Doctrinal Beliefs
Embracing the
Full Counsel of God
1 Corinthians 1:10 "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
Outline
1.1 Divine Inspiration: The Bible is inspired by God, authored by humans under the Holy Spirit's guidance (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
1.2 Authority and Reliability: Infallible and inerrant, the supreme authority guiding faith and conduct (Hebrews 4:12), comprising 66 books inspired by the Holy Spirit.
1.3 Living and Active: The transformative power of Scripture reveals God’s will and leads to salvation (Hebrews 4:12), centered on Jesus Christ.
2.1 Trinity: God exists as three coequal persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit, distinct yet one in essence.
2.2 God the Father: Creator and sovereign over all (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 103:19).
2.3 God the Son (Jesus Christ): Incarnate to reconcile humanity to God through His life, death, and resurrection (John 1:14, John 3:16).
2.4 God the Holy Spirit: Active in guiding, comforting, and empowering believers (John 14:16-17).
3.1 Deity and Humanity: Fully God and fully man (John 1:1, 14).
3.2 Virgin Birth: Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23).
3.3 Sinless Life: Perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22).
3.4 Substitutionary Atonement: Died for sinners on the cross (Isaiah 53:5; Galatians 3:13).
3.5 Resurrection: Rose bodily, ensuring believers' future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-5).
3.6 Ascension: Seated at God's right hand, interceding for believers (Ephesians 1:20-21).
3.7 Second Coming: Will return to judge and establish His eternal kingdom (Mark 13:26; Acts 1:11).
4.1 Personhood: Distinct person of the Trinity guiding believers (John 14:26; Ephesians 4:30).
4.2 Regeneration: Gives new life and transformation (John 3:5; Titus 3:5).
4.3 Indwelling: Dwells in believers, guiding and empowering them (1 Corinthians 6:19; John 14:16-17).
4.4 Sanctification: Enables growth in holiness and conformity to Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:13; Galatians 5:22-23).
4.5 Gifts: Equips the Church with spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-5, 7).
5.1 Grace: Salvation by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
5.2 Justification: Declared righteous by faith, not works (Romans 5:1; 3:28).
5.3 Sanctification: Ongoing transformation into Christ’s likeness (Philippians 1:6; 2:13).
5.4 Glorification: Conforming believers to Christ and granting eternal life (Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 15:53).
6.1 Universal Church: All believers across time and denominations (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27).
6.2 Local Church: Community of believers for worship, teaching, and service (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 1:2).
6.3 Baptism: Symbol of identification with Christ (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4).
6.4 The Lord's Supper: Commemorates Christ's sacrifice and fosters unity among believers (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:26).
7.1 Creation: Made in God’s image, reflecting His attributes (Genesis 1:27).
7.2 Complementary Design: Distinct roles for men and women (Genesis 1:27).
7.3 Sexuality: Heterosexuality as God's design (Genesis 2:24; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 7:2).
7.4 Marriage: Union of one man and one woman, reflecting God's intent (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6).
8.1 Angels: Messengers and servants of God (Hebrews 1:14, Psalm 91:11, Luke 1:26-38).
8.2 Demons: Malevolent spiritual beings, potentially originating from Nephilim (Genesis 6:1-4, Matthew 12:43-45, Mark 1:23-26).
8.3 Fallen Angels. Celestial beings who rebelled against God under Satan's influence (Isaiah 14:12-15, Revelation 12:7-9, Jude 1:6)
8.4 Satan. Chief adversary of God and humanity (Isaiah 14:12-15, Revelation 12:9, Matthew 12:24, 1 John 5:19).
9.1 Second Coming: Christ's return to establish His kingdom (Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:20).
9.2 Resurrection: Both believers and unbelievers will rise bodily (John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:11-15).
9.3 Millennium: Christ’s literal reign for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-6).
9.4 Final Judgment: God judges all, rewarding the righteous and condemning the unrepentant (Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:11-15).
9.5 New Heaven and Earth: Eternal dwelling for believers with God (Revelation 21:1-4).
Christian Living
10.1 Holiness: Pursuing a life set apart for God (1 Peter 1:15-16; Romans 12:1-2).
10.2 Service: Using gifts to build up the Church and fulfill the Great Commission (1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Matthew 28:19-20).
10.3 Stewardship: Responsible management of God's resources (1 Corinthians 4:2; Luke 12:42-44).
10.4 Witness: Sharing the gospel in word and deed (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).
Expanded Version
1. The Bible: Scripture, the Written Word of God
1.1 The Bible is unique among all literature because it is divinely inspired. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, its words are "breathed out by God," separating it from ordinary texts. Every book within the Bible is believed to originate from divine revelation, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21), guaranteeing the authenticity of God’s truth through a human lens. As the supreme authority, the Bible serves as the ultimate arbiter in all matters of faith and conduct, and its teachings are binding for every believer (Hebrews 4:12). Despite cultural evolution, its eternal truths remain unchanged. Jesus underscored this when He said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Matthew 24:35).
1.2 The Bible’s reliability is reinforced by its assertions of infallibility and inerrancy. Infallibility suggests that the Bible is entirely trustworthy in all it proclaims because it comes from God, and thus cannot lead readers astray (Psalm 19:7). Inerrancy means that the original manuscripts are free from error; every word is pure, correct, and without mistake (Proverbs 30:5). The Bible is also divided into canonical books. The Old Testament includes 39 books that recount God's covenant with Israel, covering history, law, prophecy, poetry, and wisdom literature. The New Testament contains 27 books that outline the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the formation of the Church, and future prophetic writings. The early church affirmed these 66 books as inspired by the Holy Spirit, with the canon being solidified by criteria such as apostolic authorship and doctrinal consistency.
1.3 The Bible is described as "living and active," meaning it possesses the unique power to convict, guide, and transform individuals even today (Hebrews 4:12). Its engagement can change lives, renew minds, and lead believers to maturity in Christ (Romans 12:2). All of Scripture is centered around Jesus Christ, with the Old Testament anticipating His coming and the New Testament revealing His life and work (Luke 24:27). Jesus fulfills the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament, thus confirming the Bible's unity and divine origin (Matthew 5:17). Conclusively, the Bible is the divinely inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God, essential for guiding believers in all matters of faith and practice. It reveals God's will and brings believers to salvation and sanctification. Christians are called to study, interpret, and apply the Bible, relying on the Holy Spirit for understanding and transformation.
2. One God. Three Persons.
2.1 The Trinity refers to the Christian doctrine that God exists as three distinct but coequal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity has unique roles and functions, yet they are of one essence and together comprise the totality of God.
2.2 God the Father is typically seen as the architect and sustainer of the universe. He is the origin of all life and the one who sets in motion and maintains His sovereign plan for all of creation. Scriptures like Genesis 1:1 emphasize His role as the creator, while Psalm 103:19 highlights His supremacy and control over all things.
2.3 God the Son, who is Jesus Christ, embodies God in human form. According to the Gospel of John 1:14, He is the "Word" that became flesh to live among humanity. Jesus served as the ultimate sacrifice to atone for human sin, a cornerstone of Christian faith detailed in John 3:16. Through His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection, believers are offered redemption and eternal life, restoring the broken relationship between humanity and God.
2.4 The Holy Spirit represents God's active presence in the world and within believers. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a helper in John 14:16-17, describing how the Spirit would dwell within believers, guiding, comforting, and empowering them to live according to God's will. The Holy Spirit also plays a crucial role in the process of sanctification, making believers more like Christ. Additionally, the Spirit bestows various spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) to equip the Church for its mission and to build up the body of believers.
Understanding the Trinity is essential to grasping the full scope of God's relationship with humanity and His ongoing work in the world. Together, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit encapsulate the attributes of being all-knowing (omniscient), all-powerful (omnipotent), present everywhere (omnipresent), holy, loving, and just, manifesting God's complete and perfect nature.
3. Jesus Christ
3.1 Deity: Jesus Christ embodies the unique nature of being both fully God and fully man. In His deity, He shares in the divine essence and attributes of God (John 1:1), while in His humanity, He experienced the full range of human life and emotions (John 1:14). This dual nature allows Him to bridge the gap between God and humanity, making Him the central figure in Christian theology and salvation (Philippians 2:6-8).
3.2 Virgin Birth: The birth of Jesus Christ was marked by a miraculous event known as the virgin birth. According to the scriptures, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to the Virgin Mary, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14) and recounted in the Gospels of Matthew (Matthew 1:18-23) and Luke (Luke 1:26-35). This extraordinary occurrence underscores the divine nature of Jesus and sets the foundation for His unique role in God's plan of salvation.
3.3 Sinless Life. Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, demonstrating perfect obedience to God's will. His life was without sin, making Him the perfect sacrifice for our transgressions and a model for holy living. As it is written, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). The apostle Peter also affirms, "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth" (1 Peter 2:22).
Additionally, the author of Hebrews declares, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin" (Hebrews 4:15). John further emphasizes, "But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin" (1 John 3:5).
3.4 Death. Substitutionary Atonement. Jesus Christ's death on the cross is central to the Christian faith. He died as a substitute for sinners, taking upon Himself the punishment that we deserve. This act of substitutionary atonement satisfies the justice of God and provides the means for our reconciliation with Him. As Isaiah prophesied, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).
The apostle Paul explains, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole'" (Galatians 3:13). Furthermore, Peter affirms, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:24). Lastly, Paul underscores the significance of Jesus' sacrifice: "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith" (Romans 3:25).
3.5 Bodily Resurrection. The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It demonstrates His victory over sin and death and assures believers of their future resurrection. After His crucifixion, Jesus rose physically from the grave on the third day, appearing to many of His followers. As Paul declares, "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve" (1 Corinthians 15:3-5).
The Gospel of Matthew recounts, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay" (Matthew 28:6). Additionally, Peter proclaims, "God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him" (Acts 2:24). Jesus Himself affirms the importance of His resurrection, saying, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25).
3.6 Ascension: Seated at the right hand of the Father. Following His resurrection, Jesus Christ ascended bodily into heaven, where He is now seated at the right hand of the Father. This exalted position signifies His authority and intercession on behalf of believers. The Gospel of Luke records, "While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy" (Luke 24:51-52).
In the book of Acts, it is written, "After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight" (Acts 1:9). Paul emphasizes His exalted position, stating, "God raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come" (Ephesians 1:20-21). Furthermore, the author of Hebrews declares, "After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven" (Hebrews 1:3).
3.7 Jesus Christ will return to earth in glory and power to judge the living and the dead and to establish His eternal kingdom. This second coming is a central hope for believers, affirming the ultimate triumph of God’s purposes. As Jesus Himself declared, "At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory" (Mark 13:26). The book of Acts records the angelic message at His ascension: "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).
Paul writes, "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). John the Revelator envisions this return, stating, "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen" (Revelation 1:7)
4. Holy Spirit
4.1 Personhood
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully God, and distinct in personhood. He is not an impersonal force or force of any kind. The Holy Spirit teaches, guides, and intercedes for believers. Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as a person, saying, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:26). Paul highlights His personal nature by stating, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with personal understanding: "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans" (Romans 8:26). These scriptures affirm that the Holy Spirit is a personal and active presence in the lives of believers.
4:2 Regeneration. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the regeneration of believers, bringing new spiritual life and transforming hearts. This process, often referred to as being "born again," is essential for salvation. Jesus explained this to Nicodemus, saying, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5). Paul also emphasizes the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit: "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5).
4:3 Indwelling. The Holy Spirit indwells believers, making their bodies His temple and guiding them in their daily lives. This indwelling presence is a constant source of strength, comfort, and guidance. Paul writes, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19). Additionally, Jesus promised His disciples, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16-17).
4:4 Sanctification. The Holy Spirit is actively involved in the sanctification of believers, helping them to grow in holiness and conform to the image of Christ. This process involves the Holy Spirit convicting of sin, empowering for righteous living, and producing spiritual fruit. Paul writes, "But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:13). Furthermore, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).
4:5 Gifts. The Holy Spirit bestows spiritual gifts upon believers, equipping them for service and building up the body of Christ. These gifts are diverse and are given according to the Spirit's will for the common good. Paul explains, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord" (1 Corinthians 12:4-5). He further elaborates, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7)
5. Salvation
5.1 Grace: By Grace Through Faith
Salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not earned by human efforts or works but is freely given by God to those who believe. Paul emphasizes this in his letter to the Ephesians, writing, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). This underscores that our salvation is solely based on God's grace and our faith in Christ.
5.2 Justification: By Faith Alone
Justification is the act of God declaring sinners righteous through their faith in Jesus Christ. This doctrine of "sola fide" (faith alone) teaches that we are justified before God by faith, not by our own works. Paul makes this clear in his letter to the Romans: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Additionally, he states, "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law" (Romans 3:28).
5.3 Sanctification: Progressive Work
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul describes this process in his letter to the Philippians: "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). He also exhorts believers, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13).
5.4 Glorification: Final State
Glorification is the final stage of salvation, where believers are fully conformed to the image of Christ and experience eternal life in God's presence. This transformation occurs at the resurrection of the dead, where believers receive glorified bodies. Paul explains, "And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified" (Romans 8:30). He also writes, "For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality" (1 Corinthians 15:53).
6. The Church
6.1 Universal Church: Body of Christ The Universal Church is the collective body of all believers in Jesus Christ, transcending time, space, and denominational boundaries. It is composed of all who have trusted in Christ for salvation, making up His spiritual body. Paul describes this unity in his letter to the Corinthians: "For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink" (1 Corinthians 12:13). He further emphasizes, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27).
6.2 Local Church: Community of Believers The Local Church is a community of believers who gather together in a specific location for worship, teaching, fellowship, and service. It is an essential expression of the Universal Church, where believers can grow in their faith and support one another. The writer of Hebrews encourages this gathering: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25). Additionally, Paul writes, "To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours" (1 Corinthians 1:2).
6.3 Baptism Baptism is an ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ, serving as an outward sign of an inward grace. It symbolizes the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Jesus commanded His disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is a public declaration of faith and a step of obedience for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior. Paul explains its significance: "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4).
6.4 The Lord's Supper The Lord's Supper, also known as Communion, is an ordinance that commemorates Christ's sacrificial death and fosters unity among believers. It involves partaking of bread and wine (or juice), symbolizing Christ's body and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus instituted this practice at the Last Supper: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you'" (Luke 22:19-20). Paul further instructs the Church on its significance: "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).
7. Humanity
7.1 Creation: Made in God's Image
Humanity was created by God, uniquely made in His image, reflecting His character and attributes. This foundational truth highlights the inherent dignity, worth, and purpose of every person. The book of Genesis records, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27). This divine image grants humans the capacity for relationship with God, moral responsibility, and the ability to reason and create.
7.2 Complementary Design
God designed men and women with distinct and complementary roles, reflecting His creative intent and purpose. This complementary design is evident in the creation narrative, where God created humanity in His image, male and female, each with unique attributes and roles that together reflect the fullness of God's image. Genesis states, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27). This binary and complementary nature of gender is foundational to human relationships and is intended to be expressed within the covenant of marriage.
7.3 Sexuality
Heterosexuality is part of God's original design for human relationships, there are no other configurations. This design is rooted in the creation account in Genesis 2:24 that describes the creation of woman for man, establishing the foundation for heterosexual intimate pairing: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." Similarly, Leviticus 18:22 explicitly states, "Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable." In the New Testament, Romans 1:26-27 speaks against same-sex relations, describing them as contrary to the natural order established by God. Further, Paul reinforces this in his letters, stating, "But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband" (1 Corinthians 7:2).
7.3 Marriage
Marriage is presented in Scripture as the union of one man and one woman, where both partners contribute equally yet differently, fulfilling their God-given roles. Jesus affirms this design, quoting Genesis: "Haven’t you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?" (Matthew 19:4-5). This union is not only physical but also spiritual and emotional, designed to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32).
7.4 Monogamy
Monogamy emphasizes that marriage is a lifelong, exclusive union between one man and one woman, as established in the creation narrative. Genesis 2:24 states, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." Jesus reaffirms this in the New Testament, underscoring the permanence and exclusivity of marriage. This "one flesh" union emphasizes the deep, intimate, and exclusive nature of the marital relationship, where two individuals become one in a lifelong bond.
Monogamy reflects God’s covenantal faithfulness and promotes a stable family structure. The exclusivity and commitment required in a monogamous marriage mirror God’s unwavering loyalty to His people, as illustrated in the book of Hosea. Moreover, a monogamous relationship provides a secure environment for raising children, contributing to their emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5:22-33 highlights the mutual love and respect necessary for a nurturing family unit. Thus, monogamy glorifies God through faithful and loving relationships, aligning with His original design for marriage.
7.5 Fall: Sin Entered Through Adam
The fall of humanity occurred when Adam disobeyed God's command, resulting in the entrance of sin into the world. This act of rebellion brought spiritual death, separation from God, and the corruption of all creation. Paul explains the widespread impact of the fall: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned" (Romans 5:12). The Genesis account narrates, "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it" (Genesis 3:6).
7.6 Redemption: Available Through Jesus Christ Alone
Redemption is available to humanity solely through Jesus Christ, who, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, reconciles us to God and offers forgiveness of sins. This redemptive work restores the broken relationship between God and humanity, providing the hope of eternal life. Jesus declared, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Paul emphasizes the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace" (Ephesians 1:7). Moreover, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).
8. Eschatology (End Times)
8.1 Life After Death, Conscious Existence
The intermediate state refers to the condition of the soul between physical death and the final resurrection. Scripture teaches that there is conscious existence after death. Believers are in the presence of the Lord, while unbelievers experience separation from God. Paul writes, "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus also illustrates conscious existence after death (Luke 16:19-31).
8.2 Return of Christ: Imminent, Personal, Visible
The return of Jesus Christ is a central doctrine of Christian eschatology, emphasizing that it will be imminent, personal, and visible to all. Jesus promised His return, saying, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:3). His return will be visible and unmistakable, as described in Revelation: "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him" (Revelation 1:7). Paul also speaks of the suddenness of His return: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God" (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
8.3 Resurrection: Bodily Resurrection of the Just and Unjust
The doctrine of the bodily resurrection teaches that both the righteous and the wicked will be raised from the dead. This resurrection will occur at the end of the age, when Christ returns. Jesus affirmed this, stating, "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned" (John 5:28-29). Paul also writes, "There will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked" (Acts 24:15).
8.4 Judgment: Final Judgment
The final judgment will occur after the resurrection, where all people will stand before God to be judged according to their deeds. This judgment determines the eternal destiny of each individual. Jesus describes this event: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him" (Matthew 25:31-32). John also sees this in his vision: "Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books" (Revelation 20:11-12).
8.5 Eternal State: Heaven, Hell
The eternal state refers to the final, everlasting condition of all people, either in Heaven or Hell. Heaven is the eternal dwelling place of believers in the presence of God, characterized by perfect fellowship, joy, and the absence of suffering. Jesus promises, "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:2). Hell is the place of eternal separation from God, reserved for those who reject Him, described as a place of torment. Jesus warns, "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life" (Matthew 25:46). John also writes, "Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
9. Angels and Demons
9.1 Angels. We affirm the existence and essential role of angels as celestial beings created by God to serve and worship Him. Throughout Scripture, angels are depicted as messengers of God's divine will, intervening in human affairs to carry out His purposes and provide protection and guidance to believers (Hebrews 1:14, Psalm 91:11, Luke 1:26-38). Their presence and ministry underscore God's sovereignty and care over His creation, serving as a testament to His divine order and the spiritual dimension of His kingdom.
9.2 Demons: We acknowledge the reality of demons as malevolent spiritual beings. According to Scripture, demons are understood as the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim, originating from the union of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" mentioned in Genesis 6:1-4. These entities seek to oppose God's will, often manifesting through spiritual oppression, deception, and temptation (Matthew 12:43-45, Mark 1:23-26). We do not see this as primary doctrine and are open to alternate views supported by scripture.
9.3 Fallen Angels. We affirm the biblical teaching regarding fallen angels, who are distinct from demons. These celestial beings originally created by God chose to rebel against Him under the persuasion of Satan, resulting in their expulsion from heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15, Revelation 12:7-9, Jude 1:6). Their rebellion continues today as their agenda is to oppose God's kingdom, influencing humanity towards disobedience, spiritual conflict, and rejection of Jesus.
9.4 Satan, referred to by various names and titles that reflect his role as an adversary and tempter, is primarily known as "Satan," meaning "adversary" or "accuser." Other names include "Lucifer," highlighting his pride and fall from heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15); "Devil," signifying "slanderer" (Revelation 12:9); "Beelzebub," denoting the ruler of demons (Matthew 12:24); and "the evil one," emphasizing his essential nature (1 John 5:19). In Revelation, he is symbolically depicted as "the dragon," symbolizing his power and ferocity (Revelation 12:9). These names and titles illustrate Satan's opposition to God and his role in tempting humanity toward sin throughout biblical history and end times.
Originally created as a high-ranking celestial being, Satan led a rebellion against God, seeking to exalt himself above the divine order (Ezekiel 28:12-17). His pride led to his fall from grace, marking the beginning of spiritual warfare and deception (1 Peter 5:8). As "the accuser of our brothers and sisters," he continues to oppose God's purposes and lead humanity astray through lies and temptation (Revelation 12:10). Understanding Satan's role brings context to the disease, death, and bloodshed that we experience in life and emphasizes the need for spiritual vigilance, salvation, and reliance on God's strength and truth (Ephesians 6:10-12, James 4:7).
10. Christian Living
10.1 Ethics: Holiness, Love, Service
Christian ethics are rooted in the call to live a life of holiness, love, and service, reflecting the character of Christ. Holiness involves being set apart for God, living in moral purity, and growing in Christlikeness. Peter exhorts believers, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:15-16). Love is the defining mark of a Christian, demonstrated through selfless actions and compassion towards others. Jesus commands, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35). Service is an expression of love and obedience to Christ, manifesting in acts of kindness and meeting the needs of others. Paul encourages, "Serve one another humbly in love" (Galatians 5:13). The Christian ethic calls believers to embody these principles in their daily lives, striving to honor God and serve others.
10.2 Mission: Evangelism, Discipleship
The mission of the Church involves evangelism and discipleship, fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus. Evangelism is the proclamation of the gospel, sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with others. Jesus commands His followers, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This involves both verbal proclamation and living a life that reflects the gospel message. Discipleship is the process of growing in faith and helping others grow in their relationship with Christ. It involves teaching, mentoring, and encouraging believers to mature spiritually and live out their faith. Paul instructs Timothy, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2). The mission of the Church is to make disciples who make disciples, extending the reach of the gospel and building up the body of Christ.