Doctrinal Statement:
A. Holy Scriptures. We teach that the Bible is God’s written revelation to man, and thus the sixty-six books of the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit constitute the Word of God (Acts 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:7-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The canon of Scripture is closed, and God no longer gives special revelation (Hebrews 1:1-2; Jude 3).
B. God. We teach that there is but one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-7; 1 Corinthians 8:4), who is an infinite, eternal, self-existent, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent Spirit (Exodus 3:14; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:1-2; 139:7-10; Matthew 6:8; 10:30; John 5:26; 1 John 3:20; Revelation 1:8; 4:8; John 4:24), perfect and immutable in His being and attributes (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17), one in essence, eternally existing in three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14) –each equally deserving worship and obedience.
C. God the Father. We teach that God the Father, the first person of the Trinity, orders and disposes all things according to His own purpose (Psalm 145:8-9; 1 Corinthians 8:6). He is the creator of all things (Genesis 1:1-31; Ephesians 3:9). As the only absolute and omnipotent ruler, He is sovereign in creation, providence, and redemption (Psalm 103:19; Romans 11:36). His fatherhood involves both His designation within the Trinity and His relationship with mankind. As Creator He is Father to all men (Ephesians 4:6), but He is spiritual Father only to believers (Romans 8: 14; 2 Corinthians 6:18).
D. God the Son. We teach that Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, possesses all the divine Excellencies, and in these He is coequal, con-substantial, and co-eternal with the Father (John 10:30; 14:9; Hebrews 1:3).
E. God the Holy Spirit. We teach that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is God, eternal, underived, possessing all the divine Excellencies. He is coequal and consubstantial with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 28:25-26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; and Jeremiah 31:31-34 with Hebrews 10:15-17). The Holy Spirit possesses all the attributes of personality and deity, including intellect (1 Corinthians 2: 10-13), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), will (1 Corinthians 12: 11), eternality (Hebrews 9:14), omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-10), omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14), omnipotence (Romans 15:13), and truthfulness (John 16: 13).
F. Man. We teach that man was directly created by God in His image and likeness. Man was created free of sin with a rational nature, intelligence, volition, emotional capacity, and moral responsibility to God (Genesis 2:7, 15-25; James 3:9). Even though man still bears that image, the result of the Fall is that all men are born sinners, lost, alienated from God, spiritually dead, totally depraved, unable to please God, and totally unable to come to Christ without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
G. Salvation. We teach that salvation is wholly of God by grace on the basis of the redemption of Jesus Christ, the merit of His shed blood, and not on the basis of human merit or works (John 1: 12; Ephesians 1 :7; 2:8-10; 1 Peter 1: 18-19). We teach that salvation is by the grace of God alone, through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone who died as a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of His chosen people. Those who thus receive Christ by faith have all their sins forgiven, become children of God, and are indwelled by the Holy Spirit at the time of conversion. We teach that when a Christian is born again he is given the power through the indwelling Holy Spirit to live a life of faith in and obedience to Christ.
H. Five Fold Ministry. We believe that when Jesus ascended He gave the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to the church for the purpose of equipping the church and bringing the body of Christ into maturity (Ephesians 4: 1-11) and that these ministry gifts continue today.
I. Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The following verses provide evidence that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct and separate experience from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that occurs at salvation (John 7:37-39; Acts 2:37-38; Acts 8:15-16; Acts 10:44-47).
J. Baptism of Fire. We teach a baptism, “in fire” or “power,” spoken of by Jesus in (Acts 1:8). Specifically, it refers to the experience of believers on the Day of Pentecost described in the book of Acts (Acts 2:4).
K. Regeneration. We teach that regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit whereby new life is implanted in the person (John 3:3-7; Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:5). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word of God (John 5:24; 2 Timothy 2:15) so as to secure voluntary obedience to the gospel.
L. Sanctification. We teach that every believer is sanctified (set apart) unto God by justification and is therefore declared to be holy and is consequently identified as a saint. This sanctification is positional and instantaneous and should not be confused with progressive sanctification. This sanctification has to do with the believer’s standing, not his present walk or condition (Acts 20:32; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 2:11; 3:1; 10:10, 14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2)
M. Separation. We teach that separation from sin is clearly called for throughout the Old and New Testaments, and that the Scriptures clearly indicate that in the last days apostasy and worldliness will increase (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 2 Timothy 3: 1-5).
N. The church. We teach that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:7-8), of which Christ is the head (Ephesians 1:22; 4: 15; Colossians 1: 18) and for whom He died (John 10:11, 15; Ephesians 5:25). We teach that the church is a unique spiritual organism designed by Christ and made up of all born-again believers (Ephesians 2:11-3:6).
O. Spiritual Gifts. We teach the need of the church to submit to God as He accomplishes His purpose in the world. To that end He gives the church spiritual gifts. He gives men chosen for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:7-12), and He also gives unique and special spiritual abilities to each member of the body of Christ (Romans 12:5-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; 1 Peter 4: 10-11).
P. Baptism in Water. The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe in Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47, 48; Romans 6:4). (Baptism however, is not to be regarded as a means of salvation). The ordinance of Baptism by immersion in water (Matthew 28:19) will be administered to all those who have repented of their sins and who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls, and who give clear evidence of their salvation (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12).
Q. The Lord’s Supper. We teach the ordinance of Lord’s Supper consists of the elements – bread and the fruit of the vine – is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers “till He comes! The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper will be observed regularly as enjoined in the Scriptures. (Luke 22:19, 20; Corinthians 11:23-26)
R. Holy Angels. We teach that angels are created beings and are therefore not to be worshiped. They are created to serve God and to worship Him (Luke 4;10; Hebrews 1: 14) and for the service of those who are to inherit salvation.
S. Fallen Angels. We teach that Satan is a created angel and the author of sin. He incurred the judgment of God by rebelling against his Creator (Ezekiel 28:11-19), by taking numerous angels with him in his fall (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:1-14), and by introducing sin into the human race by his temptation of Eve (Genesis 3: 1-15).
T. Eternity. We teach that in the end, the saved will enter the eternal state of glory in a new heavens and new earth wherein only righteousness dwells and will enjoy fellowship with God forever (John 17:3; Revelation 21, 22). Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:23-28) that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever and ever (1 Corinthians 15:28).
A. Holy Scriptures. We teach that the Bible is God’s written revelation to man, and thus the sixty-six books of the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit constitute the Word of God (Acts 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:7-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The canon of Scripture is closed, and God no longer gives special revelation (Hebrews 1:1-2; Jude 3).
B. God. We teach that there is but one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-7; 1 Corinthians 8:4), who is an infinite, eternal, self-existent, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent Spirit (Exodus 3:14; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:1-2; 139:7-10; Matthew 6:8; 10:30; John 5:26; 1 John 3:20; Revelation 1:8; 4:8; John 4:24), perfect and immutable in His being and attributes (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17), one in essence, eternally existing in three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14) –each equally deserving worship and obedience.
C. God the Father. We teach that God the Father, the first person of the Trinity, orders and disposes all things according to His own purpose (Psalm 145:8-9; 1 Corinthians 8:6). He is the creator of all things (Genesis 1:1-31; Ephesians 3:9). As the only absolute and omnipotent ruler, He is sovereign in creation, providence, and redemption (Psalm 103:19; Romans 11:36). His fatherhood involves both His designation within the Trinity and His relationship with mankind. As Creator He is Father to all men (Ephesians 4:6), but He is spiritual Father only to believers (Romans 8: 14; 2 Corinthians 6:18).
D. God the Son. We teach that Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, possesses all the divine Excellencies, and in these He is coequal, con-substantial, and co-eternal with the Father (John 10:30; 14:9; Hebrews 1:3).
E. God the Holy Spirit. We teach that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is God, eternal, underived, possessing all the divine Excellencies. He is coequal and consubstantial with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 28:25-26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; and Jeremiah 31:31-34 with Hebrews 10:15-17). The Holy Spirit possesses all the attributes of personality and deity, including intellect (1 Corinthians 2: 10-13), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), will (1 Corinthians 12: 11), eternality (Hebrews 9:14), omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-10), omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14), omnipotence (Romans 15:13), and truthfulness (John 16: 13).
F. Man. We teach that man was directly created by God in His image and likeness. Man was created free of sin with a rational nature, intelligence, volition, emotional capacity, and moral responsibility to God (Genesis 2:7, 15-25; James 3:9). Even though man still bears that image, the result of the Fall is that all men are born sinners, lost, alienated from God, spiritually dead, totally depraved, unable to please God, and totally unable to come to Christ without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
G. Salvation. We teach that salvation is wholly of God by grace on the basis of the redemption of Jesus Christ, the merit of His shed blood, and not on the basis of human merit or works (John 1: 12; Ephesians 1 :7; 2:8-10; 1 Peter 1: 18-19). We teach that salvation is by the grace of God alone, through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone who died as a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of His chosen people. Those who thus receive Christ by faith have all their sins forgiven, become children of God, and are indwelled by the Holy Spirit at the time of conversion. We teach that when a Christian is born again he is given the power through the indwelling Holy Spirit to live a life of faith in and obedience to Christ.
H. Five Fold Ministry. We believe that when Jesus ascended He gave the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to the church for the purpose of equipping the church and bringing the body of Christ into maturity (Ephesians 4: 1-11) and that these ministry gifts continue today.
I. Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The following verses provide evidence that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct and separate experience from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that occurs at salvation (John 7:37-39; Acts 2:37-38; Acts 8:15-16; Acts 10:44-47).
J. Baptism of Fire. We teach a baptism, “in fire” or “power,” spoken of by Jesus in (Acts 1:8). Specifically, it refers to the experience of believers on the Day of Pentecost described in the book of Acts (Acts 2:4).
K. Regeneration. We teach that regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit whereby new life is implanted in the person (John 3:3-7; Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:5). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word of God (John 5:24; 2 Timothy 2:15) so as to secure voluntary obedience to the gospel.
L. Sanctification. We teach that every believer is sanctified (set apart) unto God by justification and is therefore declared to be holy and is consequently identified as a saint. This sanctification is positional and instantaneous and should not be confused with progressive sanctification. This sanctification has to do with the believer’s standing, not his present walk or condition (Acts 20:32; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 2:11; 3:1; 10:10, 14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2)
M. Separation. We teach that separation from sin is clearly called for throughout the Old and New Testaments, and that the Scriptures clearly indicate that in the last days apostasy and worldliness will increase (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 2 Timothy 3: 1-5).
N. The church. We teach that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:7-8), of which Christ is the head (Ephesians 1:22; 4: 15; Colossians 1: 18) and for whom He died (John 10:11, 15; Ephesians 5:25). We teach that the church is a unique spiritual organism designed by Christ and made up of all born-again believers (Ephesians 2:11-3:6).
O. Spiritual Gifts. We teach the need of the church to submit to God as He accomplishes His purpose in the world. To that end He gives the church spiritual gifts. He gives men chosen for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:7-12), and He also gives unique and special spiritual abilities to each member of the body of Christ (Romans 12:5-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; 1 Peter 4: 10-11).
P. Baptism in Water. The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe in Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47, 48; Romans 6:4). (Baptism however, is not to be regarded as a means of salvation). The ordinance of Baptism by immersion in water (Matthew 28:19) will be administered to all those who have repented of their sins and who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls, and who give clear evidence of their salvation (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12).
Q. The Lord’s Supper. We teach the ordinance of Lord’s Supper consists of the elements – bread and the fruit of the vine – is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers “till He comes! The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper will be observed regularly as enjoined in the Scriptures. (Luke 22:19, 20; Corinthians 11:23-26)
R. Holy Angels. We teach that angels are created beings and are therefore not to be worshiped. They are created to serve God and to worship Him (Luke 4;10; Hebrews 1: 14) and for the service of those who are to inherit salvation.
S. Fallen Angels. We teach that Satan is a created angel and the author of sin. He incurred the judgment of God by rebelling against his Creator (Ezekiel 28:11-19), by taking numerous angels with him in his fall (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:1-14), and by introducing sin into the human race by his temptation of Eve (Genesis 3: 1-15).
T. Eternity. We teach that in the end, the saved will enter the eternal state of glory in a new heavens and new earth wherein only righteousness dwells and will enjoy fellowship with God forever (John 17:3; Revelation 21, 22). Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:23-28) that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever and ever (1 Corinthians 15:28).