What we Believe
This is a brief summary of what we believe the Bible says. If you have any questions about what this all means, just chat to us!.
1. God
There is only one God. God exists eternally in three distinct but equal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God is unchangeable in his holiness, justice, wisdom and love. He is the almighty Creator; Saviour and Judge.
He holds together and rules all things according to his sovereign will for his own glory.
2. The Bible
God has told us about himself in the Bible (the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments). Every word was inspired by God through human authors. The Bible, as originally given, is the Word of God without error. It is fully reliable in fact and doctrine. The Bible alone speaks with final authority and is always sufficient for what we believe and how we should live.
3. The Human Race
All men and women are created in the image of God. All people have equal dignity and worth. Their greatest purpose is to obey, worship and love God. But, as a result of the sin of our first parents, every part of human nature has been corrupted - so all men and women are without spiritual life, guilty sinners and hostile to God. Every person is therefore under the judgement of God. All people need to be born again, forgiven and reconciled to God in order to know and please him.
4. The Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life in obedience to the Father. He taught with authority and all his words are true. On the cross he died in the place of sinners, taking God's punishment for their sin, redeeming them by his blood. He rose from the dead and in his resurrection body went up into heaven where he is exalted as Lord of all.
5. Salvation
Salvation is entirely a work of God's grace and cannot be earned or deserved. It has been achieved by the Lord Jesus Christ and is offered to all in the gospel. God in his love forgives sinners whom he calls, granting them repentance and faith. All who believe in Christ are justified by faith alone, adopted into the family of God and receive eternal life.
6. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ and to apply his work of salvation. He convicts sinners, gives spiritual life and a true understanding of the Scriptures. He lives in all believers, brings assurance of salvation and makes them more like Jesus. He builds up the Church and empowers its members for worship, service and mission.
7. The Church
The universal Church is made up of all people who are saved by Jesus. It is made visible in local churches, which are congregations of believers who are committed to each other for the worship of God, the preaching of the Word; for Baptism and the Lord's Supper, for pastoral care and discipline, and for evangelism. True fellowship between churches exists only where they are faithful to the gospel.
8. Baptism and the Lord's Supper
Baptism and the Lord's Supper have been given to the churches by Christ as visible signs of the gospel. Baptism is for Christian people - a one-time symbol of their union with Christ in his death and resurrection. The Lord's Supper is a regular remembering of Christ's sacrifice, celebrated by his followers, proclaiming his death until he returns.
9. The Future
The Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. The wicked will be sent to eternal punishment and the righteous will be welcomed into a life of eternal joy in fellowship with God. God will make all things new and will be glorified forever.