Statement of Faith (GKJ/CA)

 

Salvation) We believe that Jesus Christ is the only name given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Our glorious Lord Jesus is our Sacrificial Lamb, shedding His blood on the Cross to take our deserved death in punishment for our sins. Jesus is also the only Way of Salvation - no man comes to the Father but by Him (John 14:6). Salvation in Him is by faith-filled confession of sin and repentance toward an acceptance of Him as Lord and King (Romans 10:9-10). We also believe that salvation is not by good works, but rather by faith, which does lead to good works out of a response of love for Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-10, James 2:20, 26).

 

God) We believe that the God of the Old and New Testaments is One Lord and Father of all, One and yet existing in Three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:6, cf. 1 John 5:7-8, Luke 3:21-22; also see John 1:1, Isaiah 9:6, Hebrews 1:8, John 10:20, Colossians 2:8-9, Acts 5:3-4, Acts 28:25, 26, etc. on the Trinitarian nature of God). We believe that God is the Creator of all things and is perfect (Genesis 1:1). He was, is, and is to come (Revelation 4:8). He is the Father of all good gifts and the lover of our souls (James 1:17, cf. 2 Peter 3:9). He delights in our love and obedience (cf. Psalm 1:6, Zephaniah 3:17).

Jesus Christ) We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, born of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:35). He was in nature fully Divine, and fully man (John 10:20; John 1:14, Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus is the promised Messiah, bringing salvation to all who have ears to hear and hearts to respond (Romans 10:13). He died on the Cross as the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). He was buried, and on the Third Day, He rose from the grave bodily, conquering death (1 Corinthians 15:1-3, 54-56). He is soon coming again to take His children, and our prayer should be that of John - even so, come Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20).

 

Holy Spirit) We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person who draws men to God, convicts men of sin, comforts, guides into all truth, and ultimately in all things glorifies Jesus (John 14:16, 26; 16:7-8, 13-14). He is a gentleman, not forcing men to convert, but rather convicting and upon conversion, indwelling and empowering believers to do the work set out for them by the Lord (cf .Luke 11:9-13). The Holy Spirit guides us into maturity as disciples of Christ Jesus. He also infills believers, continuing the work of our Savior Jesus, who Baptizes with the Holy Spirit, empowering them for the various ministries through the giftings He bestows on them, whether it be Tongues, Prophecy, Evangelism, Teaching, Mercy, Word of Knowledge, Healing, etc. We believe that all the Gifts of the Spirit are active today, and also affirm that there is both liberty and order in the Spirit's work as outlined in God's Word (cf. 1 Corinthians 14).

 

Scripture) We believe that Scriptures were written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). The text of Scripture is God's valid Word and guidebook to us today, and We believe that the original text of Scripture is inerrant and inspired by God (cf. Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16). It is useful for many functions, including teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is profitable even to salvation, is full of spirit and life, and cuts us deep to our sinful core (2 Timothy 3:15, John 6:63, Hebrews 4:12). In making disciples of all nations, the use of God's Word is mandatory and core.

 

Mankind) We believe that man is fallen from grace, though reconcilable through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23, Romans 5, Isaiah 59:2; 1 Peter 3:18, Romans 5:1). Man was created in the image of God, though the perfect image is tainted by sin (Genesis 1:26-27). Since sin entered through Adam, sin's curse is upon all men, and the wages of sin is death (Romans 5; Romans 6:23). Thus, it is appointed to men once to die, and after that the Judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Man is capable of having a relationship with God, but only through belief in Jesus Christ through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit (John 14:6, Titus 3:5).

 

Ordinances) We believe that the Lord has given us two major Scriptural ordinances to commemorate Him until He comes - Water Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Jesus' Disciples were commanded to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). This command, by implication, still is to the Lord's disciples today. We believe that Water Baptism is for believers only, subsequent to conversion (e.g. Acts 2, Acts 10). The Lord's Supper is also a commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and we are to practice it in remembrance of Him until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:20-34, Luke 22:19).

 

The Church) We believe that the universal Church is the Bride of Christ and consists only of people who are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24). The Church is a body of believers with various unique gifts and gift combinations, fitting together as a whole for the express purpose of glorifying and magnifying God (1 Corinthians 12, 14; Ephesians 4). Local churches as well as regular assemblies of believers are microcosms of the whole, providing believers access to fellowship, communal praise, and outlets to serve the Lord who redeemed them.

 

Return & Judgment) We believe that Jesus is returning again in the future to gather His flock to their eternal destination, and in the Final Judgment, which will lead to salvation to those who believe and condemnation to those who do not believe (Mark 13:24-27, John 3:16-18).