CORE BELIEFS
These Core Beliefs express the Christian teachings we hold. Although not exhaustive, the Scripture references at the end of each paragraph offer validation.
Scripture
The Bible, which comprises sixty-six books from the Old and New Testaments, is the Word of God and contains no errors in its original writing. It was given by God through chosen individuals, reflecting their backgrounds, styles, and vocabularies. The Bible is the unique, complete, and ultimate authority on all matters concerning life and the afterlife; God inspires no other writings in the same way. Its truth is timeless and directly relevant to our everyday lives.
Luke 21:33, 24:44; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21
God
We believe in one God revealed in three equal yet distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; Ephesians 2:18
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal “uniquely born Son of God.” He came to earth fully God and fully man through a miraculous conception and virgin birth. He lived a sinless life and became the only sacrifice for the sins of every person.
Romans 5:1-11; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 9:11-12; 1 John 2:2
Human Beings
We believe that people are, by nature, sinners, corrupt, hopeless, and without God.
Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-2
Forgiveness
We believe that the God of the Bible forgives anyone who places their complete trust in the sacrificial and atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. This forgiveness from the penalty of sin or wrongdoing comes from a personal, heartfelt faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, which leads to new and everlasting life. This salvation is entirely by God's grace and not by human merit or works of any kind.
Titus 3:4-7; Ephesians 2:6-10; Romans 5:1; Acts 3:19-20, 4:12
Jesus Christ's Resurrection
We believe in the physical, bodily resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8; John 20:24-29
Jesus Christ's Return
We believe in the visible return of Christ to this earth to judge every person and to claim those who love Him.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 1:7
Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is a member of the Godhead who is active in the world today. In addition to indwelling every believer, He guides, counsels, teaches, reveals, empowers, convicts, strengthens, and gives spiritual gifts.
John 14:16-17, 16:8, 13-15; Acts 1:8; Romans 12:4-8
The Afterlife
Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. Everyone will live forever as spiritual beings. Those who have placed their faith in Him for the forgiveness of their sins will be part of God’s eternal Kingdom known as Heaven. Those who have rejected Him and His forgiveness will endure the torment of separation from God in the afterlife.
Luke 23:43; John 14:1-3; Revelation 20:11-15
Satan
We believe that Satan is a deposed, created angelic being who is the "god of this present age." He and his company of demons are opposed to the Kingdom of God and work to defeat and destroy the believer. While his activity is real, Satan and his demon spirits were defeated and overthrown by Christ's victory at the cross and, at the appointed time, will be cast into the Lake of Fire.
Luke 10:17-20; Colossians 2:13-15; Ephesians 6:10-18; Revelation 20:10
Marriage
We believe that God’s plan for human sexuality is meant to be expressed solely within the context of marriage, and that God created man and woman as unique biological beings designed for one another. God instituted monogamous marriage between male and female as the foundation of the family and the primary structure of human society. Therefore, we hold that marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female.
Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6; Mark 10:6-9; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Romans 1:26-27
Observances
We believe that baptism and communion are ordinances of God meant to be observed by believers in Jesus Christ, but they should not be seen as a means of salvation.
Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-10; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32