The Scriptures
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by men under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is without error and stands as God’s final and complete revelation to humanity. The Bible is our ultimate authority for faith and life, the centre of our unity, and the standard by which all beliefs and actions are tested.
Key Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:16
Psalm 12:6
John 17:17
The True God
We believe there is only one living and true God, the Maker and Ruler of all things. He is infinite in wisdom, perfect in holiness, and worthy of all love and trust. Within the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection, yet carrying out distinct and harmonious roles in the work of redemption.
Key Scriptures:
Deuteronomy 6:4
Matthew 28:19
1 John 5:7
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with the Father and the Son and of the same nature. He was active in creation, restrains the evil one, convicts the world of sin, judgment, and righteousness, and testifies to the truth of the gospel. He is the agent of the new birth, and He seals, guides, teaches, sanctifies, and helps the believer.
Key Scriptures:
John 14:16-17
John 16:8-11
Ephesians 1:13-14
The Devil or Satan
We believe that Satan was once holy, but through pride fell from his exalted state, drawing with him a host of angels. He is now the prince of the power of the air and the enemy of God and man. He is the author of false religions, the instigator of apostasy, and destined to final defeat and eternal judgment in hell prepared for him and his angels.
Key Scriptures:
Isaiah 14:12-15
1 Peter 5:8
Revelation 20:10
Creation
We believe that God created the world in six literal days, directly and without evolution. Humanity was created in the image of God, male and female, distinct yet equal in worth. God designed marriage as the covenant union of one man and one woman, and intimate sexual activity is reserved for that covenant. We believe that homosexuality, adultery, fornication, pornography, and all distortions of God’s gift of sex are contrary to His design. Any attempt to alter one’s God-given gender is also a rejection of His created order.
Key Scriptures:
Genesis 1:26-27
Genesis 2:21-24
Romans 1:26-27
The Fall of Man
We believe that man was created innocent, but by voluntary disobedience fell from that state. As a result, all mankind are now sinners by nature and by choice, under just condemnation and without excuse.
Key Scriptures:
Genesis 3:1-6
Romans 5:12
Ephesians 2:1-3
The Virgin Birth
We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He is the unique Son of God, fully God and fully man.
Key Scriptures:
Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 1:35
The Atonement for Sin
We believe that salvation is entirely by grace through the work of Jesus Christ, who took on human nature, lived in perfect obedience, and offered Himself as a substitute for sinners. By His death He bore our sins, and by His resurrection He secured eternal redemption. He is now exalted in heaven, our compassionate and all-sufficient Saviour.
Key Scriptures:
Isaiah 53:4-6
John 3:16
1 Peter 2:24
Grace in the New Creation
We believe that to be saved, a sinner must be born again. This new birth is a work of God, not a gradual improvement or human effort, but an instantaneous new creation through the power of the Holy Spirit. It brings eternal life and results in repentance, faith, and a transformed life.
Key Scriptures:
John 3:3
2 Corinthians 5:17
1 John 5:1
The Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are offered freely to all through the gospel. It is the duty of every person to accept this gift with repentance and faith. Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner except their own sin and rejection of the gospel.
Key Scriptures:
Isaiah 55:1
John 6:37
Revelation 22:17
Justification
We believe that justification is God’s gracious act of pardoning sin and declaring a believer righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. This is not earned by works but received by faith, as Christ’s righteousness is credited to us.
Key Scriptures:
Romans 5:1
Romans 8:1
Titus 3:5-7
Repentance and Faith
We believe that repentance and faith are inseparable graces given by the Spirit of God. Convicted of sin, guilt, and helplessness, we turn to God in sorrow and confession, seeking His mercy, and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour with wholehearted trust.
Key Scriptures:
Mark 1:15
Acts 20:21
Romans 10:9-10
The Church
We believe that a local church is a congregation of baptised believers, united by covenant in the gospel, observing the commands of Christ, and governed by His Word. Its officers are pastors (elders) and deacons, whose qualifications are set out in Scripture. The mission of the church is to make disciples, build up believers, and teach all that Christ commanded, under His sole authority.
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 28:19-20
Acts 2:41-42
1 Timothy 3:1-13
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, symbolising death to sin and new life in Christ. Baptism precedes membership in the local church and participation in the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice, observed with bread and the cup, and is to be preceded by self-examination.
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 28:19
Romans 6:3-4
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Perseverance of the Saints
We believe that true believers will endure in faith to the end. Their perseverance is the evidence of genuine salvation, and they are kept by the power of God and His providential care until their eternal redemption is complete.
Key Scriptures:
John 10:28-29
Philippians 1:6
1 Peter 1:5
The Righteous and the Wicked
We believe there is a clear and eternal distinction between the righteous and the wicked. Those who are justified through faith in Jesus Christ are counted righteous in God’s sight, while those who persist in unbelief remain under His judgment. This distinction continues beyond death, in everlasting joy for the saved and everlasting conscious suffering for the lost.
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 7:13-14
Romans 6:23
John 5:29
Civil Government
We believe that civil government is ordained by God for the good of society. Christians are called to pray for those in authority and to honour and obey them, except where their commands are contrary to the will of Christ, who alone is Lord of the conscience and King of kings.
Key Scriptures:
Romans 13:1-2
1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 Peter 2:13-14
The Resurrection, Return of Christ, and Related Events
We believe that Jesus Christ rose bodily from the grave on the third day and ascended to the right hand of God. He will come again personally, visibly, and gloriously. At His coming the dead in Christ will rise first, and living believers will be transformed. He will reign in righteousness until all enemies are defeated.
Key Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Acts 1:11
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Missions
We believe that Christ has commissioned His church to take the gospel to the whole world. Every believer is called to be a witness, and every church is commanded to proclaim Christ to all nations until He comes again.
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 28:19-20
Mark 16:15
Acts 1:8
Grace Giving
We believe that giving is a grace in which believers are called to abound. Under the new covenant we give freely and generously, not under compulsion, as an act of worship. God calls us to bring our gifts into the fellowship of the local church, supporting its ministry and mission.
Key Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 16:2
2 Corinthians 9:7
Malachi 3:10