Section 1. Doctrine of Scripture

We believe that every word of the original autographs of the Scriptures (Both Old and New Testament) was breathed out by God Himself (II Timothy 3:16-17); that by virtue of the superintendence and empowering of the Holy Spirit, the human writers of the Scriptures wrote not their private interpretations but the very Words of God (II Peter 1:19-21), preserved from error of any kind on any subject whatsoever (John 10:35).

We believe that the Scriptures are, therefore, the unique, absolute, authoritative standard of faith and practice, to be studied, proclaimed, obeyed, and defended (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 19:7-11; John 17:17; Jude 3-4); that they are to be interpreted literally, historically, and grammatically (Matthew 12:39-41; II Peter 1:16) unless the context clearly indicates otherwise (examples include but are not limited to John 6:35,51,58; 10:7; 15:1); and that every portion is without exception profitable for doctrine and Christian growth (II Timothy 3:16).

We believe, therefore, that the denial of their inerrant authority contradicts the clear position of Christ and the apostles and thus undermines all facets of their doctrine as reliable for faith and practice; that the sixty six books of the Bible constitutes the complete and only authoritative revelation of God to man (I Corinthians 14:37; II Peter 3:15-16); and that anyone who adds to or takes away from this completed revelation is cursed of God (Revelation 22:18-19).

Section 2. Doctrine of God

A. Existence

We believe in one unique and infinite God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:21-22; John 17:3), the Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth (Psalm 104; Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 4:25,35; Matthew 6:26-30), whose existence, clearly evident from what He has created and innately recognized by the conscience of man (Romans 1:19-20), has always been and shall always be (Genesis 21:33; Deuteronomy 33:27; II Peter 3:8; Psalm 90:2,4).

B. Spirituality

We believe that God is a Spirit (John 4:24), and as such is an immaterial (Luke 24:3,9), invisible (John 1:18; Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:1; I Timothy 1:17; I Timothy 6:16), living (Psalm 84:2; Matthew 16:16), and life giving (Psalm 36:9; John 5:26) Person.

C. Triunity

We believe that God comprises three distinct Persons in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit co-equal in every Divine perfection and fulfilling distinct yet harmonious functions within the Godhead (Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4; John 15:26; John 16:13-14).

D. Transcendence

We believe in the infinite and unlimited transcendence of God: in perfection, in holiness (Exodus 15:11; Psalm 99:9; Isaiah 6:3; I Peter 1:15-16), and immutability (Psalm 102:27; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17); in knowledge, omniscience (Proverbs 15:3; Isaiah 46:10; Hebrews 4:13); in power, omnipotence (Isaiah 40; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:27; Ephesians 3:20; Job 42:2); and in presence, omnipresence (Psalm 139).

E. Immanence

We believe in the immanence of God, as evidenced by His gracious love for and merciful interaction with the creation, notably with man (Psalm 103); demonstrating His trustworthiness (Psalm 100:5; John 17:3; I John 5:20; Romans 3:4); righteousness (II Chronicles 12:6; Ezra 9:15; II Timothy 4:8; Revelation 6:4); and goodness, love (I John 4:7-8); benevolence (Psalm 145:9; Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:17); mercy (Ephesians 2:4; James 5:11; I Peter 1:3); and grace (Romans 5:21; II Corinthians 12:9; Titus 2:11).

F. Creator

We believe that God directly created out of nothing the universe and all that is in it, including mankind, as literally set down in Genesis 1-2; that all theories of evolution, secular or religious, not only deny observable natural law but also deny the veracity of the Scriptures and undermines the authority of God over His own creation (Genesis 1:31; Isaiah 45:11-12,18; John 1:3; Romans 5:12; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11).

G. Providence

We believe that God providentially oversees the affairs of the universe, both spiritual and physical, sustaining and guiding it according to His predetermined purpose (Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3); that on occasion He has used literal miracles to bring about His will (notably in the days of Moses, Elijah, Elisha, and of Christ and His apostles); that even those things that are inherently bad and evil cannot ultimately thwart His will, but become tools in His hands to bring about the Divine consummation of history (Psalm 76:10; Acts 4:25-28; Romans 8:28).

Section 3. Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

A. Deity

We believe that the Holy Spirit is God, co-equal with the Father and the Son as demonstrated by His attributes (I Corinthians 2:10; Psalm 139:7; Hebrews 9:14), works (Genesis 1:21; II Peter 1:21; Luke 1:35; John 16:8; John 3:5-6; Titus 3:5; Romans 8:26-27; II Thessalonians 2:13), and association within the Trinity (II Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:30; Matthew 28:19).

B. Personality

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a distinct Person of the Godhead and as such possesses the attributes of personality (Acts 5:3,9; Acts 7:51; Matthew 12:31; I Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 4:30; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:13-14).

C. Work

1. Within the Godhead

We believe that the Holy Spirit participated in the creation of the universe; that He empowered the writers of Scripture to pen the very breathed-out words of God; that He bears witness to the truth; and that He testifies of Christ and brings honor to Him (Genesis 1:2; II Peter 1:19-21; John 15:26; John 16:13-15).

2. In relation to believers

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the agent of the new birth (John 3:5-7; Titus 3:5; II Corinthians 5:17); that He baptizes all true believers into the body of Christ (Mark 1:8; I Corinthians 12:13); indwelling (John 14:16-17; I Corinthians 3:16; I Corinthians 6:19); sanctifying them, and thereby sealing them unto the day of redemption (Romans 8:16; II Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30); that He intercedes for (Romans 8:26) and gives gifts to each believer (Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:8-11; I Peter 4:10-11), empowering (Acts 4:31; Ephesians 5:18), guiding (Galatians 5:16,25; Romans 8:14), and teaching them (I Corinthians 2:12-13); that the true test of His control is not how spiritually gifted a person is, nor what supernatural experience he or she enjoys, but that the person honors Christ as Lord, living in love toward the Church and in obedience to the Scripture (I Corinthians 12:1-11; I Corinthians 14:16-17, 26; Galatians 5:22-6:1).

3. In relation to the world

We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment; that He restrains the evil one in the world until God’s purpose is fulfilled (Genesis 6:3; John 16:7-11; II Thessalonians 2:6-7).

Section 4. Doctrine of Christ

A. Person

We believe that Jesus Christ is the unique, eternal Son of God (John 1:14, 18; John 3:16, 18; Hebrews 11:17; I John 4:9), one Person consisting of two natures, human and divine:

B. His Deity

We believe that as God the Son, Jesus the Christ is completely God, Possessor of Divine attributes and Agent of Divine works, to be worshiped and honored as Jehovah God Himself (John 1:14, 18; John 3:16-18; Hebrews 1:8; I John 5:20; John 1:3; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 45:12, 21-23; Philippians 2:10-11; Matthew 3:3; Isaiah 40:3; John 12:41; Hebrews 1:10-12; Psalm 102:25-27; Ephesians 4:7-8; Psalm 68:18; Genesis 3:15; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6).

C. His Humanity

We believe that by virtue of His incarnation and virgin birth, Jesus Christ is completely man, yet without sin, able to function as both our mediating Advocate and sustaining Comforter (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:14; Romans 8:34; Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24; I John 2:1).

D. His Work

We believe that according to the will of the Father, Jesus Christ took upon Himself human nature, laying aside the prerogatives of Deity; that He lived His earthly life without sin or sins, and voluntarily sacrificed Himself on the cross in bloody death once and for all on behalf of mankind, bearing our sins in His own body; that in so doing He paid sin’s penalty and appeased the wrath of God; that He rose again bodily from the grave to die no more and is exalted to the right hand of God to reign forever; that only in Him, by virtue of His exalted Person and vicarious work, can man find salvation from sin and death (Isaiah 53; Mark 10:45; John 10:11; Romans 5:8; II Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:8-11; I Peter 3:18; I John 2:2; I Corinthians 15:3-8; Matthew 28; Mark 16:1-9; Luke 24; John 20; John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Section 5. Doctrine of Man

We believe that man was created in the image of God and is, therefore, unique among all God’s creation; that in Adam man willfully sinned against God, thus forfeiting his original innocence and alienating the entire race from God and eternal life; that every man from Adam’s fall onward is a sinner by birth and by choice, utterly incapable apart from God of escaping his sinful condition or its rightful eternal punishment (Genesis 1:26; 2:7; 3:1-19; 9:6; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Psalm 51:5; 58:3; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10-23; 5:12, 17-19; I Corinthians 15:21-22; James 3:9).

Section 6. Doctrine of Angels

A. General Characteristics

We believe that angels are spirit beings, created by God to serve as His ministers (Job 38:4, 7; Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 104:4); that although some rebelled against God and thus are forever wicked and doomed, they all were created sinless and pure (Jude 6; Genesis 1:31); that their ministries and ranks differ, but they are not to be worshiped (Revelation 19:10); that their strength, appearance, and travel are beyond human capabilities (II Peter 2:11; II Thessalonians 1:7); that they are immortal and do not marry (Luke 20:36; Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25); and that their proper abode is in heaven (Jude 6).

B. Good Angels

We believe that the good angels (those that kept their first estate) are the spirit ministers of God: as such they proclaimed the birth of Christ (Luke 1:26-33; 2:13) and His resurrection (Matthew 28:2,6), as well as protecting and strengthening Him (Matthew 2:13; 4:11; 26:53; Luke 22:43); they take interest in Christians’ prayers and witnessing and give aid in danger and death (Hebrews 1:14; I Corinthians 4:9; I Timothy 5:21; Luke 15:10; Acts 12:7; Luke 16:22); and they also execute God’s providence toward and judgment on the nations (Genesis 19:13; Daniel 10:21; Matthew 13:29; Acts 12:23; Revelation 8,9,16; 14:6-7).

C. Fallen Angels

1. Satan

We believe in one literal, personal Devil, once a holy angel in service to God, who led the angelic rebellion against God and His creation; that the Devil is the accuser of the brethren, the destroyer of men’s souls, and the god of this world; whose demons carry out his battle against God and man; that just as he cannot exceed the prescribed limits of God in his activity so he also will not ultimately succeed, but will be rendered inactive for the thousand years of the millennium, and then, subsequent to one final rebellion against Christ, be cast in to the lake of fire to burn forever in utter torment (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Luke 10:18; John 8:44; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; Job 1 & 2; Revelation 12:9-10; I Thessalonians 2:18; II Corinthians 4:4; 11:14-15; I Peter 5:8; Matthew 25:41; I John 3:8; Revelation 20:1-10).

2. Demons

We believe that when Satan rebelled against God, a great number of angels followed in his sin; that they are confirmed in unrighteousness, some chained in darkness awaiting their final judgment and others free to aid Satan in his efforts to thwart the purposes of God, inflicting disease and pain, possessing humans and animals, opposing God’s children, promoting immorality, and spreading false doctrine; that they are nonetheless under the sovereign control of God, who can use them to carry out His own purpose; and that their doom in the lake of fire is sure (Daniel 10:10-14; Revelation 16:13-16; Ephesians 6:11-12; Matthew 9:33; 12:22; Acts 8:7; Mark 5:8-14; I Timothy 4:1-3; I Samuel 16:14; II Corinthians 12:7; Matthew 8:29; 25:41).

Section 7. Doctrine of Salvation

We believe that the salvation of sinners is a gift only by the grace of God; that it is received by turning from sin unto God through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work (John 1:12; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:24-25; 10:19; 12:24; I Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 1:5). We believe repentance is a gift from God essential to salvation and is defined by a turning from sin unto God, a change of mind, will, nature, and direction (Matthew 9:13; Mark 1:14-16; 2:17; Luke 5:32; 13:2-5; 24:46-48; Acts 3:19; 17:29-31; II Corinthians 5:17; 7:9-10; II Timothy 2:24-26; II Peter 3:9).

A. Regeneration

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again by the Spirit of God; that the new birth makes one that is dead in trespasses and sins a partaker of the divine nature and of eternal life, the gift of God; that it’s proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and newness of life (John 3:1-8, 33; Romans 6:23; II Corinthians 5:19; Ephesians 2:1-9; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:5; James 1:18; I Peter 1:3).

B. Justification

We believe that justification is the judicial act of God whereby He declares one to be righteous, thereby pardoning his sin and imputing to his account Christ’s righteousness (Acts 13:3, 9; II Corinthians 5:18-25; Romans 5:1, 8-11; Ephesians 1:7).

C. Sanctification

We believe that sanctification is an act and a process by which God sets apart all believers from sin and the world unto Himself, thus conforming them to the image of Jesus Christ, which transformation shall be made complete at the return of Christ for His saints (Romans 8:29; I Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 10:14; Ephesians 1:3-4; 4:11-14; I Thessalonians 5:23-24; Philippians 1:6; 3:21; I John 3:2; Jude 24).

D. Eternal Security

We believe that all true believers are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal and complete salvation (John 10:27-28; Romans 8:28-39; Ephesians 4:30; Philippians 1:6; II Timothy 1:12).

E. Glorification

We believe that when Christ comes for His Church, all believers will be transformed in a moment into His likeness, their bodies made immortal and incorruptible (Romans 8:30; I Corinthians 15:51-54; I John 3:2).

Section 8. Doctrine of the Church

A. Definition

1. The Universal Church

We believe that the true Church, founded by the risen Christ at Pentecost, consists of all who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior; that the true universal Church shall never die out, although local assemblies may; that it constitutes the body of Christ; that the Church is in this dispensation the vehicle of the kingdom of God, as was the theocracy of Israel in the Old Testament times; that just as national Israel was a mixed multitude, so the professing Church includes hypocrites alongside the true born again believers; that those who apostatize, although they may have enjoyed spiritual benefits, reveal that they were not truly regenerate (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28; I Corinthians 10:1-12; Ephesians 1:20-23; 3:3-11, 21; 5:23-32; Colossians 1:18, 24; Hebrews 6:4-8; I John 2:19; Revelation 2:14-16, 20, 24).

2. The Local Church

We believe that the local Church is a local representative body of the Church universal; that it is a body of believers that meet together to worship God, to receive instruction, to observe the Christian ordinances, and to render whatever service the Gospel requires; and that the local Church is autonomous, directly responsible to Christ the Church’s head (Acts 2:38; 4:1-47; I Corinthians 11:17-34; Ephesians 1:1-2; 4:11-16).

B. Separation

We believe that the Scriptures demand of the Church, corporately and individually, separation from this world’s unrighteous system, repudiation of those that teach false doctrine and that spread discord among the brethren, and corrective disassociation from professing brethren that are flagrantly disobedient; that the carrying out of these Scriptural directives is fundamental to the spiritual integrity and survival of the church and the individual believer; and that those professing Christian groups or individuals that refuse to obey these commands are erring brethren and should be treated as such (I John 2:15-17; Ephesians 5:11; II Corinthians 6:14-18; Matthew 7:15-20; II Corinthians 11:13-15; Acts 20:28-30; Galatians 1:8-9; II Peter 2:1-3; II John 9-11; I Timothy 1:3-7; 6:3-5; Deuteronomy 13:1-3; Romans 16:17; I Corinthians 5; II Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; I Timothy 1:20).

C. Ordinances

We believe that the New Testament enjoins two ordinances and only two: believers baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

1. Believers Baptism

We believe that water baptism by immersion constitutes the public declaration of one’s spiritual initiation into the body of Christ; that it symbolizes the believer’s cleansing from sin through identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, which identification is accomplished by the spiritual baptism of the Holy Spirit, who incorporates the believer into the true spiritual Church; and that its spiritual meaning requires prior regeneration and conversion of the one being baptized (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38, 41; Romans 6:3; I Corinthians 1:13, 15).

2. The Lord’s Supper

We believe that the Lord’s Supper, consisting of unleavened bread and drink from the fruit of the vine, symbolizes Christ’s broken body and shed blood sacrificed on our behalf to deliver us from sin and death; that it looks forward to the day when we shall sup with Christ in His kingdom; and that it is open to all true believers in right standing with God (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:17-20; I Corinthians 11:23-34).

D. Officers

1. Function

We believe that with the end of the apostolic age the human officers of the Church function at a local level only; these offices consist of pastor(s)/elder(s) as overseers and teachers tending to the spiritual needs of the local body, and deacons as ministers to the needs of the Church that do not require involvement of the pastor(s)/elder(s) and that would distract the pastor(s)/elder(s) primary pastoral duties; we hold to a plurality of elders when possible and every effort should be made to this end (I Timothy 3; 4:14; 5:17; Titus 1; Acts 6; 20:17; Romans 12:8; Philippians 1:1; James 5:14-16; I Peter 5:3).

2. Requirements

We believe that the Scriptures clearly demand high spiritual standards of the church officers and that each may exercise gifts associated with the other within the framework of proper authority (I Timothy 3; Titus 1; Acts 6; Acts 8).

E. Missions

We believe the mission of the church is to evangelize the world, from the local neighborhoods to the farthest reaches of the earth, and to make Christian disciples of those that believe, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and providing them the thorough and demonstrative teaching of the Word of God (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8).

Section 9. Doctrine of End Times

A. Rapture

We believe in the imminent bodily resurrection of deceased believers immediately followed by the catching away of living believers to meet the Lord Jesus in the air prior to the tribulation and the millennium (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; II Thessalonians 2:1; I Corinthians 15:51-54).

B. Millennium

We believe in a literal thousand year reign of Jesus Christ upon this earth, during which Satan shall be bound and believers shall serve as administrators of Christ’s kingdom. We believe that Satan shall be loosed at the end of the thousand years to mount a final unsuccessful rebellion against Christ and His people and shall finally be cast into the Lake of fire (Revelation 20:1-10).

C. Judgment

1. Judgment Seat of Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ shall judge His people to reward them for their earthly works as to their sincere worth in furthering the His kingdom; that He will not judge them for their sins, due to their having been judged in His own body on the cross, but that He will judge their stewardship for rewards or the loss of them (Romans 14:10; II Corinthians 5:10).

2. Tribulation Judgment

We believe in a literal seven year tribulation, during which God shall pour out judgment on the earth. We believe that the man of sin shall reign over most of the civilized world, aided by the false prophet; that he shall persecute Israel and those that have received Christ during this period, especially during the last three and a half years; all of this will culminate with the return of Christ with His people to this earth to establish His thousand year rule; this rule will end with the final unsuccessful rebellion at the battle of Armageddon of Satan against the Lamb of God and His people (Revelation 6-19).

3. Great White Throne Judgment

We believe the unbelievers of all ages whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life shall be sentenced by Christ to burn in torment forever in the lake of fire (Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 20:11-15).

D. Eternal State

We believe that the redeemed of the ages, in glorified bodies, shall dwell with the triune God forever, to serve and enjoy Him in perfect peace and happiness (Revelation 21-22).