Doctrine Statement of Family Life Bible Church

The Scriptures

We believe in the VERBAL PLENARY inspiration of the Scriptures. VERBAL-That in the original writings the Holy Spirit guided the choice of words used while preserving the individual style and vocabulary. PLENARY-That every portion of the Bible is infallible as to its truth and final as to its divine authority. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

The Godhead

We believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons: The FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT. We believe that these three are one God equal in attributes and nature. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; Revelation 1:4-6)

The Lord Jesus Christ

We believe that the eternal Son of God came into this world as purposed by God and prophesied in the Scriptures to fulfill the plan of salvation for a lost world. (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21) We believe that while not divesting Himself of His absolute deity, He took upon Himself a perfect, sinless nature being born of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:35) We believe that Christ voluntarily became sin for us; and that by His death, as the sinless Lamb of God, He bore the righteous judgment of Holy God and tasted death for every man. (Hebrews 10:5-14; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18) We believe that Christ rose from the grave having the same body but glorified. (Matthew 28:1-10; Philippians 3:20-21) We believe in the bodily Ascension of Christ to the right hand of the throne of God, and that He has become head over all things to the church which is His body. (Acts 1:9; Hebrews 1:1-3; Ephesians 1:22-23) We believe that Jesus Christ is now intercessor and advocate for all those who are saved and that He will return for His bride, which is the church, at the rapture. (Hebrews 7:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit was and is present in all the plan and work of God. His ministries to this age of grace are: Restraining evil (2 Thessalonians 2:7) Convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. (John 16:7-11) Regenerating all believers. (John 3:6) Indwelling all who are saved. (Romans 8:9) Baptizing all believers into the body of Christ. (1Corinthians 12:13) Anointing all believers to teach them truth. (John 16:13) Sealing all believers until the day of redemption. (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30) Filling and empowering believers for service. (I Corinthians 12:4-11; Acts 1:8) It is also important to note that the Holy Spirit can be quenched through disobedience. (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30)

Man

We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God but that through willful sin, he became dead in trespasses and sin with the result that he and creation became subject to the authority of Satan. (Genesis 1:26) We believe that as a result of Adam’s sin that a sin nature has been transmitted to every child born of man. (Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3)

Salvation

We believe that salvation is a gift of God and is free to everyone without human merit or attainment. It is by grace through faith. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9) We believe that every believer has been given the ministry of reconciliation and that no one can be saved without hearing and accepting the gospel. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Romans 10:14-15; Matthew 28:19-20) We believe that the atoning work of Christ is the only basis for our redemption and that entrance into the Kingdom of God is by the new birth alone. (John 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17) We believe that salvation is eternally secured to all believers. (John 3:16; John 10:28-29; Romans 8:29-30)

The Church

We believe that the true church, which is the body of Christ, is composed of all believers who are united to the risen Lord by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:4-6) We believe that each local assembly is under the direct leadership of the Holy Spirit and that He appoints the ministering gifts as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)We believe that we are to assemble together for worship, praise, prayer, encouragement and ministry. (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25)

The Second Coming Of Christ

We believe that the Lord will visibly return with His church in power and great glory to introduce His millennial reign and establish Israel in the land according to the covenant promises. (Matthew 24:4-31; Revelation 6-19; 20:1-6)

Judgment

We believe that at death every believer’s spirit passes into the presence of Christ and there awaits the resurrection of his body, after which he will be judged by Christ for his works. (2 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10) We believe that the unsaved will remain under condemnation, and in misery, until the judgment of the Great White Throne where they will be united with their body to be cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15) We believe that Satan and the fallen angels also will be cast into the lake of fire to be tormented forever. (Revelation 20:10)