We are convinced by Scripture and by reason, that:
The Bible is the inspired Word of God and free from error of any type (inerrant) in the original manuscripts and completely reliable in its teachings. We always go back to the Bible to find truth and direction in life.
The scriptures are “God-breathed” according to 2 Timothy 3:16 showing them to be inspired by God Himself. This occurred through the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21) upon the writers, rendering their writings an accurate record of the revelation of God. 2 Peter 3:2 while using their character traits, flaws, talents and skills to bring to light His elected truth in a providentially protected way.
Inerrant – When all facts are known, the scriptures, in their original autographs and/or properly interpreted/translated, are completely true and trustworthy in everything that they address and/or speak to. This includes doctrine, morality, history and the social, physical and life sciences. This must be true as the Word of God is a revelation of the very nature of God (truth). Anything else would counter this premise and be contrary to God which is not possible.
Canonicity – The 66 books of the Bible are the complete, full Word of God and thus, the canon of Scripture is closed with nothing to be added (Revelation 22:18-19). The books of the Bible are a unit sewn together by the Holy Spirit that is fully reliant upon each other lacking disagreement. This is based upon the fact that it is against the very nature of God to lie or to contradict Himself.
Following are additional convictions that we maintain:
- The Bible stands as God’s written revelation to humanity, encompassing the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, these scriptures represent the Word of God, with every word equally infused by Him (1 Corinthians 2:7-14; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
- The Word of God is presented objectively and propositionally, devoid of error or deception, and infallible in its original manuscripts (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13; John 10:35; Psalm 12:6; 119:160; Proverbs 30:5).
- It stands as the sole infallible guide for faith and conduct, truthful and dependable in all areas it addresses (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; 16:12-13; 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
- The Bible emerges from a dual authorship process, where the Holy Spirit guided human writers to accurately record God’s message, ensuring its integrity and truthfulness (2 Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16).
- Scripture should be interpreted through a literal, grammatical, historical lens, seeking the singular intended meaning while acknowledging its multiple applications. Illuminated by the Holy Spirit, believers are responsible for discerning and applying its truths, which stand as the ultimate standard, judging humanity (John 7:17; 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-15; 1 John 2:20).
- This approach confirms the six-day creation account, the unique creation of man and woman, and the sanctity of marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman. Sexual purity, as defined by Scripture, is imperative, with any deviation deemed abhorrent before God (Genesis 1:1-2:3; Exodus 20:11; 31:17; Genesis 1:26-28; 2:5-25; Matthew 19:5; Malachi 2:14; Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:1-30; Matthew 5:27-32; 19:1-9; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 6:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7).
