In our essential beliefs, we express unity. In non-essential beliefs, we express liberty. In all things, we express love.
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
About Human Beings
We are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character, to enjoy His fellowship, and to fulfill His purposes on earth. We are the supreme expressions of God’s creation. Although we have tremendous potential for good, everyone is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. This attitude separated people from God. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)
People are created to exist forever. Every person will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with God is heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15)
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with God the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He physically rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)
About Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to all people. We can never make up for our sin through self improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins at the moment one receives Christ into their life by faith. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:9-10; Romans 10:13)
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ and adopts them as his own, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that provides this security. No power in the universe can separate God from His children. (John 10:28-29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10-14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every believer from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living and acts of service, understanding spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. Growing Christians seek to live under the Holy Spirit’s control on a daily basis. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is the unique authority for faith and practice for followers of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119; 105; Psalm 119:160; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 20:5)
If you want to dig deeper into these topics, check out our message archive of messages on theology.