DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
The Scriptures
We believe that the holy Bible, as originally written, was verbally inspired and the product of spirit-controlled men and therefore has truth without error. II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:19-21
The True God
We believe there is only one true and living God: an infinite, intelligent spirit, the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth, that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. Exodus 20:2-3, I John 5:7
The Holy Spirit
A. The Person
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same divine nature. He convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:7-11
B. Spiritual Gifts
We believe that some gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent and still used throughout the entire church age. These gifts include: pastor / teacher, ministering, teaching, exhorting, giving, ruling, and showing mercy. Romans 12:7-8, Ephesians 4:11
We further believe that other gifts were temporary and were given in the apostolic period for the foundation of the church. Having fulfilled their purpose, these gifts are no longer necessary and therefore are not distributed by the Holy Spirit today. These gifts include apostleship, prophecy, working of miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, and etc. I Corinthians 12:4-11, 28-30
The Devil or Satan
We believe in the personality of Satan, that he is the god of this age and the author of all the powers of darkness; and that he is destined to eternal condemnation in the lake of fire which is his just reward. Matthew 4:1-3; Mark 1:13
Creation
We accept the Genesis account of creation and believe that mankind came by the direct creation of God, thereby rejecting both secular and theistic evolution. Genesis chapters 1 and 2, John 1:3
The Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state. As a result, all men have become sinners, not only by constraint, but by choice and therefore are under just condemnation without defense or excuse. Romans 5:12
The Virgin Birth
We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner; born of Mary (a virgin) as no other man ever was born or can be born, and that He is both the Son of God and God the Son. Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-25
The Atonement for Sin
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly by grace through the mediating offices of the Son of God, who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him a human nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins. Matthew 18:11, John 3:16
Grace in the New Creation
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again. The new birth is a new creation in Jesus Christ and is instantaneous, not a process. In the new birth, the ones dead in trespasses and sins are made partakers of the divine nature and receive eternal life, the free gift of God. John 1:12-13, Romans 6:1-4
Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which is secured by Jesus Christ, for all who believe in him, is justification. Justification includes the pardon of sin and the gift of eternal life because of His righteousness with no consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done. It is solely by grace on the basis of our Redeemer’s blood, thereby His righteousness is imputed unto us. Isaiah 53:11, Habakkuk 2:4, Acts 13:39
Faith and Salvation
We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation. We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through Christ’s death upon the cross. Jesus, being a sinless man, took our place and made a full atonement for our sins. He rose from the dead and ascended to the Father, and is now a suitable, compassionate, and all-sufficient Savior. We believe that salvation is free to all through the gospel. Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8-9
The Security of the Saints
We believe that all who are truly born again are kept eternally by God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. John 6:37-40, Romans 8:35-39
Separation
A. Personal
We believe that all believers should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord and separation from all religious apostasy, worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations is commanded by God. John 2:15-17; Romans 12:1-2
B. Local Church
We believe that any ecumenical movement or mass evangelistic efforts that attempt to unite believers with non-believers is not of God. Therefore we must separate ourselves from such movements and not participate in such efforts. II Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1
The Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. Only those who have been justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of our God are truly righteous in His esteem; while all that continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and under the curse. This distinction holds among men both during and after death in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost. Malachi 3:18, Matthew 7:13-14
The Resurrection, Personal, Visible, Premillennial Return of Christ, and Related Events
We believe in:
A. The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Matthew 18:6-7
B. The ascension of Christ. Mark 16:19
C. The high priesthood of Christ. I Timothy 2:5
D. The rapture of the church. This event is the bodily, personal return of Jesus Christ for His church. His return is imminent, pre-tribulational, and premillennial. I Thessalonians 4:13-18
E. The second coming (advent) of Jesus Christ. The second advent is when Jesus Christ will literally return to this earth at the close of the great tribulation. He will come “in power and great glory” to rule and reign for one thousand years, this thousand year reign we refer to as “the millennium or millennial kingdom”. Isaiah 11:4-5
F. The bodily resurrection of the righteous dead. I Corinthians 15:42-44
G. The change of the living in Christ. Philippians 3:20-21
H. The continuation of the throne of David with Christ as King. Isaiah 9:6-7
I. The millennial reign of Jesus Christ. Revelation 20:1-4, 6
Note: This is a condensed statement. For a full statement please read a copy of our constitution. Thank you.