Our beliefs
Below you can learn more about our core values, cherished beliefs, and some of the historical creeds and statements we identify with.
beliefs
1. God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are God.
(Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
2. Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by shedding His blood and dying on the 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 someday to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
(Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15)
3. the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-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 spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
(Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25)
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, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5)
5. Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual 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 an attitude of disobedience toward God called 'sin.' This attitude separates people from God and causes us many problems in life.
(Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)
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 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 Christ in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his/her life by faith.
(Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)
7. Eternity
We are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God 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 and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9)
Core Values
Jesus is Lord of All
Jesus is God and has supreme authority over all creation and is our only sovereign Lord. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Bible-Centered Teaching and Worship
We hold that the Bible is God’s inspired Word and is the absolute source of truth.
Spiritual Discipline in Our Daily Lives
We promote spiritual discipline through worship, prayer and meditation, reading and study of scripture, thankfulness and giving of self to others.
Strong Christ-Centered Families
We firmly believe that the family is a foundational building block of society. We encourage all families to become Christ-centered homes through Biblical learning, obedience and spiritual growth.
Passionate Evangelism
We all are broken people. Through church ministries and compassionate outreach, we create opportunities where broken people can be rescued by trusting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul and all our mind. We love our neighbors as ourselves.
Faithful and Trusting of God’s Promise of Salvation
We believe salvation is God’s free gift to us through grace that we must choose to accept. Only by believing in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior can we receive forgiveness and eternal life.
The Bible
This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, and the way of salvation. Its doctrines are holy; its precepts are binding; its records are true. Read it to be wise; believe it to be safe; and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, the Christian's charter. Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the redemption of man its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
These words were found in a 1933 advertisement for the Bible.
standards
The Alliance of Reformed Churches (ARC) is a confessional church. This means that, as a denomination, we affirm specific statements of belief called Creeds and Confessions.
While they are wonderful tools, they do not take the place of the Bible—our final authority.
Learn more about our Creeds and Confessions as part of the Alliance of Reformed Churches