ETERNITY
Those who have received Jesus will spend eternity with Him in heaven. Those who reject Jesus will spend eternity in the torment of hell, separated from the presence of God.
(Mark 16:16; Revelation 19:20; 20:10-15)
SALVATION
Salvation is the scriptural word for new-life found in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Prior to Salvation, mankind is in a ‘fallen’ state due to the original transgression of Adam in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3: 6 & 7). Mankind’s only hope of salvation is through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Salvation comes through confessing with the mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believing with the heart God the Father raised Jesus from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 10:9; Romans 8:11)
‘Born again’ is a biblical description of a person who has received salvation through Jesus Christ.&n bsp; A person knows he is born again by the inward witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16). Other people know someone is born again by a lifestyle that produces good fruit (a life becoming more and more like Jesus).
(1 John 3:23; John 13:35)
Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone and not by works; but we show evidence of our salvation through good works. Those good works after salvation determine our rewards in heaven.
(Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; Titus 3:5-7; James 2:18).
THE SCRIPTURES
We affirm that the Bible containing the Old and New Testaments is the infallible and inspired Word of God, and that its authority is ultimate and final and eternal. It cannot be added to, subtracted from, or superseded in any regard. The Bible is the source of all doctrine, instruction, and correction.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
THE CHURCH
The Church is the Body of Christ, continuing the work Jesus began while on the earth. Each believer is a part of the Body of Christ, with a specific function to perform.
(Ephesians 1:22; 2:19-22; Romans 12:3-8).
THE TRINITY
There is one God, comprised of three Persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. All are equally God and all are eternal.
(Matthew 28:19; John 1:1, 14).
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is available to all believers. It is separate from salvation. The Holy Spirit brings power to the believer to be an effective witness for Jesus, as well as the gifts of the Spirit for the encouragement of others.
(Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:38-39; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31).
WATER BAPTISM
Baptism in water is a declaration to others that a person has believed on Jesus Christ for salvation. Baptism by immersion in water is symbolic of the person being crucified, buried, and resurrected with Jesus, and entering into new life with Him.
(Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4).
COMMUNION
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper (communion) by eating bread and drinking the cup is a remembrance of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus on the cross.
(1 Corinthians 11:24-30).