What We Believe
Essential Beliefs
We hold these beliefs to be essential to a person’s salvation and spiritual growth, and for the deepest levels of unity in the local church. For this reason, members of Grace Point are united in agreement with these beliefs.
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, and we can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. 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. When we turn from our own kingdom and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one surrenders one’s life to Christ by faith. 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.
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
Jesus' Return
Jesus will return again in power and glory to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and will judge the living and the dead. This judgement will be based solely on whether or not people have placed their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Those who have done so will go to heaven. Those who have not will go to hell. Matthew 24:30; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; John 5:22; John 5:28-29; Romans 14:10-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Revelation 20:11-13.
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. 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.
Important Beliefs
While these beliefs are not a matter of salvation, they may affect how a Christian matures and lives, what a church teaches, and how a church organizes and operates. For this reason, the Elders of Grace Point are united in the teaching of these beliefs.
Eternal Security
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. John 10:27-29; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5.
Heaven and Hell
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation in Christ. 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. Matthew 25:46; John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:16-18; Revelation 20:15.
Unity
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.