ESSENTIAL BELIEFS
About God: God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; co-equal and are one God. || Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1: 2; 2 Corinthians 13:14.
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About the Bible: The Bible is God’s word to all mankind. It was written by human authors under the supernatural inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian belief and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without error. || 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119: 105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5.
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About Salvation: Salvation is a gift from God. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting and believing in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Salvation begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ by faith. || Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2: 8,9; John 14:6. 1: 12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1.
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About Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of man by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into Heaven’s glory and will come again to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. || Matthew 1:22. 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1: 1-5. 14: 10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15: 3,4; Romans 1: 3, 4; Acts 1: 9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14; Titus 2:13.
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About the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer. He also lives in every Christian at the moment of salvation. He provides the believer with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in obedience. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily. || 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16: 7-13, 14: 16, 17; Acts 1: 8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1: 13; Galatians 5: 25.
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About Eternity: Man was created to exist forever. Man will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are very real places of eternal existence. || John 3:16; 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:31-46.
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About Eternal Security: Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not be the self-works of the believer. || John 10: 29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1: 3-5.
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About Baptism: Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Baptism alone does not save you but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ. || Colossians 2:12; Acts 2: 41; Ephesians 2: 8-9; Matthew 28:19-20.
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About the Lord’s Supper: The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember His sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of bread and wine or juice are symbols of Christ’s body and shed blood. The Lord’s Supper is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross.|| Matthew 26: 26-30; Mark 14: 22-26; Luke 22: 19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11: 23-29.