STATEMENT OF BELIEFS

It is the foundational belief of this church that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and the ultimate authority on matters of faith and practice in both the life of the church and the life of its members. Therefore, we will abide by its directives in all matters of faith and conduct to the best of our understanding.

The Trinity
The Bible attests there is one living and true God who forever lives as three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (the Trinity). While equal in their roles, they are three distinct persons and unified in their actions and goals. (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3; John 4:24; Romans 1:19-20)

God The Father
God the Father is a personal spirit whose perfect character will always define and demonstrate wisdom, love and power. In unending mercy and compassion, the Father is concerned with the lives of people, hears and answers prayer and offers spiritual renewal and a loving relationship to any individual who trusts in the work of Jesus Christ, his Son. (Matthew 23:9; John 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 1 Peter 1:3)

Jesus Christ the Son
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father. Jesus, the only person ever to live a perfect life, offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate God's power over sin and death. He returned to heaven after forty days, and continues to intercede and work on behalf of his followers. At the end of time he will return again to earth and reign as the master of all creation. (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:30-31; Acts 1:9-11; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make individuals aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also resides in every Christian from the moment of salvation, providing them with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right as they seek to live daily under the direction of the Holy Spirit. (John 14:14-17; John 16:7-14; Romans 8:26; Titus 3:5-6)

The Bible
The Bible is God's word to all people. 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.

People
People are made in the image of God, to be like him in character and action. They are the supreme objects of his creation. Although they have tremendous potential for good, they are damaged and flawed by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. As a result of this attitude, people are separated from God. (Genesis 1:26-27; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Romans 3:23; 5:6-8; 6:9-10; Titus 3:5-7)

Eternity
People are created to exist forever. They will exist eternally either separated from God by sin or united with God through forgiveness and salvation. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with God is heaven. (Luke 16:19-31; John 14:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 4:17; 1 Peter 1:4-5; Revelation 14:10-11)

Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God. People can never make up for their sin by self improvement or good works. Only by repenting and trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can any person be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins when one receives Jesus Christ into his/her life by faith. (John 17:3; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:3)

Christian Living
It should be the goal of every Christian to continually become more like the character of Jesus Christ. This includes faithfulness to God and service to others characterized by love, integrity, honesty, compassion and generosity. Personal and spiritual growth such as this is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit in the Christian's life. (Galatians 5:1; Colossians 3:1-17; Hebrews 5:12; 2 Peter 3:18)

The Church
The Church is composed of all people who acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Savior and Master of their lives.

The Bible instructs all Christians to gather together regularly to devote themselves to worship, prayer, biblical teaching, fellowship, service and outreach to the world. (Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 2:19-22; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Ordinances
Jesus Christ gave his followers two symbolic experiences to be practiced in the local church until the time of his return.

The Lord's Supper
Communion, otherwise known as the Lord's Supper, is celebrated to help us remember Christ's sacrifice for us. The bread represents his body and the cup his blood. Every follower of Jesus Christ is invited to participate in the Lord's Supper. (Mark 14:22-25; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

Baptism
Baptism is the public expression of the transformation God has started within us. Based on the precedent of Scripture, Oasis Church practices a believer's baptism. Upon the profession of personal commitment to Jesus Christ, the individual is then baptized as a response to his/her faith in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:35-38; 10:44-48)

The End of the World
The Bible states that Jesus is personally coming back to earth to physically remove all of his followers from the earth. Some will still be living, while others will be physically resurrected from the dead. Every person will face God's final judgment and be declared innocent or guilty. The innocent will spend eternity with God, in heaven, while those found guilty will spend eternity separated from God in hell. Both of these are genuine, eternal and irreversible states of existence. (Matthew 16:27; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-24, 35-38; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; Revelation 20:4-15)