The following is a simplified statement of the beliefs of Hope Church.

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GOD

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.

He has eternally existed in three persons, who are co-equal; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

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MAN

Man has been created in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character.

He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates man from God.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2

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ETERNITY

Man was created to exist forever.

He can live this existence separated from God through disobedience or in union with God through faith and salvation. Heaven and Hell are the future places of existence destined for those who live in union with God (Heaven) and those who choose to remain separated from God (Hell).

John 3:16; 2:25; 1 John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 18:8; 25:22-46

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JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a life free of sin and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His victory over sin and death. He ascended into the glory of Heaven and is there now where He rules as the head of His church. He will return to earth again to reign forever as the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Matthew 1:22; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:20; Romans 1:3-4; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15

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PERSONAL SALVATION

Salvation is a gift given to man by God.

Man can never make-up for his sin by self-improvement of good deeds. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

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ETERNAL SECURITY

Because eternal life is based on the gift of God to sinful persons through grace, the believer in Christ is secure in that salvation for all eternity.

His salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. The Christian’s life of righteousness is motivated by God’s grace, not by fear of losing salvation.

John 10:28-29; 2 Timothy 1:2; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

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THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God.

He is also referred to in scripture as the Spirit of Jesus.

He is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He works to make persons aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides Christians with power for daily living, understanding of spiritual truth, and power for effective witnessing to others. The Christian is commanded to live under the Spirit’s control every day.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Galatians 5:25

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THE BIBLE

The Bible is the written record of God’s revelation of Himself to man, coming to fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ.

The Bible was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the perfect source of instruction for knowing God and living the Christian life.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119: 105, 160; 12: 6; Proverbs 30:5