The Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian denomination that was founded in 1908 in Pilot Point, Texas. The Nazarene church emerged from the 19th century Holiness movement and holds to the doctrine of entire sanctification. Nazarenes distinguish themselves through their belief that Christians can experience freedom from sin as a second definite work of grace after conversion.
Here is an overview of some of the key beliefs and practices of the Nazarene church:
1. Trinity
Nazarenes believe in the triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). They affirm the historic Trinitarian creeds, holding that God exists as three persons in one divine Being.
2. Jesus Christ
Nazarenes believe that Jesus is the eternal Son of God who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, and will one day return in power and glory (John 1:1, 14; Luke 1:26-35; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:11).
3. The Bible
Nazarenes affirm the divine inspiration, truthfulness, and authority of both the Old and New Testaments as containing all things necessary for salvation and the Christian life (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
4. Original Sin
Nazarenes believe that humanity inherits a sinful nature from Adam’s fall, becoming willful sinners in need of salvation (Romans 5:12-19). They reject the doctrine of unconditional election.
5. Free Will
Nazarenes believe that every person, though tainted by original sin, has free will to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation and to cooperatively work with the Holy Spirit in lifelong sanctification (John 7:17; Romans 10:9-10; Philippians 2:12-13).
6. Entire Sanctification
Nazarenes believe sanctification is a definite second work of grace following regeneration that cleanses the believer’s heart from original sin and empowers them to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Acts 15:8-9; Matthew 22:37). This is their distinctive doctrine.
7. Means of Grace
Nazarenes believe in practicing spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, Scripture reading, Holy Communion, and fellowship to grow in God’s grace. They emphasize faithfulness in corporate worship and discipleship (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:25).
8. Divine Healing
Nazarenes believe that God can and does heal people miraculously in response to faith and prayer, but do not oppose medical means for restoring health (James 5:13-16; Mark 2:1-12).
9. Second Coming
Nazarenes believe in the imminent bodily return of Jesus Christ to judge the world, raise the righteous to eternal life, and condemn the unrighteous to hell (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:11-15).
10. Evangelism
Nazarenes place strong emphasis on sharing their faith and calling non-Christians to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).
11. Social Holiness
Strongly influenced by their Wesleyan heritage, Nazarenes believe faith should manifest itself in social action and compassionate ministry to the poor (Micah 6:8; Matthew 25:31-46; James 1:27).
12. Prohibition
Nazarenes advocate abstinence from alcohol and recreational drugs based on their interpretation of Scriptural warnings against drunkenness and addiction (Proverbs 20:1; 1 Corinthians 6:12).
13. Simplicity
Nazarenes avoid extravagance and needless opulence, aiming for lives of thrift, simplicity, and functionality out of solidarity with the poor (Matthew 6:19-34; Luke 12:33).
14. Membership Requirements
To become Nazarene members, individuals must profess faith in Christ, affirm the doctrinal beliefs of the church, and provide evidence of a desire to live a holy life (Romans 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Peter 1:13-16).
15. Church Government
The Nazarene church has a representative form of church government with power balanced between clergy and laypeople. Districts and local congregations exercise meaningful authority (Exodus 18:13-26; Acts 15:1-29).
16. Worship
Nazarene worship services blend liturgical and spontaneous elements, often featuring contemporary Christian music. Worship is seen as a participatory activity where the congregation actively engages in sung praise, prayer, Scripture reading, and preaching.
Nazarene churches typically have an informal and relaxed atmosphere compared to more liturgical traditions. Services aim for a balance between structure and freedom of the Spirit.
17. Sacraments
Nazarenes practice two sacraments – baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They believe baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The Lord’s Supper remembers Christ’s atoning death on the cross (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
18. Perspectives on Law
Nazarenes believe the Old Testament ceremonial and civil laws have been fulfilled in Christ, but the moral laws continue to provide guidance for holy living (Matthew 5:17-19; Romans 13:8-10).
19. Women in Ministry
The Church of the Nazarene affirms the full equality of women and men in all levels of ministry, recognizing women as pastors, evangelists, and district superintendents (Galatians 3:28).
20. Creation
Nazarenes believe the Genesis account of creation is historically factual and reject theistic evolution. They hold to young earth creationism based on a literal six day creation week (Genesis 1-2).
21. Divine Healing
Nazarenes believe that God is able to heal the sick miraculously in response to faith and prayer. They do not oppose medical intervention but see prayer as a complement (James 5:14-15; 1 Corinthians 12:9).
22. Spiritual Gifts
Nazarenes affirm the validity of spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and miracles today. But these must be tested against Scripture to guard against excess (1 Corinthians 12-14).
23. Marriage and Family
Nazarenes only recognize monogamous, heterosexual marriage. They affirm the sanctity of human life from conception. Divorce is discouraged outside of infidelity (Matthew 19:4-6; Psalm 139:13-16).
24. Education
Nazarenes have placed high value on education since their founding. They sponsor several liberal arts colleges and seminaries around the world based on Wesleyan theology (Proverbs 9:9; 2 Timothy 2:15).
25. Outward Appearance
Early Nazarenes prohibitions against jewelry and worldly amusements have been relaxed over time. But modesty and avoidance of extravagance are still emphasized (1 Timothy 2:9-10; James 4:4).
26. Other Denominations
Nazarenes maintain cordial ties with other Wesleyan, Holiness, and Charismatic denominations. But beliefs on sanctification and prohibitions differentiate them somewhat (John 17:20-23; Ephesians 4:1-6).
27. Church Mission
Central to the mission of the Church of the Nazarene is “to make Christlike disciples in the nations.” This is done through evangelism, compassionate ministry, discipleship, and education (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).
In summary, the Church of the Nazarene is a global Wesleyan-Holiness Protestant denomination that affirms the core doctrines of evangelical Christianity but places distinctive emphasis on the doctrine of entire sanctification as a second work of grace.
They affirm Trinitarian theology, the divine inspiration of Scripture, and other orthodox Christian beliefs. Nazarenes also have a heritage of advocacy for the poor and marginalized. These core beliefs have defined the Nazarene movement since its inception over a century ago.