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STATEMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS
THE NEW LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH embraces the following statements of beliefs. This Statement of Fundamental Beliefs is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (I.E. that we all speak the same thing, 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42). We do not presume to say the phraseology employed in this Statement of Fundamental Beliefs is inspired or that it is the final work on Bible truth. However, we are persuaded it is proper and consistent with the Holy Scriptures to “set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us” Luke 1:1.
THE SCRIPTURES INSPIRED
The Holy Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments were written by holy men inspired by the Holy Spirit and are God’s revealed word to man. They are the sufficient, infallible rule and guide to salvation all Christian worship and service (11Peter 1:20-21; 11 Tim. 3:15-17: 11Thess. 2:13). The Bible is the inspired Word of God, equally in all parts and in the whole is totally inerrant in the original manuscripts. It is the supreme revelation from God and of God, superior to conscience and reason, though not contrary to them.
THE ONE TRUE GOD
That Scripture teaches that there is only One True and Living God, who is self-existent, and the eternal “I AM” the creator of heaven and earth and the redeemer of mankind. That He has chosen to reveal Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the same in essence, though distinct in personality (Deut. 6:4; Is. 43:10-11; Matt. 28:18-19; Luke. 2:22).
JESUS CHRIST
That Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the son of Man, was born miraculously of the Virgin Mary (Matt. 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35). He lived a sinless life (Heb. 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22). That He came into the world to save men from the guilt and condemnation of sin (John 3:16), offering His blood as atonement and making it available to all who exercise faith in Him. His bodily resurrection from the dead. His exaltation to the right hand of God. And in His personal return in power and glory.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that Scriptures ascribe to the Holy Spirit the acts and attributes of an intelligent being. He guides, knows, moves, gives information, commands, forbids, sends forth, reproves, as the instrumental segment of the God Head in the liberal dispersion of spiritual gifts, and can be sinned against (John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:11; Gen. 1:2; Acts 10:19; 13:2,4; 16:6; John16:8; Mark 3:29; Acts 7:51; Eph. 4:30; 1 Cor. 12).
MAN: HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION
We believe man was created good and upright, for God said, “Let us make man in our image and after our likeness.” But man, by voluntary transgression, fell, and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Gen. 1:26-31; Gen. 3:17; Rom. 5:12-21).
THE SALVATION OF MAN
We believe the Grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit and being justified by grace, has become heir of God according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Rom. 10:13-15; Luke 24:47). The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Rom. 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of holiness (1Thess. 4:7; 2 Tim. 1:9).
BAPTISM IN WATER
We believe the ordinance of baptism by burial with Christ should be observed by all who have repented of their sins and in their hearts have believed on Christ as their Savior and Lord. In doing so, they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they have also been released to walk in newness of life (Matt. 28:19; Acts 19:47; Rom. 6:4).
THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe that the Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements, bread and the fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing in a memorial to His suffering and death, and prophecy of His second coming, and is enjoined to all believers “until He comes” (John 6:48, 51, 53-57; Luke 22;19,20; 2Pet. 1:4; 1Cor. 11:25).
SANCTIFICATION PROCESS
We believe that by the power of the Holy Spirit we strive to obey the command, “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” Sanctification is the will of God for all believers, and should be earnestly pursued by walking in obedience to God’s Word (Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16; 1 Thess. 5:23, 24; 1 John 2:6).
THE RESURRECTION
We believe in the imminent return of Christ and the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation (1 Thess. 4:16; Rom. 6:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52; Rev. 19: 11-16; Rom. 11:25; Rev. 20:1-7).
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