We specifically affirm the following doctrinal truths that reflect our belief which is consistent with the teachings of the Bible.
OF THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error. It is the Word of God which reveals God’s nature, and is the sole and final authority for faith and life. It is the supreme standard by which all human conduct, doctrine and opinion shall be tried. It provides encouragement, guidance, comfort and instruction in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16–17; II Peter 1:20–21; Hebrews 4:12; John 17:17)
OF GOD
We believe that there is only one living and true God, who in the unity of the Godhead exists in three distinct persons—God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit/Ghost. These three, the Trinity, are equal in divine essence and attributes, and distinct in function. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19, 1 John 5:7)
THE FATHER
God the Father is the sovereign Ruler and Sustainer of the universe, who orders and directs all things according to His purpose and pleasure. All of humanity was created to bring Him glory and honor, through His grace. He is actively involved in His creation offering us an eternal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 6:9; John 5:19–24; Ephesians 1:3–6; 4:6)
THE SON
Jesus Christ is God incarnate. He is fully God and fully man; one Person with two natures. He surrendered nothing of His deity during His earthly life. As Man he was tempted in all points as we, yet without sin. His sinless, sacrificial offering on the cross satisfied the Father’s justice, offering atonement for all of humanity’s sins, for all time in death upon the cross. He arose bodily from the grave and was glorified. As our Great High Priest, He ascended into Heaven and serves as our mediator and advocate. (John 1:1-3, 14; I Corinthians 15; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:9;1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 1:1-3, 4:15; 1 John 2:1)
THE HOLY SPIRIT
As the divine person and Agent in nature, He convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness and judgment. He regenerates, indwells, baptizes, seals, and anoints all who are children of God through Christ. He also leads, guides, fills, teaches, sanctifies, and empowers believers who daily surrender to Him for Christ-like living and service. (John 16:5–16; I Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2:10; John 3:1–8; Ephesians 1:1; Galatians 5:16–25)
OF HUMANITY
We believe man was created in holiness, in the image and likeness of God, destined to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him and fulfill His will here on earth. But when man fell through sin in the garden by disobeying God, sin entered into the world and infected all of humanity; as a result all are by nature and practice sinners. Man has within himself not possible means of saving himself and getting right with God. Therefore, apart from Christ, all are separated from God, spiritually dead, and destined for physical death; to spend an eternity apart from God. (Genesis 1–3; Luke 18:26-27; Romans 1:18–32; Romans 3:9-19, 23; Romans 5; Ephesians 2:1–3, 13)
OF SALVATION
We believe that salvation is by grace through faith. It is the free gift of God, received only by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. While salvation is available to all, it is only experienced by those who respond to His gracious free gift by faith apart from any merit or virtue of works of man. We believe that nothing prevents the salvation of any sinner on earth, but his own inherent sin and voluntary rejection of the gospel. Those who do believe are regenerated and baptized by the Holy Spirit, becoming children of God, given a new nature and placed into the body of Christ, becoming eternally secure in Him. All who enters this new relationship with God, are called to a life of submission to the Holy Spirit, manifesting spiritual fruit, and living in holiness and righteousness for God’s glory. (John 14:6; Titus 3:4–7; Acts 4:12; John 1:12; Romans 3:21–26; Ephesians 1:7, 13-14, 2:8–9; Hebrews 10:10–12; I John 5:11–13; Galatians 3:26; John 3:16)
OF THE CHURCH
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ of which Christ is the Head. That the visible local church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, who have truly placed their faith in God through His Son Jesus Christ. Its purpose is to lead people to Christ and to bring them to maturity in Christ. Further, its members are to live their lives in humble submission to God, observing the ordinances of Christ, for God’s glory. (Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 2:41–47; I Corinthians 12–14; Matthew 28:19–20; Ephesians 2:19–22; Philippians 2:15; I Thessalonians 4:15–17)