CHURCH BELIEFS

We believe that the sixty six canonical books of the Old and New Testaments were given by divine inspiration (II Timothy 3:16) and are the Word of God. We believe the Holy Scriptures inerrantly reveal the will of God concerning all things necessary to our salvation so that whatever is not contained therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be enjoined as an article of faith (II Peter 1:20 21).

Original Sin, or Depravity

We believe that original sin, or depravity, is that corruption of the nature of all the offspring of Adam by reason of which everyone is very far gone from original righteousness or the pure state of our first parents at the time of their creation, is averse to God, without spiritual life and inclined to evil and that continually (Genesis 6:5; Romans 3:12, 5:12 18; I Corinthians 15:22). In the Scriptures, it is spoken of as the carnal mind, the old man and the flesh (Romans 6:6, 7:14, 8:5 8). We further believe that original sin continues to exist after regeneration, though suppressed, until crucified (eradicated) and destroyed by the baptism with the Holy Ghost (Acts 15:8 9; I John 3:8).

Justification, Regeneration and Adoption

We believe that justification is that gracious and judicial act of God by which He grants full pardon of all guilt and complete release from the penalty of sins committed and accepts as righteous all who believe on Jesus Christ and receive Him as Lord and Saviour (Romans 3:23 25, 5:1).
We believe that regeneration, or the new birth, is that gracious work of God whereby the moral nature of the repentant believer is spiritually quickened and given a distinctly spiritual life capable of faith, love and obedience (II Corinthians 5:17; I Peter 1:23).
We believe that adoption is that gracious act of God by which the justified and regenerated believer is constituted a son of God.
We believe that justification, regeneration and adoption are simultaneous in the experience of seekers after God and are obtained upon the condition of faith in the merits of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, preceded by repentance, and that to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness.

Entire Sanctification

We believe that entire sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to regeneration, by which believers are made free from original sin, or depravity, and brought into a state of entire devotement to God and the holy obedience of love made perfect.
It is wrought by the baptism with the Holy Ghost and comprehends in one experience the cleansing of the heart from sin and the abiding, indwelling presence of the Holy Ghost, empowering the believer for life and service.
Entire sanctification is provided through the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by faith preceded by entire consecration, and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness (Romans 6:6, 11, 13, 22; 12:1, 15:16; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 10:14-15, 13:12 13).
This experience is also known by various terms representing its different phases, such as "Christian Perfection," "Perfect Love," "Heart Purity," "the Baptism with the Holy Ghost," "the Fullness of the Blessing" and "Christian Holiness."