Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of One Church - WV based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
The Triune God
We believe in one eternally existent, infinite God, Sovereign Crea- tor and Sustainer of the universe; that He only is God, holy in nature, attributes, and purpose. The God who is holy love and light is Triune in essential being, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Genesis 1; Leviticus 19:2; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Isaiah 5:16; 6:1-7;
40:18-31; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; John 14:6-27; 1 Corinthians
8:6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 2:13-18;
1 John 1:5; 4:8)
(Genesis 1; Leviticus 19:2; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Isaiah 5:16; 6:1-7;
40:18-31; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; John 14:6-27; 1 Corinthians
8:6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 2:13-18;
1 John 1:5; 4:8)
Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Triune God- head; that He was eternally one with the Father; that He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary, so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say the Godhead and
manhood, are thus united in one Person very God and very man, the God-man.
We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and that He truly arose from the dead and took again His body, together with all things ap- pertaining to the perfection of man’s nature, wherewith He ascended into heaven and is there engaged in intercession for us.
(Matthew 1:20-25; 16:15-16; Luke 1:26-35; John 1:1-18; Acts 2:22-36;
Romans 8:3, 32-34; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians
1:12-22; 1 Timothy 6:14-16; Hebrews 1:1-5; 7:22-28; 9:24-28;
1 John 1:1-3; 4:2-3, 15)
manhood, are thus united in one Person very God and very man, the God-man.
We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and that He truly arose from the dead and took again His body, together with all things ap- pertaining to the perfection of man’s nature, wherewith He ascended into heaven and is there engaged in intercession for us.
(Matthew 1:20-25; 16:15-16; Luke 1:26-35; John 1:1-18; Acts 2:22-36;
Romans 8:3, 32-34; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians
1:12-22; 1 Timothy 6:14-16; Hebrews 1:1-5; 7:22-28; 9:24-28;
1 John 1:1-3; 4:2-3, 15)
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Triune God- head, that He is ever present and efficiently active in and with the Church of Christ, convincing the world of sin, regenerating those who repent and believe, sanctifying believers, and guiding into all truth as it is in Jesus.
(John 7:39; 14:15-18, 26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:33; 15:8-9; Romans 8:1-27;
Galatians 3:1-14; 4:6; Ephesians 3:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8; 2
Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 3:24; 4:13)
(John 7:39; 14:15-18, 26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:33; 15:8-9; Romans 8:1-27;
Galatians 3:1-14; 4:6; Ephesians 3:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8; 2
Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 3:24; 4:13)
The Holy Scriptures
We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, by which we understand the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, given by divine inspiration, in errantly revealing the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation, so that what- ever is not contained therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith.
(Luke 24:44-47; John 10:35; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:15-
17; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
(Luke 24:44-47; John 10:35; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:15-
17; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
Sin. Original and Personal
We believe that sin came into the world through the dis- obedi- ence of our first parents, and death by sin. We believe that sin is of two kinds: original sin or depravity, and actual or personal sin.
What do we believe?
We believe that original sin, or depravity, is that corruption of the nature of all the offspring of Adam by reason of which every- one is very far gone from original righteousness or the pure state of our first parents at the time of their creation, is averse to God, is without spiritual life, and inclined to evil, and that continually. We further believe that original sin continues to exist with the new life of the regenerate, until the heart is fully cleansed by the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
We believe that original sin differs from actual sin in that it constitutes an inherited propensity to actual sin for which no one is accountable until its divinely provided remedy is neglected or rejected.
We believe that actual or personal sin is a voluntary violation of a known law of God by a morally responsible person. It is there- fore not to be confused with involuntary and inescapable short- comings, infirmities, faults, mistakes, failures, or other deviations from a standard of perfect conduct that are the residual effects of the Fall. However, such innocent effects do not include attitudes or responses contrary to the spirit of Christ, which may properly be called sins of the spirit. We believe that personal sin is primari- ly and essentially a violation of the law of love; and that in relation to Christ sin may be defined as unbelief.
(Original sin: Genesis 3; 6:5; Job 15:14; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9-
10; Mark 7:21-23; Romans 1:18-25; 5:12-14; 7:1-8:9; 1 Corinthians
3:1-4; Galatians 5:16-25; 1 John 1:7-8
Personal sin: Matthew 22:36-40 {with 1 John 3:4}; John 8:34-36;
16:8-9; Romans 3:23; 6:15-23; 8:18-24; 14:23;
1 John 1:9-2:4; 3:7-10)
What do we believe?
We believe that original sin, or depravity, is that corruption of the nature of all the offspring of Adam by reason of which every- one is very far gone from original righteousness or the pure state of our first parents at the time of their creation, is averse to God, is without spiritual life, and inclined to evil, and that continually. We further believe that original sin continues to exist with the new life of the regenerate, until the heart is fully cleansed by the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
We believe that original sin differs from actual sin in that it constitutes an inherited propensity to actual sin for which no one is accountable until its divinely provided remedy is neglected or rejected.
We believe that actual or personal sin is a voluntary violation of a known law of God by a morally responsible person. It is there- fore not to be confused with involuntary and inescapable short- comings, infirmities, faults, mistakes, failures, or other deviations from a standard of perfect conduct that are the residual effects of the Fall. However, such innocent effects do not include attitudes or responses contrary to the spirit of Christ, which may properly be called sins of the spirit. We believe that personal sin is primari- ly and essentially a violation of the law of love; and that in relation to Christ sin may be defined as unbelief.
(Original sin: Genesis 3; 6:5; Job 15:14; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9-
10; Mark 7:21-23; Romans 1:18-25; 5:12-14; 7:1-8:9; 1 Corinthians
3:1-4; Galatians 5:16-25; 1 John 1:7-8
Personal sin: Matthew 22:36-40 {with 1 John 3:4}; John 8:34-36;
16:8-9; Romans 3:23; 6:15-23; 8:18-24; 14:23;
1 John 1:9-2:4; 3:7-10)
Atonement
We believe that Jesus Christ, by His sufferings, by the shedding of His own
blood, and by His death on the Cross, made a full atonement for all human
sin, and that this Atonement is the only ground of salvation, and that it is
sufficient for every individual of Adam’s race. The Atonement is graciously efficacious for
the salvation of those incapable of moral responsibility
and for the children in innocency but is efficacious for the salvation of those
who reach the age of responsibility only when they repent and believe.
(Isaiah 53:5-6, 11; Mark 10:45; Luke 24:46-48; John 1:29; 3:14-17; Acts 4:10-12; Romans 3:21- 26;
4:17-25; 5:6-21; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Galatians 1:3-4; 3:13-14; Colossians 1:19-23;
1 Timothy 2:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:9; 9:11-14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:18- 21; 2:19-25; 1 John 2:1-2)
blood, and by His death on the Cross, made a full atonement for all human
sin, and that this Atonement is the only ground of salvation, and that it is
sufficient for every individual of Adam’s race. The Atonement is graciously efficacious for
the salvation of those incapable of moral responsibility
and for the children in innocency but is efficacious for the salvation of those
who reach the age of responsibility only when they repent and believe.
(Isaiah 53:5-6, 11; Mark 10:45; Luke 24:46-48; John 1:29; 3:14-17; Acts 4:10-12; Romans 3:21- 26;
4:17-25; 5:6-21; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Galatians 1:3-4; 3:13-14; Colossians 1:19-23;
1 Timothy 2:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:9; 9:11-14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:18- 21; 2:19-25; 1 John 2:1-2)
Prevenient Grace
We believe that the human race’s creation in Godlikeness included ability to choose
between right and wrong, and that thus human beings were made
morally responsible; that through the fall of Adam they became depraved
so that they cannot now turn and prepare themselves by their own natural strength and works
to faith and calling upon God. But we also believe that the grace of God through
Jesus Christ is freely bestowed upon all people, enabling all who will to turn
from sin to righteousness, believe on Jesus Christ for pardon and cleansing from sin,
and follow good works pleasing and acceptable in His sight. We believe that all
persons, though in the possession of the experience of regeneration
and entire sanctification, may fall from grace and apostatize and,
unless they repent of their sins, be hopelessly and eternally lost.
(Godlikeness and moral responsibility: Genesis 1:26-27; 2:16-17; Deuteronomy 28:1-2; 30:19;
Joshua 24:15; Psalm 8:3-5; Isaiah 1:8-10; Jeremiah 31:29-30; Ezekiel 18:1-4; Micah 6:8;
Romans 1:19-20; 2:1-16; 14:7-12; Galatians 6:7-8 Natural inability: Job 14:4; 15:14; Psalms 14:1-4; 51:5;
John 3:6a; Romans 3:10-12; 5:12-14, 20a; 7:14-25 Free grace and works of faith: Ezekiel 18:25-26;
John 1:12-13; 3:6b; Acts 5:31; Romans 5:6-8, 18; 6:15-16, 23; 10:6-8; 11:22; 1 Corinthians 2:9-14;
10:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12-13;
Colossians 1:21-23; 2 Timothy 4:10a; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:12-15; 6:4-6; 10:26-31; James 2:18-22; 2 Peter 1:10-11; 2:20-22)
between right and wrong, and that thus human beings were made
morally responsible; that through the fall of Adam they became depraved
so that they cannot now turn and prepare themselves by their own natural strength and works
to faith and calling upon God. But we also believe that the grace of God through
Jesus Christ is freely bestowed upon all people, enabling all who will to turn
from sin to righteousness, believe on Jesus Christ for pardon and cleansing from sin,
and follow good works pleasing and acceptable in His sight. We believe that all
persons, though in the possession of the experience of regeneration
and entire sanctification, may fall from grace and apostatize and,
unless they repent of their sins, be hopelessly and eternally lost.
(Godlikeness and moral responsibility: Genesis 1:26-27; 2:16-17; Deuteronomy 28:1-2; 30:19;
Joshua 24:15; Psalm 8:3-5; Isaiah 1:8-10; Jeremiah 31:29-30; Ezekiel 18:1-4; Micah 6:8;
Romans 1:19-20; 2:1-16; 14:7-12; Galatians 6:7-8 Natural inability: Job 14:4; 15:14; Psalms 14:1-4; 51:5;
John 3:6a; Romans 3:10-12; 5:12-14, 20a; 7:14-25 Free grace and works of faith: Ezekiel 18:25-26;
John 1:12-13; 3:6b; Acts 5:31; Romans 5:6-8, 18; 6:15-16, 23; 10:6-8; 11:22; 1 Corinthians 2:9-14;
10:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12-13;
Colossians 1:21-23; 2 Timothy 4:10a; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:12-15; 6:4-6; 10:26-31; James 2:18-22; 2 Peter 1:10-11; 2:20-22)
Repentance
We believe that repentance, which is a sincere and thorough change of the mind in regard to sin,
involving a sense of personal guilt and a voluntary turning away from sin, is demanded
of all who have by act or purpose become sinners against God. The Spirit of God gives
to all who will repent the gracious help of penitence of heart and hope of mercy, that they may believe unto pardon and spiritual life.
(2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 32:5-6; 51:1-17; Isaiah 55:6-7; Jeremiah 3:12-14; Ezekiel 18:30-32; 33:14-16; Mark 1:14-15;
Luke 3:1-14; 13:1-5; 18:9-14; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 17:30-31; 26:16-18; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:8-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9)
involving a sense of personal guilt and a voluntary turning away from sin, is demanded
of all who have by act or purpose become sinners against God. The Spirit of God gives
to all who will repent the gracious help of penitence of heart and hope of mercy, that they may believe unto pardon and spiritual life.
(2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 32:5-6; 51:1-17; Isaiah 55:6-7; Jeremiah 3:12-14; Ezekiel 18:30-32; 33:14-16; Mark 1:14-15;
Luke 3:1-14; 13:1-5; 18:9-14; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 17:30-31; 26:16-18; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:8-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9)
Justification, Regeneration, and Adoption
We believe that justification is the gracious and judicial act of God by which He grants full pardon
of all guilt and complete release from the penalty
of sins committed, and acceptance as righteous, to all who believe
on Jesus Christ and receive Him as Lord and Savior.
10. We believe that regeneration, or the new birth, is that gracious work of God
whereby the moral nature of the repentant believer is spiritually
quickened and given a distinctively spiritual life, capable of faith, love, and obedience.
11. We believe that adoption is that gracious act of God by which
the justified and regenerated believer is constituted a son of God.
12. We believe that justification, regeneration, and adoption are simultaneous in the
experience of seekers after God and are obtained upon the
condition of faith, preceded by repentance; and that to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness.
(Luke 18:14; John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; 5:24; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17; 3:21-26, 28; 4:5-9, 17-25; 5:1, 16-19; 6:4; 7:6; 8:1, 15-17;
1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:16- 21; 3:1-14, 26; 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:6-7; 2:1, 4-5;
Philippians 3:3-9; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 1:9; 3:1-2, 9; 4:7; 5:1, 9-13, 18)
of all guilt and complete release from the penalty
of sins committed, and acceptance as righteous, to all who believe
on Jesus Christ and receive Him as Lord and Savior.
10. We believe that regeneration, or the new birth, is that gracious work of God
whereby the moral nature of the repentant believer is spiritually
quickened and given a distinctively spiritual life, capable of faith, love, and obedience.
11. We believe that adoption is that gracious act of God by which
the justified and regenerated believer is constituted a son of God.
12. We believe that justification, regeneration, and adoption are simultaneous in the
experience of seekers after God and are obtained upon the
condition of faith, preceded by repentance; and that to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness.
(Luke 18:14; John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; 5:24; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17; 3:21-26, 28; 4:5-9, 17-25; 5:1, 16-19; 6:4; 7:6; 8:1, 15-17;
1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:16- 21; 3:1-14, 26; 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:6-7; 2:1, 4-5;
Philippians 3:3-9; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 1:9; 3:1-2, 9; 4:7; 5:1, 9-13, 18)
Christian Holiness and Entire Sanctification
13. We believe that entire sanctification is that the act work of God, subsequent to regeneration,
by which transforms believers into the likeness of Christ. It is wrought by God’s grace through the Holy Spirit
in initial sanctification, or regeneration (simultaneous with justification), entire sanctification, and the continued
perfecting work of the Holy Spirit culminating in glorification. In glorification we are fully conformed to the image of the Son.
We believe that entire sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to regeneration, by which believers are made free
from original sin, or depravity, and brought into a state of entire devotement to God, and the holy obedience of
love made perfect. It is wrought by the baptism with or infilling of the Holy Spirit, and comprehends in one experience
the cleansing of the heart from sin and the abiding, indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering the believer for life
and service. Entire sanctification is provided by the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by grace through faith,
preceded by entire consecration; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness. This experience is also known
by various terms representing its different phases, such as “Christian perfection,” “perfect love,” “heart purity,”
“the baptism with or infilling of the Holy Spirit,” “the fullness of the blessing,” and “Christian holiness.”
14. We believe that there is a marked distinction between a pure heart
and a mature character. The former is obtained in an instant, the result of
entire sanctification; the latter is the result of growth in grace. We believe
that the grace of entire sanctification includes the divine impulse to grow in
grace as a Christlike disciple. However, this impulse must be consciously
nurtured, and careful attention given to the requisites and processes of spiritual
development and improvement in Christlikeness of character and personality. Without such purposeful endeavor,
one’s witness may be impaired and the grace itself frustrated and ultimately lost. Participating in the means of grace,
especially the fellowship, disciplines, and sacraments of the Church, believers grow in grace and in wholehearted love to God and neighbor.
(Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Malachi 3:2-3; Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16-17; John 7:37-39; 14:15-23; 17:6-20;
Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 15:8-9; Romans 6:11-13, 19; 8:1-4, 8-14; 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; Galatians 2:20; 5:16-25;
Ephesians 3:14-21; 5:17-18, 25-27; Philippians 3:10-15; Colossians 3:1-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Hebrews 4:9-11; 10:10-17; 12:1-2; 13:12; 1 John 1:7, 9)
(“Christian perfection,” “perfect love”: Deuteronomy 30:6; Matthew 5:43-48; 22:37-40; Romans12:9-21; 13:8-10;
1 Corinthians 13; Philippians 3:10-15; Hebrews 6:1; 1 John 4:17-18 “Heart purity”: Matthew 5:8; Acts 15:8-9;
1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:3 “Baptism with or infilling of the Holy Spirit”: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27;
Malachi 3:2-3; Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16-17; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 15:8-9 “Fullness of the blessing”:
Romans 15:29 “Christian holiness”: Matthew 5:1-7:29; John 15:1-11; Romans 12:1-15:3; 2 Corinthians 7:1;
Ephesians 4:17-5:20; Philippians 1:9-11; 3:12-15; Colossians 2:20-3:17; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:7-8; 5:23;
2 Timothy 2:19-22; Hebrews 10:19-25; 12:14; 13:20-21; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Peter 1:1-11; 3:18; Jude 20-21)
by which transforms believers into the likeness of Christ. It is wrought by God’s grace through the Holy Spirit
in initial sanctification, or regeneration (simultaneous with justification), entire sanctification, and the continued
perfecting work of the Holy Spirit culminating in glorification. In glorification we are fully conformed to the image of the Son.
We believe that entire sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to regeneration, by which believers are made free
from original sin, or depravity, and brought into a state of entire devotement to God, and the holy obedience of
love made perfect. It is wrought by the baptism with or infilling of the Holy Spirit, and comprehends in one experience
the cleansing of the heart from sin and the abiding, indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering the believer for life
and service. Entire sanctification is provided by the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by grace through faith,
preceded by entire consecration; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness. This experience is also known
by various terms representing its different phases, such as “Christian perfection,” “perfect love,” “heart purity,”
“the baptism with or infilling of the Holy Spirit,” “the fullness of the blessing,” and “Christian holiness.”
14. We believe that there is a marked distinction between a pure heart
and a mature character. The former is obtained in an instant, the result of
entire sanctification; the latter is the result of growth in grace. We believe
that the grace of entire sanctification includes the divine impulse to grow in
grace as a Christlike disciple. However, this impulse must be consciously
nurtured, and careful attention given to the requisites and processes of spiritual
development and improvement in Christlikeness of character and personality. Without such purposeful endeavor,
one’s witness may be impaired and the grace itself frustrated and ultimately lost. Participating in the means of grace,
especially the fellowship, disciplines, and sacraments of the Church, believers grow in grace and in wholehearted love to God and neighbor.
(Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Malachi 3:2-3; Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16-17; John 7:37-39; 14:15-23; 17:6-20;
Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 15:8-9; Romans 6:11-13, 19; 8:1-4, 8-14; 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; Galatians 2:20; 5:16-25;
Ephesians 3:14-21; 5:17-18, 25-27; Philippians 3:10-15; Colossians 3:1-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Hebrews 4:9-11; 10:10-17; 12:1-2; 13:12; 1 John 1:7, 9)
(“Christian perfection,” “perfect love”: Deuteronomy 30:6; Matthew 5:43-48; 22:37-40; Romans12:9-21; 13:8-10;
1 Corinthians 13; Philippians 3:10-15; Hebrews 6:1; 1 John 4:17-18 “Heart purity”: Matthew 5:8; Acts 15:8-9;
1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:3 “Baptism with or infilling of the Holy Spirit”: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27;
Malachi 3:2-3; Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16-17; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 15:8-9 “Fullness of the blessing”:
Romans 15:29 “Christian holiness”: Matthew 5:1-7:29; John 15:1-11; Romans 12:1-15:3; 2 Corinthians 7:1;
Ephesians 4:17-5:20; Philippians 1:9-11; 3:12-15; Colossians 2:20-3:17; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:7-8; 5:23;
2 Timothy 2:19-22; Hebrews 10:19-25; 12:14; 13:20-21; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Peter 1:1-11; 3:18; Jude 20-21)
Baptism
We believe that Christian baptism, commanded by our Lord, is a sacrament signifying acceptance of the benefits of the atonement of Jesus Christ, to
be administered to believers and declarative of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior, and full purpose of obedience in holiness and righteousness.
Baptism being a symbol of the new covenant, young children may be baptized, upon request of parents or guardians
who shall give assurance for them of necessary Christian training. Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, according to the choice of the applicant.
(Matthew 3:1-7; 28:16-20; Acts 2:37-41; 8:35-39; 10:44-48; 16:29-34; 19:1-6; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:18-22)
be administered to believers and declarative of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior, and full purpose of obedience in holiness and righteousness.
Baptism being a symbol of the new covenant, young children may be baptized, upon request of parents or guardians
who shall give assurance for them of necessary Christian training. Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, according to the choice of the applicant.
(Matthew 3:1-7; 28:16-20; Acts 2:37-41; 8:35-39; 10:44-48; 16:29-34; 19:1-6; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:18-22)
The Lord’s Supper
We believe that the Memorial and Communion Supper instituted by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is essentially a New Testament sacrament,
declarative of His sacrificial death, through the merits of which believers have life and salvation and promise of all spiritual
blessings in Christ. It is distinctively for those who are prepared for reverent appreciation of its significance, and by it they
show forth the Lord’s death till He come again. It being the Communion feast, only those who have faith in Christ and love
for the saints should be called to participate therein.
(Exodus 12:1-14; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; John 6:28-58; 1 Corinthians 10:14-21; 11:23-32)
declarative of His sacrificial death, through the merits of which believers have life and salvation and promise of all spiritual
blessings in Christ. It is distinctively for those who are prepared for reverent appreciation of its significance, and by it they
show forth the Lord’s death till He come again. It being the Communion feast, only those who have faith in Christ and love
for the saints should be called to participate therein.
(Exodus 12:1-14; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; John 6:28-58; 1 Corinthians 10:14-21; 11:23-32)
Divine Healing
We believe in the Bible doctrine of divine healing and urge our people to seek to offer the prayer
of faith for the healing of the sick. We also believe God heals through the means of medical science.
(2 Kings 5:1-19; Psalm 103:1-5; Matthew 4:23-24; 9:18-35; John 4:46-54; Acts 5:12-16; 9:32-42; 14:8-15;
1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; James 5:13-16)
of faith for the healing of the sick. We also believe God heals through the means of medical science.
(2 Kings 5:1-19; Psalm 103:1-5; Matthew 4:23-24; 9:18-35; John 4:46-54; Acts 5:12-16; 9:32-42; 14:8-15;
1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; James 5:13-16)
Second Coming of Christ
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will come again; that we who are alive at His coming shall not precede them
that are asleep in Christ Jesus; but that, if we are abiding in Him, we shall be caught
up with the risen saints to meet the Lord in the air, so that we shall ever be with the Lord.
(Matthew 25:31-46; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18;
Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 9:26-28; 2 Peter 3:3-15; Revelation 1:7-8; 22:7-20)
that are asleep in Christ Jesus; but that, if we are abiding in Him, we shall be caught
up with the risen saints to meet the Lord in the air, so that we shall ever be with the Lord.
(Matthew 25:31-46; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18;
Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 9:26-28; 2 Peter 3:3-15; Revelation 1:7-8; 22:7-20)
Resurrection, Judgment, and Destiny
20. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, that the bodies both of the just and of the unjust shall be raised to life and united with their
spirits—“they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
21. We believe in future judgment in which every person shall appear before God to be judged according to his or her deeds in this life.
22. We believe that glorious and everlasting life is assured to all who savingly believe in, and obediently follow, Jesus Christ our Lord; and that the
finally impenitent shall suffer eternally in hell.
(Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 50:6; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 9:43-48;
Luke 16:19-31; 20:27-38; John 3:16-18; 5:25-29; 11:21-27; Acts 17:30-31; Romans 2:1-16; 14:7-12; 1 Corinthians 15:12-58; 2 Corinthians
5:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 20:11-15; 22:1-15)
spirits—“they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
21. We believe in future judgment in which every person shall appear before God to be judged according to his or her deeds in this life.
22. We believe that glorious and everlasting life is assured to all who savingly believe in, and obediently follow, Jesus Christ our Lord; and that the
finally impenitent shall suffer eternally in hell.
(Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 50:6; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 9:43-48;
Luke 16:19-31; 20:27-38; John 3:16-18; 5:25-29; 11:21-27; Acts 17:30-31; Romans 2:1-16; 14:7-12; 1 Corinthians 15:12-58; 2 Corinthians
5:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 20:11-15; 22:1-15)
The Church
We believe in the Church, the community that confesses Jesus Christ as Lord, the covenant people of God made new in Christ, the Body of Christ
called together by the Holy Spirit through the Word. God calls the Church to express its life in the unity and fellowship of the Spirit; in worship through the preaching of the Word, observance of the sacraments, and ministry in His name; by obedience to Christ, holy living, and mutual accountability. The mission of the Church in the world is to continue share in the redemptive and reconciling ministry work of Christ in the power of the Spirit [through holy living, evangelism, discipleship, and service. The Church fulfills its mission by making disciples through evangelism, education, showing compassion, working for justice, and bearing witness to the kingdom of God. The Church is a historical reality, which organizes itself in culturally conditioned forms;
exists both as local congregations and as a universal body; sets apart persons called of God for specific ministries. God calls the Church to live under His rule in anticipation of the consummation at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Exodus 19:3; Jeremiah 31:33; Matthew 8:11; 10:7; 16:13-19, 24;
18:15-20; 28:19-20; John 17:14-26; 20:21-23; Acts 1:7-8; 2:32-47; 6:1-2; 13:1; 14:23; Romans 2:28-29; 4:16; 10:9-15; 11:13-32; 12:1-8; 15:1-3; 1 1 Corinthians 3:5-9; 7:17; 11:1, 17-33; 12:3, 12-31; 14:26-40; 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:1; Galatians 5:6, 13-14; 6:1-5, 15; Ephesians 4:1-17; 5:25-27; Philippians
2:1-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:19-25; 1 Peter 1:1-2, 13; 2:4-12, 21; 4:1-2, 10-11; 1 John 4:17; Jude 24; Revelation 5:9-10)
called together by the Holy Spirit through the Word. God calls the Church to express its life in the unity and fellowship of the Spirit; in worship through the preaching of the Word, observance of the sacraments, and ministry in His name; by obedience to Christ, holy living, and mutual accountability. The mission of the Church in the world is to continue share in the redemptive and reconciling ministry work of Christ in the power of the Spirit [through holy living, evangelism, discipleship, and service. The Church fulfills its mission by making disciples through evangelism, education, showing compassion, working for justice, and bearing witness to the kingdom of God. The Church is a historical reality, which organizes itself in culturally conditioned forms;
exists both as local congregations and as a universal body; sets apart persons called of God for specific ministries. God calls the Church to live under His rule in anticipation of the consummation at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Exodus 19:3; Jeremiah 31:33; Matthew 8:11; 10:7; 16:13-19, 24;
18:15-20; 28:19-20; John 17:14-26; 20:21-23; Acts 1:7-8; 2:32-47; 6:1-2; 13:1; 14:23; Romans 2:28-29; 4:16; 10:9-15; 11:13-32; 12:1-8; 15:1-3; 1 1 Corinthians 3:5-9; 7:17; 11:1, 17-33; 12:3, 12-31; 14:26-40; 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:1; Galatians 5:6, 13-14; 6:1-5, 15; Ephesians 4:1-17; 5:25-27; Philippians
2:1-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:19-25; 1 Peter 1:1-2, 13; 2:4-12, 21; 4:1-2, 10-11; 1 John 4:17; Jude 24; Revelation 5:9-10)