Statement of Faith
GOD
There is one, true, holy God, who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God in being, character, power, and eternal qualities. God is all powerful, all knowing, ever present, unchanging, completely worthy of our trust, and above all, Holy. It is in Him that we live, move and exist. God is good. He is our Father. He is loving, compassionate, and faithful to His people and His promises. He created the universe out of nothing. By God’s sovereign power, creation is continually sustained, and God’s redemptive purposes are being fulfilled.
JESUS
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He is the only plan for bringing people who are far from God back into a right relationship with God. He was born of the Virgin Mary by miraculous conception, lived a perfect sinless life, so that He could be a substitution for us in satisfying God’s demands for perfection. He died on the cross but then defeated death by being resurrected after three days so that we can have life. He ascended into heaven, where He rules as our Lord and mediates between God and people. He will return again to earth in the future to establish God’s perfect peace and justice for all time.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with God and Jesus. His presence in the world brings conviction of sin to people and makes them aware of their need for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation, providing the Christian with power for living, knowledge of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing God’s will. He comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts, and makes us more like Christ.
ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. They will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
HUMANITY
Human beings are made in the image of God, to be like God in character, to have fellowship with Him, and are the supreme object of His creation. However, through sinful disobedience, they have been separated from God. As a result, man cannot attain a right relationship with God through his own effort. Every human personality is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
SALVATION
Salvation is a gift from God to all people. Human beings can never make up for their sin by self-effort or their own performance. It is only by the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, that provides forgiveness of sin and the free gift of eternal life. The death and resurrection of Christ is the only sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation is not only for the benefit of eternal life but for the believer to enjoy the blessing of a personal relationship with God in the here and now.
THE CHURCH
The Church is a local community of baptized believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.
BIBLE
The Bible, comprised of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives. There are no other writings similarly inspired by God. Scripture is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice, life, and in counseling.