . . . The reward of being in the Bride, however, is a result of Works."[6] Therefore, "Not every Christian is going to be in the Bride. In the natural realm there are more people at a wedding than the bride and the bridegroom. There are the best man, the bridesmaids, the guests, and many others. In like manner, the Wedding Supper of the Lamb will have more than just the Bride and Jesus, the Bridegroom."[7]

As a result, the works that a Christian accomplishes in their present life will determine what they will obtain at the final judgement. When speaking of 1 Corinthians 15:41-42, Hicks compares the glory of the sun, moon, and stars with the resurrection glory of believers:

In Eternity, the first group of Christians will shine as small stars of Glory. The second group will shine with brighter Glory, as the brighter stars. The third group will have gained a sufficient measure of the LORD Jesus Christ's Spiritual Stature to shine with a still brighter Glory, like the moon; and the fourth group will be those who have grown into the measure of the Fullness of Christ's Spiritual Stature. They will be spiritually mature and will shine with the brightest Glory, like the sun, because their wills will have been joined in Marriage Union to Jesus Christ's Will. It is the fourth class of Christians who will be in Christ's Bride because they will possess the highest degree of Glory - the Glory of the Sun.[8]

Therefore, believers earn their future eternal abiding place with God.

Christians will also receive a particular type of clothing based upon their works. "The Book of Revelation describes three distinct kinds of Clothing worn by saints at the resurrection: White Robes, White Raiment, and White Linen. This spiritual apparel is exceedingly important because the believer's eternal abiding place will be determined by the Garment or Garments he wears on Resurrection Morning."[9] The bottom groups of glory (both those of the star glory and the brighter star glory) will receive white robes and dwell in the New Heavens. "[T]he ones who wear White Robes never will leave Heaven; they will stay there forever and ever and serve God day and night. God will dwell among them by His Omnipresence in the same way that He dwells in the world today."[10] Those of the moon glory will receive white raiment and rule over the New Earth. "The New City will not be the dwelling place of the White Raiment group. . . . This group grew in Spiritual Stature to such a degree that they will be entrusted with Christ's Governmental Ruling and Reigning Power on the New Earth."[11] The New City [New Jerusalem] is for those in white linen, those of the sun glory, the bride of Christ. "Only the Bride of Jesus Christ, the New Jerusalem, will be able to give Christ's Sun-Glory Light to the New Earth because she is the only one who will be joined in perfect Marriage Relationship with Jesus Christ Who is the Lamb of the New City and the Light of the world."[12] Therefore, the New Heavens, the New Earth, and the New City are three stages of achievement for believers to gain. Clearly, the goal for those who belong to CGC is to become a member of the bride of Christ.

[1]Articles of Faith, 5.
[2]Hicks, Believe, Repent, and Accept God's Gift of Salvation, 51.
[3]B. R. Hicks, Growing in God, 1989 ed. (Jeffersonville, IN: Christ Gospel Press, 1989), 3. Ephesians 4:13 is an oft-quoted key text in Hicks' beliefs and writings.
[4]B. R. Hicks, Precious Gem in the Tabernacle (Jeffersonville, IN: Christ Gospel Press, 1961), 9. This book contains Hicks' exposition of the Old Testament Tabernacle as it relates to believers' spiritual growth.
[5]B. R. Hicks, Degrees of Reward for Spiritual Growth, 2002 ed. (Jeffersonville, IN: Christ Gospel Press, 2002), 4. Emphasis in original.
[6]Ibid, 44-45. Emphasis in original.
[7]Hicks, Growing in God, 11.
[8]Hicks, Degrees of Reward for Spiritual Growth, 22-23.
[9]Ibid, 33.
[10]Ibid, 38.
[11]Ibid, 42.
[12]Ibid, 44. Emphasis in original.

Christ Gospel Church on the Good News: Part One

(Christ Gospel Church is an international sect with affiliate churches in half a dozen African countries and shortwave broadcasts to many others. You can read the previous posts in this series here: What Does Christ Gospel Church Teach?, Christ Gospel Church on Scripture, Christ Gospel Church on Mankind, Christ Gospel Church on God, Christ Gospel Church on the Lord Jesus Christ: Part One and Part Two)

V. The Good News

As one can already see, CGC extends hope for mankind. Several of CGC's articles of faith are dedicated to this important aspect of their beliefs. Through understanding mankind's need as well as the degrees of reward, their understanding of the gospel message is made clear.

A. The Need of Mankind

All human beings are born sinners. Sin entered the world through the disobedience of mankind. Before they sinned, these disobedient creatures were known as Adam-male and Adam-female (Genesis 5:2; Romans 5:12).

Every person is a sinner by birth and by deed (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10; Isaiah 53:6; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Psalm 51:5; Psalm 58:3). Because God says in His Word that the penalty for sin is eternal Death in Hell and the Lake of Fire (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:12-15), all men are in need of a Saviour and the experience of Salvation through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ, God's spotless Lamb (Hebrews 9:22; Matthew 26:28; John 3:17,18).

Salvation is received through confession and repentance of one's sins (Romans 19:8,9) and through believing on the LORD Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8). Salvation is not earned by man's good works; it is a Gift from God, which man receives by having faith in the shed Blood of the LORD Jesus Christ, Who died in man's place on Calvary's Cross (Titus 2:11; 3:5-7).

The evidence of Salvation is the outward demonstration of the inward Working of God's Grace in the heart, which produces a separated, godly, holy life (Titus 2:12). [1]

While God covered Adam-male and Adam-female with his glory, he gave them the ability to choose whether or not to follow him. Hicks states, "Present man, Adam-male and Adam-female, had to decide either to obey or disobey God's Will, which came to them wrapped up, as it were, in His Word."[2] Following the serpent's deceit in the garden, mankind once again chose to follow Lucifer, which brought error and death.[3] This corrupt state continues in all humanity. "Upon acceptance of the Serpent's corrupted will, Adam-male and Adam-female became totally depraved in their threefold beings. This same depraved condition has been passed on to every human being."[4] Hicks summarizes the death of man since the fall: "Death is a true witness of man's threefold being. The Scriptures prove that a sinner's being separates in a threefold manner at Death. The body goes to the grave; the soul goes to Hell; and the spirit is left to roam in a state of unrest after having ascended to God."[5] Every human being is a sinner whose soul deserves to go to hell.

Hicks teaches that there are three tests of mankind. "In each period or age of existence, God has tested the spirits and souls of mankind with Light. First, they were tested as Seeds in the spiritual realm in Eternity-Past; then, they were tested as Seeds in Present Time in a perfect body in the Garden of Eden. Now, in Present Time, . . . man is tested a third time, and this time his test is in both the spiritual realm and the natural realm."[6] Individuals have failed one or two of the previous tests, but their choice regarding the third and final test will ultimately determine their eternal destiny.

The only way for humanity to escape damnation in the lake of fire is to be saved through Jesus' atonement. Hicks lays out three necessary steps for salvation: "First, a person must believe there is a God; second, he must repent of his sin; and, third, he must accept the Gift of Salvation that the LORD God so freely bestows on those who believe on Him and repent of their sin."[7] This provision of salvation is seen as a transaction. "We are saved by taking the necessary steps toward Salvation, in obedience to the Word of God. Once we have done our part, God certainly will do His Part. God plainly declares in His Word that every soul who trusts in His Son is forgiven, saved, and becomes a possessor of Eternal Life."[8]

After being saved, Christians are to continue to grow in their faith. "God's Infallible Word continues to generate faith in our heart so that we can continue progressing in our believing in our Saviour, Jesus Christ. God's Word encourages us to persevere to the end of life's journey with a strong, steadfast faith in Jesus Christ."[9] The Christian life should be one marked by holiness and devotion to God. And until Jesus' returns, at death a true believer only faces a twofold separation. "At Death, the threefold being of a believer, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament Dispensations, was and is separated in a twofold way. The spirit and the soul of the Old Testament believer went to Paradise, while the spirit and soul of the New Testament believer goes immediately into heaven."[10]

[1]Articles of Faith, 4-5.
[2]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in what the Bible Teaches about Mankind, 128.
[3]Ibid, 128-136.
[4]Ibid, 144-145.
[5]Ibid, 55.
[6]Ibid, 150.
[7]B. R. Hicks, Believe, Repent, and Accept God's Gift of Salvation (Jeffersonville, IN: Christ Gospel Press, 1997), 44.
[8]Ibid, 68.
[9]Ibid, 69.
[10]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in what the Bible Teaches about Mankind, 55.

Christ Gospel Church on the Lord Jesus Christ: Part Two

(Christ Gospel Church is an international sect with affiliate churches in half a dozen African countries and shortwave broadcasts to many others. You can read the previous posts in this series here: What Does Christ Gospel Church Teach?, Christ Gospel Church on Scripture, Christ Gospel Church on Mankind, Christ Gospel Church on God, Christ Gospel Church on the Lord Jesus Christ: Part One)

IV. The Lord Jesus Christ

This week, we continue examining CGC's teaching on Jesus Christ. After looking at the beginning of Jesus and the relationship of Jesus and the Word, we now turn to the history of the Lord Jesus Christ.

C. The History of Jesus

Throughout the history of this creation, God has been working out his plan to bring Jesus into the world. This plan begins with Adam-female and the promise God gave to her after the Fall. "When the Bible speaks about Jesus' being the Seed of Woman, it refers is [sic] to the Seed of Promise of the Saviour's Humanity, the Promise given to Adam-female."[1] This promise continued from Adam-female all of the way to Abraham. In Abraham, God's plan took another step forward. "To Abraham, God gave another Seed, the Promise of the Divine Seed of the Christ. Abraham, then, had two Seeds: the Seed of Promise of the Saviour's Humanity and the Seed of Promise of His Divinity."[2] Both of these seeds were carried through Abraham's descendents until King David. "Jesus' Humanity Seed and Christ's Divine Seed were passed along together until they finally reached King David, in whose loins they became divided into two separate streams of revelation, The Humanity Seed . . . traveled down through the lineage of Nathan. The Divine Seed of Christ . . . traveled down through the lineage of Solomon."[3]

The division of these seeds continued until the time came for the Messiah to come to earth. Joseph held the divine seed. "Joseph, to whom the Virgin Mary was espoused, was of the lineage of Solomon. . . . Although he possessed the Divine Seed of Promise, Joseph could not pass it through His natural, physical loins because the Messiah was ordained to be born of a Virgin."[4] Mary had the humanity seed. "Mary, as a descendent of Nathan, carried the Humble Seed of Promise of the Redeemer's Humanity. Not until she became espoused or engaged to Joseph did she receive the Divine Seed of Promise of the Christ."[5] Through the engagement of Joseph and Mary, Mary possessed both seeds. At God's appointed time, the two seeds were united. "The Seeds did not become one in her womb until the Glory Cloud of the Holy Ghost overshadowed her as she started testifying to Elizabeth about the Promise the Angel had given her. At that moment, the Divine Seed of the Christ from the Father joined itself to the Humanity Seed that Mary carried."[6]

Consequently, Jesus Christ was born. However, a valid question arises: if the Word of God was joined to Jesus when he was originally begotten, then how does this joining relate to the union of the divine seed with the humanity seed? Hicks' answer seems ambiguous. When considering the titles of Jesus, she separates the titles "Son of God" and "Son of Man," maintaining, "The title Son of God refers to the divine generation of Jesus. In Eternity-Past, before any other thing was brought forth, God brought forth the divine Spirit and Soul of His Only Begotten Son. . . . The title Son of Man pertains to the human generation of Jesus. God prepared, in the Virgin Mary's womb, a Human Body in which His Begotten Son could dwell."[7] Nevertheless, Hicks does not appear to discuss how these two generations of Jesus are related.

In his earthly ministry, Jesus' humanity and divinity were united yet also remained distinct. This distinction is seen through Jesus having two wills. "During all the days of His Life, Jesus kept His human Will in subjection to the Divine Will of the Christ that was within Him."[8] He also had two kinds of blood:

As the Divine Son of God, Jesus had Pure, Holy, Spiritual Blood. But in order to redeem us from sin, Jesus had to take on the part of flesh that was kept alive with natural, physical blood. It took natural blood to sustain Jesus' natural life in a Body of Flesh. Yet, natural blood alone could not have redeemed us. It took the natural blood and the Spiritual Blood of Jesus Christ to make atonement for our souls.[9]

A complete and permanent union of Jesus and the Christ did not come until after his resurrection.

At the same time, Jesus' death on the cross also has tremendous importance. Hicks states, "God manifested His infinite, sacrificial Love in giving His Son for the world. God magnified His Love in the deed of giving His Son for us and to us. God gave Jesus Christ to be a propitiation for our sins."[10] Hicks explains what happened to Jesus when he died: "Jesus' Body went to the grave, and His Spirit went into the Hands of the Father. Jesus' Soul went down to Hell and Death."[11] However, the Christ in Jesus did not leave Jesus to face this death alone. "[W]hen the time came for Jesus the Man to die as a sacrifice for sin, Christ willingly chose to maintain His joining by going to the Cross and by going down into Hell and Death with Jesus. Thus, it is proper to say that Christ, as well as Jesus, died for our sins."[12] Not only did the Christ remain joined with Jesus, but the Holy Ghost and the Father were also with Jesus during this time.[13] Therefore, "The entire Godhead (Father, Word, and Holy Ghost) was joined to the Son Jesus in the Promise and Performance of man's redemption."[14] Through Jesus' death, descent to hell, and resurrection, God's plan for the redemption of mankind was completed.

[1]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, 41.
[2]Ibid. Emphasis in original.
[3]Ibid, 43.
[4]Ibid.
[5]Ibid.
[6]Ibid, 44.
[7]Ibid, 47. Emphasis in original.
[8]Ibid, 51.
[9]Ibid, 52-53.
[10]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in God, 73.
[11]Ibid, 64.
[12]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, 51.
[13]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in God, 48-49.
[14]Ibid, 49.

Christ Gospel Church on the Lord Jesus Christ: Part One

(Christ Gospel Church is an international sect with affiliate churches in half a dozen African countries and shortwave broadcasts to many others. You can read the previous posts in this series here: What Does Christ Gospel Church Teach?, Christ Gospel Church on Scripture, Christ Gospel Church on Mankind, Christ Gospel Church on God)

IV. The Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ was both Divine and Human. As the firstborn of every creature, Christ existed in Eternity-past (Colossians 1:15-19). Then, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary in present time (Luke 1:27-35), which was the fulfillment of Isaiah's Prophecy in the Old Testament (Isaiah 7:14). At the end of Jesus Christ's three-and-one-half years of Ministry on Earth, during which time he went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed, raising the dead, and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ was delivered up to be crucified, not because He ever had sinned, but because He determinedly died for the sins of the whole world. On the third day, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father (Acts 10:38-40; Acts 10:38-40). He ever lives at God's Right Hand to make intercession for mankind (Hebrews 7:25; Acts 7:56).[1]

When seeking to comprehend CGC's doctrine of God, one's attention must move toward their understanding of Jesus Christ.

A. The Beginning of Jesus

Whereas the Word is part of the eternal God, Jesus had a beginning. "The same Bible that teaches the existence of a God, known as Father, Word (Christ), and Holy Ghost, without a beginning or an end, also teaches us about the beginning of God's Only Begotten Son, Whose Name is Jesus. . . . Whereas the Christ had no beginning, the Scriptures plainly declare the Son's beginning in Eternity-Past."[2] Hicks also explains how the Son was brought forth:

Since God's Son was brought forth, it is evident from the meaning of this expression that the Father-Mother God travailed Him into being in Spirit and Soul Form. The Scriptures state clearly that the Son was brought into existence, and since the Son did not appear in a physical, terrestrial Body until untold ages later, when a special, terrestrial body was prepared for Him in the Virgin Mary's womb, it is evident that He existed as a Spirit and Soul in Eternity-Past. [3]

Even though Jesus did not begin with a physical body, as a tripartite being his spirit and soul were united with a spiritual and celestial body. "The Spiritual and Celestial Form that clothed the Only Begotten Son consisted of Christ the Word and the Lord of Glory from the Father."[4]

After Jesus was brought forth, he created all things. "Jesus was the firstborn of every creature. The Father brought forth His Only Begotten Son in His own glorious Image before any thing was made that was made. Then, through His Son, God created all things."[5] Besides his position as creator, how is Jesus different than other humans or angels? Hicks replies, "The Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, is unique because His entire Being came forth out of God's own Procreative Loins. . . . The Son of God was begotten completely out of God's Loins. The bodies of men and Angels were made by God's Hands."[6] While Jesus had a beginning, as did other humans and angels, he also remains one-of-a-kind.

B. The Relationship of Jesus and the Word

Therefore, Jesus and the Word of God (also known as Christ) are not the same. Hicks compares the two: "The Name Jesus was given to the Man-Child born to the Virgin Mary through Immaculate Conception. Thus, the Man Jesus had a beginning; He was begotten by God and sent to earth in a human Body. . . . The Name Christ refers to the Son's eternal Divinity. The Christ has always existed, for He is the Word of God."[7] So then, how are the two related? "When God's Breath went forth, some of God's Word went forth with it, and this Word, the Christ, remained joined to the Son from the Son's birth out of God's Procreative Loins."[8] Elsewhere, she clearly explains the relationship between Jesus and the Word: "The Christ, the Word, was in Jesus in Person."[9] So, the Word is not Jesus, the Word is in Jesus.

However, Jesus does not manifest the Word alone. All three members of the Godhead are displayed in Jesus Christ. "Viewed in His Unity, God is One. Viewed in the outflow of His Working and Revelation to mankind, God is Three, and all Three are wonderfully manifested in the Person of Jesus Christ."[10] Hicks further develops this threefold manifestation: "the Word gives us God's portrait; the Holy Ghost leads us to God's portrait and gives Life and Love to it; the Father's Glory brings the Portrait forth and expresses it visibly to others through deeds of love and kindness that one man commits toward another, as he is motivated by Christ's Love that dwells in his heart."[11]

While Jesus the Son was begotten with Christ the Word and the Lord of Glory, he was not eternally joined to them until his resurrection. "On resurrection morning, God the Father deified the Man Jesus by giving Him an eternal Union with the Lord and Christ."[12] This was because of his humiliation when dwelling in a body of flesh:

. . .the Son's scope of human power and influence was limited as long as He dwelled in a Body of Flesh. Restrained to being in one place at one time, at any given moment, Jesus could minister to just a few people, comparatively speaking. But the Father removed these limitations when the Son arose from the dead because His human Name was then joined eternally to the Divine Names of Lord and Christ. . . .

Upon Jesus Christ's Resurrection, an eternal Union was established between God and man; Divinity and Humanity now dwelt together in a Oneness of Relationship. From His Resurrection onward, Jesus' Humanity was Deified or made Omnipresent, Omnipotent, and Omniscient.[13]

Since the resurrection, Jesus is forever to be known as the Lord Jesus Christ.

[1]Articles of Faith, 4.
[2]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, 6. Emphasis in original.
[3]Ibid, 10. Emphasis in original.
[4]Ibid, 11.
[5]Ibid, 38.
[6]Ibid, 9. Emphasis in original.
[7]Ibid, 70. Emphasis in original.
[8]Ibid, 89.
[9]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in God, 55.
[10]Ibid, 52. Emphasis in original.
[11]Ibid, 54.
[12]Ibid, 105.
[13]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, 98. Emphasis in original.

Christ Gospel Church on God

(Christ Gospel Church is an international sect with affiliate churches in half a dozen African countries and shortwave broadcasts to many others. You can read the previous posts in this series here: What Does Christ Gospel Church Teach?, Christ Gospel Church on Scripture, Christ Gospel Church on Mankind)

III. God

There is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), and out of this one Fountainhead flows a threefold stream of revelation called the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost (I John 5:7; John 1:1,2; Isaiah 48:16,17; John 10:30).[1]

Another central area of doctrine for CGC is their theology proper. Hicks' teaching on the nature of God and the relationship between the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost contribute to their concept of God.

A. The Nature of God

The key to understanding Hicks' conception of God is found in her application of Genesis 1:26. Here, she states, ". . .God, in His desire to reveal Himself to man, shaped and formed man until man bore the visible Likeness or similitude of the invisible God. Consequently, as we view man and see what he is like, we understand what God is like."[2] As a result, the nature of God is seen in light of the nature of mankind. "Since man is made in the Image and after the likeness of God and since God made man like a wheel, it is apparent that God's Being is also like a Wheel."[3] Moreover, God's being is also threefold, having a body, soul, and spirit (called "His Body realm, His Soul realm, and His Spirit realm"). He has five senses which are channeled through his three realms. The hub of God's wheel is his heart and the axle that turns the wheel of God's being is his will.[4]

Furthermore, there is a masculine and a feminine side of God. "[O]ne of our first concepts of God is that, very basically, the Wheel of His Being has two sides: a Male side and a Female side."[5] This truth can also be seen in God's creation. Hicks says, "Genesis, chapter one, verse one, reveals God's plural Form of being both Male and Female; it says that 'In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.' God (the Father-Mother) brought forth all Creation, which consisted of male and female, and, finally, He created man (male and female) in His own Image (Male and Female)."[6] Therefore, there are two sides of the wheel of God's being-He is both Father and Mother.

B. The Relationship of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost

In describing what the Bible says about God, Hicks continues, "The Bible clearly declares that God is One. Nevertheless, within the One Godhead, there is a Father-realm, a Word-realm, and a Holy-Ghost-realm that work together in perfect Unity, Harmony, and Oneness of Purpose and Mind."[7] The Father-realm of God (also called the Glory-realm) is the power that brings his invisible designs, plans, and knowledge into visibility. The Word-realm of God is the eternal Christ who was humbled and made flesh. The Holy-Ghost-realm is God's Spirit. Together, these three realms make up one God.[8] Hicks summarizes their relationship:

The One Godhead is a compound unity that is comprised of Father, Word, and Holy Ghost. The same Bible that teaches God's Oneness also teaches that the One God makes Himself known to mankind through three streams of revelation. The outflow of the invisible Godhead is manifested as Father, Word (Son), and Holy Ghost. The One God operates through three separate and distinct Personalities.[9]

To synthesize Hick's development of this relationship proves difficult. On the one hand, she seems to advocate some kind of Monarchianism. She writes, "God's infinite Mind is ONE WHEEL, as it were. Yet because God knows that finite creatures cannot readily comprehend Infinity, He mercifully separates His Wheel into three distinct identities, known as Father, Word, and Holy Ghost, which is how He reveals Himself and how He works with mankind."[10] Additionally, her connection between God and humanity leans toward seeing God in this way. As Hicks maintains, "As we continue the comparison of man's being with God's Being (man having been made in God's Image and Likeness), we see that God, as well as man, is a triune Being."[11] It is unclear, however, how she associates God's Father-realm, Word-realm, and Holy-Ghost-realm with God's Body realm, Soul realm, and Spirit realm. No plain connections are made between the two sets of three.

On the other hand, Hicks also has statements that sound comparably closer to orthodox Trinitarianism. First, she uses the word "Trinity." "The word trinity is not found in the Bible, but the Truth of this doctrine is evident. Many Scriptures support the Truth of God's Trinitarian outflow to man."[12] Second, Hicks will also occasionally refer to members of the Godhead as persons.[13] Furthermore, she differentiates the three. "When Jesus promised to pray for the Father to send the Comforter, He confirmed the fact that He, Jesus Christ, was neither the Father nor the Holy Ghost Comforter Who was to come."[14] Ultimately, a firm conclusion is hard to reach. Sometimes her writing seems similar to a form of Monarchianism, while other times it sounds somewhat closer to orthodox Trinitarianism.

[1]Articles of Faith, 3.
[2]B. R. Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in God, 2003 ed. (Jeffersonville, IN: Christ Gospel Press, 2003), 20.
[3]Ibid, 21.
[4]Ibid, 21-42.
[5]B. R. Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, 7. Interestingly, this basic point was never made in her earlier work, Confirming Our Faith in God.
[6]Ibid, 6-7.
[7]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in God, 47. Emphasis in original.
[8]Ibid, 47-52.
[9]Ibid, 52. Emphasis in original.
[10]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in what the Bible Teaches about Mankind, 45.
[11]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in God, 43.
[12]Ibid, 55. Emphasis in original. Of course, one could question connecting the Trinity with an "outflow to man."
[13]One example is when she refers to the Holy Ghost as "The third Person in the Godhead." Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, 5.
[14]Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in God, 56.

Christ Gospel Church on Mankind

(Christ Gospel Church is an international sect with affiliate churches in half a dozen African countries and shortwave broadcasts to many others. You can read the previous posts in this series here: What Does Christ Gospel Church Teach?, Christ Gospel Church on Scripture)

II. Mankind

While CGC's Articles of Faith does not have a section devoted to the nature and beginning of mankind,[1] these beliefs are an essential component of their faith.

A. The Nature of Mankind

Hick's understanding of the nature of man is explained with the language of a wheel. She supports this concept by referring to James 3:6, noting that in the phrase "course of nature," the Greek word for course means "wheel."[2] Thus, humanity's being is to be understood as a wheel of nature. Moreover, mankind consists of three substances. "Although man is an entity, the different substances of man's spirit, soul, and body retain their distinct identities at all times; therefore, he rightly can be called a threefold being."[3] In light of this distinction, the wheel of humanity's being is divided into three realms: body, soul, and spirit.

Additionally, ". . .in order for man's threefold being to function as an entity, God equipped it with a communication system composed of five sensory channels that run as spokes through all three realms of his being. . . . The five channels or spokes that make up man's communication system are his five senses: sight, taste, smell, hearing, and touch."[4] Each sense communicates through the three realms of man.[5] Working together, all of these spokes join at the hub of man's being. "During man's lifetime, the wheel of his threefold nature revolves on the axle of his will that is located in the heart or hub of his being. . . . Man's senses come together as one in the center of his heart or will."[6] Together, the wheel functions, revolving around man's will, and this wheel summarizes the nature of mankind.

B. The Beginning of Mankind

How and when did mankind begin? According to Hicks, "In Eternity-Past, present mankind had a grand and glorious beginning as a spirit and soul in God's creative Loins."[7] This state of mankind is in seed form, before they gained bodies. As preexistent beings, the wills of humanity were tested. "While mankind's living spirits and souls were still in Seed form in the invisible, spirit realm in Eternity-Past, they were tempted by Lucifer."[8] Some of mankind sided with God while others chose Lucifer's path. "The Seeds of mankind, in spiritual and soul form, were subjected to a choice for or against God while dwelling, as it were, in the Body of the Glory of God or in the Loins of God. In this stage, some Seeds won victory over Lucifer's temptation by making a choice for God. But some Seeds failed and were defeated by making a choice against God."[9] This choice was the first test that humanity faced.

Later, in the creation account of Genesis, God joined man's spirit and soul to a body. "God also begot the spirits and souls of mankind; however, man's body was formed by God's Hands. After God had created Adam's terrestrial body, God breathed a begotten spirit and soul into Adam's created body. Thus, man was partly begotten (spirit and soul) and partly created (body). Man is a triune being."[10] From the first man, two individuals were separated. "When God first created Adam-male and Adam-female, they were one. The female was hidden inside the male. Then, God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam-male and took Adam-female from his side."[11] Hicks continues to describe Adam-male and Adam-female as originally created:

God intended to cover Adam-male and Adam-female with all the fullness of His own Glory, so He created them without a physical, natural covering. . . .

Adam-male and Adam-female's original covering, then, was a God-given gift of spiritual Light whose brightness emanated from within and surrounded them with a glowing, shining covering for their physical nakedness. Whether or not man would keep this glorious covering of Light depended upon his obedience to God's Will.[12]

The beginning of man is essential to understanding the theology that will follow.

[1]As I noted in my introduction, since Hicks uses "mankind" and "man" in her works, this series will follow her terminology to remain as close to her language and thought as possible
[2]B. R. Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in what the Bible Teaches about Mankind, 2003 ed. (Jeffersonville, IN: Christ Gospel Press, 2003), 44-45.
[3]Ibid, 45.
[4]Ibid, 55.
[5]For the way in which each sense communicates through the three realms of man, see Ibid, 58-75.
[6]Ibid, 55.
[7]Ibid, 82.
[8]Ibid, 84.
[9]Ibid, 113.
[10]B. R. Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, 2004 ed. (Jeffersonville, IN: Christ Gospel Press, 2004), 8. Emphasis in original.
[11]Ibid, 124.
[12]Ibid, 125.

Christ Gospel Church on Scripture

(Christ Gospel Church is an international sect with affiliate churches in half a dozen African countries and shortwave broadcasts to many others. You can read the previous posts in this series here: What Does Christ Gospel Church Teach?)

I. Scripture

We believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God, which has been given to man to reveal God's eternal Master Plan and Purposive Will for all creation. We believe the Bible is infallible, authoritative, and that it provides the rules of faith and conduct for all Christian living. God's Word is all-sufficient and meets mankind's every need, both spiritually and naturally (II Timothy 3:16,17; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Peter 1:21).[1]

Because of CGC's Pentecostal and fundamentalist roots, the church's sacred book is the Christian Bible. It is foundational for all of their beliefs and practices.

A. The Word of God

In her writings, Hicks assumes a very high view of the Bible—it is the Word of God. "The excellency of the Scriptures is that they were given by the Inspiration of God; therefore, they are His Word. Not only does the Bible contain God's Word, but it is God's Word."[2] The Bible is inerrant, infallible, complete, and unique.[3] Hicks states the Bible's purpose as: "It was given to enable to creature to know his Creator and to know himself."[4] As a result, the Bible has supreme authority in determining God's truth.

Nevertheless, this fact does not mean that all translations are acceptable. Hicks maintains, "We, in the Crucified Way, hold to the King James Version because this translation has a special Bridal Anointing on it. The Patterns and Statures of the Bride's Truth have been beautifully preserved in this Version."[5] While the modern versions may be helpful as commentaries, the King James Version is the superior translation.[6] Hicks uses this version exclusively in her writing and her preaching.

B. The Method of Interpretation

Even with the correct translation, there is a specific way to understand its contents. Hicks discloses this method:

. . . since they [the modern translations] do not follow the mathematical patterns and forms found in the King James Version and since the exact wording from the original is not used, it is impossible for a Bible student to use any better source than the comprehensive, unparalleled help afforded by Dr. James Strong's Concordance. Dr. Strong's works have been highly recommended for many decades. . . . The King James Version is the most accurate for study purposes. The exact word meaning can be checked with the original Hebrew and Greek texts through use of Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.[7]

Therefore, the mathematical patterns and forms in the King James Version along with Hebrew and Greek word study enables a person to correctly interpret the Bible.

A sincere interaction with the text will also reveal Scripture's moral spiritual principles. They are defined as: ". . .God's Divine Theories which are chief, highest in rank, first in degree of importance, and most notable in influence."[8] Hicks identifies these principles throughout the Bible: "Let us look at the chronological order of God's twenty seven-historical Spiritual Principles, established in the Old Testament; then, we will see these same historical Spiritual Principles repeated or reproved (proved again) in the twenty-seven Books of the New Testament."[9] These truths are seen as vital and will greatly benefit individuals' lives. "God's Divine Principles of Truth will assume the Rulership over our life if we will embrace them, join them to our heart, and yield to their Power. We will find these Principle Truths forming the very braces and supports of our spiritual Temple."[10] Consequently, these spiritual principles should be embraced and followed.

For the followers of CGC, Hicks' material also plays an important role in interpreting the Bible. According to their introductory booklet, "Rev. Hicks's teachings are unique in the way she is able to tie together spiritual themes and principles in the Bible. She relies on her study of Hebrew to bring out hidden meanings of words in Scripture."[11] Additionally, "Rev. Hicks has written and published over 90 books, which include studies on the Old Testament tabernacle, the three fold nature of man, evolution and creation, overcoming depression, and many spiritual exegeses of various books of the Bible."[12] In light of her exclusive insight into the meaning of Scripture, members of CGC read and study Hicks' works to guide their understanding of biblical truth. They also listen to her preaching and teaching as much as possible.

Although she is now seventy-five years old, Rev. Hicks still preaches an average of two services each week at the Jeffersonville church, continues writing books and Christian training materials, and answers hundreds of letters each week. Annually, she preaches six major conventions, four in Jeffersonville to a packed church, and two in Mexico, one in Tampico to a filled 15,000 seat stadium, and a minister's training convention in Mexico City. She still travels extensively and holds meetings in various churches.[13]

Therefore, Hicks' ministry has a central role in interpreting the Bible for members of CGC.

[1]Articles of Faith, 1999 ed. (Jeffersonville, IN: Christ Gospel Churches International, Inc., 1999), 3.
[2]B. R. Hicks, Confirming Our Faith in the Holy Bible (Jeffersonville, IN: Christ Gospel Press, 1978), 11. Emphasis in original.
[3]Ibid, 10-16.
[4]Ibid, 9.
[5]Ibid, 19.
[6]Ibid.
[7]Ibid.
[8]Ibid, 58.
[9]Ibid, 59. For the twenty-seven spiritual principles, see Ibid, 58-116.
[10]Ibid, 58.
[11]Preaching a Crucified and Living Christ to a Dying World.
[12]Ibid. According to CGC's web site, Hicks has now "written and published over 110 books."
[13]Ibid. Given the time since the publication of this booklet, Hicks is now around 90 years old.

What Does Christ Gospel Church Teach?

Over the last few years, I have been researching a small and generally unknown sect whose world headquarters is in my hometown. I thought it would be a good idea to post some of my resulting analysis over the next several weeks. They are a good example of an unfamiliar group that is aggressively working to expand their presence around the world (including Africa). Who am I referring to? The Christ Gospel Churches International, Inc. [CGC]. Their basic informational booklet introduces them by saying:

Jeffersonville, Indiana is home to the international headquarters of one of the fastest-growing Christian denominations in the world, Christ Gospel Churches International, Inc. . . . . With a staff of 45 employees and many volunteers, Christ Gospel Churches International, Inc. oversees a world-wide organization of more than 1,300 churches in 25 countries.[1]

Even if CGC is exaggerating how rapidly they are growing, this new religious movement has made tremendous inroads around the globe (especially in Mexico and India). They even have affiliate churches in half a dozen African countries and shortwave broadcasts to many more throughout the continent. Founded by Reverend Berniece R. Hicks, the movement is a self-described "fundamentalist, pentecostal Christian group."[2] Their continuing worldwide success requires a closer examination of Hicks' teaching on such fundamental areas as Scripture, mankind,[3] God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the good news.

What is my goal? To accurately present a summary of her teaching in these fundamental areas. Since we must take the time to correctly understand her errors before critiquing them, my study will not directly challenge the distinctive theology of CGC. Rather, this series will focus on bringing together their basic teachings. Once these are understood, Christians can properly assess and address the differences that exist between our beliefs and what is taught by CGC.

Intrigued? Great! I'll continue next week!

[1]Preaching a Crucified and Living Christ to a Dying World: Christ Gospel Churches International, Inc. (Jeffersonville, IN: Christ Gospel Churches International, Inc., 1993). No page numbers are provided.
[2]Ibid.
[3]Since Hicks uses "mankind" and "man" in her works, this series will follow her terminology to remain as close to her language and thought as possible.