2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions
which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."
WE ARE ANTE-NICENE
Harvest Christian holds to the teachings and traditions of the Early Church, the First Christians. The Word Ante-Nicene means the era or period before the council of Nicaea. In Nicaea, 300 bishops joined with the Roman Government to reshape Christianity. It was during this time, traditions were changed, teachings were changed, and beliefs were forced on people. Harvest rejects all teachings and doctrines that were instituted by the council of the Nicaean period and after, that conflict with the Bible and the teachings of Christ, the Apostles, and their immediate successors. Being Ante-Nicene means you hold to the teachings and traditions of the earliest Church and the First Christians. Harvest Christian is an Ante-Nicene First Christian Church.
How does being ANTE-NICENE differ?
1) We believe in God the Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, who was begotten of the Father, and in the Holy Spirit that comes from the Father through the Son. We believe God is a who not a what. We believe that the true trinity is the Godhead, as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is the Godhead that is Trinity and Not God who is the Father.
2) We believe in the Holy Eucharist. That anyone partaking must believe and have been baptized. The Eucharist is not just a symbol or motion but rather in the sacrament the presence of the Body and the Blood of Christ are in them mystically. That Christ is among those who partake. It is not to be taken as common bread and cup but as if one is partaking the Body and the Blood of Christ.
3) We do not believe in a pre-trib Rapture. This doctrine is new and false and was never taught by Christ, the Apostles, or the successors of the Apostles or First Christians. We believe Christ will return at the end of the tribulation, where the dead in Christ rise first and we who are alive will be Raptured to be with the Lord forever, not just 1000 years.
