I. The Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was divinely inspired by God, and represents heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author and contains infallible truth; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is the document that we study to learn the truths of God, and to find the direction for us to follow to find peace with God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Also: 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psalms 30:5,6; Romans 3:1,2.
Proverbs 30:5-6 - Every word of God is pure. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Also: John 17:17; Revelation 22:18,19; Romans 3:4.
Romans 2:12 - As many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law.
John 12:46, 48 - If any man hear My words, the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. Also: 1 Corinthians 4:3,4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47, 48.
II. The True and Living God
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, who is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all honor, confidence and love. That in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
John 4:24 - God is a Spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.
Psalm 147:5 - His understanding is infinite.
Psalm 83:18 - That men may know that Thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth. Also Psalms 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10.
Exodus 15:11 - Who is like unto Thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Also: Isaiah 6:3; I Peter 1:15, 16; Revelation 4:6-8.
Mark 12:30 - Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.
Revelation 4:11 - Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power. Also: Matthew 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13.
Matthew 28:19 - Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Also: John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7.
III. The Fall of Man
We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness by God, but by voluntary transgression fell from that state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, and need forgiveness and redemption.
Genesis 1:27 - God created man in His own image.
Genesis 1:31 - And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. Also: Ecclesiastes 7:29; Acts 17:26; Genesis 2:16.
Genesis 3:6 - And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit therefore, and did eat; and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Also: Romans 5:12.
Romans 5:19 - For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners. Also: John 3:6; Psalms 51:5; Romans 5:15-19; 8:7.
Isaiah 53:6 - We have turned, every one to his own way. Also: Genesis 6:12; Romans 3:9-18.
Ephesians 2:3 - Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath even as others. Also: Romans 1:18; 1:32; 2:1-16; Galatians 3:10; Matthew 20:15.
Ezekiel 18:19-20 - The soul that sinneth it shall die.
Romans 1:20 - So that they are without excuse.
Romans 3:19 - That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Also: Galatians 3:22.
IV. The Way of Salvation
We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is by grace; through faith in the Son of God; who is Jesus Christ, the Messiah. We believe that Jesus, according to the will of the Father, assumed our nature, yet without sin; and by His death made atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; and ever lives to intercede for those that believe in Him.
Ephesians 2:5 - By grace ye are saved. Also: Matthew 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; Acts 15:11.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Also: John 1:1-14; Hebrews 4:14; 12:24.
Philippians 2:6-7 - Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Also: Philippians 2:6-7; Hebrews 2:9, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Isaiah 53:4-5 - He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
Hebrews 7:25 - Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Colossians 2:9 - For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Also: Hebrews 2:18; 7:26.
V. Regeneration
We believe the Scriptures teach that regeneration, or the new birth, is that change wrought by the Holy Spirit, by which a new nature and a spiritual life, not before possessed, are imparted, and the person becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus, and is reconciled to God.
John 3:3 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 - That which is born of the flesh is flesh; that which is born of the spirit is spirit.
1 Peter 1:23 - Born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God.
James 1:18 - Of His own will begat He us, with the word of truth.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.
1 John 2:29 - Ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him.
Ephesians 4:24 - And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Colossians 2:13 - And you being dead in your sins, and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him.
Romans 6:13 - But yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead.
Colossians 1:13 - Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.
John 1:13 - Which were born not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
1 Corinthains 6:11 - And such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
VI. Repentance
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance is a personal act, prompted by the Spirit; and consists in a godly sorrow for sin, that it is accompanied with great humiliation in view of one's sin and guilt, together with prayer for pardon; also by sincere hatred of sin, and a persistent turning away from, and abandonment of, all that is evil and unholy.
Matthew 3:1-2 - In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mark 1:15 - Saying, the time if fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the Gospel.
Acts 3:19 - Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.
Acts 17:30 - The times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now He commandeth all men everywhere to repent.
Acts 20:21 - Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 7:10 - For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of.
Luke 24:47 - And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 5:31 - Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
Romans 2:5 - But thou, after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
Isaiah 55:7 - Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.
VII. Adoption
We believe the Scriptures teach that adoption is an act by which the Father accepts believers to be His children, by a new and spiritual birth; through faith in His Son Jesus Christ; sending the Spirit of adoption into their hearts, whereby they become members of the family of God, and entitled to all the rights, privileges and promises of children; and if children, then heir, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, to the heritage of the saints on earth, and an inheritance reserved in heaven for them.
Romans 8:14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Romans 8:16 - The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Also: Galatians 3:26.
Galatians 4:6 - And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Also: Romans 8:15.
Galatians 4:7 - Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God through Jesus Christ. Also: Ephesians 1:5.
1 John 3:1 - Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Also: Galatians 4:5; Hebrews 12:7.
1 Peter 2:9 - But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
VIII. Baptism
We believe the Scriptures teach that Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in Christ, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior.
Acts 8:36-39 - And the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart thou mayest... And they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Also: Matthew 3:5, 6; John 3:22; 4:1, 2; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8.
Matthew 28:19 - Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Also: Acts 10:47, 48; Galatians 3:27, 28.
Romans 6:4 - Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Also: Colossians 2:12; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20, 21.
Acts 2:41-42 - Then they that gladly received His word were baptized, and there were added to them, the same day, about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Also: Matthew 28:19, 20.
IX. Relationship with God
We believe that the Scriptures teach that God is still actively involved in the affairs of man; that He has living relationship with His children; and that the Holy Spirit still is involved in leading and guiding the children of God. We believe in seeking the Lord’s direction, and meditative and listening prayer are a fruitful part of relationship with the King.
John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man.
Romans 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.