The Holy Scriptures

The sixty-six books of the Bible are the inspired words of God written by some 40 authors over about 1,600 years. The Bible is our accurate and reliable guide for faith and practice.

John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Revelation 22:18-19

God

God is the being who existed before anything else came to be. He is eternal and exists in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), all of whom are of the same essence but have separate functions as described in the Bible.

Genesis 1:1; Exodus 3:14; John 14:6, 17:17; Revelation 1:8, 11

Man

The first man, Adam, was created perfect by God from the dust of the ground and given the responsibility of maintaining the Garden of Eden. The first woman, Eve, was created from one of Adam’s ribs. Satan tempted Adam and Eve, and they sinned by disobeying God’s command. Thus, sin was passed on to all who have been born since the fall.

Genesis 2:15, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12

Sin

Everything God created was perfect, but sin is not a “thing.” It is the absence of good and, therefore, not created by God.

Genesis 1:12, 18, 21, 25, 31; Romans 5:12

Salvation

Because all humans are born sinners, God in His mercy and grace provided a perfect sacrifice for sin: Jesus Christ. Christ died on a cross, shed His blood for all sinners, and then rose again to prove His deity. Those who receive His free gift of salvation are saved by faith.

John 1:12, 3:16-18; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9

Eternal Security

At salvation, the Holy Spirit baptizes and secures a believer. Just as salvation is a gift and not the result of human efforts, so keeping believers saved is the work of the Holy Spirit.

John 1:12, 6:37-40, 10:28-29; Romans 8:1, 38-39; 1 John 5:13

Sanctification

While salvation is a point-in-time experience, sanctification is a process involving obedience and action by the Christian who is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Ultimate sanctification does not occur until believers are in heaven, where no sin exists.

Romans 6-8; Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 4:22-32

The Church

Every believer should join a Bible-believing church, which is a body of baptized believers organized together for worship, instruction, fellowship, evangelism, and service. The word for “church” occurs 114 times in the New Testament, and in the vast majority of times refers to a local body of believers. The church began at Pentecost as described in Acts chapter two.

Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 1:22-23; Revelation 2-3

Ordinances

We believe that there are two ordinances for the New Testament church to observe: immersion baptism and the Lord’s supper. These memorials (ordinances) are for believers and are, therefore, not sacraments.

Acts 2:41-42, 8:36-39; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Last Things

The rapture (a “catching away”) of Christians to heaven will be the next event in God’s calendar, although the timing is known to God alone. Following the rapture will be a seven-year tribulation which will end with the second coming of Christ in glory with His saints. After this, the millennium (1000 years) will take place, ending with the great white throne judgment for unbelievers and followed by eternity.

Mark 13:32; Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 20

For a more thorough doctrinal statement and for questions relating to how the church functions, ask us for a copy of our Constitution and By-Laws.