Our 16 Fundamental Beliefs

We believe the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God. The Bible is God’s revelation to humanity and our infallible, authoritative rule for faith and conduct.

Scripture references: 2 Timothy 3:15–17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21

We believe in one true God, the eternal Creator and Redeemer. He has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three distinct Persons in one God.

Scripture references: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10–11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22

We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, sacrificial death, bodily resurrection, and exaltation to the right hand of God.

Scripture references: Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35; Acts 2:22; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 2:22

We believe humanity was created good and upright in the image of God. Through voluntary disobedience, humanity fell into sin, bringing both physical death and spiritual separation from God.

Scripture references: Genesis 1:26–27; Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:6; Romans 5:12–19

We believe humanity’s only hope of salvation is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. The inward evidence of salvation is the witness of the Holy Spirit, and the outward evidence is a transformed life of righteousness and holiness.

Scripture references: Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 8:16; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5–7

We believe Jesus established two ordinances for the Church: water baptism and Holy Communion. Water baptism by immersion publicly declares that a believer has died with Christ and has been raised to live a new life in Him. Holy Communion remembers Christ’s suffering and death and celebrates our fellowship with Him until He returns.

Scripture references: Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47–48; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; 2 Peter 1:4

We believe every believer should earnestly seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This experience is distinct from and follows salvation. It gives believers power for Christian life and service and enables them to participate more fully in the gifts and work of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture references: Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4–8; Acts 8:12–17; Acts 10:44–46; 1 Corinthians 12:1–31

We believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit is accompanied by the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance.

Scripture references: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44–46; Acts 19:6; 1 Corinthians 12:4–10, 28

We believe sanctification is separation from evil and dedication to God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to live holy lives, identify with Christ, and grow daily in obedience and Christlike character.

Scripture references: Romans 12:1–2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 12:14; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:15–16

We believe the Church is the Body of Christ and that every born-again believer is an important part of it. The Church exists to worship God, evangelize the world, make disciples, and build believers into the image of Jesus Christ.

Scripture references: Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:22–23; Ephesians 2:22; Ephesians 4:11–16; Hebrews 12:23

We believe God calls and equips ministers to lead the Church in evangelizing the world, worshiping God, and building believers into spiritual maturity and the image of Christ.

Scripture references: Mark 16:15–20; John 4:23–24; Ephesians 4:11–16

We believe divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided through Christ’s atoning work and is a privilege available to believers.

Scripture references: Isaiah 53:4–5; Matthew 8:16–17; James 5:14–16

We believe Jesus Christ will return for His Church. Believers who have died in Christ will be resurrected, and those who are alive will be caught up with them to meet the Lord. This is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church.

Scripture references: Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Titus 2:13

We believe Jesus Christ will visibly return with His saints and reign on the earth for one thousand years. His reign will bring the restoration of Israel and establish universal peace and righteousness.

Scripture references: Isaiah 11:6–9; Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 19:11–14; Revelation 20:1–6

We believe there will be a final judgment in which those who have rejected God will be raised and judged. Anyone whose name is not found in the Book of Life will experience everlasting separation from God.

Scripture references: Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43–48; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:11–15

We believe God has promised a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. God will live with His redeemed people forever, and sorrow, death, pain, and sin will be no more.

Scripture references: 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1–4, 22–27; Revelation 22:1–5