Statement of Faith
The Scriptures
We believe the original texts of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, which the church historically accepted as the Holy Scriptures, are God-breathed. These Scriptures are truth, written by holy men who were chosen and equipped by God for this special task. We believe the Scriptures, errorless in the original documents, are divine authority in all matters that they address. Nothing may be taken from it and nothing may be added.
The primary content of the revelation is truth about God Himself, about His acts in history, about man in his sinful condition, and about the relationship that can be established and maintained between God and man through the person and work of Jesus Christ who completed God's plan for salvation. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105; John 14:6; Revelation 22:18-19)
The primary content of the revelation is truth about God Himself, about His acts in history, about man in his sinful condition, and about the relationship that can be established and maintained between God and man through the person and work of Jesus Christ who completed God's plan for salvation. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105; John 14:6; Revelation 22:18-19)
God
We believe in the one and only true God who is spirit. He is self-existent, infinite, personal, unchangeable, and eternal in His being. He is perfect in holiness, righteousness, love, justice, goodness, wisdom and truth. He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He is the creator and sustainer of all things both visible and invisible. He is both immanent in and transcendent to the creation. The one triune God exists and reveals Himself as three persons, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We acknowledge that all we know about God is by Revelation. Now we know only in part, but we look for the day when we will know as we are known.
We acknowledge that all we know about God is by Revelation. Now we know only in part, but we look for the day when we will know as we are known.
God the Father
Nature:
We believe in God as our Father. In His nature and in His relationships, we understand Him best as Father. While a human father imperfectly loves and cares, the heavenly Father perfectly loves and cares. He is good in all He does and in everything He gives, including His discipline. (2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 4:6-7; Matthew 7:11; Hebrews 12:7-11)
Unity with Christ:
The Son came into the world to make the Father known. Jesus affirmed that He and the Father are one. (John 14:6-7)
His relationship to believers:
The Father loved the world enough to send the Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world. Anyone who knows the Father also knows the Son. Through a personal relationship with Christ, we come to know God as our Father and can say, "Abba, Father." (John 3:16; Galatians 3:26
We believe in God as our Father. In His nature and in His relationships, we understand Him best as Father. While a human father imperfectly loves and cares, the heavenly Father perfectly loves and cares. He is good in all He does and in everything He gives, including His discipline. (2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 4:6-7; Matthew 7:11; Hebrews 12:7-11)
Unity with Christ:
The Son came into the world to make the Father known. Jesus affirmed that He and the Father are one. (John 14:6-7)
His relationship to believers:
The Father loved the world enough to send the Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world. Anyone who knows the Father also knows the Son. Through a personal relationship with Christ, we come to know God as our Father and can say, "Abba, Father." (John 3:16; Galatians 3:26
God the Son
His nature:
We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, was made in the likeness of men. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, thus blending organically and permanently His divine nature with human nature in one, unique person without a third nature being formed. (John 1:14; Philippians 2:7c-8a; Matthew 1:18-25; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:14a)
His mission:
The purpose of the incarnation was to reveal God and to redeem man. This redemption was accomplished by Christ's death and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Peter 1:18-19, 2:24, 3:18; 1 John 2:2)
His glorification and continuing ministry:
He ascended into heaven and is now at the right hand of God interceding for us. (Luke 24:51; Hebrews 8:1; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; 1 John 2:1; 1 Peter 3:22)
His position in the Church:
He is the head of the Church, which is His body. (Colossians 1:18)
His lordship:
He has an exalted position. Ultimately every knee shall bow to Him and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord. (Philippians 2:9-11)
We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, was made in the likeness of men. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, thus blending organically and permanently His divine nature with human nature in one, unique person without a third nature being formed. (John 1:14; Philippians 2:7c-8a; Matthew 1:18-25; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:14a)
His mission:
The purpose of the incarnation was to reveal God and to redeem man. This redemption was accomplished by Christ's death and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Peter 1:18-19, 2:24, 3:18; 1 John 2:2)
His glorification and continuing ministry:
He ascended into heaven and is now at the right hand of God interceding for us. (Luke 24:51; Hebrews 8:1; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; 1 John 2:1; 1 Peter 3:22)
His position in the Church:
He is the head of the Church, which is His body. (Colossians 1:18)
His lordship:
He has an exalted position. Ultimately every knee shall bow to Him and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord. (Philippians 2:9-11)
God the Holy Spirit
His nature:
We believe the Holy Spirit is God, eternal in existence. (Acts 5:3-4; Hebrews 9:14)
His ministry:
His ministry, since His coming on the day of Pentecost, is broad and varied. At some time every person in the world is touched by His work.
His work for unbelievers:
He convicts and convinces the world of sin, of righteousness and judgment. He restrains the progress of evil until God's purposes are accomplished. (John 16:8-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:7)
His work in salvation:
• He regenerates, giving new life to those who repent of their sins and exercise faith in Jesus Christ. (John 3:5-8)
• He comes to live in all believers at the moment of their regeneration. (1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9)
• He baptizes all believes into the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13)
His work in believers:
• He instructs, comforts, helps and guides all believers. (John 16:13; Romans 8:26; John 14:16-18, 26)
• He sanctifies and produces Christ-like qualities in believers as they yield to His control. (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16, 22-23)
• He equips and empowers all believers for witness and service. (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20)
• He will graciously and ultimately give immortality to our resurrected bodies. (Romans 8:11)
His work in the Church:
• He indwells the Church. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
• He produces unity in the Church. (Ephesians 4:3-6)
• He enables believers to love each other. (John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13)
• He equips the Church for ministry by giving spiritual gifts to each believer. Spiritual gifts are special endowments or abilities given by the Holy Spirit to each believer, enabling the believer to participate actively in the church's ministry. Properly exercised, every gift brings honor to Jesus Christ, produces unity, develops spiritual maturity within the body, and helps to complete the mission of the Church. (1 Peter 4:10-11; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11-16)
We believe the Holy Spirit is God, eternal in existence. (Acts 5:3-4; Hebrews 9:14)
His ministry:
His ministry, since His coming on the day of Pentecost, is broad and varied. At some time every person in the world is touched by His work.
His work for unbelievers:
He convicts and convinces the world of sin, of righteousness and judgment. He restrains the progress of evil until God's purposes are accomplished. (John 16:8-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:7)
His work in salvation:
• He regenerates, giving new life to those who repent of their sins and exercise faith in Jesus Christ. (John 3:5-8)
• He comes to live in all believers at the moment of their regeneration. (1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9)
• He baptizes all believes into the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13)
His work in believers:
• He instructs, comforts, helps and guides all believers. (John 16:13; Romans 8:26; John 14:16-18, 26)
• He sanctifies and produces Christ-like qualities in believers as they yield to His control. (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16, 22-23)
• He equips and empowers all believers for witness and service. (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20)
• He will graciously and ultimately give immortality to our resurrected bodies. (Romans 8:11)
His work in the Church:
• He indwells the Church. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
• He produces unity in the Church. (Ephesians 4:3-6)
• He enables believers to love each other. (John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13)
• He equips the Church for ministry by giving spiritual gifts to each believer. Spiritual gifts are special endowments or abilities given by the Holy Spirit to each believer, enabling the believer to participate actively in the church's ministry. Properly exercised, every gift brings honor to Jesus Christ, produces unity, develops spiritual maturity within the body, and helps to complete the mission of the Church. (1 Peter 4:10-11; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11-16)
Man
His Creation:
We believe that man was created by an immediate act of God. (Genesis 2:7) He was created in the image and likeness of God. He was without sin, enjoyed fellowship with God and was capable of full obedience to His will. (Genesis 1:27) He was created in order that he might glorify God and enjoy Him forever. In doing so, man finds his greatest measure of blessedness and true enjoyment. (Ephesians 1:5-6, 18)
His fall:
We believe that man was confronted with a moral choice in the garden. (Genesis 2:15-17) By voluntarily transgressing God's command and yielding to the enticement of Satan, man lost his original condition, became physically, morally, intellectually and spiritually depraved and was alienated from God. (Romans 5:12, 18; Genesis 3:1-6) In consequence of this act of disobedience, the entire human race became guilty before God with the result that each one of us possesses a sin nature. Both our sin and our acts of sin make us deserving of the righteous judgment of God. (Romans 1:19-32, 3:10-12; Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 17:9; 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 John 1:8-10) Therefore, all men are sinners and guilty before God, are dead in their sins, and unable to save themselves. (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1)
His eternal destiny:
We believe that there are two eternal, conscious destinies for man; heaven for the righteous and hell for the unrighteous. (John 5:28-29, 14:1-3; Psalm 9:17) After the great White Throne Judgment, and after all the enemies of God are consigned to their place of eternal punishment, the present order of things will be dissolved, and the new heaven and the new earth, wherein dwells righteousness, shall be revealed as the eternal abiding place in which the righteous shall dwell. (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-22:7)
We believe that man was created by an immediate act of God. (Genesis 2:7) He was created in the image and likeness of God. He was without sin, enjoyed fellowship with God and was capable of full obedience to His will. (Genesis 1:27) He was created in order that he might glorify God and enjoy Him forever. In doing so, man finds his greatest measure of blessedness and true enjoyment. (Ephesians 1:5-6, 18)
His fall:
We believe that man was confronted with a moral choice in the garden. (Genesis 2:15-17) By voluntarily transgressing God's command and yielding to the enticement of Satan, man lost his original condition, became physically, morally, intellectually and spiritually depraved and was alienated from God. (Romans 5:12, 18; Genesis 3:1-6) In consequence of this act of disobedience, the entire human race became guilty before God with the result that each one of us possesses a sin nature. Both our sin and our acts of sin make us deserving of the righteous judgment of God. (Romans 1:19-32, 3:10-12; Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 17:9; 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 John 1:8-10) Therefore, all men are sinners and guilty before God, are dead in their sins, and unable to save themselves. (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1)
His eternal destiny:
We believe that there are two eternal, conscious destinies for man; heaven for the righteous and hell for the unrighteous. (John 5:28-29, 14:1-3; Psalm 9:17) After the great White Throne Judgment, and after all the enemies of God are consigned to their place of eternal punishment, the present order of things will be dissolved, and the new heaven and the new earth, wherein dwells righteousness, shall be revealed as the eternal abiding place in which the righteous shall dwell. (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-22:7)
Salvation
We believe that God must and will punish sin because He is Holy and cannot tolerate it. This punishment must come either to the guilty person or to a satisfactory substitute. Because it is not God's will that any should perish, He has provided the way of salvation. Jesus Christ voluntarily offered Himself on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for sin so that all who believe in Him may be redeemed. Initially salvation requires repentance and faith which results in justification, regeneration and sanctification and culminates in resurrection and glorification. Some of these are at times simultaneous in man's experience but are hereafter described separately for the sake of clarity.
Repentance:
We believe the Scripture teach that repentance must accompany regeneration as well as be an ongoing act that accompanies sanctification. (Isaiah 55:7; Mark 1:15; 1 John 1:9) Genuine repentance is a necessary attitude of man as a condition for a holy and just God to forgive man's sins. It is produced in man by the kindness of God. It involves godly sorrow for sin and a proper reverence for God's holiness. It results in confessing and forsaking sin and whenever possible and appropriate, making restitution to those sinned against. (Luke 13:3; Romans 2:4; Hebrews 11:6)
Faith:
We believe that faith is essential to salvation. It is the means by which the Word of God is received as true. It is both the gift of God and the response of man. (Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 11:6) Faith is confidence based upon good evidence. It is an assurance born of complete trust in God as revealed through Christ. By faith one trusts in the death of Christ as the only efficacious sacrifice for his sin. (John 20:31; Romans 10:10)
Justification:
We believe that justification is a judicial act of God in which He declares the sinner free from condemnation and punishment and restores him to divine favor and privilege. It takes place when the sinner repents and trusts Christ for salvation. (Romans 3:24-26, 5:1)
Regeneration:
We believe that regeneration is wholly of grace and free to all but must include repentance toward God and faith in Christ as Savior. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Regeneration is the impartation of divine life. By the operation of the Holy Spirit through the Word, the believer is given a disposition to love and obey God. What was destroyed in Adam is renewed in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 5:17; Titus 3:4-6) Other terms used in Scripture to describe regeneration are "born again," "converted" and "saved". (John 3:7; Acts 4:12) Some evidences of regeneration are: the witness of the Holy Spirit, a personal knowledge of the forgiveness of sin, peace with God, love of God's Word, newness of life, and reconciliation with any against whom sin has been committed. (Romans 8:16)
Sanctification:
God has always required that His people should be holy because He is holy. (Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16) Sanctification is that action whereby God sets apart His people from sin. It has its source in what Christ has done through His blood, making believers a people of His own possession and calling them holy ones (saints). This holy position is granted when the Christian first believes in Christ. It is neither earned nor achieved by good works but is followed by good works. (1 Corinthians 1:2, 30, 6:9-11; Hebrews 10:14, 13:12) Sanctification is also a process in the Christian life and involves the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, setting one apart from a sinful walk and producing a Christ-like character. This process is experienced through faith and obedience which includes consciously yielding the whole life to God and continually letting the Holy Spirit be in control. The results include a manifestation of spiritual fruit and progress in Christian growth, which are the will of God for every Christian. (John 17:17; Romans 6:13b, 8:29, 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 1:2)
Believer's Assurance:
We believe that every Christian can have a valid sense of assurance concerning his salvation, his relationship with God and his destiny. Through faith in Jesus Christ, a knowledge of the Scriptures and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, such assurance becomes real and personal. (1 John 5:13; Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:24) There is no need for any believer to be anxious about God's ability or His gracious purpose to keep the believer for Himself. (Romans 8:37-39) However, the Scriptures have ample warning for anyone who might be inclined to presume upon the love of God by careless or sinful living. (Hebrews 3:12-13, 10:26-31) Therefore, it is necessary to examine ourselves to see whether our faith is genuine, a faith that is expressed in attitude and actions by obedient works. Without that kind of faith, there is no Scriptural assurance. The most complete basis for the believer's assurance is found in 1 John.
Resurrection and Glorification:
We believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ, and because He lives, we too shall live. (Luke 24:6a; Acts 1:3; 2Co 15:22; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 3:20-21) At the return of Christ, the bodies of the righteous dead will be raised and will, with the living believers, be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. We will be changed so as to have immortal bodies like unto Christ's own glorious body. (1 Thessalonians 4:16b-17a; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 3:20-31) Our glorification is the culminating act of God's redeeming and sanctifying believers and will be realized when we see Him as He is. (1 John 3:2)
Repentance:
We believe the Scripture teach that repentance must accompany regeneration as well as be an ongoing act that accompanies sanctification. (Isaiah 55:7; Mark 1:15; 1 John 1:9) Genuine repentance is a necessary attitude of man as a condition for a holy and just God to forgive man's sins. It is produced in man by the kindness of God. It involves godly sorrow for sin and a proper reverence for God's holiness. It results in confessing and forsaking sin and whenever possible and appropriate, making restitution to those sinned against. (Luke 13:3; Romans 2:4; Hebrews 11:6)
Faith:
We believe that faith is essential to salvation. It is the means by which the Word of God is received as true. It is both the gift of God and the response of man. (Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 11:6) Faith is confidence based upon good evidence. It is an assurance born of complete trust in God as revealed through Christ. By faith one trusts in the death of Christ as the only efficacious sacrifice for his sin. (John 20:31; Romans 10:10)
Justification:
We believe that justification is a judicial act of God in which He declares the sinner free from condemnation and punishment and restores him to divine favor and privilege. It takes place when the sinner repents and trusts Christ for salvation. (Romans 3:24-26, 5:1)
Regeneration:
We believe that regeneration is wholly of grace and free to all but must include repentance toward God and faith in Christ as Savior. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Regeneration is the impartation of divine life. By the operation of the Holy Spirit through the Word, the believer is given a disposition to love and obey God. What was destroyed in Adam is renewed in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 5:17; Titus 3:4-6) Other terms used in Scripture to describe regeneration are "born again," "converted" and "saved". (John 3:7; Acts 4:12) Some evidences of regeneration are: the witness of the Holy Spirit, a personal knowledge of the forgiveness of sin, peace with God, love of God's Word, newness of life, and reconciliation with any against whom sin has been committed. (Romans 8:16)
Sanctification:
God has always required that His people should be holy because He is holy. (Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16) Sanctification is that action whereby God sets apart His people from sin. It has its source in what Christ has done through His blood, making believers a people of His own possession and calling them holy ones (saints). This holy position is granted when the Christian first believes in Christ. It is neither earned nor achieved by good works but is followed by good works. (1 Corinthians 1:2, 30, 6:9-11; Hebrews 10:14, 13:12) Sanctification is also a process in the Christian life and involves the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, setting one apart from a sinful walk and producing a Christ-like character. This process is experienced through faith and obedience which includes consciously yielding the whole life to God and continually letting the Holy Spirit be in control. The results include a manifestation of spiritual fruit and progress in Christian growth, which are the will of God for every Christian. (John 17:17; Romans 6:13b, 8:29, 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 1:2)
Believer's Assurance:
We believe that every Christian can have a valid sense of assurance concerning his salvation, his relationship with God and his destiny. Through faith in Jesus Christ, a knowledge of the Scriptures and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, such assurance becomes real and personal. (1 John 5:13; Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:24) There is no need for any believer to be anxious about God's ability or His gracious purpose to keep the believer for Himself. (Romans 8:37-39) However, the Scriptures have ample warning for anyone who might be inclined to presume upon the love of God by careless or sinful living. (Hebrews 3:12-13, 10:26-31) Therefore, it is necessary to examine ourselves to see whether our faith is genuine, a faith that is expressed in attitude and actions by obedient works. Without that kind of faith, there is no Scriptural assurance. The most complete basis for the believer's assurance is found in 1 John.
Resurrection and Glorification:
We believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ, and because He lives, we too shall live. (Luke 24:6a; Acts 1:3; 2Co 15:22; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 3:20-21) At the return of Christ, the bodies of the righteous dead will be raised and will, with the living believers, be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. We will be changed so as to have immortal bodies like unto Christ's own glorious body. (1 Thessalonians 4:16b-17a; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 3:20-31) Our glorification is the culminating act of God's redeeming and sanctifying believers and will be realized when we see Him as He is. (1 John 3:2)
The Church
The nature of the Church:
We believe the Church, in its universal context as the body of Christ, is composed of all believers regardless of name, race, nation or generation. The local church, as a part of that body, is composed of a group of believers in Christ who have voluntarily joined together and are devoted to one another in love, so that the church can fulfill its purpose and mission. (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-22; Colossians 1:18-20; Revelation 5:9)
The purpose of the Church:
The purpose of the Church is to glorify God. The Church glorifies God through worship and faithful participation in its God-given mission. (Romans 15:5-6, 16:27; Ephesians 1:11-14, 3:20-21; 1 Peter 4:11, 2:9; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Chronicles 16:24; Psalm 34:3, 96:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 4:13-15; Galatians 1:4-5; Philippians 1:9-11, 4:20; 2Th 1:11-12; 1Ti 1:17; Jude 25; Revelation 1:6, 19:7)
The mission of the Church:
The mission of the Church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Central to this mission is the proclamation of the Word of God for the equipping of each believer to become an effective witness so that the Church will grow to the glory of God. The local church seeks to accomplish its mission by gathering together to participate in worship, instruction, fellowship and service, so that each believer will grow into the full measure of the stature of Christ and, in obedience to Him, will reach out in witness to unbelievers. As the Church makes disciples, it becomes a force for restraining evil and producing righteousness in the world. To help accomplish this mission worldwide, local churches may unite as a denomination. The denomination may cooperate with interdenominational groups of like faith and convictions. (Matthew 28:18-20, 24:14; Acts 1:8, 2:42-47, 8:1-4; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21-23; 2Co 5:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 13:15-16; 1 Peter 2:9)
The role of the pastor:
The pastor is called by God to serve the Lord Jesus Christ through leading the congregation to achieve its purpose and mission. This leadership is best expressed as the pastor lovingly leads, feeds, equips and protects the flock under his care. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 4:2-5; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 1 Peter 5:1-4; John 21:15-17; Acts 20-28)
The role of the people:
Within each congregation God calls some believers to serve Jesus Christ through positions of leadership in the church's ministry. This leadership is for the purpose of working with the pastor so that the church may achieve its purpose and mission. Such leadership is best expressed as these persons function as models, shepherds and servants for the congregation. (1 Corinthians 12:18; 1Ti 3:1-13, 4:12, 16, 5:17; Acts 6:2-4; Romans 12:6-8; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:24) God calls every believer to serve Jesus Christ through active participation in the church's ministry. Such participation is best expressed as each believer: consistently grows in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, respectfully submits to the leadership in the congregation, recognizes and joyfully uses spiritual gifts for ministry for the common good, and obediently reaches out in witness to unbelievers. (1 Corinthians 12:7; Hebrews 3:17-18; 2 Peter 3:18; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:2-6, 5:15-21, 6:10-18; Colossians 2:6-7, 4:2-6; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9-12, 3:15-16, 4:10-11; 1 John 1:3-4; Jude 20-21)
The gifts for the Church:
Spiritual gifts are special endowments or abilities given by the Holy Spirit to each believer, enabling the believer to participate effectively in the church's ministry. Properly exercised, every gift brings honor to Jesus Christ, produces unity, develops spiritual maturity within the body, and helps to complete the mission of the Church. (1 Peter 4:10-11; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11-16)
The ordinances of the Church:
We believe that an ordinance is an outward ceremony symbolic of a spiritual truth or experience which was instituted by Christ for perpetual use by the Church. It is not a means of salvation but becomes a source of spiritual inspiration and strength as one is obedient to the Lord's command. We believe that the Christian ordinances are baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Baptism:
We believe water baptism symbolizes the experience of regeneration and union with Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19) It is a public confession of the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (Colossians 2:12) Baptism is to be administered to believers only, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We encourage immersion because this form of baptism clearly symbolizes its spiritual significance. However, other modes are recognized. Water baptism does not save or cleanse from sin. It is the answer of a good conscience toward God. Because of the spiritual instruction to baptize those who believe, because of the scriptural example that those who believed were baptized, and because of the clear meaning of baptism as indicated above, we recognize only baptism administered after a person has confessed faith in Jesus Christ, and we expect that all believers will be baptized. (Acts 8:36-38, 16:30-34)
The Lord's Supper:
We believe the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ on the night of His betrayal and is to be observed by His Church until He returns. (Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 11:26; Luke 22:19) We believe the Lord's Supper is a memorial of Christ's death, an expression of fellowship with God and with other believers, a testimony to saving faith, a visible seal of Christ's redemptive covenant, and the assurance of His promised return. The Lord's Supper consists of partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, symbolizes the broken body and shed blood of Christ for the remission of our sins and reaffirms our continuing dependence upon Him. Its observance is to be preceded by honest self-examination. (1 Corinthians 11:27-29) The communion table shall be open to all believers who know themselves to be in right relationship to God.
We believe the Church, in its universal context as the body of Christ, is composed of all believers regardless of name, race, nation or generation. The local church, as a part of that body, is composed of a group of believers in Christ who have voluntarily joined together and are devoted to one another in love, so that the church can fulfill its purpose and mission. (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-22; Colossians 1:18-20; Revelation 5:9)
The purpose of the Church:
The purpose of the Church is to glorify God. The Church glorifies God through worship and faithful participation in its God-given mission. (Romans 15:5-6, 16:27; Ephesians 1:11-14, 3:20-21; 1 Peter 4:11, 2:9; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Chronicles 16:24; Psalm 34:3, 96:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 4:13-15; Galatians 1:4-5; Philippians 1:9-11, 4:20; 2Th 1:11-12; 1Ti 1:17; Jude 25; Revelation 1:6, 19:7)
The mission of the Church:
The mission of the Church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Central to this mission is the proclamation of the Word of God for the equipping of each believer to become an effective witness so that the Church will grow to the glory of God. The local church seeks to accomplish its mission by gathering together to participate in worship, instruction, fellowship and service, so that each believer will grow into the full measure of the stature of Christ and, in obedience to Him, will reach out in witness to unbelievers. As the Church makes disciples, it becomes a force for restraining evil and producing righteousness in the world. To help accomplish this mission worldwide, local churches may unite as a denomination. The denomination may cooperate with interdenominational groups of like faith and convictions. (Matthew 28:18-20, 24:14; Acts 1:8, 2:42-47, 8:1-4; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21-23; 2Co 5:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 13:15-16; 1 Peter 2:9)
The role of the pastor:
The pastor is called by God to serve the Lord Jesus Christ through leading the congregation to achieve its purpose and mission. This leadership is best expressed as the pastor lovingly leads, feeds, equips and protects the flock under his care. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 4:2-5; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 1 Peter 5:1-4; John 21:15-17; Acts 20-28)
The role of the people:
Within each congregation God calls some believers to serve Jesus Christ through positions of leadership in the church's ministry. This leadership is for the purpose of working with the pastor so that the church may achieve its purpose and mission. Such leadership is best expressed as these persons function as models, shepherds and servants for the congregation. (1 Corinthians 12:18; 1Ti 3:1-13, 4:12, 16, 5:17; Acts 6:2-4; Romans 12:6-8; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:24) God calls every believer to serve Jesus Christ through active participation in the church's ministry. Such participation is best expressed as each believer: consistently grows in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, respectfully submits to the leadership in the congregation, recognizes and joyfully uses spiritual gifts for ministry for the common good, and obediently reaches out in witness to unbelievers. (1 Corinthians 12:7; Hebrews 3:17-18; 2 Peter 3:18; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:2-6, 5:15-21, 6:10-18; Colossians 2:6-7, 4:2-6; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9-12, 3:15-16, 4:10-11; 1 John 1:3-4; Jude 20-21)
The gifts for the Church:
Spiritual gifts are special endowments or abilities given by the Holy Spirit to each believer, enabling the believer to participate effectively in the church's ministry. Properly exercised, every gift brings honor to Jesus Christ, produces unity, develops spiritual maturity within the body, and helps to complete the mission of the Church. (1 Peter 4:10-11; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11-16)
The ordinances of the Church:
We believe that an ordinance is an outward ceremony symbolic of a spiritual truth or experience which was instituted by Christ for perpetual use by the Church. It is not a means of salvation but becomes a source of spiritual inspiration and strength as one is obedient to the Lord's command. We believe that the Christian ordinances are baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Baptism:
We believe water baptism symbolizes the experience of regeneration and union with Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19) It is a public confession of the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (Colossians 2:12) Baptism is to be administered to believers only, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We encourage immersion because this form of baptism clearly symbolizes its spiritual significance. However, other modes are recognized. Water baptism does not save or cleanse from sin. It is the answer of a good conscience toward God. Because of the spiritual instruction to baptize those who believe, because of the scriptural example that those who believed were baptized, and because of the clear meaning of baptism as indicated above, we recognize only baptism administered after a person has confessed faith in Jesus Christ, and we expect that all believers will be baptized. (Acts 8:36-38, 16:30-34)
The Lord's Supper:
We believe the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ on the night of His betrayal and is to be observed by His Church until He returns. (Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 11:26; Luke 22:19) We believe the Lord's Supper is a memorial of Christ's death, an expression of fellowship with God and with other believers, a testimony to saving faith, a visible seal of Christ's redemptive covenant, and the assurance of His promised return. The Lord's Supper consists of partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, symbolizes the broken body and shed blood of Christ for the remission of our sins and reaffirms our continuing dependence upon Him. Its observance is to be preceded by honest self-examination. (1 Corinthians 11:27-29) The communion table shall be open to all believers who know themselves to be in right relationship to God.
Final Things
The second advent of Christ:
We believe in the personal, visible and premillennial return of Christ. (Acts 1:11b; John 14:2b-3; Mark 13:22-27) We believe this will be accomplished in two phases. In the first, Christ will descend from heaven to claim His waiting bride, which is the living Church, as well as departed believers. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) In the second phase, He will descend with His saints to establish the long-promised kingdom and reign upon the earth for one thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6, 5:9-10; Daniel 7:13-14; Luke 1:32-33, 21:25-26; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10)
The judgments:
We believe the believer's works will be judged for rewards at the judgment seat of Christ at the time of His coming, the believer's sins having been judged in Christ upon the cross. (John 5:24; Romans 14:10c, 12; 1 Corinthians 3:8-15, 4:5; 2 Timothy 4:8) The unbeliever will appear before God for judgment at the great white throne after the millennial reign of Christ and will then be consigned to the lake of fire to suffer torment forever and ever with the devil and his angels. (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Hebrews 9:27; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 20:10-15)
We believe in the personal, visible and premillennial return of Christ. (Acts 1:11b; John 14:2b-3; Mark 13:22-27) We believe this will be accomplished in two phases. In the first, Christ will descend from heaven to claim His waiting bride, which is the living Church, as well as departed believers. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) In the second phase, He will descend with His saints to establish the long-promised kingdom and reign upon the earth for one thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6, 5:9-10; Daniel 7:13-14; Luke 1:32-33, 21:25-26; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10)
The judgments:
We believe the believer's works will be judged for rewards at the judgment seat of Christ at the time of His coming, the believer's sins having been judged in Christ upon the cross. (John 5:24; Romans 14:10c, 12; 1 Corinthians 3:8-15, 4:5; 2 Timothy 4:8) The unbeliever will appear before God for judgment at the great white throne after the millennial reign of Christ and will then be consigned to the lake of fire to suffer torment forever and ever with the devil and his angels. (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Hebrews 9:27; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 20:10-15)