Justified

God

We believe in one, self-existent, eternal God, the Creator of all that is seen and unseen. He exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These three Persons share one divine being, nature, and character and exist in perfect unity.

Scripture references: Exodus 3:14; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1–2, 14; John 10:30; Acts 5:3–4; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:3.

Jesus Christ

Jesus is the promised Messiah, God the Son, and the exact representation of God’s being—fully human and fully God. He was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life. He died and rose again to reconcile us to God and deliver us from the ruling power of sin and the devil. He is seated at the right hand of God as our High Priest, living to intercede for His people and help them in their weakness.

Scripture references: Matthew 1:18–23; John 1:1, 14; John 4:25–26; Romans 4:25; Romans 5:10; Romans 6:6–11; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 2:14–17; Hebrews 4:14–16; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 8:1; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:8.

Holy Spirit

Jesus baptizes believers with the Holy Spirit, and by the Spirit we are united into one body in Christ. The Holy Spirit sanctifies and purifies believers. He reveals and glorifies Jesus, assures us that we are God’s children, and empowers us to be witnesses of Christ and His resurrection. He gives spiritual gifts for the building up of Christ’s body and Bride, the Church.

Scripture references: John 1:33; John 15:26; John 16:13–15; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:32–33; Acts 4:31–33; Romans 8:15–16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, 13; 1 Corinthians 14:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

The Bible

The Bible reveals God’s character, purposes, and saving work, pointing us to Jesus Christ. God’s Word is living and active. Scripture is inspired by God, infallible, and authoritative for our faith and life.

Scripture references: Exodus 34:6–7; Luke 24:27, 44–47; John 5:39; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20–21.

Salvation

Salvation is a free gift that comes from God through belief in Jesus’ finished work on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. Salvation is freedom from the power of sin and death for body, soul, and spirit.

Salvation is not only being saved from sin but also being brought into union with God and called to partner with Him in His purposes. His ultimate plan is to unite all things in heaven and on earth under Jesus Christ when the times reach their fulfillment.

Scripture references: John 17:20–23; Romans 6:6–14; Romans 8:1–2, 23; Romans 10:9–10; 1 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 52–57; Ephesians 1:9–10; Ephesians 2:8–10.

Sin

Sin entered the world through Adam, and death spread to all humanity because all have sinned. Apart from Christ, humanity is enslaved to sin and under the power of darkness. The wages of sin is death, and sin alienates us from God. Jesus Christ bore our sins and died to reconcile us to God. Everyone who repents and trusts in Jesus receives forgiveness, freedom from condemnation, and deliverance from sin’s ruling power. We now await the redemption of our bodies, when we will be glorified with Christ and fully freed from sin’s presence.

Scripture references: Isaiah 53:5–6; Isaiah 59:2; John 8:34; Acts 3:19; Acts 10:43; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:10, 12–19; Romans 6:6–14, 23; Romans 8:1, 17–23; Ephesians 2:1–3; Ephesians 4:18; Philippians 3:20–21; Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 21:27.

Identity

Everyone born of God is a new creation in Christ, no longer defined by their identity in Adam or by sin. Through Christ, we have become sons and daughters of God and the righteousness of God in Him. Through the new birth, we share in the divine nature, and sin is no longer our master; our identity is rooted in Christ.

Scripture references: John 1:12–13; John 3:6; Romans 5:17–19; Romans 6:6–14; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; Galatians 3:26; Galatians 4:4–7; Colossians 3:1–4; 2 Peter 1:4.