Statement of Belief
We believe …
• that the Scriptures are true, authoritative and sufficient (Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3: 16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
• that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6; Isaiah 46:9-10; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:5).
• that the Father is God, the Son is God and the Holy Spirit is God; and that the Father is neither the Son nor the Holy Spirit, the Son is neither the Father nor the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son (Genesis 1:26; Psalm 45:6-7; Psalm 110:1; Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 28:17-20; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
• that I am, along with all humanity (Christ excluded), by birth and action a sinner (Genesis 6:5; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23; 5:8, 12-21; 7:18; Ephesians 2:1-3).
• that the deserved penalty for sin is death, both physical and spiritual (Genesis 2: 15-17; Genesis 3:19; Romans 5:12; 6:23; James 1:14-15).
• that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, was born of a virgin and is both fully God and fully human (Matthew 1 :20; Luke 2:52; John 1:1-4, 14; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-3).
• that Jesus Christ died as my substitute to pay the penalty for my sin (John 1:29; 10:1-18; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 3:18).
• that Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead (Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 1:20-21:25; 1 Corinthians 15:12-34).
• that Jesus Christ physically ascended into heaven and will one day physically return (John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4: 16; Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 1:7).
• in a future physical resurrection of the dead. Those who trust in Jesus Christ alone will be raised to eternal reward. Those who have not trusted in Jesus Christ will be raised to eternal punishment (Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
• that only by trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone can I be reconciled to God and experience true life and joy (John 3:18,14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6).
Biblical Doctrine
While the doctrines expressed in the “Statement of Belief” are those that are recognized to be universal and primary within the Church, there are a number of secondary beliefs about which the leadership of Living Hope Church is passionate. Complete agreement is not required for the sake of membership, but it should be known that Living Hope Church will preach, teach, and counsel in accordance with these theological convictions. For instance:
• The distinction between law and gospel
• The gifts of the Holy Spirit
• The role of men and women in the church and home
• Baptism as a testimony of salvation