Article I – Holy Bible
We believe and uphold the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired and only infallible and authoritative Word of God. They alone are the standard for truth, faith, and conduct. (1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21.)
Article II – The Godhead
We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each being distinct, yet each eternal in being, identical in nature, equal in power and glory, and possessing the same attributes. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mathew 3:16-17, 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Article III – The Person & Work of Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who became fully man without ceasing to be fully God, through conception by God through the Virgin Mary’s womb. He alone lived a sinless life, died a vicarious and atoning death, and was resurrected from the dead in the same, yet glorified, body. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He secured our redemption from sin and appeased God’s wrath. Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where He is High Priest, Intercessor, Representative, and Advocate. He will return in power to judge the world and complete His redemptive work. He presently indwells all believers as the Living Lord. (Mathew 1:18-25; John 1:1,14; Romans 3:24-25; 5:9; 8: 11,34; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 7:25)
Article IV – The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit to be the promise of the Father, sent by Jesus after his ascension to carry on the work of glorifying God to the world through the church. He convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He effects regeneration and seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. He works sanctification, as the believer yields to God. He cultivates character (fruit), comforts, and bestows gifts upon believers, there- by equipping them to serve God. He enlightens and empowers the church. (John 16:7-15, 14:16-17; Acts 4:31; 1 Corinthians 12; Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 2: 11)
Article V – Man & the Fall
We believe that mankind was created in the image of God, but through Adam’s sin became separated from God (spiritual death) and incurred a physical death. As a result of the sinful nature birthed in the Garden of Eden, mankind remains in need of a redeemer. (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:17; Romans 3:23, 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:1-3, 12)
Article VI – Salvation
We believe salvation to be a gift of God, offered to mankind by grace and received through repentance toward God and personal faith in Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration, the renewing by the Holy Spirit, and being justified by grace, man becomes an heir of eternal life. (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14, 3:5-7) Outward evidence of the work of salvation is manifested in works pleasing to God. (Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:24) Inward evidence occurs through the Spirit of God assuring us that we are His children. (Romans 8:16)
Article VII – The Church
We believe the church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of Jesus’ great commission. Every person who is born of the Spirit is an integral part of the church, as a member of the body of believers. (1 Corinthians 12: 12-14; Ephesians 2: 19-22, 5: 25-27; Hebrews 12:23) We believe these to be the ordinances of the church:
- Water Baptism – We believe water baptism is to follow confession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, as it is an outward demonstration of an existing inward work of God in salvation. Scripture commands baptism. The converts are immersed in water, and baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thus they testify of their death with Christ and resurrection to newness of life. (Mathew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-7; 1 Corinthians 10:16; Colossians 2:11-14)
- The Lord’s Supper – We believe the Lord’s Supper to be a symbolic act of remembrance of Christ’s death, and of anticipation of His Second Coming. The Communion Service utilizes the elements of bread and the fruit of the vine to represent the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Mathew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
Article VIII – Things to Come
We believe in the physical and visible Second Coming of Jesus Christ, in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, and in Jesus’ judgment of all mankind in righteousness. The unrighteous will be sent to spend a conscious eternity in hell. The righteous will receive their reward, and will dwell forever in Heaven with Jesus Christ. (Mathew 25:31-46; 1 Corinthians 15:42, 44; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Hebrews 9: 28)
