Statement of Faith |
We are committed to the Gospel, the good news that God is renewing all things through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our core theological convictions are best understood in light of the unfolding narrative of the Gospel.
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The Gospel originates within the Trinity
We believe in the one true God, creator and sustainer of all things, eternally co-existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is holy, steadfast in love, almighty, unlimited in knowledge, and fully-present everywhere. He is the source and perfection of goodness, truth, and beauty.
The Gospel shows us our purpose and deepest need
We believe that humans were created in God’s image; that God intended us to enjoy unending fellowship with him and to act as his agents in the world; that we rebelled against God’s rightful rule; that everyone is a sinner by nature and choice, alienated from God, deserving of His wrath, and subject to death; and that creation has been corrupted as a consequence of sin.
The Gospel is initiated by the Father
We believe in God the Father who, because of his great love for humanity, set in motion a plan to redeem his people, to mend the broken creation, and to bring everything back under his rightful rule.
The Gospel is ultimately revealed in the person of Jesus Christ
We believe in God the Son, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten, incarnate Son of God, fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life of perfect obedience to God the Father, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, died, and was buried. By the power of the Holy Spirit he was raised bodily to new life on the third day. He ascended to heaven, where he is now seated at the right hand of God the Father interceding for the redeemed, and from where he will one day come to judge the living and the dead.
The Gospel is accomplished through the work of Jesus Christ
We believe that we are rescued from the dominion of sin and death, and reconciled to God, by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ; that we receive new life through his perfect obedience, atoning sacrifice, and resurrection.
The Gospel is applied by the power of the Holy Spirit
We believe in God the Holy Spirit who is at work in the world, calling men, women, and children to faith in Jesus Christ and, by his indwelling, uniting believers to Christ, empowering them to live a life that is pleasing to God.
The Gospel is authoritatively proclaimed in the Bible
We believe the Bible is the written Word of God; that it is inspired by God and therefore without defect in the original manuscripts, complete, and entirely trustworthy; and that God has given it as the supreme authority for all matters of life and faith.
The Gospel is embodied by the Church
We believe that the universal Church is composed of all those who are united to Christ; that Christ commands his Church to worship God, to love each other, and to make disciples. We believe that the local church body is composed of believers who have voluntarily joined together to live out the teachings and mission of Jesus Christ; and that its ordinances are the observance of the Lord’s Supper and the baptism of those who declare their trust in Jesus Christ.
The Gospel will find its complete fulfillment in the future
We believe in the personal, visible return of Jesus Christ in power and glory as the earth’s rightful King. Through him, God the Father will fully restore all of creation, and his reign will have no end. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead: those who are under judgment, to condemnation in hell, and those who are redeemed, to everlasting life in the new heavens and new earth.