What We Believe
The Word of God: The Bible is the true Word of God. it is without error and was written by men under inspiration from the Holy Spirit of God. The Bible has supreme authority in all matters of faith and life.
The Trinity: There is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, each equal in divine perfection. They have distinct yet harmonious roles in the work of creation, providence and redemption.
God the Father: God the Father is an infinite and personal spirit perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, mercy and love. He concerns Himself mercifully in the lives of all believers. Through His grace, He saves from sin and condemnation all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the only Son of God who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. We believe in His sinless life, miracles and teachings. His death on the cross and bodily resurrection atones for the sin of all who believe in Him. He ascended into heaven where he intercedes for His people and from where he will visibly return to judge the world and gather all those who believe in Him.
The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit comes forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, its need for righteousness and the coming judgement. He empowers all who believe in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit lives within every believer. He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide.
Regeneration: All mankind are sinners by nature and by choice. All are under condemnation by a Holy God. But, those who through God’s grace repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior are forgiven their sins. They avoid condemnation and are regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
Sacraments: Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper as a commemoration and visible proclamation of his death. The Lord’s Supper is a means of grace, uniting partakers in the bond of the Spirit. Christ also commanded us to administer baptism to believers and their children. God includes the children of believers in His covenant – all of God’s promises are for them as well as us.
Christian Conduct: All believers are to live for the glory of God and are to be concerned for their fellow men, be Christlike in all actions, blameless before the world and faithful stewards of all God has given us.
Many people today do not know what is true or false and right or wrong. But the Bible is clear on what is right and how that gives glory to God; and what is wrong and how that is sinful.
Christians In A Modern World
Worship: We worship God the way He has told us in His Holy Word. It is popular today to introduce new things and make church more “exciting” but the Lord has laid down unchanging rules in the Bible. He does not approve of man-made inventions. This does not mean worship is to be boring. In fact, God says we are to worship Him with gladness and thanksgiving!
Christian Living: The Bible shows us how to live before God and with His grace we live as the Bible commands. But much of life is not dictated by a specific law of God. In these parts of life, we have freedom. This freedom, however, is always to be used in a way that glorifies God. Instead of being in bondage to “legalistic” and “extra-biblical” rules, we are free to do what is pleasing to God and in the best interests of our neighbour.
Creation: Evolution is a popular idea today, but we do not believe it. The Bible says God created the earth in six days and rested on the seventh. We are not ignorant of what scientists say, but God warns us to avoid science that is “falsely so called” (I Timothy 6:20). True science begins first with the Bible and not the other way around.
Sanctity of Life: Human life begins at conception (Psalm 51:5, Psalm 139:13-16). The Bible says that the Holy Spirit has even worked with some people before they were born (Luke 1:15, Jeremiah 1:5). Abortion, euthanasia and suicide are all murder and equally wrong. It is God who creates life in His image and it is God who protects it. Capital punishment is the only exception as it is designed to protect human life (Genesis 9:5-6 and Romans 13:1-4)
Man and Woman: The Bible says men and women are equally created in the image of God, but both do have differing roles. This does not degrade one sex below the other. The man is to lead, protect and support the woman physically and spiritually, while the woman is to be a helper for him and come under his leadership and protection. God has ordained marriage as the way man and woman are to serve each other. God has preordained sexual relations for the marriage state only, and thus forbids pre-marital sex and condemns all homosexual actions. Like all sinners, God calls such people to repent and plead for forgiveness in Christ Jesus, who promises cleansing and a new life.
We believe these truths not because they are our opinions or because the church has historically held to them. God has clearly spoken them in His Word.
There is so much more we could tell you. Write us at cccclerk@slicc.ca. We would be happy to answer any questions.