The Authority of Scripture
We believe that the Scriptures, both Old and New Testament are inspired by God and are infallible and without error in the original writings. By God’s singular care and providence the Scriptures have been kept pure through all ages and are therefore reliable and trustworthy today. We believe the Bible is our final earthly authority. We do not endorse any single English translation but encourage the use of a translation rather than a paraphrase for serious Bible study. (Luke 24:44-45; John 5:39; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Peter 3:14-16)
The Sovereignty of God
We believe that the One true God revealed in the Bible is in complete control of history and uses the actions of men to accomplish His plan, to bring Himself glory thereby reconciling all things to Himself and the ultimate good of His children. (Genesis 50:20;1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 135:6; Psalm 115:3; Psalm 145:8-9; Isaiah 46:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 4:6)
The Person of Christ
We believe that the good news of the New Testament is that the uncreated Creator of the universe Jesus Christ entered into His own creation in order to reconcile mankind unto Himself. We believe Christ is fully God and fully man. We believe he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, was tempted in every way yet lived a sinless life, and is therefore the only perfect sacrifice for man’s sin. Jesus Christ was crucified for the full payment of man’s sin and His victory over sin was confirmed through His bodily resurrection on the third day. We believe Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for sin reflects His great love for mankind and is our only hope for eternal life. (Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-5, 14; John 3:16,17; Romans 3:24-25; 1 Corinthians15:20-23; 1 Timothy:2:5; Philippians 2:6-8; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:24)
The Work of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is God, co-equal and co-existent with the Father and the Son as the third person of the Trinity. He is the chief convictor of sin, the chief agent of regeneration and sanctification. The Holy Spirit indwells all believers at the point of conversion and empowers them to live a godly life. Through His gift of the Holy Spirit, God graces all believers with spiritual gifts, which are sovereignly-given abilities graciously bestowed upon every believer at salvation to enable them to perform and function effectively within the church which is the Body of Christ. (John 14:16-19; 16:7-15; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 John 2:20,27)
The Completeness of the Gospel
We believe that salvation was completely paid for by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for man’s sin. Nothing can be added to the work of Christ. We believe that salvation is God’s gift by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. (Isaiah 53; John 1:12; John 3:3-7; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:5, 8-10; Titus 3:5)
The Nature of Saving Faith
True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, confessing your sins to Him, making a conscious choice to turn away from sin to pursue and obey Christ. It is not enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God but they do not love and obey God. We believe that those who belong to Him by faith will live obediently to the Word of God and are alone entitled to eternal life and a peace beyond human explanation.
The faith which alone justifies will manifest itself in the heart of every believer causing them to grow in grace and knowledge and pursue Christ likeness through the study, application and obedience to the Word of God. (Luke 13:3,5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 11:28-30; John 17:3; James 2:17-20, 26; Ephesians 2:10; Acts 20:21; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 2 Peter 3:9)
The Eternal Nature of Man
We believe when a believer dies he goes immediately into the presence of God. He shall receive a glorified body, incorruptible and free from the influence of sin for all eternity. We believe those who do not put their faith in Christ for salvation receive justice and shall be cast into the lake of fire, eternally separated from God and His grace. (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 5:22, 10:28, 18:9; Mark 9:39-42; Luke 16:23; John 5:29; 1 Corinthians 15:35-44; 2 Corinthians 8; Philippians 3:21; 2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 20:13-15)
The Return of Christ
We believe Christ shall return in the same manner in which He left and His return could happen at any moment. We believe that He is preparing a place for all believers and He will come again to receive us to Himself so where He is we will be also. We believe this reality should have an impact upon the way we live. We believe God the Father alone knows when Christ will return and has held the specific details of His return in mystery. (Matthew 24; John 14:3; Acts 1:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Matthew 24:36)
The Unity of the Local Church
We believe the unity of the local congregation is dependent upon its obedience to the Word of God. We believe the congregation should function in submission to the Elders. We believe the Elders are to be held accountable to the Word of God in their leadership of the congregation.
We believe God uniquely gifts every individual of the congregation. These gifts are given to strengthen the body. For the congregation to function in harmony and to its fullest potential, everyone should use their gifts to build up and strengthen the church of Christ. We believe gifts of the Spirit bring harmony and strength. Personal desires and gifts should never disrupt the unity of the local congregation. (Deuteronomy 28:1; John17:9-22; Ephesians 5:21; Hebrews 13:7, 17; Romans 12:5-8; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 4:7, 12; 1 Peter 4:10-11; 1 Corinthians 3:3; Romans 16:17)
My Electronic Signature indicates that I agree with Christ the Rock Statement of Faith.
