Here's a summary statement of what we believe. For a more comprehensive look at our beliefs, we invite you to visit our Writing for the Master site, especially the page on the Apostles' Creed.
- The Bible is the inspired Word of God.
- There is one true God, who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, was crucified, died, and rose again on the third day. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
- God created humans in His image, good and upright. But Adam and Eve willfully disobeyed God. All humanity has sinned against God and incurred physical death as well as spiritual death (separation from God).
- Salvation (justification; a right relationship with God) comes through repentance and faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
- We believe in Water Baptism and Holy Communion for believers.
- The baptism in the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it. All believers should eagerly expect and earnestly seek the promised gift of the Father (Luke 24:49), the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire (Matt 3:11), as our Lord Jesus Christ commanded (Acts 1:4). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to salvation. It provides the believer with power to be Christ's witness (Ac 1:8), including the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-31).
- Through the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to grow in holiness (sanctification).
- The Church is the Body of Christ and an evangelistic witness to the world.
- All believers have a place in the worship, ministry, and service of the Church.
- Because of Christ’s sacrifice, God can and does provide healing of the human body in response to believing prayer.
- Jesus Christ will return to earth in power and glory to rescue all believers and to reign a thousand years. He will judge all people: believers will enjoy everlasting life under God’s reign in a redeemed universe, while the unrepentant will be separated from God forever in hell.