There is one true God, eternally existing in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. These are equal, unique in character and individually active in the lives of humanity. God created the world out of nothing and by his power he sustains all he has created (Genesis 1:26, John 1:1, Ephesians 1:13-14).

Jesus was miraculously born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:35) and became flesh and blood (John 1:1-16, John 1:29-34) without ceasing to be God. He lived a sinless life and performed many miracles to confirm his divinity. He died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice, paying the debt for our sins (Mark 10:45). On the third day after his death he arose from the dead showing his victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). He appeared to his disciples and then ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God serving as our mediator.

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son. He makes people aware of their need for Christ (John 16:8-11). He indwells and empowers the believer (1 John 4:13, Galatians 5:16-26). His presence in our life is a seal and guarantee that we are God’s children (2 Corinthians 1: 21-22). The Holy Spirit gives believers spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Romans 12:4-8) to be used to help others.

Salvation is a free gift of God. The death of Christ on the cross is the only sufficient payment for our sins. All have sinned, but all can be saved by putting their faith in Christ as Savior (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:16).

The church is the Body of Christ on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the task of reaching the lost and discipling the saved, helping them become fully devoted followers of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16).

The Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the final authority in life and doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16).

Christ will one day return and redeem creation and humanity (Romans 8:21-22, Rev. 21:1-5). Believers will be welcomed into God’s presence in heaven and unbelievers will be separated from God’s presence (2 Thessalonians 1:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. We believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Note: “catholic” in this context refers to the worldwide Church