Dwelling Place Church Statement of Faith
1. The Scriptures
We believe the Bible, composed of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, inerrant Word of God, fully authoritative, and the final rule of faith and practice. It is sufficient for all matters of life and godliness. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
2. The Triune God
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, sovereign over the universe, and active in history. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1-14)
3. The Lord Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who became incarnate through the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, was crucified for the sins of the world, and was resurrected on the third day. He ascended into heaven, where He reigns as King and intercedes for His people. Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead and to establish His eternal Kingdom. (John 1:14; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 19:11-16)
4. The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully God, and active in the world today. The Holy Spirit empowers believers for godly living and equips them for ministry. The Spirit convicts the world of sin, draws people to Jesus, and seals believers as children of God. We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as an empowering experience, subsequent to salvation, in which believers are filled with the Spirit for bold witness, effective ministry, and the manifestation of spiritual gifts. The gifts of the Spirit, such as prophecy, healing, tongues, and miracles, continue to operate today and are essential for the building up of the Church. (Acts 1:8; John 14:16-17; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
5. The Fall of Humanity
We believe that God created humanity in His image, but through Adam’s sin, the entire human race fell, resulting in separation from God and the corruption of all creation. As a result, all people are born with a sinful nature and are in need of redemption. (Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12)
6. Salvation
We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. Salvation is the work of God, who justifies the sinner, sanctifies the believer, and gives the gift of eternal life. Those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are saved and reconciled to God. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 14:6)
7. The Church
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, called to worship God, make disciples, and serve the world. The Church is a community of believers united by the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and sent to proclaim the Kingdom of God. The Church exists to glorify God, edify the saints, and reach the lost. (Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 1:18; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:42-47)
8. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that baptism by immersion is an outward sign of the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an act of obedience and a public testimony of faith. The Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion, is a sacrament in which believers partake of bread and wine (or juice) in remembrance of Christ’s body and blood, symbolizing His sacrifice for our sins. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
9. The Second Coming of Christ
We believe in the personal, visible return of Jesus Christ to earth. At His return, He will judge all people, establish His eternal Kingdom, and bring about the fullness of God’s salvation and justice. (Matthew 24:30-31; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 19:11-16)
10. Marriage
We believe that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, designed by God to reflect His relationship with the Church. It is a lifelong commitment, and its purpose is to provide a context for companionship, mutual support, procreation, and the expression of love. The Bible defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Corinthians 7:2-3)