How did you get the name “Church of God of Prophecy?”
The General Assembly of 1907 officially adopted the name Church of God. During the years that followed the disruption within the Church in 1923, much controversy ensued over which group had the legal right to that name. Several protracted, legal proceedings failed to resolve the issue satisfactorily. For several years, we used the name, “Church of God, over which A.J. Tomlinson is General Overseer,” but that did not fully settle the matter. Finally, in 1952, the issue was decided in the Chancery Court of Bradley County, Tennessee, when the judge decreed that the suffix “of Prophecy” be added to our name for use only in secular and business affairs to distinguish our organization from other organizations with similar names. We agreed to the ruling, to be in legal compliance, and we continue to use the name in conducting our external affairs. For internal affairs, government, and worship we normally use our original name, Church of God.
What is the meaning and function of the Church covenant?
The church covenant is how individuals fulfill their desire to become a member of the Church of God of Prophecy. It is a public affirmation of one’s willingness to follow all of the teachings of Christ. Jesus instructed His disciples that they were to fulfill His Great Commission by “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you . . .” (Matthew 28:20). The covenant is how individuals acknowledged their commitment to the entire Word of God. This obligation, or covenant, is the basis upon which a local church accepts an individual into its fellowship.
What is represented by the Church flag?
The flag of the Church of God of Prophecy came into use in 1933 as an ensign to “…be displayed because of the truth” (Psalm 60:4). Because the Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is “the Truth” (John 14:6), the various designs and colors of the flag represent His character and work—red, His blood; blue, His truth; and white, His purity. The purple scepter, star, and crown all represent His royalty or kingship. As was stated when the flag was introduced, its components “all point to our Christ.”
What is represented in the church logo?
The logo is not a replacement for the church flag but is an additional image that helps identify our church through digital and print media. As with the church flag, all the aspects of the church logo represent Jesus and our mission as His followers—The Cross and the World, The Church of God of Prophecy is commissioned by the Lord to preach the message of the cross to the entire world; The Red Flame, The message of Christ is to be preached under the anointing of the Holy Ghost fire, letting the people know there is power in the blood; The Blue in the Flame, the truth of God’s Word; The Gold Scepter, Star and Crown, We declare boldly to the world that Jesus is total power and authority; that He is our bright and morning Star; that He is our King of Kings; The White, the blood of Christ washes us white as snow; The Purple, This represents the kingship, royalty and authority of Christ.
Do you hold any other writings to be equal to the Bible?
No. The Church of God of Prophecy believes the Bible, alone, is the infallible, inerrant, inspired Word of God. Because it is God’s Word, it is the highest authority for belief and practice in all matters of faith.
Do you consider membership in the Church of God of Prophecy necessary to salvation?
No. Salvation comes only by grace through faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Membership in the Church of God of Prophecy is extended to those who have already experienced salvation, but becoming a member of the church will not save an individual