TO KNOW CHRIST AND TO MAKE HIM KNOWN

DOCTRINE

  1. We believe that all Scripture, as found in the Old and New Testaments, is given by inspiration of God. It is the inerrant and infallible Word of God, truthful in all that it affirms and authoritative in all that it teaches. (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:21; Prov 30:5)

  2. We believe that there is one God who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are one in being, sharing the same divine nature and worthy of the same worship. God is the creator and ruler of all things, seen and unseen. (John 1:1-14; Matt 28:19-20; 2 Cor 13:14; Col 1:16)

  3. We believe that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God who became human on our behalf. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life and died for our sins as a vicarious and atoning sacrifice. He then rose from the grave and ascended into heaven where he intercedes for us at the Father’s right hand. (Col 1:15; Phil 2:5-8; 1 Pet 2:24-25; 1 Cor 15:20)

  4. We believe that the Holy Spirit is the giver of life who regenerates and indwells believers at the time of conversion. He brings comfort and help, as well as conviction of sin. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to all Christians for use in the ministry of the body of Christ. (John 7:38-39; 14:16; 17:15; 1 Cor 12-14; Eph 4:11-16)

  5. We believe that man was created by God in a state of original innocence, yet fell through disobedience. In this fallen state, all mankind is spiritually dead and under the wrath of God. A person is saved, not by works, but by the grace of God, through faith in Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Salvation is an irrevocable gift of God, accomplished through the work of Christ, and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. (John 5:24; Rom 5:1; Eph 1:13, 2:4-9; Phil 1:6)

  6. We believe that all mankind is created in the image of God, including any person in any stage or condition, from conception through death. All human life has value and should be defended and protected. (Gen 1:26-27; Ps 139)

  7. We believe that God has immutably fashioned mankind as two distinct and complementary sexes, male and female, which together reflect the goodness of his design for creation. Marriage is a covenantal relationship between one man and one woman and is the only acceptable place for sexual intimacy. (Gen 1:26-27; 2:18-25; Eph 5:22-33; Heb 13:4)

  8. We believe that Christians are called by Christ and enabled by the Spirit to lead holy lives, forsaking sinful desires and pursuing godliness. (Rom 8:12-13; 13:14; Gal 5:16-25; Phil 2:15, Col 3:1-10)

  9. We believe that Jesus Christ will return personally, imminently, and visibly to judge the living and the dead. This is the blessed hope to which believers look and motivation for godly living today. (Matt 24:27; John 14:1-3; 1 Cor 15:58, Titus 2:11-14)

  10. We believe that all mankind will be resurrected, those that are saved to the resurrection of life and those that are lost to the resurrection of damnation. (Matt 25:46; 1 Cor 15:12-28; Rev 20:11-21:4)