The Bible and Salvation

God’s Word
We believe that the Bible is God’s Word. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word is inerrant (without error) in the original writings. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and Christian living. God’s Word is a living Word. It is the sole authority for life. (2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105, 119:160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5; Hebrews 4:12)

The Trinity And The Bible

God
We believe that there is only one true and living God. He is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. God eternally exists in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each is a distinct Person, but all of one essence and all have the same nature, perfection and attributes. Each is worthy of precisely the same worship, confidence, and obedience. (Genesis 1:1-3, 26, 27; Matthew 3:16, 17; John 1, 14, 10:30, 14:26, 15:26; Matthew 28:19; Psalm 90:2)

Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with God, the Father. Jesus Christ in the flesh was both God and man. He was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of His people by being crucified to His death on the cross. He died and shed His blood to become substitution atonement for the sins of His people. He rose from the dead bodily after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to His Father’s right hand in heaven, where He is the Head of the church and intercedes for believers. He will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:22-23; Luke 1:26-33, 22:20, 24:46; Romans 1:3-4; Hebrews 4:14-15; Isaiah 9:6; Acts 1:9-11; John 1:1-5, 14:10-20)

Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is the divine Helper, Assistant, Counselor, Convictor, Comforter, and Instructor of the believer. He is present in the world to make mankind aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation, thereby baptizing him and permanently indwelling him and sealing him in salvation for all eternity. He provides the believer with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. (2 Corinthians 3:17; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:13-14, 5:18; John 16:1-13, 14:16-27; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 12:1-11; Galatians 5:25; Titus 3:5; Matthew 3:11)

The Core of Salvation

Salvation
We believe that all who, through repentance and in faith, receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior are born again by the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God. Salvation is God’s free gift to us. Salvation involves redemption, regeneration, sanctification and glorification. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, His perfect obedience is credited to us so that God sees us as the righteousness of Christ. (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 10:9-10; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:1, 7-11; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22; John 17:16-22; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19; John 14:6, 1:12; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)