What are the core beliefs of the Articles of Faith?

I. Belief in the One Eternal God

God is the creator of all things, infinite in power, wisdom, and holiness. According to Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This truth affirms an eternal, all-powerful Being who existed before time began. The world around us, with its precision on both cosmic and microscopic levels, corroborates that nothing sprang into existence randomly. Studies in fields such as physics and biology have yielded evidence of incredible fine-tuning, pointing to an intelligent and purposeful cause. This aligns with the biblical worldview that only an eternal God is sufficient to be the source of all that exists.

II. The Triune Nature of God

The Scriptures reveal God as three co-eternal, co-equal persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—one in essence but distinct in personhood. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands believers to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” thereby underscoring this triune identity. Although the full mystery of the Trinity is beyond complete human comprehension, biblical passages such as John 1:1–2 and John 14:16–17 attest to this unity-in-diversity.

III. The Authority and Inerrancy of Scripture

All Scripture is our sole and final authority for faith and practice. It is God’s inspired Word, free from error in its teaching (2 Timothy 3:16–17). The reliability of these writings is supported by a vast body of manuscript evidence, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and other archaeological discoveries. Recent manuscript comparisons confirm the extraordinary consistency of biblical texts throughout centuries of transmission. This unparalleled preservation points to divine oversight, ensuring that God’s truth and redemptive plan remain accessible to every generation.

IV. The Person and Work of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man (Philippians 2:6–7). He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles by divine power, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. The Gospels, including accounts from eyewitnesses, document His life and teachings. Extra-biblical sources (such as writings of the first-century historian Josephus) also attest to His historical existence. The resurrection of Christ on the third day is foundational to Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Evidence of His resurrection is recorded in the Gospels, and its truth claims are bolstered by historical documentation of empty tomb reports and numerous eyewitness testimonies, even from skeptics who became believers.

V. The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Triune God, convicts the world of sin and guides believers into all truth (John 16:8–13). He is our Counselor, Comforter, and source of spiritual power. Upon conversion, believers receive the Holy Spirit, who indwells them, seals them for redemption, and empowers them for service in fulfilling God’s will (Ephesians 1:13–14). Throughout history, many have testified to miraculous healings, spiritual gifts, and transformed lives through His work, reaffirming the continuity of His activity in the modern era.

VI. Salvation by Grace through Faith

Humanity, created in God’s image, fell into sin through disobedience (Genesis 3:6–7). As a result, all people have inherited a sinful nature and are separated from a holy God (Romans 3:23). However, God’s loving plan of redemption is offered through Christ. Salvation cannot be attained by human effort or moral deeds but is received solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). When anyone places their trust in His atoning sacrifice on the cross and triumphant resurrection, they are justified and granted eternal life.

VII. The Church and Community of Believers

Believers form the Church, the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), called to worship, fellowship, and serve in unity. The Church is meant to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14–16), proclaiming the life-giving gospel and exemplifying God’s love. Historically, the growth of Christianity—despite intense persecution under various empires—demonstrates the enduring, Spirit-led vitality of true believers. Archaeological discoveries of early Christian meeting places, symbols, and writings further attest to the deep-rooted, rapid spread of the faith in the first centuries.

VIII. Ordinances: Baptism and Communion

Most articulations of the Articles of Faith include the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism, typically by immersion (Romans 6:3–4), symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23–26), is a remembrance of Christ’s sacrificial work on the cross and a proclamation of His saving grace until His return.

IX. The Return of Christ

Christ will return personally and visibly to judge the living and the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). This blessed hope includes the resurrection of the righteous to eternal life and the promise of ultimate restoration, when every wrong will be made right and God’s kingdom will be recognized in its fullness (Revelation 21:3–4). The faithful look to this future event with hope, trusting in God’s justice and the framework He has revealed through Scripture.

X. Eternity and the New Creation

Scripture teaches a final state wherein believers enjoy everlasting life in the presence of God (Revelation 22:3–5). For those who reject the salvation offer, eternal separation from God awaits. These realities emphasize the dignity of human existence and the eternal implications of each person’s response to Christ. Historical and theological literature offer diverse perspectives on the afterlife, yet the Bible consistently underscores a future bodily resurrection and the promise of a renewed creation free from sin, sorrow, and death.

XI. Moral Conduct and Godly Living

The faithful are called to a life of holiness and service, reflecting the love and character of Christ. This entails obedience to God’s commandments, love for neighbors, and pursuit of righteousness. Transformations in personal behavior, confirmed by countless testimonies throughout history, provide anecdotal examples of the power of Christ to change lives (Galatians 5:22–23). From first-century believers in Rome to modern communities witnessing dramatic restorations and healings, the evidence of transformed hearts points to the ongoing work of God in the world.

XII. The Purpose of Humanity

Ultimately, the chief purpose of humanity is to glorify God and enjoy a relationship with Him forever. Whether in moments of daily faithfulness or through significant achievements performed in God’s name, all that believers do is meant to bring honor to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). As beholders of divine grace, the redeemed are called to serve others and share the good news of salvation, thereby testifying to God’s transformative power.

In summary, these core truths—an eternal Creator, the Triune nature of God, the authority of Scripture, the person and work of Christ, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, salvation by grace, the unity of believers, Christ’s return, and a life oriented toward God’s glory—form the central pillars of what are commonly referred to as the Articles of Faith. They define the essentials of Christian belief and practice, providing foundational assurance for believers and an invitation of eternal hope for all people.