Statement of Faith

Holy Scripture

We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, that these are the only infallible rule for faith and practice. Nothing is required to be believed for salvation except what is taught in the Scripture.

The Triune God

We believe in one living and true God, eternally existing in three Persons, namely the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and that each Person is equal in every power, perfection, and glory.

Creation and Providence

We believe that God created all things out of nothing and continues to govern them according to His wise and holy will, yet He is not the author of sin.

Humanity and Sin

We believe that humanity was created in the image of God, but through the original sin all people are born into sin, inclined toward evil, and subject to death. Because of our sinful nature, no one will repent or believe the gospel apart from the grace of God.

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, who lived in perfect obedience, suffered on the cross, died for sinners, rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and reigns at the right hand of the Father.

Justification

We believe that sinners are justified by the grace of God alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and not by works. All who repent and believe in the gospel are forgiven, counted righteous for Christ’s sake, and reconciled to God.

Sanctification

We believe that the Holy Spirit works through the Word to convict of sin, impart repentance and faith, join believers to Christ, and lead them in lifelong, progressive sanctification, producing holiness and good works as the fruit of faith.

The Church

We believe in one holy, universal Church, consisting of all who truly belong to Christ. This invisible Church is made visible in local congregations where the Word is faithfully preached, the sacraments are rightly administered, and Christian discipline is exercised. Christ alone is the head of the Church.

Church Order

We believe that Christ has given ministers to His Church for its good order and edification. Pastors are called to preach the Word, administer the sacraments, and shepherd the flock. Deacons are called to ministries of service, mercy, and practical care. A plurality of ministers may be appointed according to the needs of the church.

Christian Worship

We believe that there is no worship pleasing to God except that which is prescribed in His Word. The public worship of the Church is centered on singing, reading, and preaching the Scriptures, fervent prayer, hymns of praise, and the sacraments. Outward forms of worship such as vestments and paraments are nonessential matters of Christian liberty. Sunday is the Day of the Lord on which Christians are expected to worship.

The Sacraments

We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ instituted only two sacraments for His Church: Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. A sacrament is a sign or symbol joined to the Word of God for a means of grace. Baptism administered with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit signifies union with Christ and entrance into the visible church. The Supper of the Lord is the reverent reception of bread and wine, or crackers and grape juice, in remembrance of Christ, through which believers partake of Him by faith. The church allows charity concerning the age and mode of Baptism, the elements and manner of distribution in the Supper, and the outward forms annexed to their administration.

Different Translations

We believe in the use of faithful translations of Holy Scripture which accurately convey the meaning of the original languages, and we reject paraphrase translations as unsuitable for preaching, teaching, and public worship.

Christian Living

We believe that those who profess faith in Jesus Christ are called to a life of repentance, obedience, and love, and that they ought to seek the good of their neighbors and the peace, purity, and unity of the church.

Last Things

We believe that Jesus Christ will return bodily and visibly to judge the living and the dead. There will be a general resurrection of the dead, both of the saved and the lost. Those who are in Christ will enter into eternal life in the presence of God, and those who reject Him will be condemned to eternal, conscious torment in Hell.