OUR CHURCH'S BELIEFS
1. The Scriptures: God's Timeless Revelation
The Bible is God's flawless revelation to humanity, divinely inspired and written by chosen men. Its ultimate purpose is salvation, and its every word holds eternal truth. It stands as the perfect guide for living, judging, and uniting believers. As the cornerstone of our faith, Scripture remains the highest authority, revealing Christ as the heart of God’s message and the center of divine truth.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
2. GOD: CREATOR, SUSTAINER, REDEEMER
God is the one true, living Being—Creator of all, Sustainer of life, and Ruler of the universe. His infinite holiness and perfection surpass our understanding. All-knowing and all-powerful, His wisdom encompasses every moment of time. Revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God invites us to love, reverence, and obey Him, offering the deepest relationship with His creation.
3. GOD THE FATHER: HIS LOVING REIGN
God the Father reigns with care and wisdom, overseeing the universe and guiding human history by His grace. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and full of love. As a true Father, He welcomes all who come to Him through faith in Christ, extending His fatherly care to all humanity, while offering a deep relationship with His children.
Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
4. CHRIST THE ETERNAL SUN: THE REDEEMER OF ALL
Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, took on human form through the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary. Living a sinless life, He fully embraced humanity while perfectly fulfilling God's law. Through His death on the cross, He provided redemption for all, and His resurrection ensured victory over death. Now ascended to heaven, Christ reigns as the Mediator, preparing to return in power and glory. His Spirit dwells in all believers, guiding and empowering them.
Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53:1-12; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
5. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: HIS GUIDING PRESENCE
The Holy Spirit is fully divine, inspiring the Scriptures and illuminating truth. His presence convicts, regenerates, and leads believers into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, providing comfort, spiritual gifts, and strength for service. Sealing believers for redemption, the Holy Spirit is our assurance of transformation, empowering the Church in worship, evangelism, and ministry while exalting Christ at every step.
Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17.
6. GOD's MASTERPIECE: THE PURPOSE AND CREATION OF MAN
Humanity is God's crowning creation, made in His image, with male and female as unique expressions of His goodness. Originally innocent and free, mankind fell into sin through the choice to disobey, bringing brokenness into the world. Now born into a world inclined toward sin, only God’s grace can restore us to His fellowship and purpose. Every human life carries divine worth, demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice, affirming the dignity of all people.
Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
7. SALVATION: A JOURNEY OF GRACE AND REDEMPTION
Salvation is the complete redemption of every believer, freely available through faith in Jesus Christ. By His sacrificial death, Christ secured eternal redemption for all who trust in Him. This process includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and ultimately, glorification. Salvation is a transformative journey, where personal faith in Christ brings new life, peace with God, spiritual growth, and the promise of eternal glory.
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.
A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. The sinner responds to the Holy Spirit's work of bringing about a change of heart by turning to God and placing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.
B. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Savior.
C. Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favor with God.
D. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life.
E. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
8. GRACE UNFOLDED: THE ETERNAL PURPOSE OF GOD'S ELECTION
Election reflects God’s sovereign grace, through which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. While honoring human free will, God's purpose ensures the ultimate redemption of believers, highlighting His wisdom and unchanging goodness. This divine election humbles us, removing pride and boasting, as we rely fully on His grace to fulfill His plan of salvation.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.
VI. The Church
THE CHURCH: GOD'S LIVING COMMUNITY
The New Testament church is a community of baptized believers united by faith in Christ. Guided by His teachings, we practice the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper while striving to spread the gospel globally. Every congregation, accountable to Christ, functions democratically under His authority. Pastors and deacons serve as scriptural officers, with the role of pastor reserved for men as outlined in Scripture. Together, we form the Body of Christ, encompassing believers from every nation and generation.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.
VII. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
CELEBRATING FAITH: BAPTISM & THE LORD’S SUPPER
Baptism symbolizes a believer’s commitment to Christ, representing the death of sin and the rebirth into a new life through immersion in water. It serves as both an act of faith and a testament to the final resurrection. The Lord’s Supper, on the other hand, is a sacred remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. As we share the bread and the cup, we honor His death and look forward to His promised return.
Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.
VIII. The Lord’s Day
THE LORD’S DAY: A TIME FOR RENEWAL AND WORSHIP
The Lord’s Day, observed on the first day of the week, is a sacred time for Christians to reflect on Christ’s resurrection. It is a day for worship and spiritual renewal, both publicly and privately. Our activities should align with our conscience, guided by Christ’s Lordship, as we honor Him through acts of devotion and gratitude.
Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10.
IX. The Kingdom
THE KINGDOM: EMBRACING GOD’S REIGN
The Kingdom of God reflects His reign over the entire universe and His personal rule over those who submit to Him. It is a realm of salvation, open to all who trust in Christ with childlike faith. As believers, we labor and pray for God’s Kingdom to manifest on earth, knowing its ultimate fulfillment will come with Christ’s return and the end of this age.
Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.
X. Last Things
THE FINAL CHAPTER: CHRIST'S RETURN AND ETERNAL JUDGMENT
In God’s perfect timing, the world will come to its destined end. Jesus Christ will return in visible glory, raising the dead and judging all people with righteousness. The unrighteous will face eternal separation, while the righteous, in glorified bodies, will dwell forever with the Lord in Heaven. This final promise of Christ brings hope to His followers as we await His return.
Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.
XI. Evangelism and Missions
SPREADING THE WORD: GLOBAL EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
Every follower of Christ and church is called to share His message with the world, turning hearts toward Him. The Holy Spirit ignites love in us, compelling us to bring the gospel to all nations. Evangelism is not only a command from Christ, but a natural outpouring of a renewed spirit. We are to live as witnesses, proclaiming His word through both our words and our way of life.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.
XII. Education
BUILDING MINDS AND FAITH THROUGH CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Christianity embraces enlightenment, with Jesus being the source of all wisdom and knowledge. True learning is deeply tied to our faith, and a thirst for knowledge follows spiritual renewal. Education is a core mission of Christ’s Kingdom, alongside outreach and benevolence. Churches must support Christian education generously, as it is essential for a fully realized spiritual life, equipping believers for service and understanding.
Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.
XIII. Stewardship
INVESTING YOUR TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE FOR GOD
God blesses us with everything we have, both spiritually and materially. As Christians, we are entrusted with these blessings, called to use our time, talents, and resources to serve God and others. We are stewards of His gifts, and Scripture urges us to give cheerfully, regularly, and generously, advancing the message of Christ and His work on earth. Our faithful giving helps spread God’s love and purpose.
Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
XIV. Cooperation
WORKING TOGETHER: HARNESSING THE POWER OF UNITY FOR CHRIST
Christians are called to unite for the Kingdom’s work, joining together in associations and conventions that harness the power of cooperation. These groups serve as voluntary, advisory bodies, amplifying the collective efforts of the church in missions, education, and service. True Christian unity is a spiritual harmony, where different groups come together for shared goals, always faithful to Christ’s Word without compromise.
Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.
XV. The Christian and the Social Order
LIVING THE FAITH: SHAPING A BETTER WORLD THROUGH CHRIST
Christians are called to make Christ’s will central in our lives and society. Lasting social change must come from individuals transformed by Christ’s saving grace. We stand against all forms of injustice and immorality and work for the well-being of the vulnerable, including the unborn. Christians should lead with love, bringing righteous values into society, government, and industry, while working with others in good faith to create lasting change.
Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.
XVI. Peace and War
PURSUING PEACE: LIVING OUT CHRIST’S TEACHINGS
Christians are called to be peacemakers, striving to live in harmony with others through Christ’s righteousness. The teachings of Christ guide us to work for peace, with the ultimate solution to conflict found in the gospel. We must promote Christ’s law of love and pray for His peace to reign, knowing that true peace can only come from following His path.
Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.
XVII. Religious Liberty
PROTECTING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: A SACRED RIGHT
God grants each person freedom of conscience, unbound by human doctrines outside His Word. Church and state must remain separate, with the government protecting the church’s right to pursue its spiritual mission. Christians are called to respect civil authority unless it contradicts God’s will. Religious liberty means a free church within a free state, where individuals can seek God without interference from the government.
Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.
XVIII. The Family
STRONG FAMILIES: GOD’S DESIGN FOR LOVE AND UNITY
God designed the family as the cornerstone of society, forming it through marriage, blood, or adoption. Marriage unites one man and one woman, reflecting Christ’s relationship with the church and providing companionship, intimacy, and the foundation for raising children. Husbands and wives are equal in God’s eyes, each fulfilling unique roles. Children are a precious gift, and parents must lead by example, instilling spiritual and moral values through love and discipline. Families are called to honor God and reflect His design.
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.
