In Him Ministries:
Statement of Beliefs

Introduction

We believe that liberty of thought, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is essential to Christian beliefs and practices. Therefore we encourage the unhindered study and open discussion of Scripture, and uphold the individual's freedom of conscience in seeking to understand and obey the will of God.

The German theologian, Rupertus Meldenius is attributed with saying, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.”

Essential doctrines are those central teachings that distinguish Christian from non-Christian beliefs and practices and must be believed in order for someone to be considered a true Christian.

On essentials, Unity:

"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6) one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Eph. 4:4-6 ESV)

On non-essentials, Liberty:

"Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand . . . 7) For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8) For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9) For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10) Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God . . . 22) The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves." (Rom. 14:4; 14:7-10; 14:22 ESV)

 

1. The Word of God:
        We believe that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” by which we understand the whole Bible is inspired in the sense that holy men of God “were moved by the Holy Spirit” to write the very words of Scripture. We believe that this divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the writings: historical, poetical, doctrinal, and prophetical as they appeared in the original manuscripts. We believe that the whole Bible is infallible and without error in all matters that it covers; including theology, history, science, and any other area of knowledge that it conveys. The Bible is totally trustworthy in everything that it records and teaches. Simply put, the Bible is our final authority.
        We believe that all the Scriptures center about the Lord Jesus Christ in His person and work in His first and second coming, and hence that no portion, even of the Old Testament, is properly read, or understood, until it leads to Him. We also believe that all the Scriptures were designed for our practical instruction. The Word of God is our ultimate and final authoritative rule for faith and practice.
        We teach that God gave His written Word through a process of dual authorship. The Holy Spirit so superintended the human authors that, through their individual personalities and different styles of writing, they composed and recorded God’s Word to man without error in the whole or in the part.
        (Mark 12:26, 36; 13:11; Luke 24:27, 44; John 3:16; 5:39; Acts 1:16; 17:2-3; Acts 18:28; 26:22-23; 28:23; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 2:13; 10:11; Matt. 5:18; 2 Tim. 3:15-16; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Pet. 1:20-21).

For more information see:  The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy

2. Creation:
        We believe that the Book of Genesis is a true historical record of human history up to the time of the creation of Israel as a nation. We believe that the creation account found in Genesis 1-2 is literal history and not to be taken as myth, allegory, or legend. We believe that God created the universe, and everything in it, out of nothing, by His Word and power.
        We teach the literal, grammatical-historical interpretation of Scripture which affirms the belief that the opening chapters of Genesis present creation in six literal days. We believe that Adam and Eve were the first human beings, divinely created in the image of God. We believe the age of the earth to be young, not millions or billions of years old. We believe in a global flood during Noah’s day (Gen. 6-9). The apparent age of the world is due to the fact that God created the entire universe to be fully formed and functioning for our first parents. We believe that when Romans 5:12 says “sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin,” it is saying that death did not exist prior to Adam's fall. The Creation was perfect until sin entered into the world. Jesus believed Genesis to be historically reliable because He based his doctrines of the fall of mankind and marriage on a literal understanding of the Book of Genesis. The last enemy to be destroyed will be death (1 Cor. 15:26; Rev. 21:8).
        We believe that the gap theory, progressive creation, day-age, framework hypothesis, theistic evolution, or any other view that tries to fit evolution or millions of years into Genesis are incompatible with what Scripture clearly teaches. No apparent, perceived, or claimed evidence in any field of study, including science, history, and chronology, can be valid if it contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture obtained by historical-grammatical interpretation. Of primary importance is the fact that evidence is always subject to interpretation by fallible people who do not possess all information (Num. 23:19; 2 Sam. 22:31; Ps. 18:30; Isa. 46:9-10; 55:9; Rom. 3:4; 2 Tim. 3:16).
        In studying the biblical doctrine of creation, it should be understood that the Bible makes no claim to be a scientific textbook. Nor should the Bible, which is intended to communicate to people throughout the ages, be expected to utilize modern scientific terminology. Nevertheless, the Bible declares itself to be trustworthy in whatever it teaches to be true, whether relating to matters of faith, history, or the created order. God is the creator of everything that exists. The scientific aspects of creation are important, but are secondary in importance to the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ as Sovereign, Creator, Redeemer, King, and Judge.
        (Gen. 1:31; 2:21-24; Gen. 3:19-24; 7-9; Ex. 20:8-11; 31:17; Ne. 9:6; Ps. 146:6; Mark 10:6; 1 Cor. 15:26; Rom. 5:14; 1 Tim. 2:13-14; Luke 3:38; Matt. 19:4-5; Acts 14:17; Rev. 4:11; 10:6).

For more information see: Is Genesis True History? and Genesis Is Historically True

3. God (the Trinity):
        We teach that there is but one living and true God (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 45:5-7; 1 Cor. 8:4), an infinite, all-knowing Spirit (John 4:24), perfect in all His attributes, one in essence, equal in power and glory, eternally existing in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14)—each equally deserving worship and obedience.
        God is a Trinity. The deity or divine nature (Godhead), exists eternally in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and these three are one God, having precisely the same substance, nature, essence, attributes, and perfections, and are worthy of precisely the same homage, confidence, and obedience. Each member of the Godhead has different roles to play in our salvation but they are equally and fully God.
        God possesses perfect and exhaustive knowledge of the past, present, and future, and preserves, regulates, governs and directs all things so that nothing in the world happens without His permission. God is the author of good but not of evil. Yet, even evil is governed by God in that God limits it and directs it to an end fitting with his overall plan and purpose.
        (Isa. 44:6-8; 45:5; Gen. 1:26-27; 3:22; Matt. 28:18-19; Mark 12:29; Luke 9:35; John 1:14; 10:30; Acts 5:3-4; 17:29; Rom. 1:20; 2 Cor. 13:13-14; Eph. 4:4-6; Col. 2:9; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 1:4-6 see also: The Trinity).
        When we speak of God's attributes, we are talking about those characteristics that help us to understand who He truly is. Here is a thorough, yet incomplete list of God's attributes.
        Eternality, Aseity, Goodness, Grace, Holiness, Immanence, Immutability, Justice, Love, Transcendence, Mercy, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Omniscience, Righteousness, Self-Existence, and Sovereignty.

For more information see: God's Known Attributes and The Attributes of God

4. God the Father:
        We believe that God the Father is the first person of the Trinity and is the eternal, unchanging, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-wise, all-loving, completely just and perfectly holy, sovereign Ruler and Sustainer of the universe. He is the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Father of all true believers
        (Gen. 1:1; Eph. 4:6; John 1:12-13; 5:19-21; 17:1-5; Isa. 40:21-28; 43:10-13; Isa. 46:8-11; Rom. 8:14-16).

5. God the Son:
        We believe in God the Son, Jesus Christ – the second person of the Trinity. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and by His voluntary sacrificial death on Calvary's cross and by His bodily and visible resurrection from the dead, paid the penalty of sin and purchased eternal life for all who put their faith and trust in Him.
        After His bodily resurrection He ascended to the right hand of the Father and will return in power and glory at the end of the age. Furthermore, we believe that God will reward the righteous with eternal life in heaven, and that He will banish the unrighteous to everlasting punishment.
        (Matt. 1:18-25; 24:44; Luke 24:46-47; John 1:1-18; 1:29; 14:6; Acts 1:9-11; 2:22-24; 4:12; Rom. 3:23; 8:34; 1 Cor. 15:1-8; 2 Cor. 5:10, 11, 21; Phil. 2:5-11; 1 Jn. 1:7-2:1; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-9; Col. 2:3-9; Heb. 1:1-4; 4:15; 9:15-22; 9:27-28; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 2:7; Titus 3:4-7; Rev. 19:11-21; 21-22).

The Divine Attributes of Jesus Christ:

        Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. The Bible plainly says that Jesus Christ is God in a number of passages (John 1:1; 20:28; Rom. 9:5; Phil. 2:6; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:8; 1 Jn. 5:20). Other passages include John 13:3; 17:5, Col. 1:15-19; 1 Tim. 3:16; and Heb. 1:3). By themselves, these verses provide enough evidence for the church to believe in and teach the full deity of Jesus Christ, but the indirect evidence from Scripture is equally compelling.
        The names of God are often applied to Jesus. He is called "the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father" and "Immanuel" (meaning "God with us") (Isa. 7:14; 9:6 and Matt. 1:22-23). Elsewhere Jesus is called "The Lord (Yahweh / Jehovah) our Righteousness," "God" and "Son of God." (Jer. 23:6; Isa. 40:3; Heb. 1:8; 1 Tim. 3:16; John 10:36).
        The Bible ascribes to Jesus Christ all the characteristics of deity. He is described as eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent and immutable (Eternal (Isa. 9:6; Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-2; 8:58; 17:5, 24; Col. 1:15-17; 1 Jn. 1:1; Rev. 1:8); omnipresent (Matt. 18:20; 28:20; John 3:13); omniscient (John 2:24-25; 16:30; 21:17; Rev. 2:23); omnipotent (Isa. 9:6; Phil. 3:21; Rev. 1:8; cf. John 5:17; Heb. 1:3; Matt. 28:18) and immutable (Heb. 1:10-12; 13:8).
        Jesus Christ is equal with God the Father. He is worshiped as God (John 20:28; Acts 7:59; Heb. 1:6; cf. Ex. 34:14 and Matt. 4:10). His name is given equal standing with God the Father in the church's baptismal formula and in the apostolic benediction (Matt. 28:19; cf. Acts 2:38; 2 Cor. 13:14; cf. 1 Cor. 1:3; Eph. 1:2).
        Christ performed works which only God could do. He is the creator (John 1:3, 10; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2, 10). He is the upholder of all things (Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3; cf. Luke 10:22; John 3:35; 17:2; Eph. 1:22). He forgives sin (Matt. 9:2-7; cf. Mark 2:7; Luke 7:47-48; Col. 3:13). He will raise the dead and execute judgment (John 11:25; cf. John 5:25-29; 6:39, 40, 54; John 5:22).
        Jesus Christ Himself claimed deity. He taught His disciples to pray in His name (John 16:23-24). He claimed that He and the Father were one and that He was the Son of God (John 10:30, 36; 14:9; 17:11). He claimed that to know Him was to know God, to see Him was to see God, to receive Him was to receive God, to believe Him was to believe in God and to honor Him was to honor God, while to hate Him was to hate God (John 8:18; 14:7; 12:45; 14:9; Mark 9:37; John 12:44; 14:1; 5:23; 15:23).

6. God the Holy Spirit:
        We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit; whose indwelling enables the Christian to live a godly life. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and is Himself, fully divine, eternal, underived, possessing all the attributes of personality and deity, including intellect (1 Cor. 2:10-13), emotions (Eph. 4:30), will (1 Cor. 12:11), eternality (Heb. 9:14), omnipresence (Ps. 139:7-10), omniscience (Isa. 40:13-14), omnipotence (Rom. 15:13), and truthfulness (John 16:13). In all the divine attributes He is coequal and consubstantial with the Father and the Son (Matt. 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 28:25-26; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 13:14; Jer. 31:31-34 with Heb. 10:15-17).
       The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ and to apply His work of salvation. He convicts sinners, enables them to believe, imparts spiritual life and gives a true understanding of the Scriptures. At the moment of regeneration, He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He seals them unto salvation. He indwells all believers, brings assurance of salvation and produces increasing likeness to Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church.
        We believe that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to every born-again believer but the sign gifts that the apostles and prophets exercised during the formative years of the church were reserved for the initial stages of the Church. Their purpose was to point to and authenticate the apostles’ message and were never intended to be characteristic of the lives of every believer throughout the church age (Eph. 2:20; 3:5; 4:11-12; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; 12:28-30; 1 Cor. 13:8-10; 14; Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Pet. 4:10-11; 2 Pet. 3:2). The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to do evangelism, apologetics and service (see: Miracles, signs & wonders in the Bible).
        (John 3:5-8; 3:16; 5:24; Acts 1:8; 4:31; Rom. 8:9, 16; Gal. 5:6-26; Col. 2:6-10; Titus 3:3-7; Matt. 28:19; Acts 5:3, 4; 1 Cor. 2:10, 11, 14; 2 Cor. 13:13; John 16:8, 14; Acts 2:16, 17; Eph. 4:7-13; 6:12-17; 2 Tim. 2:7; Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Eph. 1:13, 14; 5:18; 1 Cor. 12:1-13; 12:27-31; 14:1-40; 2 Cor. 12:12; Rom. 12:3-8; Heb. 2:1-4).

The Divine Attributes of the Holy Spirit:

        The Holy Spirit is known as Jehovah (Ex. 17:7; Heb. 3:7-9; Num. 12:6; 2 Pet. 1:21), as Jehovah of hosts (Isa. 6:3; 6:8-10; Acts 28:25), as Jehovah, Most High (Ps. 78:17, 21; Acts 7:51). He was invoked as Jehovah (Luke 2:26-29; Acts 1:16, 20; 4:23-25; 2 Thess. 3:5). Called God (Acts 5:3-4), and joined with the Father and the Son in the baptismal formula (Matt. 28:19).
        He is eternal (Heb. 9:14), omnipresent (Ps. 139:7-13), omniscient (1 Cor. 2:10), omnipotent (Luke 1:3; Rom. 15:19). He is the Spirit of glory and of God (1 Pet. 4:14). As Creator (Gen. 1:26-27; Job 33:4). He is equal to, and one with the Father (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14). He is the Sovereign disposer of all things (Dan. 4:35; 1 Cor. 12:6, 11).
        He is the author of the new birth (John 3:5-6; 1 Jn. 5:4),  He raised Christ from the dead (Acts 2:24; 1 Pet. 3:18; Heb. 13:20; Rom. 1:4). He inspiring Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21).
        He is the source of wisdom (1 Cor. 12:8; Isa. 11:2; John 14:26; 16:13), the source of miraculous power (Matt. 12:28; Luke 11:20; Acts 19:11; Rom. 15:19). He appointed and sent ministers (Acts 9:38; 13:2-4; 20:28). He directed where the gospel should be preached (Acts 16:6, 7, 10). He dwells the saints (John 14:17; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; 14:25). He is Comforter of the Church (Acts 9:31; 2 Cor. 1:3). He sanctifies the Church (Ezek. 37:28; Rom. 15:16). He is the Witness (Heb. 10:15; 1 Jn. 5:9). He is the convector of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11).

7. Mankind:
        We believe that man was created in the image of God by His direct act and did not come into being as the result of evolution. Man was created to glorify God, worship and serve Him, and have fellowship with Him. Man fell through sin by disobeying God, thus incurring both physical and spiritual death, which alienated him from God. Man’s nature was thus corrupted and he is utterly lost, “dead in trespasses and sins,” and totally incapable of saving himself and coming back into right relationship with God by his own merit or effort.
        When the repentant sinner, as enabled by the Holy Spirit, responds in faith to the divine provision of salvation. Genuine regeneration is manifested by fruits worthy of repentance as demonstrated in righteous attitudes and conduct. Good works are the proper evidence and fruit of regeneration (1 Cor. 6:19-20; Eph. 2:10), and will be experienced to the extent that the believer submits to the control of the Holy Spirit in his life through faithful obedience to the Word of God (Eph. 5:17-21; Phil. 2:12; Col. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:4-10). This obedience causes the believer to be increasingly conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:18). Such a conformity is climaxed in the believer’s glorification at Christ’s coming.
        (Rom. 8:17; 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 Jn. 3:2-3; cf. Gen. 1:26; 2:6,17; 3:17-24; Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 3:23; 5:6-8; 6:23; Eph. 2:1-5; 2:12; 2:1-3; Luke 18:26-27).

For more information see: The Fall of Mankind

8. Salvation:
        We believe that humanity was created in the image of God but fell from its original sinless state through willful disobedience and Satan’s deception, resulting in eternal condemnation and separation from God. All people everywhere are lost and face the judgment of God, that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation, and that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ results in regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Apart from the grace of God, human beings can neither think, will, nor do anything good, including believe. There is a grace of God that precedes, prepares and enables sinners to receive the free gift of salvation offered in Christ and his gospel. Only through the grace of God can sinners believe and so be regenerated by the Holy Spirit unto salvation and spiritual life. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. God's grace enables believers to repent, continue in faith, thought, will, and deed, so that all good deeds that can be conceived must be ascribed to the grace of God.
        The shed blood of Jesus Christ and his resurrection were provided for the salvation of all people, but are effective only for those who believe in Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior. Christ’s death and resurrection provides the only grounds for our justification and salvation, and only those who believe become born of the Holy Spirit and thus become a child of God. We believe that God’s saving grace is resistible, that election unto salvation is conditional on faith in Christ alone, and that God will enable every true Christian to persevere in faith unto salvation because He has promised to keep us from falling away from the faith. We believe that God will reward the righteous with a resurrection to eternal life in heaven, and those who are lost unto a resurrection of eternal damnation.
         (Luke 24:46-47; John 1:12-13; 3:1-7; 3:14-16; 6:37-39; 10:28-30; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 26:20; Rom. 1:16; 3:23; 5:8-9; 8:14-17; 8:31-39; 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 15:51-57; 2 Cor. 5:10-17; Gal. 2:15-21; 3:11, 24; Eph. 1:7, 13, 14; 2:8-9; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Pet. 1:3-5; 2:24; Rev. 20:11-15).

For more information see: God's grace that saves

9. Satan and the Angels (Fallen and Unfallen):
        We believe that God created an innumerable company of sinless, spiritual beings, known as angels; that one, “Lucifer, son of the morning”—the highest in rank—sinned through pride, thereby becoming Satan; that a great company of the angels followed him in his moral fall, some of whom became demons and are active as his agents and associates in the prosecution of his unholy purposes, while others who fell are “reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day”. We believe that Satan is the originator of sin, and that, under the permission of God, he, through subtlety, led our first parents into transgression, thereby accomplishing their moral fall and subjecting them and their posterity to his own power. We believe that Satan was judged at the Cross, though not then executed, and that he, a usurper now rules as the “god of this world”. Satan will ultimately be bound and cast into the abyss for a thousand years, and after the thousand years he will be loosed for a little season and then “cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,” where he and the other fallen angels “shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever”.
        The unfallen angels are spoken of as “holy ones”. The reason is twofold. First, being the creation of a holy God, they were created perfect without any flaw or sin. Second, they are called holy because of their purpose. They were “set apart” by God and for God as His servants and as attendants to His holiness.
        (Gen. 3:1-19; Ne. 9:6; Ps. 148:2; Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:12-15; Matt. 25:41; Luke 15:10; Rom. 5:12-14; 2 Cor. 4:3-4; 11:13-15; Eph. 1:21; 6:10-12; Col. 2:15; 2 Thess. 2:4; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; Heb. 1:14; 2:6-10; Jude 1:6; Rev. 7:12; 20:1-3; 20:10; Ps. 89:5-7; Isa. 6).

10. The Church:
        In short, the Church is the body of Christ on earth. It is often referred to in the New Testament as ‘the saints’ (hoi hagioi – Eph. 1:23), it comprises all who are born not of natural descent, nor of human decision, or a husband’s will, but born of God (John 1:13). The Church universal includes all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, confessing him as Savior and Lord, and witnessing to that sacred commitment through loving mutual submission (Matt. 18:15-20; John 13:34-35; Eph. 5:21) and sacrificial service (Mark 8:34; Matt. 20:25-28; John 13:1-17)
        We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers. Both Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ and all true believers are members of His body, the Church. It is made visible in local churches, which are congregations of believers who are committed to each other for the worship of God, the preaching of God’s Word, the administering of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, for pastoral care, discipline and for evangelism.
        We teach that the one supreme authority for the church is Christ (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18) and that church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (also called bishops, pastors, and pastor/teachers; Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11) and deacons, both of whom must meet biblical qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-5).
        We teach that these leaders are to lead the congregation as servants of Christ (1 Tim. 5:17-22) and have His authority in directing the church. The local congregation is to submit to their leadership as long as they themselves submit their lives to God and the earnest study of His word (Heb. 13:7, 17).
        We teach the importance of discipleship (Matt. 28:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:2), mutual accountability of all the believers to each other (Matt. 18:5-14), as well as the necessity of disciplining erring members of the congregation in accordance with the principles of Scripture.
         (Matt. 18:17-18; 28:19; John 10:16; Acts 2:39, 47; 5:1-11; Rom. 2:28-29; 1 Cor. 1:2-10; 5:1-13; 11:23-26; 1 Cor. 10:32; 12:12; 12:27-28; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; 2 Cor. 8:14; Gal. 3:28-29; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:11–22; 4:3; Phil. 1:1-2; 2:1-4; Col. 3:6; Titus 1:10-16; 2 Tim. 1:19-20; 4:1-2; 1 Pet. 5:2-3).

11: The Christian Life:
        We believe that the Christian life is the life of repentance, faith, and good works lived through the power of the Spirit and with the help of the means of grace as the Christian is conformed to the image of Christ to the glory of God. The Christian life is based upon the work of God in the new birth, justification, the gift of the Spirit, the forgiveness of sins, and our union to Christ. The goal of the Christian life is to be conformed into the image of Christ and, as a result, to share in God’s rule on the earth to the glory of God. Using various means of grace, such as Scripture, prayer, the Church, and the sacraments, God conforms the Christian into the image of Christ by the Spirit. The healthy Christian life is shown in faith and obedience, good works, sacrificial living and giving, and participation in the worldwide mission of the Church.
        The Character 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, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin (Luke 13:3,5; 1 Thess. 1:9) and pursue Christ (Matt. 11:28-30; John 17:3) and obedience to Him (1 Jn. 2:3). It isn’t enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God (James 2:19), but they don’t love and obey Him. True saving faith always responds in obedience (Eph. 2:10).
         (Matt. 9:35-38; 22:37-39; 28:18-20; John 12:25-26; Gal. 2:20; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; 2:11; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; Rom. 6:11-13; 1 Cor. 3:12-15; Rom. 10:9-15; 12:20-21; Gal. 6:10; Col. 2:6-10; 1 Pet. 3:15-16; 4:10-11; Eph. 2:10; 4:11-12; 4:22-24; Acts 1:8; Col. 1:10; John 15:8, 16).

The Church Sacraments:

The name sacrament is derived from the Latin word, sacramentum, which was used in Latin translations of the Bible. The Greek New Testament uses the word μυστήριον (mystērion = mystery) to refer to matters that God once hid but now has revealed through the gospel (e.g., Rom. 16:25-26; Eph. 3:3-13; Col. 1:24-27). The early church applied this term to its administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, considering them to reveal a mystery of divine grace.

12. The Ordinance of Baptism:
        We believe that Baptism is the outward sign that regeneration has occurred in a believer. It is a special ordinance that signifies that you have been born again spiritually into the family of God, the church. Baptism by immersion is given to all those who give evidence of regeneration, which is repentance and faith. Baptism carries with it a picture of Christ's death and resurrection. Baptism signals the believers’ intention to faithfully follow Jesus Christ, the mediator of the new covenant.
         (Matt. 3:11-13; 28:19; Mark 10:39; 16:16; John 1:33; 3:22, 26; Acts 2:38; 2:41; Acts 8:36; 10:47-48; Col. 2:12).

13. The Ordinance of Communion:
        We believe that the Lord's Supper, commonly referred to as "communion," is the special ordinance that the Lord Himself instituted while He was still on earth. This ordinance of communion commemorates and typifies the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus Christ until he comes again.
        (Matt. 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; John 6:53; Rom. 11:27; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:23-25).

14. Giving and Stewardship:
        We believe that God is the source of all blessings, both temporal and spiritual; all that we have and and owe belongs to Him. Stewardship is an act of worship to God. God wants us to acknowledge His ownership over everything we have by demonstrating good stewardship. God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son as a sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16) and we are asked to do the same by giving our bodies to God as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1). Christians are under obligation to serve Christ with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others.
        According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of Christ's cause on earth. Unlike the Old Testament requirement of paying tithes (Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21-26; Mal. 3:8-10), there is no required amount or percentage for giving to the Lord's work specified in the New Testament. All giving to the Lord is to be free will giving and completely discretionary.
        (Gen. 14:20; Lev. 27:30-32; Deut. 8:18; Mal. 3:8-12; Matt. 6:1-4; 6:19-21; 19:21; Matt. 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 6:38; 12:16-21; Luke 12:42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; Acts 17:24-25; 20:35; Rom. 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 1 Cor. 12; 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8-9; 12:15; Phil. 4:10-19; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).

15. The New Covenant, law of Christ:
        The Law of Christ is God’s absolute law of the new "eternal" covenant (Rom. 6:14) that is covenantally binding upon believers (1 Cor. 9:20-21), and consists of the law of love (Matt. 5:44; Gal. 6:2; James 2:8; Rom. 13:8-10), Christ’s commands and teaching (John 13:34; Phil. 2:4-12; Matt. 28:20; 2 Pet. 3:2), and the commands and teachings of the New Testament apostles (Acts 1:1-2; 2 Pet. 3:2; Eph. 2:20; Jude 1:17; 1 Jn. 5:3). All the scriptures are to be interpreted in light of Jesus Christ and the work He has done for us (Matt. 5:17-18; Luke 24:27,44; John 1:1-3; 5:39, 46; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

16. Marriage and Sexual Intimacy:
         We believe God’s design for sexual intimacy is to be expressed only within the context of marriage. God instituted marriage between one (biological) man and one (biological) woman as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society. Even though it is not popular today, we believe that  Biblical marriage is the only legitimate and acceptable context for sexual intimacy.
        Both Adam and Eve were created in God’s image, equal before God as persons and distinct in their manhood and womanhood. Adam’s headship in marriage was established by God before the Fall and was not a result of sin. The Fall introduced distortions into the relationship between men and women but redemption in Christ restores this relationship. In the home, husbands are to lovingly lead their wives and wives should intelligently and willingly submit to their husbands. In the church, some governing and teaching roles are restricted to men. Both the Old and New Testaments affirm the principle of male headship in the family and in the covenant community.
        (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:18-24; Matt. 19:5-6; Mark 10:6-9; Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9; 11:2-16; Gal. 3:28; 1 Tim. 2:11-15; Eph. 5:21-33; Col. 3:18-19; Titus 2:3-5; Heb. 13:4-7; 1 Pet. 3:1-7).

For more information see: The Danvers Statement and The Nashville Statement

17. Sanctity of Human Life:
        We believe that human beings are created by God in His image. Therefore every person, from conception (in the womb) to its natural end, possesses immeasurable worth and inherent dignity including preborn children, elderly individuals, those with both physical and mental disabilities, and anyone else who is marginalized by society. Christians, then, are called to defend, protect, and value all human life having concern for the physical and spiritual needs of all people.
        God's position on abortion is clear. Unborn children are people whom God already has a plan for. God said through Jeremiah the prophet, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations (Jer. 1:5)." God has a plan and a purpose for the unborn and to end that life prematurely goes against God's divine plan.
        (Gen. 1:27; 2:7; 9:6; Job 33:4; Ps. 139:13-16; Matt. 6:26; Jer. 1:4-5; John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 2 Cor. 5:8-10; 5:14-15; Matt. 22:37-39; Rom. 12:20-21; Gal. 6:10).

For more information see: The Sanctity of Human Life

18. Eschatology (Last Things):
        We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. The wicked will receive eternal damnation and the righteous will receive a life of eternal joy in fellowship with God in the new creation. God will make all things new and will be glorified forever.
        We believe that the souls of believers are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where they await the resurrection when their spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord. We believe that the souls of unbelievers also remain conscious after death until their resurrection when their soul and body are reunited. Then they will have to appear before the Great White Throne judgment before being cast into the Lake of Fire.
        Eschatology is the study of last things or end times. To study Scripture is to study eschatology, for all of God’s work in redemption—past, present, and future—moves toward eternal redemption. Put another way, eschatology is the thread that weaves the tapestry of Scripture into a harmonious pattern.
        Eschatology is not as critical as our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but eschatology is vital to a fully rounded biblical worldview. How the people of God understand eschatology impacts how they live their lives and what to expect to occur in the unfolding plan of God in the Word of God. Eschatology can be a very divisive subject in churches today and it is important to determine if those divisions are biblical. Christians should not divide, unnecessarily, over eschatology.
         (Matt. 24:30, 44; Acts 1:11; 17:30; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 1:7; 22:20; Rom. 2:5; 14:10, 12; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 20:11-15; 21:3-4; 22:3-5; Matt. 25:30, 41, 46; Mark 9:43, 48; Luke 16:22-24; Rom. 8:21; 1 Cor. 15:54-57; Rev. 14:11; 21:1; Matt. 13:43, 49; 24:30-31; Mark 9:43, 48; Acts 3:21; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Heb. 9:28; 1 Jn. 4:17; Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; Matt. 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).

Clarity of Scripture:
        Because God gave us His Word as authoritative in all matters related to life and faith, I believe His Word was written in a way that can be understood with the help of the Holy Spirit. Believing the Scriptures are clear does not mean that every part is equally easy to interpret, and neither does it mean we will never make mistakes in our interpretation. It does mean that with God’s help, people are capable of understanding the biblical text for themselves as they employ correct methods of interpretation. We should be growing in our understanding of scripture and should strive to make its teachings plain and clear to our understanding. It is extremely important to remember the saying, "on essentials, unity, on non-essentials, liberty."

        "The study of theology is considered by many to be dry, boring, irrelevant, and complicated. But for those who want to know God, the study of theology is indispensable. The word “theology” comes from two Greek words, theos (“God”) and logos (“word”). The study of theology is an effort to make definitive statements about God and his implications in an accurate, coherent, relevant way, based on God’s self-revelations. Doctrine equips people to fulfill their primary purpose, which is to glorify and delight in God through a deep personal knowledge of him. Meaningful relationship with God is dependent on correct knowledge of him. 

        Any theological system that distinguishes between “rational propositions about God” and “a personal relationship with God” fails to see this necessary connection between love and knowledge. The capacity to love, enjoy, and tell others about a person is increased by greater knowledge of that person. Love and knowledge go hand in hand. Good lovers are students of the beloved. Knowledge of God is the goal of theology.

        Knowledge without devotion is cold, dead orthodoxy. Devotion without knowledge is irrational instability. But true knowledge of God includes understanding everything from his perspective. Theology is learning to think God’s thoughts after him. It is to learn what God loves and hates, and to see, hear, think, and act the way he does. Knowing how God thinks is the first step in becoming godly." (From: Biblical Doctrine: An Overview — ESV Study Bible).

In principle, we also hold to:
New Covenant Theology / Progressive Covenantalism

See also:
The Sabbath In the Old and New Covenants

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We Use the NETBibleTagger on this website:
The Translation used is the NET ®
The "New English Translation"
(https://labs.bible.org/NETBibleTagger) 

Serving Denver, Colorado and the Front Range.