Along with many groups within historic Christianity, we agree that “in essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty, and in everything, charity.” The following are what we consider essential beliefs of Renforth Church. Agreement of these beliefs is not required to participate with us, but we do ask everyone to respect our convictions.
1. God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
(Gen 1:1, 26-27; Psa 90:2; Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 Pet 1:2.)
2. Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
(Isa 9:6; Matt 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Rom 1:3-4; 1 Cor 15:3-4; 1 Tim 6:14-15; Tit 2:13; Heb 4:14-15.)
3. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is 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. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under his authority daily.
(John 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor 2:12; 3:16; 2 Cor 3:17; Gal 5:25; Eph 1:13; 5:18.)
4. The Bible
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 source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God (“God-breathed”), it is the truth without any error or fault.
(Psa 12:6; 119:105, 160; Prov 30:5; 2 Tim 1:13; 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21.)
5. Humanity
People are made in the image of God, to be like him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by disobedience towards God, or “sin.” Sin separates people from God and results in death.
(Gen 1:27; Psa 8:3-6; Isa 53:6; 59:1-2; Rom 3:23.)
6. Salvation
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. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment a person receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith.
(John 14:6; Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5.)
7. Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If a person is genuinely saved, he or she cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
(John 10:29; 2 Tim 1:12; Heb 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Pet 1:3-5.)
8. Eternity
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 God is eternal life, heaven. We believe heaven and hell are real, physical places of eternal existence. Our desire is that every person receives forgiveness and salvation that results in eternal life.
(John 3:16; 14:17; Rom 6:23; 8:17-18; 1 Cor 2:7-9; Rev 20:15.)