What We Believe

Our doctrinal statement summarizes biblical truth that historically and doctrinally has been regarded as the simple basics essential to the Christian faith. We ask that all our leaders be in full agreement with the following statements.

We believe (1) in the complete and absolute verbal inspiration of the Word of God, and (2) that both the Old and New Testaments are without error in the original writings and are the supreme and final authority for faith and life.

We believe that (1) the Godhead exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and that (2) these three persons are one God having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections.

We believe in (1) his eternal existence as God, (2) his incarnation and virgin birth, (3) his death on the cross as the substitutionary atonement for sin, (4) his literal, bodily resurrection from the dead, (5) his present ministry of intercession in heaven, and (6) his personal, future return to earth.

We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, (1) convicts men of sin, (2) regenerates, (3) baptizes, (4) indwells, (5) seals, (6) and sets apart believers unto a holy life. We believe that he (7) keeps and empowers believers day by day, that he is (8) the Teacher of the Word of God and the Guide for daily living.

We believe that (1) man was created innocent and pure, but that (2) Adam fell through the sin of disobedience. Therefore, (3) all mankind are corrupted in body, soul, and spirit; and (4) all mankind needs redemption.

We believe that (1) salvation is by grace, a free gift of God apart from works, (2) salvation involves repentance, a change of mind in respect to God and thus turning from one's own way to God's way, (3) salvation is through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, (4) all who receive Jesus Christ are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become the children of God, and (5) true salvation will be evidenced by a changed life.

We believe in the (1) personal, visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth, (2) the bodily resurrection of those who are saved in Jesus Christ, who will live forever in the glory of God's presence, and (3) in the bodily resurrection of those who are not saved in Jesus Christ to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment and separation from God.

The church, that is, (1) the community of believers in Jesus Christ, is (2) God's plan to complete his present work on earth. The church has (3) one clear mission to accomplish until Jesus comes back: To make more and better followers of Jesus.