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The Bible is God’s Word to all people, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
People are made in the spiritual image of God to be like him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although people have tremendous potential for good, they are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. This attitude separates people from God.
(Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)
Salvation is by grace, through faith. It is a gift from God to all people. We can never make up for our sins by self-improvement or good works. Faith (belief and trust) in Jesus - based on His sacrifice on the cross - is the only way for men and women to be reconciled with God.
(Jn. 14:6, Acts 4:8-12; Rom. 3:25-26)
God lovingly offers salvation to every person; every person has the freedom to accept or reject this gift from God at any time.
(Jn. 3:16-18; 1 Tim. 2:3-4; 2.Pet. 3:9)
Faith (belief and trust) in Jesus requires repentance (conforming our lifestyle to that of Christ). Faith in Jesus results in obedience. Baptism, by immersion, demonstrates our response to God's offer of salvation by associating us with his death burial and resurrection.
(Acts 3:19; 2:38; 8:26-38; Rom. 6:1-4; 1 Pet. 3:21)
Eternity is how long we were created to exist with God. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with him is heaven. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence.
(John 3:16; 1 John 2:25, 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15)
The church is the body of Christ on earth. It exists to communicate the good news of new life in Jesus Christ to the world, to teach his followers to obey his teachings, and to equip his followers for ministry. The church is made up of those who have placed their faith in Christ.
(1 Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 28:19-20; John 10:10; Ephesians 4:11-14; Acts 2:38)
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