Core Beliefs

Section 1: The Bible

We affirm that the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The original writings of the Bible are without error or omission, being guided by the Holy Spirit who ensured that the human authors wrote precisely what God intended (2 Peter 1:21). The Bible is the complete and final authority for matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17), while still reflecting the unique writing styles of its human authors.

Section 2: God

We believe in the existence of one God, who is the Creator of all things (Deuteronomy 6:4; Colossians 1:16). This one God has revealed Himself in three distinct Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). While being distinct, these three Persons share the same being, essence, and glory, and together they form the one true God (John 10:30). God is eternal, infinite, and sovereign. He possesses attributes such as omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, and immutability. God is holy, just, righteous, loving, gracious, merciful, and good.

Section 3: Jesus Christ

We affirm the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God in human form, the express image of the Father (Matthew 1:21; John 1:18; Colossians 1:15). Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:23). He is fully God and fully man, living a perfect and sinless life (John 1:1, 14; 1 John 3:5). All His teachings are true (John 14:6). Jesus Christ died on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice for all humanity, offering salvation to those who receive Him as their Savior (1 John 2:2; Isaiah 53:5-6). His death provides justification and redemption, and His resurrection from the dead is a testament to His victory over sin and death (Matthew 28:6; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3). After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to Heaven, where He currently sits at the right hand of God, serving as our High Priest and Advocate (Acts 1:9-10; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

Section 4: The Holy Spirit

We believe in the deity and personality of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4). The Holy Spirit regenerates sinners and dwells within believers (Titus 3:5; Romans 8:9). Through the Holy Spirit, believers are baptized into the body of Christ, and the Father seals them for salvation until the day of redemption (1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit illuminates the hearts and minds of believers as they study the Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-12). While the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts according to His sovereignty, the miraculous gifts described in the early development of the church may not function in the same manner today (1 Corinthians 12:11; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 2:20; 4:7-12).

Section 5: Angels and Demons

We affirm the reality and personality of angels, created by God as His servants and messengers (Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 148:2; Hebrews 1:14). We also recognize the existence and personality of Satan, a fallen angel who led a rebellion against God, and the demons who serve him in evil (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:12-15). Satan and the demons will ultimately face eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

Section 6: Humanity

We believe that humanity was directly created by God and uniquely made in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). However, due to Adam’s fall, all humanity inherited a sinful nature, leading to the choice of sinning (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23). Humanity, in its fallen state, is incapable of remedying this condition (Ephesians 2:1-5, 12).

Section 7: Salvation

We affirm that salvation is a gift of God’s grace received through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ’s death accomplished justification through faith and redemption from sin. He died in our place, bearing our sins, and rose again, demonstrating His victory over sin and death (Romans 5:8-9; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 14:9). Salvation is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Good works and obedience are the fruits of salvation, not the requirements for it. Those who have received Christ as Savior are eternally secure in their salvation, kept by God’s power, and sealed in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 38-39; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24).

Section 8: The Church

We believe that the Church, known as the Body of Christ, consists of all believers in this present age (1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27). We observe the ordinances of believer’s water baptism by immersion as a testimony to Christ and identification with Him, and the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of His death and shed blood (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42, 18:8; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The Church is responsible for teaching obedience to the Lord, testifying about faith in Christ, and living a holy life. The Great Commission is the primary mission of the Church, proclaiming the gospel to the world (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20).

Section 9: Things to Come

(This is our official stance and understand there is great diversity amongst believers in regards to the end times.)

We believe in the amillennial view of the end times, which holds that the thousand-year reign of Christ mentioned in Revelation 20 is symbolic and represents the present reign of Christ in the hearts of believers.

We believe in the blessed hope of the personal and imminent coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to gather His saints (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). He will visibly and bodily return to earth to judge both the living and the dead. This judgment will determine the eternal destinies of individuals based on their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Resurrection: At the second coming, there will be a bodily resurrection of both believers and non-believers. Believers will be resurrected to eternal life with glorified bodies, while non-believers will face resurrection to judgment.

Defeat of evil: Jesus is returning to finally defeat evil, including Satan, his forces, and all forms of opposition to God’s kingdom. This is the final battle and victory over the powers of darkness.

Establishment of the Kingdom: We believe that Jesus’ second coming will mark the establishment of His eternal kingdom, where He will reign in righteousness and peace. This kingdom is a fulfillment of God’s promises and a restoration of all things.

Renewal of Creation: The second coming is the renewal and restoration of the entire creation. This includes the transformation of the physical world, the removal of the effects of sin and decay, and the ushering in of a new heaven and a new earth.