The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Bible is the written Word of God. It is “God-breathed,” and therefore fully authoritative and completely sufficient. It stands as the final standard for what we believe and how we live. The Scriptures do not receive their authority from the Church or any human tradition. They carry the authority and power of God Himself because they are His very Word.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 19:7-11; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18)
The One True God
We believe there is only one true God. He is eternal, unchanging, and perfect in every way. He created everything that exists. There is no one like Him, and there never will be. He is set apart from everything in existence and without equal. He knows all things, rules over all things, and deserves all glory and praise. Nothing happens outside of His wise and holy will. In the end, all things will serve to display His glory.
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-7; Psalm 90:2; Malachi 3:6; Romans 11:36; Ephesians 1:11)
The Triune God
We believe Scripture teaches that the one true God exists as three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is what is meant by the term “Trinity.” Each Person is fully and equally God and possesses all the attributes of God. The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is not the Father. These three Persons are distinct, yet they are one God.
(Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1, 14; John 10:30; Acts 5:3-4; Hebrews 1:3)
The Redemptive Plan of God
We believe God created mankind in His own image. But man rebelled against God, and sin and death entered the world, leaving every person spiritually dead and unable to turn to God on their own. In His mercy, God determined from eternity to save a people for Himself through His Son. Jesus Christ died in the place of those He came to save, fully paying the penalty for their sins. His work on the cross is complete. Nothing can be added to it, and no other sacrifice can take its place.
(Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-5; Ephesians 1:4-5; John 10:11; Hebrews 10:12-14; 1 Peter 2:24)
The Salvation of Man
We believe salvation is entirely the work of God. By His grace and mercy, He gives new life to sinners through the Holy Spirit, a life that is not earned or deserved. God gives the gifts of faith and repentance, enabling sinners to trust in Jesus Christ and turn from their sins, and on the basis of Christ’s finished work He declares them righteous. The Holy Spirit works in those who have true faith in Christ, producing a life of good works. These works are the evidence of salvation, never the cause of it. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, so that no one may boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; John 6:44; Acts 11:18; Romans 3:21-26; Romans 5:1; James 2:17; Romans 3:27-28)
The Church
We believe Jesus Christ builds His Church, which consists of all who belong to Him. The Church is guided by the Holy Scriptures, the very Word of God. Through worship, proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, and helping believers grow in their faith, the Church displays the glory of God. The Church is an important part of every believer’s life, and all are called to belong to and actively serve in a local church.
(Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 3:10; Hebrews 10:24-25; Matthew 28:19-20; Colossians 1:28)
The Return of Christ
We believe that Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ will return in power and glory to judge the living and the dead. Those who belong to Him will enjoy eternal life in His presence. Those who reject Him will face eternal judgment. Until that day, the Church is called to live lives that bring glory to God, proclaim the true Gospel to the world, and make disciples until Christ returns.
(Acts 1:11; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:11-15; 2 Peter 3:11-14; Matthew 28:19-20)