Statement of Faith

THE SCRIPTURES

The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the complete Word of God. As originally given, it is verbally inspired, without error, and entirely trustworthy. The Bible constitutes supreme authority in all matters of faith, teaching, and behaviour. The Bible has Jesus Christ as its focus and fulfillment.

2 Peter 1:16-21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Luke 24:27, Matthew 5:17-18

GOD

God is the Creator and Sovereign Lord of all. The Lord our God is one God who eternally exists in three persons: he Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three have the same perfect nature and attributes. Each Person of the Godhead is worthy of the same worship, confidence, and obedience.

Genesis 1, Psalm 8, Psalm 2, Romans 8:28-30, Deuteronomy 6:4, Matt. 28:19-20

The Father –God the Father loves the world. He sent His Son into the world to save sinners. He raised Jesus from the dead, exalted Him – putting all things under his power -- and together with Him has sent the Holy Spirit.

Luke 3:22, John 3:16, 1 John 4:14, 1 Peter 1:21, Philippians 2:9-11, John 14:26

The Son –God the Son became God incarnate as Jesus the Messiah. Jesus is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life. He was crucified, raised bodily from the dead, and ascended into heaven where He reigns as King and serves as our High Priest and Advocate. He will return as King of kings and Lord of lords to set up His earthly Kingdom.

John 1:1, John 1:14, Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 7:14, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 7:25, Revelation 22:12-13

The Holy Spirit –God the Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ in all that He does. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. At the moment of salvation He regenerates, baptizes, indwells, gifts and empowers for Christ-like living and service.

John 16:8-15, Titus 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 12:11,13, Romans 8:9-14, Galatians 5:22-25

ANGELS

God created angels for His glory and service. Some rebelled under the leadership of their fellow angel, Satan,and are opposed to God and His purposes. Though Satan is still active he has been defeated by the Lord Jesus Christ and will be committed forever to the lake of fire with all the fallen angels.

Hebrews 1:14, Jude 6, Hebrews 2:14-15, Revelation 20:10; Ephesians 6:12

MANKIND

Human beings are created in the image of God. The first humans, Adam and Eve, were disobedient to the will of God with the consequence that every aspect of their human nature became sinful and corrupt. Thus, being spiritually dead, they became subject to physical death and the power of Satan. The image of God is distorted in all humanity, with the exception of Jesus, as we inherit a sinful nature at conception. Therefore we are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God and under His condemnation.

Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:6, Ephesians 2:1-3, Romans 3:9-10, Psalms 51:5, John 3:36; Romans 5:12-14

REDEMPTION/SALVATION

Redemption is accomplished solely by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was made to be sin and died in our place as an acceptable sacrifice to God. His atoning death is sufficient for all and effective for every person who repents and believes in Him, resulting in a reconciled relationship with God. Salvation is available by grace through faith. This salvation is not our own doing. It is the gift of God. Salvation includes being declared righteous by God [justification], being transformed into the likeness of Christ [sanctification], and being fully restored to the image of God [glorification]. This Salvation which includes our new birth and eternal inheritance is kept by God’s power. It is therefore impossible for the saved to lose their salvation.

Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:6-10, Galatians 3:13, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:1, John 17:17-19, 1 John 3:2, John 5:24, John 10:27-30, Romans 8:28-39, 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 Timothy 4:10

THE CHURCH

The Church consists of all the redeemed who are united by the Holy Spirit in the Body of Christ, of which Jesus is the Head. Local assemblies of believers are visible representations of the Church that gather regularly for the purpose of worship, which includes instruction in the Word, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances: Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Though not the means of salvation, these ordinances testify of the gospel. The Church has been entrusted with the task of global discipleship as found in the Great Commission.

Matthew 16:17-18, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Acts 2:42 1 Corinthians 11:23-28, Luke 22:19-20, Romans 6:3, Matthew 28:19-20

END TIMES

At a time known only to God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ will return bodily and in glory, receive His own, and establish His earthly thousand year reign. God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world. The unsaved will be cast into the lake of fire to suffer eternal conscious punishment. The saved of all ages will be forever with the Lord. God will rule over His Kingdom in the new heaven and the new earth for all eternity.

Matthew 24:36, Acts 1:7, Mark 13:26, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, John 14:1-3, Revelation 20:1-15, Revelation 14:11, 1 Corinthians 15:50-54, Revelation 21:1 Revelation 22:1-5