WHAT WE BELIEVE

THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

 

We believe that Scripture, comprised of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God. We also believe that scripture was given to humanity through the instrument of divinely chosen human agents. We hold that the scriptures are infallible and inerrant in their original manuscripts.

 

Since it is inspired, we believe that scripture is the final authority on all matters of faith, practice, and life for the Christian (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21; Matt 5:18).
 

 GOD

 

There is only one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are co-equal in their essential nature, attributes, and perfection, and each of whom is to be honored and worshiped as God (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 18:30-31,   147:5;   Matthew 28:19; Mark 12:29; Luke 3:22; John 4:24, 5:23, 10:30, 14:9; Acts 5:3-4; II Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 1:1-3).

 

THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST

 

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal second person of the Godhead, who became incarnate through a miraculous conception and a correspondingly miraculous virgin birth. Christ is, therefore, both true God and true man. We believe that Christ lived a perfect, sinless life, was crucified on a Roman cross to atone for sin and was resurrected from the dead on the third day, showing his triumph over death and the penalties of sin.

 

Christ subsequently ascended into heaven and sat down at the Father's right hand, where He intercedes for His people as mediator between God and man. Christ will return to earth again, bodily and visibly, to consummate history and the eternal plans of God (Luke 1:30–35; John 1:18; 3:16; Heb. 1:3; 4:14-15; Eph 1:22-23).

 

HUMANITY

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We believe that humanity was created in the image of God and was meant to enjoy a life in relationship with God. Through humanity’s disobedience, this relationship was lost, thereby separating humanity from their creator. Therefore, humanity stands condemned in God’s court of law. Humanity is lost because they reject God’s natural revelation. As a result, everyone needs a Savior (Genesis 1:26-28, 2:7, 18-24, 3:1-24, 9:6; Romans 1:19-20; 3:10-19, 23; John 3:36).

THE HOLY SPIRIT

 

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead with a distinct role in the earth and the life of every believer. The Holy Spirit baptizes all believers, and the purpose of such baptism is to bring a person into the body of Christ. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit seals believers as God’s initial investment in the believer's life, which guarantees the fulfillment of His promise.

 

The Spirit also dwells in all believers. Believers are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit, which enables them to live in obedience to God and bear fruit. The filling may not happen at the time of Salvation and is the only act of the Spirit that can occur repetitively.

 

What must be clear is that the filling, baptizing, indwelling, and sealing are all distinct activities of the Holy Spirit and should not be confused with each other (Matt. 3:11; Jn. 14:17; Acts 1:5; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; 12:13; Gal. 5:16-24; Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18).

 

SALVATION

 

Since humanity has alienated itself from God, only God alone can restore fellowship with humanity. Consequently, we believe that salvation is entirely a work of God done on humanity’s behalf, resulting from God’s grace, and is not the result in whole or in part of any human effort or work.

 

We also believe that individuals must individually appropriate this salvation to their lives through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation cannot be lost after one is saved (Is. 64:6; Jn 3:7-18; 6:39; Rom. 10:9-13;
Eph. 2:8-9; Ti. 3:5).

 

ORIDANCES

 

We believe that there are two symbolic practices that Jesus instituted and commanded to be carried out until His return: baptism and communion. Water baptism is a symbolic gesture that re-enacts the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also demonstrates to the believer that they have died with Christ to sin, were buried with Him, and now have been raised with Him in a new life. Water baptism is not necessary for salvation, nor is communion.

 

Communion serves as a memorial that calls to mind the ultimate act of sacrifice that Jesus would perform on the cross (Matt. 28:18-20; Lk. 22:19; Acts 8:36-38; Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 11:23-25; Eph. 4:5).