Articles of faith
The Statement of faith for the Church of the Nazarene
1. ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has
eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit. These three are eternally one and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14.
2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus
Christ is the Son of God. He is eternally one with the Father. Jesus
lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice
for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead
after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He
ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to
reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah
9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; I Corinthians 15:3, 4;
Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13.
3. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The
Holy Spirit is eternally one with the Father and the Son of God. He is
present in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the
Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and
guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual
gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His
control daily.
II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
4. ABOUT THE BIBLE
The
Bible is God’s word to us. It was 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 reveals His will concerning us in all things necessary to our
salvation.
II Timothy 3:16, 1:13; II Peter 1:20, 21; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
People
are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character.
People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person
has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude
of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people
from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a, 59:1, 2; Romans 3:23
6. ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation
is God’s free gift to us. We can never make up for our sin by
self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as
God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When
we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are
saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his
life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
7. ABOUT SANCTIFICATION
We
believe that believers are to be sanctified wholly, subsequent to
regeneration, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is wrought by
the baptism with the Holy Spirit, whereby a person can experience the
cleansing of the heart from sin.
John 17:17-19; Romans 15:16; Ephesians 5:26; II Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 13:12; I Peter 1:2; Isaiah 3:3; James 4:8; I John 1:7
8. ABOUT ETERNITY
People
were created to exist forever. The day of Judgement and Recreation are
real days. Some day there will be a new "eden" where all sin and those
who refuse to stop sinning will be wiped away and God will call all those
who partner with him to be a part of his new creation! No sin, No pain,
No evil! Only justice and mercy will remain. Praise God!
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; I Corinthians 2:7-9
9. ABOUT BAPTISM
We
believe that Christian baptism, commanded by our Lord, is a sacrament
signifying acceptance of the benefits of the atonement of Jesus Christ,
to be administered to believers and declarative of their faith in Jesus
Christ as their Savior, and full purpose of obedience in holiness and
righteousness.