The Watchman’s Creed

Are you a watchman? Are you watching for the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ? Are you watching for the signs of the times that herald his soon coming?  Are you watching for the incursions of the enemy? If so, may this encourage you. If not, may this challenge you.

Elite military units often have creeds that express their vision and esprit de corps. In my Ranger days, we learned and recited the Ranger Creed. It was as much a badge of honor as the scroll on our shoulder.

Watchmen in the church serve, in many ways, the same roll that special operations units serve in the military.  They are the cutting edge of prophetic understanding, discernment, and earnestly contending for the faith. They are like the men of Issachar who had understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do. In honor of this glorious calling I offer you the Watchman’s Creed.

THE WATCHMAN’S CREED

1)  I am a watchman. 

2)  I will maintain my post on the wall of the remnant church in the last days no matter the challenges and adversities — watching for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, watching the signs of the times unfold, and watching for the incursions of the enemy.

3)  I will uphold the Bible as the infallible word of God, accurate from Genesis to Revelation in its history, science, and prophecy, and not merely in its salvation message.

4)  I will uphold a robust and consistent application of the historical-grammatical-literal hermeneutic against all challenges, and embrace the plain statements of Scripture over man-contrived theology, no matter how popular or cherished.

5)  I will earnestly contend for the faith — the gospel, the Godhead, the fundamental doctrines of the faith, the core teachings of dispensationalism, and the spiritual health of the church.

6)  I will not flinch in the face of accusations that prophetic teaching is unnecessary, unprofitable, or divisive. The second coming is critical, bringing the redemption which the first coming paid for. The first coming and the second coming must be held in equal balance.

7)  I anathematize the notion that prophecy falls under a special literary category, the apocalyptic genre, which requires a allegorizing approach. I regard prophecy as history foretold and interpret it with the same principles that are used to interpret history.

8)  I repudiate the cavil that the pretribulation rapture is merely a timing issue.  It is a big-picture issue that contends for a clear distinction between Israel and the church, for the fulfillment of the promises made to Israel in the OT, for the character of the God who made those promises, and for the 70th week as a period of time distinctly stated to pertain to Israel.

9)  I oppose replacement theology in its every expression as a catastrophic rewriting of the Bible. The present nation of Israel, despite her unbelief and sin, has a place in God’s prophetic plan. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

10) I will discharge all the duties of my post, with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength, in the power and direction of the Spirit, until the trumpet sounds and we meet our Lord in the clouds.

One short life to be a good soldier. One long eternity to be a fulfilled human being.

Lee W. Brainard