The following are the core beliefs of The Church based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
We teach that the Bible is God’s written revelation to humanity, consisting of the 66 books given by the Holy Spirit. These Scriptures constitute the plenary (equally inspired in every part) Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:7-14; 2 Peter 1:20-21). We affirm that the Word of God is an objective, propositional revelation (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13), verbally inspired in every word (2 Timothy 3:16), and is absolutely inerrant, infallible, and God-breathed in the original manuscripts.
We teach a literal, grammatical-historical interpretation of Scripture, affirming that the opening chapters of Genesis present creation in six literal days (Genesis 1:31; Exodus 31:17). We believe that the Bible alone is the only infallible rule of faith and practice (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; 16:12-13; 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
We teach that God spoke through His written Word by a process of dual authorship. The Holy Spirit superintended the human authors, so that through their individual personalities and different styles, they composed and recorded God’s Word without error, in whole or in part (2 Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16).
We affirm that while there may be several applications of any given passage of Scripture, there is only one true interpretation. This meaning is found through the literal grammatical-historical method of interpretation, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 7:17; 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-15; 1 John 2:20). It is the responsibility of believers to carefully ascertain the true intent and meaning of Scripture, recognizing that proper application is binding for all generations. The truth of Scripture stands in judgment of men, never do men stand in judgment of it.
God the Father,
the first Person of the Trinity, orders and disposes all things according to His purpose and grace (Psalm 145:8-9; 1 Corinthians 8:6). He is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1-31; Ephesians 3:9) and the sovereign Ruler over creation, providence, and redemption (Psalm 103:19; Romans 11:36).
• 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).
• He decrees all things for His own glory (Ephesians 1:11) and upholds and governs all creatures and events (1 Chronicles 29:11).
• Though sovereign, He is neither the author nor approver of sin (Habakkuk 1:13; John 8:38-47) and holds moral creatures accountable (1 Peter 1:17).
• He graciously elects and saves those who come to Him through Jesus Christ and adopts believers as His children (John 1:12; Romans 8:15; Ephesians 1:4-6).
God the Son
We teach that Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, possesses all the divine attributes and is coequal, consubstantial, and coeternal with the Father (John 10:30; 14:9).
• In the incarnation, Christ took on full human nature without losing His divine attributes (Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 4:15).
• He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:35; Galatians 4:4-5), uniting both divine and human natures into one Person.
• Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His sacrificial death on the cross and the shedding of His blood (John 10:15; 1 Peter 2:24).
• He was resurrected from the dead, confirming His deity and securing the believer’s justification (Matthew 28:6; Romans 4:25).
• He ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He now acts as our Advocate and High Priest (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).
• Christ will return to receive the church and establish His millennial kingdom on earth (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 20).
God the Holy Spirit
We teach that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person, possessing all the attributes of deity, including intellect, emotions, will, eternality, omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, and truthfulness (1 Corinthians 2:10-13; Psalm 139:7-10; Isaiah 40:13-14; Romans 15:13; John 16:13).
• The Holy Spirit’s work includes convicting the world of sin, glorifying Jesus Christ, and transforming believers into His image (John 16:7-9; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
• He is the sovereign agent in regeneration, baptizing believers into the Body of Christ and sealing them until the day of redemption (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13).
• The Holy Spirit is the divine Teacher who guided the apostles into all truth and continues to empower and guide believers (John 16:13; Ephesians 5:18).
• The Holy Spirit administers spiritual gifts to the church, not for self-glorification, but to edify the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
• While the sign gifts such as tongues and miracles were used in the early church to authenticate divine revelation, they were not meant to be normative for all believers throughout history (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:1-4).
We teach that man was directly and immediately created by God in His image and likeness. Man was created free from sin, possessing a rational nature, intelligence, volition, self-determination, and moral responsibility to God (Genesis 2:7, 15-25; James 3:9).
We teach that God’s intention in the creation of man was that he should glorify God, enjoy His fellowship, live in His will, and by doing so, accomplish God’s purpose for humanity in the world (Isaiah 43:7; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11).
We teach that in Adam’s sin of disobedience to God’s revealed will, 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 what is acceptable to God apart from divine grace. With no ability to recover himself, man is hopelessly lost, and his salvation is wholly by the grace of God through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-19; John 3:36; Romans 3:23; 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 were in Adam, a nature corrupted by Adam’s sin has been transmitted to all humanity across all ages, with Jesus Christ as the only exception. Therefore, all people are sinners by nature, by choice, and by divine declaration (Psalm 14:1-3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:9-18, 23; 5:10-12).
We teach that salvation is wholly of God by grace, based on 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).
Regeneration
We teach that regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, where the divine nature and life are given to the believer (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:5). This work is instantaneous and accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God (John 5:24), as the repentant sinner, enabled by the Spirit, responds in faith to the divine provision of salvation.
• Genuine regeneration produces fruits worthy of repentance, demonstrated by righteous attitudes and conduct (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 2:10).
• Obedience to God’s Word leads to increasing conformity to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18), culminating in glorification at Christ’s return (Romans 8:17; 1 John 3:2-3).
Election
We teach that election is the act of God, in which, before the foundation of the world, He chose in Christ those whom He would regenerate, save, and sanctify (Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:4-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 1:1-2).
• This sovereign election does not negate human responsibility to repent and trust in Christ (Ezekiel 18:23; John 3:18-19).
• All whom the Father calls to Himself will come in faith, and all who come in faith will be received (John 6:37-40; Acts 13:48).
• Election is based solely on God’s sovereign grace and mercy and not on human initiative (Ephesians 1:4-7; Titus 3:4-7).
• God’s sovereignty in election is exercised in harmony with His attributes of omniscience, justice, holiness, wisdom, grace, and love (Romans 9:11-16).
Justification
We teach that justification is an act of God in which He declares righteous those who, through faith in Christ, repent of their sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10). This righteousness is apart from any human work and involves the imputation of our sins to Christ and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to us (1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21). God remains both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26).
Sanctification
We teach that sanctification is both positional and progressive.
• Positional Sanctification occurs at justification, setting the believer apart as holy in status (1 Corinthians 1:2, 30).
• Progressive Sanctification is a continuous process where the believer, through obedience to God’s Word and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, grows in holiness and becomes more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4).
• Although believers experience a daily conflict with the flesh, the Holy Spirit provides victory over sin (Galatians 5:16-25).
Security
We teach that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are therefore secure in Christ forever (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 31-39; 1 Peter 1:5). Believers can rejoice in the assurance of their salvation, but Christian liberty must never be used as a license for sin (Romans 6:15-22; Titus 2:11-14).
Separation
We teach that the Bible calls for separation from sin, as apostasy and worldliness increase in the last days (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-5).
• Believers are called to live lives of obedient righteousness that reflect God’s holiness and the teachings of Christ (Matthew 5:2-12; Romans 12:1-2).
• We teach that separation from religious apostasy and sinful practices is commanded by God, while believers are to remain devoted to Christ and pursue holiness (1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 John 2:15-17).
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 Church is the Bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:7-8), and Christ is its Head (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 1:18).
We teach that the formation of the Church began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21, 38-47) and will be completed at the Rapture, when Christ comes for His own (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
The Church is a unique spiritual organism, designed by Christ and made up of all born-again believers in this present age (Ephesians 2:11-3:6). The Church is distinct from Israel (1 Corinthians 10:32), a mystery not revealed until this age (Ephesians 3:1-6; 5:32).
The Local Church
We teach that the establishment and continuity of local churches is clearly defined in the New Testament (Acts 14:23, 27; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1). Members of the universal Church are directed to associate in local assemblies (1 Corinthians 11:18-20; Hebrews 10:25).
Christ is the supreme authority over the Church (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18). Under His leadership, elders (pastors) and deacons are designated as church officers (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). Elders are responsible for shepherding, teaching, and ruling (1 Peter 5:1-5), while deacons serve the church’s practical needs. The congregation is to submit to godly leadership (Hebrews 13:7, 17).
We emphasize the importance of discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20), mutual accountability (Matthew 18:5-14), and church discipline in accordance with Scripture (Matthew 18:15-22; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15).
The local church is autonomous, free from external control, yet encouraged to cooperate with other true churches for the spread of the faith (Titus 1:5; Acts 15:19-31). However, each church, through its elders, must govern itself, determining its membership, policies, discipline, and doctrine (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 5:4-7, 13).
The Purpose of the Church
We teach that the primary purpose of the Church is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21) by:
• Building up believers in the faith (Ephesians 4:13-16).
• Teaching and instructing in the Word (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16-17).
• Fellowship and unity among believers (Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3).
• Observing the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42).
• Proclaiming the gospel to the world (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42).
All believers are called to serve (1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 4:12) and are given spiritual gifts to edify the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
Spiritual Gifts in the Church
We teach that God sovereignly gives gifts to believers for the purpose of equipping the saints (Ephesians 4:7-12). These include:
1. Miraculous gifts (such as healing and tongues), which were temporary and served to authenticate the apostles’ message (Hebrews 2:3-4; 2 Corinthians 12:12).
2. Ministering gifts, which continue today to build up the Church (Romans 12:6-8).
Since the New Testament revelation is complete, miraculous sign gifts are no longer necessary (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). Such gifts can also be counterfeited by Satan to deceive (Revelation 13:13-14). Today, only non-revelatory gifts remain for the edification of the Church (Romans 12:6-8).
We teach that no one today possesses the gift of healing, though God still hears and answers prayer in accordance with His will (Luke 18:1-6; James 5:13-16; 1 John 5:14-15).
The Two Ordinances of the Church
1. Baptism
• We teach that Christian baptism by immersion is a public testimony of faith in Christ (Acts 8:36-39).
• It symbolizes union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:1-11).
• Baptism is a sign of fellowship and identification with the Church (Acts 2:41-42).
2. The Lord’s Supper
• The Lord’s Supper is a commemoration of Christ’s death and a proclamation of His return (1 Corinthians 11:28-32).
• The elements are representative of Christ’s body and blood, but the Lord is spiritually present in the fellowship of believers (1 Corinthians 10:16).
Holy Angeles
We teach that angels are created beings and therefore must not be worshiped (Revelation 19:10; 22:9). Though they are of a higher order of creation than man, their purpose is to serve God and worship Him (Luke 2:9-14; Hebrews 1:6-7, 14; 2:6-7; Revelation 5:11-14).
Fallen Angels
We teach that Satan was originally a created angel who became the author of sin, rebelling against his Creator (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19). In his rebellion, he led numerous angels astray, who fell with him (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:1-14). Satan introduced sin into humanity through 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). He is the prince of this world but has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:20). Ultimately, he will be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).
Death and the Afterlife
We teach that physical death does not result in a loss of immaterial consciousness (Revelation 6:9-11). The souls of the redeemed pass immediately into the presence of Christ (Luke 23:43; Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:8), while their bodies remain separated until the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). At the first resurrection, their souls and bodies will be reunited and glorified (Revelation 20:4-6; Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:35-54), remaining forever with the Lord. Until then, the souls of believers experience joyful fellowship with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8).
We teach the bodily resurrection of all people—the saved to eternal life (John 6:39; Romans 8:10-11, 19-23) and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Revelation 20:13-15).
The souls of the unsaved remain under punishment until the second resurrection (Luke 16:19-26; Revelation 20:13-15), when their souls and bodies will be reunited (John 5:28-29). They will then appear before the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) and be cast into the lake of fire, cut off from God forever (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:41-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Death and the Afterlife
We teach that physical death does not result in a loss of immaterial consciousness (Revelation 6:9-11). The souls of the redeemed pass immediately into the presence of Christ (Luke 23:43; Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:8), while their bodies remain separated until the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). At the first resurrection, their souls and bodies will be reunited and glorified (Revelation 20:4-6; Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:35-54), remaining forever with the Lord. Until then, the souls of believers experience joyful fellowship with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8).
We teach the bodily resurrection of all people—the saved to eternal life (John 6:39; Romans 8:10-11, 19-23) and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Revelation 20:13-15).
The souls of the unsaved remain under punishment until the second resurrection (Luke 16:19-26; Revelation 20:13-15), when their souls and bodies will be reunited (John 5:28-29). They will then appear before the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) and be cast into the lake of fire, cut off from God forever (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:41-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
What It Means To Be a Christian
What It Means to Be a Christian
Being a Christian is more than identifying with a religion or affirming a set of moral values. It means embracing what the Bible teaches about God, mankind, and salvation. Consider these fundamental truths from Scripture:
God Is Sovereign Creator. The world teaches that humanity is the result of evolution, but the Bible declares that we were created by a personal God to love, serve, and enjoy fellowship with Him. The New Testament reveals that Jesus Himself created all things (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Because He is Creator, He is also Owner and Ruler of all things (Psalm 103:19). This means He has authority over our lives, and we owe Him our allegiance, obedience, and worship.
God Is Holy. God is absolutely and perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:3), meaning He cannot commit or approve of evil (James 1:13). Because He is holy, He requires holiness from us: “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
Mankind Is Sinful. Scripture declares that everyone is guilty of sin: “There is no man who does not sin” (1 Kings 8:46). While people are capable of acts of kindness, they are utterly incapable of understanding, loving, or pleasing God on their own (Romans 3:10-12). Our sin separates us from a holy God and leaves us deserving of judgment.
Sin Demands a Penalty. Because God is holy and just, all sin must be punished. “The soul who sins will die” (Ezekiel 18:4). This means that no amount of good works or moral reform can erase our sin or remove its consequences.
Jesus Is Lord and Savior. As Creator, Jesus Christ owns and rules all things (Colossians 1:16; Psalm 103:19). Because of this, we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.
Romans 10:9 says: “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Though God’s justice demands death for sin, His love provided a Savior who paid the penalty for sinners (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus’ death satisfied God’s justice, and His perfect life fulfilled God’s holiness (2 Corinthians 5:21). This makes it possible for God to forgive and save those who put their faith in Christ (Romans 3:26).
The Character of Saving Faith. True faith is always accompanied by repentance. Repentance means:
✔ Agreeing with God that you are sinful.
✔ Confessing your sins to Him.
✔ Turning away from sin (Luke 13:3,5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9).
✔ Pursuing Christ in faith and obedience (Matthew 11:28-30; John 17:3; 1 John 2:3).
It is not enough to simply believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in God (James 2:19), but they do not love or obey Him. True saving faith always results in obedience (Ephesians 2:10).
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