II. Humanity — Our Condition and Redemption
6. Humanity and Sin
We believe every person is created in the image of God with dignity and worth, yet all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. Sin is rebellion against God that separates us from Him and corrupts every part of human life. We are powerless to save ourselves and in need of God’s mercy and grace.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 6:23
Expanded Explanation:
Humanity was created to reflect God’s image — to know Him, love Him, and steward His creation. This divine image (Genesis 1:26–27) gives every person immeasurable worth, yet it also carries a calling: to live in relationship with our Creator. Sin shattered that relationship. The first humans chose independence from God (Genesis 3), and ever since, sin has infected every heart and system of the world. Sin is not merely doing bad things; it is a condition of the heart that resists God’s authority and seeks self-rule (Jeremiah 17:9).
Because of sin, we are spiritually dead and unable to reach God by our own effort (Ephesians 2:1–3). But God’s mercy meets us in that brokenness. Recognizing our sin is not meant to produce shame but to drive us toward grace — the only power that can cleanse and restore the image of God within us.
7. Repentance and Forgiveness
We believe repentance is both the doorway into salvation and the ongoing posture of a believer’s heart. True repentance is turning from sin and turning to God in faith, trusting His mercy and grace. Forgiveness is God’s gracious response through the blood of Jesus Christ, cleansing us from guilt and restoring fellowship with Him and others.
Scripture References: Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 32:1-2
Expanded Explanation:
Repentance is more than regret — it’s a change of direction and desire. The Greek word metanoia literally means “to change one’s mind.” It’s the moment when a person stops running from God and starts running toward Him. Repentance is not a single act but a lifelong rhythm for every believer (Luke 9:23). As the Holy Spirit convicts, we respond by confessing sin, renouncing it, and aligning our hearts again with God’s truth.
Forgiveness flows from the cross, not from our performance. Because Jesus bore our sins in His body (1 Peter 2:24), believers stand completely cleansed and restored before God. This same forgiveness also compels us to forgive others (Matthew 6:14–15). Repentance keeps our hearts soft; forgiveness keeps our relationships whole. Together, they mark a life continually shaped by grace.
8. Salvation in Christ
We believe salvation is God’s gracious gift, offered to all through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is received by grace through faith — not by good works or religion. All who repent and believe in Christ are forgiven, made new, and given eternal life. Salvation marks both a new birth and a lifelong journey of following Jesus in faith and obedience.
Scripture References: John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7
Expanded Explanation:
Salvation is the gracious act of God by which He rescues humanity from sin and its consequences, restores relationship with Himself, and grants eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is wholly accomplished by the finished work of Christ on the cross and received by faith, not earned by human merit. By His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin and conquered death, opening the way for all who believe to be forgiven and made new (Romans 3:23–24; Titus 3:4–7).
Those who repent and place their trust in Christ are justified by faith, adopted into God’s family, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Salvation brings both assurance and responsibility—believers are called to live out their faith in obedience and holiness. While salvation is God’s gracious gift received by faith, Scripture warns that a person can turn away from Christ through persistent unbelief and rebellion (Hebrews 6:4–6; 10:26–29). Therefore, believers are called to continue in faith and obedience, remaining steadfast to the end (Colossians 1:23).
Grace does not give license to sin but empowers believers to live transformed lives that reflect the righteousness and love of Christ (Romans 6:1–4; Titus 2:11–12).
9. The Blood of Christ and Atonement
We believe the shed blood of Jesus Christ is the full payment for sin and the foundation of our salvation. On the cross, the sinless Son of God bore the judgment we deserved, satisfying divine justice and reconciling us to the Father. His sacrifice was once for all, complete and sufficient. His blood continues to cleanse and sanctify us as we walk with Him.
Scripture References: Romans 5:8-9; Hebrews 9:12-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7
Expanded Explanation:
The shedding of Jesus’ blood is not merely symbolic — it is the very means by which we are reconciled to God. From the sacrifices of the Old Testament to the cross of Calvary, Scripture declares that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). In His perfect obedience, Jesus became the spotless Lamb of God (John 1:29), fulfilling every shadow and promise of the Law.
His atonement satisfied both the justice and mercy of God. Justice demanded sin be punished; mercy desired sinners be forgiven. The cross accomplished both. Now, through faith in Christ, believers are justified — declared righteous before God (Romans 5:9). Yet the blood of Christ also continues its work, sanctifying us daily as we walk in fellowship with Him. Every communion table reminds us: our hope rests not in our effort, but in His finished sacrifice.
10. Grace and Faith
We believe we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Grace is God’s unearned favor that rescues and restores us; faith is our wholehearted trust in Jesus and His finished work. Good works do not earn salvation but naturally flow from a heart transformed by grace. We live each day dependent on God’s grace, walking by faith, and growing through the Spirit’s power.
Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 5:1-2; Galatians 2:20; Titus 2:11-12
Expanded Explanation:
Grace is the heartbeat of the gospel. It means God initiates what we could never accomplish on our own. Salvation begins with grace, continues by grace, and will be completed by grace (Philippians 1:6). Faith, then, is our response — not mere belief in facts, but trust in a Person. It is leaning the full weight of our life upon Christ and His finished work (Romans 4:3–5).
Grace and faith always produce transformation. When God’s unmerited favor grips the heart, it compels obedience and good works — not as a means to earn acceptance, but as a joyful expression of it (James 2:17–18). Grace removes boasting; faith removes fear. Together they form the foundation for a life that rests fully in Christ, confident that “His grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
11. Sanctification and Holiness
We believe sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit that sets believers apart from sin and shapes them into the image of Christ. It begins at salvation and continues throughout life as we yield daily to the Spirit, obey God’s Word, and grow in maturity. Holiness is not achieved by human effort but produced by the Spirit in those who walk in obedience and love.
Scripture References: Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4; Philippians 1:6
Expanded Explanation:
Sanctification is both an event and a journey. At the moment of salvation, believers are set apart as God’s own (1 Corinthians 6:11). From that point forward, the Holy Spirit works continually to conform us to the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29). This process involves both divine power and human cooperation — God works in us, and we respond in faith and obedience (Philippians 2:12–13).
Holiness is not about perfectionism but about transformation. It’s learning to desire what God desires and to reflect His character in everyday life. Spiritual growth takes time, often through testing and surrender. The more we abide in Christ (John 15:4–5), the more His life is formed in us. True holiness is never cold or prideful — it is humble, loving, and Spirit-filled, showing the world what God’s grace can do in a yielded life.