We believe that while we were still dead[1] in our sin[2], God sent Jesus[3] to accomplish salvation[4] for everyone who believes in him. The free gift of salvation is offered to everyone everywhere[5]. Salvation is not the result of anything we do or deserve[6], but only received by grace and through faith in Jesus[7].
Whoever receives salvation is born again[8], or regenerated, and made a new creation[9]. As a new creation we receive redemption[10], which is the vicarious payment[11] by God for the cost of sin[12]. Through that redemption, we receive justification[13], which is freedom from the penalty of sin[14] and the exchange of Christ’s righteousness[15] for our own. Through the righteousness of Jesus, we receive adoption[16] into the family of God, as well as reconciliation[17], which is the restoration of relationship that sin distorts.
While eternally secured[18] in our salvation[19], we work out what we have received[20], by engaging in the life-long process[21] of being conformed to the image and likeness of Christ[22], through submission[23] to the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit[24].
Although we experience sin, and the painful effects of sin, in this life[25], God works powerfully through[26] all circumstances for our good[27]. Our present salvation points to our future life with God in which we will suffer no more, but perfectly glorify God and participate in God’s glory forever[28]. This process of sanctification, nourished by the Word of God[29] and the Holy Spirit[30], in fellowship with others[31], is characterized by ever-increasing freedom[32] from bondage to sin[33], and ever-increasing growth in righteousness[34].
Scripture References:
[1] Ephesians 2:1: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked…”
[2] Romans 5:8: “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
[3] John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…”
[4] 1 Corinthians 15:3: “…Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.”
[5] 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
[6] Titus 3:5: “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
[7] Acts 4:12: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
[8] 1 Peter 1:18-19: “…he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus…”
[9] 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”
[10] Ephesians 1:7: “In him we have redemption through his blood…”
[11] 1 Peter 2:24: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree…”
[12] John 3:36: “John 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
[13] Romans 3:24-26: “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…
[14] Romans 5:9: “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”
[15] 2 Corinthians 5:21: “…he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
[16] Ephesians 1:5: “he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,”
[17] Romans 5:11: “…we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
[18] Ephesians 1:14: “who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
[19] John 10:28: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
[20] Hebrews 2:1: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.”
[21] Philippians 2:12-13: “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
[22] 2 Corinthians 3:18: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
[23] James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
[24] Galatians 5:5: “For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.”
[25] 1 Peter 4:12: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
[26] 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
[27] Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:17: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”
[28] Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
– Revelation 7:12: “saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
[29] John 17:17: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
[30] 2 Thessalonians 2:13: “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.”
[31] Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
[32] John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
– Romans 6:14: “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”
[33] Galatians 5:24: “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
[34] 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body[a] and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
– 1 Peter 2:5: “You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”