Our Statement of Faith
The Scriptures
We believe the Bible to be the verbally inspired word of God, without error in the original writings, and the supreme and final authority in doctrine and practice, for both this church and every individual Christian (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21).
God
We believe in one God who eternally exists in three persons: The Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Godhead possesses the same nature and attributes, but each is distinct in office and activity (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14).
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, that He became man without ceasing to be God having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, that He lived a sinless life, that He died as a substitutionary sacrifice for every human being, that He was physically raised from the dead by divine power, that He presently serves in heaven as our Intercessor and Advocate and that He will return to earth personally, visibly, and bodily to receive His own (John 1:1,14; 5:18; II Corinthians 5:21; Acts 2:31-33; I John 2:1-2; John 14:1-2; I Thessalonians 4:13-18).
The Holy Spirit
We believe that God the Holy Spirit is a person who restrains evil in the world, convicts men of sin, regenerates those who trust Christ as Savior, baptizes them into the body of Christ, indwells them permanently, seals them unto the day of redemption and gives spiritual gifts to each one and fills those yielded to Him. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily, to exhibit Christ-like character and to bear fruit to the glory of God (John 16:7-11; 3:8; I Corinthians 12:4-11; 13:8; John 14:16-17; Ephesians 4:30; 5:18; I Corinthians 14:22-24; Hebrews 2:4; I John 5:14-15).
Man
We believe that God created man as a human being and that he did not evolve from a lower form of life. We believe that he was created innocent and in the image of God. Through their own choice Adam and Eve, the parents of the human race, fell and their sin has resulted in physical and spiritual death to themselves and their descendants. We believe that man is totally depraved, that is, in no way is he able to commend himself to God. He has inherited a sinful nature, is alienated from God and in need of salvation (Genesis 1:1; 27; Colossians 1:16-17; Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Ephesians 2:1-2).
Salvation
We believe that salvation is the gift of God’s grace. It cannot be gained by our good works but is freely bestowed upon all who repent and put their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. All who so trust the Savior are forgiven of their sins and born into the family of God by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:15; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12).
Security, Assurance and Responsibility
We believe that all the saved – those in whom God has accomplished His transforming work of grace – are kept by His power and are thus secure in Christ forever. It is their privilege to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation. However, this assurance is not the occasion for sin, for God in holiness cannot tolerate persistent sin in His children and in infinite love He corrects them. True faith in Christ is expressed by a fruitful, God-pleasing life (John 10:27-29; Romans 8:29-39; I John 5:13; Hebrews 12:6; Matthew 7:20; James 2:20).
The Church
We believe that the universal church, the living body of Christ on earth, is a spiritual organism composed of all genuine Christians throughout history. A person becomes a member of this church by the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit the moment he repents and turns to Christ in faith (Hebrews 11; I Corinthians 12:13; Romans 8:9, 16; Colossians 1:18). We believe that the local church is an assembly of professing Christians who voluntarily join together in one place to worship God, study the Bible, observe the ordinances, practice Christian fellowship, pray, evangelize the lost and be equipped for Christian service (Acts 2:42-47; I Corinthians 1:1-2; Ephesians 4:11-13).
Marriage
Marriage is one man and one woman becoming one flesh in a covenant relationship with one another and with God. Marriage was not established by man; it was established in the beginning by the Creator. Jesus affirms this definition of marriage in Matthew 19:4-6. We believe this is how marriage should be defined (Genesis 2:24).
Human Destiny
People were created by God to exist forever. Death seals the eternal destiny of each person. For all mankind, there will be a bodily resurrection and a judgment that will determine the fate of each individual. Those who have not personally trusted Christ will be separated from God into everlasting punishment for their rejection of His offer of eternal life. Believers will be received into eternal fellowship with God in His presence and will be rewarded for works done in this life (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Hebrews 9:27).
Fellowship of Evangelical Churches
Articles of Faith & Practice
In conjunction with our own statement of faith, we hold to the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches Articles of Faith & Practice.
You can learn more about our affiliation with FEC here.