1. We recognize the Bible to be the inspired Word of God, the believer's only guide for faith and practice. We also believe that the following doctrines are essential and no one shall hold office or teach who does not agree with them.
2. We believe in One God, who is our Heavenly Father, who made all things and rules over all in wisdom, righteousness and love. We believe that this one living and true God is a Trinity of persons, the Father the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
3. We believe that man was originally created in the image of God. When he was created he was truly righteous and holy. But by a free act man rebelled against God's rule, and by this rebellion separated himself from God who is the source of all life. We believe that sin is rebellion against God. Whenever we break God's holy laws we sin against Him. Since sin cuts one off from fellowship with God, it will finally lead to eternal death.
4. We believe that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." [John 3:16]. We believe that the Eternal Son of God became man for our salvation, and that He is forever the Son of God and the Son of Man, in one Divine Person. We believe our Lord Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, that he lived a perfect and holy life, and that He died on the cross to bear the sin and guilt of His people. We believe that Jesus Christ arose from the dead, and is even now reigning at God's throne in Heaven.
5. We believe that by faith we must apply to our hearts all the benefits which Christ gained for us on Calvary's cross. We believe that by faith in the Savior our sins are forgiven us by God, and the perfect righteousness of Christ Jesus is declared to be ours.
6. We believe that everything we receive, including our faith and salvation, is due only to the grace of God. By grace we mean God's unmerited favor toward us; God blesses us because of what He is, rather than what we are. This marvelous truth forever cuts off all grounds for human pride.
7. We believe that we are saved from sin and condemnation by God's grace, through faith alone. Faith, however, is never without good works. As Christians we are called upon to pattern our lives after the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. These good works can never become a source of pride, for these very works are the result of God's grace in our lives.
8. We believe that the church is the special possession of the Son of God, who in every age and in every place calls people into its fellowship by His Word and Spirit. We believe that all those who by true faith are united to the Savior, are part of His body, the church. We believe that it is the duty of every Christian to unite himself to a worshiping congregation where the true Christian faith is preached.
9. We believe that there are but two sacraments, instituted by Christ for the edification, or strengthening of the faith of His followers. The sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion are signs and seals of God's activity and grace. In Baptism we receive the mark that sets us apart as belonging to the family of God. The water of Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. The sacrament of Holy Communion presents to us in visible and symbolic form the same Savior who is proclaimed in Holy Scripture. Thus when by faith we partake of the bread and fruit of the vine, we reaffirm our faith in Jesus Christ.
10. We believe the same Lord Jesus Christ, who ascended into Heaven, shall one day return as the judge of the living and the dead.
11. We believe that at the return of Christ the dead shall arise, and all men shall receive their just judgment of God.
12. We believe that those who have confessed Christ before men, He will own and confess before God and the holy angels, and receive them in the eternal joys of Heaven.
13. We believe these doctrines are confessed in the Apostles' Creed, which reads as follows: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified dead and buried; He descended into Hell. The third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; The Holy Universal Church; The communion of saints; The forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.
Revised May 2019