What is the Salvation?
Pastor Luke continues by anchoring the church in its statement of faith and the truth of Holy Bible—especially Romans 6:23—emphasizing that salvation is a gift of grace and that true Christianity is rooted in a surrendered relationship with God, not religious performance. 1. Salvation We believe that salvation is a gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8–9), received through personal repentance from sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15; Acts 16:31). In salvation, the believer is justified (Romans 5:1), adopted into God’s family (Galatians 4:4–5), redeemed from the penalty of sin (Ephesians 1:7), and reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). True saving faith will produce a life of obedience, perseverance, and good works (James 2:17; 1 John 2:3–6). 1. The Holy Spirit We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, fully God and co-equal with the Father and the Son (Acts 5:3–4). He convicts the world of sin (John 16:8), regenerates and indwells every believer at conversion (Titus 3:5–6; Romans 8:9), and empowers them for holy living and ministry (Galatians 5:16–25; Acts 1:8). He sovereignly distributes spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4–7; Ephesians 4:11–13).
The Problem &
The Solution
Pastor Cameron continues the discussion on theology, and explains the introduction of sin, and the hope we have in Jesus. 1. Humanity and Sin We believe that mankind was created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26–27) to know, love, and glorify Him. However, through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world and corrupted human nature (Romans 5:12; Psalm 51:5). Every person is born with a sinful nature and is separated from God, unable to save themselves by good works or human effort (Isaiah 59:2; Ephesians 2:1–3). Sin brings spiritual death and the righteous judgment of God (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27). 1. The Person and Work of Jesus Christ We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9), conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:35). He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), perfectly obeying the Father, and offered Himself as the substitutionary atonement for sin through His death on the cross (Isaiah 53:4–6; 1 Peter 2:24). He rose bodily from the dead on the third day (Luke 24:6–7; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4), demonstrating victory over sin and death, and ascended into heaven where He intercedes for His people (Hebrews 7:25; Acts 1:9–11). He will return in power and glory to judge the living and the dead (Matthew 25:31–32; Revelation 19:11–16).
The Starting Place of Theology
Starting out our series on Theology! If you're interested in the three books mentioned, here are the titles and a link to Amazon to purchase, OR you can purchase them from the library at the back of the church. “You are a Theologian” https://a.co/d/gZuTrjP “Delighting in the Trinity” https://a.co/d/eoSWKDg "How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth” https://a.co/d/i8fxLRJ Belief Statements: 1. The Nature of God We believe in one living and true God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5–6), the Creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2), who eternally exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). These three are co-equal in power, glory, and majesty, and share the same divine essence while remaining distinct in personhood. 1. The Scriptures We believe that the Holy Scriptures, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, are the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21). They are the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith, conduct, and doctrine (Psalm 19:7–11; Matthew 5:18). The Bible is sufficient for life and godliness and is to be diligently studied, faithfully preached, and joyfully obeyed (Joshua 1:8; James 1:22).