What We Believe
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. These three are coequal and are one God.
Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and Holy Spirit, and He is one with them. Jesus lived a sinless human life as fully God and fully man. He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return to earth again someday to reign as King.
The Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, an understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
The Bible.
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs about living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without error. It remains relevant throughout all time.
Human Beings.
People are made in the spiritual image of God for the purpose of exemplifying His character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are defined by a nature of disobedience and self-righteousness toward God called Sin. Sin separates us from God and causes many problems in our life.
Salvation.
Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty, which is spiritual death. When we turn from our self-ruled life and follow Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ by faith, and it applies here and now - not only to the afterlife.
Eternity.
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
Baptism.
Baptism is symbolic of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, baptism is a way for us to publicly declare our new life in Christ. It is also a step of obedience based on God’s commands. Through it we follow the example of Jesus, who submitted himself to baptism to "fulfill all righteousness."