I. The Bible is the Word of God
- In accordance with II Timothy 3:16 and II Peter 1:21, the Bible
was written by men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as a
supernatural revelation of God. The Scriptures are literally God-breathed
and contain no mixture of error. The truth of Scripture and the
person of Christ are the foundations of the church and stand in
direct opposition to the moral ills of society.
II. Salvation is by Grace Alone - In accordance
with Ephesians 2:8-9, we are saved by God’s grace at the point
of personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Man is sinful
and does not have the ability to save himself, least of all by good
works. However, in accordance with James 2:14-17, our faith will
be evidenced by good works, obedience, and the fruit of the Holy
Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
III. The Believer is Eternally Secure - In accordance
with John 10:27-28 and Romans 8:38-39, if an individual has made
a true, heart-changing decision to accept Christ, then they can
never lose their salvation. When a saved person sins, their fellowship
with God is interrupted, but never broken (I John 1:9). Likewise,
those who do not trust Christ in this lifetime will spend eternity
in hell (Revelation 21:8).
IV. In the Priesthood of the Believer - In accordance
with I John 2:1 and Hebrews 4:14-16, Christ Himself is our Advocate
and High Priest. We have no need for human intermediaries because
the blood of Christ has made each believer a child in God’s
own family. Therefore we have direct access to God in confession,
prayer, worship, and through His Word.
V. Baptism is by Immersion for the Believer - In
accordance with Matthew 28:19-20 and Romans 6:3-5, baptism is done
in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is not a means
of salvation, but it is the believer’s symbolic identification
with the death and resurrection of Christ and the cleansing of the
Holy Spirit. In accordance with the Greek translation, true baptism
is by immersion as an act of obedience, and it is reserved for persons
who can express a certain degree of sincerity and understanding
of their faith (as determined by church leaders).
