We believe that every word in the Old and New Testament is God’s word, that is, Scripture has been “breathed out by God.”[1] Scripture was written through men yet guided by the Holy Spirit. [2] Scripture is without error in its original writings and it remains the final authority in all matters of policy, life and behavior.
[1] 2 Tim. 3:16 [2] 2 Peter 1: 19-21
~ The Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)~
We believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.[3] Each person (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) exists eternally and is equal to the whole being of God.[4]
We believe in God the Father, the creator of all things, [5] who is eternal, having no beginning or end, morally perfect, [6] and who sustains and orchestrates his creation by his counsel and providence. [7] We live under the mercy, grace and justice of God. [8] God’s mercy and grace are demonstrated in the fact that he has seen our sinful condition and in our misery he has come to us in the form of his Son. God’s justice is seen in that his Son took upon himself God's judgment on our behalf. We deserve less but God’s favor comes to us who do not deserve it through Christ’s death.
We believe in Jesus Christ, the only eternal Son of God, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and of virgin birth, becoming truly God and truly man. We believe that Jesus was without sin in his life [9] yet he alone took upon himself the sin of the world. Jesus thus vicariously bore the penalty of death for humanity. [10] We believe in Jesus’ bodily resurrection from the dead, his ascension to the right hand of the Father and his promise to physically return to this world. [11]
We believe in the centrality and exclusivity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. [12] The benefits of Christ’s vicarious and substitutionary death are for anyone who has been spiritually reborn and has put their faith in Christ Jesus. [13]
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who exists eternally with the Father and Son, [14] sent to convict the world concerning sin, righteousness and judgment. [15] The Holy Spirit indwells and gives life, [16] empowers for service, [17] reveals and teaches, [18] purifies, [19] comforts, [20] and is the guarantor or down payment for the future full manifestation of God’s presence for those in Jesus Christ. [21]
We believe in the real existence of Satan and demons. He is the adversary of God and his people, and attempts to oppose the will of God. [21] However, those in Christ, by faith, are empowered to resist Satan and are able to overcome his schemes. [22]
We believe that humanity’s essential nature is sinful — corrupted inherently and preferentially. Our minds, wills and bodies are fully affected by sin and we are thereby prevented from knowing and experiencing an eternal relationship with God. However, we believe that God has patiently and mercifully endured the sinfulness of humanity and has graciously redeemed back to himself men and women who have faith in Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of their sins.
We believe that all humanity will be resurrected on the last day — those in Christ to a resurrection of life and those without Christ to a resurrection separated from Christ, that is, a resurrection to eternal punishment. [23]
[21] Gen. 3:1-6 [22] Matt. 4:1-11; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8 [23] 1 John 5:10-12; Dan. 12:2; Matt. 25:46
~ The Church ~
We believe the Church is the spiritual body of Christ, with Jesus Christ as its head. [24] We believe that the church consists of those who have been made right with God, that is, true believers for all time, saved by Christ’s atoning death both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. [25] The church joins together for the purpose of worship, discipleship, and encouragement so that the character of God is formed within the body. The church is called to make known to the lost, through word and deed, the love of God [26] and the need for repentance from sin and salvation through Christ alone.
Our church recognizes the observance of the sacraments of baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper. We recognize no spiritual distinction or social preference of persons of differing national origins, race, or economic status.
We hold this church to be independent and autonomous; free from any interference by external ecclesiastical or political authority. We believe the church and state have different functions and must be separate to fulfill their respective duties free from the dictation or patronage of the other.
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