What We Believe
Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of Grace Point Community Church based on the foundational truths taught in the Bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
Scripture
We believe the Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme authority for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12-13; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 119:105,160
The Trinity
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Mark 12:29; Matthew 28:19; Isaiah 43:10-11; Psalm 90:2
God, the Father
We believe in God, the Father, an infinite personal Spirit, creator of the heavens and earth, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of people, and that He hears and answers prayer.
Jeremiah 23:23,24 ; John 4:24; Romans 16:27; Psalm 99:9; Jeremiah 32:17; 1 John 4:8; Matthew 5:38
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to the right hand of the Father and will return again someday in power and glory to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 4:14-15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-23; Romans 1:3-4; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; John 1:1-5; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation and seals them until the day of redemption. He gives every believer spiritual gifts as He wills.
Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 12:7-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; John 16:7-13; John 14:16,17
We believe that since the very first person, mankind has rebelled against our God, our Creator and King. We are guilty and separated from God because of our sin. This separation is complete and it is eternal. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior can one be saved from sin's penalty and to eternal life with Him in His Kingdom. Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. When we turn from our own kingdom and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into one's life by faith. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian; therefore, if you have been genuinely saved, you cannot "lose" it. It is the unmerited favor and power of God through the Holy Spirit that gives us security in our salvation.
Acts 10:47-48 ; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 1:12; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1; John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
Salvation
Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the process by which Christians, according to the will of God, become more like Jesus Christ. We increasingly think more like Christ, act more like Christ, and interact with others more like Christ. It is a continuing work that begins at salvation and is carried on by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit through learning new narratives, practicing spiritual disciplines, experiencing challenging circumstances, and being in community with like-minded people.
1 Thessalonians 4:3; Proverbs 4:18; 1 John 2:20; Philippians 2:12-13
The Church
We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the Head and all Christians are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ who are committed to God and each other to introduce people to Jesus Christ and live together in His Kingdom.
Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Timothy 2:19; Romans 16:5; Colossians 3:16; Colossians 1:28; Matthew 28:19
The Ordinances
We believe that Jesus Christ has instructed those who believe in Him to be baptized in water as a symbol of their new birth in Christ. Our practice is to baptize by immersion. For more information on baptism, visit our baptism page.
The Lord also instituted communion as a remembrance of His suffering, death, and resurrection. Neither baptism nor communion has any merit in helping a person obtain eternal life. Both baptism and the Lord’s Supper are for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4
The Last Things
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians. 2:7-9
Non-essentials
Considering the many denominational backgrounds of our community church, we believe our attitude to other Christians should stress the importance of the main fundamental doctrines as being absolutely necessary, while being understanding in minor differences that so often are merely differences in terminology or custom, and in all things to show love to one another.
Ephesians 4:4-6; Romans 14:1; Romans 4:1-25 ; Romans 12:1-21; 1 Corinthians 13:2