OUR BELIEFS
OUR FAITH AND PRACTICE RESTS ON THESE MISSION-RELATED STATEMENTS OF BELIEF
These statements form the biblical basis for our mission work in Evangelism and outreach Cross River.
THE ETERNAL GODHEAD
First, we believe that one God exists. He is the eternal, self-existent One. Moreover, He reveals Himself as a tri-unity (Trinity) of three divine Persons. These are distinguishable yet indivisible. In addition, He creates and preserves all things visible and invisible. Finally, He rules His creation as sovereign King with absolute authority.
Specifically, God is light. Likewise, God is spirit. Above all, God is love. Furthermore, He remains just, holy, and gracious. Consequently, He is full of compassion, mercy, goodness, and kindness. Thus, He forgives transgression and sin. Additionally, He possesses all knowledge, all wisdom, and all power. Indeed, He exists everywhere simultaneously. Ultimately, He reveals Himself as personal, relational, and knowable.
THE LIGHT
God is light, spirit, and love. Thus, He remains just, holy, and gracious. Likewise, He is full of compassion, mercy, goodness, and kindness. Moreover, He forgives transgression and sin. Additionally, He possesses all knowledge, wisdom, and power. Similarly, He exists everywhere simultaneously. Therefore, He reveals Himself as personal, relational, and knowable.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 1:35; John 5:21-23; 14:10,16; Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 1:8-10
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Specifically, He is the second person of the triune Godhead. Also, He is the eternal Son of God. Furthermore, He was born of a virgin. Additionally, He possesses absolute deity with full humanity. Then, He lived a sinless life. Moreover, He performed authentic miracles. Subsequently, He died a substitutionary and atoning death. After that, He rose bodily from the dead. Next, He ascended gloriously. Finally, He now carries out His mediatorial work in heaven.
Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 24:39; Acts 1:9; 2:22; 10:38; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 4:8-10; Hebrews 7:25-26; 9:12; 1 Peter 2:22
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the Holy Spirit. Specifically, He is the third person of the triune Godhead. Moreover, He serves as God’s present and active presence in the church. Thus, He indwells and empowers believers. Furthermore, His inward presence guarantees resurrection and eternal life. Additionally, He convicts and regenerates sinners. Then, He also works within believers. For example, He sanctifies, comforts, and guides them. Finally, He empowers them for ministry and mission.
Genesis 1:2; Psalm 51:11; 139:7 ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Mark 1:10; Luke 1:35; 4:1; 11:13; 12:12; John 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 13:2; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Peter 1:2; Revelation 22:17
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Scriptures constitute the inspired Word of God. Specifically, these are the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. Moreover, they contain no error in their original writings. Therefore, they serve as the basis of faith and practice for the church.
s 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 3:16
THE FALL OF HUMANITY
Primarily, we affirm that God created Adam and Eve in His image. Specifically, they were morally upright and sinless. However, the devil (Satan) tempted them. Consequently, they voluntarily sinned against God’s command. Thus, this event is the Fall. Moreover, all of Adam and Eve’s descendants share a sinful nature. As a result, all humanity is born separated from God. Furthermore, they are spiritually darkened and lost. Therefore, they stand in utter need of redemption.
Genesis 1:26-31; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-21
THE ATONEMENT
First, we confess that God’s answer to sin is the death of His Son. Specifically, that Son is the Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover, He died on the cross. Additionally, His sufferings, blood, resurrection, and ascension made full atonement. Thus, this atonement covers the sins of the whole world. Consequently, through His death, Jesus paid sin’s penalty. Likewise, through His resurrection, He breaks sin’s power. Furthermore, God’s loving initiative provides full forgiveness. It also gives righteousness before God. Finally, it grants freedom from sin, Satan, and eternal death.
Isaiah 1:18; 53:5-6; 55:7, Matthew 1:21; 27:22-66, 28:1-6, John 1:12; 3:16, 36; 5:24, Acts 2:21; 4:12; 16:30-31, Galatians 1:4, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14, Hebrews 9:25-26, 1 Peter 1:19-20
SALVATION OF HUMANITY
We hold that salvation comes through repentance toward God. Furthermore, it also comes through faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross.