 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| A Common Creed We believe that creation bears witness to God’s goodness, and that God created us to enjoy His presence. However, in going our own way we have fallen under the influence of sin and death. We believe that God still loves us and from the beginning of human history has been revealing His plan to restore creation. In the Bible we find a faithful witness to God's salvation plan. The Bible, while written with many human fingerprints, is inspired by God and speaks to us with God's authority. God's loving plan to restore his creation came into it's fullness in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was both a man and the incarnation of God's Word -- the very Word of God which spoke creation into being. Jesus was a perfect man, not under the curse of sin and death. When Jesus was crucified he took the place which belonged to us -- death. But because Jesus was who he was (having come from the Heavenly Father as light comes from light) death could not lay claim to him. Jesus conquered death and arose from the tomb. Having appeared to his disciples he ascended into heaven. God's plan for restoring his creation will reach its completion when Jesus returns, bringing all things to a time of justice. For our part, we must respond to the good news of Jesus Christ. We do this by turning from our sin and asking God to forgive us in the name of Jesus. When we do this God sends His Holy Spirit into our lives. Those who call upon the name of Jesus in such faith are given a promise of eternal life -- a promise which comes from both the Bible and the inner witness of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit also begins a life long work in the person who trusts in Christ, causing them to grow in maturity and grace. Together, those who have placed themselves in the grace of Jesus Christ and submitted to his lordship make up his church. We are called to be his very presence in our lost and broken world and are given authority to do powerful good in the name of Jesus.
The following are a few key scriptures from which this statement of belief flows: Genesis 1:1 & Psalm 19 (concerning God and creation); Romans 3:23 & 6:23 (concerning the human condition of sin); John 1:1-5 & 1 Timothy 2:5 (concerning Jesus Christ); John 1:12-13 & John 3:16 (concerning our need to respond to Jesus); Ephesians 1:13 & Galatians 5:22-23 (concerning the Holy Spirit); Matthew 16:18 (concerning Christ's church); 2 Timothy 3:16 & 2 Peter 1:20-21 (concerning the Bible). |