WHAT WE BELIEVE

Statement of Faith

 

The Holy Scriptures 

We affirm that the Bible is God’s ultimate revelation to humanity. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit and are the authoritative Word of God. We believe in the plenary verbal inspiration of Scripture, meaning every word is equally inspired by God (1 Corinthians 2:7–14; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21). This inspiration is not just a one-time act, but a continuous process whereby God has guided the authors of Scripture to convey His message without error.

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We hold that the Word of God is an objective and propositional revelation (1 Thessalonians 2:13), infallible (John 10:35), and entirely inerrant in its original manuscripts, free from all deceit (Psalm 12:6; 119:160; Proverbs 30:5). This means that the Scriptures are trustworthy and serve as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and conduct, guiding believers in their daily lives.

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The Bible serves as the only infallible rule of faith and practice and is trustworthy in all matters it addresses (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Hebrews 4:12). We emphasize that the Scriptures are relevant for all times and cultures, providing timeless truths that apply to our lives today.

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We teach that God communicated through His written Word via dual authorship, with the Holy Spirit guiding human authors so that they expressed God’s message through their distinct personalities and styles without error (2 Peter 1:20–21). This dual authorship affirms both the divine and human aspects of Scripture, allowing for a rich diversity in literary forms while maintaining unity in message.

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We advocate for a literal, grammatical, and historical interpretation of Scripture, recognizing that while multiple applications may exist, there is only one true interpretation. The meaning of Scripture is revealed through diligent study and the illumination of the Holy Spirit (John 7:17; 1 Corinthians 2:7–15). This approach encourages believers to engage deeply with the text and seek understanding through prayer and reflection.

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We assert that this interpretive approach confirms God’s creation of the world in six literal days (Genesis 1:1–2:3), that He created humanity in His image (Genesis 1:26–28), and that marriage is defined as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5). These foundational truths shape our understanding of human identity, relationships, and the divine order.

 

God​​

We believe in one living and true God (Deuteronomy 6:4), who is eternal (Revelation 1:8), infinite (Job 11:7–10), and an absolute Spirit (John 4:24), perfect in all His attributes. This includes His omniscience (1 John 3:20), which means He knows everything, and omnipotence (Genesis 18:14), indicating that He is all-powerful. God’s perfection encompasses His justice, mercy, love, and holiness, ensuring that His actions and decisions are always righteous.

This God exists in one essence, eternally manifested in three coequal Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). Each Person is fully divine, deserving of worship and obedience. The Trinity is central to our understanding of God’s nature and reveals the relational aspect of His being, emphasizing community and love within the Godhead.

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God the Father

God the Father, the first Person of the Trinity, orchestrates all things according to His divine purpose (Psalm 145:8–9; 1 Corinthians 8:6). He is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1–31) and sovereign over creation, providence, and redemption (Psalm 103:19). His sovereignty assures us that nothing happens outside of His control and plan.

As Creator, He is the Father of all humanity (Ephesians 4:6) but is the spiritual Father to believers (Romans 8:14). This dual relationship emphasizes both God’s authority as Creator and His intimate involvement with His people.

He has decreed all things for His glory (Ephesians 1:11) and sustains and governs all of creation (1 Chronicles 29:11). God’s providence means that He is actively involved in the world, guiding history towards His ultimate purpose.

He does not cause sin, nor does He diminish the accountability of moral beings (Habakkuk 1:13; 1 Peter 1:17). While God is sovereign, He allows human free will, and individuals are responsible for their choices.

He graciously chooses those He saves to be His people (Ephesians 1:4–6), demonstrating His mercy and love. This choice is not based on human merit but on His sovereign will, highlighting the depth of His grace.

 

God the Son

Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, is eternal God, fully divine and coequal with the Father (John 1:1). All creation exists through Him (John 1:3), affirming His role as the active agent in the creation process, and is upheld by His power (Colossians 1:17), which assures us of His continued involvement in sustaining the universe.

In the incarnation, the eternal Son took on a full human nature without sin (Philippians 2:5–8). This profound mystery allows God to connect with humanity in a unique way, as Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, the sole mediator between God and humanity.

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Through His sacrificial death, Jesus accomplished the redemption of His people (Isaiah 53:3–6; Romans 3:24–25). His death was not only an act of obedience but a substitutionary sacrifice, taking upon Himself the penalty for our sins. His resurrection guarantees eternal life for all believers (Romans 6:5), affirming His victory over sin and death, and He now intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 7:25).

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God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, coequal with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19). He is involved in creation (Genesis 1:2), the incarnation (Matthew 1:18), and the work of salvation (John 3:5). His presence is essential in guiding and empowering believers.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers for service and convicts the world of sin (John 16:8–11), glorifying Jesus Christ (John 16:14). He transforms believers into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18) and equips them for the work of ministry.

He indwells every believer, providing spiritual gifts for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). These gifts are essential for the growth and maturity of the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual support among believers.

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Man

We believe that man was created directly by God in His image (Genesis 1:26–28), which gives humanity inherent dignity and worth. This divine image reflects aspects of God’s character, including rationality, creativity, and relationally.

Humanity was created as male and female (Genesis 1:27), affirming the goodness of gender distinctions as part of God’s design. We believe that these distinctions carry significant implications for relationships and family life.

Through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world, resulting in spiritual death and corruption (Romans 5:12). This original sin has left all humanity in a state of moral depravity, making us incapable of achieving righteousness on our own (Psalm 14:1–3).

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Salvation

Salvation is the work of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). It is not based on human merits but solely on Christ’s redemptive work. This emphasizes the unmerited favor of God towards sinners and the necessity of faith in receiving salvation.

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Election

Election is God’s sovereign choice of those who will be saved (Ephesians 1:4–5). This doctrine highlights God’s initiative in salvation and affirms that His grace is given freely and unconditionally, without regard to foreseen merit or works.

This does not negate human responsibility to repent and believe (Ezekiel 18:23; John 3:18). While God is sovereign, individuals are still called to respond to His invitation to salvation.

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Atonement

Jesus’ sacrifice fully satisfies God’s justice and secures reconciliation for those who believe (Romans 5:10). His atoning death provides the basis for forgiveness, restoring our relationship with God.

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Regeneration

Regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, granting new life (John 3:3–6). This transformation is instantaneous and marks the beginning of a believer's new identity in Christ.

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Justification

Justification is God’s declaration of righteousness to those who believe (Romans 8:33). It is a legal term indicating that believers are declared not guilty based on Christ’s righteousness imputed to them.

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Sanctification

Believers are called to grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). This ongoing process involves becoming more like Christ in character and actions, reflecting His love and righteousness.

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Security

Once saved, believers are secure in Christ (John 10:27–30). This assurance is rooted in God’s faithfulness and promises, assuring us that nothing can separate us from His love.

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Separation

We teach that believers are to separate from sin and worldly practices (2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1). This call to holiness reflects our commitment to living a life that honors God and aligns with His purposes.

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The Church

The church is the body of Christ, composed of all believers (1 Corinthians 12:12–13). It serves as the primary means through which God works in the world, advancing His kingdom and proclaiming the gospel.

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Angels

Angels are created beings who serve God and fulfill His purposes (Luke 2:9–14). They are not to be worshipped but recognized as messengers and servants of the Almighty.

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Fallen angels, led by Satan, rebelled against God (Revelation 12:9). They oppose God’s work and seek to lead humanity astray, but their ultimate defeat is assured through Christ’s victory on the cross.

 

Last Things

We believe in the bodily resurrection of all people, with the saved entering eternal life and the unsaved facing judgment (John 5:28–29; Revelation 20:11–15). This doctrine affirms the reality of life after death, establishing a basis for our hope in Christ.

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Eternity

The eternal state will be characterized by perfect fellowship with God in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). This new creation will be free from sin, sorrow, and death, where believers will enjoy everlasting communion with God.

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This statement reflects the core beliefs of Grace Fellowship Church, emphasizing our commitment to Scripture, the nature of God, salvation, and the role of the church in glorifying Him. Each point is designed to guide our faith, practice, and understanding of God’s revelation to us.