OUR BELIEFS
SCRIPTURE
The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through the people of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to humanity the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative reveler of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history. 2 Peter 1:20-21 | 2 Tim 3:16-17 | Psalm 119:105 | Proverbs 30:5-6 | Isaiah 8:20 | John 17:17 | 1 Thessalonians 2:13 | Hebrews 4:12
TRINITY
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. Deuteronomy 6:4 | Matthew 28:19 | 2 Corinthians 13:14 | Ephesians 4:4-6 | 1 Peter 1:2 | 1 Timothy 1:17 | Revelation 14:7
FATHER
God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father. Genesis 1:1 | Revelation 4:11 | 1 Corinthians 15:28 | John 3:16 | 1 John 4:8 | 1 Timothy 1:17 | Exodus 34:6-7 | John 14:9
SON
God became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, God’s character is revealed, salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became truly man. He experienced temptation like us, but manifested God’s overcoming power and proved Himself the Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins, was raised from the dead, and ascended to Heaven. He will return to deliver His people and restore of all things. John 1:1-3, 14 | Romans 6:23 | 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 | John 5:22 | Philippians 2:5-11 | Hebrews 2:9-18 | 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 | John 14:1-3
HOLY SPIRIT
God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ's life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and Son to be ever with us, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and leads it into all truth. Genesis 1:1-2 | Luke 1:35 | Luke 4:18 | Acts 10:38 | 2 Peter 1:21 | Acts 1:8 | John 14:16-18, 26 | John 16:7-13
CREATION
God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days the Lord made "the heaven and the earth" and all living things in it, and rested on the seventh day. The first man and woman were made in the image of God, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. All was "very good,'' declaring the glory of God. Genesis 1 & 2 | Exodus 20:8-11 | Psalms 19:1-6 | Psalms 33:6, 9 | Psalm 104 | Hebrews 11:3
NATURE OF HUMANITY
Humankind was made in God’s image with freedom of choice. Though free, each is dependent upon God for life. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and God’s image in them was marred. They became subject to death. We share this fallen nature and its consequences. We are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled us to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Genesis 1:26-28 | Genesis 3 | Psalm 51:5 | Romans 5:12-17 | 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 | Psalm 51:10 | 1 John 4:7-8, 11, 20 | Genesis 2:15
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
All creation is now involved in a war between Christ and Satan regarding God’s character. It originated in heaven when Lucifer, given freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God's adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. Human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, and the world. The God of love will be vindicated. Revelation 12:4-9 | Isaiah 14:12-14 | Ezekiel 28:12-18 | Genesis 3 | Romans 1:19-32 | Romans 8:19-22 | 1 Corinthians 4:9
THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
In Christ's perfect life, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for sin, so we who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect reconciling atonement vindicates God's character. The resurrection of Christ assures those who accept the atonement of final victory over sin and death and declares Jesus Lord, before whom every knee in heaven and earth will bow. Isaiah 53 | 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 19-21 | Romans 1:4, 25 | Romans 8:3-4 | 1 John 2:2 | 1 John 4:10 | Philippians 2:6-11
EXPERIENCE OF SALVATION
In infinite love and mercy God leads us to sense our need of forgiveness, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. The faith which receives salvation is a gift of God's grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted, and delivered from sin’s rule. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified. Abiding in Him we are partakers of His nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. John 3:16 | Titus 3:3-7 | John 16:8 | Romans 8:1-4 | Romans 10:17 | Ephesians 2:4-10 | Romans 3:21-26 | Hebrews 8:7-12 | 2 Peter 1:3-4
GROWING IN CHRIST
Jesus' victory gives us victory over controlling forces of evil. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we are set free from the burden of past deeds. In this new freedom, we are called to grow into the likeness of Jesus’ character, through prayer and receiving His Word, among other gifts. As we give ourselves in loving service His Spirit transforms every moment and task into a spiritual experience. Psalms 1:1-3 | 2 Peter 3:18 | 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 | Philippians 3:7-14 | 1 Thessalonians 5:16-23 | Matthew 20:25-28 | Galatians 5:22-25 | Hebrews 10:25
THE CHURCH
The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Called out from the world, we join together for worship, fellowship, biblical instruction, the Lord's Supper, service to mankind, and worldwide gospel proclamation. This family of God, receives authority from Christ. It’s members live under the new covenant. It’s the body of Christ and He is the Head. It’s the bride for whom Christ died to sanctify and present her to Himself as a glorious, faithful church. Ephesians 4:11-15 | Matthew 28:19-20 | Matthew 16:13-20 | Matthew 18:18 |Ephesians 2:19-22 | Ephesians 1:22-23 | Ephesians 5:23-27 | Colossians 1:17-18
THE SABBATH
After Creation, God rested the seventh day, instituting the Sabbath. The fourth commandment requires Sabbath observance as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with Jesus’ teaching and practice. Celebrated from sunset to sunset, Sabbath is for of communion with God and one another. It symbolizes our redemption, and sanctification. It’s a token of our allegiance, a foretaste of our eternal future in God's kingdom, and God’s perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. (Gen 2:1-3;Exodus 20:8-11; Luke 4:16; Isa 58:13, 14; Mat 12:1-12;Eze 20:12, 20; Heb 4:1-11| Leviticus 23:32
UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
The church is one body with many members. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, position, nationality, economic standing, gender etc. must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, whose Spirit give us fellowship with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation. We share one faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. The triune God is our source of unity. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 | Matthew 28:19-20 | Psalm 133:1 | 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 | Galatians 3:27, 29 | Colossians 3:10-15 | Ephesians 4:1-6, 14-16 | John 17:20-23
REMNANT AND IT'S MISSION
The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation coincides with the work of judgment in Heaven and results in repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to partake in this worldwide witness. Revelation 12:17 | Revelation 14:6-12 | Revelation 18:1-4 | 2 Corinthians 5:10 | Jude 3, 14 | 1 Peter 1:16-19 | 2 Peter 3:10-14 | Revelation 21:1-14
BAPTISM
By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and testify of our death to sin and purpose to walk in newness of life. We become members of His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, forgiveness of sin, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. Romans 6:1-6 | Colossians 2:12-13 | Acts 16:30-33 | Acts 22:16 | Acts 2:38 | Matthew 28:19-20
SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND MINISTRIES
God bestows upon all members of His church spiritual gifts to employ in ministry for the church and humanity. Given by the Holy Spirit, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church. Some examples are faith, healing, prophecy, teaching, administration, and self-sacrificing service. When members employ these gifts as faithful stewards of God's grace, the church is protected from the destructive influences, grows with godly growth, and is built up in faith and love. Romans 12:4-8 | 1 Corinthians 12:9-11, 27-28 | Ephesians 4:8, 11-16 | Acts 6:1-7 | 1 Timothy 3:1-13 | 1 Peter 4:10-11
THE LORD'S SUPPER
The Lord's Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him. Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. Here we proclaim the Lord's death until He returns. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 | 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 | Matthew 26:17-30 | Revelation 3:20 | John 6:48-63 | John 13:1-17
THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White . As the Lord's messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. Joel 2:28-29 | Acts 2:14-21 | Hebrews 1:1-3 | Revelation 12:17 | Revelation 19:10
THE LAW OF GOD
The Ten Commandments and life of Christ exemplify the principles of God's law. The law expresses God's love and purposes for behavior and relationships. It’s the basis of God's covenant with His people and standard in God's judgment. The Holy Spirit awakens people to their sins and need for a Savior through it. Salvation is of grace, but it produces obedience to the Commandments. This develops Christian character, indicates love for God and others, and demonstrates Christ’s power to transform lives. Exodus 20:1-17 | Matthew 22:36-40 | Deuteronomy 28:1-14 | Matthew 5:17-20 | Hebrews 8:8-10 | John 15:7-10 | Ephesians 2:8-10 | Romans 8:3-4
STEWARDSHIP
We are God's stewards, entrusted with time, opportunities, abilities, possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God's ownership by faithful service to Him and humankind, and by returning tithes and offerings for the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a gift from God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. We rejoice when others are blessed because of our faithfulness. Genesis 1:26-28 | Genesis 2:15 | 1 Chronicles 29:14 | Haggai 1:3-11 | Malachi 3:8-12 | 1 Corinthians 9:9-14 | 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 | Romans 15:26-27
CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR
All we do should allow God’s character to be recreated in us. Entertainment choices should meet the highest Christian standards. Clothing should be modest and neat, with true beauty consisting of a gentle, quiet spirit rather than outward adornment. Because our bodies are the Holy Spirit’s temple, we should partake in exercise, rest, healthy diet, and abstain from unclean foods found in Scripture, alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and narcotics. We should bring our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ. Romans 12:1-2 | Ephesians 5:1-21 | Philippians 4:8 | 2 Corinthians 10:5 | 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 | 1 Peter 3:1-4 | 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 | 1 Corinthians 10:31 | Leviticus 11:1-47
MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY
Marriage is divinely established to be a lifelong union between man and woman in loving companionship. A Christian marriage commitment is to God and the spouse. It should only be entered between partners sharing a common faith. The relationship is to reflect the relationship between Christ and His church. Jesus taught that divorcing a spouse, except for fornication, and marrying another is adultery. Parents are to raise their children to love and obey the Lord viewing Christ as a loving disciplinarian. Genesis 2:18-25 | 2 Corinthians 6:14 | Ephesians 5:21-33 | Matthew 5:31-32 | Exodus 20:12 | Ephesians 6:1-4 | Deuteronomy 6:5-9 | Proverbs 22:6
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
Christ’s second coming is our hope and the climax of the gospel. It will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. The righteous dead will be resurrected and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ's coming is imminent. Only God knows when He will return, we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. Titus 2:13 | Hebrews 9:28 | Revelation 1:7 | 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 | Revelation 19:11-21 | Matthew 24 | 2 Timothy 3:1-5 | 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
CHRIST'S MINISTRY IN THE SANCTUARY
In God’s heavenly sanctuary Christ makes available to believers the benefits of His sacrifice by interceding for them since His ascension. In 1844, the end of the prophetic 2300 day period, He entered the last phase of His atoning ministry, the cleansing of the sanctuary with His blood. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who trust in Jesus. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent. Hebrews 8:1-5 | Hebrews 9:11-10:22 | Daniel 7:9-27 | Daniel 8:13-14 | Daniel 9:24-27 | Ezekiel 4:6 | Leviticus 16 | Revelation 14:6-7, 12
DEATH AND RESURRECTION
The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. Romans 6:23 | 1 Timothy 6:15-16 | Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 | John 11:11-14 | 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 | 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 | John 5:28-29 | Revelation 20:1-10
MILLENNIUM AND THE END OF SIN
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, only occupied by Satan and his angels. After the millennium Christ, His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever. Revelation 20 | 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 | Jeremiah 4:23-26 | Revelation 21:1-5 | Malachi 4:1 | Ezekiel 28:18-19
NEW EARTH
On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:13 | Isaiah 35 | Isaiah 65:17-25 | Matthew 5:5 | Revelation 21:1-7 | Revelation 22:1-5 | Revelation 11:15