Our Beliefs

The Bible is the Word of God. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because God inspired it, the Bible is the supreme source of truth for all Christian beliefs and practices. (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105, 160; 12:6;

Proverbs 30:5)

 

God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is both infinite and personal, holy and loving, forgiving and just. (See Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

 

Jesus Christ is the eternal God who became a man, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and was bodily raised from the dead. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return some day to reign forever. (See Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; 14:10-13; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4;

1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15)

 

The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in the world today. He is present to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He comes to live in every believer at the moment of conversion, and provides power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and personal guidance. The Holy Spirit also gives every believer spiritual gifts, which are to be used in ministry to others. (See John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 12:4-7; Ephesians 1:13-14, 5:18)

 

Human beings are created by God in His image.They are the supreme objects of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes them to miss God’s plan for their lives. (See Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-5; Isaiah 53:6; 59:2; Romans 3:23)

 

People were created to exist forever, either eternally separated from God by sin and personal choice (a condition the Bible calls “hell”), or eternally present with God in heaven through salvation (described below). (See

John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 2:25; 5:11-13; Revelation 20:15)

 

Salvation is a free gift received from God. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works, so we must place our faith in Jesus Christ as God’s provider of forgiveness. This faith involves committing one’s life to Jesus as Lord (or boss). (See John 1:12, 14:6; Romans 3:21-26, 6:23, 10:9-13; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)

 

Our salvation, being a gift of God, is secure. It is maintained by the grace and power of God, not the self-effort of the Christian. (See John 5:24; 10:27-29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

 

The Church is the Body of Christ on earth. The term “church” has both a universal meaning (all Christians of all time) and a local meaning (individual congregations like First Baptist). Each local church has the responsibility of deciding its own boundaries according to its understanding of the Bible, and determining how it can most effectively contribute to the fulfillment of God’s purposes on earth. (See 1 Corinthians 16:19; Ephesians 1:22-23;

1 Timothy 5:17)