What do we believe about Jesus?

We believe that Jesus Christ is both God and man. He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived and taught in first century Palestine, was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day, he rose from the grave and appeared to his disciples. After 40 days he ascended into heaven where he is seated at the right hand of the Father. We believe that he will come again in glory. 

What do we believe about Scripture?

We believe that the books of Holy Scripture are the inspired texts and are the standard for Christian life and faith.

What do we believe about people?

We believe that humankind is created in the image of God: male and female. The first man and woman rebelled and experienced death. We too have rebelled and died, in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Sin separates us from God. 

What do we believe about salvation?

We believe that we are saved, not by our own merits, but by the grace of God through a living faith in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. 

What do we believe about the Sacraments?

We believe the sacraments are outward and visible signs of God’s inward and spiritual grace. We practice the sacraments which were instituted by Jesus himself; those of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Because Jesus ordained them we use his words and the elements which he used to do them. We believe the God works through the sacraments in an effectual and mysterious way.

What do we believe about the Church?

We believe in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. These are the four classic ‘marks’ of the church.  We believe that the Church is one because it has only one Lord, Jesus Christ. We believe that it is holy because it is primarily Jesus’ body, made holy by the presence of the Holy Spirit. We believe that it is catholic (universal) because it proclaims the whole faith to all people until the end of time. We believe that it is apostolic because the church carries on the teaching and ministry of the apostles, whom Jesus first sent out into the world as his representatives.

Resources for What we Believe:

The Apostle’s Creed (a short statement of faith often used in baptisms)

The Nicene Creed (a longer statement of faith which is the foundation for all Christian churches)

The Athanasian Creed (an intricate explanation of the doctrine of the Trinity)