Statement of Faith
STATEMENT OF FAITH
About God: God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are one in essence and are one God. (Gen. 1:26-27; Ps. 90:2; Matt. 28:19; I Peter 1:2, II Cor. 13:14)
About Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matt 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; Heb. 4:14; I Cor. 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; Rom. 1:3-4; I Tim. 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)
About the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives believers spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under his control daily. (II Cor. 3:17; John 14:16-17; John 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; I Cor. 2:12; Eph. 1:13; Gal. 5:25; Eph 5:18)
About the Bible: The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (II Tim. 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; II Tim. 1:13; Ps. 119:105-106; Ps. 12:6; Prov. 30:5)
About Human Beings: People are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has a tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by attitudes and actions of disobedience toward God called “sin.” Sin separates people from God and causes many problems in life. (Gen. 1:27; Ps. 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Rom. 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)
About Salvation: Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith. (Acts 4:12; Rom. 5:1; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Gal. 3:26)
About the Church: The Church is the people of God. It is the Body of Christ, called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be the primary instrument for God’s redemptive purposes in history. The Church gathers as a family of faith to worship God, to grow in Christ, and to make Christ known to the world. (Matt. 16:13-19; Acts 2:42-44; I Cor. 12:27; Eph. 2:19-22; Eph. 4:4-6; I Peter 2:9-10)
About Eternity: People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated form God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16-18; John 14:6; Rom. 3:21-26; Rom. 8:17-18; Rev. 20:15; I Cor. 2:7-9)