What do we believe

The Bible is God's Word to all mankind. 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 uniquely inspired by God, it is truth without error. It is accurate, authoritative, and applicable to our everyday lives.

2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; Psalm 119:105, 160

There is one true God who is the loving Creator, Sustainer and Ruler of all that exists, both seen and unseen. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God, having the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and are therefore worthy of the same worship and obedience.

Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Deuteronomy 6:4; Colossians 1:15-17; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; Hebrews 1:8, 2 Corinthians 13:14

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and equal with the Father. He is the perfect expression of God’s heart, character, beauty and love for all people. Jesus became a man, being born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the innocent and perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He rose bodily from the dead after three days, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. He ascended to heaven, is seated in authority, and will one day return to judge the world and bring an end to injustice, restoring all things to God’s original intent. He will reign forever as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14; John 14:6-11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Romans 1:3-4; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 4:14-15; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Colossians 1:15-20; Philippians 2:5-11

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for a Savior, to demonstrate the supremacy of Jesus Christ, and to confirm the proclaimed truth of God's Word through supernatural signs and wonders. He lives inside all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. He teaches, comforts, guides, convicts and empowers us, giving each follower of Christ diverse gifts for serving the church and the world on God's mission in a way that far surpasses their own natural abilities and limitations. Through the regular influence of the Holy Spirit we have the power to change, develop Christ-like character, and live in a way that honors God.

Genesis 1:2; John 14:16-17, 26; John 16:7-15; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:49; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22-25; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; Acts 4:30-31; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 28; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Romans 8:26-30; Romans 12:6-10

All people are created in the image of God with dignity and great value, made to enjoy a vibrant and thriving relationship with Him and one another. However, through our sin (the continual decision to disobey God and live on our own terms), we drive a wedge between us and God and experience the tragic consequences of that broken relationship, both spiritually and socially. Thankfully, because of God’s tremendous love for us, He sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from those consequences. He hung on the cross as God's innocent Lamb and was judged guilty for the sin of all mankind. Faith in His sacrifice and shed blood removes sin's penalty and restores our relationship with God. Because people are unable to save themselves from their sinful condition, salvation is altogether the work of God. Neither good works nor self-improvement can make up for our sin. Salvation is the free gift of God found in Christ alone.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:1-12; Isaiah 59:1-2; John 1:12-13; John 14:6; Romans 3:9-12, 21-28; Romans 5:6-11; Ephesians 1:4-7; Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-7

The church is comprised of any person, anywhere in the world who puts their faith in Jesus Christ and decides to serve and follow Him. The church itself is not a building or meeting place, but people who are radically committed to Christ, one another, and Christ's mission on planet earth. The church is one global community, but has many smaller, local expressions, such as our Grace AG community. Each local church has a distinct personality and is a unique expression of God in the community. We see beauty in that diversity. The local church is an indispensable part of God's plan, His chosen instrument to care for and train His followers, fill culture with His fragrance, and extend His kingdom through evangelism and social justice. We believe God calls churches and denominations to cooperate with one another and work together to be a force for good in the world.

Matthew 16:15-19; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 12:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 1:22-23, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:41-47; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 4:4-6, 11-13; Hebrews 10:24-25

Life continues after physical death. God is faithful and will make good on His promise to give people the desires of their hearts - Heaven and its pleasures for those who responded to His love and chose to follow Him - Hell and its torments for those who ignored His love and kept Him at a comfortable distance. There will be a final judgment in which the dead will be resurrected and judged according to their works. Everyone whose name is not found written in the Book of Life, along with the devil and his angels, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake of fire. Those whose names are written in the Book of Life will be resurrected and stand at the judgment seat of Christ to be rewarded for their good deeds.

Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 25:31-46; John 3:16-21; Acts 24:15-16; Romans 2:1-11; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11-12; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 15:42-49; Revelation 20:11-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18