Core Beliefs
THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD
We believe that the Bible was written by men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is literally God-breathed and contains no mixture of error. The truth of Scripture and the person of Christ are the foundations of the church and the life of the believer.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
YOUR SALVATION IS BY GRACE ALONE
We believe that we are saved by God’s grace when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Man is sinful and does not have the ability to save himself, no matter how many good works he does. However, once we place our faith and trust in Christ, our faith will be evidenced by good works, obedience, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
(Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 5:22-23)
(Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 5:22-23)
THE BELIEVER IS ETERNALLY SECURE
We believe that if a person has made a true, heart-changing decision to accept Christ, then they can never lose their salvation (John 10:27-28; Romans 8:38-39). When a believer sins, their fellowship with God is interrupted, but never broken (1 John 1:9). However, the Bible is clear that those who do not place their faith and trust in Christ in this lifetime will spend eternity in a Christless hell (Revelation 21:8).
EVERY BELIEVER HAS ACCESS TO GOD
We believe that every believer, both young and old, has direct access to God through Jesus Christ. This is sometimes referred to as the Priesthood of the Believer. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, the believer has no need for human intermediates, but can talk to God personally, as one of his children.
(1 John 2:1; Hebrews 4:14-16)
(1 John 2:1; Hebrews 4:14-16)
BAPTISM IS BY IMMERSION FOR THE BELIEVER
We believe that baptism does not save anyone, but is a believer’s symbolic identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is done by immersion as an act of obedience by those who have put their faith and trust in Christ.
(Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-5)
(Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-5)
CHURCH GOVERNMENT IS CONGREGATIONAL
We believe that Christ is the Head of the church and that the congregation, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, is the most basic unit of church government. Through prayerful submission to God and his Word, members are responsible for selecting their leaders, developing the church constitution, preserving unity and purity in the church, as well as exercising church discipline when necessary. (Colossians 1:18; Acts 13, 15)