The Scriptures
We believe that every word and part of the Bible is inspired by God and completely trustworthy, without error in the original writings. It is the ultimate authority on beliefs and practices for our church and every Christian (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
The Godhead
We believe in one eternal God who exists as three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person has the exact divine nature and qualities but has different roles and actions (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19).
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who became man while still being divine. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus lived a perfect life and died as a sacrifice for all people. He was raised from the dead and now serves as our Advocate in heaven. We believe He will return to Earth. (John 1:1, 14; 5:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 2:31-33; 1 John 2:1-2; John 14:1-2).
The Holy Spirit
We believe that God, the Holy Spirit, is a person who plays a vital role in the world by restraining evil, convicting people of sin, and regenerating those who trust in Christ as their Savior. The Holy Spirit baptizes believers into the body of Christ, permanently indwells them, seals them until the day of redemption, bestows spiritual gifts upon each individual, and fills those who yield to Him.
While we acknowledge that some gifts of the Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and miraculous healings, were given as authenticating signs in the early church and are considered temporary, we also believe that God answers prayers for the sick in accordance with His will. (John 16:7-11; 3:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 13; John 14:16-17; Ephesians 4:30; 5:18; 1 Corinthians 14:22-24; Hebrews 2:4; 1 John 5:14-15; James 5:15-16).
Angels
We believe that angels are spiritual beings created without sin. Currently, angels exist in both fallen and unfallen states; the fallen state includes Satan and his demons. We understand Satan to be a personal being who opposes God and all Christians (Hebrews 1:13-14; 2 Peter 2:4; Isaiah 14:12-14; Genesis 3:1-19; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 20:10).
Mankind
We believe that God created mankind (human beings) and that humans did not evolve from a lower form of life. We hold that man was created innocent and in the image of God. Through their own choices, Adam and Eve sinned, resulting in physical and spiritual death for themselves and their descendants. We believe that humanity is totally depraved, meaning that no one can earn God’s approval. Humanity has inherited a sinful nature, is alienated from God, and requires salvation (Genesis 1:1, 27; Colossians 1:16-17; Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Ephesians 2:1-2).
We believe that God accomplishes His purpose on earth through mankind, assigning varying responsibilities, stewards, or dispensations. These dispensations can be distinguished in Scripture by consistently applying the normal method of biblical interpretation. We believe that God has a distinct plan for Israel that differs from His plan for the church (Ephesians 3:2-6, 9-11; Colossians 1:25-27; Romans 6:14; Hebrews 7:18-19; 1 Corinthians 10:32).
Salvation
We believe that salvation is a gift from God, received by individuals through personal faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for sin. We hold that humanity is justified by grace through faith, apart from works, and that all true believers are eternally secure in Christ by the power of God (Acts 13:38-39; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 8:1, 38-39; John 10:27-30).
We believe that sanctification is positional, progressive, and ultimate. Christians are called to live a holy life of fellowship, service, and testimony, empowered by the Holy Spirit. God will reward the faithfulness of Christians at the Judgment Seat of Christ (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Corinthians 3:12-17; John 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
The Church
We believe that the universal church, the body of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all genuine Christians who live between the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). A believer becomes a member of this church through the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit when they put their trust in Christ as their Savior (1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 1:18).
We believe that the local church is an assembly of professing Christians who voluntarily come together in one location to worship God, study the Bible, observe the ordinances, practice Christian fellowship, pray, evangelize those who are lost, and be equipped for Christian service (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; Ephesians 4:11-13).
We believe Christ established two main practices for believers: water baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These should continue until He returns. Water baptism is a way for believers to publicly show their faith and is meant for believers only, preferably by immersion. The Lord's Supper commemorates Christ's death, using elements that symbolize His body and blood. Believers are encouraged to participate in the Lord's Supper regularly. (Matthew 28:19’ (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:1-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
The Future
We believe in the personal and imminent return of Jesus Christ for the church, an event known as the Rapture. This pivotal occurrence will be followed by several key events: the Tribulation, the Second Coming of Christ to Earth, the Millennial Reign of Christ, and ultimately, the entrance into the Eternal State.
Upon the death of believers in Jesus Christ, their souls immediately enter His presence, experiencing conscious bliss until the resurrection of their bodies at His coming for the church. At that time, their souls and bodies will be reunited, allowing them to be joined with Him forever.
Conversely, we believe that the souls of unbelievers remain in conscious misery in Hades after death. They will stay there until the final judgment at the Great White Throne, which occurs at the end of the Millennium. At this judgment, their souls and bodies will also be reunited, but they will be cast into the Lake of Fire. This punishment results in everlasting separation from the presence of the Lord rather than annihilation. Consequently, we affirm the existence of a literal heaven and a literal hell. (Luke 16:19-26, 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; and Revelation 20:11-15).