Statement Of Faith

STATEMENT OF FAITH

a. ABOUT GOD
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30)

b. JESUS THE MESSIAH
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead and ascended into Heaven, where at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate. (Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53; Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:38-39 & 50-53; John 19:30-34; Hebrews 7:24-28)

c. THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son, which compose the Trinity. We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and, during this age, to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service. (John 16:8-11; Romans 8:1-17 & 26-27; Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Acts 1:8; John 14:15-17; John 14:26)

d. THE BIBLE
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 the Christian faith and life. (Matthew 5:18; II Timothy 3:14-16; II Peter 1:19-21)

e. THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE
Scripture is sufficient in that it is the only inspired, inerrant, and therefore the final authority for Christians for faith, godliness, marriage, raising children, and all things in life, with all other authorities being subservient to Scripture. (II Timothy 3:16-17; I Peter 1:3; Heb 4:12; 2 Peter 1:21; Deuteronomy 4:2)

f. MANKIND
People are the supreme object of God’s creation. 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. (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3; John 3:1-12; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12-19)

g. SALVATION
Salvation is found in Christ alone through faith alone. When we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts God raised him from the dead, we will be saved. We are not saved by good works or merit of any kind. Salvation is a free gift of God to us so that no one may boast. (Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7)

h. BAPTISM AND COMMUNION
We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances to be observed by the church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation. (Matthew 28:19; John 6:53-58; Acts 2:38)

i. THE CHURCH
We believe that the true church is composed of all such persons who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ, of which He is the head. (Matthew 16:15-18; Acts 2:38-41)
We believe that only those who are thus members of the true church shall be eligible for membership in the local church. (Acts 2:37-41; Hebrews 10:23-25)
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the church and that every local church has the right, under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs. (Acts 6:1-6; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; I Peter 5:1-3)

j. ETERNITY
We believe in the coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ and that we will live with Him in eternity. (I Thessalonians 4:16; Titus 2:11-13; John 10:28-30; I John 2:17; I John 5:11; John 3:16; John 14:3; Hebrews 9:28)

k. MARRIAGE & HUMAN SEXUALITY
Marriage: Marriage has been instituted by God. This church defines marriage as the exclusive covenantal union of a man and a woman. A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent that it remains consistent with the definition of marriage found in these Articles. (Matthew 19:4-6; Hebrews 13:4)

Human Sexuality: Legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual relations outside of marriage (referred to in the New Testament as “porneia”– πορνεια), including but not limited to adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, and pedophilia, are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. Further, lascivious conduct, transgender behavior, and the creation, distribution, or viewing of pornography are incompatible with the biblical witness. (I Timothy 1:8-11; I Corinthians 6:9-11; Leviticus 18:22-24)

Qualifications: Every minister, board member, member, employee, or volunteer shall affirm their agreement with the Statement of Faith and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith. This shall be a prerequisite and continual condition for holding these positions.