Scripture
The Scriptures contained in the Old and New Testaments have been supernaturally provided, recorded, and authenticated through the divine messengers of miracle-working Apostles and Prophets. It is here that we find every divine doctrine to believe and every divine command to obey. The Scriptures are words from God. To disbelieve or disobey them is to disbelieve and disobey God Himself.
The Scripture’s authority and trustworthiness as a divine revelation far exceeds any other revelations that may be claimed, and no person or church can authoritatively teach or demand anything except that which is contained in Scripture. Accordingly, all of the beliefs described below are derived from our understanding of Scripture. (cf. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; 16:12 13; 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Hebrews 4:12)
God
God is the Creator and Sovereign Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three Persons — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are all equal in divinity but different in roles. God’s ultimate purpose is to be glorified throughout His creation. This occurs both through His merciful love and His holy wrath. (cf. Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 40:12-26; Psalm 90:2; John 1:1; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11)
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the eternally existing Son of God, co-equal with the Father. While Jesus lived on earth, He was fully God and fully human, making Him the only acceptable mediator between God and humanity through His sinless life and sacrificial death on the cross. His resurrection is undeniable proof to all that He was who He claimed to be. Jesus now resides in glory with the Father until He returns again to punish His enemies and reward His followers. (cf. John 1:1-5; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Titus 2:13-14)
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. It is His convicting, drawing, and regenerating work which enables people who are spiritually dead to be born again and receive the gift of saving faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:1-8; 6:44; Acts 16:14; Ephesians 2:8-9). He then indwells all Christians, sealing them eternally and empowering them to know, love, and serve God. (cf. John 3:1-8; 14:16-17; 16:7-11; Acts 16:14; 1 Timothy 1:14; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16).
While all Christians immediately and equally receive the Person of the Holy Spirit in spiritual baptism upon conversion (cf. Ephesians 1:13; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13), not all are equally controlled by Him, but grow in the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) as they increasingly submit to Him (cf. Galatians 5:16-18).
