Statement of Faith
Bible
The Bible is God’s word to man and reveals His plan for man including creation, the history of Israel, the plan of salvation through Christ, the church, the world, the end-times, Christian doctrine, life after death and the ages to come. The Scriptures were written by holy men of old and all 66 books of the canon of Scripture should be read as sacred texts inspired by the Most-High God Himself.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
God the Creator
God is revealed in the book of Genesis has Creator of all things including the universe, the earth, mankind, the animals, and vegetation etc. The work of creation was completed in six days.
(Genesis 1, 2; John 1:1-3)
Father, Son and Holy Ghost (The Trinity)
God has revealed Himself in Scripture as a triune being (aka the Trinity). All non-trinitarian doctrines are to be rejected.
(2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 5:7; Matthew 3:16-17; Isaiah 61:1; 48:16; John 14:16, 26)
Jesus Christ the Son of God
The second person in the Godhead (Trinity) is the Word of God. The Word became flesh and walked among us (Jesus Christ). He is the Son of God (God manifested in the flesh). He is the Saviour of the world and the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
(John 1:1-36; 2 Timothy 1:10; John 1:29; 1 John 1:1-3)
Jesus’ Birth, Life & Ministry
The Lord Jesus was born of a virgin (Mary) and brought up in the Jewish way of life. He preached, healed the sick and did miracles for three and a half years.
(Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:21-52; John 6:2; Luke 4:40-41)
The Crucifixion
Christ was crucified for the sins of humanity according to the Scriptures. He also bore our sicknesses on the cross. His death was an atonement for sin. We are saved through His blood.
(Matthew 27:1-54; Isaiah 53; Romans 5:9-21; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
Christ’s Resurrection
Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead three days after His crucifixion. He now sits at the right hand of God the Father.
(1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 20-23; Acts 10:40; 17:31; Hebrews 10:12)
Justification by Faith
We are called to live by faith (Galatians 3:11). Salvation is not obtained by self-righteous effort nor by the application of the Old Testament law of Moses but by faith in the finished work of Calvary.
(Ephesians 2:5, 8; 1 Peter 1:5; Romans 5:1-2; Hebrews 10:38)
Outpouring of the Holy Spirit & Glossolalia
As Pentecostals we believe in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon His church which began on the day of Pentecost. This outpouring continues (the Holy Spirit is still here on earth) which includes speaking in tongues, the gift of prophecy, dreams and visions etc.
(Acts 2:1-21, 38; Mark 16:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; 14; Joel 2:28-32)
Apostles and Prophets
Christ, after His ascension gave gifts unto men. None of the gifts have died out, but they are still in operation on earth today.
(Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Corinthians 12:28)
Water Baptism
Water baptism is to be obeyed upon our faith in Christ and conversion to Him.
(Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38)
Water Baptism Formats & Formulas
We do not hold to the teaching of baptismal regeneration. However, it is important to obey the Lord’s command to be baptised. The baptism is to be by full immersion as opposed to infant baptism. It can be done in the name of Jesus, or in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, or in the name of the Lord. Either one is acceptable as long as one does not hold to Oneness Pentecostal doctrine.
(Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Acts 19:5)
Communion
The communion is to be practiced on a regular basis to remember what Christ did on the cross.
(Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34)
Calvinism/Arminianism
We would subscribe to an Arminian-type theology as opposed to a Calvinist theology. While salvation is a work of God, the individual person has a choice also and a responsibility in the process of getting saved and staying saved. Also, Christ died for the whole world, not just the elect.
(Mark 16:15-16; 1 John 2:2; 2 Peter 3:9)
Eternal Security
We do not believe in an unconditional eternal security (once saved, always saved), but in conditional security. That is, we believe that there is assurance of salvation in this life but that our salvation is conditional upon us obeying God and fulfilling our side to the New Testament covenant. It is possible to fall away from the faith. We have not been granted to live however we please and at the same time expect our salvation to be secure.
(2 Timothy 4:10; 1 Timothy 5:11-15; 2 Timothy 1:12; Romans 8:16)
The After Life
Heaven is real and hell is real. As the church we should preach the promise of heaven as well as warn of the danger of hell. Salvation is only through Christ and His sacrifice.
(2 Peter 1:11; 2 Corinthians 12:1-4; Revelation 20:10-15; Mark 9:43-48; John 14:6; John 10:25-29)
The Rapture, Israel and the End Times
We hold to a dispensational view of the end times.
This includes a belief in God’s future and prophetic plan for the nation of Israel. There will be the rapture of the church followed by Daniel’s seventieth week (seven-year tribulation). Christ will return to set up His Kingdom on this earth for one thousand years. The timing of the rapture of the church is when the Holy Spirit (the Restrainer) is removed (2 Thessalonians 2:7).
(Romans 11; Daniel 9:24-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Ordination of Women
We do not believe that women are to be ordained as pastors or called to hold such offices as elders or deacons. They can be active in service but not hold these offices that God called men to.
(1 Timothy 2:12, 1 Timothy 3:2, 12)
Protecting the Church from Wolves
Church leaders have a responsibility to be on guard against false prophets and teachers that would harm the church of Christ.
(Acts 20:26-31; 2 Peter 2; Colossians 2:8; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
Speaking out on Societal Sins
The church should be consistent in reproving society on its sins such as abortion and homosexuality.
(Leviticus 18:22; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13-16; Ephesians 5:11; Mark 10:6-9)
The Final Resurrection
There will be a final resurrection of both saved and lost, howbeit, at different times. The righteous will be resurrected when the rapture occurs. The wicked dead will be resurrected one thousand years later and judged at the great white throne judgment.
(John 5:28-29; John 6:39-44, 54; John 11:25-26; Revelation 20:4-6; 11-15; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 51-55)