The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority of faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; Matt. 5:18; John 16:12,13).
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority of faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; Matt. 5:18; John 16:12,13).
The GodHead
We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13:14).
We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13:14).
The Person and Work of Christ
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (John 1:1, 2, & 4; Luke 1:35).
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and, that our justification is made by His literal and physical resurrection from the dead (Rom. 3:23,25; 1 Peter 2:24; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5).
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9,10; Heb. 9:24; 7:24; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1).
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (John 1:1, 2, & 4; Luke 1:35).
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and, that our justification is made by His literal and physical resurrection from the dead (Rom. 3:23,25; 1 Peter 2:24; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5).
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9,10; Heb. 9:24; 7:24; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1).
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Divine Person who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment; gives eternal life to those who place their trust in Christ, unites all believers to Christ in one body by His baptizing ministry, indwells them permanently, seals them unto the day of redemption, fills (controls) those who are yielding to Him, and empowers them for service. He seeks to direct their attention not to themselves nor to their experience, but to Christ (John 3:1-8; 14:15-17; 16:4b-14; Acts 1:6-11; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 1:11-14, 4:25-32; 5:15-6:9).
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Divine Person who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment; gives eternal life to those who place their trust in Christ, unites all believers to Christ in one body by His baptizing ministry, indwells them permanently, seals them unto the day of redemption, fills (controls) those who are yielding to Him, and empowers them for service. He seeks to direct their attention not to themselves nor to their experience, but to Christ (John 3:1-8; 14:15-17; 16:4b-14; Acts 1:6-11; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 1:11-14, 4:25-32; 5:15-6:9).
The Total Depravity of Man
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam’s sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and, that man is totally depraved, and of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Gen. 1:26,27; Rom. 3:22,23; 5:12; Eph. 2:1-3,12).
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam’s sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and, that man is totally depraved, and of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Gen. 1:26,27; Rom. 3:22,23; 5:12; Eph. 2:1-3,12).
Salvation
We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Eph. 2:8-10; John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18,19).
We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Eph. 2:8-10; John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18,19).
The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers
We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1,38,39; 1 Cor. 1:4-8; 1 Peter 1:5).
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 to the flesh (Rom. 13:13,14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).
We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1,38,39; 1 Cor. 1:4-8; 1 Peter 1:5).
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 to the flesh (Rom. 13:13,14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).
The Two Natures of the Believer
We believe that every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit; and, that all claims to the eradication of the old nature in this life are unscriptural (Rom. 6:13; 8:12,13; Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9).
We believe that every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit; and, that all claims to the eradication of the old nature in this life are unscriptural (Rom. 6:13; 8:12,13; Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9).
Separation
We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God (2 Tim. 3:1-5; Rom. 12:1,2; 14:13; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John vs. 9-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; 7:1).
We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God (2 Tim. 3:1-5; Rom. 12:1,2; 14:13; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John vs. 9-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; 7:1).
Missions
We believe that it is the obligation of the saved to witness by life and by word to the truths of Holy Scripture and to seek to proclaim the Gospel to all mankind (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:19,20).
We believe that it is the obligation of the saved to witness by life and by word to the truths of Holy Scripture and to seek to proclaim the Gospel to all mankind (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:19,20).
The Ministry and Spiritual Gifts
We believe that enabling gifts for service are bestowed according to God’s sovereign will upon all believers by the Spirit of God to be exercised for the edification of the Church and for the glory of the Lord (1 Cor. 12:4-11; Eph. 4:1-16).
We believe that the Biblical gift of speaking in tongues was speaking in existing languages which the speaker had never learned and that it was never the common nor necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Spirit (Acts 2:5-13; 1 Cor. 14:10-11; 1 Cor. 12:12-13 comp. 12:27-31).
We believe that some gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues and miraculous healings were given to be used as signs to authenticate the message of the first century church (Acts 2:1-36; 4:1-12; Heb. 2:1-4).
We believe that while God may choose to heal supernaturally, the healing of the temporal body is not assured by Christ’s atoning work on the cross (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Timothy 4:19-21).
We believe that the spiritual gift of apostleship is no longer given today having fulfilled its purpose to establish the Church and the New Testament documents (Eph. 2:11-3:6).
We believe those claiming to have the spiritual gift of prophecy must be tested in the same manner as Old Testament prophets – giving a near term prophecy that must come to pass (Deut. 18:15-22). We believe the canon of Scripture is complete.
The Church
We believe that the Church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons of this present age (Eph. 1:22,23; 5:25-27; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2). We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17; 28:32; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11). We believe that the ordinances of the church are baptism (which is properly administered by immersion) and the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 3:13-15; Rom. 6:3,4; Col. 2:12; Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:23-25).
We believe that enabling gifts for service are bestowed according to God’s sovereign will upon all believers by the Spirit of God to be exercised for the edification of the Church and for the glory of the Lord (1 Cor. 12:4-11; Eph. 4:1-16).
We believe that the Biblical gift of speaking in tongues was speaking in existing languages which the speaker had never learned and that it was never the common nor necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Spirit (Acts 2:5-13; 1 Cor. 14:10-11; 1 Cor. 12:12-13 comp. 12:27-31).
We believe that some gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues and miraculous healings were given to be used as signs to authenticate the message of the first century church (Acts 2:1-36; 4:1-12; Heb. 2:1-4).
We believe that while God may choose to heal supernaturally, the healing of the temporal body is not assured by Christ’s atoning work on the cross (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Timothy 4:19-21).
We believe that the spiritual gift of apostleship is no longer given today having fulfilled its purpose to establish the Church and the New Testament documents (Eph. 2:11-3:6).
We believe those claiming to have the spiritual gift of prophecy must be tested in the same manner as Old Testament prophets – giving a near term prophecy that must come to pass (Deut. 18:15-22). We believe the canon of Scripture is complete.
The Church
We believe that the Church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons of this present age (Eph. 1:22,23; 5:25-27; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2). We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17; 28:32; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11). We believe that the ordinances of the church are baptism (which is properly administered by immersion) and the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 3:13-15; Rom. 6:3,4; Col. 2:12; Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:23-25).
Dispensationalism
We believe in the dispensational view of Bible interpretation and recognize God’s program for Israel to be distinct from His program for the church (Jer. 33:19-21, Ezek. 36:16-38, Rom. 11:24-29, Gal. 3:15-4:7, Eph. 2:11-13, 3:1-7; Heb. 1:1-2).
We believe in the dispensational view of Bible interpretation and recognize God’s program for Israel to be distinct from His program for the church (Jer. 33:19-21, Ezek. 36:16-38, Rom. 11:24-29, Gal. 3:15-4:7, Eph. 2:11-13, 3:1-7; Heb. 1:1-2).
The Personality of Satan
We believe that Satan is a created, angelic being, the author of sin and the cause of the fall; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6,7; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25-41; Rev. 20:10).
We believe that Satan is a created, angelic being, the author of sin and the cause of the fall; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6,7; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25-41; Rev. 20:10).
The Second Advent of Christ
We believe in the “Blessed Hope” – the personal, imminent, pre-tribulation and premillennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones; and in His subsequent return to earth, with His saints, to establish His Millennial Kingdom (1 Thess. 4: 13-18; Zech. 14:4-11; Rev. 19:11-16; 20:1-6; 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9; Rev. 3:10).
We believe in the “Blessed Hope” – the personal, imminent, pre-tribulation and premillennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones; and in His subsequent return to earth, with His saints, to establish His Millennial Kingdom (1 Thess. 4: 13-18; Zech. 14:4-11; Rev. 19:11-16; 20:1-6; 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9; Rev. 3:10).
The Eternal State
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28,29; 11:25,26; Rev. 20:4,6,12,13). We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; Rev. 20:4-6; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; 1 Theses. 4:16,17). We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in constant misery until the second resurrection when they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment (cf. Chronology of Eschatology chart) (Luke 16:19-26; Matt. 25:41-46; 2 Theses. 1:7-9; Jude vs.6, 7; Mark 9:43-48; Rev. 20:11-15).
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28,29; 11:25,26; Rev. 20:4,6,12,13). We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; Rev. 20:4-6; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; 1 Theses. 4:16,17). We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in constant misery until the second resurrection when they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment (cf. Chronology of Eschatology chart) (Luke 16:19-26; Matt. 25:41-46; 2 Theses. 1:7-9; Jude vs.6, 7; Mark 9:43-48; Rev. 20:11-15).
God’s Intentional Design for Life
We believe God created all things and set in place the laws of nature, not according to random chance but according to his perfect, miraculous and purposeful plan. Our understanding of the origin of life is enhanced by scientific observation, but not limited to material processes. The existence of the world cannot be explained adequately apart from the intelligent exercise of God’s supernatural power.
God created the natural world and called it “good,” and after he created male and female, he declared his creation “very good.” The man, Adam, was formed by the LORD God from the dust of the ground and not from living ancestors, and God breathed into him the breath of life so that Adam became a living being. The woman, Eve, was created from Adam’s side with both made in the image of God.
We recognize that part of God’s good design is the way he created male and female in his image to flourish in community. In the beginning, God designed marriage as a covenantal bond between one man and one woman, which is affirmed by Jesus in the New Testament. It is in this marriage union that God blessed a special spiritual, emotional and sexual intimacy for joy, satisfaction and procreation. Further, we believe God’s intent for sexual intimacy is to occur only in the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe God created all things and set in place the laws of nature, not according to random chance but according to his perfect, miraculous and purposeful plan. Our understanding of the origin of life is enhanced by scientific observation, but not limited to material processes. The existence of the world cannot be explained adequately apart from the intelligent exercise of God’s supernatural power.
God created the natural world and called it “good,” and after he created male and female, he declared his creation “very good.” The man, Adam, was formed by the LORD God from the dust of the ground and not from living ancestors, and God breathed into him the breath of life so that Adam became a living being. The woman, Eve, was created from Adam’s side with both made in the image of God.
We recognize that part of God’s good design is the way he created male and female in his image to flourish in community. In the beginning, God designed marriage as a covenantal bond between one man and one woman, which is affirmed by Jesus in the New Testament. It is in this marriage union that God blessed a special spiritual, emotional and sexual intimacy for joy, satisfaction and procreation. Further, we believe God’s intent for sexual intimacy is to occur only in the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman.
God’s Sacred Value for Life
We believe that our biblical calling to be good stewards of creation involves cultivating a sense of awe and reverence at the sacred mystery of human life made in the image of God. God is glorified by the rich mosaic of human cultures and ethnicities since men and women reflect his image and are equally precious in his sight. All human beings are created with intrinsic dignity and importance. There are no exceptions.
This understanding of human worth begins with the recognition that conception marks the start of human life and full personhood. Each person possesses a right to life and protection from harm. We uphold the value God has given to humanity by protecting the worth of persons from their beginnings until their final breaths. We are opposed to the taking of innocent life, from abortion to euthanasia.
Seeing human life as a seamless tapestry, we affirm the personhood and dignity of those who are medically marginalized. Our vision of justice is rooted in a biblical calling to care for vulnerable members of our society.
We believe that our biblical calling to be good stewards of creation involves cultivating a sense of awe and reverence at the sacred mystery of human life made in the image of God. God is glorified by the rich mosaic of human cultures and ethnicities since men and women reflect his image and are equally precious in his sight. All human beings are created with intrinsic dignity and importance. There are no exceptions.
This understanding of human worth begins with the recognition that conception marks the start of human life and full personhood. Each person possesses a right to life and protection from harm. We uphold the value God has given to humanity by protecting the worth of persons from their beginnings until their final breaths. We are opposed to the taking of innocent life, from abortion to euthanasia.
Seeing human life as a seamless tapestry, we affirm the personhood and dignity of those who are medically marginalized. Our vision of justice is rooted in a biblical calling to care for vulnerable members of our society.
God’s Final Plans for Life
God is the sovereign author of history. He is working all things toward the promise of Christ’s return to earth in power and glory as he judges the world in righteousness to bring an end to evil and to rule and reign in the new heaven and new earth as the eternal dwelling place for the redeemed. As the redeemed, we faithfully live out God’s calling to grow in him, to obey his commands, to delight in him, to steward his creation and to make disciples of all nations.
Because of our new life in Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and compelled by the hope of Christ’s return to live with purpose and urgency to fulfill his mission. God’s great love for the world calls us to proclaim in word and deed the good news of salvation through faith in Christ. We also live out the fullness of life in Christ by working for justice, peace and reconciliation in his name. As the Body of Christ – the Church – we seek to bear witness to the coming Kingdom of God in every dimension of our lives as part of the gospel announcement that Jesus saves.
God is the sovereign author of history. He is working all things toward the promise of Christ’s return to earth in power and glory as he judges the world in righteousness to bring an end to evil and to rule and reign in the new heaven and new earth as the eternal dwelling place for the redeemed. As the redeemed, we faithfully live out God’s calling to grow in him, to obey his commands, to delight in him, to steward his creation and to make disciples of all nations.
Because of our new life in Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and compelled by the hope of Christ’s return to live with purpose and urgency to fulfill his mission. God’s great love for the world calls us to proclaim in word and deed the good news of salvation through faith in Christ. We also live out the fullness of life in Christ by working for justice, peace and reconciliation in his name. As the Body of Christ – the Church – we seek to bear witness to the coming Kingdom of God in every dimension of our lives as part of the gospel announcement that Jesus saves.
Eschatology
In fulfillment of God’s historical purpose for humanity to rule and establish God’s kingdom on earth (Gen. 1:28; Ps. 8:4-8; Matt. 6:10; Heb. 2:6-9), the Scriptures teach a millennial reign of Christ with His saints on earth following His literal return. The nation of Israel, having been redeemed, will play a central role in bringing the blessings of salvation to all nations during the millennium in fulfillment of biblical prophecies (e.g., Is. 2:1- ; 11:1-12; Jer. 23:5-6; Ezek. 37; Amos 9:9-15; Zech. 14; Matt. 19:28; Acts 1:6; 3:19-21; Rev. 20:4-6). Following the millennium, this kingdom will be merged into the eternal kingdom (I Cor. 15:22-28).
Before these millennial events, the believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (I Thess. 4:13-17). The “rapture” is the deliverance of all church-age believers from the “day of the Lord”, the Tribulation. It will occur upon the fulfillment of two signs: the apostasy of the Church and the identification of the “man of lawlessness”, the antichrist. (1 Thess. 5:1-11; 2 Thess. 2:1-3). Soon after the rapture, the day of the Lord will begin.
In fulfillment of God’s historical purpose for humanity to rule and establish God’s kingdom on earth (Gen. 1:28; Ps. 8:4-8; Matt. 6:10; Heb. 2:6-9), the Scriptures teach a millennial reign of Christ with His saints on earth following His literal return. The nation of Israel, having been redeemed, will play a central role in bringing the blessings of salvation to all nations during the millennium in fulfillment of biblical prophecies (e.g., Is. 2:1- ; 11:1-12; Jer. 23:5-6; Ezek. 37; Amos 9:9-15; Zech. 14; Matt. 19:28; Acts 1:6; 3:19-21; Rev. 20:4-6). Following the millennium, this kingdom will be merged into the eternal kingdom (I Cor. 15:22-28).
Before these millennial events, the believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (I Thess. 4:13-17). The “rapture” is the deliverance of all church-age believers from the “day of the Lord”, the Tribulation. It will occur upon the fulfillment of two signs: the apostasy of the Church and the identification of the “man of lawlessness”, the antichrist. (1 Thess. 5:1-11; 2 Thess. 2:1-3). Soon after the rapture, the day of the Lord will begin.
Revised 04/28/2024