Statement of Faith

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 coequal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit as God. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men 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. (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22–23; John 1:1–5; 14:10–30; Acts 1:9–11; Romans 1:3–4; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; 1 Timothy 6:13–16; Hebrews 4:14–15)

HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christ-follower from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christ-follower with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. The Christ-follower seeks to live under His control daily. (John 14:16–17; 16:7–13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13–14)

THE BIBLE

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. 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 that can set us free from sin, separate us from fools and mockers, transform our lives and empower and move us to share it with others. (Psalm 1:1–3; 12:6; 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21)

PEOPLE

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God’s creation and His affection. Although people have tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God, but God provided a solution for our separation and a plan for our joy and His glory. (Genesis 1:26–27; Psalm 8:3–6; Isaiah 53:6; 59:1–2; John 3:17; Romans 3:23)

SALVATION

Salvation is a gift to us from God. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. God’s offer of forgiveness is found in Jesus Christ, and only through Him can we be saved from sin’s penalty. New life begins when we die to self-will and acknowledge and trust Jesus Christ as our Savior. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into their life by faith. (John 1:12; 12:24; 14:6; Romans 5:1; 6:23; 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5)

ETERNAL HOPE

Because God gives people eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Christ-follower is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-will or effort of the Christ-follower. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this hope and security. (John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3–5)

TRANSFORMATION

Transformation is the promise for every person who truly experiences salvation. This too is the work of God’s grace. God radically alters our lives and refines our unique design as we daily lay down our lives as living sacrifices. We will never reach perfection, but as we learn to live in proximity to Jesus and are led by the Holy Spirit, we will experience the joy of God and reveal His character. (John 16:14; Romans 7:22–23; 12:1–2; Ephesians 2:8–9; Philippians 3:12; James 3:2; 1 John 1:8)

*Our Statement of Faith is identical to the statement of faith of 180 Chicago Church, our church affiliation.