The Waverly Church of Christ is a non-denominational church seeking to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and His followers recorded in the Bible. We do not claim to have flawless doctrinal understanding of the Bible but honestly seek to grow in the "grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18). The following core beliefs are not given as a church creed but simply as a listing of our basic Bible beliefs.
THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE:
1. ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities known as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 27,27. 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, II Corinthians 13:14
2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is also co-equal with the Father. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven's glory and reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Isaiah 9:6,7, Matthew 1:21-23, Luke 1:35, John 1:1-5, Romans 1:3,4, I Corinthians 15:3,4
3. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment one receives salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. As Christians, we seek to live under His control everyday.
John 14:16,17, 16:7-13, Acts 2:38,39, I Corinthians 6:19,20, Galatians 5:22-25
4. ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is God's Word to 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 inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
Psalm 119:11, 105, 160, Proverbs 30:5, 6, II Timothy 1:13, 3:16,17, II Peter 1:20,21
5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
People are made in the spiritual image of God and were created to be like Him in character. Human beings are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:26,27, 3:1-6, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:4-7, 59:1,2, Romans 3:23, 6:23
6. ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is God's free gift offered to mankind. We can never make up for our sins by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ can anyone be saved from sin's penalty, which is eternal death. Though salvation is truly a gift and can never be merited, we understand the Bible to teach that one receives salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, turning away from sin, and being baptized into Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. At that moment, one possesses eternal life. Salvation is maintained through trusting and following Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Acts 2:38, 22:16, Romans 5:1, 6:3-5,23, Galatians 3:26,27, Ephesians 2:8-10, James 5:19,20
7. ABOUT THE CHURCH
The church was planned in the mind of God before the world ever existed. The church was established on the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts chapter 2. The church is connected to Jesus Christ as the body is joined to the head. One is automatically added to Christ's church upon receiving salvation. It is God who adds people to His church, not man. The church has no earthly headquarters or man-made creeds to follow. Each local congregation is self-governing, following the principles and practices of the New Testament. The church has a five-fold purpose established by Jesus Christ (see Purpose-Driven).
Matthew 22:37-39, 28:18-20, Acts 2:37-47, 14:23, I Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 1:22,23, 4:4, 5:23. Colossians 1:18,24
8. ABOUT ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God in Hell because of our sin, or eternally with God in Heaven through receiving God's forgiveness and salvation. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
Matthew 25:31-46, John 3:16, Romans 6:23, I John 5:11-13, Revelation 20:11-15
In essential beliefs - we have unity In non-essential beliefs - we have liberty In all our beliefs - we have love |