OUR BELIEFS
At Gateway Christian Church, we are non-denominational and are a part of what is known as the Restoration Movement. This movement is linked not by a denominational structure, but by a set of core values.
Most notably, we believe that we are Christians only, but we are not the only Christians. We recognize that while some doctrines of the Christian faith are essential, there are others that are not. This does not mean that they are of no importance, but that they are not salvation issues. So in essential matters, we believe in unity. In non-essential matters, we value liberty. But in all things, we practice love. God’s Kingdom is big and we seek to follow Jesus and play our part in his redemptive work throughout all creation.
WE BELIEVE:
1. 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 three are co-equal and are one God.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:1, 26,27, 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14; Deuteronomy 6:4,5; Isaiah 44:6-8
2. JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless 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 demonstrating His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Scripture References: Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; 20:27-28; Hebrews 4:4,15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
3. HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is co - equal with the Father and Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He intercedes on our behalf. He provides the Christian with power for living, and guidance in doing what is right by inspiring the prophets and Apostles to write the Bible. He equips every believer with spiritual gifts for the purpose of building up the church.
Scripture References: I Corinthians 3:16; Romans 8:12-14, 26-27; Ephesians 1:13, 3:4-5; 5:18; Galatians 5:16-26; Acts 5:3-4; II Peter 1:20-21
4. 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’s beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
Scripture References: II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20,21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5; Ephesians 3:2-5; Matthew 19:3-6
5. HUMANITY
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of Gods 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.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53; Romans 3:23
6. SALVATION
Salvation is God’s free gift anyone who accepts it. We cannot earn salvation through 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. We must turn from our self-ruled life to Jesus in faith in order to be saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith, confession, repentance, and baptism.
Scripture References: Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 5:1; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:9-15; Romans 10:9-10
7. ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or exist 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 in Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
Scripture References: John 3:16-21; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15-21:4; I Corinthians 2:7-9