Salvation
Salvation is a free gift from God, received by faith alone in Jesus Christ. To be saved, one must be born again through the Holy Spirit, not by human effort (John 3:3, 6; John 1:12-13). Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for sin and rose from the dead to conquer death, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life, free from condemnation (John 3:14-18). Eternal life is granted immediately to all who believe, ensuring they will never face judgment or spiritual death (John 5:24; John 6:47; John 11:26). This salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, so no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Assurance
Assurance of salvation comes solely from God’s promise that belief in Jesus ensures eternal life. (1 John 5:9-13). Assurance is essential to saving faith, and belief in Jesus inherently includes certainty of eternal life (John 5:24; 6:47).
Discipleship
The Holy Spirit works to mature believers into Christlike character. Obedience to God’s Word should be the goal for all believers. Spiritual shortcomings may occur without yielding to the Spirit, evidenced by sin, though salvation remains secure (Gal 5:22-25; 1 Cor 10:1-13).
Motivation
Christian obedience is motivated by gratitude, awareness of God’s blessings and discipline, and anticipation of rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Eternal security removes fear of hell as a motivation (Rom 12:1-2; 2 Cor 5:10).
The Eternal State
Believers will dwell eternally with God in a new, restored Earth. Unbelievers will face eternal conscious torment in the lake of fire (Rev 21:1-3; Rev 20:10-15).
Theology Proper
God exists eternally in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each fully divine and personal (Deut 6:4; Matt 28:19).
Jesus Christ
Jesus is fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, sinless, and the substitutionary atonement for sin. He rose bodily, ascended, and intercedes for believers (Phil 3:20-21).
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, co-equal with the Father and Son, indwells believers, giving gifts for service. Some gifts, like tongues and prophecy, ceased after the apostolic age (1 Cor 12:4-11).
The Scriptures
We believe that the Scriptures are God-breathed (2 Tim 3:16-17). God moved holy men to write (2 Pet 1:20-21) and He made certain that what they wrote was without error in the original documents. He has revealed Himself and His eternal plan to mankind in the Bible.
Angels
Unfallen angels serve God and aid believers, while fallen angels, led by Satan, oppose God and humanity. Satan’s defeat is certain, culminating in eternal punishment (Isa 14:12-15; Rev 20:10).
The Fall of Man
Humanity, created in God’s image, fell through Adam’s sin, resulting in spiritual death. All are born sinners and in need of salvation through Christ (Rom 3:23; Eph 2:1-3).
Eternal Salvation
Salvation is by faith alone in Christ. Works or obedience do not contribute to salvation, which is a free gift (Rom 4:5; Eph 2:8-9).
Eternal Security
Believers are eternally secure in Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit. Assurance rests in God’s promises, not personal merit (John 6:35-40).
Sanctification
Sanctification is positional at salvation, progressive during life, and complete at glorification. Christians may hinder this process through sin (1 Thess 4:3-4).
Christian Walk
The Spirit’s goal is spiritual maturity, characterized by a Christ-centered focus. Fellowship with God depends on confession and honesty, not sinless perfection (Gal 5:16-25).
The Church
The Church, comprising all believers, began at Pentecost and functions visibly in local congregations. Believers are to practice baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and mutual edification (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 11:23-26).
The Great Commission
Christians are called to evangelize, baptize, and disciple others, maintaining faithfulness to the message (Matt 28:18-20).
Prophecy and Eschatology
The rapture will precede the Tribulation, during which God’s wrath will be poured out. Christ will return, establish a millennial reign, and judge all humanity. Believers will enjoy eternal life, and unbelievers will face eternal punishment (Rev 20:1-15).
Dispensationalism
God’s plan unfolds through distinct dispensations. The current church age will culminate in the Millennial Kingdom, where Christ will rule, fulfilling promises to Israel and the Church (Rom 4:1-8; Rev 21:24).
Two Judgments
Believers are judged for rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ, while unbelievers face condemnation at the Great White Throne Judgment (2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20:11-15).