WHAT WE BELIEVE
We all have beliefs. Our life is built on them-the decisions we make, the things we do, the things we value. The question is, do our beliefs define us, or do we define them? It's up to us to chose.
What does SPC believe
We believe the Bible-all of it. Sounds simple enough.if the Bible were merely simple. But it is both simple and complex. It's one thing to say we believe every word of the Bible. It's another thing entirely to define each of its infinite truths. The Bible is written so clearly that almost anyone who reads it can understand the story it tells and the invitation it extends. Yet the Bible is also so complex that you can spend a lifetime studying its truths and never comprehend them all.
our essential beliefs
The Bible makes clear that certain truths uniquely define the Christian faith, and are the foundation that supports all other Christian beliefs. SPC believes these to be:
1.The Bible [all the books of the Old and New Testaments] is the true written message of God to us. The authors of the Bible were inspired by God and are trustworthy. The Bible is the final authority on all matters to which it speaks.
2. There is one God, perfect in every way, who exists forever in perfect community as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus Christ is fully man and fully God. He is the perfect reflection of God's character and glory. He lived a faultless life and offered himself as the only perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. All who believe in Him are declared right with God on the basis of His death. He physically came back to life, ascended from earth to heaven, and will return to earth to reign forever with those who believe.
4. People are created by God as reflections of Himself. However, when one person disobeyed Him, all people became imperfect reflections of His perfect image. This disobedience created separation between God and people. Now, in order to have relationship with God and eternal life in heaven, a person needs to accept the way God has provided.
5. Salvation from our condition of being separated from God is a free gift from God to us. It is not something we earn or deserve. It is offered with grace and received by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Those who believe Jesus sacrificed His life for them are restored to relationship with God and given eternal life. This is the good news of Jesus Christ. These are the essential beliefs we agree to as a church community. We teach them, respond to them with our worship, express them with our outreach, and build our lives on them.
everything else
Built on these essential facts, the Bible is filled with truth about God and ourselves, and instruction that teaches us to know God better, live our lives for Him, and become more like Him. Much of this is straightforward; much requires greater context to understand the full meaning of the words. In addition, because our finite human minds are unable to comprehend God's infinite wisdom, we sometimes disagree in our interpretation of His Word. In these areas where not all Christians agree, we acknowledge the divergence and do our best to discover and teach the truth.
