What we believe
Our foundational beliefs are in accordance with the Baptist Union of NSW & ACT. The essentials are:
ABOUT 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 are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1: 26, 27, 3: 22; Psalm 90: 2; Matthew 28: 19; 1 Peter 1: 2; 2 Corinthians 13: 14
ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1: 22, 23; Isaiah 9: 6; John 1: 1-5, 14: 10-31; Hebrews 4: 14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15: 3, 4; Romans 1: 3, 4; Acts 1: 9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14; Titus 2:13, 3: 4-7
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 of salvation and seeks to fill and refill every Christian with power for living. He gives understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer at least one spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. We value and embrace fully the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst, following his people and empowering us for mission and ministry.
2 Corinthians 3: 17; John 16: 7-15, 14: 16; Acts 1: 8; 1 Corinthians 2: 12, 3: 16; Ephesians 1: 13; Galatians 5: 25; Ephesians 5: 18
ABOUT 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 believers and living. Because it is inspired by God it is the truth without any mixture or error.
2 Timothy 3: 16; 2 Peter 1: 20, 21; 2 Timothy 1: 13; Psalm 119: 105, 160; 12: 6; Proverbs 30: 5
ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
People are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character. People 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: 27; Psalm 8: 3-6; Isaiah 53: 6a; Romans 3: 23; Isaiah 59: 1, 2
ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6: 23; Ephesians 2: 8, 9; John 14: 6, 1:12; Titus 3: 5; Galatians 3: 26; Romans 5: 1
ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in unison with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3: 16; 1 John 2: 25, 5:11-13; Romans 6: 23; Revelation 20: 15; Matthew 18: 8, 25: 1-13