Our BeliefsWhile doctrinal statements are often referred to as beliefs, and we’ve kept the title just to be consistent with other church websites and to minimize confusion, we prefer to described not beliefs, but certainties. In other words, these are the things we know to be true.

We Know the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God. It is thoroughly true and without any error or mistake. The Bible establishes the standards by which all of life works.

2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

We Know God, as identified in the Bible, is the only living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. The eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.

Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Cor. 13:14

God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Exodus 3:14: Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Timothy 1:17

God as Son is Jesus Christ. He is the eternal Son of God, and came to earth fully human. He perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself all the necessities and demands of human nature, identifying himself completely with humankind, yet was without sin. He demonstrated how life was supposed to be lived and in His death he made provision for the redemption of mankind from sin so that we might live that life. He was raised from the dead and was exalted back to His place with the Father.

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, 15; Titus 2:13

God as Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Bible and enables people to comprehend it as truth. In everything He does He exalts Christ in the world. He makes people aware of their sin and their need for a Savior, He enables regeneration, He indwells every person who initiates a relationship with Jesus Christ. He cultivates Christian character and equips every believer with spiritual gifts and a calling to serve Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; Galatians 5:25

We Know people are made in the spiritual image of God with a unique purpose in the world. Each person is equally valuable in God’s sight. In the beginning, man and woman were sinless, but by their free choice, sin entered into the world. Today all people are sinners by nature and choice, and are thus separated from God.

Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; Psalm 8:3-6; Romans 1:19-32; 3:23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6

We Know salvation is the free gift of God made available through Jesus Christ. It can only be received through faith by asking for forgiveness of sins (confession), committing to a new lifestyle (repentance), and giving your life to Christ (surrender). Salvation comes because of God’s grace and cannot be purchased or earned. It provides eternal life, which begins the moment Christ enters a person’s heart.

Romans 6:23, 5:1; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26

We Know eternal security insures that all true believers persevere to the end. This fact is not based on one’s ability or accomplishments, but rather on the power and grace of God. While Christians will sin and at some point may continue for a time in that sin, if they were truly saved they cannot be “unsaved.”

John 10:29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

We Know Heaven is the final destination of those people who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. All people will exist eternally, some with Jesus in Heaven and some, because of their rejection of Jesus Christ, eternally separated from God in Hell.

John 3:16, 2:25, 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 1:8, 2:44, 46

Adapted from the Baptist Faith & Message 2000.