God

Three things are eternal, God, His Word and people. People were created to exist forever. They will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. He exists as one substance in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although each member of the Trinity serves different functions, they each possess equal power and authority. Everything was created by Him and through Him. (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 12:29; John. 1:1-4; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)

 

God’s Word

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

 

Humanity – God’s Image Bearers

Individuals are created in the image of God and are the supreme object of His creation. We were created to have fellowship with God but became separated in that relationship through sinful disobedience. As a result, we cannot attain a right relationship with God through our own effort. Everyone is uniquely created, possesses dignity, is worthy of respect and Christian love, and has a God-purpose for their life. (Genesis 1-3; Romans 3:10-19; Romans 1:18, 32)

 

Salvation – God’s Plan

Jesus Christ is completely human but, at the same time, completely God. He is the only plan for bringing people who are far from God back into a right relationship with God. He lived a perfect life, so that He could be a substitution for us in satisfying God’s demands for perfection. He defeated death in His resurrection so that we could have life. The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the only way of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Salvation occurs when people place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation is a gift from God, and it cannot be earned through our own efforts. (Romans 8:37-39; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 12:13)

 

The Church – God’s design for community

The Church is not a building but a people. It is a group of Christ followers unified through faith in Jesus Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity to glorify Christ by reaching the lost and making disciples of all people. (Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:42-46; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Matthew 28:18-20)

 

Baptism and Communion

Christian baptism is a public declaration of the believer’s salvation in Christ, identifying with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection symbolized by immersion in water. The Lord’s Supper is the united remembrance celebrated by believers of Christ’s death until He comes and should be preceded by a careful self examination (Acts 2:41; Romans 6:3-6; 1 Corinthians 11:20-29)

 

Things to Come

We believe that Jesus will return to earth in the future and that this has vital bearing on the personal life, service, and mission of followers of Jesus. We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost. The lost will be raised to judgment and experience eternal wrath in hell. The saved will be raised to eternal joy in the new heaven and new earth in the manifested presence of God.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:31-46)