SCRIPTURE
We believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of God, written by a perfect God through imperfect men, by divine inspiration. The scriptures are without error (in their original form) and contain heavenly instruction, useful to us for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness. The scriptures are the open revelation of the mind of God, bearing salvation of mankind as its aim through the revelation of the principles by which God will judge us. Therefore, the scriptures are at the center of the Christian life (individually and collectively), serving as the foundation of truth and the final arbiter in all disputes. (Psalm 19:7-10; Romans 15:4; 1 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
GOD
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is only one, true and living God, who is a self-existing, infinite, intelligent Spirit, and whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. Infinite in holiness and worthy of all honor, the eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each bearing distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being. (Genesis 1:26; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1-2, 10-14; 1 John 5:7, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12; Ephesians 1:13-14)
SALVATION
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is only by God’s grace toward us; it is through the finished work of Jesus the Christ on the cross that this saving grace is afforded us. By appointment of God the Father and in obedience to Him, Christ took on our nature but remained without sin; He then took on Himself the penalty of our sin and died on the cross for us; and being raised from the dead, Christ now sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us and awaiting that Day when those who have believed in Him and have accepted His free gift of salvation shall enter into eternal communion with God in heaven. Scripture teaches that the blessings of this salvation are offered freely to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept this salvation by faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the worst sinner on earth, except for his own voluntary rejection of the Gospel.
(John 3:17-8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13-14; Ephesians 2:8-9)
CHURCH
We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is an autonomous congregation of baptized believers, gathered by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ and governed by his laws, as left to us in His Word; and exercising the gifts, rights, privileges and responsibilities invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural offices are Pastors God sends (Jeremiah 3) and Deacons people select (Acts 6), whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in Paul’s epistles to Timothy and Titus. (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 6:3-4)
SANCTIFICATION
We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness, being formed continually into His image and likeness. Sanctification is a progressive work that is begun in the moment of regeneration (salvation) and carried on in the hearts of believers throughout their lifetime by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the study of the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness and prayer. (Romans 8:28-30; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, 5:23-24; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 2 Peter 1:5-9)
SACRAMENTS
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, and Son and Holy Ghost, in order for us to declare publicly our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, through the symbolism of our own death to sin and resurrection to new life. Water baptism is prerequisite to the privileges of a covenant relationship with the local church; it is also prerequisite to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ, preceded always by solemn self-examination. (Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Matthew 5:23-24)
GOSPEL
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God:
is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government
is holy, just and good
The inability of fallen mankind to fulfill the Scriptures’ precepts arises entirely from their love of sin. Delivering us from this state and restoring us through a Mediator to genuine obedience to the Holy Law is one great end of the Gospel. (Matthew 5:17-18; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23)
SABBATH
We believe that Sabbath is a principle taught in Scripture, which instructs us to dedicate and observe a time of communion with God. Scripture teaches that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day – or the Christian Sabbath – and is that time to be dedicated to communing with the Lord, recognizing that He did not hallow the Sabbath for His rest, but for our reconnection to Him. Observance of the Sabbath should be a time of gathering of the saints for worship, public and private study of the Word of God, prayer and meditation. (Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:27-28) )
END TIMES
We believe the Scriptures teach that God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. (Daniel 12:1-3; Matthew 24:3-31; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)