Statement of beliefs

The sixty-six canonical books of the Bible, as originally given, are inerrant in all that they affirm and are the final authority for the church in all matters of faith and practice. (Matt 4:4, John 10:35, 2Tim 3:16-17). 

There is only one God, the Creator and Ruler of all things. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, and perfect in character. God eternally and simultaneously exists as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Deut 4:35, 32:4, Isa 40:28, Jer 23:24, John 14:26, 1Cor 8:4, 1Pet 1:2). 

Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was begotten by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, died for the sins of humanity and was bodily resurrected after three days. He is the Head of the church and the High Priest of all believers (Matt 1:18, Luke 24:39, 1Cor 15:3-4, Col 1:18, 2:9, Heb 4:15). 

The Holy Spirit is God; He is distinct from the Father and the Son and yet is the Spirit of both. He is the effective agent in our regeneration, sanctification and glorification. He is responsible for the inspiration of Scripture, the illumination of believers and the giving of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church (John 16:13, Act 5:3-4, Rom 8:9, 11, 1Cor 12:7, 11, Gal 5:22-23, Tit 3:5, 2Pet 1:21). 

God created humans in His image and offered them eternal life, but because of Adam’s sin, humanity became cut off from God, spiritually corrupt, and subject to death. Apart from Jesus Christ, every human being shares this fate and needs God’s grace and salvation  (Gen 1:26, Isa 59:1-2, Jer 17:9, Rom 5:12, 6:23). 

Satan is a fallen angel, who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. He works with his servants, the demons, to deceive, tempt, accuse and destroy all of humanity. Ultimately, they will be imprisoned, cast into the lake of fire and suffer eternal torment(Matt 25:41, Eph 2:1-2, 1Pet 5:8, 2Pet 2:4, Rev 12:9-10, 20:1-3, 10). 

The church is composed of all true believers who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The church exists to proclaim the gospel, nurture disciples and glorify God in all things. The elders of the church are responsible for doctrine, administration and discipline (Matt 5:16, 28:19-20, Act 20:28, 1Cor 12:13, 1Tim 5:17, Tit 2:15). 

Christians are saved by grace, justified by faith and judged according to their works. Salvation can’t be earned but can be lost through deliberate sin because our works are the evidence of faith or unbelief. Thus, faith and repentance are necessary for salvation (Eph 2:8-10, Heb 10:26-27, James 2:17). 

Baptism is a mandatory covenant ratification ceremony. An adult convert must express repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. A minister must baptize coverts by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, then lay his hands on them and pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, 8:14-17, 38, 10:44, 48, 19:5-6). 

The Mosaic Law is an important revelation of moral and spiritual truth that was incorporated into the Old and New Covenants. While many stipulations apply only to Israelites living in the Promised Land, others are binding on all humanity. Therefore, the Mosaic Law has abiding significance as a guide to proper living for God’s people (Jer 31:33, Matt 5:17-20, Rom 3:31). 

God alone has the authority to make time holy. He established the seventh day Sabbath at Creation for all humanity and has never abolished that command. He also expects His people to observe His annual Sabbaths and biblical festivals (Gen 2:3, Lev 23:1-2, Zech 14:16-17, Mark 2:27, 1Cor 5:7-8). 

The Lord’s Supper is an annual observance on the 14th of Aviv, which includes foot washing as an ordinance of humility and partaking of unleavened bread and wine as symbols of our Lord’s body and blood; it is distinct from the Passover and is only for baptized Christians (John 13:14-15, 1Cor 11:23-26). 

Tithing is an act of faith and worship to our Creator who gives us life and provides for our every need. Throughout the Bible, God directed His people to give contributions to His ministers so they can carry out His work, therefore, Christians should give tithes and offerings to the Church to accomplish the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ (Gen 14:20, Num 18:21, Deut 8:18, Prv 3:9-10, 1Cor 9:13-14). 

God has determined which items are acceptable as food for His people. Animals were classified as clean or unclean before the Flood, and these designations continued after Christ’s death and resurrection (Gen 7:2, Lev 11:1-2, 2Cor 6:17, Rev 18:2). 

God promises to heal His people according to His Word. Christians who are seriously ill should call on the elders of the church to anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord as an act of faith and intercessory prayer (Ex 15:26, Ps 103:2-3, Heb 11:6, James 5:14-15). 

Christians should not try to establish the kingdom of God through armed conflict. To avoid ethical conflicts, Sabbath-keeping Christians should choose alternative, civilian service (instead of military enlistment) to serve God and their country with a clear conscience 

The dead are unconscious until the resurrection of the body. They do not suffer pain or loneliness and are not aware of the passing of time (Ps 6:5, 13:3, 115:17, Eccl 9:5, 10). 

The return of Jesus Christ will be personal, visible and pre-millennial. He will rule the world, the earth will be at peace and everyone will learn about God (Isaiah 11:9, Zech 14:3-4, Act 1:11, Rev 1:7, 11:15). 

God will resurrect everyone who has ever lived according to a set plan. The saints will be resurrected to eternal life at Christ’s return and reign with Him for a thousand years. The rest of the dead will be raised to physical life after the Millennium (Ezek 37:13-14, Dan 12:2-3, John 5:28-29, 12:32, 1Cor 15:22-23, 50-52, 1Thes 4:16-17, Rev 20:4-5). 

After the second resurrection, Jesus Christ will gather everyone and judge them according to their works. He will destroy those not listed in the book of life by a second death in the lake of fire. Then, God will dwell with His people forever in a new heaven and a new earth (Mal 4:1, Matt 10:28, 2Cor 5:10, 2Pet 3:11-13, Rev 20:11-15, 21:1-3).