The First Principles of the Oracles of God (He.5:12; 6:1-2)
Our basic beliefs are outlined in He.6:1-2. This Scripture shows three categories of basic doctrines. They are (A)The Principles of the Doctrine of Christ, (B)The Christian Foundation, & (C)Going on to Perfection. The Principles of the Doctrine of Christ are the basic doctrines which center on Jesus Himself, who He is, and central theme of what true Christianity is. In the above mentioned passage, we are told specifically what doctrines make up the Christian Foundation. Going on to Perfection refers to reflecting outwardly who we already are on inwardly, sons and daughters made in the image of Christ, living truly Spirit-led lives.
A. The Principles of the Doctrine of Christ:
1. The Holy Scriptures - We believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and our infallible guide in all matters. The Word of God is a manifestation of Jesus Christ and Jesus is the Word made flesh; (John 1:1-14; I Tm.3:16)
2. The Deity of Christ - We believe that Jesus Christ is 100% God and 100% man. He is the manifestation of God that became flesh; (Jn 1:1-14; I Th.2:13)
3. The Godhead - We believe that we serve One Eternal God with three Divine manifestations - Father, Son(Jesus), & Holy Spirit. In Jesus dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily; (Col.2:9; Ph.2:6)
4. The Virgin Birth - We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived and birthed supernaturally by the Holy Spirit; (Mt.1; Lu.1)
5. The Blood Atonement - We believe that eternal life and all the promises of God are provided through the Blood of Jesus and His Redemptive work on the Cross; (Rm.3:10,23-26; 5:14; 6:23)
6. The Resurrection of Jesus - We believe that the work of the Cross is made complete by the indisputable fact of the resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Mt.28 & Ac.1)
7. The Return of Jesus - We believe in the Blessed Hope, that Jesus, our Messiah, will return in the near future;
B. The Christian Foundation:
8. Repentance From Dead Works - The literal meaning of the word "repentance" means "to change your mind", "to change direction", or "to change your way of thinking". We believe that through the power of God's Word, minds are changed from a focus on "dead works" to a focus on faith. Repentance from Dead Works means that we must stop trying to please God and win favor with Him through any kind of self-effort or religious ritual amd simply accept what the New Covenant says about us as already being true by faith; (Jn.3:3-5, 16-17; II Cor.7:10; Ep.2:8-10)
9. Faith toward God - We believe that God has made many great and precious promises to believers in Scripture. Among these promises are salvation, eternal life, health, prosperity, guidance, direction, wisdom, revelation, knowledge, understanding, spiritual gifts, and much more. All of which can be appropriated by faith in the One who promised them; (Rm.4:17-22; He.10&11; Mk.11:22-24)
10. Water Baptism - We believe that water baptism is a direct command of our Lord and is for true believers only. Water Baptism is a symbol of the Christians' identification with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection and is properly practiced by immersion, in the Name of Jesus.; (Mt.28:19; Ac.2:36; 8:36-39)
11. Holy Spirit Baptism - We believe that God desires for all His children to receive the Holy Spirit Baptism. This is the supernatural power of God living within the believer with the initial sign of speaking in tongues; (Ac.1:8; 2:4; 2:17; 19:2,6)
12. Laying on of Hands - We believe that the power and anointing of God can be transferred from a Spirit-filled believer to others through the laying on of hands; (Mk.16:17-18)
13. Resurrection from the Dead - We believe that after this earthly life, we'll all be resurrected. Some to eternal (zoe)life and some to eternal damnation; (I Th.4:17-18)
14. Eternal Judgments - We believe that someday all will stand in judgment before our Creator. Those who have placed their faith fully in Christ for their salvation will be judged as righteous, based on the Blood of Jesus. Those who have died without a relationship with Christ will be hopelessly and eternally lost and condemned to the Lake of Fire;
C. Going On To Perfection:
15. The Grace Message - We believe that everything we obtain from God is by grace through faith, not of works. Our work for the Kingdom of God is based upon our love for God and for people, not for the purpose of winning His favor; (Ep.2:8-9, Rm.5:1)
16. The Full Faith Message - We believe that God desires for Christians to develop full reliance and total trust upon Him for every need and desire. All the promises of the Bible are the covenant right of every true believer in Jesus. Just as God is not willing that any should perish in their sins, He is also not willing that any should suffer from sickness, disease, poverty, ignorance, or fear. He desires above all things that all Christians prosper and be in physical health as they grow up spiritually; (I Pe.2:24; Ps.103:2-3; III Jn.2,4)
17. Sonship - We believe that every Christian has the right and responsibility to fully mature spiritually into reflecting and demonstrating Jesus at all times. This includes living a Spirit-led life and taking on the full privileges of sons & daughters of God; (Mt.5:48; Rm.8:29; Ep.3:19; 4:12-16)
18. Spiritual Gifts - We believe that every Christian is given various spiritual gifts. Every Christian has the responsibility before God to discover what these gifts are and to use them for His Glory, for the Church's edification, and for the fulfilling of the Great Commission; (Rm.12; I Cor.12; Ep.4:11)
