Beliefs & History

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 without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:160, Psalm 12:6, Proverbs 30:5

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.

Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:26-27, Matthew 28:19, Psalm 90:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2

JESUS CHRIST

The ABSOLUTE DEITY of Jesus Christ.

Jesus was not just a great moral leader; He was and is God in the flesh.
John 1:1,14, John 14:7

God is a trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Luke 3:21-22; John 14:10; and 2 Corinthians 13:14

The VIRGIN BIRTH of Christ.
Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:34

The SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONEMENT of Christ.
Isaiah 53:6, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Peter 3:18

The BODILY RESURRECTION of Christ.
Luke 24:39, 2 Corinthians 13:4

The LITERAL RETURN of Christ.
John 14:3, Titus 2:13

THE HOLY SPIRIT

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.

John 16:12-13, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 5:18

HUMANITY

Men and women are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. Humans are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although people have tremendous potential for good, people are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates men and women from God.

Psalm 8:3-6, Romans 3:23, Genesis 1:7, Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 59:1-2

SALVATION

Salvation is a gift from God to everyone. No one can never make up for his or her sin by 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. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith.

John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1, John 1:12, Galatians 3:26, Titus 3:5, Romans 6:23

THE CHURCH

We believe in the invisible and universal Church as an organism. It is composed of all believers in the Lord Jesus who have been vitally united by faith to Christ, its living Head and sovereign Lord.

Matthew 16:18, Hebrews 12:22-24

ORDINANCES

We believe the Christian ordinances are two: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe they are outward rites appointed by Christ to be administered in each church, not as a means of salvation, but as a visible sign and seal of its reality.

Acts 8:36, 1 Corinthians 11:24-34

 MARRIAGE

We believe in the historically Christian view of marriage and sexual expression; namely, that marriage is a one-flesh covenant union between two sexually different persons (male and female) from different families, and that all sexual relationships outside of marriage are sin.

Ephesians 5:31, Mark 10:6-9

ETERNITY

People were created to exist forever. We 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. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.

John 3:16, Romans 6:23, 1 John 2:25, 1 John 5:11-13, Revelation 20:15

For additional insights on doctrines and beliefs, visit the Missionary Church at www.mcusa.org.