The First Advent

We believe, as provided and purposed by God and as pre-announced in the prophecies of the Scriptures, the eternal Son of God came into this world that he might manifest God to men, fulfill prophecy, and become the Redeemer of a lost world.  To this end He was born of the virgin and received a human body and a sinless human nature (Luke 1:30-35; John 1:18, 3:16; Hebrews 4:15).

We believe, on the human side, He became and remained a perfect man, but sinless throughout His life; yet He retained His absolute deity, being at the same time very God and very man, and that His earth-life sometimes functioned within the sphere of that which was human and sometimes within the sphere of that which was divine (Luke 2:40; John 1:1-2; Philippians 2:5-8).

We believe in the fulfillment of prophecy.  He came first to Israel as her Messiah-King, and was rejected by that nation.  He, according to the eternal counsels of God gave His life as a ransom for all (John 1:11; Acts 2:22-24; I Timothy 2:6).

We believe, according to the Scriptures, He arose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which he lived and died, and that His resurrection body is the pattern of that body which ultimately will be given to all believers (John 20:20; Philippians 3:20-21).

We believe, on departing from the earth, He was accepted of His Father and that His acceptance is a final assurance to us that his redeeming work was perfectly accomplished (Hebrews 1:3).

We believe that he became Head over all things to the church which is His body, and in this ministry He ceases not to intercede and advocated for the saved (Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 7:25; I John 2:1).

 Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.
Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.
Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.