Below you will find my beliefs related to foundational tenets of my faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” in the sense that the Holy Spirit so guided the sacred writers that the words they wrote constitute the Word of God. We believe the Bible is the final authority and is fully sufficient for all matters of faith and conduct. (2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
The Trinity
The Godhead eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I believe that these three are one God, having the same essence, nature, attributes and perfection, and are worthy of the same reverence, confidence and obedience. (Matt. 28:19-20; John 14:6-17, 2 Cor. 13:14; Col. 1:13-19; Heb. 1:1-3)
Sin
Man was originally created in the image of God to worship and serve God in His creation; through his sin he fell from this high calling, died spiritually, lost all spiritual life and became subject to the power of the devil and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator. This fallen human nature has been transmitted to all people everywhere, the man Christ Jesus excepted, so that every child of Adam is alienated from God and in need of saving grace. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ps. 8; Rom. 1:18 and 3:23; Eph. 2:1-3)
The Incarnation
The eternal Son of God became incarnate to reveal God to mankind and reconcile men and women to God. That in historical fact He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived on earth, was crucified and buried, rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. (John 1:1-14: Acts 2:22-36; Phil. 2:5-11)
Jesus’ Sacrificial Death
Salvation for men and women has been provided by the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, who died as our substitute, shedding His blood for the remission of our sins. (Rom. 5:6-21; Col. 1:12-14, 20-22; 1 Peter 1:18-23)
Salvation by Faith Alone
Salvation is initiated and completed by God and received by faith; that those who trust Christ as Savior receive forgiveness and are born again by the Spirit, passing from spiritual death unto eternal life. I believe that God desires all men and women to be saved. I believe that apart from the effectual work of the Holy Spirit, no one would respond in saving faith to Christ. I believe that the Holy Spirit does this saving work in connection with the presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (John 3:1-18; Rom. 5:1-5; Eph. 2:4-10; Titus 3:4-7;2 Peter 3:9)
The Assurance of Salvation
All who are born again by the Spirit are assured of their salvation and this assurance is based upon the promise of God in His written Word. This saving faith produces love and obedience within us. (Rom. 8:15-17, 31-39; 1 John 3:7-14, 5:1-13)
The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our abiding Comforter and Helper, strengthening faith and devotion and conforming us to the image of Christ. (John 16:7-15; Rom. 8:1-14;1 Cor. 6:19-20)
Holy Living
We are called to holy living in obedience to the Word of God, to put away sinful desires and cultivate and bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Gal. 5:16-25; Col. 3:1-17, 2 Tim. 3:14-17, 1 Peter 1:15)
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Our blessed Hope, the personal return of Christ for His Church. I also believe that at death the redeemed enter into the presence of Christ, and after the resurrection of the body at His second coming, they shall be forever with Him in His glory. Unbelievers after death await the final judgment when they shall be punished with everlasting separation from the presence of the Lord in hell. (1 Cor. 15:19-58; Phil. 1:20-23; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 20:11-15)
The Judgment
The world is to experience the judgment of God. It will be neither converted nor perfected during the present age, but the Lord Jesus will return to earth to reign in righteousness. At the end of the millennium, He will usher in His eternal Kingdom with the creation of the new Heaven and the new earth. (2 Tim. 3:1-5; Isa. 11:1-9; Rev. 20-22)
