Beliefs

We believe the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments to be the word of God, given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  They are true, clear, sufficient, necessary and without error in the original writings; the only authority for faith and life.

Psalm 19:7-11; John 17:17; 2 Tim 3:14-16; 2 Pet 1:19-21

We believe there is one true and living God, creator of heaven and earth.  United in the godhead are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  They are of the same substance, equal in power and glory, distinct in their persons. God created all things good and now sustains them in his providence by the word of his power; such that all things come not by chance, but by his fatherly hand. 

Gen 1:2-3; Deut 6:4; Matt 3:16-17; Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:3

We believe God created human beings in his image, male and female.  Through the sin of our first parents, Adam and Eve, all mankind became guilty and corrupt before God.  The penalty for sin is physical and spiritual death.  Man’s supreme need is to be reconciled to God.  That reconciliation is wholly dependent on God’s gracious intervention. 

Gen 1:26-27, 3:1-8, 9:2; Psa 51:5; Matt 13:41-42; Rom 3:10-18; 5:12-19; Eph 2:1-3; 2 Thess 1:8

We believe Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man, two distinct natures united in one person.  According to the promise of the Old Testament, he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.  He suffered and died on the cross, was raised from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven, and will return to judge the living and the dead.

Matt 1:20; John 1:14; 5:39; Acts 10:41-42; Phil 2:6-10; Heb 1:1-3

We believe God is the author and finisher of salvation. It has been accomplished through Jesus Christ, who offered himself as a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of his people, atoning for guilt, achieving perfect righteousness, appeasing the wrath of God, and reconciling God and man. 

The salvation secured by Jesus Christ is applied to his people by the Holy Spirit, such that they are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. The hearts of believers are regenerated by the Spirit, who indwells, sanctifies, and empowers them unto Christ-like living and service. He assures them of final glorification on the last day. 

Jonah 2:9; John 3:5, 10:11, 28; Acts 4:12; Rom 3:21-26, 8:30; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 2:15-21; Phil 2:12-13; Heb 9:14

We believe the gospel of God is the good news that Jesus Christ died and was raised so that sinners can be saved.  The gospel of God’s grace is to be proclaimed freely to all people, commanding and inviting them to repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, thereby receiving eternal life.

Matt 11:28; Mark 1:15; John 3:16; Rom 1:16-17; 1 Cor 15:1-8

We believe there is one, holy, universal, apostolic church, created by the word of God through the power of the Spirit, under the headship of Christ alone, a communion of saints.  The universal church is made visible in local churches.  The house and family of God being made up of all those credibly professing faith in Christ.

Acts 2:41-47; Rom 10:14-17; Eph 4:4-5; 5:23-27; 1 Tim 3:15; 1 Pet 2:9; Rev 5:9

We believe there are two new covenant ordinances instituted by Christ: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  They are visible signs pointing to invisible graces, to be received by believers with faith as sanctifying means of grace—a remembrance, an assurance, a testimony to their faith, and an anticipation of Christ’s return.

Luke 22:14-20; Acts 2:38; 1 Cor 11:17-34; Col 2:11-12

We believe God has appointed a day when Jesus will return to raise bodily the living and the dead—the unjust to eternal conscious punishment in hell, the just to eternal blessedness in God’s presence.  He will judge each person according to what he has done, and consummate the new creation, a kingdom of righteousness and peace. God will dwell with his people forever.

Matt 25:31-46; Acts 17:31; 24:15; Rom 2:6-11; Rev 21:1-5