Hope in Christ Church

Statement of Faith

What we believe

The Nature of God

We believe that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1), all things visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16). God eternally coexists in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26, Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 28:18-20; Jude 20-21)-equal in essence and divine perfection, executing distinct but harmonious offices (Mark 1:9-11; John 14:3,15-18,26; John 15:26; John 16:13-15). God is three persons (2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18, 1 Peter 1:2); each person is fully God (Acts 5:3-4; Colossians 2:9-10; Hebrews 1:1-3); there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29; Ephesians 4:6; 1 John 5:7). The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere present (Isaiah 40:10-17; Job 38-42:2; Psalm 139).

God the Father

We believe God the Father, who is spirit (John 4:24), is the perfect, just, holy, eternal Sovereign over all creation and time. He spoke the world into existence (Genesis 1-2). God planned the redemption of man (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Acts 2:22-24); He calls the saints (Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:3-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4), and He is the means by which one is drawn to the Son (John 6:44,65); He governs the nations (Psalm 22:28; Psalm 67:4; Proverbs 21:1), and controls the time when this age will end (Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:6-7). The Father sent His Son (John 3:16-17) and the promised Holy Spirit (John 14:26; John 15:26).

God the Son

We believe Christ is the manifestation of God in the flesh, fully God and fully man (John 1:1,14; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:1-3). He is the only begotten Son of the Father (John 1:18; John 3:16; Hebrews 1:3,5). Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-35), lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), and died on the cross (Matthew 27:50; Mark 15:37,39,44-45; Luke 23:46; John 19:30-33; 1 Corinthians 15:3), bearing the full wrath of God for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6; Romans 3:23-26; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 John 4:10); He was buried (Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:46; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-42; 1 Corinthians 15:4), raised bodily from the dead (Matthew 28:5-7; Mark 16:6-7; Luke 24:4-8,38-40,46; John 20:9,12-14; 1 Corinthians 15:4), and ascended into heaven (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9-11), where He is seated at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 7:55; Ephesians 1:20-21; Hebrews 12:1-2). He will return to earth (Acts 1:9-11) to rule and judge the living and the dead (Matthew 25:31-33; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). The Son, in conjunction with the Father, sent the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; John 15:26; Luke 24:49).

God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, God's righteousness, and coming judgment (John 16:8-11). The Holy Spirit brings salvation and eternal life to those who believe (John 3:5-7; John 6:63), indwells the believer upon salvation (John 7:38-39; Acts 2:37-39; Acts 9:17; Acts 10:44-47), and seals the believer as God's purchased possession (Romans 8:14-17,23; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30). The indwelling Spirit assures the believer of salvation (Romans 8:15-17; 1 John 3:24), convicts the believer of sin (Psalm 51), and provides guidance (John 16:13; Acts 13:3-4; Acts 16:6-7), scriptural understanding (Psalm 119:18; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 John 2:27), comfort (John 14:16; John 14:26; John 15:26; Acts 9:31), and intercession (Romans 8:26-27). The indwelling Spirit does not speak on His own authority, but only speaks what He hears from the Father and the Son (John 16:13-15). The Holy Spirit gifts the believer for ministry (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4,7,11), and progressively sanctifies the believer for godly living (Romans 8:11-13; Galatians 5:16,22-25; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8).

Authority of the Scriptures

We believe all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We believe that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19-21). We believe the Scriptures consist of 66 books: 39 Old Testament books, and 27 New Testament books. Scripture is complete in these 66 books, and serves as the whole counsel of God (Psalm 119:160; Acts 20:27); therefore, the Scriptures are not to be added to, or deleted, in any way (Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; Matthew 5:18; Revelation 22:18-19). The Scriptures, as written, are the final authority in all matters of belief and behavior (Psalm 1; Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:1-8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). We believe the Scriptures contain the teachings sufficient for salvation (2 Timothy 3:14-15; John 3:16-17; Romans 3:21-26; Romans 10:11-17). We believe the Scriptures are the source of truth, inerrant and infallible (Psalm 19:7-9; Psalm 119:89), and in them we are called to be a set apart people by this truth alone (John 17:17). The Scriptures have been given that we might know the way of salvation, and how to walk in obedience to the Lord.

Creation of Man

We believe the Scriptures teach a recent origin for man and the whole creation, spanning approximately 4,000 years from creation to Christ; we believe in the literal, six 24-hour day account of creation, that the creation of man lies in the special, immediate, and formative acts of God and not from previously existing life forms (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7, 21-22; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 11:3). We believe the doctrines of Creator and Creation cannot be divorced from the gospel of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:9-18).

Doctrine of Man

We believe God created man for His own glory (Isaiah 43:7). God created man in His image to represent Himself in nature and attributes (Genesis 1:26). In the fallen man the image of God is distorted by sin (Ecclesiastes 7:29; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 1:20-25). The believer is progressively sanctified upon salvation, being conformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:8-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8), and is fully restored at Christ's return (Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2).

Man's purpose is to glorify God (Colossians 3:16-17; Revelation 4:11); the testimony and actions of man are to shine light on the splendor and majesty of God, pointing directly to His perfect, manifold attributes (Matthew 5:16, 1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 2:14-15), rejoicing in fellowship with God (Psalm 16:11; 27:4; John 15:1-11; 1 John 1:3-4).

Fall of Man

We believe that sin entered the world "through one man" (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). Through this one man, Adam, "sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned" (Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22); we believe death (both physical and spiritual) entered into this world subsequent to and as a direct consequence of man's sin (Romans 5:12-21). Because all men have sinned (Romans 3:23), we are subject to God's just condemnation (Romans 1:32; Romans 2:2; John 3:19). Without the merciful intervention of God through the death of Christ on the cross for our sins (John 3:14-20)-drawing men unto His Son (John 6:44)-all men will live separated from God and die in their sins (John 8:23-24), and live eternally separated from God in a real place of torment the Bible describes as Hell (Matthew 25:41-46; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:15).

Salvation

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures (Isaiah 53:4-12; Matthew 1:21; 1 Corinthians 15:2-4), as the only acceptable representative (Romans 5:12-21; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 1:1-4) and substitutionary sacrifice (John 11:49-52; Hebrews 9:11-15; 1 Peter 2:21-24); that Christ was buried and then raised to life again the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:4); and that He ascended to the right hand of God the Father according to the Scriptures (Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 4:8-10; Hebrews 12:1-2). Man cannot bring about salvation on his own (Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:4-10; Philippians 3:7-11; Titus 3:4-7); rather, he must trust solely in the work of Christ on his behalf, believing that Jesus Christ died for his sins and that God raised this Jesus from the dead (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:8-10). God in His sovereign will and grace predestinated for salvation those who would answer His call (Acts 2:39; Acts 13:48; Romans 8:28-30). Each person who willingly receives Christ as Lord and Savior (John 1:12; John 3:16; Romans 10:13), by grace through faith, is justified by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ's shed blood on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:23-26; Romans 5:1-2, 8-15). Each person who receives Christ is born again, a new creation in Christ (Romans 6:4-14; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Upon salvation, the believer is given the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39; Acts 2:38-39), "the guarantee of our inheritance" (Ephesians 1:14), as adopted children of God (Romans 8:14-17), secure in Him (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:35-39).

The believer is called to walk in the Spirit (Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 5:16, 22-25; 1 John 2:27) and in obedience to the Scriptures (Psalm 119; Ephesians 6:17; Colossians 3:16; 1 Peter 1:22-23). God progressively sanctifies believers into the image of Christ (John 17:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6); the believer is called to obediently yield himself unto this purpose (Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Philippians 3:13-14; Hebrews 12:1-11; 1 John 3:3).

The believer awaits the "salvation to be revealed in the last time"-glorification-with endurance and joyful anticipation of the Lord's return (1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 1 Peter 1:3-9). "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself" (Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2).

The Church

We believe that God established the church, and placed over the church His own Son (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18), who loved the church and purchased it with His own blood (Ephesians 5:25-27; Acts 20:28). The church consists of those who receive Jesus as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-13; 1 Corinthians 1:2), and exists to give glory to God before the world and the heavenly realms (Matthew 5:13-16; John 17:20-23; Ephesians 3:8-21); we believe that the local church is called to manifest the genuine presence of God through worship (1 Corinthians 14:23-25; Ephesians 5:18-21; Colossians 3:15-17), to build up fellow believers (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:7-16; 1 Peter 4:10-11), to exercise church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 2:6-11; Galatians 6:1); and to evangelize unbelievers (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:40-47; Acts 6:7). The gatherings of the church, while structured and established for the believer, may also, as the Holy Spirit enables, draw an unbeliever unto the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).

We believe the church has been given two biblical offices: Elder and Deacon. We believe that biblical Eldership implies a plurality of men, working together in a shared leadership position, under the authority of Christ and the direction of the Holy Spirit; these men are called to be stewards of the Word of God, holding fast the faithful Word, guarding, feeding, leading, and shepherding the flock; they are also commissioned to be men of prayer (Acts 6:4; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-16; 1 Peter 5:1-3). While the Elders are commissioned with watching out for the souls of the flock, the church is commissioned, as well, to obey and to be submissive to those who rule over them (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Peter 5:5). We believe that biblical Deacons are men full of the Holy Spirit, called upon to minister primarily within the local church, serving on the 'front line,' calling attention to the needs within the local church, to assist every part of the body to do its share (Acts 6:1-7; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Timothy 3:8-13).

We believe that there are two sacraments in the local church: the Lord's Supper and Baptism. The Lord's Supper is a remembrance, together as one body, of Jesus and His love toward us on the cross (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25), and is an anticipation of His return (Luke 22:18; 1 Corinthians 11:26). We partake of the bread (which represents the body of Jesus), and the cup (which represents the blood of Jesus), and are called to examine ourselves prior to partaking, that we might not eat and drink judgment upon ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:27-34). Baptism by immersion (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Acts 8:38-39) is the believer's public identification with Christ and His church (Acts 2:41). It is an outward sign of his union with Christ: that he has died to his old life, has been buried with Christ, and is raised again with Christ to new life "that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin" (Romans 6:3-10).

End Times

We believe Jesus Christ will return: suddenly (Matthew 24:44; 2 Peter 3:10), personally (John 14:2-3), physically (1 Thessalonians 4:16), visibly (Acts 1:10-11; 1 John 3:2; Matthew 24:30-31), to all at the time appointed by God (Mark 13:32-33; Acts 1:7). All believers, living and dead, will be bodily caught up to meet Him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). He will be the final judge of all mankind (Acts 10:42; Acts 17:31; Revelation 20:11-15).

We believe the unrepentant will be raised to the resurrection of judgment and everlasting punishment in hell with Satan and his demons (Psalm 1; Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:28-29; Romans 2:5-11; Revelation 20:15). This certain judgment motivates believers to evangelize the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 17:16-31; Romans 10:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11).

Believers have already passed from death to life and will be raised to the resurrection of life (John 5:24; John 6:40); they will be changed and put on incorruption and immortality (1 Corinthians 15:50-55); their works will be judged (1 Corinthians 3:11-15) and rewarded (2 Timothy 2:19-21; 2 Peter 1:5-11); they will enjoy the everlasting, personal presence of God and will serve and glorify Him in the new heaven and earth (Isaiah 65:17, 66:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 2 Peter 3:11-13; Revelation 21:1-7). This is the hope for which believers long (Titus 2:13), which helps motivate godly living (Titus 2:11-15; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 3:2-3; Revelation 1:3).

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