Sin
We believe that all have sinned. (Romans 3:23) We are born with it. Sin is rebellion against God. And the result of sin is death, separation from God the Father. (Romans 6:23) But God in His love gave His only Son, Jesus, to die with our sin in our place. Then Jesus rose from the dead to defeat the power of sin and death. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Salvation and Eternal Life
This is totally God’s work. Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” We could never earn salvation. We don’t deserve it because we are all sinners. But we are saved by faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a work of God’s grace, His undeserved love.
God’s Word
The Bible is the inerrant, inspired word of God. We believe Scripture is inspired by God and is His word, not man’s. It is the only source to gain wisdom for life and salvation. (Romans 10:17) The Bible reveals God’s plan for man. It is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16b-17)
Baptism
We believe that in baptism, we receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:37-39) This sacrament is for people of all ages, including children. (Acts 2:39) Baptism joins us to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:3-5) It is God’s work, not mans. He brings us, through baptism, into a covenant relationship with Him.
Communion
We believe that Christ is truly present in the bread and the wine. We believe that we are eating bread and drinking from the cup, but that the elements do not change into His body and His blood. Still, we believe that Christ is present. He is in, with, and under this sacrament. He truly comes to us with His grace in this meal. (1 Corinthians 11:23-30)