What We Believe
GOD
There is one God who exists eternally as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While each is fully God and distinct from one another, there is only one God.
(Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-5; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Scripture (God’s Word)
Though God has made himself clearly known through all of his creation, the Scriptures (the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments) are the inspired words of God. The scriptures are without error in the original manuscripts and are the final authority in all areas of life.
(2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
Creation
God created all things from nothing and upholds all things by His power. Human beings were specially created by God in his image. As a result, all human beings have intrinsic value. When God completed his work of creation, he declared that everything that He had made was very good.
(Genesis 1:1,27,31; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3)
Sin
Humans have intentionally rejected God, resulting in both physical and spiritual death. As a result, sin has thoroughly corrupted all humans along with everything that God created, leaving humans in desperate need of God’s salvation. Without his intervention, all humans are separated from God and without hope.
(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22)
SALVATION
The perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ provided the only acceptable atonement for sins. Trusting in Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior is the only route by which humans can be saved. By accepting Christ’s sacrifice and his Lordship, our sins are forgiven, and we can be together with God again. Without this forgiveness, humans remain dead in their sins and cannot honor God. God’s gracious offer of salvation comes through faith alone and is not dependent upon anything accomplished by humans.
(John 3:16; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9)
Christian Living
A Christian saved by faith in Jesus Christ understands the weight of their sin and the extent of Jesus’ rescue. This understanding results in an outpouring of love for Jesus and a yearning to be more and more like him, what Christians call being a disciple (follower) of Jesus Christ. The gradual progress in aligning our thoughts and actions with Christ is sanctification (being made holy). The result of this way of thinking and living are seen outwardly through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Thus, the life of a disciple of Christ is marked by ever-growing faith that produces good deeds.
(Romans 6:11-14; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-25; Philippians 2:12-16; James 2:14-19)
Church
The church exists to declare the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ for the purpose of making disciples everywhere. Though the church is broad and composed of all believers in Christ, the work of the gospel is conducted primarily in local congregations. By meeting together, believers grow in their faith through the public reading of God’s Word, community prayer, baptism, communion (the Lord’s Supper), and congregational worship.
(Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; Hebrews 10:24-25)
The Return of Christ
Through the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, Jesus Christ will return physically, visibly, and gloriously to judge the living and the dead. These events will lead to the ultimate reign of Christ in a new and glorious creation. Those who have rejected Christ will be subject to everlasting punishment apart from God, while those who have been saved through faith in Christ will live eternally in His presence.
(Titus 2:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 21:1-8)