What We Believe

Historically, our understanding of scripture's teaching has been shaped by the following movements in Church history:  the Orthodox teachings of the early Church, the Protestant Reformation, our Anabaptist-Mennonite heritage and the emphases that came out of the Methodist and Holiness revival movements of the late 1800’s.

While we have specific beliefs, and support the Articles of Faith and Practice of the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada, we recognize that there is a diversity of understanding among Christians in different church communities and even within our own congregation.

Before we outline our essential beliefs, we want to express our attitude toward doctrinal diversity, as follows:

•In essential beliefs —we have unity.(Ephesians 4:3-6)

•In non-essential beliefs —we have liberty.(Romans 14:1-22)

•In all our beliefs —we show charity. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  These three are co-equal and are one God.  (Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22;  Psalm 90:2;  Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2;  2 Corinthians 13:14)

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a 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 again someday to earth 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; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15;  Titus 2:13)

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God.  He is present in the world to make men 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 of 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.  (2 Corinthians 3:17;  John 16:7-13, 14:16,17;  Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16;  Ephesians 1:13;  Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)

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 119:105,160, 12:6;  Proverbs 30:5)

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 many problems in life. (Genesis 1:27;  Psalm 8:3-6;  Isaiah 53:6a;  Romans 3:23;  Isaiah 59:1, 2)

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 in 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 in faith we are saved.  Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.  (Romans 6:23;  Ephesians 2:8,9;  John 14:6, 1:12;  Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26;  Romans 5:17)

The teaching of the Bible and the testimony of the Holy Spirit make the believer certain of forgiveness, salvation, eternal life and a future resurrection and home in heaven.  Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity.  It is the grace and keep-ing power of God that gives us this security.  (John 3:16, 36; 10:29;  20:31;  Romans 8:16; 2 Timothy 1:12;  Hebrews 7:25, 10:10,14;  1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 5:11-12)

The Church is not a building, but rather the body of Christ on earth.  It consists of all true believers who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Head of the Church.  The local church is an organized community of believers who are voluntarily joined together for worship, prayer, edification, fellowship, celebration of the Lord’s Supper and fulfilling the Great Commission through evangelism and mission.  (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:24-26, Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8

The return of Jesus Christ is the hope of those who trust Him.  He will return personally, bodily, visibly and without warning.  He will come to resurrect and receive His redeemed  people and judge the wicked and establish his eternal kingdom on earth, where He will reign in righteousness.  (Titus 2:13; Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:42-44; 1 John 3:2; 1 Peter:5:4; Revelation 19:11-15; 20:12-15)

People were created to exist forever.  We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation.  To be eternally separated from God is Hell.  To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life and Heaven.  Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.  (John 3:16;  John 14:17;  Ro-mans 6:23;  Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:11-15;  1 Corinthians 2:7-9)