Doctrinal Statement

Section 1. Verbal Inspiration of the Bible

We believe the Bible, as originally written, is verbally inspired and written by “holy men of old” as they were moved by the Holy Spirit”. We believe that it is without error and that it is the only and complete final revelation of God’s will. The Holy Scripture is our final authority (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 2:13; 2 Peter 1:16-21).

Section 2. The True God

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God; an infinite Being, almighty, all-knowing, ever present, creator of heaven and the Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. He alone is glorious in holiness, worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love. God exists in the unity of the Godhead-one in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (Deut. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13:14).

A. God the Father: We believe that God the Father is an eternal person, having no beginning and no ending, and that He is the creator of all (John 4:24; Luke 3:22).

B. God the Son: We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God the Son. We also believe that:

He is the only Savior of mankind (Acts 4:12).

He is God incarnate in human flesh (John 1:14; Rom. 8:3; 1 Tim. 3:16).

He is God, for whom and by whom all things were created (Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:9).

He is the one mediator between God and men (1 Tim. 2:5).

We believe in His virgin birth, His holy, sinless, life, His vicarious death and bodily resurrection (John 3:16; Matt. 1:23; Col. 1:15-19; Is. 7:14).

C. God the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4), that He baptizes all believers into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13); that He indwells all believers (Rom. 8:9); and that He fills the obedient and is the believer’s guide into truth; and that He convicts the sinner of sin. (John 16:7-15).
 

Section 3. Man

We believe that man was created by God, in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1 26-27), but through the sin of Adam fell from his sinless state, resulting in all humans being born with a depraved nature (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:19), and are alienated from God (Eph. 4:14; Is. 53:6; Rom. 3:23). Man, himself, is utterly unable to redeem his lost condition (Eph. 2:8 & 9; Tit. 3:5-6).

Section 4. The Devil

We believe that the Devil (Satan) is a person and that he is the author of sin and the deceiver of mankind. One day, God will cast Satan into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10; 12:9-10; Matt. 25:41; Is. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11).

Section 5. Heaven

We believe that heaven is a place prepared for all born again believers (John 14:1-6).

Section 6. Hell

We believe that Hell is a place prepared for the Devil, his angels and those who die in unbelief (Matt. 25:41; Luke 16:19-31; Rev. 21:8).

Section 7. Salvation

We believe that salvation is the gift of God, and that man is justified by faith alone in the shed blood of Christ (Rom. 5:1-19; Heb. 9:22; 1 John1:7). Man is born again by grace through faith and not by/through works (Eph. 2:8,9; Gal. 2:16).

Section 8. Baptism and Communion

We believe that baptism does not save. Baptism, through immersion, is an act of obedience to the command of Christ. Baptism is the testimony of our faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:1-5; Matt. 28:19-20). We believe that communion (The Lord’s Supper) is a symbolic ordinance, picturing Christ’s body broken for our sins and His blood shed for our redemption. It is not a saving ordinance, but helps us remember His death, and inspires us in looking forward to His coming (1 Cor. 11:23, 24).

Section 9. Eternal Security

We believe that once a person is truly born again they cannot lose their new nature (salvation). They are secure in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:27-29; Rom. 8:38-39; 2 Tim. 1:12; 1 Peter 1:5).

Section 10. Resurrection

We believe in the bodily resurrection of all people, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Rev. 20:5-6, 12-13).

Section 11. The Church

A. We believe that the Church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born again people of this present age (Eph. 1:22-23, 5:25-27; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2).

B. We believe that the establishment and continuance of the local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (1 Thes. 1:1; Acts 14:23-27, 20:17; 1 Tim. 3; Tit. 1:5-11).

Section 12. The Second Coming of Christ

We believe in the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. His return from heaven will be personal, bodily, visible and glorious at a time that is not revealed, but imminent (1 Thes. 4:16-17; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Cor. 15).

Section 13. Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society. Civil leaders are to be prayed for, honored and obeyed except in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience (Rom 13:1-7; Matt. 22:1; Acts 4:19-20).