THE BIBLE - BIBLIOLOGY

We believe the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired by God and inerrant in the original writing, and that they are the final authority in faith and life. (II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:19-21; I Thessalonians 2:13)

We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that these three are one God; co-eternal in being, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections, and are worthy of the same worship and obedience. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14)\

We believe that man was created in the image of God to worship and serve God; that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death which is separation from God. We believe that all human beings are born with a sinful nature, which becomes expressed in thought, word and deed. We believe that everyone is alienated from God and in need of saving grace. (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8; Romans 3:23, 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3)

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who became incarnate to reveal God to men and to reconcile men to God. We believe that Christ is truly God and truly man; that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, that He lived on earth, was crucified as our substitute, was buried, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven; and that He is now our High Priest and Intercessor. (John 1:1-14; I Corinthians 15:3,4; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 2:17,18; Luke 1:35; Romans 4:25)

We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation, and that those who trust Christ as Savior receive forgiveness and are born again, passing from death into everlasting life. (John 3:3-5; Romans 5:1-10; Ephesians 2:4-10; John 3:16)

We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts man of sin and regenerates the believing sinner. We believe that those who are born again by the Holy Spirit are given assurances of their eternal salvation, and that this assurance, which is based upon the testimony of God in His written word induces in us love and obedience. (John 6:37; I John 3:7-14; 5:1-13; John 16:8-11, 10:28; Romans 8:15-17)

We believe that the Holy Spirit is our abiding Comforter and Helper, strengthening faith and devotion and conforming us to the image of Christ, as He calls us to holy living, putting away sinful desires, and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. (John 16:13-14; Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 5:16-25; Colossians 3:1-7; 2 Timothy 3:14-17)

We believe that the true Church is composed of all who are born again, that the Holy Spirit baptizes all believers into one body, endowing the Church with the gifts needed for its work. We believe that God does hear and answer prayer in accordance with His own will. (Romans 12:4-10; I Corinthians 12:4-13; Ephesians 4:7-12; I Corinthians 13:8-10; Hebrews 2:2-4; John 15:7; I John 14-15; Colossians 1:18)

We believe in that blessed hope and personal return of Christ for His church. We believe at death the redeemed enter into the presence of Christ and that they will after the resurrection of the body at His coming be forever with Him in His glory. We believe after death unbelievers await the final judgment, when they shall be punished with everlasting separation from the presence of the Lord (Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:19-58; Philippians 1:20-23, 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 20:11-15)