What We Believe
GOD
We believe that there is only one living and true God, who has always existed, and who created all that exists. We believe that He exists in three distinct persons—God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three, the Trinity, are equal in essence and distinct in function (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19).
THE FATHER
The first person of the Trinity orders and directs all things according to his purpose and pleasure. He has created humanity to bring him glory and honor, through his grace. While he is transcendent, he is also actively involved in his creation- offering an eternal relationship with us through his Son Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:9; John 5:19–24; Ephesians 1:3–6; 2:1–10).
THE SON
Jesus Christ is both the eternal Son of God and virgin-born Son of man. Fully God, fully man, He surrendered nothing of His deity during His earthly life. His sinless, sacrificial offering on the cross satisfied the Father's justice, offering atonement for all of humanity's sins, for all time. We believe in his bodily resurrection, His physical ascension, and His visible return back to earth to establish His earthly kingdom (John 1:14–18; I Corinthians 15; Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 2:9; Revelation 20:11–15).
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The third person of the Trinity executes the will of God in this world through humanity, by leading, guiding, filling, teaching and convicting. The Holy Spirit is not merely an impersonal force, but is a person, displaying the qualities of personhood (intellect, emotions and will). He equips believers upon conversion by giving them gifts to be used for the building up of the church, and by bearing fruit through their yielded lives (John 16:5–16; I Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2:10; John 3:1–8; Ephesians 1:1; Galatians 5:16–25).
HUMANITY
We were created in the image of God, destined to enjoy an intimate relationship with God, fulfilling his will here on earth. But because of Adam and Eve's willful sin in the garden sin entered into the world, and has infected all of humanity. Therefore, because of our inherent sinful nature received from our father Adam, we are all separated from God, spiritually dead, and destined for physical death and an eternity removed from God (Genesis 1–3; Romans 1:18–32; Romans 3; Romans 5; Ephesians 2:1–3).
SALVATION
We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins as the only sufficient sacrifice, offering the atonement of sins for all mankind through his death, burial and resurrection. While salvation is available to all, it is only experienced by those who respond to his gracious gift by faith apart from works. For those who do respond we are regenerated and baptized by the Holy Spirit, becoming children of God, given a new nature and placed into the universal body of Christ, making us eternally secure in Him. As a result of our new relationship with God through His Son Jesus, we are now called to a life of submission to the Holy Spirit, manifesting spiritual fruit, and walking in good works that God has prepared beforehand for us to do (John 14:6; Titus 3:4–7; Acts 4:12; John 1:12; Romans 3:21–26; Ephesians 1:7, 2:8–9; Hebrews 10:10–12; I John 5:11–13; Galatians 3:26; John 3:16).
THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Word of God is limited to the 66 books contained in the Bible, and that every word in the original writings is inspired by God and is without error. The Word of God reveals God's nature and will for all of humanity, and because of this it is to be the foundation of faith and practice. We affirm that while the Scriptures are accurate in all matters it was never given to be an end in and of itself, but rather a means to a relationship with God. Because of this the authority and teaching of Scriptures will have a preeminent place in our church (II Timothy 3:16–17; II Peter 1:20–21; Hebrews 4:12; John 17:17).
THE CHURCH
For all who have placed their faith in God through His Son Jesus Christ, they are a part of the universal body of believers known as the church. This placement of the believer into the universal church requires an association of the believer with other followers of Christ in a local assembly. The purpose of the local church is to lead people to Christ and to bring them to maturity in Christ. The members of the local church are to live their lives in humble submission to other Spirit led believers, and to the God appointed leaders of the church. Bible Truth Chapel is an autonomous local assembly that is led by Jesus Christ, who gives direction as the head of this body through a body of appointed elders (Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 2:41–47; I Corinthians 12–14; Matthew 28:18–20; Ephesians 2:19–22; I Thessalonians 4:15–17).
THE FUTURE
We believe that at a time known only to God, Christ will literally return to earth to put down all rebellion and re-establish His rule over the earth. The earth and the heavens will literally be destroyed to cleanse away all traces of the Fall and its curse, and be replaced with a new heaven and a new earth over which Christ will reign in perfect righteousness (Psalm 2; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21.1-5).
NON-ESSENTIALS
We affirm that the doctrines of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the bodily resurrection, the atoning work of Christ on the cross, and salvation by grace through faith make up the essential, distinctive nature of Christianity. In regards to these essential doctrines there can be no conflicting opinions of those who call themselves true followers of Christ. However, we do acknowledge that there are peripheral, or non-essential doctrines, that are important, but not critical to the follower of Christ as it relates to our salvation. Some of these doctrines include the specific functions of women in ministry, the exact timing and sequence of future events connected with the return of Christ, extent and use of certain spiritual gifts, the relationship between election and free-will in salvation, etc. While our church will be diligent to establish positions as it relates to these non-essentials we will not allow these peripheral doctrines to cause division within the church. We will accept into our body those who have differing views on the non-essential doctrines, but will not allow those of a different opinion to fracture the church. While we celebrate diversity along all lines (racial and theological), we will ultimately pursue the unity of the church.
This statement is adapted from the statement created by Abundant Life Christian Fellowship in Mountain View, CA.