Scripture

Revelation: I believe that God has revealed Himself to man generally through creation (Ps. 19:1; Rom. 1:19-20), His acts throughout history (Dan. 2:21-22; Acts 17:26-27), and man’s conscience (Rom. 2:11-16). General revelation is limited in that it only convinces man of the existence of God, but it does not show man how to have a relationship with Him (1 Cor. 1:21). God has graciously provided special revelation to show how man can be rightly related to God (Rom. 10:8-17). The pinnacle of God’s special revelation was the incarnation of His Son (John 1:18; Heb. 1:1-2). Today, God has chosen to communicate his revelation to man through the inspired Scriptures (2 Pet. 1:16-21).

Inspiration: I believe that inspiration is God breathing out His words in the original autographs of the 66 books in the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Holy Spirit moved men to write down His Word (1 Pet. 1:20-21). The process of inspiration did not supersede the human writers’ personalities, experiences, or background, but the Holy Spirit used these to write Scripture (1 Pet. 1:21). I believe that the extent of this inspiration goes to every word in the original autographs (Matt. 22:44; Gal 3:16). I believe that since the Bible was breathed-out by God, it must therefore be without error in its original contents; to say otherwise would call into question the character of God. I believe that the Bible is authoritative in all matters of faith and practice (1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:14). It is sufficient to meet every spiritual need of man (Ps. 119:9-11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3-4).

Preservation: I believe that God has chosen to preserve His Word even though the original autographs no longer exist. God has providentially preserved His Word for us in the thousands of manuscripts that we have available to us today. God has allowed men to copy His Word so that we still have an accurate presentation of His Word. The many texts that we have available to us may have slight variations at points, but they do not affect Christian doctrines. Through the careful comparison of the manuscripts at our disposal, we have a very accurate reflection of the original autographs. God has chosen to allow His Word to endure forever (1 Pet. 1:25).

Translation: I believe that any translation that carefully seeks to translate the original autographs as reflected today in the manuscript evidence available to us should be considered the Word of God. Scripture gives evidence to this when Christ and the Apostles refer to the Septuagint as the Word of God. I do not believe that any translation is inspired; however, I believe that there are faithful, accurate, and clear translations that seek to provide the original wording as much as possible within the confines of

Scott Chesebrough Doctrinal Statement

language. The ESV, NASB, NKJV, and KJV are examples of careful translations.

Interpretation: I believe that the Bible cannot be understood without the Holy Spirit’s illumination (1 Cor. 2:11-13; 2 Cor. 3:14). All believers, because of the indwelling of the Spirit, have the ability to understand Scripture. Every passage of Scripture must be interpreted according to its historical, grammatical, and canonical context in order to understand the one meaning God intends for the passage. There are several systems constructed by godly men which can help in interpreting the totality of God’s revelation in Scripture. Every believer must make sure that any system he chooses to hold is allowed to bend to fit Scripture, and not vice versa. In light of this, I have chosen to follow a dispensational system. I believe that the overall theme of Scripture is the Kingdom of God. I believe that this system best fits God’s administration of His kingdom in various forms throughout history. I believe that Scripture presents a distinction between Israel and the Church, a future for national Israel, and that Christ inaugurated the present spiritual form of the kingdom and prophesied a physical form to come (see “Eschatology” and “The Church” below).

God

Existence of God I believe that all men have an innate sense of God’s power and existence (Rom. 1:19-20; 2:14-15). Scripture assumes that God exists (Gen. 1:1; John 1:1). However, unregenerate people suppress this truth (Rom. 1:18). Ultimately, the existence of God cannot be proved without the presuppositions of what Scripture teaches (Rom. 10:17). The existence of God must be accepted by faith ground in the truth of God’s Word.

Nature of GodTrinity: I believe that there is only one true and living God (Deut. 4:35; 6:4-5; Is. 45:5-6; 40:18-23). He is one God in three Persons who are co-equal and co-existent with one another (John 1:1-2): God the father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Pet. 1:2). The Persons of the Trinity are distinct in their function and relationship to each other but not in essence (Eph. 1:3-14). I believe that God is a person. Scripture reveals God’s personal name (Ex. 3:14). God’s personality is displayed in the following ways: (1) emotion (John 3:16), (2) knowledge (Rom. 8:29), and (3) will (John 6:38; Eph. 1:11). I believe that God is a spirit (John 4:24). When Scripture uses physical language of God (Gen. 3:8), it does so figuratively to make God more comprehensible to finite man (anthropomorphisms).

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Attributes of God: I believe that God is separate and unique from all of creation and that He is infinitely glorious in every aspect of his character (1 Tim. 1:17). God’s uniqueness or holiness applies to all of his attributes. Because of God’s holiness (Ex. 15:11; Is. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15; Rev. 4:8), he displays each attribute to the perfect degree. Omniscient – God knows all things past, present, future, and potential (1

Sam. 23:12; Ps. 147:5; Prov. 15:3; Is. 46:9-11; Rom. 11:33; Heb. 4:13). Omnipresent – God is everywhere at all times, unlimited by space or time

(Ps. 139:7-12; Jer. 23:23-24; Acts 7:48-49) Omnipotent – God is free and able to do whatever He wills (Gen. 1.17; Ps.

115:3; Matt. 19:26; Eph. 1:19-20; 3:20). Eternal – God is free from all time limitations (Gen. 1:1; Ps. 90:1-2; John

1:1; Rev. 1:8). Infinite – God has no limits (see omniscience, omnipresence,

omnipotence, and eternality). Immutable – God does not change (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 1:8-12; 13:8; James

1:17) Wise – God chooses the best goals and the best means to reach those

goals (Ps. 104:24; Prov. 2:6; Rom. 11:33) Righteous – God conforms to his own standards (Deut 32:4; Jer. 9:24; Dan.

9:14) Just – God is fair in all his dealings (Gen. 18:25; Ps. 99:4; Rom. 2) Love – God chooses to give to others and to sacrifice for their good (Jer.

31:3; John 3:16; 1 John 4:7-10) Merciful – God shows favor in his actions toward those who are in misery

(Ps. 103:8; Micah 7:18; Matt. 9:36; James 5:11) Gracious - God bestows unmerited favor on those who are in need (Ps.

6:4; 31:7; 143:8; 51:1; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7; 2:8). Patient – God is willing to withhold punishment and offer grace for an

extended period of time (Ps. 103:8; Rom. 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9)

Works of God: I believe that the triune God (Father - 1 Cor. 8:6, Son - John 1:3; Col. 1:16, and Spirit - Ps 104:30) created the universe out of nothing (Gen. 1:1 John 1:3; Col. 1:16; I Cor. 8:6) in six, twenty-four-hour days (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11). I reject evolution or any other attempt to explain the world’s existence. I believe that God, in his providence, is actively involved in all aspects of the world today. God sustains all that he originally created (Heb. 1:3; Col. 1:17; Acts 17:25). God maintains his sovereignty over nature (Job 9:5-10, 38:31-35; Matt. 5:45; Mark 4:39-41), nations (Job 12:23; Ps. 22:29, 66:7), and individual lives (Gen. Gen. 50:20-21; 1 Sam. 2:6-7; Ps. 139:13-16). God works all things together for His own glory (Is. 42:8; Rom. 9:17, 19-24; 11:36; 1 Cor. 15:28).

Jesus Christ

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Person of ChristDeity of Christ: I believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. There are many biblical arguments that establish his deity. First, Scripture explicitly states that Jesus Christ is God (Is. 9:6; John 1:1, 14; Rom. 9:5; 1 John 5:20). Second, Jesus Christ is given divine designations (I AM – John 5:58; Yahweh – John 12:41; Lord – 1 Cor. 12:3; Son of God – Mark 14:61-62). Third, Jesus Christ has divine attributes. He is eternal (Micah 5:2), immutable (Heb. 13:8), infinite (John. 8:58), omnipotent (Matt. 8:26-27), omnipresent (Matt. 28:20), omniscient (John 2:23-25), and sinless (Heb. 4:15). Fourth, Jesus Christ’s divine works prove his deity (creation – Col. 1:16; preservation – Col. 1:17; miracles – Luke 6:19; salvation – John 5:21). Finally, Jesus Christ accepts divine worship (Matt. 28:17; John 20:28; Rev. 5:12-13).

Humanity of Christ: I believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. Scripture asserts that He was man (1 Tim. 2:5). Anyone who ever came into contact with Christ saw him as a man (Matt.13:54-58; John 7:15; Acts 2:22). Christ had a human body (Luke 2:7), he had human emotions (anger – Mark 3:5; joy – John 15:11; sorrow – John 11:35), and he even experienced temptation (Matt. 4:1-11).

Incarnation: I believe that the man Jesus Christ was miraculously conceived by the virgin Mary (Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25). At the incarnation, Christ took upon himself a human nature and submitted to the will of the Father, while keeping His divine nature (Phil. 2:6-8). Christ’s divine and human nature are distinct from each other, yet they are inseparable from each other. Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. I am not able to fully understand this doctrine, but accept it by faith (Col. 2:2).

Offices of Christ: I believe that Jesus Christ fills the messianic offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5). As Prophet, Jesus Christ reveals the Father’s will and His own (John 1.18; Heb. 1:1-3). As Priest, Christ offered himself as the only perfect sacrifice on our behalf and intercedes for us (Heb. 2:17; 7:24-28). As King, Christ rules over the kingdom of God (Luke 1:32-33; Col. 1:13; Rev.11:15).

Work of ChristPre-incarnate Works: I believe that Jesus Christ has been eternally active. Christ had fellowship with the Father before the creation of the world (John 17:5). Christ created all things (John 1:3; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:2). Christ also appeared in the Old Testament as the Angel of Yahweh (Gen. 16:7-14).

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First Advent Works: I believe that Jesus Christ lived a perfect, sinless life during his earthly life and ministry (Rom. 5:19; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 5:8). Christ became a man to accomplish substitutionary atonement for the sins of the whole world (Mark 10:45, Rom. 5:8; 1 John 2:2). The death of Christ was a vicarious sacrifice (Heb. 9:24-28) that satisfied God’s wrath (1 John 4:10) and brought forgiveness of sin (Acts 13:38). The result of Christ’s death is the redemption of sinners (Eph. 1:7; 1 Tim. 2:6) and their reconciliation to God (Rom. 5:10) through repentant faith (Rom. 3:25; 1 Tim. 4:10).

Second Advent Works: I believe Jesus Christ was raised from the dead on the third day (Matt. 28:6; Luke 24:39-42) and ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9). He is exalted and sitting at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19; Phil. 2:9-11). I believe that Christ will return bodily one day (Acts 1:11) to gather his people (1 Thess. 4:14-17) and judge the world (Acts 17:31).

The Holy Spirit

Person of the Holy Spirit: I believe that the Holy Spirit is fully God, the third member of the Godhead. He is called God in Scripture (John 14:6; Acts 5:3-4) and has the same attributes as God the Father and Christ (Ps. 139:7-10; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; Heb. 9:14). The Holy Spirit is a person not a mystical power, energy, or force. The Holy Spirit possesses personal attributes. He has intelligence (John 14:26), will (Acts 16:7), and emotion (Eph. 4:30). The Holy Spirit acts as a person by striving (Gen. 6:3), reproving (John 16:8), speaking (Acts 8:29; 13:2), teaching (Lk 12:12; 1 Cor. 2:13), directing (Acts 16:6-7; Rom. 8:14), interceding (Rom. 8:26), and searching (1 Cor. 2:11). The Holy Spirit can also be lied to (Acts 5:3). The word “Spirit” (neuter noun) is accompanied by a masculine pronoun in several places in Scripture giving the grammatical indication that He is a person (John 15:26-27; John 16:14).

Work of the Holy Spirit: I believe that the Holy Spirit is actively working in the hearts and lives of men today. In the past, the Holy Spirit has had an active role in creation (Gen. 1:2), the inspiration of Scripture (2 Pet. 1:21), and in Christ’s ministry (Luke 1:15; 4:1-15). Presently, the Spirit is actively testifying of Christ. The Spirit’s most general work is the convicting of sin, righteousness, and judgment in the world (John 16:8-11). This convicting can be rejected by men. The Holy Spirit regenerates (John 3:5; Tit. 3:5), indwells (John 14:16-17; 1 Cor. 6:19), seals (Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30), gives gifts (Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Pet. 4:10-11), assures (Rom. 8:16), sanctifies (2 Cor. 3:18), enables (Acts 4:31), guides (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:16-26), intercedes (Rom. 8:26), and illumines (John 16:14; 1 Cor. 2:14) believers.

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Gifts of the Holy Spirit: I believe that the Spirit gives at least one spiritual gift to each believer for ministry to the Church (1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Pet. 4:10). Scripture does not provide a list of every gift (five differing lists appear in the New Testament – Rom. 12:6-8, 1 Cor. 12:8-11, 1 Cor. 12:28-30, Eph. 4:11, 1 Pet. 4:11); however, 1 Peter 4:11 puts spiritual gifts into two categories of speaking and serving. Some of the gifts mentioned in the New Testament have ceased (such as apostles, prophecy, tongues, miracles, healings), while others are continuing. A study of church history beginning with the book of Acts shows that the ceased gifts listed above were meant for the inauguration of the church. The book of Acts shows these gifts slowly dying out and the later Epistles do not mention them. James calls for the church to pray for the sick rather than heal the sick through the use of spiritual gifts (James 5:14).Throughout church history there have been no credible accounts of these gifts being active. The recent surge in the sightings of sign gifts is a twentieth century phenomenon. Some gifts helped lay the foundation of the church; others maintain and build the church to this day. After the cannon of Scripture was completed these former gifts were no longer necessary to validate God’s revelation (Eph. 2:20; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:3-4).

Angels

Nature of Angels: I believe that God created (Ps. 148:2, 5) an innumerable (Rev. 5:11) and immortal (Luke 20:36) company of angels who exist to worship God (Is. 6:3) and carry out his will (Acts 12:23; Rev. 16:1). Angels do not marry (Matt. 22:30). Angels are stronger and wiser than men (2 Pet. 2:11), but are also less privileged than men (1 Pet. 1:12). Some angels are given special assessments in God’s plan. We know the names and functions of a few angels (Michael, the Archangel – Dan. 10:13; Jude 9; Gabriel – Dan. 9:21; Luke 1:19-26) and the classes of angels (cherubim – Gen. 3:24; seraphim – Is. 6:2-3). Angels are used as conveyors of God’s revelation (Luke 1:26-27), protectors of people (Acts 5:19), and instruments of God’s judgment (2 Thess. 1:7-8). Although angels are powerful and beautiful beings, they are not to be worshiped (Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; 22:8-9).

Fallen Angels: I believe that one third of the angels fell during Satan’s rebellion and were cast out of heaven (Rev .12:3-4). These angels are now known as fallen angels or demons (Matt. 25:41). Scripture states that some fallen angels are captive in darkness (Jude 6) while others assist Satan in his rebellion (Luke 8:31; Rev. 9:1-11). Fallen angels’ work include inflicting illness (Matt. 9:33; 12:22), deceiving (through false doctrine, I Tim. 4:1; I John. 4:1-4), and possessing (Matt. 4:24). While believers are affected by Satan and demons (Eph. 6:12), I do not believe that they can be “possessed”

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by Satan or his demons because God is greater than Satan (I John 4:4; cf. 5:18).

Satan: I believe that Satan is a liar, murderer, and destroyer (Matt. 4:1-11; John 8:44). He is called the prince of this world (2 Cor. 4:4). Satan tempts people to sin (Gen. 3:1-6; Matt. 12:22-32), deceives people (2 Cor. 4:4), and accuses believers before God (Rev. 12:9-10). He blinds people to the truth and tries to tempt them to do his will (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 2:26). However, Satan and his demons are under the rule of God which limits their influence (Job 1:12; Jude 6). Satan is a defeated foe (Gen. 3:15; Col. 2:15; 1 John 3:18). He and his demons will spend eternity in a lake of fire prepared for them (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:7-10).

Man

Creation of Man: I believe that God created man and woman on the sixth day of creation (Gen. 1:26-27). He made Adam out of the dust of the earth (Gen. 2:7). He made Eve out of one of Adam’s ribs (Gen. 2:21-22). Man consists of both material (body) and immaterial (soul) parts (2 Cor. 5:8; James 2:26). The immaterial part is represented in Scripture with two interchangeable words, soul and spirit (Luke 1:46-47; John 12:17/John 13:21). Man was made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). Man, in some small ways, shares certain attributes that belong to God. This includes attributes which differentiate humans from other creatures, such as spirituality (2 Cor. 5:8), immortality (2 Thess 1:9; 2 Tim. 1:10), intellect and will (Gen. 2:17), relational ability (with God – Gen. 3:8-9 and others – 5:1-2), and lordship over animals (Gen. 1:26).

Fall of Man: I believe that man was originally created sinless, but Adam and Eve deliberately chose to rebel against God (Gen. 3:6-7). Since Adam was representative of humanity (Rom. 5:12-21), his disobedience brought sin, guilt, death, and condemnation upon all mankind by imputation and inheritance (Gen. 2:16-17; 3:1-7; Rom. 5:8, 1 Co 15:21-22).

Gender of Man: I believe that God created mankind as male and female (Gen. 1:27). Male and female are of equal value in God’s sight (1 Cor. 11:11-12; 1 Pet. 3:7). God has assigned different roles to men and women (1 Cor. 11:3-9; Eph. 5:23).

Marriage: I believe that marriage is God’s idea and picture (Eph. 5:22-23), which He established and defined to be between one man and one woman

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(Matt. 19:4-5). Marriage is a holy covenant relationship (Mal. 2:14) in which husband and wife become one and remain together for life (Gen. 2:24, Mark 10:11-12). By tolerating divorce, man has distorted the picture God intended when he established the marriage covenant. God hates divorce, calling it a treacherous evil (Mal. 2:13-16). There are Old Testament passages that seem to allow for divorce (Deut. 24:1-4), but Christ makes it clear that this was only because of the hardness of man’s heart and that divorce was not God’s intent (Matt. 19:8). Scripture lists two clear reasons where divorce is allowable. First, a saved spouse should attempt to stay with an unsaved spouse, but if the unsaved spouse desires to divorce because their spouse has become a believer they may be divorced (1 Cor. 7:10-15). It is clear that the divorce is initiated by the unsaved spouse. The saved spouse is not to initiate divorce. Second, Christ allows an exception for infidelity in the marriage (Matt. 19:9). The offended spouse should always be encouraged to seek reconciliation with the adulterer, but the offended spouse may choose to divorce the adulterer. I also believe that after a person has been divorced for a biblically allowable reason, they may remarry (Matt. 19:9). Divorce is not pleasing in God’s sight and every attempt must be made to avoid it.

Sin

Definition of sin: I believe that sin is failure to conform to God’s will. Scripture defines sin in several ways. Sin is defined as missing the mark of God’s glory (Rom.3:23), refusing to submit to God’s law (1 John 3:4), unbelief (Num. 20:12; Heb. 11:6), failure to do the known right (James 4:17), and going one’s own way (Isa. 53:6).

Origin of sin: I believe that sin entered the world through the fall of Adam (Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12). God is not the author of sin (James 1:13), but God does use the sins of fallen man for his own glory (Gen. 50:20). However, this fact does not excuse anyone of their sin (Acts 2:23).

Results of sin: I believe that sin makes everyone totally corrupt (Rom. 7:18; Tit. 1:15) and unable to earn God’s favor (1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:3). The corruption of man through sin does not mean that a man sins as much as he can; rather, it means that every part of man is affected by sin (mind – Gen. 6:5; Eph. 4:17-19, will – John 8:34; Eph. 2:1-3, and emotions – 2 Tim. 3:4; Heb. 11:25). All men are sinners and guilty before God (1 John 1:8-10). Because of sin, man deserves to die physically (Rom. 6:23), spiritually (Col. 2:13; Eph. 2:1-3), and eternally (Luke 16:23; Rev. 20:11-15). Sin also affects every aspect of nature (Gen. 3:17; Rom. 8:19-22), not simply mankind. Sin renders man guilty before God and there is nothing that man can do to change his standing before God (John 6:44; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 2:16).

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Christians and sin: I believe that when a believer sins, he maintains his position of justification before God (Rom. 8:1). However, the believer’s sin grieves God (Eph. 4:30). Sin also hinders fellowship with God (Ps 32, 51; Matt. 5:22-24; 6:14-15; 1 John 1:9), brings God’s correction, and shows man’s need for restoration (Prov. 3:11-12; Heb. 12:6, 9-10; Rev. 3:19).

Salvation

God’s plan: I believe that salvation is entirely a work of God (John 6:37-44; Rom. 8:30). God graciously saves all believers from sin by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. God does this for His own glory and apart from any works of man (Rom. 3:20-24; Eph. 2:8-9). I believe that every person needs salvation from sin and reconciliation to God. In Christ’s death on the cross (Rom. 5:19), He vicariously atoned for sin (Rom. 5:8; 1 Cor. 5:7; 2 Cor. 5:18; 1 Tim. 2:5-6), appeased the wrath of God (Rom. 3:25-26; 1 John 4:10), and satisfied God’s demands for the death of sinners (Col. 2:14). I believe that Christ’s atonement secures the free offer of salvation to all peoples (John 1:29; 1 Tim. 2:6; 2 Pet. 3:9-10), but the results are limited to the redeemed. (Matt. 1:21; John 10:11; Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25). I believe that God offers salvation to all men (Isa. 45:22; John 3:18; Rom. 10:13), but not all men will be saved (Matt. 25:46; John 3:16).

Election: I believe that God, as the sovereign creator of the universe, chose some people to receive salvation (John 15:16; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:3-4; 1 Pet. 1:1-2). God’s choosing is based on his gracious love (Eph. 1:3-6; 2 Tim. 1:9) and for the purpose of praising his glorious grace (Eph. 1:4-6). God’s choice is always just (Matt. 20:13-15; Rom. 9:20-21). God chooses to show his common grace to all mankind. In God’s common grace, He provides for man’s material needs (Matt. 5:45), delays man’s punishment (Jonah 4:2; Rom. 2:4), convicts man of sin (John 16:8-11), and makes provision for man’s salvation (1 Tim. 4:10; 1 John 2:2). God chooses to show special grace to some by delivering them from sin. God’s choice is not a response to human works (Rom. 9:6-18). God’s choosing does not free man from his responsibility to accept or reject God’s salvation. God has given man a free will and allows him to accept or reject salvation (John 1:11-13). I cannot explain how God can determine who will be saved, while still giving man the choice to accept or reject His salvation. Both facts are taught in God’s Word and must be accepted even if they are not fully understood. God’s election does not eliminate the need for evangelism (Rom. 10:14-17). Instead, Scripture gives election as a motivation for evangelism (Acts 18:10; 2 Tim. 2:10).

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Conversion: I believe that a sinner is converted only when he willingly repents from sin and exercises faith in God. Conversion consists of a turning from sin (repentance) and a trust (faith) in Christ for salvation (Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21. Both repentance and faith are gifts from God (Isa. 55:6-7; Matt. 4:17; 23:37; Luke 24:46-47; John 3:18, 5:40; Acts 2:38;17:30; Rom. 2:5; 10:13; 1 Tim. 2:4; Rev. 22:17). Repentance and faith are inseparable, and they are also essential and necessary for salvation (Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3; Acts 20:21).

Regeneration: I believe that regeneration is the imparting of new spiritual life from God to man at the moment of conversion (John 3:3; Eph. 2:1-6; Titus 3:5). Regeneration is a work of the Spirit of God. Regeneration and faith occur at the same time.

Union with Christ: I believe that all believers are united with Christ at salvation. Scripture shows this relationship in several different ways. Christ is the vine and the believer is the branch (John 15:5). Believers are members of Christ’s body (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15-16). Scripture also uses the phrase “in Christ” to describe the union of the believer with Christ (Rom. 6:11; 8:1; 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 2:10).

Adoption: I believe that adoption refers to the believer’s status as a son of God (John 1:12; Gal. 4:3-5). Full adoption has not yet been realized. It will be completed when we receive all the privileges of sonship (Rom. 8:23). However, the believer’s adoption provides many of those privileges now (Eph. 1:5; Gal. 3:26).

Justification: I believe that justification is God’s legal declaration that a believer is righteous before God (Rom. 4:3; 8:30). God forgives all of the believer’s sin (Rom. 4:6-8; 2 Cor. 5:19; Eph. 1:7) and imputes to the believer the righteousness of Christ (Rom. 3:4; 3:24-26; 5:1). God can do this and remain righteous because of the substitutionary obedience of Christ to God’s law (Gal. 4:4-5). Justification is a gift received by faith alone and is not based on man’s own work (Rom. 3:24; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-9). Because of justification, man is freed from sin (Rom. 6:15-23) and condemnation before God (Rom. 8:1).

Sanctification: I believe that sanctification is the process by which a believer becomes what God declared him to be in justification. Sanctification is both positional and progressive. In positional sanctification, God sets the believer apart as one of his saints at the moment of salvation (Rom. 6:18; 1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11). In progressive sanctification, the believer is by God enabled to become more like Christ (2 Cor. 3:18; 1 Pet. 1:15) by the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2). Progressive sanctification also requires active participation by the believer (Phil. 2:12-13) to fight against indwelling sin that remains within the believer (Rom. 7:18). The

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believer must realize that he cannot sanctify himself, only God can give the desire to be sanctified (Phil. 2:13) and the grace to enable sanctification (Gal. 5:18).

Glorification: I believe that glorification is the culmination of the believer’s sanctification (Col. 1:22; 1 Thess. 3:13). Believers will be freed from all sin (Eph. 1:4; 5:27), fully restored in God’s image (Phil. 3:20-21), receive glorified bodies (1 Cor. 15:42-54), and worship God in perfection forever for the salvation He has given to us (Rev. 22:3).

Perseverance: I believe that God preserves his people. A person who truly has been saved will always be saved. God does not break his promises (Rom. 11:29). Those who trust in Christ are placed in the Father’s hand and no one is able to remove them (John 10:28-29). Nothing is able to separate a believer from God’s love (Rom. 8:38-39). The true believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14). However, Scripture contains many warning passages that sound like the loss of salvation (2 Pet. 2:20-22; 3:17-18; Heb. 6:4-6). True believers should consider these passages as a means of encouragement to persevere and also to see if they are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). While it is not possible to lose salvation, it is possible that a profession of faith is not genuine. Anyone who professes faith in Christ and then turns away was never a true believer (1 John 2:19).

Assurance: I believe that a believer should and can experience personal assurance of salvation (Rom. 8:31-39; 1 John 2:5; 5:12-13). However, a believer who continues in sin cannot have assurance (John 10:27; 1 John 2:3; 3:24). The blessing of assurance is only for those who keep God’s commandments and grow in godliness (James 2:14-16; 2 Pet. 1: 5-11). Those who are unfaithful to God may be saved, but will not have assurance of salvation.

The Church

Nature of the Church: I believe that the church began on the day of Pentecost (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2; Acts 11:15-16). Christ is the Head (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18) and builder (Matt. 16:18) of the church. The church is the pillar and support of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). Scripture uses the images of the church as the body of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit to reflect the church’s relationship of dependence on Christ and on the Holy Spirit’s leading. The church has both a universal and a local aspect. The universal church refers to all genuine believers in this age. It is distinct from Old Testament Israel (Rom. 11; 1 Cor. 10:32). God has chosen to call the church His people even though they were originally not his people (Rom. 9:25).

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Believers are placed into the universal church by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22-23). The universal church must reflect the holiness of Christ (John 17:15-19). It crosses all social, ethnic, and geographic boundaries (Matt. 28:1), and it must remain faithful to the teachings of the apostles (Gal. 1:6-9; Heb. 2:1-3). The local church is a group of believers who gather together in one place. The local church is a microcosm of the universal church. The local church must reflect the same characteristics as the universal church. The local church should be a primary focus in the believer’s life since it is God’s ordained institution to carry out the work of the ministry today (1 Tim. 3:15). I believe that the church exists to evangelize the lost (Acts 2:40-41; Rom. 10:14-15), edify the saints (Acts 2:42-45), and exalt the Lord (Acts 2:46-47; Rom. 15:6; Col. 3:16); each of these come as a result of following the authority and preaching of the Word (Acts 6:7; 1 Tim. 3:15).

Ordinances of the Church: I believe that Christ commanded the church to practice two ordinances: believer’s baptism (Acts 2:41) and the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-30). Neither of these ordinances is meritorious in any way, but they are an act of obedience to Christ. I believe that baptism is a one-time act that symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-6; Gal. 3:27). Baptism must be limited to believers only. There are no clear instances in Scripture of infants being baptized. I am convinced through a study of church history, biblical evidence (Mark 1:10; Acts 8:36-38), and the meaning of the Greek word that immersion is the biblical mode of baptism. Baptism is an important first step of obedience that should naturally follow salvation. I believe that the Lord’s Supper is a repeated event commanded by Christ that commemorates Christ’s death by eating and drinking elements that represent His body (1 Cor. 11:24). Since it is a symbol of Christ’s saving work, only true believers may partake in this ordinance. Believers must make a careful self-examination before partaking in this ordinance (1 Cor. 11:28-30).

Government of the Church: I believe that the government of the local church is under the authority of Christ (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18). The government consists of congregational participation (Acts 6:5; 1 Cor. 5:4) and godly, authoritative leadership (1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Pet. 5:2). The church is not under the authority of any outside governing body and each local church may act autonomously (Acts 6:3; 2 Cor. 8:19).

Offices of the Church: I believe that there are two offices in the church: pastor and deacon. There are several words that can be used interchangeably to refer to the pastor. The pastor is called an elder, bishop, or overseer (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Pet. 5:1-2). I believe the best model calls for a pastor who may have other qualified pastors assisting him. The office of pastor can be filled by a man only and he must be a man of pure character (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Deacons are called to assist the pastor so he can focus on his primary task of the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:3). Deacons can

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be involved in all aspects of ministry from areas of service (Acts 6) to the preaching of the Word (Acts 8). The office of deacon can be filled by a man only and he also must be of pure character as well (1 Tim. 3:8-13). Women are not to hold positions of authority in the church over men. If a woman has a gift in speaking she may use it to edify other women and children, but she is not to take a role of authority over men in the church (1 Tim. 2:13).

Membership of the Church: I believe that every Christian should be identified with a local assembly. Scripture tells us that those who were saved were “added” to the church (Acts 2:42). Believers are commanded not to forsake assembling together (Heb. 10:24-25). Scripture gives many commands for edification that cannot be accomplish in isolation from other believers (1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:16; 1 Thess. 4:18). Membership in the local church should be based on a clear profession of faith in Christ (Acts 2:41; 5:14; 1 Cor. 12:13). Each member has the responsibility to submit to leadership (1 Tim. 5:17), do the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:12), edify through the use of their gifts (1 Pet. 4:10), and give financially (1 Cor. 9:11; 1 Tim. 5:17). Scripture gives the example of giving a tithe; however, the emphasis is on giving willingly, cheerfully, and generously (2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Tim. 6:18). Church membership makes the practice of church discipline possible (Matt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 5:1-13). Christ provided a three step process for church discipline. First, the member must go to a brother privately and confront. If the sinning brother refuses to repent, then the believer must take one or two more with him to confront again. If the brother refuses to repent and be reconciled after two confrontations, then the issue must be brought before the church. Those who refuse the admonition of the church are to be officially removed. The goal of church discipline is always restoration of the brother and the purity of the church. If at any point in the process the sinner repents then the process is stopped. The Apostle Paul encouraged excommunication for members who are continuing in sin (1 Cor. 5). For some less severe cases, Paul calls for believers to disassociate with a member while still calling him to repent (2 Thess. 3:6-15).

Separation of the Church: I believe that the church must practice biblical separation. Because God is holy, He wants His people to be holy (1 Pet. 1:15-16). Separation is primarily positive in that the church is to be set apart to God (Rom. 1:1; Cor. 6:11; 1 Pt. 2:9). Separation also includes being set apart from all that opposes God. The church must separate from the world (Rom. 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17; James 1:27; 4:4), false teachers (1 Tim. 6:1-5; 2 John 9-11), and unrepentant professing believers (Matt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 5). Separation must always be based on a violation of the clear teachings of Scripture and not based on personal standards, difficult interpretations, or personal preferences. The Church must be particularly careful in this day not to conform to worldly styles of worship. Worship must be focused on God and not man’s needs. The music that the church uses must meet the biblical

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qualifications of edification (Eph. 5:19; Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:16) Music that appeals to sinful desires should not be used in worship or recreation by the believer.

Eschatology

Individual Eschatology: I believe that death will come to every man (Eccl. 12:7; Heb. 9:27), but his soul will live forever (Ps. 49:15; Dan. 12:2). After death, the soul will enter into an intermediate state to await the resurrection of its body (1 Cor. 15:42-44). The souls of the wicked will exist in Hades (Luke 16:23), a place of torment. The souls of the righteous will go immediately into the presence of the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23).

General Eschatology: I believe that Old Testament believers assumed that the covenants God made with them would be fulfilled literally. God told Abraham that He would give him and his descendants the land of Canaan (Gen. 12:7; 15:18), and that Abraham’s descendants would remain forever (Gen. 13:14-15). Abraham believed this would come true literally (Gen. 15:6). David’s response to the Lord’s promise that his kingdom would be established forever indicates that David believed it would be fulfilled literally (2 Sam. 7:18-19; Ps. 89:3-4). The New Covenant was made originally with Israel and will reach its fulfillment in the Millennium (Jer. 31:31-40; Ezek. 36:22-32). Scripture clearly teaches that the nation of Israel, despite its unworthiness, has a future in the land of Canaan (Jer. 31:35-40). In the New Testament, Paul looked to the literal fulfillment of the Old Testament covenants as well as believing the covenants pertained to Israel (Rom. 9:4; 11:27). As a dispensationalist, I believe a normal, literal interpretation of Scripture leads to the conclusion that these covenants cannot be fulfilled completely in the church, but they must be fulfilled in a future for Israel.

Purpose of Eschatology: I believe that believers must understand as much as possible about end times, but not to simply satisfy curiosity. Eschatology should exhort believers to live more fruitful lives for God’s glory while on this earth now for a short time (1 Thess 4:18; 5:11; 2 Pet. 3:11-14). I believe that God has provided enough information to give believers a general idea of what will happen in the future. Scripture is clear that Christ will return bodily and bring great glory to His name and to the Father (Phil. 2:10-11). However, some of the information can be confusing and as a result can be interpreted differently by godly believers. I hold strongly to my positions while not considering them “fundamentals” of the faith. I will graciously disagree with those who hold other positions.

Rapture: I believe that an imminent pre-tribulational rapture of the church best fits the biblical data (1 Thess. 4:13-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; John 14:1-3).

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There are several arguments that have convinced me of a pre-tribulational rapture. First, the pre-tribulational rapture is the only position that explains the expectant attitude of the biblical writers. All biblical writers believed Christ could come at any moment. There will be signs that precede the second coming while Scripture gives no signs that precede the rapture (Zech. 14:1-21; Matt. 24:29-31; Rev. 19). Second, I do not believe that believers will experience the wrath of God (1 Thess. 5:9; Rev. 3:10). It does not seem to fit God’s character to pour out His wrath on His own people. Finally, I believe there is a need for a period of time between the rapture and the Millennium. At the end of the Millennium, there will be unbelievers who rebel. Where do these rebellious people come from? They cannot be the offspring of those who were raptured since those believers will have glorified bodies and will have no children. If all believers are raptured and then come immediately back with Christ, then there will not be any people with unglorified bodies in the Millennium. There needs to be a gap of time for people to accept Christ and be allowed into the millennial kingdom. The only way a time period like that could exist is if the rapture and the second coming were two separate events.

Judgment Seat of Christ: I believe that after the rapture believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Believers’ works will be judged. Some believers’ works will be rewarded and other believers’ works will be destroyed since they have no eternal value (2 Cor. 5:9-10).

Tribulation: I believe that the Tribulation will occur soon after the rapture. The Tribulation is also known as Daniel’s seventieth week (Dan. 9:24-27). At the beginning of the Tribulation, the Anti-Christ will be revealed and will make a covenant with Israel (Dan. 9:27). During this time, God will pour out his wrath on the earth like never before (Matt. 24:21; Rev. 14:7). The purpose of this judgment is to draw Israel back to God (Jer.30:7-9; Dan. 12:1; Rev. 12) and for the judgment of those that “took pleasure in wickedness” (2 Thess. 2:12).

Second Coming of Christ: I believe that at the end of the Tribulation Christ will return with His church and easily defeat Satan and his armies in the Battle of Armageddon (Rev. 10:10-21). Satan will then be bound for one-thousand years in a bottomless pit and Christ will reign upon the earth for that thousand years.

Millennium: I believe that the covenants pertaining to Israel can only be realized during a literal one-thousand year reign of Christ on the earth. The Old Testament promises of a prosperous Israel under the reign of Christ will be literally fulfilled at this time. This is the most natural interpretation of Revelation 20:1-6. During this time, Satan will be bound and Christ will rule from David’s throne on earth. Everyone will outwardly conform to the perfect rule of Christ (Isa. 11:6-11; 65:20; Zech 14:5-17). At the end of this time,

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Satan will be loosed for a short time. He will gather a rebellion together, but the rebellion will fail. Satan and his followers will be cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity (Rev. 20:7-10).

Great White Throne Judgment: I believe that all the unrighteous will be bodily resurrected to stand before God at the great white throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-12). All will be judged according to their works, and those whose names are not written in the book of life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire forever (Rev. 20:15).

Eternal State: I believe that all believers will inhabit a new heaven and new earth for all eternity (Rev. 21:1). The center of this new earth will be the New Jerusalem. The city will have unparalleled and unbelievable beauty. The sun will not be necessary since God will be the light. There will be no more sin, pain, or night there and God’s people will enjoy and worship Him forever (Rev. 21-22). At this time, God will finally receive the glory and worship He deserves, and His people will have the great joy of giving it to Him.

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