WHAT WE BELIEVE
THE SCRIPTURE
We believe that “…all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21; etc.)
THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created by God as recorded in Genesis 1:27 and 2:7. He was holy and without sin; but through man’s disobedience and transgression, he fell from the high and holy status into sin and death (Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 5:19; Ephesians 2:1-3)
THE TRUE GOD
We believe that there is one and only one living and true God, the Maker, Preserver, and Ruler of all things; infinite in Holiness and Righteousness. He is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence of being. (John 1:1; John 4:24; Genesis 1:1-2; Revelation 4:11).
THE WAY TO SALVATION
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the gift of the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, took upon Him our nature, yet without sin. He honored the divine law and died on the cross, rose from the dead, and now lives as the compassionate and all-sufficient Savior (Ephesians 2:8; John 3:16; Philippians 2:6-7; Isaiah 53:4-5) He honored the divine law and died on the cross, rose from the dead, and now lives as the compassionate and all-sufficient Savior (Ephesians 2:8; John 3:16; Philippians 2:6-7; Isaiah 53:4-5)
JUSTIFICATION
We believe that justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of righteousness of all sinners who believe in Christ. It is bestowed by the grace of God (Acts 13:39; Romans 5:9; Romans 4:4-5; Romans 5:1-2).
FREENESS OF SALVATION
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith. Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Luke 14:17; Romans 16:25; Romans 1:15-17).
GRACE IN REGENERATION
We believe that regeneration (the new birth) is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit, whereby we become partakers of the Divine nature and a Holy disposition. It is a work of God’s free grace based on faith in Christ and made manifest by the fruit we bear to the glory of God.
REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties and inseparable grace wrought in our soul by the regenerating Spirit of God. We are convinced of our guilt, helplessness and the way of salvation by Christ, with contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior (Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:9-11).
GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe that election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sacrifices, and saves sinners. It is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness and is infinitely wise, holy and unchangeable (2 Timothy 1:8; 9:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13, etc.).
SANCTIFICATION
We believe that sanctification is the process by which we are made partakers of God’s holiness. It is a progressive work, begun in regeneration, it is carried on in the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 John 2:29).
PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS
We believe that only real believers endure to the end; that a special providence watches over their welfare, and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (John 8:31; Philippians 1:6).
HARMONY OF LAW AND GOSPEL
We believe that the Law of God is eternal and unchangeable. We believe that the Gospel is the proclaimed message of salvation with Jesus Christ as the foundation and center, yet the two never conflict with each other (Romans 3:31; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17; Romans 3:20).
THE GOSPEL CHURCH
We believe that the visible church of Christ is a congregation of Baptized believers, united by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel. The goal is the Kingdom of God, its mission is the salvation of man and its methods are the preaching of the Gospel and the teaching of men (1 Corinthians 1:1-13).
BAPTISM
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a Believer, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:36-39; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 11:26).
THE RESURRECTION
We believe that the Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus arose from the dead. He now exists in His glorified body at God’s right hand (Matthew 28:1-6).
THE RETURN OF THE LORD
We believe that Christ will return in the Day of Judgment to claim His own and to take us to the place He hath prepared for us (Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:11).
STEWARDSHIP
We believe that all things belong to God. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” Therefore as His people, we believe that we are but stewards of everything God has entrusted unto us. (Luke 16:1-15). “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”
We believe that all things belong to God. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” Therefore as His people, we believe that we are but stewards of everything God has entrusted unto us. (Luke 16:1-15). “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”
Just as the Father has given His best because He loved us first, as His people we demonstrate our love for Him by giving back to Him in measurable ways, our time, talents, and treasure to further His Kingdom on earth. We believe in the principles set forth for the Church in His Holy Word (Luke 16:1-15, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:2-15, etc.).
We believe the management of (talent, time, and treasure) is consistent with each of the biblical principles and therefore represents good stewardship. It should be the goal of every Believer to grow from the tithe (10 percent) to 100 percent (Mark 12:41-44, Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37, etc.)