Statement of Faith

ROOTED, ESTABLISHED, BUILT UP, ABOUNDING

The Bible

We believe the Bible to be the Word of God; that the sixty-six books, as originally written, were fully and verbally inspired by the Spirit of God and were entirely free from error and have been providentially and reliably preserved for us. We submit to the Bible as the final authority in all matters of faith and practice, as the standard of truth for every domain of knowledge to which it speaks, and as the true basis of Christian union.

We believe that when the Bible speaks, God speaks; and that God speaks clearly in His Word so that by His Spirit the true meaning can be understood. The meaning of Scripture is to be found as one diligently applies the grammatical-historical method of interpretation under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Whereas there may be several applications of any given passage of Scripture, there is but one true interpretation. It is the responsibility of believers to ascertain carefully the true intent and meaning of Scripture, recognizing that proper application is binding on all generations.

(2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Pet. 1:3-4,21; Matt. 12:3,5, 5:18; 24:35 Jn. 8:31-32; 10;35, 16:12-15, 17:17; 20:31; Ps. 119:105; 1 Cor. 2:7-14; Heb. 4:12; 1 Thess. 2:13; Mark 13:31; Acts 20:32; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; 1 Jn. 2:20)

Trinity

We believe that there is but one living and true God, an infinite, all-knowing Spirit (John 4:24), perfect in all His attributes, one in essence, eternally existing in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each equally deserving worship and obedience. The triune God is sovereign and the Creator of all things visible and invisible, performing distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption. “This doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all communion with God, and [our] comfortable dependence on Him.”

(Gen. 1:1,26; Deut. 6:4; Isa. 45:5–7; Matt. 28:19; Jn. 1:1-3; 4:24; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 1:3-14; 4:5-6; 1 Pet. 1:2)

God the Father

We believe in God the Father, the first Person of the Trinity, an infinite, personal spirit, who orders and sustains all things according to His own sovereign, wise and good purposes. As the only absolute and omnipotent Ruler in the universe, He is sovereign in creation, providence, and redemption.

His fatherhood involves both His designation within the Trinity and His relationship with mankind. As Creator He is Father to all men (Ephesians 4:6), but He is spiritual Father only to believers (Romans 8:14; 2 Corinthians 6:18).

He graciously chose from eternity past to redeem a people for Himself and restore His fallen creation, to the praise of His glorious grace. We rejoice that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and eternal death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.

(Gen. 50:20; Ps. 103:19; 135:6; Isa. 46:10; Dan. 4:35; Jn. 1:12; Acts 2:23, 4:28; Rom. 8:14-15, 18-25, 28-29, 11:36; 2 Cor. 6:18; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:3-14, 4:6; Col. 1:20; Heb. 12:5-9; 1 Pet. 1:2-3)

God the Son

We believe in the absolute and essential deity of Jesus Christ, the second person of the trinity, in His eternal existence with the Father in pre-incarnate glory, His agency in creation, His incarnation by virgin birth, true humanity, sinless life, and His miracles and teachings.

We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, through which our Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through the shedding of His blood and sacrificial death on the cross and that His death was voluntary, vicarious, substitutionary, propitiatory, and redemptive. Thus, the believer is declared righteous, given eternal life, and adopted into the family of God.

We believe in His literal, physical bodily resurrection by which our justification is made sure, and the resurrection of all believers guaranteed, His triumphant ascension, His ongoing intercession for us, His headship over His body the church, and His personal, visible return to this earth to reclaim His own, to reign on the throne of David, first by establishing His millennial kingdom on earth, and then ‘in glory’ throughout all eternity.

We believe He will judge all men, both believers and unbelievers. He is the only Mediator, our Prophet, Priest and King.

(Matt. 1:18-25, 25:14-46; 28:6; Jn. 1:1-3,12,14; 10:15, 10:30, 14:9, 20:28; Phil. 2:5-8; Rom. 3:21-26; 5:8-9; 8:34; 2 Cor. 5:14-15, 21; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:25; Eph. 1:22, 5:23; Col. 1:15-17, 18; 1 Cor. 15:1-19; Jn. 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Isa. 9:6; Lk. 1:31-33; Matt. 25:14-46; Jn. 5:22-23; Acts 17:30-31; Heb. 1:2, 2:18, 4:14-16, 7:25-26; 9:24; 1 Jn. 2:1; 1 Pet. 2:14; 24, 3:18; Rev. 20; John 5:26–29; 14:19; Romans 1:4; 4:25; 6:5–10; 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23)

God the Holy Spirit

We believe in the absolute and essential deity and personality of the Holy Spirit, who in all the divine attributes is coequal and consubstantial with the Father and the Son. He came forth from the Father as promised by Christ to initiate and complete the building of the Body of Christ, which is His church. He came to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

We believe the Spirit of God, the “other” Paraclete (Helper, Advocate), was sent to execute the divine will with relation to all mankind: to illuminate Scripture, regenerate- He is the supernatural and sovereign Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the Body of Christ, comfort, teach, indwell, revive, sanctify, seal and empower believers and to supply spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit glorifies neither Himself nor His gifts by ostentatious displays, but He does glorify Christ by implementing His work of redeeming the lost and building up believers in the most holy faith.

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the divine Teacher, who guided the apostles and prophets into all truth as they committed to writing God’s revelation, the Bible (2 Peter 1:19–21). We believe that every believer possesses the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit from the moment of salvation, and is sealed by Him unto the day of redemption. It is the duty of all those born of the Spirit to be filled with (controlled by) the Spirit.

(2 Cor. 3:17-18; Jn. 3:5; 14:26; 15:26-27; 16:8,13,14; Acts 1:8; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12-14; Eph. 1:11-14; 4:7-16; 5:18; 1 Jn 2:20-27).

Man and Sin

We believe that God created man in His own image, male and female, giving to human life an inherent sanctity (from conception). We believe God made man holy under the law of his Maker with the intention that man should glorify God, enjoy God’s fellowship, live his life in the will of God, and by this accomplish God’s purpose for man in the world (Isaiah 43:7; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11). But man voluntarily transgressed the command of God and fell from that holy and happy state. As a result of Adam’s sin, the whole human race was plunged into sin, guilt and ruin, so that all people deserve death spiritually, physically and eternally.

We believe all mankind are sinners by nature, by choice, and by divine declaration; and that man is radically depraved in all areas of life and is spiritually dead and utterly incapable of pleasing God or saving himself, and thus is hopelessly lost unless God intervenes.

The greatest need of humanity is to be reconciled to the God under whose just and holy wrath we stand; the only hope for humanity is the undeserved love of this same God, who alone can rescue us and restore us to Himself.

(Gen. 1-3; Jam. 3:9; Eccl. 2:11; Jn. 3:14, 18-19,36; Rom. 1:18-32; 3:10-23; 5:6-10; 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3; 1 Tim 2:13-14; 1 Jn 1:8).

Regeneration

We believe that regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which the divine nature and divine life are given (John 3:3–7; Titus 3:5). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word of God (John 5:24) when the repentant sinner, as enabled by the Holy Spirit, responds in faith to the divine provision of salvation, in Christ. Genuine regeneration is manifested by fruits worthy of repentance as demonstrated in righteous attitudes and conduct. Good works are the proper evidence and fruit of regeneration (1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Ephesians 2:10), and will be experienced to the extent that the believer submits to the control of the Holy Spirit in his life through faithful obedience to the Word of God (Ephesians 5:17–21; Philippians 2:12b; Colossians 3:16; 2 Peter 1:4–10). This obedience causes the believer to be increasingly conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18), eventuating in the believer’s glorification at Christ’s coming (Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 3:2–3).

Election

We believe that election is the act of God by which, before the foundation of the world, He chose in Christ those whom He graciously regenerates, saves, and sanctifies (Romans 8:28–30; Ephesians 1:4–11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 1:1–2).

We believe that sovereign election does not contradict or negate the responsibility of man to repent and trust Christ as Savior and Lord (Ezekiel 18:23, 32; 33:11; John 3:18–19, 36; 5:40; Romans 9:22–23; 2 Thessalonians 2:10–12; Revelation 22:17). Nevertheless, since sovereign grace includes the means of receiving the gift of salvation as well as the gift itself, sovereign election will result in what God determines. All whom the Father calls to Himself will come in faith, and all who come in faith the Father will receive (John 6:37–40, 44; Acts 13:48; James 4:8).

We believe that the unmerited favor that God grants to totally depraved sinners is not related to any initiative of their own part or to God’s anticipation of what they might do by their own will, but is solely of His sovereign grace and mercy (Ephesians 1:4–7; Titus 3:4–7; 1 Peter 1:2).

We teach that election should not be looked upon as based merely on abstract sovereignty. God is truly sovereign, but He exercises this sovereignty in harmony with His other attributes, especially His omniscience, justice, holiness, wisdom, grace, and love (Romans 9:11–16). This sovereignty will always exalt the will of God in a manner totally consistent with His character as revealed in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:25–28; 2 Timothy 1:9).

Justification

We believe that justification before God is an act of God (Romans 8:33) by which He declares righteous those who, through faith in Christ, repent of their sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Isaiah 55:6–7) and confess Him as sovereign Lord (Romans 10:9–10; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 2:11). This righteousness is apart from any virtue or work of man (Romans 3:20; 4:6) and involves the imputation of our sins to Christ (Colossians 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24) and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to us (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21). By this means God is enabled to “be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:26).

Sanctification

We believe that every believer is sanctified (set apart) unto God by justification and is therefore declared to be holy and is therefore identified as a saint. This sanctification is positional and instantaneous and should not be confused with progressive sanctification. This sanctification has to do with the believer’s standing, not his present walk or condition (Acts 20:32; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 2:11; 3:1; 10:10, 14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2).

We believe that there is also, by the work of the Holy Spirit, a progressive sanctification by which the state of the believer is brought closer to the standing the believer positionally enjoys through justification. Through obedience to the Word of God and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, the believer is able to live a life of increasing holiness in conformity to the will of God, becoming more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17, 19; Romans 6:1–22; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–4; 5:23). In this respect, we believe that every saved person is involved in a daily conflict—the new creation in Christ doing battle against the flesh -but adequate provision is made for victory through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The struggle nevertheless stays with the believer all through this earthly life and is never completely ended. All claims to the eradication of sin in this life are unscriptural. Eradication of sin is not possible, but the Holy Spirit does provide for victory over sin (Galatians 5:16–25; Ephesians 4:22–24; Philippians 3:12; Colossians 3:9–10; 1 Peter 1:14–16; 1 John 3:5–9).

Security

We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 5:24; 6:37–40; 10:27–30; Romans 5:9–10; 8:1, 31–39; 1 Corinthians 1:4–8; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 7:25; 13:5; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24).

We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion for sinful living and carnality (Romans 6:15–22; 13:13–14; Galatians 5:13, 25–26; Titus 2:11–14).

Separation

We believe that separation from sin is clearly called for throughout the Old and New Testaments, and that the Scriptures clearly indicate that in the last days apostasy and worldliness shall increase (2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; 2 Timothy 3:1–5).

We believe that, out of deep gratitude for the undeserved grace of God granted to us, and because our glorious God is so worthy of our total consecration, all the saved should live in such a manner as to demonstrate our adoring love to God and so as not to bring reproach upon our Lord and Savior.

We also believe that separation from all religious apostasy and worldly and sinful practices is commanded of us by God (Romans 12:1–2, 1 Corinthians 5:9–13; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; 1 John 2:15–17; 2 John 9–11).

We believe that believers should be separated unto our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:11–12; Hebrews 12:1–2) and affirm that the Christian life is a life of obedient righteousness that reflects the teaching of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2–12) and a continual pursuit of holiness (Romans 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; Titus 2:11–14; 1 John 3:1–10).

Church

Membership

We believe that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual Body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12–13), the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23–32; Revelation 19:7–8), of which Christ is the Head (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 1:18). We believe that the formation of the church, the Body of Christ, began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–21, 38–47) and will be completed at the second coming of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:51–52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).

We believe that the church is thus a unique spiritual organism designed by Christ, made up of all born-again believers in this present age (Ephesians 2:11–3:6). The church is distinct from Israel (1 Corinthians 10:32), a mystery not revealed until this age (Ephesians 3:1–6; 5:32).

We believe that the establishment and continuity of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:23, 27; 20:17, 28; Galatians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1) and that the members of the one spiritual Body are directed to associate themselves together in local assemblies (1 Corinthians 11:18–20; Hebrews 10:25).

Authority

We believe that the one supreme authority for the church is Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18) and that church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (also called bishops, pastors, and pastor/teachers; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11) and deacons, both of whom must meet biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–5).

We believe that the elders lead or rule as servants of Christ (1 Timothy 5:17–22; 1 Peter 5:1-4) and have His authority in directing the church. The congregation is to submit to their leadership (Hebrews 13:7, 17). We teach the importance of discipleship (Matthew 28:19–20; 2 Timothy 2:2), mutual accountability of all believers to each other (Matthew 18:5–14), as well as the need for discipline of sinning members of the congregation in accord with the standards of Scripture (Matthew 18:15–22; Acts 5:1–11; 1 Corinthians 5:1–13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15; 1 Timothy 1:19–20; Titus 1:10–16).

We believe in the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5).

We believe that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other for the presentation and propagation of the faith. Each local church, however, through its elders and their interpretation and application of Scripture, should be the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. The elders should determine all other matters of membership, policy, discipline, benevolence, and government as well (Acts 15:19–31; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 5:4–7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1–4).

Purpose

We believe that the purpose of the church is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21) by building itself up in the faith (Ephesians 4:13–16; Jude 20), by instruction of the Word (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16–17), by fellowship (Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3), by keeping the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38–42) and by advancing and communicating the gospel to the entire world (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42).

We believe that the reading and expounding of Scripture must be central to the life of the church, as the fountain from which all other ministry flows. We believe that Sunday is the Lord’s Day, in which we gather for corporate worship in the name of our Saviour, who rose on the first day of the week. (Ps 1; 19; 119; 1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:1-5; Matt. 18:15-22; 1 Cor. 5; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; Rev. 1:10; Acts 20:7).

We believe that all saints have been called to the work of service (1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 4:12; Revelation 22:12).

Ordinances/Sacraments

We believe that two ordinances have been committed to the local church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:38–42).

Christian baptism by immersion (Acts 8:36–39) is the solemn and beautiful testimony of a believer showing forth his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and his union with Him in death to sin and resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:1–11). It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible Body of Christ (Acts 2:41–42).

We believe that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of His death until He comes, and should be always preceded by solemn self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28–32). We also believe that, whereas the elements of Communion are only representative of the flesh and blood of Christ, participation in the Lord’s Supper is nevertheless an actual communion with the risen Christ, who indwells every believer, and so is present, fellowshipping with His people (1 Corinthians 10:16).

Spiritual Gifts

We believe that the church needs to cooperate with God as He accomplishes His purposes in the world. To that end, He gives the church spiritual gifts. He gives men chosen for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:7–12), and He also gives unique and special spiritual gifts to each member of the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–31; 1 Peter 4:10–11). The Holy Spirit distributes among all believers a variety of gifts which are to be used primarily for the exaltation of Christ (1 Peter 4:14), the building up of Christ’s body, the Church (Ephesians 4:11-13), maintaining unity (Romans 12:4-5), the promotion of evangelism and mission (Colossians 1: 27-28; 1 Corinthians 14:24-25), and to demonstrate God’s compassion, mercy and power by helping those in need, in accordance with His perfect will for the sick, suffering and afflicted, including those under demonic oppression (Matt. 8:1-17; 8:28-9:7; 18-33; Mark 1:14-3:6, 5:1-43, 6:30-43, 7:31-37, 8:22-26, 9:14-29, 10:46-52; Lk. 7:1-17; 8:26-53; 9:1-2, 37-43; 10:17; Acts 3:7; 5:16; 9:34; 14:10; 16:18; 19:12; 28:8; Psalm 119:67, 71; 2 Cor.12:7-10; Phi. 2:27; 2 Tim. 4:20; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 4:19), and finally to glorify God (Acts 9:35, 42; Hebrews 2:4; Matthew 12:28; Luke 4:18, 9:1-2; Matt 10:7-8; Acts 8:6-7, 13; Matthew 20:30, 34, 14:14; Luke 7:13; Matthew 8:15; Acts 9:36, 40-41; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:4, 12, 26; Matthew 9:8; John 9:3).

We believe that Divine revelation, was given in a unique way to the apostles and chosen disciples for the writing of Scripture in the form of the New Testament (2. Tim 3:16-1).

We believe that today the gifts, both the ministering or equipping gifts (Romans 12:6–8; 1 Cor. 12:28c; Eph. 4:11-16) (usefully divided into two categories: speaking gifts and serving gifts [1 Peter 4:10-11]), as well as the miraculous gifts, including healing and divine revelation continue to bear witness to the present Kingdom (Matthew 10:1-8; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 10:1-1-2, 8-12), authenticate the Gospel message (Acts 5:12-16; 19:11-12; Romans 15:17-19), and build Christ’s Church.

We believe that the Spirit of God continues to give these gifts to His church today according to His will (1 Cor. 12:11) as He sees fit , in accordance with His purposes to build-up His Church (1 Corinthians 12: 4-10, 27-30; 1 Cor. 13:8-11; 14: 27-33; Galatians 3:5). The Kingdom of God remains near at hand, through the presence of the Holy Spirit of God in Christ’s Church (1 Cor. 3:16-17), and by His indwelling presence in every believer (1 Cor. 6:19-20; Gal. 5:16-25). It is the Divine prerogative to use individuals or groups to accomplish His sovereign purposes, in accordance with His perfect will.

We believe that caution is required as miraculous gifts, signs, healings, and revelations can be counterfeited by Satan, so as to deceive many (Matt. 24:24; Mark 12:22-23; Acts 16:16; 1 Corinthians 13:13–14:12; 1 John 4:1; Revelation 13:13–14).

We believe that God especially hears and answers the prayers of faith offered by the saints (Matthew 7:7; Luke 18:1–6; John 14:12-14; James 5:13–16; 1 John 5:14–15).

Distinguishing Marks

We believe that the church is distinguished by her gospel message, her sacred ordinances, her discipline, her great mission, and, above all, by her love for God and by her members’ love for one another and for the world (the lost). We believe that the church should display to the world a spiritual, Christ-centered unity that transcends ethnicity, age, or any other barrier, a unity that can only be produced through the gospel. (Acts 2:41-47; 1 Cor. 12; Jn. 13:34-35; Eph. 2:11-22; Eph. 4:1-16; Eph. 5:19-21; Heb. 10:23-25).

The Responsibility of Believers

We believe that it is the obligation of every believer to demonstrate by life and testify by word to the truths of the Holy Scriptures and to seek to proclaim the gospel to all the world. (Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). We believe that it is the responsibility of all believers to remember the work of the Lord in prayer and to support it with their means as the Lord has prospered them. (Luke 18:1; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16)

Missions

We believe that God’s glory and fame must be spread to the ends of the earth for the joy of all peoples. We believe that apart from conscious faith in Christ, there is no hope of salvation for the nations. We believe God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world; and that God, in His sovereignty, has placed us in this city, among these people, at this time, for the advance of His kingdom. We believe that missions is the process of evangelizing the lost and planting churches; and we believe that it is our great privilege and responsibility to participate in this cause both locally and internationally. (Ps. 47, 67; Matt. 16:18; 28:18- 20; Acts 1:8; Acts 17:26-27)

Marriage and the family

We believe that, according to God’s good and wise design, He created men and women equal in value and dignity but distinct and complementary in their function and roles in the home, church, and society. We believe that God has ordained marriage as a heterosexual relationship between a natural man and a natural woman. We believe that marriage and children are gifts from God and that the sexual relationship is only to be enjoyed within the bounds of marriage. We believe God has designed the family and the home to be the primary building block for all of society (Gen 1-3; 1 Tim. 2:11-15; Eph 5:22-33: Rom 1:26-27; Heb. 13:4).

Angels

Holy Angels

We believe that angels are created beings and are therefore not to be worshiped. Although they are a higher order of creation than man, they are created to serve God and to worship Him (Luke 2:9–14; Hebrews 1:6–7, 14; 2:6–7; Revelation 5:11–14; 19:10; 22:9). They also have an important role in ministering to believers (Psalms. 34:7; 91:11-12; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 18:10).

Fallen Angels

We believe that Satan is an evil personality, a created angel and the author of sin. He incurred the judgment of God by rebelling against his Creator (Isaiah 14:12–17; Ezekiel 28:11–19), by taking numerous angels with him in his fall (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:1–14), and by introducing sin into the human race by his temptation of Eve (Genesis 3:1–15).

We believe that Satan is the open and declared enemy of God and man (Isaiah 14:13–14; Matthew 4:1–11; Revelation 12:9–10); that he is the prince of this world, who has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:20); and that he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Isaiah 14:12–17; Ezekiel 28:11–19; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

Last Things

Death and Resurrection

We believe that physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness (Revelation 6:9–11), that the soul of the redeemed passes immediately into the presence of Christ (Luke 23:43; Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:8), that there is a separation of soul and body (Philippians 1:21–24), and that, for the redeemed, such separation will continue until the Lord’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17-5:11; 1 Corinthians 15:51–53), which initiates the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4–6), when our soul and body will be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord (Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:35–44, 50–54). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8).

We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life (John 6:39; Romans 8:10–11, 19–23; 2 Corinthians 4:14), and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Revelation 20:13–15).

The Judgment of the Lost

We believe that the souls of the unsaved at death are kept under punishment until the second resurrection (Luke 16:19–26; Revelation 20:13–15), when the soul and the resurrection body will be united (John 5:28–29). They shall then appear at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11–15) and shall be cast into hell, the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41–46), cut off from the life of God forever (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:41–46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9). This judgement (John 5:28–29) results in the unsaved being committed to an eternal conscious punishment in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:11–15).

Eternity for Believers

We believe that after the closing of the millennium and the judgment of unbelievers (2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:7–15), the saved will enter the eternal state of glory with God, after which the elements of this earth are to be dissolved (2 Peter 3:10) and replaced with a new earth, wherein only righteousness dwells (Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 20:15; 21:1–27; 22:1–21). Following this, the heavenly city will come down out of heaven (Revelation 21:2) and will be the dwelling place of the saints, where they will enjoy forever fellowship with God and one another (John 17:3; Revelation 21–22). Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24–28), that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever and ever (1 Corinthians 15:28)

We acknowledge, with appreciation, the inclusion of material from two pre-existing Doctrinal declarations in the composition of our ‘Statement of Faith’: (1) The ‘Doctrinal Statement’ of Grace Community Church, California, and (2) The ‘Declaration of Faith’ of Antioch Bible Church, Johannesburg.