Use these links to jump to any section referencing our detailed Statement of Faith.
The Holy Scriptures
We teach that the Bible is God’s written revelation to man, and thus the sixty-six books of the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit constitute the Word of God (Acts 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:7-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The canon of Scripture is closed, and God no longer gives special revelation (Hebrews 1:1-2; Jude 3).
We teach that the Word of God is an objective, propositional revelation (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13), verbally inspired in every word and equally inspired in all parts (plenary verbal inspiration), God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), absolutely inerrant in the original manuscripts, infallible (Psalm 19:7-9), and completely sufficient for the believer’s sanctification (John 17:17). We teach the literal, grammatical-historical interpretation of Scripture which affirms the belief that the opening chapters of Genesis present creation in six literal days (Genesis 1; Exodus 31: 15-17).
We teach that the Bible constitutes the only infallible rule of faith and practice. Scripture alone is authoritative (2 Timothy 3:15-17; John 15:20).
We teach that although God’s works of creation and providence give clear testimony to His existence, goodness, wisdom, and power, yet men spurn this general revelation of God (Romans 1:18-23). God’s works of creation and providence are not sufficient of themselves to give that knowledge of God and the gospel necessary for salvation. Only the scriptures give “the wisdom that leads to salvation which is through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 1:23).
We teach that God revealed His written Word by a process of dual authorship. The Holy Spirit so superintended the human authors so that they composed and recorded God’s Word to man through their individual personalities and different styles of writing without error in the whole or in the part (John 16:12-15; Acts 1:16; 2 Timothy 3: 16; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 3:18).
We teach that although there may be several applications of any given passage of Scripture there is only one true interpretation. The meaning of Scripture is to be discerned as one diligently applies the literal grammatical-historical method of interpretation under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:7-15; 2 Timothy 2:7; 1 John 2:20). It is the responsibility of believers to ascertain carefully the true intent and meaning of Scripture, recognizing that proper application is binding on all generations. The truth of Scripture stands in judgment of men; never do men stand in judgment of it.
God
We teach that there is but one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-7; 1 Corinthians 8:4), who is an infinite, eternal, self-existent, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent Spirit (Exodus 3:14; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:1-2; 139:7-10; Matthew 6:8; 10:30; John 5:26; 1 John 3:20; Revelation 1:8; 4:8; John 4:24), perfect and immutable in His being and attributes (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17), one in essence, eternally existing in three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14) – each equally deserving worship and obedience.
-
God the Father
We teach that God the Father, the first person of the Trinity, orders and disposes all things according to His own purpose (Psalm 145:8-9; 1 Corinthians 8:6). He is the creator of all things (Genesis 1:1-31; Ephesians 3:9). As the only absolute and omnipotent ruler, He is sovereign in creation, providence, and redemption (Psalm 103:19; Romans 11:36). His fatherhood involves both His designation within the Trinity and His relationship with mankind. As Creator He is Father to all men (Ephesians 4:6), but He is spiritual Father only to believers (Romans 8: 14; 2 Corinthians 6:18).
We teach that God has decreed for His own glory all things that come to pass (Ephesians 1:11). The decree of God is His eternal purpose, based on His wise and holy will, whereby He foreordained for His own glory all things which come to pass. His eternal purpose (decree) is immutable, free, and efficacious.
He continually upholds, directs, and governs all creatures and events (1 Chronicles 29:11). However, He is neither the author nor the approver of sin (Habakkuk 1: 13), nor does He abridge the accountability of moral, intelligent creatures (1 Peter 1:17). He has graciously chosen from eternity past those whom He would have as His own (Ephesians 1:4-6); He effectually draws them to Himself (John 6:39, 44; Romans 8:29-30) ; He saves from sin all those who come to Him; and He becomes, upon adoption, Father to His own (John 1:12; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5; Hebrews 12:5-9).
-
God the Son
We teach that Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, possesses all the divine excellencies, and in these He is coequal, consubstantial, and coeternal with the Father (John 10:30; 14:9; Hebrews 1:3).
We teach that God the Father created “the heavens and the earth and all that is in them” according to His own will, through His Son, Jesus Christ, by Whom all things continue in existence and in operation (John 1:3; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:2-3).
We teach that in the incarnation (God becoming man) Christ surrendered only the prerogatives of deity but nothing of the divine essence, either in degree or kind. In His incarnation, the eternally existing second person of the Trinity accepted all the essential characteristics of humanity and so became the God-man (Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 2:9).
We teach that Jesus Christ represents humanity and deity in indivisible oneness (Micah 5:2; John 5:23; 14:9-10; Colossians 2:9).
We teach that our Lord Jesus Christ was virgin born (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23, 25; Luke 1:26-35); that He was God incarnate (John 1:1, 14); and that the purpose of the incarnation was to reveal God, redeem men, and rule over God’s kingdom (Psalm 2:7-9; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:29; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 7:25-26; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
We teach that Jesus Christ occupies three offices – Prophet, Priest, and King. These three Old Testament offices foreshadowed the coming Messiah’s own work in three different ways:
- Prophet: As Prophet Jesus reveals God to us and speaks God’s words to us. Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15 that a prophet like him (Moses) would arise. This was ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Acts 3:22-24). Consistent with this, Jesus claimed to be a prophet (Matthew 13:57; Mark 6:4; Luke 4:24; 13:33; John 4:44).
- Priest: As Priest Jesus both offers a sacrifice to God the Father on our behalf and is Himself the sacrifice that is offered. The book of Hebrews portrays Christ as a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. He fulfills the Day of Atonement and continues to make intercession for believers (Hebrews 2:18; 4:16; Romans 8:34).
- King: As King Jesus rules over His church and over the universe as well. The consummation of His kingship will be realized in the future (Luke 19:38; John 18:36-37; Acts 17:7; Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 19:16).
We teach that, in the incarnation, the second person of the Trinity laid aside His right to the full prerogatives of coexistence with God and took on an existence appropriate to a servant while never divesting Himself of His divine attributes (Philippians 2:5-8).
We teach that Jesus Christ was completely sinless. The impeccability of Christ not only means that He did not sin but that He could not sin and did not have a sinful nature as we do (Matthew 3:17; John 8:46-49; 14:30; Acts 3:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26; 9:14; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22; 1 John 3:5, 7).
We teach that our Lord Jesus Christ accomplished the redemption of the elect through the shedding of His blood and His sacrificial death on the cross and that His death was voluntary, vicarious, substitutionary, propitiatory, redemptive, and efficacious (John 10:15; Romans 3:24-25; 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24).
We teach that Christ’s death was intended to infallibly and unfailingly save a particular people, the elect who were given to Him by the Father (Ephesians 1:3-7; John 1:29; 17:2, 6, 9, 24). The substitutionary death of Christ actually secured the salvation of specific individuals, namely those who were chosen by God before the foundation of the world. Therefore, we teach that Christ’s work of atonement was limited to the elect. Christ’s redemption secured everything necessary for their salvation, including faith which unites them to Him. The gift of faith is infallibly applied by the Spirit to all for whom Christ died, thereby guaranteeing their salvation.
We teach that on the basis of the efficacy of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, the believing sinner is freed from the punishment, the penalty, the power, and one day the very presence of sin; and that he is declared righteous, given eternal life, and adopted into the family of God (Romans 3:25; 5:8-9; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18).
We teach that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead and that He is now ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He now mediates as our Advocate and High Priest (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:38-39; Acts 2:30-31; Romans 4:25; 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; 1 John 2:1).
We teach that in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave, God confirmed the deity of His Son and gave proof that God had accepted the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Jesus’ bodily resurrection is also the guarantee of a future resurrection life for all believers (John 5:26-29; 14:19; Romans 4:25; 6:5-10; 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23).
We teach that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), the Head of His body the church (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23; Colossians 1:18), the King who reigns on the throne of David (Isaiah 9:6-7; Ezekiel 37:24-28; Luke 1:31-33). the judge of all who fail to place their trust in Him as Lord and Savior (Matthew 25:.14-46; Acts 17:30-31).
We teach that Jesus Christ will personally, bodily, and visibly return again to receive His own unto Himself (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 20).
We teach that the Lord Jesus Christ is the one through whom God will judge all mankind, believers and unbelievers (Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:22-23; Acts 17:30-31; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15).
-
God the Holy Spirit
We teach that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is God, eternal, underived, possessing all the divine excellencies. He is coequal and consubstantial with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 28:25-26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; and Jeremiah 31:31-34 with Hebrews 10:15-17). The Holy Spirit possesses all the attributes of personality and deity, including intellect (1 Corinthians 2: 10-13), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), will (1 Corinthians 12: 11), eternality (Hebrews 9:14), omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-10), omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14), omnipotence (Romans 15:13), and truthfulness (John 16: 13).
We recognize the Holy Spirit’s sovereign activity in creation (Genesis 1:2), the incarnation (Matthew 1:18), written revelation (2 Peter 1:20-21), and the work of salvation (John 3:5-7). We teach that the Holy Spirit is the divine teacher who guided the apostles and prophets into all truth as they committed to writing God’s revelation, the Bible (John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
We teach that the work of the Holy Spirit includes convicting the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ, and transforming believers into Christlikeness (John 16:7-14; Acts 1:5; 2:4; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 2:22).
We teach that the Holy Spirit is the supernatural and sovereign agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12: 13). The Holy Spirit also indwells, sanctifies, instructs through the Word of God, empowers believers for service, and seals them unto the day of redemption (Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 1:13).
We teach that every believer is indwelled by the Holy Spirit from the moment of salvation. However, it is the responsibility of all those born of the Spirit to be filled with (controlled by) the Spirit (John 16:13; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 5:18; 1 John 2:20, 27).
We teach that the Holy Spirit administers spiritual gifts to the church. The Holy Spirit glorifies neither Himself nor His gifts by ostentatious displays, but He does glorify Christ by regenerating the lost and building up believers in the most holy faith (John 16: 13-14; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
We teach, in this respect, that God the Holy Spirit is sovereign in the bestowing of all His gifts for the equipping of the saints today and that speaking in tongues and the working of sign miracles in the beginning days of the church were for the purpose of pointing to and authenticating the apostles as revealers of divine truth, and were never intended to be characteristic of the lives of believers today (Mark 16:20; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:7-12; Hebrews 2:1-4).
Man
We teach that man was directly created by God in His image and likeness. Man was created free of sin with a rational nature, intelligence, volition, emotional capacity, and moral responsibility to God (Genesis 2:7, 15-25; James 3:9). Even though man still bears that image, the result of the Fall is that all men are born sinners, lost, alienated from God, spiritually dead, totally depraved, unable to please God, and totally unable to come to Christ without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
We teach that God created man for His own glory that he should worship God, enjoy God’s fellowship, live his life in obedience to God, and by this accomplish God’s purpose for man in the world (Isaiah 43:7; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11).
We teach that the first man, Adam, was the appointed representative and head of the human race, and that by his sin of disobedience to the revealed will and Word of God, man lost his innocence, incurred the penalty of spiritual and physical death, became subject to the wrath of God, and became inherently corrupt and utterly incapable of choosing or doing that which is acceptable to God apart from divine grace. With no recuperative powers to enable him to recover himself, man is hopelessly lost. Man’s salvation is thereby wholly of God’s grace through the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-19; John 3:36; Romans 3:23; 5:1-12; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 Timothy 2:13-14; 1 John 1:8).
We teach that because all men are born “in Adam,” a nature corrupted by Adam’s sin has been transmitted to all men in all ages, Jesus Christ being the only exception. All men are thus sinners by nature, by choice, and by divine declaration (Psalm 14:1-3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:9-18, 23; 5:10-12).
Salvation
We teach that salvation is wholly of God by grace on the basis of the redemption of Jesus Christ, the merit of His shed blood, and not on the basis of human merit or works (John 1: 12; Ephesians 1 :7; 2:8-10; 1 Peter 1: 18-19). We teach that salvation is by the grace of God alone, through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone who died as a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of His chosen people. Those who thus receive Christ by faith have all their sins forgiven, become children of God, and are indwelled by the Holy Spirit at the time of conversion. We teach that when a Christian is born again he is given the power through the indwelling Holy Spirit to live a life of faith in and obedience to Christ.
-
Regeneration
We teach that regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit whereby new life is implanted in the person (John 3:3-7; Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:5). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word of God (John 5:24; 2 Timothy 2:15) so as to secure voluntary obedience to the gospel. Regeneration will be manifested by faith, repentance, and righteous living (Ephesians 2:4; John 3). Good works will be its proper evidence and fruit (1 Corinthians 6: 19-20; Ephesians 5:17-21; Philippians 2:12b; Colossians 3:12-17; 2 Peter 1:4-10). This obedience out of a motive of love causes the believer to be increasingly conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3: 18). Such a conformity is climaxed in the believer’s glorification at Christ’s coming (Romans 8: 17; 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 John 3:2-3).
-
Election
We teach that election is the sovereign act of God by which, before the foundation of the world, He chose to bring about the salvation of certain and specific individuals out of the ruined mass of fallen humanity, not on the basis of anything He foresaw in those individuals, nor on the basis of anything those individuals would do, nor on the basis of any merit He foresaw in them, but solely on the basis of His sovereign, free, and gracious will for His own glory. Therefore, God foreordained before the foundation of the world those whom He would save or leave reprobate (Matthew 24:24; John 1:13; 6:37, 65; Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:4-11; 2 Thessalonians. 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:10; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1-2).
We teach that the unmerited favor that God grants to totally depraved sinners is not related to any initiative of their own part nor to God’s anticipation of what they might do by their own will, but is solely of His sovereign grace and mercy (Ephesians 1:4-7; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:2).
We teach that sovereign election does not contradict or negate the responsibility of man to repent and trust Christ as Savior and Lord (Ezekiel 18:23, 32; 33:11; John 3:18-19, 36; 5:40; Romans 9:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; Revelation 22:17). Nevertheless, since sovereign grace includes the means of receiving the gift of salvation as well as the gift itself, sovereign election will result in what God determines.
-
Effectual Calling
All whom the Father has chosen to save, at His appointed time, He effectually calls to Himself by His Word and His Holy Spirit out of the state of death in which they are by nature. Those whom He calls will come in faith because of the efficacious work of the Holy Spirit in drawing, regenerating, and granting them repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ. All whom the Father calls to Himself will come to Him, and all who come in faith the Father receives. (John 3:3-5; 6:37-40, 44; Acts 13:48; Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 2:4-5; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:3, 23).
-
Justification
We teach that justification before God is the act of God (Romans 8:33) by which He declares righteous those who, through faith in Christ alone, repent of their sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11 18; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Isaiah 55:6-7) and confess Him as sovereign Lord (Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 2:11) This righteousness is apart from any virtue or work of man (Romans 3:20; 4:6) and involves the placing of our sins on Christ (Colossians 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24) and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to us (1 Corinthians 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:21) By this means God is enabled to “be just, and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:26).
-
Sanctification
We teach that every believer is sanctified (set apart) unto God by justification and is therefore declared to be holy and is consequently identified as a saint. This sanctification is positional and instantaneous and should not be confused with progressive sanctification. This sanctification has to do with the believer’s standing, not his present walk or condition (Acts 20:32; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 2:11; 3:1; 10:10, 14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2)
We teach that there is also, by the work of the Holy Spirit, a progressive sanctification by which the state of the believer is brought closer to the likeness of Christ through obedience to the Word of God and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Through these means the believer is able to live a life of increasing holiness in conformity to the will of God, becoming more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ. This sanctification should be motivated by a love for God and His glory (John 17:17, 19; Romans 6:1-22; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:34; 5:23).
In this respect, we teach that every saved person is involved in a daily conflict — the new creation in Christ doing battle against the flesh. Adequate provision is made for victory through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The struggle nevertheless stays with the believer all through this earthly life and is never completely ended. All claims to the eradication of sin in this life are unscriptural. Eradication of sin is not possible, but the Holy Spirit does provide for victory over sin (Galatians 5: 16-25; Ephesians 4:22-24; Philippians 3:12; Colossians 3:9-10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9).
-
Perseverance & Security
We teach that all the redeemed are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever. Those who are truly saved will persevere in the faith by God’s grace and will not ultimately fall away (John 5:24; 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 5:9-10; 8:1, 31-39; 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 3:14; 7:25; 13:5; 1 Peter 1:4-5; 1 John 2:19; Jude 24).
We teach that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an excuse for sinful living and carnality (Romans 6:15-22; 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13, 16-17, 25-26; Titus 2:11-14).
-
Separation
We teach that separation from sin is clearly called for throughout the Old and New Testaments, and that the Scriptures clearly indicate that in the last days apostasy and worldliness shall increase (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 2 Timothy 3: 1-5).
We teach that out of deep gratitude for the undeserved grace of God granted to us and because our glorious God is so worthy of our total consecration, all the saved should live in such a manner as to demonstrate our adoring love to God and so as not to bring reproach upon our Lord and Savior. We also teach that separation from any association with religious apostasy, and worldly and sinful practices as commanded of us by God (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11).
We teach that believers should be separated unto our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; Hebrews 12:1-2) and affirm that the Christian life is a life of faith in and obedience to Christ demonstrated by a beatitude attitude (Matthew 5:2-12) and a continual pursuit of holiness out of a desire to see God glorified (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 3:1-10).
The Church
We teach that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:7-8), of which Christ is the head (Ephesians 1:22; 4: 15; Colossians 1: 18) and for whom He died (John 10:11, 15; Ephesians 5:25). We teach that the church is a unique spiritual organism designed by Christ and made up of all born-again believers (Ephesians 2:11-3:6).
We teach that the establishment and continuity of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:23, 27; 20:17, 28; Galatians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1) and that the members of the body of Christ are directed to associate themselves together in local assemblies (1 Corinthians 11:18-20; Hebrews 10:25).
We teach that the one supreme authority for the church is Christ (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18) and that the church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (men, who are also called bishops, overseers, and pastors (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4: 11) and deacons, both of whom must meet biblical the qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
We teach that these leaders lead or rule as servants of Christ (1 Timothy 5:17-22) and have His authority in directing the church. The congregation is to submit to their leadership (Hebrews 13:7, 17).
We teach the importance of evangelism and discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2), mutual accountability of all believers to each other (Matthew 18:15-17), as well as the need for discipline for sinning members of the congregation in accord with the standards of Scripture (Matthew 18:15-20; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Timothy 1:19-20; Titus 1:10-16).
We teach the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5). We teach that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other for the presentation and propagation of the faith. Local churches, however, through their pastors and their interpretation and application of Scripture, should be the sole judges of the measure and method of their cooperation (Acts 15:19-31; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 5:4-7, 13; 1 Peter 5:14).
We teach that the purpose of the church is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21) by building itself up in the faith (Ephesians 4:13-16), by worship (John 4:21-24), by instruction of the Word (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16-17), by fellowship (Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3), by keeping the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42) and by advancing and communicating the gospel to the entire world (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42).
We teach the calling of all saints to the work of service (1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 4:12; Revelation 22:12).
-
Spiritual Gifts
We teach the need of the church to submit to God as He accomplishes His purpose in the world. To that end He gives the church spiritual gifts. He gives men chosen for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:7-12), and He also gives unique and special spiritual abilities to each member of the body of Christ (Romans 12:5-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; 1 Peter 4: 10-11).
We teach that there were two kinds of gifts given the early church: miraculous gifts of divine revelation and healing, given temporarily in the apostolic era for the purpose of confirming the authenticity of the apostles’ message (Hebrews 2:3-4; 2 Corinthians 12: 12); and ministering gifts, given to equip believers for edifying one another. With the New Testament revelation now complete, Scripture becomes the sole test of the authenticity of a man’s message, and confirming gifts of a miraculous nature are no longer necessary to validate a man or his message. Miraculous gifts can even be counterfeited by Satan so as to deceive even believers (Matthew 24:24; 1 Corinthians 13:13-14:12). The only gifts in operation today are those non-revelatory equipping gifts given for edification (Romans 12:6-8).
We teach that no one possesses the gift of healing today but that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith and will answer in accordance with His own perfect will for the sick, suffering, and afflicted (Luke 18:1-8; John 5:7-9; 2 Corinthians 12:6-10; James 5:13-16; 1 John 5:14-15).
-
Ordinances
We teach that there are two ordinances given by our Lord to the church – Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We teach that Baptism is an ordinance which is a symbol and a solemn testimony of a believer showing forth his faith in Christ, of fellowship with Christ in His death and resurrection, of the believer being engrafted into Christ, of remission of sins, and of that person’s commitment to follow Christ in newness of life. We teach that Baptism is only for believers, that is, those who profess repentance from sin and faith in and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ. We teach that immersion is necessary for the proper administration of this ordinance (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-42; 8:12, 36-39; 10:44-48; Romans 6: 1-11).
We teach that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of His death until He comes, and always should be preceded by solemn self-examination. It was instituted by the Lord Jesus the same night on which He was betrayed and is to be consistently observed until He comes for the remembrance of His sacrifice to save sinners. The elements of the Lord’s Supper are symbols and in no way become the body and blood of Christ and in no way impart saving grace to those who partake (Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32).
Angels
Holy Angels We teach that angels are created beings and are therefore not to be worshiped. Although they are a higher order of creation than man, they are created to serve God and to worship Him (Luke 2:9-14; Hebrews 1:6-7, 14; 2:6-7; Revelation 5:11-14).
Fallen Angels We teach that Satan is a created angel and the author of sin. He incurred the judgment of God by rebelling against his Creator (Ezekiel 28:11-19), by taking numerous angels with him in his fall (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:1-14), and by introducing sin into the human race by his temptation of Eve (Genesis 3: 1-15).
We teach that Satan is the open and declared enemy of God and man (Isaiah 14:13-14; Matthew 4:1-11; Revelation 12:9-10), the prince of this world who has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:20) and that he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Isaiah 14: 12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).
Last Things (Eschatology)
-
The Return of Christ
We teach the visible, personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Titus 2:13) to translate His elect from this earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians. 4:13-18).
-
Death And Judgment
We teach that physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness (Revelation 6:9-11), that there is a separation of soul and body (James 2:26), that the soul of the redeemed passes immediately into the presence of Christ (Luke 23:43; Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:8), and that, for the redeemed, such separation will continue until the Lord returns (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17), when our soul and body will be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord (Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:35-44, 50-54). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8).
We teach that the souls of the unsaved at death are kept under punishment until the resurrection (Luke 16:19-26; Revelation 20:13-15), when the soul and the resurrection body will be united (John 5:28-29). They shall then appear at the Great White Throne of judgment and shall be cast into the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41-46), and cut off from the life of God forever (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:41-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:11-15).
We teach the bodily resurrection of all men (John 6:39; Romans 8:10-11, 19-23; 2 Corinthians 4:14), the saved to eternal life and to rewards according to their works (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10), and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting, conscious punishment (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Revelation 20: 13-15).
-
Eternity
We teach that in the end, the saved will enter the eternal state of glory in a new heavens and new earth wherein only righteousness dwells and will enjoy fellowship with God forever (John 17:3; Revelation 21, 22). Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:23-28) that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever and ever (1 Corinthians 15:28).