Promises and Beliefs

Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. The believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.

Ephesians 2:4-5, 8; Acts 4:12; John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Romans 3:20-22, 24-26; Luke 24:47; Acts 16:30-32; Ephesians 1:9-12, 2:4-6; John 10:24-30; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; Romans 8:35-39; 1 John 5:1; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Peter 1:4; Romans 8:9; 1 John 4:4; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Hebrews 13:5

The Bible is God’s word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Psalms 12:6, 119:105, 160; 1 Corinthians 2:13

Jesus Christ started His church as a means for the gospel to be spread and believers to be edified. Church attendance is not required for salvation, but is necessary for the believer’s growth in Christ. There are two ordinances of the church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Matt. 4:18-22; Matt. 16:18; Matt. 28:19, 20; Mark 1:14-20; John 1:35-51; Eph. 3:21 Acts 8:12, 38; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2, 17-20, 26

We believe God is the Creator and the Ruler of the universe. God has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three are coequal and are all God.

Genesis 1:1; Psalms 19:1; Matthew 3:16-17; Acts 5:32; 1 Peter 3:10-11

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He was born of a virgin, Mary. Jesus lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again to the earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14, 10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 14:3-4; Romans 1:3-4, 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13

The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His direction daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 14:16-17, 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:23, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although people have tremendous potential for good, we are marred by a nature of disobedience toward God called sin. This attitude separates us from God. People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.

Genesis 1:27; Psalms 83:6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2; John 3:15-16; John 2:25; Romans 6:23; 2 Peter 1:11; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:41, 46.