We
believe the scriptures, both old and new testaments, to be the inspired
word of God, without error in the original writing, the complete
revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and
final authority for all Christian faith and practice. In matters where
Scripture is silent, believers should conscientiously seek guidance from
God because it is to Him alone he or she is ultimately responsible.
We
believe in one true and holy God, creator and ruler of all things,
infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son
and Holy Spirit.
We
believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been
miraculously conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He lived in perfect obedience to the Father, voluntarily paid the price
with his atoning blood for the sins of all people by dying on the cross
as their substitute, and satisfied divine justice, bringing salvation to
all who trust in Him alone. After His death, Jesus Christ bodily rose
from the dead and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the
Father as the only intercessor between God and humans. He promises to
return to earth, personally and visibly, to fulfill the eternal plan of
God.
We
believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord
Jesus Christ and during this age to convict humankind of their
sinfulness, indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly
living and service.
The
central purpose of God's revelation in Scripture is to call people into
fellowship with Him. Originally created to be in a relationship with
God and in His image, humans defied Him by going their own independent
way, resulting in alienation from Him and the innate inability to please
God. This "fall" (original sin) took lace at the beginning of human
history; since then all people have suffered these consequences and are
in need of the saving grace of God.
The
salvation of humanity is completely a work of God's free grace through
Jesus Christ. It is not in any way the result of human works or
goodness. Each person can receive salvation by repentance and faith.
God's Word assures individuals that He will continue His saving work in
them forever.
We
believe that the Lord's Supper (communion) and water baptism by
immersion are ordinances to be observed by the Church during this
present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as a means of
salvation.
All
who acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Forgiver of their sins (Savior) and
the Leader of their life (Lord) are united with Him as members of His
Body, the one true Church. Scripture commands believers to gather for
worship, prayer, fellowship, and the teaching of the Word; to observe
baptism and communion as established by Jesus Christ; to offer service
to the body through development and use of talents and gifts; and
outreach to the world.
The
local expression of the Church is wherever God's people meet regularly
in obedience to this command. Cared for and led by elders and leaders,
Christ followers are to work together in love and unity for the ultimate
purpose of glorifying Christ, building up His Body, and advancing the
Kingdom of God.
We
believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church, and that
every local church has the right under Christ's authority, to decide and
govern its own affairs.
We
believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead. The believer to
eternal life with the Lord and the unbeliever to eternal separation from
God.