What We Believe

The Holy Bible

The Bible is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths. It is God’s uniquely inspired, God-breathed text that contains all we must know for salvation (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 16:25-26).

 

Trinity

There is one God, eternally existent in three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and co-eternal (Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19; Luke 1:35).

 

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. On earth, Jesus was 100% God and 100% human. He is the only human who ever lived a sinless life. He was conceived by God the Father, through the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Mary, performed miracles, and died on the cross for all people, creating the possibility for atonement for human sin. He rose from the dead on the third day according to the scriptures, ascended to the right hand of God the Father, and will one day return (John 1:1, 14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:5-6).

 

Salvation

We are saved only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is a gift from God and does not occur because of our good works or human effort. God desires all to be saved and nudges people towards receiving salvation, though not all choose to receive God’s offer of salvation. People can respond to God’s work of grace in their lives by committing to turn away from evil in all areas of their life and to follow Jesus Christ. In this, we find forgiveness of sins and begin an eternal life with Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Peter 3:9; Titus 3:4-7; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31; John 14:6).

 

Growing in Christian Maturity

Beginning the moment that one receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and continuing throughout life, the Holy Spirit leads believers to grow and mature as a disciple. In this growth process, which the Bible calls sanctification, the Holy Spirit works in believers to root out sins, to develop godly character, to grow in God’s purpose and plan for our life, and to aim to become complete in our love of God and others (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:18, 13:11; Philippians 3:12).

 

The Church

The church is the body of God’s people who are empowered by the Holy Spirit and sent to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission. The universal church has spiritual unity under the lordship of Jesus Christ, and every local church is one integral part of God’s church. Every person born of the Spirit is called to participate actively in a local church for mutual encouragement, accountability, worship, service, and mission (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; Hebrews 10:24-25; John 13:34; Matthew 28:18-19).

 

SACRAMENTS

Baptism

We respond to God’s work in our hearts through water baptism. Baptism is a work of God marking our entrance into the family of God, and scripture instructs us to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 16:31-33; Colossians 2:11-12).

 

Holy Communion

Just as Jesus invited his disciples to share in the Last Supper, all who earnestly repent of sin and call upon Jesus as Savior are invited to share in Holy Communion. This time of sharing together in God’s presence through the elements of bread and juice (the Body and Blood of Jesus) is a unique means through which we are reminded of Christ’s sacrificial work and are empowered by the Spirit for ministry and mission (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 11:26).