The Bible: The Bible is God's Word to us. 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 in the original writing.

God: God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three distinct persons are co-equal and are one God. God the Father is an infinite, personal spirit, who is perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. He infallibly knows all that shall come to pass; He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, He hears and answers prayer, and He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life during which he performed numerous miracles 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 in glory where He continues to intercede on behalf of His people and will return again one day to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, who came forth from the Father and Son, is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ by convicting them of their sin, to regenerate, to sanctify and to empower all believers. He 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.

Human beings: People are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the pinnacle 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." All human beings are born with a sinful nature and are also sinners by choice. Because of sin, there is physical, spiritual and eternal death which is separation from God. and causes many problems in life.

Salvation: Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice. All people who by faith receive Him as their personal Savior, who repent and forsake sin trusting and treasuring Jesus Christ, are justified on the basis of Jesus' shed blood. They are delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. God calls us to trust and treasure Jesus Christ to be forgiven and saved from sin's penalty.

Eternal security: Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot "lose" your salvation. Salvation is 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 us this security.

Eternity: People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or exist eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally with Him is eternal life (heaven). Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. There will be a personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth at which time He will establish His kingdom.

The Church: The universal church is a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. The local church is a body of baptized believers organized for worship, work, and fellowship. The local church regularly performs two ordinances: baptism and communion (also known as the Lord's Supper). Baptism is a public declaration of, and identification with, Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection; signified by immersion in water. Communion is the believers' commemoration of Christ's death until He comes and should be preceded by a careful self-examination.

For more information about what we believe or what the Bible teaches about eternal life, give us a call at (586) 752-3905 or email us at info@stoneridgeonline.org.