The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God
- The Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth,
- And in Jesus Christ,
- His only Son,
- Our Lord,
- Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
- Born of the Virgin Mary,
- Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
- Was crucified,
- Dead
- And buried.
- He descended into Hell.
- The third day He arose from the dead,
- He ascended into Heaven
- And is seated at the right hand of God,
- The Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
- I believe in the Holy Spirit,
- The church universal,
- The communion of saints,
- The forgiveness of sins,
- The resurrection of the body,
- And life everlasting.
Statements of Faith
Holy Bible
The Holy Bible — and the Bible alone — is the authoritative, divinely inspired Word of God. It stands as the final authority for determining all matters of faith, doctrine, and practice. Every word, in its original writing, was God-breathed: inspired by the Holy Spirit, infallible, and without error.
The Bible reveals the heart, will, and character of God. It is a complete and sufficient guide for salvation, life, and godliness. Both the Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and together present the full counsel of His will for humanity. In every generation, it remains the timeless, trustworthy, and unchanging standard by which believers are to live, worship, and discern truth.
Scripture References
God the Father
There is only one living and true God — an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being. He is the Creator of all things seen and unseen, the Redeemer of the lost, the Preserver of life, and the Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness, flawless in wisdom, and perfect in all His ways. He is all-powerful and all-knowing, with perfect knowledge that spans every moment of time — past, present, and future — including the choices of His free-willed creation.
To this great and holy God we owe our highest love, deepest reverence, and complete obedience. The eternal God has revealed Himself to humanity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — distinct in personal attributes, yet one in essence, nature, and being.
God as Father reigns in providential care over His universe and lovingly directs the course of human history according to His divine grace. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-loving, and perfectly wise. For those who come to Him through faith in Jesus Christ, He is not only God but Father in the most intimate, truthful sense. And yet, in His mercy and kindness, He remains fatherly in His attitude toward all people, extending grace and inviting hearts to come home to Him.
God’s Will for Provision
It is the heart of the Father that His children live whole, healthy, and fruitful lives, reflecting His goodness in every area. He desires believers to walk in the fullness of Christ’s provision — not merely for personal benefit, but so they may serve others more effectively and reveal the nature of a generous, faithful God to a watching world.
Spiritual Provision:
Through new birth in Christ, believers are made new creations and reconciled to God. This spiritual transformation restores relationship with the Father and empowers us to live by His Spirit.
Mental and Emotional Provision:
God promises peace that surpasses understanding, a sound mind, and a renewed way of thinking that aligns with His truth. He calls His people into wholeness of mind and heart, offering strength, stability, and hope.
Physical Provision:
The redemptive work of Christ extends to our physical bodies. Through His suffering and resurrection, healing and health have been made available to the believer, affirming God’s desire for our well-being.
Financial Provision:
God’s Word declares His willingness to supply every need, to bless the work of our hands, and to cause His people to prosper so they can be a blessing to others. Generosity, stewardship, and obedience position believers to walk in divine provision and abundance according to God’s promises.
Scripture References:
God the Father:
Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11; 20:1; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
God’s Will for Provision:
Spiritual: John 3:3-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-10.
Mental and Emotional: 2 Timothy 1:7; 2:11; Philippians 4:7-8; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3.
Physical: Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24.
Financial: Joshua 1:8; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Psalm 34:10; 84:11; Philippians 4:19.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God and the second Person of the Trinity. On earth, Jesus was 100% God and 100% man, conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He perfectly revealed the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its needs and challenges while remaining without sin. He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and demonstrated the power and compassion of God in tangible ways. In His substitutionary death on the cross, He made provision for the redemption of all mankind from sin and its penalty.
Jesus’ Blood
The blood that Jesus Christ shed on the Cross of Calvary was sinless and completely sufficient to cleanse humanity of all sin. Jesus willingly bore both our sinfulness and our sins, making it possible for all who believe to be free from the penalty of sin, which is death. Through His finished work, every believer is offered the gift of salvation and eternal life.
Jesus’ Resurrection
On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead in a glorified body, fulfilling the Scriptures and appearing to His disciples as the same Jesus who had walked with them before the crucifixion. He ascended to heaven, where He is now exalted at the right hand of God, the only Mediator between God and man. In Him alone is reconciliation found, and it is in His Name alone that we are saved.
Jesus Indwells All Believers
Christians are those who have invited Jesus Christ to live inside them by His Holy Spirit. They surrender the authority of their lives to Him, making Jesus not only Savior but Lord. The living presence of Christ dwells within believers, empowering them, guiding them, and transforming them into His likeness. Through the indwelling Spirit, He equips and enables His people to walk in His ways.
Jesus’ Return
Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom, at a day and hour known only to the Father. This Second Coming is the blessed hope of the Church. It includes the rapture of the saints, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years. During this millennial reign, national Israel will be restored, and universal peace will be established under the righteous rule of Christ. The Lamb who was slain will return as the Lion of Judah, to judge the world in righteousness and to consummate His redemptive mission.
To Him be all glory, honor, and power forever. Amen.
Scripture References
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine and eternally present. He is not an abstract force or influence, but the personal, active presence of God in the earth and within the believer.
From the opening moments of creation to the fulfillment of redemption’s plan, He has moved upon the earth, breathing life, illuminating hearts, and exalting Jesus Christ. It was the Holy Spirit who inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures, and it is by His illumination that we are enabled to comprehend truth.
He magnifies the person of Christ, convicts hearts of sin, reveals righteousness, and declares the certainty of coming judgment. It is the Spirit who calls men and women to the Savior and brings about the miracle of regeneration, birthing new life in those who believe. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ, securing their place within the family of God.
He comforts, cultivates Christlike character, bestows spiritual gifts, and empowers believers for service in the Kingdom. His indwelling presence is both a seal and a guarantee — the divine assurance that God will bring every child of His into the fullness of the stature of Christ. In every act of worship, in every labor of love, in every Gospel proclamation, it is the Holy Spirit who enlightens, strengthens, and sustains the Church.
The Baptism in Holy Spirit
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is both a promise and a provision of God — a divine enduement of power for life and service, made available to every believer. It was the normal, expected experience of those in the early Church and remains a vital, empowering work of grace for the Church today.
Commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ, this baptism comes with the manifestation of spiritual gifts and a greater dimension of God’s presence. Believers can anticipate the Spirit of God moving through them in gifts such as the Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healings, Working of Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits, Divers Kinds of Tongues, and the Interpretation of Tongues — each equipping the Church for effective ministry.
This baptism is distinct from, and subsequent to, the new birth. Accompanying it are experiences of overflowing fullness, intensified consecration, deeper reverence for God, and a burning love for Christ, His Word, and a lost and dying world.
It was given at Pentecost, sent by the ascended Christ as the Promise of the Father, so that His Church might boldly proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in Holy Spirit
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is evidenced by the initial physical sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. This supernatural expression — first experienced on the Day of Pentecost — is a tangible witness of the Spirit’s filling.
Though this speaking in tongues mirrors the operation of the gift of tongues found in 1 Corinthians 12, it is distinct in purpose. As the initial evidence of Spirit baptism, it marks the believer’s entry into a Spirit-empowered life, with further ongoing manifestations of spiritual gifts as the Spirit wills.
The Gifts of Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit continues to manifest Himself through a variety of spiritual gifts, given to edify and sanctify the Church, to affirm the resurrection power of Christ, and to confirm the Gospel’s authority. The Scriptures offer several lists of these gifts, though none claim to be exhaustive. These gifts flow in harmony with God’s Word, and believers are instructed to earnestly desire them.
The operation of these gifts not only builds up the Body of Christ, but also serves as a testimony of God’s Kingdom on earth — revealing the supernatural nature of our faith and inviting the world to encounter the living God.
Scripture References
The Family
God, in His wisdom and grace, ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption, and serves as a reflection of His covenant love and relational nature.
Marriage
Marriage is the sacred uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. This holy union is God’s unique gift — designed to reveal the beautiful relationship between Christ and His Church. It provides a framework for intimate companionship, the only biblically sanctioned expression of sexual intimacy, and the means for procreation and nurturing of the next generation.
The Role of Husband and Wife
In marriage, the husband and wife are of equal worth before God, both created in His image and carrying inherent value. The marriage relationship is a living illustration of how God relates to His people. The husband is called to love his wife with the same sacrificial, faithful love Christ showed His Church — leading, providing, and protecting with humility and grace. The wife is called to graciously submit to the servant leadership of her husband, honoring him and partnering with him as his helper, equal in worth and value, in stewarding the home and nurturing future generations.
Children
Children are a blessing and a heritage from the Lord. God entrusts parents with the holy responsibility of teaching and modeling His pattern for marriage, family, and godly living. Through consistent example, loving discipline, and a home grounded in biblical truth, parents are to raise their children to honor God and walk in His ways. In turn, children are called to honor, respect, and obey their parents, which carries a promise of blessing.
Scripture References
The Church
The Church is the living Body of Christ — His hands and feet in the earth, the habitation of God through the Holy Spirit. It is a divinely appointed vessel, entrusted with carrying out Jesus’ Great Commission and revealing His heart to the world. Every person who is born of the Spirit becomes an essential part of this body, joined together in a spiritual unity with believers everywhere who call upon the name of the Lord.
The Purpose of the Church
God’s desire for humanity has always been to seek and save the lost, to gather a people to worship Him in spirit and in truth, to shape a family of believers into the image of His Son, and to demonstrate His relentless love and compassion to a broken world. The Church, therefore, exists for these sacred purposes:
- To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world.
It is our calling to go into all the earth, preaching the good news of salvation, baptizing new believers, and making disciples.
- To be a corporate body in which man can freely worship God.
The Church is a gathering place for worshipers — a community where hearts are lifted, and God is adored in spirit and in truth.
- To be a channel for God’s purpose to build and mature believers.
Through teaching, discipleship, and the working of the Holy Spirit, the Church helps shape believers into the likeness of Christ, nurturing spiritual growth and unity.
- To be a people who visibly demonstrate God’s love and compassion.
Beyond words and songs, the Church is called to serve — to care for the poor, uplift the hurting, and extend tangible love to the marginalized and forgotten.
The Empowering Work of Holy Spirit in the Church
The Church is tasked with preserving and emphasizing this holy reason-for-being through the apostolic pattern established in the New Testament, encouraging believers to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This experience is not merely a personal blessing but a powerful empowerment for ministry and mission:
- It enables believers to evangelize in the power of the Holy Spirit, with supernatural signs confirming the Word.
- It enriches worship, opening deeper, Spirit-led communion with God.
- It releases believers to move in the full expression of the Holy Spirit’s work, manifesting His fruit and gifts for the building up of the Church and the care of the world’s poor, needy, and broken.
Scripture References
The Ministry
The ministry is a sacred and divinely appointed calling, established by the Lord to serve, lead, and build up the Church. It is not a man-made institution but a holy trust, formed to shepherd the people of God and fulfill His purposes in the earth.
The Fourfold Purpose of Ministry
Through Scripture, we see that God designed the ministry to lead the Church in these four essential areas:
- Evangelizing the world.
Declaring the message of salvation and extending the invitation of Christ to every nation, tribe, and people.
- Worshiping God.
Guiding the Church into genuine, Spirit-filled worship that honors God and fosters a deeper relationship with Him.
- Building a body of saints, perfected in the image of Christ.
Equipping, mentoring, and discipling believers to reflect the character and nature of Jesus in every area of life.
- Meeting human need through ministries of love and compassion.
Demonstrating the heart of God through tangible acts of kindness, care for the poor, and compassion for the broken.
The Five-Fold Ministry Offices
To accomplish this holy work, God has given the Church the five-fold ministry offices — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These leaders are essential for:
- Equipping believers for their work of ministry
- Strengthening and edifying the Church
- Cultivating unity in the faith
- Deepening the knowledge of Christ
- Guiding the Church toward maturity and the fullness of God’s purpose
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Ministry
Alongside the ministry offices, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are vital tools for serving the Body of Christ and advancing God’s kingdom. These gifts include:
- The word of wisdom
- The word of knowledge
- Faith
- Gifts of healings
- Working of miracles
- Prophecy
- Discerning of spirits
- Diverse kinds of tongues
- Interpretation of tongues
These gifts are not optional accessories but essential expressions of God’s power and presence through His people, ministering life, direction, healing, and hope wherever they are needed.
Scripture References
Mark 16:15-20; John 4:23-24; Ephesians 4:11,16; Psalms 112:9; Galatians 2:10; 6:10; James 1:27; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10.
The Doctrines
The Doctrine of Salvation and Spiritual Transformation
Salvation
Salvation is the gracious work of God that redeems the whole person — spirit, soul, and body. It is freely offered to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its fullness, salvation encompasses regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. It is received not by works, but through personal faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Salvation is the gift of God’s grace, extended in love to a lost and broken world.
Scripture References:
Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 9:22
Regeneration
Regeneration is the miracle of the new birth — a divine work of grace where the heart of a sinner is transformed, making them a new creation in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit convicts, stirs repentance, and awakens faith, causing the believer to turn from sin and embrace life in Christ. This spiritual rebirth is essential for anyone who seeks to know God and enter His Kingdom.
Scripture References:
John 6:44, 65
Repentance
Repentance is a sincere turning away from sin and self toward God. It involves every area of life and leads to the surrender of the heart to follow Jesus. It is through repentance that we receive forgiveness of sins and access to the redemption found in Christ. Faith and repentance are inseparable gifts of grace that open the door to salvation.
Scripture References:
Acts 2:21, 3:19; 1 John 1:9
Justification
Justification is the gracious act of God by which He declares righteous all who truly repent and believe in Christ. It is a full acquittal, a restoration of peace, and the beginning of a new relationship of favor and acceptance with God.
Scripture References:
Romans 3:23-25
Sanctification
Sanctification is the ongoing, Spirit-led process of being set apart for God’s purposes. It begins at regeneration and continues throughout the believer’s life, enabling moral, spiritual, and personal growth as we yield to the Word and the Holy Spirit. It is through this process that Christ’s character is formed in us, and we are empowered to live godly, purpose-driven lives.
Scripture References:
1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18, 6:14-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; Romans 8:29, 12:1-2; Hebrews 2:11
The Doctrine of Healing, Prayer, and Spiritual Warfare
Healing of the Sick
Divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel, demonstrated in the ministry of Jesus and extended to His Church. It is a sign for believers and a provision of the Atonement. Healing is available today as a gift of the Spirit and a manifestation of God’s compassion and power, bringing wholeness to spirit, soul, and body.
Scripture References:
Psalm 103:2-3; Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:17-18; Acts 8:6-7; James 5:14-16; 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28; Romans 11:29
Prayer and Fasting
Prayer and fasting are sacred disciplines that position the believer to hear from God, break demonic strongholds, and see miraculous intervention. Fasting humbles the flesh, sharpens the spirit, and aligns us with heaven’s agenda. Prayer fortified with fasting is a powerful force for deliverance, breakthrough, and intimacy with God.
Scripture References:
Matthew 6:6-18; Isaiah 58:6; Ephesians 6:10-20
The Doctrine of Eternal Hope and Eschatology
Resurrection
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, conquered death and rose bodily from the grave in glory, triumphing over sin and the grave. His resurrection is the foundation of our hope and the promise of eternal life. Likewise, all humanity will be raised — those who have trusted in Christ to the resurrection of life, and those who have rejected Him to the resurrection of judgment and eternal separation from God. For believers, the resurrection is a glorious transformation into an eternal, glorified body, as we eagerly await Christ’s return. This blessed hope fuels our perseverance and faithfulness in the present day
Scripture References:
Luke 24:16, 36, 39; John 2:19-21, 20:26-28, 21:4; Acts 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:42, 44, 51-52; Philippians 1:21-23, 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13
Heaven
Heaven is the eternal home of all who have trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is a place of unending joy, peace, and the radiant presence of God, prepared by Christ Himself for those who love Him. In heaven, the redeemed will dwell forever with the Lord, free from sorrow and death, clothed in glory and light, worshiping and serving Him throughout eternity. This blessed assurance fills our hearts with hope and strengthens our walk with God today.
Scripture References:
Matthew 5:3, 12, 20; 6:20; 19:21; 25:34; John 17:24; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Hebrews 11:16; 1 Peter 1:4
The Final Judgment
There will be a solemn and righteous final judgment, when all who have died in rebellion against God will stand before His throne. Each will be judged according to their deeds, and those not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life — along with the devil, his angels, the beast, and the false prophet — will be cast into the lake of fire, the second death, forever separated from the loving presence of God. This solemn truth calls us to repentance and faith in Christ alone, who alone redeems and grants eternal life.
Scripture References:
The Doctrine of Christian Living
Education
In Christ are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The pursuit of knowledge and godly wisdom is not separate from faith, but an extension of it. Christian education awakens the soul, shapes character, and equips believers to live purposefully. It is an essential part of the Church’s mission and should be nurtured alongside evangelism and benevolence.
Scripture References:
Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalm 19:7; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17
Stewardship
Everything we have belongs to God — our time, talents, and resources. Believers are called to steward these gifts faithfully, using them to advance God’s Kingdom, support His Church, and bless others. Stewardship is an act of worship and obedience that reflects our gratitude and trust in God as our Source.
Scripture References:
The Doctrine of the Ordinances
Water Baptism
Water baptism is a public declaration of faith and a symbolic act representing the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. It is a command of Jesus for all who have placed their trust in Him.
Scripture References:
Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12,36-38; 10:47-48; Romans 6:4
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a sacred act of remembrance, celebrating Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. Through the bread and the cup, believers acknowledge His death, rejoice in His resurrection, and anticipate His glorious return.
Scripture References:
Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-26; 2 Peter 1:4
Foot Washing
An act of humility and servanthood, foot washing is a symbolic reminder of our call to love and serve one another. This ordinance is observed as a demonstration of Christlike humility within the community of faith.
Scripture References:
John 13:1-17; Luke 7:36-50