What We Believe
Summary: We believe that all people can have salvation through Jesus Christ, who died to wash our sins away.
1. God the Father
We believe that there is one eternal, holy, and Supreme Being. He is the Almighty God of unlimited power, knowledge, majesty and love. He is the source of all that is good. He is a trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Psalm 90:2; Romans 11:33; 1 John 5:7; Isaiah 45:22
2. Jesus Christ the Son
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He, together with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, has always been and always will be. Because of His love for sinful man, God sent His Son Jesus into the world. He was born of a virgin, partook of humanity but without a sinful nature, suffered and died on the cross to atone for the sins of mankind, arose from the grave, and ascended into heaven. Only through the shedding of His blood can we obtain forgiveness of sins and access to the grace of God. John 1:1; John 3:16; Matthew 1:20; Colossians 2:9; Luke 2:11; Philippians 2:5-8; Luke 9:35
3. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. He was sent into the world by the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He is the comforter of saints and guides them into all truth. The Holy Spirit conveys God’s divine graces to accomplish man’s salvation. John 15:26; John 16:7-13; Acts 2:1-4, 38
4. The Bible
The Bible is the Word of God and is the only infallible guide for man. It is divinely inspired, true, and authoritative. It is a direct revelation from God concerning Himself, His will, and His ways. 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 24:35; John 12:48; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:130; 2 Peter 1:21
5. Creation
The Genesis account of the creation is true. This simple yet profound revelation must be received by faith. The theory of evolution, which teaches a continuous natural development from the lowest to the highest forms of life, is a contradiction of the teachings of the Bible. Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Hebrews 1:10; Hebrews 11:3; Exodus 31:17; Jeremiah 10:12-13; Revelation 4:11
6. Man
Man was created as an intelligent being by a direct act of God. He was made in the image of God and was given the power of choice. Through sin he fell from fellowship with God, and in his fallen state is estranged from God. However, God in mercy provided a way that man could again be reconciled to Himself. Genesis 1:27; Genesis 1:31; Romans 7:8; Titus 1:15; Colossians 3:10; Matthew 19:4
7. The New Birth
The new birth is the cornerstone of the doctrine of salvation. Those who by faith and true repentance accept the atoning work of Christ are redeemed from sin and are born again. God fills the born-again heart with peace, assurance of salvation, and grace. The new birth results in conversion from a sinful life to a life that brings forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This is the only entrance into the kingdom of God. John 3:3-16; Acts 4:12; 1 John 1:6-7; Hebrews 12:22-23; Mark 1:15; Acts 17:30; Acts 20:21
8. The Church of God
The church is the body of Jesus Christ and is comprised of those who have been born again and have joined the visible church through water baptism. Every member of the Church of God is part of the body and has an important work to do. The church is a haven for the saved, nurtures the born-again children of God, and provides spiritual support for her members. She is distinguished by brotherly love, self-denial, discipleship, a sincere love for the truth, and a faithful obedience to God’s Word. Matthew 16:18-19; Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Hebrews 12:22-24; Acts 20:28
9. The Great Commission
The church has been given a commission to declare and publish the gospel throughout the whole world. Inspired by a love for the salvation of mankind, she faithfully teaches the Word of God and baptizes those who accept and believe the gospel. Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15-18
10. Baptism
Born-again believers are admitted into the visible church through water baptism, even as they are admitted into the kingdom of God by the new birth and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The church continues to practice baptism by pouring as did the Anabaptists. Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:5; Acts 2:16-17; Acts 2:38; Acts 2:41; 1 Peter 3:21
11. Holy Communion
Christ instituted Holy Communion as a memorial of His suffering and death. This memorial should be observed by Christians to commemorate His death. Only those who are of like faith and are at peace with God and man should participate together. We observe both the Lord’s Supper and the ordinance of feet washing in the Communion service. Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34
12. Feet Washing
The ordinance of feet washing is to be observed literally by all believers of the same faith. It was instituted by Christ in connection with the Communion service. It represents the inner cleansing of one’s walk of life and typifies humility and the equality of saints. John 13:4-17; 1 Timothy 5:10
13. Holy Matrimony
Marriage was divinely instituted for the propagation, purity, and happiness of the human race. God sanctions marriage between one man and one woman only. Marriage in the church is only permitted between members. 1 Corinthians 7:39; Genesis 2:18; Nehemiah 13:24-31; Mark 10:2-12; Romans 7:2; Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:3-12
14. The Nurture of Children
It is the responsibility of Christian parents to raise their children by biblical principles. The Bible teaches parents to love, nurture, and discipline their children so they will be receptive to God’s call to salvation and be prepared for the challenges of life. Proverbs 13:24; Deuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20-21
15. The Church and the World
The church and the world are distinctly separate institutions with different desires, goals, and accomplishments. Christians are not to be conformed to the world. God has set forth a clear standard of righteousness, which must not be compromised by worldly dress, amusements, or other worldly attractions. Entertainment provided by movies, musical instruments, radio, television, and the improper use of the internet detract from the sanctity and simplicity of one’s spiritual life in Christ and should be avoided. Matthew 6:24; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 John 2:15-16; Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 5:11.
16. The Sacredness of Human Life
Human life is a sacred gift from God. He has created and sustains life according to His will and purpose. It is man’s obligation to treat the whole of human life as existing for the honor and glory of God. The Christian refuses to inflict harm on anyone or take human life, which would include abortion or euthanasia. Genesis 2:7; Genesis 9:6; Exodus 20:13; Psalm 139:13; Psalm 139:15-16; Acts 17:29; 1 Peter 2:17
17. Nonresistance
The gospel emphatically teaches against strife, contention, and war. Therefore, no believer should take part in any strife, whether between individuals, in lawsuits, or in conflicts among nations. The doctrine of nonresistance was taught and exemplified by Christ and the apostles. It has been practiced by true Christians until the present time. Matthew 5:38-45; Matthew 26:52; John 18:36; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Romans 12:17-21; 2 Corinthians 10:4
18. Education
Speaking, reading, and writing correctly and properly are profitable when done in Christian simplicity and humility. Elementary or basic education is sufficient for a humble way of life. Those called to careers requiring more than a basic education should share their conviction with others, especially brethren called to leadership. Acts 4:13; Matthew 6:31-32; Acts 17:16-31; 1 Corinthians 1:18-30; 1 Corinthians 2:4-8; 1 Peter 5:5-6
19. Purity and Temperance
The people of God should be pure, devout, respectful, and temperate in all things. Any immoral conduct is forbidden by the Scriptures, and is therefore sinful. Impure speech, profanity, and vices such as smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and using illicit drugs must be avoided. 1 Peter 1:15; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:1; 2 Peter 3:11-14; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 5:19-25; 1 John 3:3
20. Modest Apparel
Christians should be clothed with modest apparel. The wearing of jewelry, costly or fashionable attire, and bodily ornamentation take away from the simplicity of Christians. Romans 12:1-2; Isaiah 3:16-24; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-5; 1 John 2:15-17
21. Church Discipline
The church is the bride of Christ and must be kept pure and spotless. Christ has made provision for the government and preservation of His visible church. He has given her authority through the Holy Spirit to interpret the Scriptures and discipline unfaithful members by excommunicating those who fail to accept admonition, become willfully sinful, or teach false doctrine. Those excommunicated should be avoided in spiritual and temporal fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, eating together, and the Holy Kiss. The avoidance prevents spiritual defilement in the church and is intended to urge the sinner to repent so he can be restored to fellowship with Christ and His church. We believe this doctrine should be kept in love and compassion. Matthew 16:19; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 5:1-6; Matthew 18:8-9; Matthew 18:15-18; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-15.
22. The Beard
We believe that men grow beards by order of creation. Wearing a beard indicates respect for God’s order. The Old Testament and Isaiah’s prophecy of Christ (Isaiah 50:6) provide historical evidence. There are ample writings from the early Christian church to support this practice under the gospel era. Genesis 1:26-27, 31; Romans 9:20; Isaiah 50:6; Leviticus 19:27; Leviticus 21:5; Matthew 5:17-19.
23. The Devotional Head Covering
The devotional head covering is divinely commanded. It is an outward sign of submission to God’s order. A Christian woman should have her head veiled with a devotional covering for prayer and as a sign of submission. 1 Corinthians 11:1-16
24. The Holy Kiss
We believe that the holy kiss should be observed among Christian believers of the same faith and gender as an expression of love and fellowship. Romans 16:16; 1 Peter 5:14; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12
25. Church and State
The Scriptures teach that the authority of secular governments is ordained of God. However, there should be complete separation between church and state. Although we should be subject unto authorities, Christians owe their first allegiance to God. We believe Christians should not serve in secular government, or in positions that require the use of force. John 18:36; Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-5; Hebrews 11:13
26. Swearing of Oaths
Oaths are forbidden by the gospel for any purpose and in all circumstances. Most governments allow an affirmation in lieu of an oath. Matthew 5:34-37; James 5:12; Exodus 20:7
27. Miracles and Divine Healing
The miracles of the Bible were extraordinary events and are literally true. They are wonderful manifestations of the divine power of God. Divine healing lies within the realm of miracles. Those who are sick and who ask in faith should be anointed with oil and prayed for by the “elders” of the church. Matthew 12:40; Acts 1:3; Acts 2:22; Acts 4:16; James 5:14-15; Mark 6:13; Mark 16:18
28. The Amillennial Reign
The gospel teaches a spiritual reign of believers with Christ. This spiritual reign of Christ in and with His followers has prevailed from the beginning of the gospel era and will never end. We do not believe there will be a different future reign upon the earth. John 18:36; Romans 5:17; 1 Corinthians 4:8; Ephesians 3:17-19; Revelation 1:5-6; Luke 17:20-21
29. Return of the Lord
The personal, imminent second coming of the Lord Jesus is the blessed hope of the believer. He will come, not in humiliation, nor to reign here on earth, but to claim His true followers and to judge the world. Matthew 24:29-31; Matthew 24:42-44; Matthew 25:31-32; Mark 13:24-27; Titus 2:13; Acts 1:11; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 1:7; Revelations 20:11-15
30. The Resurrection
When Christ returns there will be a bodily resurrection of the dead. All who have ever lived and died will be resurrected and made eternally alive through the incomprehensible power of God. These, together with those who are alive at His return, will be judged by Christ. The righteous will be separated from the wicked, and each shall receive his eternal reward. Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15; Matthew 22:28-32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; John 11:24-25; Revelation 20:13
31. Hell
Jesus Christ and His apostles clearly taught that hell is a place of everlasting punishment. It is the eternal abode of the lost. All who have rejected Christ will be eternally punished in the lake of fire and brimstone. Psalm 9:17; Matthew 25:41-46; Revelation 14:11; Revelation 20:10-15; John 5:28-29; 2 Peter 3:10-12; 2 John 7; Jude 7
32. Heaven
Jesus has prepared Heaven for those who are saved. The righteous, who have been saved through the blood of Jesus, and have endured until the end, will be glorified. They will spend eternity in the realms of endless bliss with God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the holy angels. Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 25:34; Matthew 25:46; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Revelations 22:5; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 21:1-5
