The Scriptures
The Bible is the complete, inspired Word of God. The Holy Spirit moved the human authors
to write the very Word of God without error. Inspiration extends only to the original
manuscripts, not to translations or interpretations of the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter
1:19-21)
The Godhead
The Bible is explicit in the existence of only one God. At the same time it also makes clear the three persons who comprise the Godhead: Father, Son, and Spirit; each of whom are fully God. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Exodus 20:2,3; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Sin
Because of Adam’s rebellion against God, all men are born into the world with a sin nature, opposed to God. Sin is transgression of the law of God and controls the man in the flesh. God’s holiness cannot tolerate sin, and His justice demands payment. All men are sinners, are accountable to God for their sin, and deserve eternal punishment. (Romans 5:12-21;
1 John 5:4; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-23)
Salvation
Because man is a sinner, he needs to be rescued from his sin. Christ atoned for (or covered) the sins of man by suffering, dying on the cross for his sin, and raising from the dead. God can be both just and the justifier of the one who repents of his sin and places his faith in Christ as Savior. Thus one who has been condemned by his sin to hell is saved to spend eternity with God in heaven. Salvation is wholly of God’s gracious gift. Man can do nothing to earn it. (Isaiah 53:4-12; Romans 3:24-28; Proverbs 28:13; Ephesians 2:8-9)
Sanctification
This is the setting apart of the believer for service. At salvation Christ cleanses the believer of his sin, yet this is only the beginning of a lifetime process which transforms the believer into the image of Christ. Entire, complete, or total sanctification occurs only when the
believer enters heaven. (Ephesians 5:26; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1Thessalonians 4:1-12;
1 John 3:2)
Security of the Believer
God, who has graciously provided salvation, promises that He will complete His work in us,
will not allow us to perish, will keep us by His power, and will not let anything separate us
from His love. The security of the believer rests in an omnipotent God. (Philippians 1:6;
John 10:28-29; 1 Peter 1:5; Romans 8:38-39)
The Church
This is the group of all believers who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior,
whereas the local church ideally is a smaller organized group of believers who gather
together to worship, fellowship, serve, and make disciples. The church was taught by Christ
to observe two ordinances: baptism by immersion as a declaration publicly of following
Christ, and the Lord’s supper to remember His death, burial, and resurrection for the
believer. (1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 2:42-47; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5;
1 Corinthians 11:23-24)