Core Beliefs

Statement of Faith

1. Holy Scripture

   We believe that the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, without error in the originals, the supreme authority for faith and life (2 Pet. 1:21; Matt. 5:18). Every teaching, practice, or "revelation" is to be evaluated in the light of Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 5:21).

2. God

   There is one living and true God, eternally existing in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:13). God is Holy, Just, and Love; He created all things and sustains them by His power (Gen. 1:1; Heb. 1:3).

3. Creation and Human Dignity

   Humanity was created in the image and likeness of God, endowed with dignity, moral freedom, and responsibility (Gen. 1:26–27). Every human life is sacred from conception to natural death (Ps. 139:13–16).

4. Sin and Its Consequences

   Through Adam's disobedience, sin entered the world, and all people are affected by moral corruption and separation from God (Rom. 3:23; 5:12). The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:23).

5. The Person of Christ

   Jesus Christ is true God and true Man: conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, without sin (John 1:1,14; Luke 1:35; Heb. 4:15). He died for our sins, was buried, rose on the third day, and ascended to the Father, where He intercedes for us (1 Cor. 15:3–4; Heb. 7:25).

6. Salvation by Grace through Faith

   Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, not by merits or works (Eph. 2:8–9). The sinner is called to repentance and faith; the new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:15; John 3:3–6). Saving faith is seen in a transformed life, in good works prepared by God (Eph. 2:10; Jas. 2:17).

7. The Work of the Holy Spirit

   The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, regenerates, sanctifies, and empowers for service (John 16:8; 1 Cor. 6:11; Acts 1:8). The believer is called to continual filling of the Spirit (Eph. 5:18), received through faith, in prayer, sometimes accompanied by the laying on of hands, according to the biblical model (Acts 8:17; 19:6).

8. Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit

   The Spirit distributes spiritual gifts for the edification of the Church (1 Cor. 12; Rom. 12:6–8). Every exercise of gifts is done in order, love, and discernment (1 Cor. 13–14; 1 Thess. 5:21). Spiritual maturity is recognized by the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23).

9. The Universal and Local Church

   The Church is the Body of Christ, composed of all who are born again (Eph. 1:22–23). It is realized in autonomous local churches, interdependent in love and service, under responsible shepherding (Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. 5:1–4).

10. Ministries and Ordinances

    Christ gives the Church people with gifts for ministry (Eph. 4:11). The ordinances given by the Lord are: a) Believer's water baptism by immersion, as a public testimony of repentance and faith in Christ (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:4); b) The Lord's Supper, a memorial of His sacrifice and resurrection, a sign of the unity of the Body (1 Cor. 11:23–26). The ordinances do not save in themselves, but testify to the grace received through faith.

11. The Call to Holiness

    Those who are saved are called to a holy life, in obedience to Scripture (1 Pet. 1:15–16). Sanctification is a lifelong process, wrought by the Spirit in cooperation with the believer (1 Thess. 4:3).

12. Integrity, Truth, and Compassion

    Truth in speech, righteousness in deeds, compassion toward our neighbour, and integrity in stewardship are essential (Eph. 4:25,28,32). Immorality, violence, addictions, sorcery, the occult, and any practice contrary to the Gospel are rejected (Gal. 5:19–21).

13. Marriage and Family

    Marriage, ordained by God, is the covenant union between a man and a woman, for love, help, and fruitfulness (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:4–6). Parents bear the responsibility for the spiritual formation of their children (Deut. 6:6–7; Eph. 6:4).

14. Worship

    We worship the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit, "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). Worship is offered freely and consciously, in obedience to Scripture and in spiritual order (1 Cor. 14:40).

15. The Lord's Day and the Assembly of Saints

    Believers gather regularly for prayer, the Word, ordinances, and fellowship (Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:25). In situations that objectively prevent attendance, the spirit of fellowship and respect for the Body is maintained.

16. The Missionary Mandate

    The Church is sent to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that Christ commanded (Matt. 28:18–20). Social ministry and charity are expressions of a lived-out Gospel (Jas. 1:27).

17. Church Discipline

    In cases of failure, discipline is applied with a restorative purpose, in truth and love (Gal. 6:1; Matt. 18:15–17). The Church seeks the correction and reintegration of the wayward.

18. Freedom of Conscience

    We uphold religious and conscientious freedom, according to Scripture and the legal framework of the state (Acts 5:29; Rom. 14). Believers respect civil authorities insofar as this is compatible with obedience to God (Rom. 13:1–7).

19. Christian Hope

    We confess the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, the eternal blessedness of the redeemed, and the condemnation of those who reject grace (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:16–17; Rev. 20–22). We live in watchfulness, purity, and hope, awaiting "our blessed hope" (Titus 2:13).