Statement of Faith

THE BIBLE is God's message to man, recorded without error in the original manuscripts. We believe that "all scripture is given by the inspiration of God," by which we understand that holy men of God "were moved by the Holy Spirit" to write the very words of Scripture. We believe that this divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the writings - historical, poetical, doctrinal, and prophetical - as appeared in the original manuscripts. We furthermore believe and teach that the scriptures are subject to our use for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.

THAT GOD eternally exists in three persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - and that these three are God; having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and are worthy of precisely the same homage, confidence, and obedience.

THAT MAN was originally created in the image and after the likeness of God but fell through sin. The consequence of this fall is that all are born with a sinful nature and are in need of salvation.

THAT JESUS CHRIST, the eternal Son of God was born of a virgin, literally rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, is undiminished deity and perfect humanity permanently united in one person. It was through His sacrificial death on the cross that He removed once and for all the barrier of sin between God and man.

SALVATION has been provided through Jesus Christ for all men. We are saved by the grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ alone and not by works. We also believe that assurance of salvation is based exclusively on the testimony of God in His written word. (Romans 10:9-10)

THE HOLY SPIRIT is the third person of the Godhead and is the source of all power in the Christian life. We believe that in this age, the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts to believers as He wills, and that it is the duty of every Christian to understand them and to desire these gifts in his whole life and experience. It is the will of God that every Believer be filled with the Holy Spirit.

THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH is the visible expression of God's kingdom in this age. Membership in it is based solely upon a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

THE LOCAL CHURCH is an assembly of believers gathering together in communion with each other to give visible expression of Jesus Christ's body to their community and to stimulate growth in each other's lives.

THE ORDINANCES are to be observed commemorating Christ's works for the church: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is practiced by individuals as a symbolic expression of personal identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. The Lord's Supper is practiced corporately as a symbolic reminder of His provision for salvation for the church.

HISTORY is controlled by the sovereign rule of God and will culminate in the establishment of His kingdom upon earth .... A kingdom ruled by His Son and those who have placed their faith in Him.