Statement of Faith

It should be enough to say that the Bible itself is a sufficient guide for the practice of Christianity; however in times in which sound doctrine and the Bible are attacked in many ways, it is helpful to specify a few points.

I believe in the Nicene Creed and particularly in

The inerrancy of God’s word. The original Greek and Hebrew texts are perfect in inspiration and accurate in transmission. The scriptures have been meticulously maintained and translated. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2Tim 3:16)

The Creator. God, who is manifest in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, is infinite and perfect in all virtues.

Salvation by faith in all its forms:

a.	Justification. That God credits right standing before Him to those who by faith and repentance receive Jesus as Savior on the merits of Christ alone. (Ro 4) Justification also provides grace to maintain right standing before God during an unintentional lapse of sanctification.
b.	Sanctification. God requires all Christians to live a holy life and has granted all grace to enable this end. (Ro 6)
c.	Fullness of the Spirit. The gift of the Spirit works nine manifestations in willing believers. Although I am charismatic, I have no inclination to quarrel with cessationists. (1Cor 12)
d.	Complete well-being of life. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (Jn 10:10)
e.	Glorification. Salvation is finally sealed by removal of all temptation on entrance to heaven.

That agape love, which is inseparably bound with righteousness, must govern all Christian life. Agape includes tough love such as strong preaching against sin. (Paradoxically, the world system calls this a hate crime!) (1Cor 13)

Hatred of sin. This virtue, when combined with love and righteousness, is a sign of deep repentance.

The universal church. “The Lord knoweth them that are his” (2Tim 2:19) Although Jesus has provided only one way to heaven, that proclaimed by the Bible, no denomination has an exclusive claim to God or rightness. Believers are to be found in all churches where the Gospel is preached, in more numbers where there is faithful doctrine and less where it has suffered apostasy. Where God’s conditions are met, labels are no obstacle to salvation.

Jesus will snatch away his church by surprise before the Great Tribulation during times which can be recognized by the signs which mark them.

Judgment day, and a literal heaven and hell. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Heb 9:27) All men will have to stand before God and give an account of their lives and deeds. Christ’s blood will plead the pardon of those who have been redeemed. “And when I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Ex 12:13)