Original Church of God, Inc.

History

In the year 1900, a doctrine predicated on sanctification began to be preached in the state of Tennessee by, Original Church of God or Sanctified Church founder, Elder C.W. Gray.

Elder Gray was born April 18, 1859, in Dobson, North Carolina. As a young man, he migrated to Maury County, Tennessee area in the year of 1900 and began preaching the gospel of holiness. After encountering a few of his preaching colleagues, Elder Gray, in concert with other preachers, professed organizing a new Pentecostal reformation. These preachers included Elder Charles P. Jones, Elder Charles Mason, and Elder Inman. Elder Gray believed that men and women could preach and hold official offices in the holiness and sanctified church. However, Elder Charles Mason wanted to pursue a varying biblical ideology. Thus, he established a Church of God in Christ in Memphis, Tennessee.

Elder Gray began conducting “tent revivals” professing the ordinances that men and women could preach together proclaiming the Word of God. These series of “tent revivals” garnered believers both near and far. After an accumulated following, Elder Gray organized a Pentecostal reformation called the Original Church of God or Sanctified Church.

He set site on spreading the Good News throughout Maury County and targeted Hannaway Street in Columbia, TN and Railroad Street in Mt. Pleasant, TN as the two locations for the church buildings. With God’s help, a church was erected on the property and the congregation entered the edifice at 507 Hannaway St. in Columbia, Tennessee in October 1927. With the assistance of many faithful members in the Mt. Pleasant area, shortly thereafter, a newly erected edifice was located at Railroad Street Mt. Pleasant, TN beside Elder Gray’s parsonage. Having expanded vision for church planting, Elder Gray located an empty store on 9th Ave North and McClemore street in Nashville, TN. However, because of the abundance of growth, the fellowship relocated to a building on 12th Ave. Subsequently, the building was purchased, this location became the next church plant in the reformation.

Another building was located and chosen to be the new meeting edifice whereby each year, believers from across the reformation would meet, fellowship, train, and be revived to continue the work of this great ministry. Elder Gray compromised a written compilation of beliefs and organizational structure for the Original Church of God or Sanctified Church. At one Annual Meeting, Elder Gray stated, “Do not call me Bishop”. Therefore, he respectfully has always been referred to as “Elder” for the remainder of his tenure.

After declining in health, on August 12th, 1945, Elder C.W. Gray, founder of the Original Church of God or Sanctified Church was called from labor to reward. After a few successors, it was determined that elected officials should be established with term limits, including the new position of “Bishop”. Thereafter, “Bishop” and newly elected national officers were established.

The first National headquarters was purchased on August 28,1959 at 1509 Jefferson Street Nashville, TN. After many years of convocations, fellowship, and meetings, another acquisition was made for a new tabernacle located at 1803 County Hospital Rd, which is the National Headquarters for the National church today.

As we press on to victory from the year 1900, sanctification and dedication to God’s work continues forward. With God’s favor, grace, and mercy, we have come this far by faith. Yet we must move on, preserving our great heritage and pass it on untarnished to generations. The flame of our faith must burn brightly with gratitude for the past, recognition for the present, and great courage for the future.

Fundamental Doctrine

There is but one living and true GOD, everlasting, the Creator of heaven and earth, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness, the Maker and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are Three Persons of One Substance; Power, and Eternity-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Gen. 1:1-2, 26 Isa. 46.9-10 1 John 5:7.

We believe that Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Godhead, was co-eternal, co-existent, and co-equal with the Father. He was begotten of the Father. John. 1:1-2, 14. He was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the virgin Mary. Isa.
7:14 Matt. 1:21. Through His atonement on the cross He paid the sin debt. John 3:16 Rom. 5:8-11 1 Pet. 2:24. Christ did truly rise from the dead and took again His body with all things appertaining to the perfection of man’s nature. Luke 24: 36-43 John 20: 24-27 Matt. 28: 1-6 1 Cor 15:1-8 Rev. 1:18. He is our Mediator, the Man, Christ Jesus, 1 Tim. 2:5. He sitteth at the Father’s right hand making intercession for the saints. Rom. 8:34.

The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, the Third Person of the Trinity, is one of substance, Majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God. He is everywhere present and is active in the world, convicting men of sin, regenerating in the repentant, sanctifying believers, and guiding into all truth as it is in Christ Jesus. Gen. 1:12, Matt. 3:16 1 John 5:7, John 15:26 John 16: 13-15.

We believe the Scriptures are the divinely inspired Word of God and are the final authority for faith and conduct. The Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation. Whatsoever is not read therein nor may be proved thereby is not requisite nor necessary to salvation. It should not be believed as an Article of Faith. Isa. 34:16, John 5: 39-40, 2 Pet. 1:20-21.

The Old Testament is not contrary to the New, for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by the Lord. Dan. 12:2 Rom. 15:4 2 Tim 3:15-16

We believe the Genesis record that our first parents were created “in the image and after the likeness of God”. Through disobedience, Adam transgressed or broke God’s law. Gen. 2:16-17 3: 6-7. As a result, sin corrupted man’s moral nature. He became a victim of physical, spiritual, and eternal death. This act of sin placed all humanity under the curse or penalty of God’s law. Rom. 3:23 5:12, 19

We believe that through the vicarious sufferings of Jesus Christ, the shedding of His blood, and His ignominious death on the cross of Calvary, fully paid the atonement for our redemption. Rom. 5:10-11.

  • We believe that salvation or deliverance from sin was made possible for lost humanity through sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Gal 1:4 Heb. 5:9 1 Pet. 3:18. He freely offers pardon from sin, power for holy living, and perfect happiness in the world to come. Titus 2:11-14.
  • FREE MORAL AGENCY in accepting Christ is freely bestowed upon all men. Jesus has removed every barrier and extends the call to everyone to come to Him for cleansing from sin, and to follow in His steps. 1 Pet. 2:21.
  • Through backsliding one may fall from grace. Except he repents of his wrongs and return, he will be hopelessly lost. Acts 5: 1-11. Luke 15:3-32. Efforts should be made to regain him. Timely warnings must be given. 1 Thes.5:14 1 Tim. 4:1-3 2 Pet. 2:1-3, 15, 19-22.
  • SALVATION STEPS By Which Man Must Be Saved:

    1st HEARING. One must hear the gospel. John 5:24.

    2nd FAITH. Through believing and trusting in God’s word the sinner is moved to act upon his conviction. Rom. 10:17.

    3rd REPENTANCE. Godly sorrow moves upon the heart of the sinner whereby he changes his mind towards his sins. Acts 3:19 2 Cor. 7:9-11.

    4th CONFESSION. He must confess and accept Christ as his personal Savior. Rom. 10:8-10.

    5th BAPTISM. Water baptism by immersion follows the confession. Matt. 28:19 Rom. 6:1-5 Col. 2:12

  • AN END OF SIN.
    Jesus was born to save from sin. Matt. 1:21He is the Lamb of God to take away sin. John 1:29. He commands: “Sin no more” John 5: 14.

    His blood cleanseth from all sin. 1 John 1:7, 9. 3:1-24.

We believe that in justification we are accounted righteous before God when we accept the redemptive sacrifice enacted by Jesus Christ on the cross. It is by faith alone. Not by our works or deservings. God grants full pardon of all guilt and complete release from the penalty of sins committed. Rom. 1:17 4:25 5:1.

The believer must reckon himself to be crucified with Christ, thereby destroying “the old man” in his life. Rom. 6:6-11 Gal. 2:20.

We believe that true repentance consists of a thorough change of the mind in regard to sin. A broken spiritand a contrite heart, full of Godly sorrow moves the sinner to repentance. God graciously forgives all who truly repent. Lu. 24:46- 47 Ps. 51:17.

  1. We believe that this Ordinance is to be administered to converts upon their confession of Christ as their personal Savior.
  2. Jesus gave command to the Apostles in
    Matthew 28:19: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,” Therefore all Water Baptism Must Be Done Accordingly, Strictly on the Basis of Jesus’ Command.
  3. This is also a symbol of His death, burial, and resurrection. Rom. 6:1-4, Colossians 2:12.

We believe that regeneration, or the new birth is that gracious work of God’s Spirit performed in the heart whereby the moral nature of the repentant believer is spiritually quickened to new life in Christ. John 3:3-8. Eph. 2:1-5, 8-10 Tit. 3:5.

In this phase of the Justified life, the moral nature is restored. “The old man” has been destroyed. Roman. 6: 6. Now, “the new man” is Christ formed in the believer. Gal. 2:20, 4:19. Col. 1:27. 1 John 4:12.

The spiritual consciousness is awakened to a desiring, a hungering, and a thirsting for the filling of God’s righteousness. Matt. 5:6. Eph. 3:19.

  1. This is an act of God’s grace whereby the justified and regenerated believer is placed as a son in the family of God. Gal. 4:4-6.
  2. We believe that Justification, Regeneration, and Adoption are simultaneous in the experience of seekers or believers. This changed state of life places the individual on acceptable grounds whereby God can deal with him as a son in the family. Heb. 12:6-11. He is now a “new creature.” 2 Cor. 5:17. He must hear the word, apply it to his life, and through obeying the word, God keeps him from falling. God requires a dedicated life, Rom 12:1. Each individual must obey from the heart the gospel of deliverance. In the justified state, a factor if time is involved to complete the “wilderness experience: which varies according to each individual’s growth in knowledge and obedience. 1 Pet. 1:22-23.
  1. We believe that Sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to regeneration, by which all believers who have been justified by faith, are sanctified by the Holy Ghost. He fills the moral nature, purifying it of original depravity. Rom. 6:22. He baptizes the believers into the Body of Christ. 1. Cor. 12:13. There is one baptism. Eph. 4:5. There are many fillings. Acts 4:31, Acts 13:9.

  2. Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them through thy truth.” John 17:17.

     

    Paul wrote: “Being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” Rom. 15:16.

     

    Paul wrote: “The blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified.” Heb. 10:29 13:12

     

    Therefore God engages all three Agents: The Spirit, The Word, and The Blood, to conduct the work of Sanctification in the life of justified believers. His coming into the soul of believers is an instantaneous act to make the individual holy. He also sets him apart for a life of dedicated service. Rom. 12:1.
  1. The Holy Spirit Keeps And Empowers Justified Believers.
    • Jesus said: “Ye shall receive power.” Acts 1:8
    • The Holy Spirit fills the obedient believers. Acts 2:4 5:32
    • He dwells in the believers. John 14:17.
    • He teaches; He brings to remembrance. John 14:26.
    • He testifies. John 15: 26.
    • He convicts. John 16:8.
    • He guides into all truth, He hears, He speaks, but not of Himself. John 16:13.
    • He shall glorify. John 16:14.
    • He inspires the Scriptures. Acts. 2:16.

      He spoke to Phillip. Acts 8:29.

      He calls to the ministry. Acts 13:2.

    • He sends forth His servants. Acts 13:4.
    • He forbids certain actions. Acts 16:6-7.
    • He bears witness to our son-ship. Rom. 8:14-17 Gal 4:6
    • He intercedes for us. Rom. 8:26-27.
    • He sanctifies believers. Rom. 15:16. 2 Thes. 2:13.
    • He seals the believers. Eph. 1:13-14. 4:30.
    • He produces the fruit of the Spirit. Gal 5:22-23.
    • He imparts gifts for services. 1 Cor. 12:8-11.
  2. The “nine gifts of the Spirit” in 1 Cor. 12:8-11, although helpful to the ministry were never intended to take precedence over the “nine graces” of Gal. 5:22-23.
  1. We believe that the Bible gift of tongues is as the original writing clearly signifies. It is a genuine, intelligible language. The true basis of the issue stems from Gen. 11:1-9. “The whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.” Because of disobedience, God confounded their language, scattered the inhabitants, and they became nations with diversified speech. Many of them forgot God. Romans 1:18-23.
  2. God brought representatives of those nations together at Jerusalem to be present on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came upon the Galilaeans, filled them with power to witness for Jesus in the languages of the various nations assembled, Acts 2: 3-8.
  3. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
    • What was the need of speaking in tongues?
      Ans. Each person could identify his own language. Acts 2:5, 8.
      They said: “ We do hear them speak of our own tongues.” Acts 2:11.
    • Did the 3,000 converts of Acts 2:41 speak in tongues?
      Ans. No, they were listening to the word.
      Acts 2:11,41.
    • Do all speak or have the gift oftongues?
      Ans. No. The Spirit divides “to every man severally as He will.”
      “ The nine gifts are distributed to various ones as the Spirit selects.” 1 Cor. 12:8-11.
    • It is edifying to speak to the Assembly in the unknown tongue?
      Ans. If interpretation is given. 1 Cor. 14:4-5 Otherwise it results in confusion. 1 Cor.14:6-11, 19.
      It is limited to two or three, by course, one should interpret. The “general rule” is given in 1 Cor. 14: 26-28.
  1. We believe that this Sacrament, as instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 26:26-29, is an Ordinance to be observed by the New Testament Church. All who participate should be Christians. They should show due reverence, meditating upon the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The memorial is to be continued until He comes again. 1 Cor. 11: 23-24.
  2. The emblems to be used are “unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine.” Mark 14: 22-25 Luke 22:14-18. The decision rests with each local Church as to how often it should be done.
  1. “We believe that feet washing is not a requirement for salvation, we practice feet washing as an act of humility. The example was set by Jesus the same night He instituted the Lord’s supper. John 13:12-17.”
  1. We believe in divine healing for human ills of body, soul, and mind. This is wrought by the power God through the prayer of faith. Mark 16:17-18.

     

  2. When possible the use of oil is encouraged, Mark 6:13, James 5:14. However, healing through prayer and faith is effectively accomplished without oil, Matthew, chapters 8, and 9. Acts 3:1-8 9: 32-41. There are “gifts of healing” 1 Cor. 12:9.

     

  3. Remedial means and professional agencies should not be refused when deemed necessary.
  1. We believe that the true Church, visible and invisible, to be a called out assembly of baptized worshippers world- wide, cleansed by the blood of Jesus, obedient followers of the Triune Godhead, ready to be revealed at the appearing of Christ in the mid air to catch away his Bride. Matt. 16:18 Acts 20:28 Eph. 2:19-22 3:1- 21 1 Thes. 4: 13-17.
  2. The visible church is a congregation of dedicated Christians in which the pure word of God is preached and the Sacraments duly administered according to Christ’s Ordinance, in all things that of necessity are requisite to the same.
  1. The resurrection of the dead is confirmed by the following statements of Jesus: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28-29

     

  2. We who are alive and remain, shall be changed at the appearing of Jesus. The righteous dead shall be raised incorruptible, together we shall meet the Lord in the midair to forever be with the Lord. 1. Cor. 15:51-52 1Thes. 4:13-17.

     

  3. The saints shall appear at the judgment seat of Christ to be judged and receive rewards of eternal bliss. 2 Cor. 5:10. All who have rejected the Plan of Salvation will be lost. They will be summoned to the Great White Throne to be judged. There they will receive the reward of eternal punishment in the lake of fire. Rev. 20:11- 15.

Whereas, The Church is a religious institution engage in saving lost souls from sin and destruction, we are thankful to the Government of the United States of America for the freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our conscience, and Whereas, our religion teaches us, “Thou shalt not kill” Therefore be it resolved, that in the time of war, we shall be pleased to serve our Government in ways consistent with non-combatant service. We realize that the Government has made provisions for those who are so conscientiously convicted. “Thou shalt not kill” refers to murder not war.

The Bible gives definite promise of Christ’s second coming, just as it gave promise of His first coming. Gen. 49:10 Num. 24:17 John 14: 2-3 Acts 1:9-11. The signs of His return are further set forth in Matthew 24.

Insert the amendment Preservation of biblical marriage…..

Resolution is on file and available upon request by responsible parties

  1. Marriage as an institution was ordained of God upon our first parents. The principles governing such were made by the Creator. Mutual love, compassion, patience, and understanding should combine with similar forces to make the marriage of a man and womana happy union in the Lord. Gen. 2:21-25. 1 Cor. 7:2-4; Eph. 5:25.
    “They twain shall be one flesh.” Matt. 19: 5-
    Marriage is binding upon the man and woman until death Rom. 7:2-3.
  2. Divorce. Does a man or woman have the right to put away their companions, and while he or she is living and be married to another?

    Answer. Jesus taught against remarriage of individuals during the lifetime of either mate, except for fornication. Concerning the man Jesus said: “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another,committeth adultery; and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” Matt. 19:9 Luke 16:18. Concerning the woman, Jesus said: “And if a woman put away her husband and be married to another, she committeth adultery. Mark 10: 12. In the event of estrangement, reconciliation is enjoyed upon both parties. 1 Cor. 7:11-15, 39-40.

  3. Adultery is the sexual act or state of living, committed by married persons with one, other than his or her companion. Mark 10: 2-11, Heb 13:4. The act of fornication is the voluntary sexual intercourse on the part of an unmarried person of the opposite sex. Matt. 5: 31-32.
  4. We, The Original Church of God or Sanctified Church have always adhered strictly to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles regarding these issues. We must not compromise nor deviate from the established principles of the gospel. Matt. 24-35.

    Interpretation of Scriptures listed in the “Fundamental Doctrine book of the Original Church of God or Sanctified Church.

    Matt. 19:1-9

    Mark 10: 1-12

    1 Cor. Chapter 7:10-13, 27, 39 References: Hebrew and Greek Study Bible

    Vines Greek Study Bible Vincent’s Greek
    Commentary Life Application Study Bible

    Matt. 19: 5-6 Jesus said there is a creation of one body: “A Man….shall cleave to his wife and they twain(two) shall be of one flesh(v.5) There is the molding into one person. The man and the wife cleave to each other: “wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh (joined together by God) What therefore God hath joined together let no man asunder.

    Cleave from the Greek word “proskollas” meaning to join fast together; to be joined in the closest union possible. Therefore, to cleave means a spiritual union.

    v. 7-8 represents the ideal of permanence in marriage.

    Jesus says three things about the idea of marriage.

    1. Moses made a concession
    2. The reason: Man’s hard, sinful hearts
    3. Divorce was never willed and was not the purpose of God.

In verse 9 there is an allowance for divorce- fornication. Christ says, “whosoever puts away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another committeth adultery.

1 Cor. 7:15Unbelievers-if the unbelieving spouse leaves the believer, the believer is to let him leave. The bond of marriage is broken, “a brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases.” The believer is free to remarry.

Holiness is one of the essential divine attributes of God. It is the purity of His divine nature. Through the redemptive process provided by the Blood of Jesus, God has made it possible for mankind to be partakers of His holiness. 2 Cor. 7:1.

  1. God commanded Israel to be holy. Lev. 11:44-45
  2. Israel was a nation set apart, dedicated to God. Lev. 19:1-2 Deut. 7:6
  3. God requires us today to be holy. Luke 1:73-75 Heb. 12:14 1 Pet. 1:15-16.
  4. God’s standard of holiness is attainable through the Spirit. Rom. 6:20-23 Rom. 8: 13-14 Rom. 12: 1- 2.
  5. It is God’s will for us to be holy. 1 Thes. 4:3-8 2 Thes. 2:13
  6. God chasteneth us for us to be partakers of His holiness. Heb. 12: 9-14.
  7. We must live holy in order to be resurrected holy. Rev. 20:6 Rev. 22:11-12


Former Bishops

Headquarters: 1803 County Hospital Rd, Nashville, TN 37218 | Email: Ocogchurch@outlook.com

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