The Holy Scriptures.

We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration  of the Holy Scriptures, namely the Old and New Testaments in the original writings.  All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is infallible, inerrant revealing the will of God concerning us all in all matters of faith and conduct. The Bible does not simply contain the Word of God, but is, in    reality,  the complete revelations and very Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that whatever is not     contained therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith

(Matt 5:17; 18:24; 35; John 4:39; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:19-21).

The devil.

We believe in the personality of the devil, who, by his influence, brought about the downfall of man, and now seeks to destroy the faith of every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Gen 3:1-15; Mt 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13;

James 4:7; 1 Pet 5:8; John 13:2).

The fall of man.

We believe that man was created by God by specific immediate act and in His image and likeness, morally upright and perfect, but fell by voluntary transgression.  Consequently,  all men are      separated from original righteousness, being depraved and without spiritual life.

(Gen 1:26-31; 3:1-17; Rom 5:12-21)

The atonement.

We believe that God’s answer to man’s sinful state is in the death of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross,   whose sufferings and shed blood have made full atonement for the sins of the whole world, both original and actual, and that there is no other ground for  salvation.

(2 Cor. 5:18-21; Gal 1:4; Eph 1:7; Col 1:14; Heb 9:25-26; 1 Pet 1:19-21).

Salvation of man.

We believe salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  This experience is also known as the new birth and is an instantaneous and   complete operation of the Holy Spirit whereupon the believing sinner is regenerated, justified, and adopted into the family of God and becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus and heir of eternal life.

(Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; 1 Pet 1:23; 1 John 5:1)

The Church.

The church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission.  Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general assembly and church of the first-born which are written in heaven.

(Eph 1:22-23; 2:22; Heb 12:23).

Water baptism.

We believe that baptism by single immersion, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, is enjoined upon all who have          repented and have believed in Christ as Saviour and Lord, and that it is symbolic of our identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.

(Mt 28:19-20; Acts 10:47-48; 2:38-39;

Rom 6:4-5; Col 2:12; Mk 16:16).

The Lord’s Supper

We believe the Lord’s Supper, consisting of the  elements of bread and the fruit of the vine, is that   symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord  Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:4);  a memorial of His       sufferings and death; and a prophecy of His second coming (1 Cor. 11:26); and is enjoined upon all believers ‘until He comes.’

(Luke 22:15-20; Mt 26:26-28; Acts 20:7).

Sanctification

Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication to God.  We believe it is the     glorious provision for every believer in Christ to be made pure in heart and wholly sanctified, through the operation of the Holy Spirit, by the blood of Jesus and the Word of God.

(John 17:15-19; Acts 15:8-9; 1 Thess 4:3-4;

Heb 2:11; 1 Thess 5:23-24; Heb 10:16-19;

Rom 12:1-2).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the  baptism in the Holy Spirit is the   bestowing of the believer with power to be an effective witness for Christ.  This experience is distinct from, and subsequent to, the new birth, is received by faith, and is accompanied by the manifestation of speaking   in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, as the initial     evidence.

(Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,5,8; 2:1-4; 8:15-19;

11:14-17; 19:1-7).