Beliefs
Our beliefs are centered in Christ and His message, found and supported in Scripture. Biblical theology is the backbone of our beliefs and practices. Scripture is our final authority. When the Scripture is silent, each believer should earnestly seek to be led by God, to whom he or she is ultimately responsible. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).
The Bible
The basis of our belief is in the 66 books of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. We believe that all Scripture originated from God and that it was revealed to individuals chosen specifically for that purpose. Scripture speaks with the authority of God, while reflecting the backgrounds, styles, and vocabularies of the human authors. We hold that the Scriptures are a unique, full, and final authority on all matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:89, 105, 160; Proverbs 30:5).
God
God exists in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each possessing all the attributes and personality of deity. In the beginning God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe, created the world and everything in it. He continues to sustain His creation while fulfilling His redemptive purpose. (Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 3: 22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is God’s Son, the second Person in the Trinity. After His miraculous conception and birth, He lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father. Jesus voluntarily paid the price for the sins of all humans by dying on the Cross as our substitute. After His physical death, Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father as the only intercessor between God and mankind. Jesus promised to return to earth, personally and visibly, to fulfil history and the eternal plan of God. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-13; 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; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16).
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make humans aware of their need for Jesus. He enters our lives at the moment of salvation. He provides power for living a Christ-like lifestyle and understanding of spiritual truths. He grants spiritual gifts to all believers for growth and service. (1 Corinthians 3:16; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18).
People
People are made in the spiritual image of God and are the supreme object of His creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are flawed by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” Sin separates people from God. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6, 59:1-2; Romans 3:23).
Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to all humans who receive Jesus as Savior. Disobedience to God cannot be corrected by self-improvement or good works. Only by accepting God’s free offer of forgiveness in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, can man receive Salvation. Salvation is received as a person repents before God for their sins and believes in the fact that Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection (supernatural restoration to life) brings forgiveness for his sin. Eternal life begins at the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 5:1, Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26).
Human Destiny
When we die, believers will be received into eternal communion with God. Having rejected God, unbelievers will suffer separation from God’s presence. (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21 and 22).
The Body of Christ (The Church)
Through union with Jesus Christ, all believers become members of His body, the one true Church. The Scripture commands believers to gather for worship, prayer, fellowship and the teaching of the Word; to observe Baptism and Communion as established by Jesus Christ; to offer service to the body through the development and use of talents and gifts; and to engage in outreach to the world. The local expression of the church is found wherever God’s people meet regularly in obedience to His command. New Life Church is led by pastors, board members, and other supportive leaders who work together to glorify Christ. (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Hebrews 10:25).
