Statement of Faith

God

The eternal [Nehemiah 9:5], triune God is revealed as one being, three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) [2 Corinthians 13:14]. These persons are equally divine and distinct in their respective functions but are one in essence (or being) and purpose. God is the creator [Genesis 1:1], sustainer [Hebrews 1:3] and redeemer [Isaiah 41:14] of the universe. He is self-existent, good, holy and loving.

Father

The Father is the first person of the triune God and is the author and caretaker of the created universe. The Father directs history according to his perfect will and ensures that his ordained purposes are accomplished [2 Peter 1:17]. He is the one referred to as Father by the Son [Mark 14:36] and becomes the Father of those who turn to him by placing their faith in Jesus Christ [Romans 8:15].

Son

The Son is the second person of the triune God, eternally existent with the Father in pre-incarnate glory [John 1:1], and is the agent and sustainer of creation [Colossians 1:16-17]. The Son became a human being in his virgin birth [Luke 1:26-27, 2:7]. With regard to his humanity, it was full [Philippians 2:7-8]. With regard to his divinity, it was full [John 1:14]. He led a sinless life, suffered, died and rose again in order to make possible the redemption of all creation [1 Corinthians 15:3-4]. He ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven where he is the mediator between God and human beings [Hebrews 9:15]. He will return at the culmination of history in order to judge the living and the dead, to initiate the coming of the new heaven and the new earth and to bring to completion God’s redemptive plan for the universe [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Romans 2:16].

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the triune God [John 14:26]. The Holy Spirit convinces of sin and righteousness, regenerates, sanctifies, illuminates and comforts those who believe in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also empowers believers for service in the Kingdom of God [1 Corinthians 12:11].

The Holy Scriptures

The Holy Scriptures, comprising the sixty-six books found in the Old and New Testaments, are the complete, true and inspired word of God [2 Peter 1:19-21]. The Holy Scriptures are the sole authority in all matters of faith and practice and are the true basis of Christian union. The proper interpretation of the Holy Scriptures comes through the illuminating activity of the Holy Spirit and is confirmed in the context of the community of God’s people, the church [Acts 15:12-18].

Satan

We believe that Satan exists as the archenemy of God and humanity, is the originator of sin and seeks the destruction of God’s good creation [1 Peter 5:8].

Humankind

Human beings were originally created by God in the image and likeness of God [Genesis 1:26]. They were innocent persons who were fully dependent on the Creator for their existence, shared in a relationship with that Creator and had freedom of the will.

Human beings broke the command of God and fell into sin [Genesis 3:6-7], becoming guilty before God and thereby incurring physical and spiritual death [Romans 5:12]. Their fellowship with God [Genesis 3:23], one another [Genesis 3:12], themselves [Romans 7:15] and the rest of creation [Romans 8:22] was shattered.

Because of their act of disobedience, a sinful disposition was passed on to the whole human race, a disposition which reveals itself in ways contrary to God’s design for humanity. Human beings are born into the kingdom of sin and death and live in rebellion toward God under its power [Romans 5:12]. Their existence depends wholly upon God’s sovereign grace and mercy. We are all in desperate need of God’s saving grace.

Salvation

Salvation is by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ [Ephesians 2:8-9]. By the appointment of the Father, the Son voluntarily suffered an expiatory and propitiatory death, providing the all-sufficient sacrifice for sin [1 John 2:2]. On the third day he was gloriously resurrected from the dead [John 21:14].

Salvation is a process of regeneration [Titus 3:5], justification [Romans 8:30], sanctification [2 Thessalonians 2:13] and glorification [Romans 8:30] – it is the proper reconciling of all things to God and is completed at the consummation of history.

The Church

The local church is a community of believers in a particular geographical area that gathers together for worship, encouragement, fellowship and celebration [Acts 2:42, 46-47]. They are a part of the universal church (comprising believers around the world) and also the mystical church (comprising believers from all of history).

The New Testament outlines how the local church is to function as a body in service to God with Christ as its head [Colossians 1:18]. Its primary mission is to make disciples, baptize and teach persons to obey Christ [Matthew 28:19-20]. This mission is to be carried out in accordance with the gifts and guidance of the Holy Spirit and under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. All believers are called to be actively involved in ministry with their time, energy and resources and are to exercise and nurture the gifts given them by the Holy Spirit [1 Corinthians 12:27].

Practices of Faith

Baptism is the immersion of the believer in water (where possible), whereby the believer obeys Christ’s command and publicly sets forth his or her identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection [Matthew 28:19].

The Lord’s Supper is a celebration shared in community which proclaims the death of the Lord Jesus Christ until He comes again. The elements partaken of symbolize the Lord’s broken body and shed blood [1 Corinthians 11:23-26].

Marriage is the union of one man and one woman in covenant relationship (to the exclusion of all others) before God and in the company of witnesses [Matthew 19:5-6, 1 Corinthians 7:2].

The Sabbath

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s day and that it is to be emphasized as a day of worship [Exodus 20:8, Mark 2:27].

Future things

There will be a bodily and glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ at a time appointed by God the Father [Mark 13:32-33]. At that time, there will be the bodily resurrection of the just. Those who have been redeemed will enter into glory and be with God.