GCI: We’re Often Asked
Here are GCI’s answers to some frequently asked questions. For additional ones, click here then click on “FAQ.”
Who is God?
In accordance with the testimony of the Holy Scriptures, the God we worship is one divine Being in three eternal, co-essential, yet distinct Persons—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We are convinced, from Scripture, that God passionately loves you, even though he knows all the wrong stuff you’ve done. He wants to spend all eternity with you, and he has already prepared a place at the banquet table for you. He eagerly awaits for his long-lost children to come home, to rejoice in his grace and mercy, to enjoy their place in the family of love and joy.
Click here for a GCI article on this topic, and here for our outline of faith.
What is the purpose of the church?
When God, by the Spirit, calls us to himself, he is calling us to a place to belong and a space in which we can contribute. When we respond in faith to the Spirit’s call, he leads us to our place of belonging – the church. Then when the Spirit gives us spiritual gifts, he is creating for us a space in the church. It is in this space that we participate in Jesus’ mission to the world. This space is not about merely accomplishing duties or missions—it’s a relational space where we participate in the life of our new home. That’s why Scripture presents the church as a family, and as a body that has interconnected and cooperating parts.
Click here for a GCI article on this topic
What leadership roles do women fulfill in your church?
The church encourages women to contribute in leadership roles of every kind, including ordained pastoral ministry.
Click here to see our research on women in leadership.
Are Christians supposed to keep the Sabbath?
The Christian Sabbath is life in Jesus Christ, in whom every believer finds true rest. The weekly seventh-day Sabbath, which was commanded for Israel in the Ten Commandments, was a shadow that prefigured the true Reality to whom it pointed – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is not required for Christians (Hebrews 4:3, 8-10; Matthew 11:28-30; Exodus 20:8-11; Colossians 2:16-17). Click here for an article about the Sabbath.
Should I worry about Bible prophecy?
No. Bible prophecy reveals God and his will and purpose for humanity. Prophecy proclaims God as Sovereign Creator and Judge of all, assures humanity of his love, mercy, and faithfulness, and motivates the believer to live a godly life in Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 46:9-11; Luke 24:44-48; Daniel 4:17; Jude 14-15; 2 Peter 3:14). Click here for articles about prophecy.
What do you teach about the Millennium?
The Millennium is the time span described in the book of Revelation during which Christian martyrs reign with Jesus Christ. After the Millennium, when all enemies have been put under his feet, and all things made subject to him, Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father, and heaven and earth will be made new. Some Christian traditions interpret the Millennium as a literal 1000 years to come after the return of Christ; others a literal 1000 years before the return of Christ. The larger Christian churches teach that the scriptural evidence points to a figurative interpretation (amillennialism): an indeterminate time span that began with Jesus’ resurrection and will conclude with his return (Revelation 20:1-15; 21:1, 5; Acts 3:19-21; Revelation 11:15; 1 Corinthians 15:24-25). Click here for an article about the Millennium.
What is the inheritance of believers?
The inheritance of believers is salvation and eternal life in Christ as children of God in communion with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father brings believers even now into the kingdom of his Son, and their inheritance is reserved in heaven to be given fully at the second coming of Christ. The resurrected saints reign with Christ in the kingdom of God (1 John 3:1-2; 1 John 2:25; Romans 8:16-21; Colossians 1:13; Daniel 7:27; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Revelation 5:10). Click here for an article about the rewards of following Christ.