Our Beliefs

Our Beliefs

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 1:1Genesis 1:26-27Genesis 3:22; Psalm 90:2Matthew 28:191 Peter 1:22 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 8:3-6Isaiah 53:6Romans 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 3:161 John 2:251 John 5:11-13Romans 6:23Revelation 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 1:22-23Isaiah 9:6John 1:1-5John 14:10-30Hebrews 4:14-151 Corinthians 15:3-4Romans 1:3-4Acts 1:9-111 Timothy 6:14-15Titus 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 6:23Ephesians 2:8-9John 1:12John 14:6Titus 3:5Galatians 3:26Romans 5:1Romans 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 10:28-292 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25Hebrews 10:10-141 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 3:17John 16:7-13John 14:16-17Acts 1:81 Corinthians 2:121 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13Galatians 5:25Ephesians 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 3:162 Peter 1:20-212 Timothy 1:13Psalm 119105Psalm 119:160Psalm 12:6Proverbs 20:5)

 

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