What We Belive
God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has and will eternally exist in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God. Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:2; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14
He is the eternal Son of God and God the Son. He is co-equal with the Father and the Spirit. Jesus Christ came to this earth through a miraculous virgin birth. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He has ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return to earth again someday to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of Spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts and abilities for service to God. As Christians, we are to daily seek to live under His control. II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
The Bible is God’s word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. We consider the Scriptures to be the verbally inspired and infallible Word of God. II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalms 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for God, all of us are marred by an attitude and act of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This issue separates us from God and causes many problems in our lives and relationships. Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we acknowledge the personhood and work of Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. John 10:29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; I Peter 1:3-5
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God because of sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is the heavenly life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 1:8, 2:44, 46
Genesis records the literal story of the creation of the world. People were created directly in God’s own image in two genders. God created all that is in the world in six days and our world as we know it is a matter of intelligent design. Genesis 1, 2; John 1:3; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 10:8