What We Believe

  • The Holy Scriptures.

    • We believe in the plenary, verbal inspiration of the Bible contained in the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. We believe that the Scriptures are inerrant in all it affirms, not just in areas of faith and practice, but in all its teachings. We believe that inerrancy extends to the very words of the Scriptures not just to the thoughts and concepts of the human authors. Being the very Word of God, it is His final and complete revelation and our absolute authority faith and practice

      (Psalm 119:89; Matthew 5:17-18; II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:19-21).

  • The Godhead.

    • We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections

      (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 14:10, 26; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

  • The Person and Work of Jesus Christ.

    • We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became fully man, without ceasing to be fully 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

      (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-8).

    • 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 sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead

      (Acts 2:18-36; Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5; 2:24).

    • 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; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; I John 2:1-2).

    • We believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah promised in the Old Testament Scriptures and is, therefore, the absolute and final fulfillment of every prophecy regarding the Messiah. We believe that Jesus Christ is the full and final sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. We believe, therefore, that Jesus Christ is the only God-provided means of salvation and that saving faith in Him is the only way to Heaven

      (John 14:6; Romans 3:24-26; Hebrews 9:11-28; 10:10-14).

  • The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.

    • We believe the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Triune God and that it is His work to convict the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. We believe that He does not seek to exalt Himself but to exalt the Person and work of Jesus Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit directs in the proclamation of the Gospel throughout the world, and that He draws all who hear the Gospel to personal saving faith in Christ. We believe that He only regenerates those who savingly believe in Jesus Christ, baptizing them into the body of Christ upon salvation and indwelling them. He empowers believers for holy living and efforts in witnessing, enlightens them to the Scriptures and guides them in life and service

      (John 6:44; 16:8-15; Acts 1:8; 13:4; Romans 8:1-11; I Corinthians 2:11-16; 12:13; Ephesians 5:18).

    • We believe that the Holy Spirit sovereignly bestows spiritual gifts to every believer enabling them to serve effectively in the body of Christ

      (I Corinthians 12:4-31; Ephesians 4:11, 12; I Peter 4:10, 11).

    • We believe that on the Day of Pentecost believers spoke in distinct, foreign languages which were readily understood by the nationalities present. The gift of tongues was given as a sign to confirm the witness of the Gospel to all nations. Not all believers spoke with tongues. It was a gift that was later abused and particular guidelines were established by the Apostle Paul for the church to follow. We believe that the gift of tongues was neither an evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit nor an after-salvation experience for sanctification

      (Acts 2:4-11; I Corinthians 12:28-30; 14:1-40).

  • The Depravity of Man.

    • We believe that human beings were created in the image and likeness of God, however, while sin marred the image of God, it did not destroy it. Sin impacted the human race, transmitting to all progeny an inherited sinful nature, and resulting in all people becoming alienated from God. Because of this inherited, sinful nature people are utterly unable to remedy their lost condition. No one can turn to Christ in saving faith unless first assisted by the Holy Spirit. Adam’s sin also impacted the entire material universe and all animal life forms over which he had been given dominion

      (Genesis 1:26-28; Romans 3:22-23; 5:12, 6:23; 8:19-23; Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:17-19).

  • Salvation.

    • We believe that salvation is the free and gracious gift of God brought to undeserving man by God’s grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This relationship of redemption was provided when Jesus Christ gave His life on Calvary’s Cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day providing full and final payment for our sins. We believe that, at the moment of personal saving faith, all past sins are forgiven and full provision made for progressive sanctification of the believer until full and final redemption in heaven

      (John 1:12; 6:37-40; Romans 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; I Peter 1:18-21; Colossians 2:10-13).

    • We believe that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed for the sins of the whole world, not just for a limited number of people, i.e., unlimited atonement. We believe that His atoning death was sufficient for all but efficient only for those who believe. We believe that election is according to the foreknowledge of God of those who choose to be saved and conditioned on personal saving faith in Christ, thus granting a person the position of becoming one of the elect in Christ. We believe in resistible grace, that God’s offer of salvation can be rejected by fallen man, but that he cannot accept His gracious offer apart from the convicting, enabling power of the Holy Spirit

      (John. 3:16; 6:44; 16:7-11; Colossians 1:14; I Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:10-14; I Peter 1:2; II Peter 3:9, 14; Ephesians 2:8-10; I John 2:1-2).

    • We believe that all who are saved are commanded to live in such a manner as to demonstrate authentic personal holiness and not bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord. God commands His people to separate from all religious apostasy, worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations. This includes both personal and ecclesiastical separation

      (Romans 12:1-2; 14:13; I Corinthians 6:14-7:1; I Timothy 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17; I Corinthians 6:19-20).

  • The Security and Assurance of Believers.

    • We believe that all who are truly saved are kept by God’s power and are secure in Christ based upon their continuing in faith. It is God who does both the saving and the keeping, but He does both on the sole condition of the believer continuing in persevering faith until death

      (John 10:27-30; 15:1-6; Romans 8:35-39; 11:20-22; Hebrews 3:12-19; Colossians 1:21-29; I Peter 1:5; II Peter 1:10-11).

    • We believe that a saved individual may, in freedom of will, cease to savingly believe in Christ for salvation and be lost, i.e., the possibility of apostasy from saving faith. While we believe in the possibility, we do not believe in its probability. We do not believe in “eternal security i.e., once-saved-always-saved”. We believe that salvation is a one-time experience. We do not believe in repeated regeneration. We believe that should apostasy be committed, it is an irremediable condition and tantamount to the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit which is an unforgiveable sin

      (Matthew 12:31-32; John 15:1-6; Romans 11:20-22; Hebrews 6:1-6; 10:26-31; II Peter 2:20-22).

    • We believe that it is the privilege of every believer to rejoice in the full assurance of his/her salvation through the testimony of God’s Word and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. The possibility of a believer backsliding and committing apostasy does not contradict the believer’s assurance of salvation. The Scriptures teach both as complementary, not contradiction. However, God’s Word clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh. The believer is not saved by good works, but unto good works that testify of authentic, saving faith. The Word of God teaches that the grace of God is also a transforming grace

      (Romans 8:16, 17; 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-15).

    • We believe that all who are truly saved become, in Christ, a part of the priesthood of all believers. As such, they are afforded full and direct access to God through Jesus Christ, our only great and Sovereign High Priest. Because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, they are privileged with full fellowship with all other believers, freedom to interpret and apply the Scriptures, the responsibilities to intercede in prayer for others, and to offer up sacrifices of praise to God in service and worship

      (I Timothy 2:5, 6; Hebrews 4:14-16; 13:15-16; Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).

  • The Church.

    • We believe the Church is the New Testament expression of the redemptive, covenant relationship as the “Body of Christ” and the organizational structure for which Christ died. We believe that all who are genuinely saved constitute the universal Body of Christ

      (Matthew 16:17-19; I Corinthians 12:12-28; Ephesians 1:22, 23; 5:25, 27).

    • We believe that the local church is a divine institution ordained by God whose membership consists of those who are genuinely saved and usually reside in a certain geographic area. We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures as God’s primary model for Christian worship, growth, service, fellowship, and missions

      (Acts 2:41-47; 14:27; 20:17; 28-32; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11).

    • We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control. We believe that local churches can voluntarily and organizationally ban together to promote, but not limited to, missions, Christian education, evangelistic efforts for the salvation of the lost, and any ministry efforts which them deem necessary

      (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Romans 16:1, 4; I Corinthians 3:9, 16; 5:4-7; 13; I Pet. 5:1-4).

    • We recognize baptism by immersion, the Lord’s Supper, and the washing of the saints’ feet as the Scriptural ordinances of obedience for the church that pictures the saving work of Christ and expressions of obedience and humility in the Christian life

      (Matthew 28:19-20; John 13:1-17; Acts 2:41-42; I Corinthians 11:23-28).

  • The Second Coming of Christ.

    • We believe in the literal, visible, Personal return of Jesus Christ at the time God has appointed, to receive all believers of all ages to Himself, to judge the world with absolute and final justice, and create new heavens and a new earth on which the redeemed shall live with Him forever

      (Matthew 24:1-35; Mark 13:32; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:10-11; Philippians 3:20-21; I Thessalonians 1:19; 2:13; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:6-16; 21:1-22:21).

  • 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

      (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28, 29; 11:25-26; Revelation 20: 5-6, 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, when spirit and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord

      (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 3:21; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:4-6).

    • We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain after death in conscious punishment and torment until the second resurrection, when spirit and body will be reunited. 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 and torment

      (Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; I Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Revelation 20:11-15).

    • We believe the Bible teaches the finality of this present world culminating in its absolute destruction to judge evil and purge the entirety of the material universe of the effects of sin. We believe in the final judgment of Satan, the “anti-Christ, and false prophet” and all who reject the saving grace of God

      (John 5:25-29; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; II Peter 3:1-13; Revelation 19:20-21; 20:10; 21:8).

    • We believe the Bible teaches that when this present time, space, material world comes to its predicted end, God will create “new heavens, a new earth”, and an eternal relationship with Him for believers of all ages. While much is yet to be understood, the “new heavens and new earth” are suited perfectly for redeemed humanity to live as God intended and in perfect relationship with Him

      (John 14:1-3; Romans 8:18-23; II Peter 3:13; I John 3:1-3; Revelation 21:1-22:21).

  • The Personality of Satan.

    • We believe that Satan is a fallen spirit-being, the author of evil and sin, and the tempter in the fall of man; 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; Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Matthew 4:2-ll; 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

  • Creation.

    • We believe in the Biblical Creation account as recorded in Genesis 1-2, that God created “ex nihilo” (out of nothing) time, space, and the material universe in six literal, 24-hour days. We believe “Man/Woman” (Adam and Eve) were made separately from the animal world and in “the image of God”. We do not believe in the “evolution model” as a valid explanation of time, space, the material world, and the identity of humanity

      (Genesis 1:1-2:3; Exodus 20:11; Psalms 33:6-9; 74:12-17; 102:25-26).

  • Civil Government.

    • We believe that God has ordained and created authority structures for civil society consisting of three basic institutions: the home, the church, and civil government. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God

      (Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-24; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 2:13-14).

  • Human Sexuality.

    • We believe that gender identity is determined by biological male and female distinctive at conception/birth. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. We believe than any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex.

      (Genesis 2:24; 19:5; 13; 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; I Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4).

  • Marriage.

    • We believe that the Scriptures recognize marriage as the legal, civil joining of one man and one woman

      (Genesis 2:24; Exodus 20:14; Matthew 19:3-9; Romans 7:2; I Corinthians 7:1-40; Ephesians 5:22-23).

  • Family Relationships.

    • We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to “love his wife as Christ loves the church”. The wife is to graciously submit herself to the scriptural leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Parents are primarily responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural correction

      (Genesis 1:26-28; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mark 10:6-12; I Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; Hebrews 13:4; I Peter 3:1-7).

    • We believe that men and women are distinctive in their own gender identities and spiritually equal “in Christ”, but that God has ordained distinct and separate familial and spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the servant-leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church

      (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:18; I Timothy 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12).

  • Divorce and Remarriage.

    • We believe that God intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication/abandonment. Although divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they may not be considered for any ordained office, i.e. pastor or deacon

      (Malachi 2:14-17; Matthew 19:3-12; Romans 7:1-3; I Corinthians 7:10-17; I Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6).

  • Abortion.

    • We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Except in the case of the mother’s physical life being in jeopardy, abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Any decision regarding the physical life of the mother is the responsibility of the family and/or legal guardian

      (Job 3:16; Psalm 51:5; 139:14-16; Proverbs 6:7; Isaiah 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jeremiah 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44).

  • Euthanasia.

    • We believe that the direct taking of an innocent human life is a moral evil, regardless of age and or intention. Life is a gift of God and must be respected from conception until death. Cases of DNR (“Do Not Resuscitate”) and/or termination of life supports are regarded as the hard decisions necessary in some situations by those deemed with the responsibility and are not to be condemned nor regarded as euthanasia

      (Exodus 20:13; 23:7; Proverbs 6:17).

  • Christian Love.

    • We believe that the greatest expression of Christian life is to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind…and to love thy neighbor as thyself.” The expressions of this love are not only toward fellow believers, but also toward those who are not believers, those who oppose us, and those who engage in sinful actions. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, prayerfully, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict

      (Matthew 5:38-40; 18:15-20; 22:37-40; Romans 12:17-21).

  • Lawsuits Between Believers.

    • As a general rule, we believe the Scriptures prohibit Christians from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes in church matters. We believe the church possesses the necessary resources to resolve personal disputes between members including, but not limited to, Christian legal counsel. We do believe, however, in criminal cases, personal injury, required civil and legal duties by those in these positions, Christian may utilize any and all legal sources required. They may, also, seek compensation from another Christian’s insurance company but such claims are to be pursued without malice or slander. It is recognized that there are numerous “gray areas” in these matters and Christian, legal counsel is essential

      (Proverbs 11:14; I Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4: 1-3; 28-32).

  • Missions.

    • We believe that God has commanded the Church to proclaim the Gospel to all people of all nations as defined in The Great Commission. As ambassadors of Christ we must personally give witness to the Gospel message in lifestyle and conversation using all available means to get the Gospel to the ends of the earth

      (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20).

  • Giving.

    • We believe that every Christian is privileged to financially support his local church. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. Except in the case of designated giving, all monies will be used as the annual budget requires, or as the board of deacons may assign when emergencies arise

      (Genesis 14:20; Proverbs 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; I Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians. 9:6-7; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:28; I Timothy 5:17-18; I John 3:17).