RAVENSDALE BIBLE CHURCH:    STATEMENT OF FAITH

 

The Bible

We believe:

• that the Bible (both the Old and New Testament) is the inspired Word of God to us written by human authors, under the supernatural inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

 

• the Word of God is without error and has final authority in all matters of faith and living. 
        (John 17:17, 20:31; Romans 15:4; II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:19-21).

 

The Trinity

We believe:

• in one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 

                  (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:18, 19; John 14:26, 15:26;                                      I Corinthians 8:6, II Corinthians 13:14; Mark 12:29).

 

God, the Father

We believe:

• in God the Father, Creator and Ruler of the universe, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. 

 

• that God the Father concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ, the One the Father sent.

                      (John 4:24;  John 14:6; I Cor. 1:3).

 

God the Son, Jesus Christ

We believe;

• Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man.
      (John 1.1-2, 14; Luke 1.35).

 

•  Jesus Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, accomplished our redemption through His sacrificial and substitutionary death on the cross, and that our justification is made sure by His literal and physical resurrection from the dead.

                   (Romans 3.24; 1 peter 2.24; Ephesians 1.7; 1 Peter 1.3-5).

 

•  Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father where, as our High Priest, Jesus fulfills the ministry as Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate for us. 
       (Acts 1.9-10; Hebrews 4.14-16; Hebrews 7.25; Romans 8.34; 1                       John 2.1-2).

 

•  Jesus Christ is coming again to judge the living and the dead.

                    (1 Peter 4.5; Romans 14.9; 2 Timothy 4.1)

 

God, the Holy Spirit

We believe:

•  in God, the Holy Spirit, that He is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal with God, the Father, and God, the Son. 

                      (John 14:16-17, 15:26). 

 

•  the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He is the Agent of regeneration.      (John 16:7-11). 

 

•  the Holy Spirit provides every believer with the power for living to serve God’s redemptive purpose by enabling the understanding of biblical truth and providing spiritual gifts for effective service.  
        (Matthew 28:19; John 14:16-17, 26; Ephesians 1:13-14;                                      Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 8:26-27).

 

Man

We believe:

•  man was created in the image of God.  (Genesis 1:26) 
   

•  man sinned, and thereby incurred, not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God, (Isaiah 59:1-2)
   

•  all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners in thought, word and deed. 
   

• man is totally depraved and cannot save himself from the result of his sin.  (Romans 3:10-23, 6:23)
   

• all who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith are born again by the Holy Spirit and thereby become the children of God. 

             (John 3:3; John 3:5-8, 16; II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8-9;                            Titus 3:5).

 

The Church

We believe:

•  the true church is composed of all who have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ and not by anything the people can do.

•  Jesus Christ is the head of the church and the church is His bride

• the church is free of any external authority and control outside of Jesus Christ. 

 

We recognize:

• believer’s baptism and the Lord’s supper are biblical means of testimony for the church.

 

Spiritual Gifts

We believe:

•  Spiritual Gifts are given by God to serve the church in various unique capacities
    in the areas of service and the building up of the body of Christ

•  it is the believer’s responsibility to use their God given spiritual gifts in that service

                (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Ephesians 4:11-13;                                      Romans 8:26-27).