What We Believe
Creeds and Statements
In addition to our Statement of Faith below, Grace holds to the ancient creeds of the Church. A “creed” is simply a statement or summary of belief.
The Apostles’ Creed is called so not because it was produced by the apostles themselves, but because it contains a brief summary of their teachings in the Bible. Parts of the Apostles’ Creed can be traced back to the first century, but in its present form it is dated no later than the fourth century. It is an almost universally accepted by all churches everywhere as statement of Christian doctrine.
The Nicene Creed is a statement of the orthodox faith of the early Christian church in opposition to certain false teachings surrounding who Jesus is. In its present form this creed goes back partially to the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325) with additions by the Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381).
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
* “Catholic” here simply “universal” — the church worldwide.
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
begotten from the Father before all ages,
God from God,
Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made;
of the same essence as the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
and was made human.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered and was buried.
The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again with glory
to judge the living and the dead.
His kingdom will never end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life.
He proceeds from the Father and the Son,
and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.
He spoke through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,
and to life in the world to come. Amen.
Our Statement of Faith
About God
God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed as three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co- equal and are one God.
About Humanity
We are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Everyone is marred by an attitude of rebellion toward God called sin. Sin separates people from God.
About Eternity
People are created to exist forever. Every person will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through His forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with him is heaven. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence.
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary by miraculous conception, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days, demonstrating His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory where He is the only Mediator between God and people. He will return again to earth and will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
About Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God. Men and women can never make up for their sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can a person be saved from sin’s penalty. When God has begun a saving work in the heart of any person, He gives assurance in His Word that He will continue performing it until the day of its full consummation.
About God’s Dependability
Because God gives men and women eternal life through Jesus Christ, and adopts them as His own, salvation is received and maintained by the grace and power of God—not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives believers the assurance of salvation. No power in the universe can separate God’s children from Him.
About The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people 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. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
About the Bible
The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is God’s word to all. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures are inspired by God, and are infallible and inerrant in the original manuscripts. They are the unique, full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God.
About Faith and Practice
Scripture is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. This church recognizes that it cannot bind the conscience of individual members in areas where Scripture is silent. Rather each believer is to be led in those areas by the Lord, to whom he or she alone is ultimately responsible.