Fall of
Man
We believe that man, by willful transgression,
fell from the state of righteousness and holiness in which
he was first created into total spiritual depravity. This
state of depravity is a state of spiritual death in trespasses
and sins and he is held a slave to sin and an enemy of God.
In this state he is unable to attain divine righteousness
by his own efforts. He must be redeemed and delivered by
the power of the gospel (Romans 3:23-25, 5:12-21; I Corinthians
15:1-4; II Corinthians 4:3-4)
Salvation
and Redemption
The redemption of man has been accomplished
solely by the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
died
as our substitute. He died to redeem us from sin and death
and to reconcile us to God our Father. Mankind receives
salvation by believing in the death, burial and bodily
resurrection of Jesus the Christ, confessing their sinfulness
and repenting
of--turning away from--sin and the acts associated with
it. As a result you become a new creation and all of your
sins are forgiven. Christ Jesus is the only mediator between
God and man. (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-9 1 Timothy 2:5)
Holy Spirit
In-filling
We believe in what is called a “second
work of grace” or being “filled with the Holy
Spirit”. This work of grace can occur at or subsequent
to conversion but is necessary for a continued victorious
walk with the Lord. The initial baptism in the Spirit can
be accompanied with speaking in an unknown tongue ...“as
the Holy Spirit gives utterance”.... However, we believe
the natural manifestation of this Spirit baptism and subsequent
in-fillings will be the believer’s continued submission
to the Holy Spirit.
The Christian’s very weakness will be continuously
transformed into strength to witness for Jesus Christ in
power and to live according to the will of God. (Acts 1:5,
8; 2:4, 38; 10:46)
The Trinity:
We believe that God is One but manifests
Himself in three ways. God is the Father and Creator of
all things, He is the Son--the Word made flesh--in redemption
and the Holy Spirit in us for regeneration and transformation.
