Statement of Faith

Authority

We believe the 66 books of the Old and New Testament are written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the only written revelation from God. It is therefore without error and the final authority for what we believe and how we live. (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Pet. 1:20,21)

Trinity

We believe in one God, the creator of the universe, eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory. (1 Tim.2:5; Eph.4:6; John 1:1; Acts 5:3,4)

We believe the Son retained his deity when he became man through a miraculous conception and virgin birth. He lived without sin and died as our substitute. The Father showed that he accepted this sacrifice by the bodily resurrection. Christ ascended to heaven, where he is our mediator, intercessor, and advocate. (John 1:1,2,14; Luke 1:30-35; 1 Pet.2:24; Acts 1:9,10; Rom. 8:34)

We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. He is the supernatural agent in the new birth. He baptizes all believers into the Body of Christ, lives in them, and teaches them. (John 16:8; Rom. 6:3,4; Eph. 1:13,14; 1 John 2:27)

Sin Nature

We believe that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God. Adam’s sin affected all areas of our lives and separated us from God. We are unable to restore our original relationship with God. (Gen. 1:26,27; Rom. 3:20-25, 5:12)

We believe that Satan is a person, the originator of sin, who will be eternally punished. (Job 1:6,7; Rev. 20:10)

Salvation

We believe God loves every person. He cares about human life from conception to death. God has dealt with mankind through faith throughout history, but the basis of salvation for Israel and the Church has been the work of Christ. Christ died on the cross for the sins of every individual. Salvation is God’s free gift to everyone who believes that Christ was their substitute for sin. (Eph. 2:1-9; John 1:12,13; 1 Tim. 4:10)

We believe that all who genuinely accept Christ are saved and secured forever by God’s power. God has given us this assurance through His Word. (John 6:37-40, 10:27-29; Rom. 8:38,39)

We believe in two ordinances that have symbolic value, but no saving merit. Baptism, best practiced by immersion, is a testimony of a person’s faith in Christ. The Lord’s Supper is a commemoration of the Lord’s death. (Matt. 28:19,20; 1 Cor. 11:23-32)

Discipleship

We believe that we should live to please God in our conduct and associations. We are to grow in Christian maturity by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 12:1,2; Gal. 5:16-26)

We believe that it is our responsibility to present the gospel and to make disciples throughout the world. (Matt. 28:18-20)

We believe God sovereignly bestows spiritual gifts so that we can build up the church. The offices of evangelist, pastor and teacher are sufficient for ministry today. Some gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy and miracles have gradually subsided. (Rom. 12:4-8; Eph., 4:8-14; 2 Cor. 12:12; 1 Cor. 14;27)

We believe in a universal church that is composed of all believers from the day of Pentecost to the rapture. Local churches are composed of believers who choose to identify themselves with a particular assembly. (1 Cor. 12:12-14; Acts 14:27; Rom. 16:5)

Eternity

We believe Christ can return at any time for those who belong to Him. The earth will then suffer a period of judgment before he returns again to set up his rule on earth. (1 Thess. 4:13-19; Zech. 14:1-11; Rev. 22:20)

We believe that people have an eternal existence after they die. Those who belong to Christ will live in his presence forever. Those who do not belong to him will be eternally separated in a conscious state of misery, not to be annihilated. (1 Thess. 4:16,17; Rev. 20:11-15)