We subscribe to the following declaration of the things which are more surely believed among us (Luke 1:1), praying that there be no harmful nor divisive difference of belief to the injury of any, nor the disturbance of the peace and harmony of the church, and that we may be all of the same mind and same judgment, speaking the same things in love (1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42) and with one voice glorifying God, to the edification of His people, and to give Christian witness to the world.
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16) presenting to us the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and constituting the Divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice (2 Peter 1:21).
We believe there is but one true and living God, who is everlasting, infinite in power, wisdom and goodness; that He is the Creator of all things, visible and invisible, and Preserver of all things (Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16). In the unity of this Godhead, there are three persons of one individual essence, who are co-equal, co-existent and co-eternal; namely, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:16, 17; 28:18, 19; 2nd Corinthians 13:14; John 1:12, 18; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 9:14; John 14:26; 15:26; John 10:33).
It pleased the Father that the fullness of the Godhead would dwell in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:9)
3. MAN, HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION
Man is a created being, made in the likeness and the image of God, but through Adam’s transgression and fall, sin came into the world (Romans 5:12). “All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the work of the devil, and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God (1 John 3:8)
Salvation is made possible through the meritorious work of Jesus Christ on the cross and through Holy Spirit conviction. Godly sorrow works repentance and makes possible the experience of the new birth, and Christ formed within us is the gift of eternal life (Titus 2:11; Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:47; Titus 3:5-7).
Salvation is the gift of God to man, separate from works and the Law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing works acceptable to God (Ephesians 2:8).
The true Church built upon the Foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20), is the Body of our Lord (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27), Christ being the Head (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18). Its earthly constituents are all true believers, born again of the Spirit (John 3:6) and of the Word (1 Peter1:23), who are living an overcoming Christian life (Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 21:27).
To the Church, through its members, is delegated the various gifts and offices of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27-28) which are necessary for the successful evangelization of the world and the perfecting of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:11, 12).
This universal, invisible sanctified Church is the chaste virgin Bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:26,27; Revelation 21:9b, 27) and it is for this Bride for whom Jesus Christ returns, just prior to the Great Tribulation, to catch her away and take her to heaven (John 14:23; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).
God, through the Holy Spirit, definitely calls such as He desires to serve as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and specifically endues the one called with the talents and gifts peculiar to that office or offices (Ephesians 4:11-13). Under no circumstances should anyone be ordained or set apart to any such office unless the calling is distinct and evident.
Baptism in water is by immersion and is a direct commandment of our Lord (Matthew 28:19) and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36-39).
8. THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire (Matthew 3:11), is a Gift from God, as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation and is received subsequent to the new birth (John 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 2:4, 38, 39; 10:44-48). The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is accompanied by signs and evidence (Acts 2:4).
The Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as a definite, yet progressive, work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation (Hebrews 13:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Corinthians 6:11; John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper is a commandment of our Savior; and being a memorial to His death and resurrection, is limited to Christian believers (1 Corinthians 11:27).