THE SCRIPTURES

The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the complete Word of God. As originally given, it is verbally inspired, without error, and entirely trustworthy. The 66 books of the Bible constitute supreme authority in all matters of faith, teaching, and behaviour. The Bible has Jesus Christ as its focus and fulfillment.

2 Peter 1:16-21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Luke 24:27, Matthew 5:17-18

GOD

God is the Creator and Sovereign Lord of all. The Lord our God is one God who eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three have the same perfect nature and attributes. Each Person of the Godhead is worthy of the same worship, confidence, and obedience.

Genesis 1, Psalm 8, Psalm 2, Romans 8:28-30, Deuteronomy 6:4, Matt. 28:19-20

The Father– God the Father loves the world. He sent His Son into the world to save sinners. He raised Jesus from the dead, exalted Him – putting all things under his power -- and together with Him has sent the Holy Spirit.

Luke 3:22, John 3:16, 1 John 4:14, 1 Peter 1:21, Philippians 2:9-11, John 14:26

The Son– God the Son became God incarnate as Jesus the Messiah. Jesus is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life. He was crucified, raised bodily from the dead and ascended into heaven where he reigns as King and he serves as our High Priest, Advocate and Redeemer. He will return to set up his earthly kingdom.

John 1:1, John 1:14, Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 7:14, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 7:25, Revelation 22:12-13

The Holy Spirit– God the Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ in all that He does. He

convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. At the moment of salvation He

regenerates, baptizes, indwells, gifts and empowers for Christ-like living and service.

John 16:8-15, Titus 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 12:11,13, Romans 8:9-14, Galatians 5:22-25

SPIRITUAL REALM

God created angels for His glory and service. Some rebelled under the leadership of their fellow angel, Satan, and are opposed to God and His purposes. We believe that Satan is a created being, a fallen angel who exists as an evil personality, the originator of sin, the arch- enemy of God and humanity, who while currently active in a limited capacity will, upon Christ’s triumphant return, be finally and utterly defeated.

Hebrews 1:14, Jude 6, Hebrews 2:14-15, Revelation 20:10; Ephesians 6:12

MANKIND

Human beings are created in the image of God. The first humans, Adam and Eve, were \disobedient to the will of God with the consequence that every aspect of their human nature became sinful and corrupt. Thus, being spiritually dead, they became subject to physical death and the power of Satan.The image of God is distorted in all humanity, with the exception of Jesus, as we inherit a sinful nature at conception. Therefore we are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God and under His condemnation.

Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:6, Ephesians 2:1-3, Romans 3:9-10,

Psalms 51:5, John 3:36; Romans 5:12-14

REDEMPTION/SALVATION

Redemption means to buy an individual back, in this sense, from the control of sin. This act reconciles two attributes of God — divine justice and divine love. It is accomplished solely by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the cross Jesus became the representative sin-bearer. He identified 100 percent with the sin of the world when he died on the cross . God treated Jesus as if he were sin itself. His atoning death is sufficient for all and effective for every person who repents and believes in Him, resulting in a reconciled relationship with God. We call this act salvation.

This salvation is not of our own doing. It is the gift of God. We accept this by faith. Salvation includes being declared righteous by God [justification], being transformed into the likeness of Christ [sanctification], and being fully restored to the image of God [glorification]. This Salvation includes our new birth and eternal inheritance, both of which are guaranteed through God’s power. It is therefore impossible for the saved to lose their salvation.

Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:6-10, Galatians 3:13, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 Peter 2:24,2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:1, John 17:17-19, 1 John 3:2, John 5:24, John 10:27-30, Romans 8:28-39, 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 Timothy 4:10, John 1:29

THE CHURCH

The Church, of which Christ is the head, consists of all indwelt believers who are united in Christ. The local church is composed of believers who gather regularly in Christ’s name for worship, prayer, fellowship, instruction and to reach out to their communities and beyond, bringing the values of heaven to earth and making disciples of all nations.

There are only two ordinances which our Lord requires: baptism of believers in Christ, signifying new life and devotion to him as Saviour and Lord; and communion as a primary ongoing expression of remembrance and thanksgiving for the atoning death and resurrection life of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 16:17-18, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Acts 2:42 1 Corinthians 11:23-28, Luke 22:19-20, Romans 6:3, Matthew 28:19-20

FUTURE THINGS

God in His own time and in His own way will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies not subject to decay and free of frustration will receive their reward and will dwell forever with the Lord in the new heaven and earth, which is a new existence.

Matthew 24:36, Acts 1:7, Mark 13:26, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, John 14:1-3,Revelation 20:1-15, Revelation 14:11, 1 Corinthians 15:50-54, Revelation 21:1 Revelation 22:1-5