open-bible

Our Statement Of Faith

About The Bible
The Bible is God’s perfect Word to all men. It was penned by human authors under the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit so that it is completely without any contradiction or error. It is our ultimate authority on what to believe and how we are to live. (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

About God
God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed as One God in three distinct, yet equal personalities: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1, 1:26-27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19)

About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and equal with the Father. Born of a virgin, He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death and to give us eternal life. He ascended into heaven where He intercedes for His people. He will physically return to the earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
(John 1:1-5; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18)

About The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for salvation in Christ. He also lives in every believer from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in following the will of God. Believers should seek daily to live under His control. (John 16:7-13; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 5:18)

About Man
Man was created in the image of God, as the supreme object of His creation. Though he possesses tremendous potential for good, man is marred by an internal attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude – or sin – separates man from God. (Genesis 1:27;Psalm 8:3-6; Romans 3:23)

About Salvation
Salvation was made possible by the substitionary death and resurrection of Christ. It is God’s gift to man. Man can never make up for sin by self-improvement or good behavior. Only through faith – fully resting in, and accepting entirely, who He is and what He has done – can man find forgiveness and be saved. The moment one places faith in Christ they receive eternal life. This new life is maintained by the grace and power of God, not the effort of man. It is, therefore, eternally secure. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-10; John 14:6; Titus 3:5)

About Baptism
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. It takes place after one has been saved through faith and is to be done by full immersion by the authority of a New Testament Church. It is an act of obedience to the teachings of Jesus and is a testimony of salvation and commitment. (Romans 6:4)

About The Church
The Church, as presented in Scripture, is always a local, visible, assembly of baptized believers united together by God Himself for the purpose of making disciples of all nations. Jesus Christ established the Church during His ministry, and she stands uniquely related to Him as His Body and Bride. Each church is fully independent and self-governing. (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 3:21, 5:23-32)

About Eternity
Man was created as an eternal being. He will either exist eternally separated from God in a literal hell, or he will exist eternally in the presence of God in a literal heaven. (1 John 2:25; Revelation 20:15)

About Satan
Satan is a fallen angel and the archenemy of God and man. His eternal destiny will be the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:10)

About Spiritual Gifts
Every believer has been uniquely gifted by God with abilities to be used for His Kingdom. There were also specific miraculous gifts given to early believers, such as tongues and prophecies, that have been done away with since the completion of the Scriptures. Faith, hope, and love are the vital and abiding gifts every believer should pursue. (1 Corinthians 12-14)

About The Christian Walk
God’s design for every Christ-follower is to progressively become more Christ-like – to think, speak, act, and respond to life as Jesus would if He were in their place. This life is the result of an inward transformation of our character brought about by God’s faithful work in us and our cooperation with Him in the growth process. (Romans 8:28-29; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 John 2:6)