I. Deity
Deity- We believe that there is only one. (Yahweh- aka Almighty God) (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Natural revelation:
The world itself and all that is in the world prove that there is a deity, and
claiming ignorance is no excuse. (Psalm 19:1) (Romans 1:18-20) (Acts
17:29)
Attributes: He is Spirit, not a man or a created idol. (John 4:24) He is infinite, without a termination or an end.(Acts 17:24-25) He is also eternal, completely free from the succession of time. (Psalm 90:2) He is omnipresent, everywhere at all times. (Psalm 139:7-8) He is omnipotent, this is all powerful. (Revelation 19:6)
Natural revelation:
The world itself and all that is in the world prove that there is a deity, and
claiming ignorance is no excuse. (Psalm 19:1) (Romans 1:18-20) (Acts
17:29)
Attributes: He is Spirit, not a man or a created idol. (John 4:24) He is infinite, without a termination or an end.(Acts 17:24-25) He is also eternal, completely free from the succession of time. (Psalm 90:2) He is omnipresent, everywhere at all times. (Psalm 139:7-8) He is omnipotent, this is all powerful. (Revelation 19:6)
II. Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ-
We believe that Christ is the only Son of the Father.(Matthew 16:16) (John 3:16)
Foretold-
We believe that Jesus was spoken of in the Old Testament. (Micah 5:2) (Isaiah 9:6) (Isaiah 7:14)
Pre-existence-
We believe that Jesus Christ pre-existed. (John 1:1)
Earthly existence and reasons for existence-
We believe in Jesus’ birth. (Luke 2:6-7) We believe that Jesus’ life provided an example for living. (I Peter 2:21) Jesus also came to provide the sacrifice for sin. (Hebrews 10:9-10) Jesus’ work is to destroy the works of Satan. (I John 3:8)
Fully Human-
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully human and born of a woman. (Galatians 4:4) Jesus Christ had a human soul. (Matthew 26:28) Jesus Christ had human limitations such as hunger (Matthew 4:2), and thirst(John 19:28). Jesus also grew tired. (John 4:6) Jesus did display human emotion. (John
11:35) Finally Jesus was tempted. (Hebrews 4:15)
Fully Divine-
Jesus, like the Father, is omnipotent. (Matthew 28:18) Jesus, like the Father, is omniscient. (John 1:48) Jesus, like the Father, is also omnipresent. (Matthew 18:20) Finally, Jesus is life. (John 1:4)
Proof of Divinity-
Jesus was the one who did the creating in the beginning. (John 1:3) Jesus sustains all things. (Colossians 1:17) Jesus forgives sin. (Luke 7:48) Jesus
raises the dead. (John 5:25) Jesus sends the Holy Spirit. (John 15:26)
We believe that Christ is the only Son of the Father.(Matthew 16:16) (John 3:16)
Foretold-
We believe that Jesus was spoken of in the Old Testament. (Micah 5:2) (Isaiah 9:6) (Isaiah 7:14)
Pre-existence-
We believe that Jesus Christ pre-existed. (John 1:1)
Earthly existence and reasons for existence-
We believe in Jesus’ birth. (Luke 2:6-7) We believe that Jesus’ life provided an example for living. (I Peter 2:21) Jesus also came to provide the sacrifice for sin. (Hebrews 10:9-10) Jesus’ work is to destroy the works of Satan. (I John 3:8)
Fully Human-
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully human and born of a woman. (Galatians 4:4) Jesus Christ had a human soul. (Matthew 26:28) Jesus Christ had human limitations such as hunger (Matthew 4:2), and thirst(John 19:28). Jesus also grew tired. (John 4:6) Jesus did display human emotion. (John
11:35) Finally Jesus was tempted. (Hebrews 4:15)
Fully Divine-
Jesus, like the Father, is omnipotent. (Matthew 28:18) Jesus, like the Father, is omniscient. (John 1:48) Jesus, like the Father, is also omnipresent. (Matthew 18:20) Finally, Jesus is life. (John 1:4)
Proof of Divinity-
Jesus was the one who did the creating in the beginning. (John 1:3) Jesus sustains all things. (Colossians 1:17) Jesus forgives sin. (Luke 7:48) Jesus
raises the dead. (John 5:25) Jesus sends the Holy Spirit. (John 15:26)
III. Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit-
We believe in the Holy Spirit, a separate entity from both the Father and Jesus Christ.
Attributes-The Holy Spirit teaches. (John 14:26) The Holy Spirit commands men. (Acts 8:29) The Spirit intercedes for men. (Romans 8:26)
Divine-
Along with the Father and Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is also fully deity. The Spirit is omniscient. (I Corinthians 2:10-11) The Spirit is also omnipresent.
(Psalm 139:7) The Spirit is omnipotent and was present at Creation. (Genesis 1:2) The Spirit is truth. (I John 5:6) Finally, the Spirit is life. (Romans 8:2)
We believe in the Holy Spirit, a separate entity from both the Father and Jesus Christ.
Attributes-The Holy Spirit teaches. (John 14:26) The Holy Spirit commands men. (Acts 8:29) The Spirit intercedes for men. (Romans 8:26)
Divine-
Along with the Father and Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is also fully deity. The Spirit is omniscient. (I Corinthians 2:10-11) The Spirit is also omnipresent.
(Psalm 139:7) The Spirit is omnipotent and was present at Creation. (Genesis 1:2) The Spirit is truth. (I John 5:6) Finally, the Spirit is life. (Romans 8:2)
IV. Trinity
Trinity-
We believe that although there is one deity, there is unity in the Godhead which exist three coequal persons who have the same substance but are different in subsistence. These three entities within the Godhead are the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Scripture identifies each of these three entities as god in different places.
Identification-
The Father is god. (John 6:27) Jesus Christ is god. (Hebrews 1:8) Likewise, the Holy Spirit is god. (Acts 5:3-4)
We believe that although there is one deity, there is unity in the Godhead which exist three coequal persons who have the same substance but are different in subsistence. These three entities within the Godhead are the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Scripture identifies each of these three entities as god in different places.
Identification-
The Father is god. (John 6:27) Jesus Christ is god. (Hebrews 1:8) Likewise, the Holy Spirit is god. (Acts 5:3-4)
V. Sin
Sin-
Anything that is contrary to the character of the Lord is sin. Everyone has sinned. (Romans 3:23) Sin is also in man’s nature. (Romans 5:12) Fellowship with the Lord is impossible while in sin but confession and subsequent belief remedy this. (I John 1:6-9) If we continue on the path of our sinful nature we will die. (Romans 6:23)
Anything that is contrary to the character of the Lord is sin. Everyone has sinned. (Romans 3:23) Sin is also in man’s nature. (Romans 5:12) Fellowship with the Lord is impossible while in sin but confession and subsequent belief remedy this. (I John 1:6-9) If we continue on the path of our sinful nature we will die. (Romans 6:23)
VI. Salvation
Salvation-
Through Jesus we can reach the Father and thus salvation. (John 14:6) There is no other way to be saved. (Acts 4:12) Salvation cannot be attained through any amount of ritual or any type of work we may perform. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Because we cannot perform works to obtain our salvation, we believe that salvation comes to us by grace.
Grace-
We believe that grace is the gift given to us by the Father and because of grace sin has no power over those truly saved. (Romans 6:14)
Election-
We believe that before time began the Lord knew those people who would believe. These chosen ones are said to be the elect. (Romans 8:29-30) (Romans 9:15-18)
Security of the believer-
We believe that since we are elected by the Lord before time and that His grace has saved us because we have believed in Him that we have security in our salvation and that it cannot be lost. At the end of time we will be presented as blameless before the Father. (Jude 1:24) Jesus Christ intercedes constantly on our behalf. (Hebrews 7:25) When we are saved we are placed in the body of Christ. (I Corinthians 12:13) We are also sealed by the Holy Spirit for the end of time. (Ephesians 4:30) Finally there is nothing that can separate us from the love of the Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
Through Jesus we can reach the Father and thus salvation. (John 14:6) There is no other way to be saved. (Acts 4:12) Salvation cannot be attained through any amount of ritual or any type of work we may perform. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Because we cannot perform works to obtain our salvation, we believe that salvation comes to us by grace.
Grace-
We believe that grace is the gift given to us by the Father and because of grace sin has no power over those truly saved. (Romans 6:14)
Election-
We believe that before time began the Lord knew those people who would believe. These chosen ones are said to be the elect. (Romans 8:29-30) (Romans 9:15-18)
Security of the believer-
We believe that since we are elected by the Lord before time and that His grace has saved us because we have believed in Him that we have security in our salvation and that it cannot be lost. At the end of time we will be presented as blameless before the Father. (Jude 1:24) Jesus Christ intercedes constantly on our behalf. (Hebrews 7:25) When we are saved we are placed in the body of Christ. (I Corinthians 12:13) We are also sealed by the Holy Spirit for the end of time. (Ephesians 4:30) Finally there is nothing that can separate us from the love of the Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
VII. Scriptures
Scriptures-
We believe in the Bible, the perfect Holy Word of the Lord. All Scripture in the Bible was inspired by the Lord. (II Timothy 3:16) True Scripture is prophecy and is not made up by any man. (II Peter 1:21) The New Testament is a fulfillment of the Old Testament Law. (Matthew 5:17) Everything that is good comes from the Father. (James 1:17) Since everything good comes from Him, and He inspired scripture, scripture must therefore be good. Finally, when we memorize scripture it helps keep us from sinning. (Psalm 119:11)
We believe in the Bible, the perfect Holy Word of the Lord. All Scripture in the Bible was inspired by the Lord. (II Timothy 3:16) True Scripture is prophecy and is not made up by any man. (II Peter 1:21) The New Testament is a fulfillment of the Old Testament Law. (Matthew 5:17) Everything that is good comes from the Father. (James 1:17) Since everything good comes from Him, and He inspired scripture, scripture must therefore be good. Finally, when we memorize scripture it helps keep us from sinning. (Psalm 119:11)
VIII. The Church
The Church-
We believe in the universal Christian church, the called out body of believers in Christ. The church was founded by Jesus Christ and Satan cannot destroy it. (Matthew 16:18) Jesus Christ is present at all church gatherings in His name. (Matthew 18:20)
Christ’s Command to the Church (Great Commission)-
We believe that Christ commanded believers to spread the good news about Jesus Christ (the Gospel) to everyone. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Ordinances of the Church-
We believe that Jesus Christ provided the example for the church to perform two memorial ordinances in His name.
1) Baptism- Complete immersion under the water of a new believer; it is to be performed as an outward expression in front of fellow believers to show to them an inward change. Jesus Christ was baptized. (Mark 1:9) Jesus commanded His followers to baptize new believers. (Matthew 28:19) The early church baptized new believers. (Acts 2:38)
2) Communion- The remembrance of the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Just like at the Last Supper believers eat bread (the symbolic body of Christ) and drink wine (the symbolic blood of Christ) in memorial of Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 11:23-26)
We believe in the universal Christian church, the called out body of believers in Christ. The church was founded by Jesus Christ and Satan cannot destroy it. (Matthew 16:18) Jesus Christ is present at all church gatherings in His name. (Matthew 18:20)
Christ’s Command to the Church (Great Commission)-
We believe that Christ commanded believers to spread the good news about Jesus Christ (the Gospel) to everyone. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Ordinances of the Church-
We believe that Jesus Christ provided the example for the church to perform two memorial ordinances in His name.
1) Baptism- Complete immersion under the water of a new believer; it is to be performed as an outward expression in front of fellow believers to show to them an inward change. Jesus Christ was baptized. (Mark 1:9) Jesus commanded His followers to baptize new believers. (Matthew 28:19) The early church baptized new believers. (Acts 2:38)
2) Communion- The remembrance of the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Just like at the Last Supper believers eat bread (the symbolic body of Christ) and drink wine (the symbolic blood of Christ) in memorial of Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 11:23-26)
IX. Creation
We believe in the Biblical account of creation as listed in Genesis chapter 1 and that it is a literal account that is neither allegory nor myth, but is instead history. In the beginning when creation took place, we believe that there was nothing that pre-existed, but that all was formed by the spoken word of the Lord God. (Genesis 1:2-27) (Colossians 1:16-17) The days that are listed as the first week were in fact six literal days as they are referred to as such in other parts of Scripture. (Exodus 20:11) (Hebrews 4:3-4) All men are descended from Adam and Eve the first humans in all of creation. (Genesis 2:7) (Genesis 2:21-23) (I Corinthians 15:45) (I Timothy 2:13)
X. Things Yet to Come
We believe in the pre-millennial view of the Second Coming of Christ. Before the millennial rule of Christ on earth, there must be a seven year time of great trial known as the Tribulation. There has never been a time like that before nor will there ever be a time like that again.
The Rapture of the Church- We believe that before the Tribulation takes place that Jesus Christ will come and take all the believers with Him to Heaven, like a thief in the night in a twinkling of an eye. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-3) (I Corinthians 15:51-57) Jesus Christ will descend, the dead believers will rise first and then all believers (both living and dead) will be changed from mortal bodies into immortal bodies. It is in this immortal body that all the believers will meet Christ in the air and continue with Him into Heaven. The church will not have to take part in the Tribulation, as Jesus Christ will keep the elect from this wrath. (I Thessalonians 1:10) (Revelation 3:10)
The Tribulation- We believe that the Tribulation is a time of judgment upon the whole earth, one like the world has never seen before. The reason for the Tribulation is so that
there will be no more transgression or sin, to atone for all iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to fulfill all visions and prophecy, and to anoint a holy place on the earth for Jesus Christ. (Daniel 9-24) The duration of the Tribulation is seven years long. (Daniel 9:27) There is chaos and terrible persecution and lawlessness during this time. (Matthew 24:9-27) (Revelation Chapters 6,8,9) The Tribulation ends with the gathering of the nations to fight at the battle of Armageddon. It is during this battle that Christ shall return triumphantly to reign as king for one thousand years. (Revelation 19:17-21)
The Millennial Kingdom of Christ- We believe that after the battle of Armageddon Christ will rule for one thousand years. During this Kingdom, Satan will be bound for the entire time. (Revelation 20:1-3) The Kingdom shall be time of great peace and prosperity. (Isaiah 11:1-9) At the end of the one thousand years, Satan will be released and will have one more chance to deceive people. The people that Satan deceives will rebel, but they will be consumed by fire from Heaven. (Revelation 20:7-9) Satan is then taken and thrown into the Lake of Fire to be tormented and to suffer for eternity. (Revelation 20:10)
New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem- We believe that after Satan is judged and thrown into the Lake of Fire for eternity that all unbelievers will be brought in front of the Great White Throne and judged by Jesus Christ. Anyone’s name not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire with Satan. (Revelation 20:11-15) After this
judgment there will be a new Heaven, a new Earth, and a new Jerusalem. It is in the new Heaven, new Earth, and new Jerusalem that God Almighty shall come to earth and dwell with all believers forever. (Revelation 21:1-4)
The Rapture of the Church- We believe that before the Tribulation takes place that Jesus Christ will come and take all the believers with Him to Heaven, like a thief in the night in a twinkling of an eye. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-3) (I Corinthians 15:51-57) Jesus Christ will descend, the dead believers will rise first and then all believers (both living and dead) will be changed from mortal bodies into immortal bodies. It is in this immortal body that all the believers will meet Christ in the air and continue with Him into Heaven. The church will not have to take part in the Tribulation, as Jesus Christ will keep the elect from this wrath. (I Thessalonians 1:10) (Revelation 3:10)
The Tribulation- We believe that the Tribulation is a time of judgment upon the whole earth, one like the world has never seen before. The reason for the Tribulation is so that
there will be no more transgression or sin, to atone for all iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to fulfill all visions and prophecy, and to anoint a holy place on the earth for Jesus Christ. (Daniel 9-24) The duration of the Tribulation is seven years long. (Daniel 9:27) There is chaos and terrible persecution and lawlessness during this time. (Matthew 24:9-27) (Revelation Chapters 6,8,9) The Tribulation ends with the gathering of the nations to fight at the battle of Armageddon. It is during this battle that Christ shall return triumphantly to reign as king for one thousand years. (Revelation 19:17-21)
The Millennial Kingdom of Christ- We believe that after the battle of Armageddon Christ will rule for one thousand years. During this Kingdom, Satan will be bound for the entire time. (Revelation 20:1-3) The Kingdom shall be time of great peace and prosperity. (Isaiah 11:1-9) At the end of the one thousand years, Satan will be released and will have one more chance to deceive people. The people that Satan deceives will rebel, but they will be consumed by fire from Heaven. (Revelation 20:7-9) Satan is then taken and thrown into the Lake of Fire to be tormented and to suffer for eternity. (Revelation 20:10)
New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem- We believe that after Satan is judged and thrown into the Lake of Fire for eternity that all unbelievers will be brought in front of the Great White Throne and judged by Jesus Christ. Anyone’s name not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire with Satan. (Revelation 20:11-15) After this
judgment there will be a new Heaven, a new Earth, and a new Jerusalem. It is in the new Heaven, new Earth, and new Jerusalem that God Almighty shall come to earth and dwell with all believers forever. (Revelation 21:1-4)