What We Believe (Statement of Faith)

I

We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the Divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life. 2 Timothy 3:16

II

We believe in one God, creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 1:2

III

We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross a perfect and complete sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of the majesty on high, He is now our High Priest and Advocate. Luke 1:34-35, 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 8:1-2

IV

We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to convict men of sin, regenerate the sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service. John 16:7-14

V

We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. Romans 5:15-19, Romans 8:15-17

VI

We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and that only such as receive Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become the children of God. Romans 3:25-26, Ephesians 2:8-9

VII

We believe in the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that this ‘blessed hope’ has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. John 14:2-3, 1 John 3:2-3

VIII

We believe in the bodily resurrection of all the dead: of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with their Lord, and the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Hebrews 9:27

IX

We believe that the true Church is composed of all such persons, who have saving faith in Jesus Christ and have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which He is the head. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

X

We believe in the necessity of maintaining, according to the Word of God, the purity of the visible church in doctrine and life, particularly in regard to all forms of idolatry. Jude 3-4, Jude 21-23