This summary is only intended as a helpful introduction to some of the central aspects of our faith. We hope it proves useful. We believe that God has revealed himself supremely through His Son Jesus Christ, and in written form through the Bible. It is to the Bible we turn to find out more about Him and about how we should be living as His children. Some useful references are given at each section – there are many more which could have been included. There is no substitute for reading these in context in the Bible itself.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light for my path

(Psalm 119v105)

1. God There is one God, the almighty Creator, Saviour and Judge, who exists eternally in three distinct but equal persons : the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
( Deuteronomy 6v4; Matthew 28v19; John 10v30; 2 Corinthians 13v14 )

2. The Bible The Bible, as originally given, is the inspired and inerrant Word of God. It is our sufficient and final authority on all matters of belief and practice.
( 2 Timothy 3v15-17; 2 Peter 1v20,21; Hebrews 4v12 )

3. The human race All men and women, being created in the image of God, have inherent and equal dignity and worth. Their greatest purpose is to worship and love God. As a result of sin every person is under the just condemnation of God and alienated from Him, needing to be born again, forgiven and reconciled.
( Genesis 1v26,27; Romans 3v23, 5v12, 6v23; John 3v3; Ephesians 2v1-5 )

4. The Lord Jesus Christ He is fully God, yet became fully man in order that He might both reveal God and provide the means of salvation for humanity. He lived a perfect sinless life and died a substitutionary, sacrificial death on the cross. He rose bodily from the dead and ascended to heaven where He is our mediator and advocate.
( Matthew 1v23; John 1v1-4, 14, 18; Romans 4v24,25; 1 Corinthians 15v3,4 )

5. Salvation Salvation is entirely a gift of God’s grace, and cannot be earned or deserved. God in His love offers forgiveness to sinners through the atoning death of Christ. All who believe in Christ are justified by faith alone, adopted into the family of God, and receive eternal life.
( John 3v16; Ephesians 2v8,9; 1 Peter 2v24; Romans 5v8,9; John 1v12,13 )

6. The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ and to apply the work of salvation. He convicts sinners, imparts spiritual life, and gives a true understanding of the Scriptures. He indwells all believers, brings assurance of salvation, and produces increasing likeness to Christ. He builds up the Church and empowers its members for worship, service and mission.
( John 14v15-17; Romans 8v9; 1 Corinthians 2v9-12, 12v12,13; Ephesians 1v13,14 )

7. The Church There is one universal Church, the body of Jesus Christ, to which all true believers belong. Local congregations are expected to meet together to encourage one another in the worship of God, in the teaching of the Scriptures, and in the practice of their faith.
( Ephesians 1v22,23, 5v25-27; 1 Corinthians 12v12-14; Hebrews 10v25; Ephesians 4v11-13 )

8. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper These have been given by the Lord Jesus Christ as visible signs of the gospel. Baptism is a symbolic confession by a believer of union with Christ, but does not itself impart spiritual life. The Lord’s Supper is a means of remembering Jesus Christ, his life and death.
( Matthew 28v19,20; Acts 2v41,42; 1 Corinthians 11v23-26 )

9. The Future The Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory to judge the world in righteousness. Those who have repented, accepting His salvation, will be welcomed into eternal joy in fellowship with God, but the unrepentant will be sent to a place of eternal separation from Him. God will make all things new and will be glorified forever.
( John 14v1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4v13-18; Matthew 25v41-46; John 5 v28,29; Philippians 3v20,21 )

If you want to know more, why not come to church, or contact us through the website ?