Here are some of our
basic beliefs at Providence. You do not have to believe exactly as we do to
come along to our church but please realise that we as a church will not
change our beliefs on the items listed below:
GOD
God is the Creator
and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons:
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and
are one God.
(Genesis 1:1,
26,27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
MANKIND
We are all made in
the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the
supreme objects of God's creation. Although mankind has tremendous
potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God
called sin. This attitude separated us from God.
(Genesis 1:27;
Psalm :3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2)
ETERNITY
We all were created
to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by
sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. The place
of eternal separation from God is called Hell. Heaven is the place of
eternal union and eternal life with God.
(John 3:16, Romans
6:23; Revelation 20:15 (Hell); Matthew 25:41; Revelation 21:27 (Heaven))
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the
Son of God. He is co-equal with God the Father. Jesus lived a sinless
human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all
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 will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
(Matthew 1:22,23;
Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians
15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1;9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13)
SALVATION
Salvation is a gift
from God to mankind. We can never make up for our sin by
self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's
offer or forgiveness can we be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life
with God begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.
(Romans 6:23;
Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans
5:1)
ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives us
eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in his salvation
for eternity. 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 this security.
(John 10:29; 2
Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is
equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world
to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in
every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the
Christian with the power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and
guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His
control daily.
(2
Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14; John 16; John 17; Acts 1:8; 1
Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:3; Galatians 5:25;
Ephesians 5:1)
THE BIBLE
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 inspired by God, it is
truth without any mixture of error.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2
Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105-160; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)