Statement of Faith

The Bible
We believe that the Bible, the 66 books of the Old and New Testament, is the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings,and is the complete revelation of God's will. It is the authoritative source on all issues regarding life and faith. The Bible is the standard of absolute truth for all people. - 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4.

God the Trinity
We believe in the one true and living God, the Creator, Sustainer and Ruler of all things. He exists eternally and unchangeably in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - each of whom possesses equally all the attributes of the divine nature and all the personal qualities of the divine character. - Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; Deuteronomy 6:14.

Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is God, the living Word, who became flesh through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and His virgin birth. Hence, He is (and always was) perfect Deity who became true humanity united in one person. He lived a sinless life and voluntarily atoned for the sins of men by dying on the cross as a substitutional sacrifice, thus satisfying divine justice and accomplishing salvation for all who trust in Him alone. He rose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which He lived and died. He ascended bodily into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. He will physically and visibly return to consummate history and rule and reign over the earth. - John 1:1, 14; John 10:30; Matthew 1:23; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 2:9;     2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 15:3-7; Hebrews 4:14-15; Romans 8:34; Titus 2:13; Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:30-31.

The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and is one with the Father and with the Son. He convicts men of sin and of their need for Jesus Christ. All who are born again of the Spirit are given assurance of their salvation when they trust Christ as their Savior. He lives in every believer to provide power for life, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance for living a holy life. He endows every Christian with spiritual gifts for service in the world and in the Body of Christ, the church. - 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-14; John 14:16-17; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.

Man
We believe that though man was created in the image of God, he fell into sin through disobedience. Therefore, all persons are born with a bent toward sinning and that sin separates us from God. Therefore, all persons are in need of salvation and redemption. - Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23; John 3:3.

Salvation
We believe that salvation is a gift of God. Salvation is experienced only through personal faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross that paid the penalty for all sin. Man can never pay the penalty for his own sin by good works or religious deeds. - Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23; John 14:6; Romans 5:1.

Eternity
We believe that man was created to live forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with God is eternal life in heaven. - John 3:16; 1 John 5:11-12; Revelation 20:15.

Sacraments
We believe that the Lord's Supper and water baptism are divinely ordained to be observed by the Church during this present age. Though they are not to be regarded as means of salvation, they are regarded as means of grace. - Luke 22:19; Matthew 28:19;            1 Corinthians 11:25-26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:3-4.

The Christian Walk
We believe that Christians should live a life of holiness and sanctification. Such a life cannot be lived through a person's own efforts but must be the product of God's grace and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 8:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7;     1 Peter 1:15-16.

The Great Commission
We believe that all Christians are called to participate in the fulfillment of the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations. Since there is only one way to eternal life with God and that is Jesus Christ, we must make His name known to all persons. Christians can participate in the Great Commission by their prayers, their gifts and their service. - Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Timothy 2:3-4;

2 Peter 3:9.