The following expresses, in summary, our understanding of the Christian faith:
The scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are divinely inspired and entirely free from error as originally given. They are totally sufficient for faith and practice, being the very word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21, Isaiah 8:20, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Psalm 119:160.
From the Scriptures we believe and teach that:
- There is one true, living, eternal God, who is nonetheless three equal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Deuteronomy 6:4, John 10:30, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 1:5, Hebrews 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:10 – 11, Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14.
- This one God created all things, including humankind which He created uniquely in His own image. Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:26-27, Exodus 20:11, John 1:1-3, Hebrews 11:3, Matthew 19:4
- Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human, the Son sent from the Father, born of the virgin Mary. Galatians 4:4, Proverbs 8:23, John 1:1, John 1:14, Matthew 1:20-21, Matthew1:22-23.
- God chose His people in Christ before the creation of the world and sent His Son to save them. Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Matthew 1:21.
- Sin, through Adam’s disobedience, has touched every part of human nature, separating all humankind from God. We are unable, in and of ourselves, to turn back to Him. Romans 5:12, 1 Corinthians 15:22, Romans 3:10-11, Ephesians 2:3, Romans 9:15-16, Ephesians 2:4-5.
- Jesus Christ paid the price of sin by His sacrifice on the cross at Calvary, where He laid down his life and shed his blood in place of His people. Jesus rose again from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Hebrews 9:14, John 10:11, John 10:14-15, Ephesians 5:25 – 27, Acts 2:31-33.
- By God’s grace, and through faith in Christ alone, we can be made right in the sight of God, clothed with the perfect righteousness of Christ Himself; this is the only way of salvation. Romans 3:24-28, Romans 4:5-8, Romans 5:1-2, Acts 4:12.
- Christ’s people are born again to eternal life by the Holy Spirit and adopted into the family of God. John 3:3, John 3:5, Titus 3:4 – 7, 1 Peter 1:3 – 4, Ephesians 1:5.
- The Holy Spirit works for the glory of the Father and the Son. He convinces God’s people of sin and righteousness, enables them to turn from sin, gives to them faith to believe in Christ, and continues to work in them to make them holy. John 16:13-15, John 16:7-8, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13-14.
- Salvation, being a work of God, is secured by His word, the sacrifice of Christ and the indwelling of the Spirit. The true believer is to persevere to the end, is kept by God and is assured of eternal salvation. Peter 1:23, Philippians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3, Romans 8:9 – 11, Hebrews 10:36, John 6:39 – 40, John 10:28 – 29.
- Christ’s people are to lead holy lives; this is the result of true faith and the evidence of new birth. Leviticus 20:7, Titus 2:11-12, Hebrews 12:14, James 2:26, 1 John 5:3-5.
- Christ’s people have a duty to preach the gospel and to make Christ known, urging all people to repent and believe in Him. Matthew 28:19, Luke 24:46-47, 2 Peter 3:9, Acts 16:30-31, Acts 17:30.
- Jesus Christ will come again a second time, in person and in human history, as he promised. Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
- There is a literal resurrection of the dead and a future judgement, resulting in everlasting punishment of the wicked and everlasting happiness for those made right with God. Acts 24:15, 2 Timothy 4:1, Hebrews 9:27-28, Matthew 25:46, Revelation 22:3-5.
- The church is the new community of God’s grace; variously described as the fellowship of believers, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the Body of Christ. The local gathered church is the primary expression of the worldwide church of all God’s chosen people. Through the Scriptures, and under God’s direction, the church governs its own affairs. Ephesians 1:22 – 23, Colossians 1:18, Acts 2:42, I Corinthians 6:19 –20, Matthew 18:15-20, I Corinthians 5:4-5, I Corinthians 5:12 – 13, Acts 20:28, Philippians 1:1, Revelation 2:7,17,29, Acts 13:1-3, Acts 14:26-27, Acts 4:23-24,31, Ephesians 4:11-12,16, 1 Corinthians 12:27-28, 1 Corinthians 14:26,40, 1 Corinthians 16:2.
- The ordinances of Believers’ Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are given by Christ to be continued until His second coming. They signify salvation by Christ alone and are the signs of inclusion in His church. Mark 16:15 – 16, Acts 2:38, Luke 22:19 – 20, Acts 2:41,42.
- Believers’ Baptism, conducted in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is the immersion of the body in water on profession of faith, as taught and practiced in the New Testament. In baptism, a believer declares their repentance and faith before becoming a member of the local church. Matthew 28:19 –20, Acts 8:36 – 39, Acts 18:8, John 3: 22 – 23, John 4:1, Romans 6:4-5.
- The Lord’s Supper is the meal of remembrance of Christ’s body and blood. It expresses the unity of the local church. Participation follows obedience to Christ in Believers’ Baptism and is conditional both on individual conscience and on the invitation of the church. Acts 2:41 – 42, 1 Corinthians 11:23 – 32.