THE SCRIPTURE

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, the product of Holy Men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine (II Timothy 3:16, I Thessalonians 2:13, II Peter 1:21).

THE GODHEAD

Our God is One, but manifested in three persons ­– the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:6, Matthew 3:16-17).

• God the Father is greater than all; the Source of the Word (Logos) and the Begetter (John 16:28, John 1:14).

MAN, HIS FALL & REDEMPTION

Man is a created being, made in the likeness and image of God, but through Adam’s transgression and fall, sin came into the world. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” “As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one.” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the works of the devil and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God (Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23, Romans 3:9-10, I John 3:8, Galatians 3:13-14).

HEAVEN & ETERNAL LIFE

Man’s first step toward salvation is Godly sorrow that worketh repentance. The new birth is necessary to all men, and when fulfilled produces eternal life (II Corinthians 7:10, I John 5:12, John 3:3-5).

WATER BAPTISM

Baptism in water is by immersion and is a direct commandment of our Lord and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 8:36-39).

• The following recommendation regarding Water Baptismal formula is adopted to wit:

  • “On the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and by His authority, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

THE HOLY SPIRIT

• Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to those who are believers in this dispensation and is received subsequent to the new birth (Matthew 3:11, John 14:16-17).

• Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 16:6-8, I Corinthians 12:1/12:4/12:9/12:30-31).

• Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

SANCTIFICATION

The Bible teaches that without Holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration, and continuing until the consummation of salvation (Hebrews 12:14, I Thessalonians 5:23, II Peter 3:18, Philippians 3:12-14, I Corinthians 1:30).

DIVINE HEALING

Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God through the prayer of faith, and by laying on of hands. It is provided for in the atonement of Christ and by the sovereign will of God (Mark 16:18, James 5:14-20, I Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:17, Isaiah 53:4-5).

THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST & THE RETURN OF THE LORD

The Angels said, “The same Jesus shall so come in like manner.” His coming is imminent. When He comes, “The dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (Acts 1:11, I Thessalonians 4:16-17).

• Following the tribulation, He shall return to earth, as King of kings, and the Lord of lords and together with His Saints, who shall be kings and priests. He shall reign a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).

HELL & ETERNAL CONDEMNATION

The one who physically dies in his sins without Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the lake of fire and therefore has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or for repentance. The lake of fire is literal. The terms “eternal” and “everlasting” are used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned in the lake of fire (Hebrews 9:27, Revelation 19:20, Hebrews 6:1-2).

COMMUNION

THE LORD’S SUPPER. We partake of the Lord’s Supper to remember the Lord’s death till He comes (I Corinthians 11:23-31). The bread symbolizes the Lord’s broken body (Isaiah 53:5, I Corinthians 11:24). The cup represents the new covenant in His blood which provides us forgiveness and relationship with God (Hebrews 9, I Corinthians 11:25). We examine ourselves and realize that this is our salvation and receive it (I Corinthians 11:28-30) for if we receive it unworthily – without giving it honor as our salvation – we are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (I Corinthians 11:27).

LAYING ON OF HANDS

Laying of hands was practiced by the Levitical Priesthood. Jesus practiced it in Mark 10:13-16 as a blessing, and is our grounds for baby dedication instead of baptism. Laying on of hands for healing (Mark 5:22-23 and 41, Mark 5:5:28-31, Acts 28:8, Acts 19:11-12) to receive anointing, and to cultivate anointing (I Timothy 4:14), laying on of hands for ordination to consecrate and receive the necessary ministry tools (I Timothy 4:14).