GRACE GOSPEL CHAPEL STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Scriptures
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, that both the Old and New Testaments are inerrant in the original writings and are accurately preserved by God for us as the supreme and final authority for faith and life. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Hebrews 4:12)
The Godhead
We believe that the one living and true God, Creator and Sustainer of all things, eternally exists in three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and that these three possess the same nature, attributes, and perfections. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Hebrews 11:3; Romans 1:19-20; John 4:24; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19-20)
The Lord Jesus Christ
We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, that He is fully God and fully man, begotten of the Holy Spirit, perfect and sinless. Therefore, He alone is God’s complete sacrifice for sin by His death on the cross. He physically arose from the dead and is now exalted in Heaven at God’s right hand. (John 5:18; John 10:30; Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:12; Philippians 2:5-11; Romans 4:24-25)
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit, the promised Comforter, indwells and seals each believer in the Lord Jesus Christ at the moment of their salvation. In addition, each believer is incorporated into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. He also teaches, guides, convicts, gives spiritual gifts, and empowers each believer to serve and magnify Christ. (John 15:26; John 16:13; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
Man
We believe that man is both physical and spiritual and that he was created in the image and likeness of God. The first man Adam fell from his sinless state through willful disobedience. As a result, all mankind are deserving of eternal punishment and are sinners unable to save themselves through their own works. (Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:4-6; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12-19; Ephesians 2:8-9)
Salvation
We believe that salvation is that act of God whereby a person is cleansed from their sin, freed from eternal punishment and placed in a right relationship with Him. This free gift of salvation is available to all who repent of their sin and trust the Lord Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior. It is by God’s grace alone, apart from and works a person can do. Salvation should be evidenced by a changed life. We believe that every true believer is born again by the Holy Spirit, is eternally secure, and, therefore, cannot lose their salvation. We believe that all who are saved will be raised bodily to everlasting life, and the unsaved to everlasting punishment. (John 1:12; John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; John 5:24; 1 John 5:11-13)
The Church
We believe that the Church, which is also referred to as the Body of Christ or the Bride of Christ, consists of all those who have personally trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that He alone is the Head of His Church. We believe that the local church is a body of believers in Christ who are joined together for the purposes of worship, study of the Word of God, prayer, proclamation of the gospel, fellowship, and the observance of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that elders are raised up by the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit to shepherd (pastor) God’s people. (Romans 12:4-8; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:25; Acts 2:42; Mark 16:15; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 20:28)
Christian Living
We believe that purity of life should characterize each Christian with Christ-like traits nurtured by the Scripture and under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. A growing relationship with the Lord includes personal Bible study, prayer, and avoiding negative worldly influences. Also, every Christian is responsible to proclaim the gospel by what they say and do. Each Christian should be in fellowship with other Christians by actively participating in a local Bible-believing church. (1 Peter 1:15; Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 John 2:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20)
The Future
We believe in the personal, imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His church. He will later return to the earth to regain over His millennial kingdom. This is the believer’s blessed hope and is a vital truth which is an incentive to holy living and faithful service. (John 14:2-3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-13; 1 John 3:2-3; Revelation 20:2-3; Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12, Revelation 22:20)