Statement of Faith
In essential beliefs we have unity.
“There is one Body and one Spirit.. there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all…” Eph. 4:4-6
In non-essential beliefs we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters… Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls… so then each of us will give and account of himself to God… So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22
In all our beliefs we show charity.
“…If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Cor. 13:2 (Ph)
What, then are the “essential” beliefs? At Bowling Green Covenant Church , we believe the statements contained in both the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed outline the essential Biblical truths accepted by Christians of all traditions.
And:
1. We believe in God the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. We believe that Jesus Christ, who as God incarnate, is Lord and Savior, and our exalted Prophet, Priest, and King.
3. We believe in the person, work, power, fruit, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
4. We believe that the sixty-six canonical books of the Bible, as originally written, are the divinely inspired and inerrant Word of God. As such, it provides the only rule of Christian faith and practice.
5. We believe that faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the only basis for eternal salvation and that true faith results in works of righteousness.
6. We believe that the mission of the church is to advance God’s kingdom by discipling the nations and training its members into spiritual maturity while extending the love of God.
7. We believe that Christians by the Spirit of God ought to fulfill the ethical requirements of God’s law.
8. We believe that Jesus Christ will return visibly and bodily to the earth to judge the living and the dead.
Elaboration:
1. We believe in God the Holy Trinity
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5 ; 10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13.
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, and gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. While the Holy Spirit lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation, they are to be baptized in and continually filled with the Spirit of God for powerful, fruitful lives.
Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14; 16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18.
4. About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119: 105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5.
5. About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” Every person is born with original sin, and within himself has no potential for good. Man’s depravity has caused God to judge His creation and separate Himself from man.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2
6. About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection according to Scripture can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
7. About Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
King Jesus ordained two rites under the New Covenant that identify us with his atoning death, his justifying resurrection, and his heavenly coronation: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Those who trust in Him for salvation are to be immersed in water to signify their new birth and citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven . Each Sunday, every saved believer is invited to celebrate this covenantal meal, partaking of bread that represents His body and wine that represents His blood, while proclaiming His victory over sin and death and His coming triumphant return.
Matthew 23:19, 20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 39; Colossians 2:11; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Matthew 26:17-29; Luke 22:7-22; Mark 14:12-25; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Galatians 3:26-27
8. About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will be either eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
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