Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.
Doctrines & Beliefs
Doctrine is important because it is foundational to a faithful Christian life, providing a correct understanding of God and His will, which then shapes believers' actions and spiritual maturity. Doctrine protects the church from false teachings, provides a coherent framework for belief, and promotes spiritual growth and stability by anchoring faith in biblical truth.
The word translated “doctrine” means “instruction, especially as it applies to lifestyle application.” In other words, doctrine is teaching imparted by an authoritative source. In the Bible, the word always refers to spiritually related fields of study. The Bible says of itself that it is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). We are to be careful about what we believe and present as truth. First Timothy 4:16 says, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Biblical doctrine helps us understand the will of God for our lives. Biblical doctrine teaches us the nature and the character of God (Psalm 90:2; 97:2; John 4:24), the path of salvation through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9–10), instruction for the church (1 Corinthians 14:26; Titus 2:1–10), and God’s standard of holiness for our lives (1 Peter 1:14–17; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20). When we accept the Bible as God’s Word to us (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21), we have a solid foundation for our doctrine. Biblical doctrine is that which incorporates the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) and draws conclusions based on that which seems most closely aligned with the character of our unchanging God (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 13:8).
The Scriptures
We believe that the Bible is God’s written revelation to man, and thus the 66 books of the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit constitute the plenary (inspired equally in all parts) Word of God. (1 Cor 2:7-14; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
We believe that the Word of God is an objective, propositional revelation (truthful teaching/statements)(1 Thess 2:13; 1 Cor 2:13), verbally inspired in every word (2 Tim 3:16), absolutely inerrant in the original documents, infallible, and God-breathed.
Further, we believe that the Word of God is completely sufficient for life, godliness and sanctification in the Person of Christ Jesus and is the means of God to accomplish His ends (Isa 55:10-11; Ps 19:7-11; John 17:17; Rom 10:17; 2 Tim 3:17).
We believe the literal, grammatical-historical interpretation of Scripture which affirms the belief that the opening chapters of Genesis present creation in six literal days (Gen 1:31; Ex 31:17).
We believe that the Bible constitutes the only infallible rule of faith and practice (Matt 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; 16:12-13; 17:17; 1 Cor 2:13; 2 Tim 3:15-17; Heb 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
We believe that God spoke in His written Word by a process of dual authorship. The Holy Spirit so superintended the human authors that, through their individual personalities and different styles of writing, they composed and recorded God’s Word to man (2 Peter 1:20-21) without error in the whole or in the part (Matt 5:18; 2 Tim 3:16).
We believe that, whereas there may be several applications of any given passage of Scripture, there is but one true interpretation. The meaning of Scripture is to be found as one diligently applies the literal grammatical-historical method of interpretation under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 7:17; 16:12-15; 1 Cor 2:7-15; 1 John 2:20). It is the responsibility of believers to ascertain carefully the true intent and meaning of Scripture, recognizing that proper application is binding on all generations. Yet the truth of Scripture stands in judgment of men; never do men stand in judgment of it.
The True God
We believe that there is one, and only, living and true God: perfect in all His attributes, one in essence (having one mind, one will, and one power), eternally existing in three three Persons— the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - equal in every divine perfection, executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption, and each equally deserving worship and obedience. (Deut 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-7; 1 Cor 8:4, Matt 28:19; John 4:24, 2 Cor 13:14)
We believe this one and only true God is eternal (Rev 1:8), infinite (Job 11:7–10), absolute Spirit (John 4:24), without parts (Ex 3:14; 1 John 1:5; 4:8), perfect in all His attributes, including incomprehensibility (Romans 11:33), omniscience (1 John 3:20), omnipotence (Gen 18:14), omnipresence (Ps 139:7–10), immutability (Mal 3:6), and aseity (Ex 3:14; John 5:26).
God the Father
We believe that God the Father, the first Person of the Trinity, orders and
disposes all things according to His own purpose and grace (Ps 145:8-9; 1 Cor 8:6). He is the Creator of all things (Gen 1:1-31; Eph 3:9). As the only absolute and omnipotent Ruler in the universe, He is sovereign in creation, providence, and redemption (Ps 103:19; Rom 11:36).
His fatherhood involves both His designation within the Trinity and His
relationship with mankind. As Creator He is Father to all men (Eph 4:6), but He is
spiritual Father only to believers (Rom 8:14; 2 Cor 6:18).
He has decreed for His own glory all things that come to pass (Eph 1:11). He continually upholds, directs, and governs all creatures and events (1 Chron 29:11). In His sovereignty He is neither the author nor approver of sin (Habakkuk 1:13; John 8:38-47), nor does He abridge the accountability of moral, intelligent creatures (1 Peter 1:17).
He has graciously chosen from eternity past those whom He would have as His own (Eph 1:4-6); He saves from sin all who come to Him through Jesus Christ; He adopts as His own all those who come to Him; and He becomes, upon adoption, Father to His own (John 1:12; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:5; Heb 12:5-9).
God the Son- Jesus
We believe that Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, possesses all the divine excellencies, and in these He is coequal, consubstantial, and coeternal with the Father (John 10:30; 14:9).
We believe that God the Father created according to His own will, through His Son, Jesus Christ, by whom all things continue in existence and in operation (John 1:3; Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:2).
We believe that in the incarnation (God becoming man) the eternal Son,without altering His divine nature or surrendering any of the divine attributes, made Himself of no reputation by taking on a full human nature consubstantial with our own, yet without sin (Phil 2:5–8; Heb 4:15; 7:26) and so became the God-Man, where Jesus Christ represents humanity and deity in indivisible oneness (Micah 5:2; John 5:23; 14:9-10; Col 2:9).
We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ was virgin born (Isa 7:14; Matt 1:23, 25; Luke 1:26-35); that He was God incarnate (John 1:1, 14); and that the purpose of the Incarnation was to reveal God, redeem men, and rule over God’s kingdom (Ps 2:7-9; Isa 9:6; John 1:29; Phil 2:9-11; Heb 7:25-26; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
We believe that in His incarnation, Christ fully possessed His divine nature,
attributes, and prerogatives (Col 2:9; cf. Luke 5:18–26; John 16:30; 20:28). However, in the state of His humiliation, He did not always fully express the glories of His majesty, concealing them behind the veil of His genuine humanity (Matt 17:2; Mark 13:32; Phil 2:5–8). According to His human nature, He acts in submission to the Father (John 4:34; 5:19, 30; 6:38) by the power of Holy Spirit (Isa 42:1; Matt 12:28; Luke 4:1, 14), while, according to His divine nature, He acts by His authority and power as the eternal Son (John 1:14; cf. 2:11; 10:37–38; 14:10–11).
We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through the shedding of His blood and sacrificial death on the cross and that His death was voluntary, vicarious, substitutionary, propitiatory, and redemptive (John 10:15; Rom 3:24-25; 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24).
We believe that on the basis of the efficacy of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, the believing sinner is freed from the punishment, the penalty, the power, and one day the very presence of sin; and that he is declared righteous, given eternal life, and adopted into the family of God (Rom 3:25; 5:8-9; 2 Cor 5:14-15; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18).
We believe that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead and that He is now ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He now mediates as our Advocate and High Priest (Matt 28:6; Luke 24:38-39; Acts 2:30-31; Rom 4:25; 8:34; Heb 7:25; 9:24; 1 John 2:1).
We believe that in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave, God confirmed the deity of His Son and gave proof that God has accepted the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Jesus’ bodily resurrection is also the guarantee of a future resurrection life for all believers (John 5:26-29; 14:19; Rom 1:4; 4:25; 6:5-10; 1 Cor 15:20, 23).
We believe that Jesus Christ will return to receive the church, which is His Body, unto Himself at the rapture, and returning with His church in glory, will establish His millennial kingdom on earth (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thess 4:13-18; Rev 20).
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the One through whom God will judge all mankind (John 5:22-23):
● Believers (1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10)
● Living inhabitants of the earth at His glorious return (Matt 25:31-46)
● Unbelieving dead at the Great White Throne (Rev 20:11-15)
As the Mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5), the Head of His Body the church (Eph 1:22; 5:23; Col 1:18), and the coming universal King, who will reign on the throne of David (Isa 9:6; Luke 1:31-33), He is the final Judge of all who fail to place their trust in Him as Lord and Savior (Matt 25:14-46; Acts 17:30-31).
God the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, is eternal God, coequal, consubstantial, and coeternal with the Father and the Son (Matt 28:19; Acts 5:3–4; 1 Cor 12:4–6; 2 Cor 13:14), possessing all the divine perfections, including eternality (Heb 9:14), omnipresence (Ps 139:7–10), omniscience (Isa 40:13–14), omnipotence (Rom 15:13), and truth (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or a power but a distinct divine person who thinks (1 Cor 2:10–13), wills (1 Cor 12:11), speaks (Acts 28:25–26), and can be grieved (Eph 4:30).
We believe that it is the work of the Holy Spirit to execute the divine will with relation to all mankind. We recognize His sovereign activity in creation (Gen 1:2), the Incarnation (Matt 1:18), the written revelation (2 Peter 1:20-21), and the work of salvation (John 3:5-7).
We believe that the work of the Holy Spirit in this age began at Pentecost, when He came from the Father as promised by Christ (John 14:16-17; 15:26) to initiate and complete the building of the Body of Christ, which is His church (1 Cor 12:13). The broad scope of His divine activity includes convicting the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ and transforming believers into the image of Christ (John 16:7-9; Acts 1:5; 2:4; Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18; Eph 2:22).
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the supernatural and sovereign agent in regeneration (Titus 3:5), baptizing all believers into the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13). The Holy Spirit also indwells them (Rom 8:9), sanctifies them (2 Cor 3:18), instructs them (1 John 2:20, 27), empowers them for service (1 Cor 12:4, 9), and seals them unto the day of redemption (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30).
We teach that the Holy Spirit is the divine Teacher, who guided the apostles and prophets into all truth as they wrote God’s special revelation, the Bible (John 14:26; 16:13; cf. 2 Peter 1:19–21). Every believer possesses the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit from the moment of salvation (Rom 8:9), and it is the duty of all those born of the Spirit to be filled with (controlled by) the Spirit (Eph 5:18).
We believe that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to the church unto its edification (Acts 1:8; 1 Cor 12:4–11; 1 Cor 14:26). The Holy Spirit glorifies neither Himself nor His gifts by ostentatious displays (1 Cor 14:33), but He does glorify Christ (John 16:13–14) by applying His work of redemption to His people in regeneration and sanctification (2 Cor 3:18; Titus 3:5).
We teach, in this respect, that God the Holy Spirit is sovereign in the bestowing of all His gifts for the perfecting of the saints today (1 Cor 12:4–11; Eph 4:7–12), and that speaking in tongues (known languages) and the working of sign miracles in the beginning days of the church have now ceased (1 Cor 13:8–10; Eph 2:20), having fulfilled their purpose of pointing to and authenticating the apostles as revealers of divine truth (2 Cor 12:12; Heb 2:1–4). The miraculous gifts were never intended to be characteristic of the lives of believers (e.g., 1 Tim 5:23). While we do believe that God in His sovereignty can choose to do a miracle in a given circumstance, we do not believe that individuals are gifted with the miraculous gifts today.
The Church
We believe that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual Body, the church (1 Cor 12:12–13), the bride of Christ (Eph 5:23–32; Rev 19:7–8), of which Christ is the Head (Eph 1:22; 4:15; Col 1:18).
We believe that the church is thus a unique spiritual organism designed by Christ, made up of all regenerate persons (i.e., believers) in this present age (Eph 2:11–3:6). The church is distinct from Israel (1 Cor 10:32), a mystery not revealed until this age (Eph 3:1–6; 5:32).
We believe that the establishment and continuity of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:23, 27; 20:17, 28; Gal 1:2; Phil 1:1; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:1) and that the members of the one spiritual Body are directed to associate themselves together in local assemblies (1 Cor 11:18–20; Heb 10:25).
We believe that the one supreme authority for the church is Christ (1 Cor 11:3; Eph 1:22; Col 1:18) and that church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures.
The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (also called overseers and pastors) (Acts 20:28; Eph 4:11) and deacons, both of whom must meet biblical qualifications (1 Tim 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–5).
We believe that the eldership of a local congregation consists of spiritually qualified men who lead or rule as servants of Christ (1 Tim 2:11–12; 5:17–22) and have His authority in directing the church. The congregation is to submit to their leadership (Heb 13:7, 17).
We teach the importance of discipleship (Matt 28:19–20; 2 Tim 2:2), the mutual accountability of all believers (Matt 18:5–14, James 5:15-16), as well as the need for discipline of sinning members of the congregation in accord with the standards of Scripture (Matt 18:15–22; Acts 5:1–11; 1 Cor 5:1–13; 2 Thess 3:6–15; 1 Tim 1:19–20; Titus 1:10–16).
We believe the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5).
We believe that each local church, through its elders and their interpretation and application of Scripture, should be the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. The elders should determine all other matters of membership, policy, discipline, benevolence, and government in accordance with Scripture (Acts 15:19–31; 20:28; 1 Cor 5:4–7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1–4).
We believe that the purpose of the church is to glorify God (Eph 3:21) by building itself up in the faith (Eph 4:13–16), by instruction of the Word (2 Tim 2:2, 15; 3:16–17), by fellowship (Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3), by keeping the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38–42) and by advancing and communicating the gospel to the entire world (Matt 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42). The calling of all saints is to the work of service (1 Cor 15:58; Eph 4:12; Rev 22:12).
Spiritual Gifts of the Church
We believe the need of the Church to fulfill her God-given mission as God accomplishes His purpose in the world. To that end, He gives the Church spiritual gifts. He gives men chosen for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Eph 4:7–12), and He also gives unique and special spiritual abilities to each member of the Body of Christ (Rom 12:5–8; 1 Cor 12:4–31; 1 Peter 4:10–11).
We believe that there were two kinds of gifts given to the early church: Miraculous gifts of divine revelation and healing, given temporarily in the apostolic era for the purpose of confirming the authenticity of the apostles’ message (Heb 2:3–4; 2 Cor 12:12); Ministering gifts, given to equip believers for edifying one another. (1 Cor 12: 7-11; Rom 12:4-8)
With the New Testament revelation now complete, Scripture becomes the sole test of the authenticity of a man’s message. Thus, confirming gifts of a miraculous nature are no longer necessary to validate a man or his message (1 Cor 13:8–12). Miraculous gifts can even be counterfeited by Satan so as to deceive even believers (1 Cor 13:13–14:12; Rev 13:13–14). The only gifts in operation today are those non-revelatory equipping gifts given for edification (Rom 12:6–8).
We believe that no one possesses the gift of healing today but that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith and will answer in accordance with His own perfect will for the sick, suffering, and afflicted (Luke 18:1–6; John 5:7–9; 2 Cor 12:6–10; James 5:13–16; 1 John 5:14–15).
Man
We believe that man was directly and immediately created by God (Gen 2:7) in His image and likeness (Gen 1:26–28; 5:1; James 3:9), free of sin (Gen 1:31, Rom. 5:12, 18-19) and endowed with a rational nature, intelligence, volition, and moral responsibility to God (Gen 1:26, 2:15–25).
We believe that mankind was created by God as either male or female, distinct sexes that are biologically defined and divinely imparted to each individual at conception (Gen 1:27; 2:5–23; Job 3:3; Ps 139:13–14; 1 Cor 11:3–15). Attempting to confuse the two sexes is an abomination to God (Lev 18:22; Deut 22:5; Rom 1:26–27; 1 Cor 6:9–10).
We believe that God’s intention in the creation of man was that man should
glorify God, enjoy God’s fellowship, live his life according to the will of God, and by this accomplish God’s purpose for man in the world (Isa 43:7; 1 Cor 10:31; Col 1:16; Rev 4:11).
We believe that, in Adam’s sin of disobedience to the revealed will and Word of God (Gen 2:16–17; 3:1–19, 1 Tim 2:13–14), man lost his innocence (1 John 1:8), incurred the penalty of spiritual and physical death (Rom 3:23; 6:23), became subject to the wrath of God (John 3:36), and became inherently corrupt and utterly incapable of choosing or doing that which is acceptable to God apart from divine grace (Psalm 14:2-3, Rom. 3:9-20, 1 Cor 2:14). With no recuperative powers to enable him to recover himself, man is hopelessly lost. Man’s salvation is thereby wholly of God’s grace through the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ, for all who believe. (Eph. 2:8-9, Rom. 3:21-26)
We believe that because all men were in Adam—united with him as the
representative of humanity—the guilt of sin was imputed and a corrupt nature was transmitted to all mankind of all ages, Jesus Christ (virgin born), being the only exception (Rom 5:12, 18–19; 8:3; 1 Cor 15:22; 2 Cor 5:21). All of mankind are thus sinners by nature, by choice, and by divine declaration (Ps 14:1–3; Jer 17:9; Rom 3:9–18, 23; 5:10–12).
Separation
We believe that separation from sin is clearly called for throughout the Old and New Testaments, and that the Scriptures clearly indicate that in the last days apostasy and worldliness will increase (2 Cor 6:14–7:1; 2 Tim 3:1–5).
We believe that, out of deep gratitude for the undeserved grace of God granted to us, and because our glorious God is so worthy of our total consecration, all the saved should live in such a manner as to demonstrate our adoring love to God, bringing no reproach upon our Lord and Savior (1 Peter 1:16, John 17:17, Psalm 119:11, Rom. 12:1-2, Matt. 5:16, 1 Cor. 10:31). We also believe that separation from all religious apostasy and worldly and sinful practices is commanded of us by God (Rom 12:1–2, 1 Cor 5:9–13; 2 Cor 6:14–7:1; 1 John 2:15–17; 2 John 9–11).
We believe that those who are in Christ should be separated unto our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess 1:11–12; Heb 12:1–2) and affirm that the Christian life is a life of obedient righteousness that reflects the teaching of the Beatitudes (Matt 5:2–12) and a continual pursuit of holiness (Rom 12:1–2; 2 Cor 7:1; Heb 12:14; Titus 2:11–14; 1 John 3:1–10).
Regeneration
We believe that regeneration, the divine act of being made spiritually alive from the natural state of ‘dead in the trespasses and sin’ (Eph. 2:1), is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which the divine nature and divine life are given (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:5). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word of God (John 5:24) when the repentant sinner, as enabled by the Holy Spirit, responds in faith to the divine provision of salvation.
Genuine regeneration is manifested by fruits worthy of repentance as demonstrated in righteous attitudes and conduct. Good works are the proper evidence and fruit of regeneration (1 Cor 6:19-20; Eph 2:10), and will be experienced to the extent that the believer submits to the control of the Holy Spirit in his or her life through faithful obedience to the Word of God (Eph 5:17-21; Phil 2:12b; Col 3:16; 2 Peter 1:4-10). This obedience causes the believer to be increasingly conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor 3:18). Such a conformity is climaxed in the believer’s glorification at Christ’s coming (Rom 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 3:2-3).
Justification
We believe that Christ’s atoning work on the cross was an Actual Atonement, not a Potential Atonement. Scripture is clear that Christ’s death on the cross was done with a definite accomplishing purpose, which was to redeem for God people from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 5:9). Jesus gave His life on the cross in order to “save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) and that He laid “down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15, Ephesians 1:3-14). His people, being given to him by the Father whom the Father predestined to Him, and therefore have been adopted as sons/daughters heirs to live in perfect unity with the Father for all eternity. (John 6:35-40, John 10:14-15, Ephesians 1:3-14, Rom. 8:15-17, 29-30, 38-39, John 10:28-29)
We see God’s eternal plan for salvation prophesied about in the Old Testament and accomplished in the New Testament. Isaiah 53:8,11-12 teaches that He was “stricken for the transgression of God’s people”, that He would “justify many” because “He shall bear their iniquities”, and that He indeed “bore the sin of many”. The Isaiah 53 passage makes it clear that Christ’s sacrifice was an intentional and actual atonement. The Lord Jesus Christ died not simply to make justification possible, but to actually justify those for whom He died for.
We believe therefore, that justification before God is an act of God (Rom 8:31-39) by which He declares righteous those who, through faith in Christ, repent of their sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; Rom 2:4; 2 Cor 7:10; Isa 55:6-7) and confess Him as Lord (Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 12:3; 2 Cor 4:5; Phil 2:11). This righteousness is apart from any virtue or work of man (Rom 3:20; 4:1-8) and involves the imputation of our sins to Christ (Col 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24) and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to us (1 Cor 1:30; 2 Cor 5:21). By this means God is shown to “be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21-26).
Sanctification
We believe that every believer is sanctified (set apart unto holiness) unto God by justification and is therefore declared to be holy and is therefore identified as a saint. This sanctification is positional and instantaneous and should not be confused with progressive sanctification. This sanctification has to do with the believer’s standing, not his present walk or condition (Acts 20:32; 1 Cor 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thess 2:13; Heb 2:11; 3:1; 10:10, 14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2).
We believe that there is also, by the work of the Holy Spirit, a progressive sanctification by which the state of the believer is brought closer to the standing the believer positionally enjoys through justification. Through obedience to the Word of God and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, the believer is able to live a life of increasing holiness in conformity to the will of God, becoming more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17, 19; Rom 6:1-22; 2 Cor 3:18; 1 Thess 4:3-4; 5:23).
In this respect, we believe that every saved person is involved in a daily conflict—the new creation in Christ doing battle against the flesh—but adequate provision is made for victory through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The struggle nevertheless stays with the believer all through this earthly life and is never completely ended. All claims to the eradication of sin in this life are unscriptural. Eradication of sin is not possible, but the Holy Spirit does provide for victory over sin (Gal 5:16-25; Eph 4:22-24; Phil 3:12; Col 3:9-10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9).
Security
We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 5:24; 6:37–40; 10:27–30; Rom 5:9–10; 8:1, 31–39; 1 Cor 1:4–8; Eph 4:30; Heb 7:25; 13:5; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24). Those who once professed faith and subsequently deny the Lord demonstrate by their going out from us that they were never truly saved in the first place (1 John 2:19).
It is possible, at times, for a genuine child of God to ‘fall away’ or backslide. This could mean they are genuinely in Christ, but for a time or season, their walk has regressed into a period of spiritual dullness or disobedience. This can display itself in several ways, including separating from the local church, walking away from family, falling back into old sinful habits, a loss of zeal or fervor for the Lord, among others. If they are truly in Christ though, they will repent and come back. As a loving Father to His children, the Lord’s discipline produces repentance. (Heb. 12:3-14). As the church, we are to lovingly aid in that process of calling to repent and return. (Gal. 6:1, James 5:19).
We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion for sinful living and carnality (Rom 6:15–22; 13:13–14; Gal 5:13, 25–26; Titus 2:11–14). Genuine salvation is manifested by fruits worthy of repentance as demonstrated in righteous attitudes and conduct. Good works are the proper evidence and fruit of regeneration (1 Cor 6:19–20; Eph 2:10) and will be experienced to the extent that the believer submits to the control of the Holy Spirit in his life through faithful obedience to the Word of God (Eph 5:17–21; Phil 2:12b; Col 3:16; 2 Peter 1:4–10).
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Marriage
In accordance with Scripture, we teach that God’s design for marriage is a public, formal, and official covenant before God between one male and one female (Gen 2:24; Pr 2:17; Ezek 16:8-14; Mal 2:14). God designed the marriage covenant to be a life-long bond (Matt 19:6; Rom 7:2) with divorce permitted only in the case of unrepentant sexual sin or of desertion by an unbeliever. (1 Cor. 7:10-11,15; Matt. 5:32, 19:9) In keeping with the spirit of Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments, we urge reconciliation in most cases in the event of an unfaithful spouse who demonstrates sincere biblical repentance (cf. Hosea 1-3; 11; Eph 4:32; Col 3:13). Although sexual sins of thought are not justification for divorce, all sexual immorality, both thoughts and behavior, must be taken seriously as a transgression against God.
God intends that the union between two believers be a pure and loving illustration of the relationship between Christ and His church, carried out in obedience to the Bible and through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. (Job 31:1; Matt 5:28; 15:19-20a; James 1:14-15; Eph 5:18-33; 2 Cor 6:14; 1 Peter 3:7). We do not recognize any other type of union to be a marriage nor do we sanction the cohabitation of any couple outside the bonds of marriage. (1 Thess. 5:22)
Holy Angels
We believe that God created angels as spiritual beings to glorify and serve Him. Angels act as God’s messengers and minister to believers. Although powerful, they are not to be worshiped (Colossians 1:16; 2:18; Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:13-14; Revelation 22:8-9).
Fallen Angels
We believe that Satan is a created angel and the author of sin. That he incurred the judgment of God by rebelling against his Creator (Is 14:12-17; Eze 28:11-19) and led many other angels into a rebellion against God (Matt 25:41; Rev 12:1-14). Satan tempted Adam and Eve into rebellion against God (Genesis 3:1-19; 2 Corinthians 11:3) and continues, with other fallen angels (demons), to deceive and tempt all mankind and actively opposes God (2 Corinthians 11:14; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Timothy 4:1).
We believe that Satan is the open and declared enemy of God and man (Isa 14:13-14; Matt 4:1-11; Rev 12:9-10); that he is the prince/ruler of this world (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11), who has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:20); the accuser of the saints (Rev. 12:10), the author of all false religions and that he is the unholy god of this age, the author of all powers of darkness, and that he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Isa 14:12-17; Eze 28:11-19; Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10).
Last Things- Eschatology
Death
We believe that physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness (Rev 6:9-11), that the soul of the redeemed passes immediately into the presence of Christ (Luke 23:43; Phil 1:23; 2 Cor 5:8), that there is a separation of soul and body (Phil 1:21-24), and that, for the redeemed, such separation will continue until the rapture (1 Thess 4:13-17), which initiates the first resurrection (Rev 20:4-6), when our soul and body will be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord (Phil 3:21; 1 Cor 15:35-44, 50-54). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:8).
We believe the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life (John 6:39; Rom 8:10-11, 19-23; 2 Cor 4:14), and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Dan 12:2; John 5:29; Rev 20:13-15).
We believe that the souls of the unsaved at death are kept under punishment in the intermediate hell until the second resurrection (Luke 16:19–26; Rev 20:13–15), when the soul and the resurrection body will be united (John 5:28–29). They shall then appear at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11–15) and shall be cast into eternal hell, the lake of fire (Matt 25:41–46; Rev 20:15), cut off from the life of God and enduring His wrath forever (Dan 12:2; Matt 25:41–46; 2 Thess 1:7–9).
The Rapture of the Church
We believe the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ before the
seven-year tribulation (1 Thess 4:16; Titus 2:13) to translate His church from this earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Cor 15:51-53; 1 Thess 4:15-5:11) and, between this event and His glorious return with His saints, to reward believers according to their works (1 Cor 3:11-15; 2 Cor 5:10).
The Tribulation Period
We believe that immediately following the removal of the church from the earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess 4:13-18) the righteous judgments of God will be poured out upon an unbelieving world during the seven year tribulation (Jer 30:7; Dan 9:27; 12:1; 2 Thess 2:7-12; Rev 16), and that these judgments will be climaxed by the return of Christ in glory to the earth (Matt 24:27-31; 25:31-46; 2 Thess 2:7-12). At that time the Old Testament and tribulation saints will be raised and the living will be judged (Dan 12:2-3; Rev 20:4-6). This period includes the seventieth week of Daniel’s prophecy (Dan 9:24-27; Matt 24:15-31; 25:31-46).
The Second Coming and the Millennial Reign
We believe that, after the tribulation period, Christ will come to earth to occupy the throne of David (Matt 25:31; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 1:10-11; 2:29-30) and establish His messianic kingdom for 1,000 years on the earth (Rev 20:1-7).
During this time the resurrected saints will reign with Him over Israel and all the nations of the earth (Eze 37:21-28; Dan 7:17-22; Rev 19:11-16). This reign will be preceded by the overthrow of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and by the removal of Satan from the world (Dan 7:17-27; Rev 20:1-7).
We believe that the kingdom itself will be the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel (Isa 65:17-25; Eze 37:21-28; Zech 8:1-17) to restore them to the land that they forfeited through their disobedience (Deut 28:15-68). The result of their disobedience was that Israel was temporarily set aside (Matt 21:43; Rom 11:1-26), but will again be awakened through repentance to enter into the land of blessing (Jer 31:31-34; Eze 36:22-32; Rom 11:25-29).
We believe that this time of our Lord’s reign will be characterized by harmony, justice, peace, righteousness, and long life (Isa 11; 65:17-25; Eze 36:33-38), and will be brought to an end with the release of Satan (Rev 20:7).
The Judgment of the Lost
We believe that following the release of Satan after the 1,000-year reign of Christ (Rev 20:7), Satan will deceive the nations of the earth and gather them to battle against the saints and the beloved city, at which time Satan and his army will be devoured by fire from heaven (Rev 20:9). Following this, Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10), whereupon Christ, who is the Judge of all men (John 5:22), will resurrect and judge the great and small at the Great White Throne
Judgment.
We believe that this resurrection of the unsaved dead to judgment will be a
physical resurrection, whereupon receiving their judgment (John 5:28-29), they will be committed to an eternal conscious punishment in the lake of fire (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:11-15).
Eternity
We believe that after the closing of the millennium, the temporary release of Satan, and the judgment of unbelievers (2 Thess 1:9; Rev 20:7-15), the saved will enter the eternal state of glory with God, after which the elements of this earth are to be dissolved (2 Peter 3:10) and replaced with a new earth, wherein only righteousness dwells (Eph 5:5; Rev 20:15; 21:1-27; 22:1-21). Following this, the heavenly city will come down out of heaven (Rev 21:2) and will be the dwelling place of the saints, where they will enjoy forever fellowship with God and one another (John 17:3; Rev 21-22). Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1 Cor 15:24-28), that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever and ever (1 Cor 15:28).
We also believe that for the eternal state we will have glorified bodies fit for eternity, where the perishable body will be raised as imperishable. (1 Cor 15:42-53)