Concerning the Scriptures

We believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of the sixty-six books of the Bible, as originally written, in which God the Holy Spirit so directed the authors of Scripture that, without waiving their human intelligence, individuality, literary style, vocabulary and personality, God's complete and connected thought toward man was recorded in the original languages; Hebrew, Aramaic and Koine Greek.
We believe that these books constitute the written Word of God, the only authority in doctrine and practice. (2 Peter 1:15-21; Hebrews 1:1-3; John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:9-13; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Exodus 24:1-8; Deuteronomy 31:9; 2 Samuel 23:1, 2)
We believe that the completed Canon of Scripture (the Old and New Testaments) contains the totality of God's special revelation to mankind, and that there are no new sources of additional special revelation extending beyond this Canon, whether they be presented in written form or by other means. Neither do we believe that any other special revelation necessary to salvation, function, and spiritual growth has been excluded from this Canon.

Concerning God

We believe in one Triune God, one in essence and purpose, existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, eternal in being, identical in nature, equal in power and glory and having the same attributes and perfection as summed up in Psalm 139 and specifically:
Sovereignty, Psalm 115:3; Omniscience, Col. 2:3; Perfect Righteousness, Psalm 145:17; Omnipresence, Prov. 15:3; Justice, 2 Chronicles 19:7; Omnipotence, Matt. 28:18; Love, 1 John 4:8; Immutability, Mal. 3:6a; Eternal Life, Psalm 90:2; Veracity, Deut. 32:4

Concerning Salvation

For those familiar with the well-worn "schools" of salvation doctrine, we are perhaps best summed-up as Amyraldian (or moderately Calvinistic)-Augustinian, believing that

● Jesus Christ as the only perfectly qualified representative of humanity went to the cross and became our substitute, whose precious blood was shed (which speaks of paying the penalty for sin (spiritual death)) for the forgiveness of our sins. 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Peter 1:19.
● All sins were poured out upon Jesus Christ and were judged at the cross. 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:6,10.
● Because all sins were judged, the barrier between man and God was removed. All that stands between man and God is the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and man's relationship through faith in Him (or lack thereof). Eph. 2:14-16; Col. 1:20-22, 2:14, 15.
● The work of the Lord Jesus Christ is general, it is provided for the whole human race, UNLIMITED REDEMPTION. 1 John 2:2; 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Cor. 5:14,15,19.
● We agree with John Calvin that "Paul makes grace common to all men, not because it in fact extends to all, but because it is offered to all. Although Christ suffered for the sins of the world, and is offered by the goodness of God without distinction to all men, yet not all receive Him." [Commentary on Romans 5:18]
● It seems there has been far too much unnecessary acrimony and antagonistic self-righteousness tainting the discussion of soteriology (salvation theology) among good and godly believers. A discussion of "limited atonement" does not seem particularly helpful, since the term "atonement" is used in the Bible to refer only to Old Testament sacrifices, which could not permanently deal with our sins. Interestingly, the term "atonement" is not found even once in the New Testament. Why? Jesus Christ did not merely atone for sin -- he obliterated it, permanently cancelling the debt, absolutely wiping it out! More appropriate dialogue ought therefore to focus on terms sacrifice (Christ's perfect death), a general propitiation (perfectly satisfying God's righteous demands for the sins of the world), a limited redemption-liberation (which is ineffective unless/until appropriated by faith in Christ) and a limited reconciliation (which is available only to those who place confidence in Christ, their Reconciliation).
● By a simple act of faith (a non-meritorious principle compatible with grace) any member of the human race can be saved and enter the plan of God. Acts 16:31.
● Salvation is the same in every age/dispensation; faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 1:1-4; Isaiah 53:6; Rom. 3:21-25; 1 Cor. 15:3,4; Acts 3:18, 4:12; Gal. 3:6-8.
● Salvation includes the forgiveness of sins, the imputation of the righteousness of Jesus Christ, the gift of eternal life and every spiritual resource needed for life and Godliness. Col. 1:14;2:13; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 5:11,12; 2 Pet. 1:3.
● All believers are kept secure forever. ETERNAL SECURITY. Rom. 8:1,38,39; John 10:27-30; 1 Cor. 1:4-8.
While affirming God's initiative in salvation, we recognize God's demand for man's response as a condition for salvation. We do recognize the essential place of the convicting work of the Spirit in salvation, but we do not front-load the gospel by asserting a "discipleship" salvation.

Concerning The Church

We believe:
● all who have placed faith in Jesus Christ are united together immediately by the Holy Spirit into one spiritual Body (the church invisible) made up of all born again persons of this, the Church Age. 1 Cor. 12:13.
● that this Body began on the Day of Pentecost and will be completed at the Rapture of the Church. Acts 1:5 cf. 11:15,16; John 14:20; 1 Thes. 4:14-17; Eph. 3:1-10.
● that Christ is the head of the Body, the church. Col. 1:18.
● that the church on earth is called the Body of Christ. Eph. 5:23-33.
● that the church in heaven is called the Bride of Christ. Rev. 19:7,8; 2 Cor. 11:2.