Following the Reformation, German theologian, Rupertus Meldenius advised, “Unity in things necessary and liberty in things unnecessary, and charity in all.” We cooperate with those who hold to the “things necessary” (essentials) of the faith even though we may differ on the “things unnecessary” (non-essentials). We believe that such cooperation demonstrates true biblical unity.
1. We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of man and the Divine and final authority for all Christian Faith and life.
2. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and more of the Virgin, Mary. He died on the cross a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, he arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of the Majesty on high, he now is our High Priest and Advocate.
4. We believe that the Ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to convict men of sin, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living in service.
5. We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost and that only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
6. We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for salvation and justification, and that only such as believe and receive Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God.
7. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.
8. We believe that the invisible church is composed of all who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the mystical body of Christ of which He is the head.
9. We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as a means of salvation. We believe that immersion is the scriptural mode of baptism.
10. We believe that Satan is a person; that he is the unholy god of this age, and of all powers of darkness, author of sin, and that he is destined to eternal punishment in the lake of fire.