What We Believe

About God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He is spirit and 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; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14)

About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people 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 someday to earth, to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; I Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13)

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 people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift(s) when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. (II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; I 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 beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21; II Timothy 1:13, Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)

About Human Beings

People are made in God's image, which means we are spiritual beings with a soul. We were created by God to have a personal relationship with Him. 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 but each person must decide whether or not they will accept it. We can never make up for our sins by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness, can we be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled lives and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our lives 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

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot "lose" it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and sustaining power of God that gives us this security. (John 10:28,29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; I Peter 1:3-5)

About Eternity

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 union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (Hebrews 9:27; II Corinthians 5:10; John 3:16; John 2:25; I John 5:11-13; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15)

About The Church

There is one true universal church, known in scripture as the body of Christ, composed of all those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior. The scripture commands believers to regularly gather, to devote themselves to worship, prayer, teaching the Word and fellowship. Baptism and the Lord's Supper (Communion) are observed as the ordinances established by Jesus Christ. Service to the body of Christ and outreach to the world are accomplished through the development and use of gifts and talents. The local expression of the church is realized wherever God's people meet in obedience to this command. Members are to work together in love and unity, under the watch care and guidance of the appropriate leadership, with the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ. (Matthew 16:15-19; Mark 14:22-26; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 6:3-5; I Corinthians 11:23-28; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 4:11-12; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Our beliefs are also reflected in our core values.

Click here to view the Constitution and Bylaws of New Hope .