What We Believe

The Bible is the foundation of our belief, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament. We believe that the scripture in its entirety originated with God, and that it was given through chosen men. Scripture speaks with the authority of God and yet reflects the backgrounds, styles and vocabularies of the human authors. We hold that the scriptures are without error in the original manuscripts. They are the final authority on all matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

Jesus Christ is the eternal second person of the trinity. He was united forever with human nature by a miraculous conception and virgin birth. He lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father and voluntarily atoned for the sins of all by dying on the cross. He rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. Now, as the only mediator between God and man, he continually intercedes for His church. He shall come again to earth, personally and visibly, to end history and begin the eternal plan of God (Colossians 1:15; Philippians 2:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25; 1 Peter 2:24-25; Luke 24; Hebrews 4:14-16; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 11:15-17, 20:2-6. 11-15).

Man was created in the image of God to have fellowship with God, but defied God by choosing to go his own way and fell into sin, and is lost. Man is now alienated from God and suffered the corruption of his human nature, making him unable to please God. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ who bore our sins in His own body on the cross. The salvation of mankind is completely a work of God’s free grace, not the result of human works or goodness. This salvation must be received by each person through repentance and faith. Once a person has received by faith Jesus Christ as their personal savior and lord they are guaranteed an eternal home with God forever; those who do not will live in eternal separation from God (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:10,23, 6:23; John 3:3; Acts 13:38-39, 4:12; John 3:16; Matthew 25:46; 2 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He brings light to mind of sinners and awakens in them a recognition of their need of a savior. When they accept Christ as Lord and Savior (salvation), He permanently indwells every believer to become their source of assurance, strength and wisdom, and gives each believer spiritual gifts for the benefit of the Church. The Holy Spirit guides believers in understanding and applying the Scripture. His power and control are accessed by faith, making it possible for the believer to lead a life of Christ-like character and to bring glory to the Father (John 16; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 1:3-6).

The result of salvation through Christ is that all believers become members of his body, the Church. There is one true, worldwide church made up of all those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The Scripture commands believers to gather together to devote themselves to worship, prayer, preaching and teaching of the word, to baptism and communion as the ordinances (sacraments) established by Christ, fellowship, service to the body, and outreach to the world. Church is where God’s people meet regularly in obedience to these purposes. Under the loving care of elders, pastors, and other supportive leadership, its members are to work together in love and unity, intent on the one ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ (Acts 2:41; 15:13-17; Ephesians 1:3-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:6-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).