I. Of The Scriptures

We believe the Holy Bible — a collection of 66 books, from Genesis to Revelation — is the Word of God. Written by various authors who were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21), its content is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). Through supernatural and verbal inspiration these men wrote as God directed. The Bible is God’s final revelation of Himself to mankind. Thus, it is the supreme standard for all human conduct, creeds, and opinions (2 Timothy 3:17).

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II. Of The True God

We believe there is one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6) existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). He is the supreme ruler over the universe (Psalm 103:19). He exists in glory and perfect holiness (Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15–16). There is perfect unity within the God-head (John 10:30), executing distinct but harmonious work in the plan of redemption (John 15:26; Ephesians 2:18).
 

III. Of Jesus Christ​

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity, who is one in essence with the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 1:1–3, 14; Matthew 28:19; John 20:31; Colossians 2:9). In the fullness of time, He took on flesh and became a man (John 1:14; Galatians 4:4). He was begotten of the Father, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of a virgin named Mary (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1:35). No other man has ever been, or ever will be, born in this manner (Genesis 3:15).

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He is both fully God and fully man — Immanuel, God with us (Isaiah 7:14; John 1:14; 1 John 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:47). He lived a perfect and sinless life and died as a substitutionary sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18). He was buried and rose from the grave on the third day (Matthew 28:5–6; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, ruling as King (Acts 1:9–11; Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 1:20–22).

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IV. Of The Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and the Son in divinity and substance (Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 9:14). He was active in creation (Genesis 1:1–2) and works now to restrain the Evil One (2 Thessalonians 2:7). He brings to light the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony (John 15:26–27; John 16:8–11). For the believer, He draws (John 6:44), seals (Ephesians 1:13–14), teaches (John 14:26), sanctifies (Titus 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2), and guides (John 16:13; Romans 8:14).
 

V. Of The Devil, Or Satan

We believe Satan, or the Devil, was once holy (Isaiah 14:12–15; Ezekiel 28:14–15). Through pride, he fell from his position, and one-third of the angels fell with him (Revelation 12:4, 9). He is the Prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), the enemy of God (1 Peter 5:8), the author of false religions, the great tempter of mankind (2 Corinthians 11:13–15; Matthew 4:1–3), and the Ruler of the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). He is destined for defeat at the return of Christ (Revelation 19:11) and will meet eternal judgment in hell — a place prepared for him, his angels, and unbelievers (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10, 15).
 

VI. Of The Creation

We believe the account of Creation in Genesis to be literal, not allegorical or figurative (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11). Through creation, all animal and plant life was made directly by God and brings forth only “after their own kind” (Genesis 1:11, 24). Mankind was created directly in the image of God and after His likeness (Genesis 1:26–27). Man’s creation was not a matter of evolution (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16–17). God created mankind in two genders: male and female (Genesis 1:27). He also ordained marriage between only a man and a woman (Genesis 2:21–24; Matthew 19:4–6). Any sexual perversion — including the altering of one’s gender — outside of God’s original design of heterosexual marriage is wholly rejected as the perversion they are (Romans 1:26–27).

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VII. Of The Fall Of Man

We believe man was originally created innocent before God (Genesis 1:26–27). By a free will choice, Adam fell into sin (Genesis 3:1–6). As our representative, all of mankind is inherently corrupt because of this choice and is under condemnation (Romans 5:12, 19; Romans 3:10–12; Ephesians 2:1–3), and without excuse before their Creator (Romans 1:20).
 

VIII. Of The Atonement For Sin

We believe that salvation is wholly an act of God, given as a free gift to sinners (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 3:24; John 3:16). His atonement was achieved through the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:4–7; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24). He became a man, freely taking our nature — yet was without sin (Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 3:18). He voluntarily died on behalf of sinners — the Just for the unjust (John 10:18; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 3:18). He victoriously rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 20; Hebrews 12:2) and now sits enthroned on the right hand of the Father, acting as our mediator (Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:2).
 

IX. Of Grace In The New Creation

We believe that one must be born again to be saved (John 3:3, 6–7; John 1:12–13; 1 John 5:1). This new birth makes the sinner — one dead in their trespasses — a new creation (Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17). This new creation is a partaker of the divine nature and conformed to the image of Christ (2 Peter 1:4; 2 Corinthians 5:19). This is accomplished through grace, which is offered freely to mankind, and apart from any work man could accomplish (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8–9). Evidence of the new creation is seen in the fruit produced in the believer’s life (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9).
 

X. Of The Freeness Of Salvation

We believe salvation is an act of God’s electing grace (Romans 8:29–30; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:2). The blessings of salvation are free to those who respond to the Gospel in faith through repentance and confession of Christ as Lord (Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:13). The grace of God is available to the greatest of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4–5), and nothing prevents their salvation except their own depravity and rejection of the Gospel (John 5:40; John 3:18, 36).
 

XI. Of Justification

We believe that the death of Christ secured the believer’s justification before God (Isaiah 53:11; Acts 13:39; Romans 5:9). Due to sin, we stand before God as guilty and unrighteous (Romans 3:23). Christ’s obedience to death on the cross, and His resurrection, secured a pardon for our sin (Zechariah 13:1; Romans 4:25). We are then given Christ’s righteousness in exchange for our sin, where He crucified it on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:1). Accordingly, we can stand before God justified by grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ (Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 3:11; Titus 3:5–7; Hebrews 10:38).

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XII. Of Faith, Repentance, and Confession

We believe that faith, repentance, and confession are man’s responsibility for salvation (Acts 20:21; Romans 10:9–11). Faith is the free gift of God offered in grace (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:13). This leads to repentance of sin in the believer’s life (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:37–38; Psalm 51:1–4; Isaiah 55:6–7). We openly confess Jesus Christ as Lord and the all-sufficient Savior (Luke 12:8; Luke 18:13).
 

XIII. Of The Church

We believe the church is a local body of baptized believers who are in one accord with the covenant of faith passed down throughout the history of the church (Acts 2:41–42; Jude 3–4). The church’s officers of ordination are pastors or elders, who align with scriptural qualifications (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11). We believe that men and women were created equal before God, but given different responsibilities, with the man as the leader of the home, just as Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23–24; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 11:2–3). The church is to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ by making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them all Christ commanded (Matthew 28:19–20). We believe the church has the ultimate right of self-governance with Christ as its sole superintendent (Ephesians 1:22–23; Acts 15:22; 2 Corinthians 8:23–24).

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XIV. Of Baptism And The Lord’s Supper

We believe in the baptism of believers by immersion after conversion (Acts 8:36–39; Matthew 3:16; Romans 6:3–5). It is meant as an act of obedience in symbolizing the death and resurrection of Christ (Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4–5). Baptism allows one to partake in the life of the church (Acts 2:41–42; Matthew 28:19–20). The Lord’s Supper is for members of the church or those in doctrinal agreement. It is a solemn occasion of self-reflection and symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice for us (1 Corinthians 11:23–28).

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XV. Of The Perseverance Of The Saints

We believe that through the power of God, true believers are kept through faith to eternal salvation (1 Peter 1:5; John 10:28–29; Philippians 1:6). Their conformity to the image of Christ is the distinguishing mark of their security (Romans 8:28–29; Colossians 1:21–23; John 8:31–32). Through God’s providence, they are kept until their eternal reward (Psalm 121:3; Romans 8:35–39).

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XVI. Of The Righteous And The Wicked

We believe in a distinction between the righteous and the wicked (Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 14:32). The righteous are justified before God through faith, by grace, through the work of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:17; Romans 6:17–18; 1 Peter 1:18–19). They continue to be sanctified through the Holy Spirit (Romans 7:6; 1 John 2:29). The wicked remain in their unbelief, under the curse of sin (Galatians 3:10; John 8:21; 1 John 5:19). The distinction between righteous and wicked continues in death. The righteous to their reward in Heaven and the wicked to everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:34, 41; Luke 16:25; Matthew 7:13–14; John 12:25).
 

XVII. Of Civil Government

We believe that God establishes all earthly government (Romans 13:1). He establishes them for good order of society and the restraint of evil (Romans 13:3–4; 2 Samuel 23:3). As such, we are to pray, obey, and honor them (1 Peter 2:13–17; Titus 3:1; Matthew 22:21) — except in cases of clear violations of God’s Word (Acts 4:19–20; Daniel 3:17–18).
 

XVIII. Of The Resurrection And Return Of Christ And Related Events

We believe what the Scriptures teach of Christ’s resurrection and return. On the third day after His death, He rose from the dead (Matthew 28:6–7; 1 Corinthians 15:4; Luke 24:2–7). He then ascended to the Father’s right hand, and now acts as our High Priest (Acts 1:9; Mark 16:19; Hebrews 8:1; 1 Timothy 2:5). We believe He will return again for His church and claim the throne of David (John 14:3; Luke 1:32; Matthew 24:27). Those who are dead in Christ will rise again and those living will be caught up with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; 1 Corinthians 15:51–53). He will reign forever (Revelation 20:4, 6; 1 Corinthians 15:25).
 

XIX. Of Missions

The command to give the Gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable, and this Commission was given to the churches (Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:15). They are commanded to give, go, and preach the gospel to all nations through the power of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13–15; John 20:21).

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XX. Of The Grace Of Giving

Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the Faith (2 Corinthians 8:7; Malachi 3:10; Leviticus 27:30). We are commanded to bring our gifts on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:2). Tithing is not a payment to the church, but through grace a gift given (Matthew 23:23; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Acts 4:34–35).