Statement Of Faith

1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

While Christians may hold differing views on a range of matters, we believe that there are certain foundational truths that are essential to the Christian faith. These doctrines define the gospel, unite believers across generations, and identify those who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have sought to affirm and preserve these core truths in the face of error and false teaching. One of the most widely recognised summaries of these beliefs is the Apostles' Creed. Although its exact wording is not found in Scripture, it faithfully summarises the central teachings of the Bible and reflects the faith once delivered to the saints.

For this reason, we gladly affirm the Apostles' Creed as a concise statement of biblical Christianity:

We believe in God the Father almighty,
    creator of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord
    Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
        born from the Virgin Mary
    suffered under Pontius Pilate
        was crucified, dead and buried
        descended into hell (hell here is referring to the grave, not the lake of fire / place of eternal torment)
        on the third day rose again from the dead
    ascended to heaven
        sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty
        thence He will come to judge the living and the dead

We believe in the Holy Spirit
    the holy Catholic Church (Catholic here is referring to the "universal" church, not the Roman Catholic church)
    the communion of saints
    the remission of sins
    the resurrection of the flesh
    and eternal life.

Amen.

In addition to the truths expressed in the Creed, we also affirm the following doctrines:

  • There is one God eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Jesus Christ was not created.
  • Jesus Christ became truly human while remaining truly God.
  • Jesus Christ lived a sinless life.
  • Jesus Christ died for our sins and reconciles us to God through His sacrifice.
  • Jesus Christ rose bodily from the dead.
  • Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and reigns at the Father's right hand.
  • The Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God.
  • Scripture consists of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments.
  • Salvation is by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
  • The Holy Spirit convicts, regenerates, indwells, and sanctifies believers.
  • The Church is the body of Christ and consists of all true believers.
  • Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly.
  • There will be a bodily resurrection and final judgement.
  • Eternal life is found only through Jesus Christ.
  • The gifts of the Holy Spirit remain available to the Church today and should be exercised according to Scripture and for the building up of the Church.

In addition to the above, we seek to be faithful to what we believe Scripture teaches on a number of secondary issues. While we hold convictions on these matters, we recognise that faithful Christians may differ. We therefore do not regard agreement on the following issues as essential to Christian fellowship.

  • Baptism
  • The Lord's Supper
  • Church governance
  • The operation of spiritual gifts
  • The interpretation of biblical prophecy
  • The timing and details of Christ's return
  • The relationship between Israel and the Church
  • The age of the earth and details concerning creation
  • Matters of Christian liberty where Scripture gives room for differing convictions

Those entrusted with teaching within the church hold convictions on these matters and will naturally teach in accordance with them. However, we recognise that sincere believers may differ on these issues and do not regard agreement on every point as necessary for fellowship within the congregation.