What we believe shapes and forms our attitudes, actions, and motivation. Our beliefs about God and our faith define who we are. Here is a simple statement of faith. These beliefs reflect my heart and doctrinal commitments. This simple statement is drawn from various sources from people and churches I respect. This does not address every topic of Christian belief, but is a brief summary of some core beliefs.
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal, co-eternal, co-essential, and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
We are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although we have tremendous potential for good, we are marred by the attitude of disobedience called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God. God loves us so much that he has made a way to restore our relationship to Him and to give us hope in this life and for eternity. (Genesis 1:26-27; John 2:25; Romans 3:23)
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying for our sins, in our place, on the cross. He rose bodily from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord and Lords. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)
God’s desire is for all people to come to Him through faith in Jesus. Those who receive God’s grace through Jesus will exist eternally in union with God...this is called heaven. Those who do not receive the free gift of Jesus in this life will remain eternally separated from God because of their sin ...this is called hell. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelations 20:15)
God loves us so much that He has offered His greatest gift to humanity. Human beings can never make up for sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by God’s offer of forgiveness and grace (received by trusting in Jesus Christ) can men and women be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life with God begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ by faith. (Romans 5:1; 6:23; Ephesians 1:8-9; John 1:12; 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26)
The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the believer with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; 5:1; Galatians 5:25)
The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the only supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is without any error. (2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 12:6, 119:105; Proverbs 30:5)
In the Old Testament we read that people came to God through a priest. People went to the temple to give their sacrifice and had access to God through a human priest. In the New Testament we are taught that Jesus Christ is our access to the Father and none of us needs to go through anyone except Jesus—not a priest, a rabbi, a pastor, or any “religious leader”—to reach God. We come to the Father through Jesus Christ by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Because of this, all believers are called a “royal priesthood” and we are invited to come confidently to God in the name of Jesus Christ. (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9)