Beliefs

01

The Bible

The Scriptures are the inspired Word of God; the infallible rule of faith and life in general, and of the Christian in particular (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:15–16; 2 Peter 1:21). The knowledge and practice of God’s Word are essential for a transformed and abundant life (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:23; Ephesians 1:18; Psalm 119:92, 93, 98–105, 130, 165–166).

02

God

In the unity of the one true and living God, eternally self-existent: the “I AM,” who has revealed Himself as One in Three Persons (Exodus 3:14; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; Mark 12:29; John 8:58).

03

Jesus Christ

In the full divinity and full humanity of Jesus Christ; His eternal existence with the Father in glory before His incarnation; His miraculous birth of a virgin; His sinless life; His voluntary and atoning death; His bodily resurrection; His triumphant ascension; His ministry as mediator; and His personal return (Luke 1:26–35; Philippians 2:5–10; Hebrews 4:15).

04

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person, fully divine in His very nature, and that He convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment; that He regenerates, sanctifies, enlightens, and comforts those who believe in Jesus Christ; and that He dwells in the heart of all believers who have received Jesus Christ as personal Savior (John 15:26; Ephesians 2:18; John 16:7–14; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:9, 14–15, 26–27; 1 Corinthians 12:3–11; Acts 2:1–4).

05

Humanity

Humanity was created pure and innocent but fell into sin through voluntary transgression (Genesis 1:26–31; 3:17; Romans 5:12–21). All people have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; repentance is the only means God provides for the forgiveness of sin (Romans 3:23).

06

Satan

Satan exists as an evil personality, the origin of sin, and the supreme enemy of God and humanity (Mark 1:13; Genesis 3:1–6; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 20:1–2, 7–10; Ezekiel 28:15–19; Genesis 3:4; John 8:44).

07

Salvation

Salvation is found in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Redemption is obtained through His blood (Romans 5:6–10; 10:8–15; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Titus 2:11; 3:5–7). It is lived out in a holy life, in thoughts, words, and conduct, through obedience to the divine command: “Be holy” (1 Peter 1:15–16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 12:14; 1 John 2:6).

09

The Local Church

The Church is a fellowship of believers baptized by immersion, called out of the world and set apart for the Lord Jesus Christ. It is voluntarily associated for the ministry of the Word, mutual edification of its members, the spread of the faith, and the celebration of the ordinances.

It is a sovereign and independent body, exercising the gifts, principles, and privileges divinely given to it according to the Word of God, under the lordship of Christ, the great Head of the Church.

Its appointed servants and leaders include pastors (apostles, bishops, elders, overseers), as well as deacons and deaconesses. It also recognizes the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church today and the various New Testament ministries (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:23; Hebrews 2:4; 1 Timothy 3:1–12; Acts 2:4–8; 10:44–46; 19:6; Ephesians 4:11–12; 1 Corinthians 12:1–11).

10

Marriage

We uphold marriage as a union between one man and one woman. It was instituted by God in Genesis 2:18, and the terms of this covenant are defined in Genesis 2:24.

11

The Church and the State

We believe in the complete separation of Church and State (Matthew 16:18; Romans 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 6:14–17; Matthew 22:21).

12

Civil Government

Civil government is divinely established for the benefit and good order of society. Believers are to pray for, honor, and obey governing authorities, except in matters that oppose the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone is the Master of conscience and the Prince of the kings of the earth (Romans 13:1–7).

13

Future Things

We believe in the premillennial return of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the blessed hope set before every believer; in the bodily resurrection; eternal life for the righteous; and eternal punishment for those whose names are not written in the Book of Life (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:11–15; 1 Corinthians 15:20–24, 51–57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17; Revelation 20:4–5).