Our Statement of Faith
God
There is one eternal, triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ
Jesus, the Son, is the Word (Logos) of God who has become flesh. We affirm the full deity and humanity of Jesus the Messiah, who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life as a man on this earth, died on a cross, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. During his earthly ministry, Jesus taught, proclaimed, and demonstrated the kingdom of God.
( John 1:1, Matt 1:25, I Peter 2:22, Mark 15:25, Matthew 28:6, Luke 24:50, Luke 4:43)
Holy Spirit
The work of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ. The Spirit is active to convict people of sin and to accomplish God’s saving work in those who repent and believe. The Spirit enables Christ-like transformation and empowers believers for witness and service, distributing gifts according to God’s will.
( John 16:14. Romans 4:24, II Corinthians 3:18, I Corinthians 12:11)
The Bible
The Bible is the fully inspired written Word of God as contained in the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is the unique and authoritative standard for faith and life, and contains all things necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
( II Timothy 3:16-17)
Humankind
Humankind in all its diversity is created in the image of God, and intended for relationship with God. However, all humans are fallen, are under the power of sin and death, and are in need of salvation. In Jesus Christ, God is redeeming all creation, including humankind, and restoring us to right relationship with God and with one another.
(Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3, Romans 3:23)
Salvation
There is salvation only in Jesus Christ. Through prevenient grace, an expression of God’s loving nature, God initiates relationship with all people. Salvation is not earned by human effort, but rather is offered to all by God’s love, mercy, and grace. It is received through repentance and faith in Christ. God desires all of humankind to experience salvation.
( Acts 4:12, I John 4:8, Titus 3:5, Acts 17:30, Ephesians 2:8, 2 Peter 3:9)
Church
The Church is the Body of Christ, the universal community of believers in Jesus. Christ loves the Church. Endowed with spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit, the Church glorifies God, makes disciples, witnesses redemptively in the world and prepares to meet Jesus upon His glorious return.
(Ephesians 1:22-23)
The kingdom of God
Inaugurated at the advent of Christ, the kingdom of God will be consummated at the return of Christ and will be marked by ultimate victory over death, Satan and all evil. Those who have died in Christ will be resurrected to eternal life with God. Until that time, we are called to follow Jesus, and join Him in His kingdom work.
(I Corinthians 15:24-28)
Our Calling
Jesus calls His followers, and sends them into the world as the Father sent Him into the world. In obedience to Christ we go into all the world proclaiming the gospel to and making disciples of all peoples, and showing love for God and neighbor by doing and proclaiming God’s mercy and justice.
(John 20:21)