7 Statements of Faith

Concerning the Bible

The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God and thus infallible, completely reliable, and the supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice.

2 Tim 3:14-17
[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom
(1) you learned it

[15] and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

[16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

[17] that the man of God

(2) may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Footnotes:

(1) 3:14 The Greek for *whom* is plural

(2) 3:17 That is, a messenger of God
(the phrase echoes a common Old Testament expression)
(ESV)

Pet 2: 16-21 Christ’s Glory & Prophetic Word
16] For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
[17] For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, (1) with whom I am well pleased,”

[18] we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

[19] And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,

[20] knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.

[21] For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Footnotes:
(1) 1:17 Or *my Son, my* (or *the*) *Beloved* (ESV)

Concerning God

There is one true God, eternally existent in three Persons –Father, Son, and Holy Spirit –and entirely sovereign over creation, history, revelation, salvation, and final judgement.

Concerning our Lord Jesus Christ

He is God incarnate, was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless human life and performed divine miracles; He died as a vicarious, atoning sacrifice by shedding His blood for our sins and to destroy the works of Satan; He was raised bodily from the dead, ascended to heaven, continues His mediatorial work, and will personally return in power and glory.

Concerning the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father to bear witness to His Son; His power is essential for the regeneration of sinners, and His indwelling presence in all believers is vital for their progressive sanctification and witness.

Concerning Man

Created originally in the image of God, man became a fallen, lost and sinful being, who can be redeemed and restored to fellowship with God only by grace through faith in Christ, apart from works.

Concerning Church

Through their union with the Head, all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ are one in His Spirit and belong to His body, the Church, which is committed to fulfil His Great Commission, by declaring His Gospel, discipling converts in all nations, and discharging its social responsibilities for the common good and or His glory.

Concerning the Future

At Christ’s return, there will be the bodily resurrection of all the dead – of believers to eternal blessedness, and of unbelievers to eternal punishment – and the perfection of the glorious Kingdom of God in a new heaven and a new earth.