OUR BELIEFS
Beliefs matter.
Right believing often leads to right living.
GOD
There is one God, who is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- God is infinitely perfect in that the Perfections of God are His:
Spirituality (John 4:24), unity (I Cor. 8:6), independence (John 5:26), unchangeability (James 1:17), eternity (II Peter 3:8), & Omnipresence (Mt. 28:20).
- “One God” and “Existing eternally in three persons:”
Scripture teaches that there is one God who is God of all, and there is no other beside him, (Deut. 4:39). In the O.T. we are given clues to the tri-personality of God. The Holy, Holy, Holy, of Isa. 6:3 when coupled with the plural tense in Isa. 6:8 “who will go for us?” shows there is more than a single personality in God that is operating. This is also shown in Gen. 1:26 where God states, “Let us make man in our image.”
The N.T. more clearly defines the plurals of the O.T., while still leaving us without any explicit rendering of the Trinity. Jesus identifies himself as equal to God, (John 10:30), the Holy Spirit was also identified with God, (Acts 5:3,4). The divine tri-personality has one common purpose and will, (John 5:18-23 & 16:7-15). Scripture affirms that each of the three personalities have eternal existence in their separate personalities. They were not existing only for a specific time to fulfill a specific purpose, the Father (Rev. 4:9), the Son (Heb. 13:8), and the Spirit (John 14:16).
GOD THE SON
Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He is conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures. He is now at the right hand of the Majesty on High as our great High Priest. He will come again to establish His Kingdom of righteousness and peace.
- “True God and true man” as applied to Jesus:
The N.T. gives ample support for Jesus being fully God as well as fully human. We are shown his divinity in the following ways: the claims Jesus make about himself (John 10:30), the claims of the Father for Him (Mt. 3:17), the claims of the people who knew Him (John 1:1), the proof of His miracles (Rom. 1:4), & the Virgin Birth (Lk. 1:26).
We are shown Christ’s humanity in the following ways:
His birth to a woman (Lk. 1 & 2), his human like feelings; hunger (Mt. 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), tiredness (John 4:6), & sufferings (Heb. 2:9).
In order to have a clear understanding of the ‘Hypostatic Union’ one must punt to the Apostle Paul’s benediction in Eph. 3:20. In the H.U. (I Tim. 2:5) Christ is seen as completely God and man in one personality. God became man. He was God thus He could not sin. As man, he could die, which was necessary. The ‘Kenosis’ passage (Phil. 2:5-11) states that Christ voluntarily gave up His powers of deity to become man. Although, He was no less a part of the Trinity.
- The concept of atonement for sin & “substitutionary sacrifice:”
Because of sin, humanity’s relationship to God was broken, (Ex. 32:34). In order to restore man and God to a right relationship there had to be a blood sacrifice, (Heb. 9:22). The use of animals as a sacrifice was only temporary until the perfect sacrifice of Jesus was given once for all, (Heb. 10:1-18). Because of the shedding of His blood, we are declared not guilty of our sins, (Heb. 9:22). The only condition being our repentance of sin and belief in Jesus, (John 3:16).
The reasons we are declared not guilty because of the substitutionary death of Christ are:
He became man (Rom. 8:3), he took our guilt upon himself (II Cor. 5:21), & he took our punishment for sin (Isa. 53:4).
- The significance of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ:
The resurrection of Jesus is a historical event. When the resurrection took place, Jesus went from death to life with all the physical attributes of a man Lk. 24:39).
The theological meaning of the resurrection is the core of all Christianity. The Apostle boldly stated that if Christ was not raised then our preaching is in vain (I Cor. 15:14). Through the resurrection, Christ validated His claims (I Cor. 15:15). Our hope for eternity is also in the resurrection (I Cor. 15:23).
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is a divine person, sent to indwell, guide, teach, empowers the believer, and convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement.
- The Holy Spirit as a “divine person:”
The Holy Spirit is a person in that the attributes ascribed to Him are the same that a human being would have:
He speaks (Acts 13:2), he teaches (John 14:26), he is grieved (Acts 7:31, Eph. 4:30), & he is lied to (Acts 5:3).
The Holy Spirit is part of the triune God in that:
He is eternal (Heb. 9:14), he is omniscient (John 16:13), & he was involved in creation (John 33:4, Job).
The baptism of Jesus (Mt. 3:16-17), the baptismal formula (Mt. 28:19), and the apostolic benediction (II Cor. 13:14) give the best evidence of the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
- The ministry of the Holy Spirit to the believer and to the unbeliever:
In the Church the Holy Spirit is active in sealing believers (Eph. 4:30). He also is a teacher, about Jesus (John 16:13), and about God’s will (Acts 15:27). The Holy Spirit also empowers the Church to witness Acts (1:8), and is active in the choosing of those who will be sent out (Acts 13:2). The H.S. also is the unifying agent in the Church who brings all believers into the common body (I Cor. 12:13). The role of the H.S. in the world is to convict men of not believing in Jesus, and to tell that Satan has already been judged (John 16:8-12). The H.S. will also bring renewal to the world (Isa. 32:15).
THE BIBLE
The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice.
- Understanding of the following words in the above statement:
a) “Inerrant” – The original autographs were without error.
b) “Verbally inspired” – The Holy Spirit interacted with the personality of the writers of Scripture to produce the written Word of God in the individual style of the writer. This is affirmed in II Peter 1:21.
c) “Only rule” – The only way we know of salvation and faith in Christ is through the Scriptures.
d) “Faith and practice” – Christian faith is what we believe. Paul speaks of it in I Thess. 2:13. Practice is the acting out in our life that which we have read in Scripture and believe, (Matthew 7:24-26).
CREATION
Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God; he fell through disobedience, incurring thereby both physical and spiritual death. All men are both born with a sinful nature, and are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The portion of the impenitent and unbelieving is existence forever in conscious torment; and that of the believer, in everlasting joy and bliss.
- Understanding of the following words in the above statement:
a) “Created” – The triune God created man (Heb. 11:13) for His own pleasure and glory (Isa. 43:7). This act was distinct from the rest of creation (Gen. 2:7). When man was created, he was made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27) without sin and able to freely communicate with God (Gen. 1:28-29).
b) “Born with a sinful nature” – Because of Adam’s sin all men are born with a sinful nature and in rebellion to God (Ps. 51:5).
c) “Separated from the life of God” – Because of sin man’s relationship with God has been broken, man is no longer able to be in the presence of the Holy and undefiled God (Gen. 3:8-13 & Heb. 7:26).
d) “Existence forever on conscious torment” – The penalty for unrepented sin is being thrown in the lake of fire with Satan, this is a constant and everlasting punishment (Rev. 20:15 & 21:8). However, the greatest source of torment will be everlasting separation from God (Mt. 25:30-46).
e) “Everlasting joy and bliss” – This is simply the provision that the forgiven believer enjoys in Christ. Saints have their names written in the book of life and are promised life forever in the presence of God (Rev. 21:3-5).
- Salvation without personal faith in Jesus Christ:
Because of sin all men are separated from God. It is only through Jesus that the Father may be approached (John 14:6 & I Timothy 2:5).
- Those who have not heard the gospel:
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! Romans 10:14-15).
SALVATION
Salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ for all men; and those who repent and believe in Him are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life and become children of God.
- Understanding of the following terms:
a) “Salvation” is the restoration of the relationship between God and man (II Cor. 5:18). It is brought about by believing in Jesus (John 3:16-;8).
b) “Repentance” is intellectual recognition of one’s sinful condition, emotional sense of distress, and volitional decision to turn (180 degrees) from sin (Ps. 51:3-15 & Acts 2:38).
c) “Believe” in Jesus is to go past mere intellectual assent of accepting His claims and those made about Him. It is being willing to yield your life to the demands that Christ made.
d) “Regeneration” is a work of God through the Spirit in the heart and life of the sinner, making them righteous (John 3:3-7). It is being regenerated or “born again”. Born again is the new life that is begun by repentance and completed by God (I Peter 1:23).
e) “Justification” is the act of God’s free grace made in heaven whereby He declares a sinner guiltless/righteous through the merits and works of a substitute–Christ (Romans 5:9).
- Salvation provided for all “men” – all “humanity”:
Christ desires all men to be saved (I Tim. 2:4 & John 3:16). The only requirement put on man is that he must accept the salvation that has been provided (II Peter 3:9). - The divine aspects and human aspects in statement six:
The divine aspects are salvation, regeneration, and justification. The human aspects are repentance and believe.
SANCTIFICATION
It is the will of God that each believer should be filled with the Holy Spirit and be sanctified wholly, being separated from sin and the world and fully dedicated to the will of God, thereby receiving power for holy living and effective service. This is both a crisis and a progressive experience wrought in the life of the believer subsequent to conversion.
- Understanding of sanctification in the life of the believer:
The separation and dedication of a person to God, to belong wholly to Him and to be used for His glory. This involves initial sanctification (I Cor. 1:2), which all believers experience. Then a crisis experience where the process of entire sanctification is begun in the believer (Rom. 12:1). - Understand of following phrases:
a) “Filled with the Holy Spirit” – When a believer is filled with the H.S. a new power is begun in the person’s life. It is at this point that both victory over sin begins (Romans 8:1-11), and the person is empowered for service (Acts 1:8).
b) “Sanctified wholly” – To be sanctified is to be cleansed from all sin, both the carnal mind and indwelling sin (I Thessalonians 5:23).
c) “Separated from sin” – By definition sanctification is to be separated, thus, when one is sanctified, he is separated from sin.
d) “Fully dedicated” – We are told to present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13). This giving of ourselves to God is the first step of our spiritual life which will lead to the daily walk of service (II Corinthians 8:5).
- Sanctification designated as a ‘crisis’:
The crisis experience is brought about by the believer longing for a closer walk with God that he is unable to obtain by himself (Romans 6:10f). At this point the believer totally surrenders to God’s will. - Sanctification designated as ‘progressive’:
After the crisis experience the Lord will reveal to the believer new areas of life which must be consecrated. This should continue throughout the believer’s lifetime (Ephesians 3:16-19). - Evidences of a sanctified life:
Love and desire are the two primary evidences of a sanctified life. We will have a consuming love for Jesus and a genuine love for the saints and heathen. Also, a desire to be more like Christ in order to glorify God and minister effectively.
HEALING
Provision is made in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ for the healing of the mortal body. Prayer for the sick and anointing with oil are taught in the Scriptures and are privileges for the Church in this present age.
- Scriptural basis for the position that physical healing is provided in the atonement:
Isaiah 53:5 tells us that the suffering and cross of Christ have provided the means for our physical healing. I Peter 2:24 also restates this truth. - Physical healing is the privilege of the believer today:
James 5:14 instructed the Church on healing. We have no reason to believe that what was promised to the first century Church should be any different today. - How divine healing fits into the modern scene of medical science:
Medical knowledge is a gift to men by God. I believe that God can use Doctors or divinely touch, the choice is His.
THE CHURCH
The Church consists of all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, are redeemed through His blood and are born of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church, which has been commissioned by Him to go into all the world as a witness, preaching the Gospel to all nations. The local church is a body of believers in Christ who are joined together for worship of God, for edification through the Word of God, for prayer, fellowship, the proclamation of the Gospel, and observance of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
- The relationship of each local church to the total Body of Christ, the universal church:
The church is a spiritual body which is composed of the believers of all ages who are united in Christ by faith (Hebrews 12:23). The local church is a visible body of believers who meet in a common place to worship and for edification (Eph. 4:11f).
- Corporate worship, prayer, and fellowship essential for the local church:
Three major essentials for the local church are found in Acts 2:41-47. The church is to worship God, evangelize the world, and edify the body of believers.
- Role of the Church in the proclamation of the gospel &edification of the believer:
It is the primary mission of the church to bring Christ to the world (Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 15:14-18). Edification is the building up of the Church in truth and grace. There are five agencies which contribute to the edification of the Church: (1) Christian Ministry, (2) The Word of God, (3) The Holy Spirit, (4) The Gifts of the Spirit, & (5) The Sacraments.
- Importance of establishing local churches:
Basically, the essentials for the local church are the reason that it is important to establish local churches. In addition, Hebrews 10:25 instructs us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together for the purpose of encouraging one another.
- The Scriptural mode of Baptism:
Immersion. The evidence of the N.T. points to believer’s baptism by immersion (Mt. 3:13-16 & Acts 8:38-39). The symbolic meaning of being buried with Christ and raised again with Him is best shown through immersion (Rom. 6:1-11)
- The purpose and meaning of the Lord’s Supper:
Christ told us that by partaking of the bread we are reminded of His shed blood for the remission of our sins (I Cor.11:23ff).
THE RESURRECTION
There shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust; for the former, a resurrection unto life; for the later, a resurrection unto judgment.
- The term ‘bodily resurrection’:
I Corinthians 15:20-49 teaches the certainty of the resurrection. The new body which we are given will be one of power, which is imperishable, and spiritual. This new body will be given when Christ himself comes for those who have died in Him (I Thessalonians 4:16-18).
THE SECOND COMING
The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent and will be personal, visible, and premillennial. This is the believer’s blessed hope and is a vital truth which is an incentive to holy living and faithful service.
- In connection with the return of Christ, the following terms mean:
a) “Premillennial” – Christ will return to earth, literally and bodily, before the millennial age begins and that by His presence, a kingdom will be instituted over which He reigns for 1000 years after which the kingdom will be given by the Son to the Father.
b) “Amillennial” – There will be no literal millennium on the earth following the second advent. It is symbolic. The eternal state immediately follows the second coming of Christ.
c) “postmillennial” – This view holds that the world is now in the process of becoming a saved world. The return of Christ will occur after an extended period of righteousness. Christ returns after the millennium.
- The second Coming of Christ “imminent”:
The imminent return of the Lord means that it may occur at any time, no man knows the day nor the hour (Mt. 24:36). However, I believe that we can know the season and will go through the tribulation (saints mentioned in Rev. 6:18).
The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent and will be personal, visible, and premillennial. This is the believer’s blessed hope and is a vital truth which is an incentive to holy living and faithful service.
- In connection with the return of Christ, the following terms mean:
a) “Premillennial” – Christ will return to earth, literally and bodily, before the millennial age begins and that by His presence, a kingdom will be instituted over which He reigns for 1000 years after which the kingdom will be given by the Son to the Father.
b) “Amillennial” – There will be no literal millennium on the earth following the second advent. It is symbolic. The eternal state immediately follows the second coming of Christ.
c) “postmillennial” – This view holds that the world is now in the process of becoming a saved world. The return of Christ will occur after an extended period of righteousness. Christ returns after the millennium.
- The second Coming of Christ “imminent”:
The imminent return of the Lord means that it may occur at any time, no man knows the day nor the hour (Mt. 24:36). However, I believe that we can know the season and will go through the tribulation (saints mentioned in Rev. 6:18).
