Doctrine and Theology

Scripture

We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and without error in the original manuscripts. The Bible is inerrant, authoritative, and sufficient in all matters of faith and practice. (2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; Ps. 19:7-11).

Trinity

We believe in one God, existing in three persons – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the same in substance, and to whom equal glory and honor is due. (Dt. 6:4; Gen.1:2, 26; Jn. 1:1,2; 5:17, 22-23; 14:25, 26; 16:7, 27-28; Phil. 2:6; Heb. 1:1-3, 8).

Jesus

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who through his sinless life and sacrificial death atoned for sin. (Jn. 1:14; Rom. 4:25)

• He was born of the virgin, Mary. (Mt.1:20-25)
• His death was a sacrifice which satisfied the wrath of God toward sin and sinners (Rom. 3:23-25)
• He was raised from the dead. (Mt. 28:5-7)
• He ascended to the right hand of God, and is the all-sufficient High Priest of His people (Ac. 1:9; Heb. 7:25)
• He will come again to receive His people into full glory, and establish His Kingdom forevermore. (Jn. 14:3; 1 Thes. 4:13-18)

Man

We believe that as a result of the fall of Adam, all mankind is at “enmity against God,” lost and without strength to do the will of God and is therefore in need of salvation from the consequences of their sin. (Ps.53:2-3; Rom.3:19).

Salvation

We believe that the death of Christ as a substitutionary atonement provides the hope and promise of salvation for all, who through faith take hold of it. (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 5:1)

• Justification of the sinner is by faith alone in the death of Christ alone. (Rom. 3:21-26)
• Justification results in the full forgiveness of sins and the gift of Christ’s righteousness for the believer. (Rom. 5:19)
• The Holy Spirit’s work of regeneration is necessary for faith and repentance. (Eph. 2:8-9)

Eternal Life

We believe that at death the spirit of man does not cease to exist, but will exist eternally – either in “heaven’ or “hell,” while their bodies rest in the grave until the final day of judgment. (2 Cor. 5:6, 8)

• At the final judgment, the bodies of the unjust shall be raised to dishonor; the bodies of the just unto honor, and be made conformable to Christ’s own glorious body. (Jn. 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:51-57)
• Then the righteous will enter into eternal life in the presence of the Lord, but the unrighteous into eternal condemnation and separation from the presence of the Lord. (Rom. 2:6-8; 2 Thes. 1:8-9)

Service

We believe that regeneration results in a life of good works and increasing holiness, and that the Holy Spirit resides in the believer, strengthening them to live such a life. (Eph. 2:10; Tit. 3:4-8).

The Church

We believe that Christ has appointed the Church as the agent for reaching the world with the good news of Jesus Christ, and for strengthening believers in their personal discipleship.

• Christ has given the Church the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper for regular observance as signs of Christ and His gospel. (Mt. 28:18-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
• The Church is to show the love of Christ in word, by sharing this good news of salvation – and deed, through acts of mercy and service. (Ac. 1:8).