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 co-equal and are one GOD. (Gen. 1:1, Eph. 4:6, 1 Tim. 1:17)

JESUS CHRIST is the SON of GOD. He is equal with the FATHER. JESUS lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind 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 to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. (Phil. 2:6-11, Col. 2:9, 1 John 4:14-15)

The HOLY SPIRIT is equal with the FATHER and the SON as 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. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily. (Acts 1:8, 1 Cor. 2:10-14, Rom. 8:14-16)

Salvation is a gift from GOD to mankind. People can never make up for their sin by self-improvement or good works – only by trusting in JESUS CHRIST as GOD’s offer of forgiveness can they be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives JESUS CHRIST into his or her life by faith.(Eph. 2:8-8, James 2:14-26, Rom.1:16)

Because GOD gives people eternal life through JESUS CHRIST, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of GOD, not by the self-effort of the Christian. (John 3:16, Rom. 6:5-8, Rom. 8:38-39)

The Bible is GOD’s Word to all mankind. 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 without any mixture of error. (2 Tim. 3:15-16, Rom. 15:4, Psalm 19:7-10)

People are made in the spiritual image of GOD, to be like Him in character. Mankind is the supreme object of GOD’s creation. Although people have tremendous potential for good, they are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward GOD called “sin.” This attitude separates mankind from GOD. (Gen. 1:26-30, Acts 17:26-31, Rom. 3:10-18, Col. 1:21-22)

People were created to exist forever. They will either exist eternally separated from GOD by sin or in union 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 places of eternal existence. (Matt. 25:31-46, John 14:1-3, Heb. 9:27-28)

Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of JESUS and is a Christian’s public declaration that he or she has accepted JESUS CHRIST as personal Savior. Baptism does not save anyone but shows the world that salvation has taken place in a Christian’s life. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates a Christian’s love for and obedience to CHRIST. (Matt. 28:19-20, Luke 3:21-22, Rom. 6:3-4)

Communion, or the LORD’s Supper, is an ordinance given to all believers by JESUS CHRIST to remember His sacrifice and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of bread and fruit of the vine are symbols of CHRIST’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross. (Matt. 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, 1 Cor. 11:23-29)