Statement of Belief
1. The Holy Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are the verbally inspired Word of God. They are inerrant in the original writings, infallible, and the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of humanity. The Bible alone is the divine and final authority for all Christian faith, life, and conduct. (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
2. The One True God
We believe in one God, the Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three distinct, co-equal Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This triune God is sovereign over all of creation, providence, and redemption. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
3. Jesus Christ
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who, without ceasing to be God, became man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, performed divine miracles, and by His vicarious and atoning death on the cross, He made a perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. He rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father, where He acts as our High Priest and Advocate. He will personally return in power and glory. (Matthew 1:23; John 1:1, 14; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 2:22)
4. The Holy Spirit
We believe in the full deity and personality of the Holy Spirit. His present ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates those who believe in Christ, indwells, seals, gifts, guides, teaches, and empowers the believer to live a godly life and serve the Church. (John 14:16-17; 16:7-11; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11; Ephesians 1:13-14)
5. Humanity and Sin
We believe that humanity was originally created in the image of God, but through Adam’s sin, all people fell and inherited a sinful nature. Therefore, all human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and are under His just condemnation. Humanity is unable to remedy its lost condition apart from God’s gracious work. (Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3)
6. Salvation
We believe that salvation is the gift of God, provided by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. For the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. All who genuinely repent and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are justified (declared righteous) and become children of God. (John 1:12; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
7. The Church
We believe that the Church is the spiritual Body of Christ, of which He is the Head. It is composed of all persons who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ. The primary expression of the universal Church is the local church, which is commissioned to worship God, build up believers in the faith, and proclaim the Gospel to all the world. We observe the ordinances of Water Baptism (by immersion) and the Lord’s Supper. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 1:22-23)
8. Christian Living
We believe that the saved are called to live a holy life and manifest the fruit of the Spirit, growing in sanctification. This is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit that separates them from the world and fully dedicates them to the will of God. Believers are also called to active service (activism) in evangelism, missions, and social concern, bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed. (Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 12:1-2; James 1:27)
9. The Return of Christ and Future Things
We believe in the personal, bodily, and glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all humanity: those who are saved unto the resurrection of eternal life and those who are lost unto the resurrection of condemnation and eternal conscious punishment. (Matthew 25:46; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:1-4)