ADDITIONAL BELIEFS
In addition to the previous articles of doctrine, we also hold to the following:
HERMENUETICAL METHOD
We hold to the historical-grammatical method of interpreting Scripture. We believe that any given text should be taken in its natural, literal meaning unless there is something in the text or context that would indicate that it should be taken in some other way (such as allegory, euphemism, or some other figure of speech).
DISPENSATIONALISM
We are dispensational in the sense that we believe there is a clear distinction between Israel and the church. We do not believe that the church has “replaced” Israel and we believe that God still has future plans for Israel (Rom. 11:26), which includes a literal 1000-year earthly kingdom (Rev. 20:1-15).
SOLA FIDE – “By Faith Alone”
We affirm the primary tenants of the Protestant Reformation, the first of which is SOLA FIDE, which means “by faith alone.” The core, or fundamental truth, of the Gospel is that our justification (our being made righteous and acceptable to God) is never on the basis of works (anything we have done) but is based solely upon faith alone in Christ alone by God’s grace alone. (Eph. 2:4-9)
We do, however, acknowledge that when true saving faith is exercised in Jesus Christ, there will always be a change in one’s life as evidence of that faith. New attitudes and actions always follow true saving faith in Jesus Christ.
SOLA GRATIA – “By Grace Alone”
The Bible teaches that in the matter of our salvation and being made right with God there is absolutely nothing that man or woman can do apart from God’s grace (Rom. 3:11). It is impossible for man to gain eternal life on his own apart from the unmerited favor of God. It is only by God’s grace that any can be saved and salvation is totally the work of God and not man (Eph. 2:8-9, John 6:37, 44, 65).
SOLA SCRIPTURA – “By Scripture Alone”
It is through the Holy Scriptures alone that God speaks today. The Bible is not just a book that contains God’s Words, but rather it is God’s literal and complete revelation to man in its totality. It is in the Holy Bible, with the enlightenment and guidance of the Holy Spirit, that we find God’s will, His purposes and His requirements for our lives (2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3) Not only is the Bible absolutely infallible, it is also totally sufficient for life and godliness.
This revelation of God in Scripture is both timeless and without any mixture of error (Mat. 24:35, Psalm 19:7). While we believe that denominational traditions and church history are important, and should be known and studied, it is God’s Word, the Holy Bible, that is our ultimate and absolute authority for life and practice in every realm.
The truth of the Gospel message is eternal! (Ps. 119:89) The Gospel is not determined by the culture we live in or the dictates of men. In Scripture, God has spoken His final word to man. As a church, we should pay the utmost attention to it and preserve it with accuracy and faithfulness (2 Tim. 2:15).
SOLI DEO GLORIA – “To God Alone Be The Glory”
The Bible declares that God alone is worthy of worship, praise and adoration, both for our justification and our sanctification because both are by God’s grace alone (1 Cor. 6:20, 1 Peter 4:16).
SOLO CHRISTO – “By Christ Alone”
The Bible declares that there is only one way to salvation, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1 Tim. 2:5). We believe and proclaim that there is no salvation apart from knowing and believing in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16-17, 36). His death was a substitute and sacrifice for His elect, taking away our sin and giving us His (imputed) righteousness.
(Last Revised: 08/07/12)