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New Apostolic Church from A to Z

Termination of pregnancy

The New Apostolic Church understands itself as an advocate for life. The fertilised egg cell (ovum) is already an individual life which enjoys the right to protection. The New Apostolic Church rejects the termination of pregnancies because they constitute a transgression of the Fifth Commandment. The guilt before God associated with it can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances. Even if there are humanly understandable reasons in favour of a termination of pregnancy the viewpoint of the Church should carry particular weight considering the significance of the decision.

Mothers or couples who have given serious thought to the medical, personal, and theological perspectives can rely on the respect of the Church for their self-responsible decision for or against a termination of pregnancy and on unbiased pastoral care.

 

Transplantation

By means of transplantation the diseased tissue or organs are replaced by the transfer of healthy tissue or organs from a donor. From the perspective of the New Apostolic doctrine there are no objections to the transplantation of tissue or organs from deceased or living donors. Transplantation has no effect on the soul. Spiritual characteristics of the donor are not transferred to the recipient by way of the transplantation.

 

The Lord’s Prayer

In divine service, the Lord’s Prayer is prayed in accordance with the words recorded in the gospel of Matthew: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

 

The return of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is coming again—that is a central statement of the gospel. Since His ascension into heaven the Apostles have proclaimed the return of the Lord. It is the goal of faith of New Apostolic Christians to be accepted by Him on this occasion.

Since no man knows the moment in time of Christ’s return, the believer is called upon to be prepared for this event every day. The Son of God summarises this into the admonition: “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24: 42). Jesus also made it clear in parables that believers are to be watchful in faith and expect His return at any hour.