PREAMBLE
we are living in an age of spiritual confusion and hostility toward truth and we see this statement of faith as an opportunity to express our beliefs as revealed and defined by Scripture. Therefore we embrace the following precepts and consider them essential toward fulfilling the work of this ministry.
1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
Explanation: The word “inspired” means that the Bible is God’s personal revelation to mankind. Though written by men who were moved by the Holy Spirit, God remains its only author. The word “infallible” means that the Bible’s content is true without any errors. The Bible is considered “authoritative” in that it is the standard by which human conduct, creeds or theological opinions should be tried and measured. Regardless of ones position or association with any church, his or her words are not inspired and infallible and should never be considered the Word of God.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (See also 2 Peter 1:20-21)
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Explanation: We are monotheistic which means we believe in one God. There is one God who reveals Himself to mankind in three persons. Each person of the Godhead shares the same nature, essence and being, yet differs in function and personal attributes.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (See also 1 John 5:7-8)
3. We believe in the dei ty of our Lord Jesus Christ , in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrect ion, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father and in His personal return in power and glory.
Explanation: Jesus is God and is never considered to be anything less. He is not a god among many and His divine status is one that can never be achieved by mankind. While on earth He veiled His powers and made Himself lower than the angels that He should fulfill the redemption of mankind through the shedding of His blood. Though He took on the flesh of man and veiled His powers, Jesus never ceased being God. Jesus’ position at the right hand proclaims His equality with God the Father. Jesus alone is mankind’s redeemer and intercessor before the Triune God and He alone maintained a sinless existence on earth and any similar claims by those currently living or having existed in the past is false. No man may forgive another person’s sins nor should anyone pray to God except through the person of Christ.
“‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with us.'” Matthew 1:23 (See also John 1:1, John 1:14, Galatians 4:4-5, 1 Timothy 2:5)
4. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential and this salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and not as a result of good works.
Explanation: It is impossible for mankind to work for, earn or merit salvation. Regeneration (the new birth or the event of being born again) is a work of God whereby individuals become new spiritual beings under the lordship of Christ. It is a change of heart brought about by the Holy Spirit to which a sinful individual responds in repentance toward God and faith in Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of God’s grace. Repentance is a turning toward God and faith is a trust in the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Good works do not prepare one for salvation but rather are evidences of one having been born again. Salvation is not brought about by any earthly work or deed including baptism, confirmation, christening, church membership, communion or personal lifestyle.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (See also Titus 3:5, Romans 3:28, John 14:6, 1 John 1:9.)
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whom indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life and to perform good works.
Explanation: The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead, fully divine. In the past He inspired the writers of the Bible and today through illumination He reveals its truths to mankind. He convicts people of sin, calls them to salvation and regenerates the new believer. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit cultivates Christian character and godly living. Upon salvation He indwells every believer sealing them till the final day of redemption.
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16:7-8 (See also 1 Corinthians 2:12, Ephesians 4:30)
6. We believe in the resurrect ion of both the saved and the lost ; they that are saved unto the resurrect ion of life and they that are lost unto the resurrect ion of damnation
Explanation: Once an individual passes this physical life, their eternal destiny is set. There exists no limbo or purgatory by which an individual can be prayed into heaven. Upon death the believer’s spirit will ascend into Heaven and the lost individual’s spirit will descend into Hades awaiting the final judgment which will send him or her to Hell for all eternity.
“Having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” Acts 24:15 (See also 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Revelation 20:15)
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Explanation: There exists no one church, ecclesiastical body or denomination by which a person must be a member to be considered part of God’s kingdom. There is one unifier of the Christian faith and that is the Holy Spirit which indwells each believer and who continually exalts our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. We seek like-minded individuals from different evangelical traditions who fully embrace this Statement of Faith to serve and minister through this ministry.
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6