A. A confession of faith

  1. The Bible
    Heb 1:1–2; 2 Tim3:15–17; 2 Pet 1:19–21.
    I believe the 66 books of the Bible are the word of God, all directly inspired by him. Through inspiration, God has given a message without errors except where errors of translation or copying have occurred. My faith and beliefs are based entirely on the Bible.
  2. God
    Deut 6:4; Psa 103:8–10; 139:7–10; Isa 45:6,12; Luke 1:35; Acts 17:24–29; 1 Cor 8:6; 1 Tim 1:17; 2:5; 6:15–16.
    I believe there is only one God, the Father, who created all things. He is the eternal king, all wise and all powerful, everywhere present by his power, the Holy Spirit. God is righteous, just, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, and forgiving sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.
  3. Jesus
    Luke 1:26–35; 3:23–38; Acts 2:22–36; 3:13–26; 17:31; Php 2:5–11; 1 Tim 2:5; 3:16; Heb 2:14–18; 4:15.
    I believe the man Jesus of Nazareth is the only begotten son of God, born of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit. He was sent by God to be the anointed king and “righteous one” predicted by the prophets and shown to be the son of God by miracles performed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Although sinless, he suffered and was crucified, yet did not decay but rose to everlasting life and ascended to heaven having been glorified and appointed judge of the living and the dead.
  4. Sin and death
    Psa 146:4; Rom 3:23; 6:23; Heb 4:14–15.
    I believe sin is disobedience to God and it results in death. Death is a state of unconsciousness as a person turns to dust. Only Jesus has obeyed God completely.
  5. Promises
    Gen 12:1–3; 13:14–17; 2 Sam 7:12–16; Lk 1:30–33; Gal 3:26–29.
    I believe God has selected particular people throughout history (such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David) and made promises to them. In this way God promised possession of the land of Israel and the coming of a son and a blessing for all nations. This son will rule on the throne of David for ever. These promises have only been fulfilled in part and are to be completely fulfilled in Jesus when he returns.
  6. Israel
    Deut 7:7–8; 2 Chr 36:15–16; Mt 15:24; Acts 13:46; Rom 11:1–2,25–27; Gal 3:26–29.
    I believe God chose the nation of Israel as his own because of his love for their fathers. He gave them his law, prophets, promises and the land of Israel, and cared for and disciplined them through their history. Jesus was sent first to the nation of Israel which rejected him as prophesied and in doing so rejected the salvation he offered. Despite this, God has not rejected the nation of Israel. People from all nations may be part of his family and heirs of the promises.
  7. What is offered to believers
    Acts 4:12; 8:12; Rom 6:3–5; 8:1–4; 1 Cor 15:50–57; Eph 2:4–8; 5:2; Heb 10:12–14; 1 Pet 1:3–9.
    I believe that Jesus died as a sacrifice for us, so that our sins can be forgiven and we can be reconciled to God. By the grace of God in Jesus, salvation, resurrection and eternal life in God’s kingdom are offered as fulfilment of God’s promises to all people on earth who will believe.
  8. Kingdom of God
    2 Sam 7:1–16; Isa 11:1–9; Dan 12:2; Mt 25:31–46; Lk 1:31–33; Acts 1:11; 1 Cor 15:26,28; 1 Thess 5:1–11; Heb 2:14.
    I believe that Jesus will return to earth to raise the dead, just and unjust, and judge them. When Jesus returns he will sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem and rule with righteousness, justice and peace. His kingdom will extend over the whole earth. Eventually all enemies, including death, will be destroyed. He will then hand over the kingdom to God.
  9. What is required of believers
    Ecc 12:13; Mk 2:17; 6:12; 16:16; Rom 6:1–23; Php 1:27; James 1:19–27; Heb 11:6; 1 Pet 1:13–25.
    I believe God has commanded me to repent of my sins, to be baptised (by full immersion) in the name of Jesus and to worship God sincerely and with all my heart in faith and obedience to his commands. Without faith it is impossible to please God, and my works must show my faith and my repentance.
  10. Fellowship
    Mt 6:9–15; Jn 15:7–8; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 11:23–26; Php 2:1–4; 4:6; 2 Tim 3:16–17; Heb 10:24–25.
    I believe I must constantly seek God’s help and forgiveness through prayer, and his wisdom in thoughtful reading of his word. I must meet regularly with other believers so we can encourage each other and share bread and wine in memory of Jesus’ death and resurrection. I must strive for unity and peace with fellow disciples.
  11. Fruit of the Spirit
    1 Cor 6:9–10; 13:4–8; Gal 5:19–25; Php 4:4; Col 3:5–14.
    I believe that God requires me to stop following sinful ways such as jealousy, pride, temper, drunkenness, greed and idolatry. Instead, I aim to show the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
  12. Speech
    Mt 12:36–37; Mk 16:15; Eph 4:29–31; 5:4; Col 3:8–9, 4:6; 2 Tim 2:24–25; 1 Pet 3:15.
    I believe that I must always tell the truth, and speak to others with courtesy and respect. In all I say, my aim is to help others to grow in the Lord—so I never gossip or use foul language. I am always ready to explain my beliefs to anyone.
  13. Marriage
    Gen 2:18–24; Psa 127:3; Mal 2:15–16; 1 Cor 6:9; 7:39; Eph 5:22–23; Tit 2:4; Heb 13:4.
    I believe marriage is a partnership between a man and a woman which is intended to provide loving companionship and children. Children are a heritage of the Lord and must be cherished and nurtured. Husbands are to love their wives and wives are to love and submit to their husbands. Sexual relations outside marriage are forbidden. I believe I should marry a fellow believer. I believe marriage should be entered into for life—God hates divorce.
  14. Dealing with people
    Mt 5:38–6:4; 7:1–5,12; 22:34–40; Eph 6:5–9; Col 3:23–24; James 2:1–13; 1 Pet 2:11–21.
    I believe that in all my dealings with people I must maintain godly conduct and show love to my neighbour. I must do all things as if doing them for the Lord, and serve others cheerfully without favouritism. I will be judged in the same way that I judge others.
  15. Money
    Mt 6:19–21; 2 Cor 9:6–7; 1 Tim 6:8–10,17–19; Heb 13:5.
    I believe I must avoid loving money. Instead, I must be content and responsible with the money and possessions I have, and rely on God to provide for my needs. I must be generous, giving to those in need.
  16. Law and violence
    Mt 5:38–48; Acts 5:29; Rom 12:16–13:7; 1 Cor 6:1–8; Heb 11:13.
    I believe that I must obey the laws of the country in which I live provided they do not contradict the commandments of God. I refuse to participate in violence or go to war. I consider myself a “stranger and pilgrim” on the earth. If others are violent towards me or seek to defraud me, I believe I should “turn the other cheek”.

Comments are closed.