Spirit Life Church Biblical Statement of Faith

Someone said, “There are certain basic Christian truths that are essential and about which there must be agreement. On all other doctrines there should be liberty…  In all things there must be charity.”

I believe it is our calling as a local church to present the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ in word and deed to everyone we can. In doing that, the pastors of Spirit Life Church are committed to uncompromisingly uphold the “essential doctrines” of the faith listed here. We are also committed to “the unity of the faith” by protecting the liberty of Christians to hold different perspectives on the “non-essential doctrines.”

Due to the diversity of people at Spirit Life Church who represent many denominational and cultural backgrounds, our doctrines, beliefs and methods may not always seem clear to everyone. Many of the perspectives on doctrines and teachings that some may hold upon coming to Spirit Life stem from pop-theology or “current” popular teaching and not the historical, orthodox creeds of the church.

Part of our commission is to “TEACH all nations,” “to observe ALL things whatsoever I (Jesus) have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19,20). It is therefore necessary to set forth a clear and understandable outline of the teachings of the Word of God as it pertains to what we believe.

Please keep in mind that while DOCTRINES are essential. BELIEFS, VALUES and METHODS are given tremendous tolerance and we respect those who would have insight or understanding differing from our own.

Sincerely,  

Pastor Tom

Statement of Faith

A. We believe that there is one living and true God, and that He eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This triune God is the personal creator of the universe and man is wonderfully created in His image. God created all, upholds all, and governs all. (Gen. 1-3, Matthew 28:19, Isaiah 40:12-26, Isaiah 46:8-11).

B. We believe that the scriptures containing both the Old and New Testaments are totally the truthful Word of God. They are fully inspired by God and are the infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct, doctrine and faith. They are therefore to be interpreted according to their context and purpose, in obedience to the Lord who speaks through them in living power (2 Timothy 3:14-17, Romans 15:4, 2 Peter 1:20,21).

C. We believe in God the Father; the Source of the Word and the Begetter of Jesus Christ. He is an infinite and personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, hears and answers prayer and saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ (John 1:4; 14:28; 16:28, Acts 2:21).

D. We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, teaching, substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people and future return to earth. (John 1:14-18, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Mark 1:14-15).

E. We believe in the Holy Spirit, who came forth from the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgement; and to regenerate, sanctify and empower for ministry all who believe in Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit lives in every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is an abiding Helper, Teacher and Guide. We believe in the present on-going ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 15:26, John 16:8, Titus 3:5, Acts 1:8, Romans 8:9, Ephesians 1:13, John 14:16, 1 Corinthians 1:7; 12:4-11).

F. We believe in the fall of man into sin and that by nature we are sinners. Man, through Adam's transgression is therefore under condemnation and in need of a Savior. We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to destroy the work of the devil and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God. We believe that God regenerates and baptizes man by the Holy Spirit, when those who repent of their sins confess Jesus Christ as Lord (Ephesians 2:1-10, Romans 3:9-10,23; 5:12, Acts 2:38, Ezekiel 36:26, 1 John 3:8, John 1:12-13, John 10:9).

G. We believe salvation is a gift from God to man, separate from works and the law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing works acceptable to God. The new birth is necessary for all men to see the Kingdom of God and when fulfilled produces a Kingdom life-style of righteousness, peace and joy (Ephesians 2:8, 2 Corinthians 7:10, 1 John 5:12, John 3:3-5, Romans 14:17).

H. We believe in the universal church, the living spiritual body of Christ existing in physical form upon this earth. We believe Christ is the head of this body and all regenerated persons are members (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:4-5).

I. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ committed two ordinances to the church: baptism and Lord's supper. We believe that water baptism is a command is to be observed by all who believe on His name. We believe in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and that communion is necessary to all believers (Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 11:23-30, Luke 3:3, Mark 16:16).

J. We believe in the personal, visible, appearing of Christ to the earth. We believe in the consummation of His Kingdom in the physical resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal blessing of the righteous and the eternal punishment of the wicked (Acts 1:11, Matthew 25:31, 1 Corinthians 15:20-24, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, Revelation 20:11; 21:8)

K. We believe in what is called "The Apostles Creed" as embodying the fundamental facts of the Christian faith. We endorse the historic orthodox creeds of the church.

L. We believe in the sanctity of human life and that life begins at the moment of conception. (Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5, Isaiah 44:2)

M. We believe in sexual purity for Christian singles, and the sacredness of Christian marriage. We define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. (Gen.1:27, Romans 1:26-27, Matthew 19:1-9, 1 Corinthians 7:1-16)