How do we find God’s truth?
Creation reveals God’s existence and many aspects of his attributes. Nonetheless, the Bible gives us special revelation from God. It is the written Word of God—God’s inspired testimony about himself. The Bible is the only authoritative source of God’s self-revelation, and is the source and standard for all doctrine, church practice, and godly living. The Bible is God’s own Word, written by men through the direction of His Spirit, and is authoritative in all matters upon which it touches: It is to be believed, as God’s instruction, in all that it affirms; obeyed, as God’s command, in all that it requires; embraced, as God’s pledge, in all that it promises.*
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
*See also 2 Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 4:4; Mark 13:31; John 8:31-32; 20:31; Acts 20:32
OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Sovereignty of God
God exists eternally in three persons as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, yet is nonetheless one God. God is sovereign in creation, in history, and in salvation, ruling over all things in perfect faithfulness, righteousness and absolute goodness. He infallibly knows all that will happen, ordering and ordaining all things according to the good purpose of his own will. He deserves the worship and obedience of all people.
The Supremacy of Christ
God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the eternal Word of God and the only Savior of mankind, fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and died for our sins. He rose in victory from the grave and personally appeared to his disciples. He ascended to heaven, where he is now seated at the right hand of God the Father, and will come again a second time at the close of history.
The Empowering of The Holy Spirit
God the Holy Spirit unites the church, dwells within believers, and empowers them to accomplish God’s will. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He brings people to repentance through the proclamation of the gospel and leads them to faith in Christ. He begins and completes the work of transformation into the likeness of Christ in the lives of believers, and is himself the seal and security of our salvation.
The Holy Spirit gives believers supernatural gifts to build up his church and for works of ministry in the world. The gifts of the Holy Spirit described in Scripture are still available and vital today, and all believers should actively seek the filling of God’s Spirit and the godly practice of these gifts.
The Centrality of The Cross
All people are born sinners, and our salvation is by grace alone, through repentance and faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. This is the only means by which God removes the guilt and penalty of sin, bringing eternal life to those who believe. The good news of Jesus Christ is for all peoples everywhere, in every nation.
The Ministry of The Church
All believers have received gifts from the Holy Spirit and are qualified by grace as ministers of Christ. We are joined together into a family of believers, the church, where we share fellowship and experience life together. The church is God’s agent for global transformation, a community that demonstrates heaven’s society on earth. Each believer should be a committed member of a local church, and actively participate and contribute towards the extension of God’s kingdom on earth.
The Sanctity of The Sacraments
Baptism is for all who profess faith in Christ Jesus, and is done by immersion in water
as an act of obedience and public confession of the lordship of Christ. Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, is to be shared only by believers in Christ who are abiding in grace, and is an important expression of our covenant with God and one another.