What We Believe

The Bible

The Bible, made up of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is the revealed, authoritative Word of God to mankind.  It was given by inspiration from God to the people who wrote the Bible as they were guided by the Holy Spirit. This means that the Bible is without error in its original form and that it is to be literally interpreted.  It is to be received, believed, and obeyed because it is the Word of God. The Bible contains the complete teachings of God necessary for His own glory and man’s salvation, faith, and life.

God

There is one God, the Creator of Heaven and earth, who is eternally existent in the three persons of the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ

God’s one and only son, Jesus Christ, was sent into the world as both fully human and fully God, born to the virgin Mary. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He paid the price of redemption for the sins of all people. He was buried in a grave and rose from the dead three days later.  He later ascended to Heaven where He now ministers as our Great High Priest and Advocate.

Holy Spirit

Sent by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit abides with His people. He is an equal part of the Trinity whose function is to convict the world of sin, righteousness & judgement.

Mankind’s Need

Mankind was created in the image and likeness of God.  However, because of mankind’s sin (disobedience to God), we all stand guilty before Him as we are hopeless under His eternal judgement.

Salvation

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provides the only way that a sinner can be justified and accepted by God.  This means that Christ’s sacrifice was a substitute for mankind and atoning in God’s eyes. All who believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him by faith are redeemed by His blood and receive the Holy Spirit, becoming children of God.

Eternal Security

Every person who has truly become a child of God possesses eternal life and is safe for all eternity.  However, although a believer cannot lose their salvation, they can, through sin, lose their fellowship, joy, and reward if they chose not to repent, thus provoking God’s discipline.

The Return of Christ

The personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His Church could happen at any moment.  At this time, the just (redeemed) and unjust (un-redeemed) will be bodily resurrected.  All those who have salvation will receive everlasting life and blessings while the lost will receive eternal punishment.

The Ordinances

There are two Christian ordinances (that is – decrees, given to us by Jesus Christ) which are Baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism signifies that the believer, having died with Christ, buries their old life with Him and is brought out of the water symbolizing Christ’s resurrection as the believer now walks in newness of life with him. The Lord’s Supper was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.  When we observe this supper, believers retell the message of Jesus Christ’s death and gain new appreciation for what we have gained from His sacrifice. This is the privilege and responsibility of all true believers.

The New Testament Church

The Church, which is composed of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, is referred to as the “Body of Christ.” Jesus Christ instructed His Church to share the Word of God with people of all nations through preaching the Gospel, Baptism, and teaching obedience to Scripture. Believers are to join themselves with a local church that is made up of all those who also believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. As Christians, we are to join in worshiping the living God, praying, building each other up in faith and giving of our time and money as good stewards for the work of God.

If anything is not answered here and you have questions, please reach out to us at info@arkellroadbiblechapel.ca