First Church of God Beliefs about . . . .

GOD

There is one true, holy God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe, maker of all things visible and invisible.  He eternally exists in the community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Genesis 1:1-31     Psalm 90:2     2 Corinthians 13:14

JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our Savior.  As both fully God and fully man, He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our transgressions.  He was resurrected after three days, demonstrating His power over sin and death.  He ascended to heaven, where He now prays for His followers.  He will return at the end of time to conclude His work and to unite the church forever in heaven. 

John 1:1-14     John 3:16,17     Hebrews 4:14-16

THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ.  He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation, providing the believer with power for authentic living, comprehension of spiritual truth, wisdom for making righteous choices, gifts for effective service and courage for carrying out God's purposes.

John 14:16,17,26     Acts 1:8     1 Corinthians 2:9-16

THE BIBLE

The Bible is God's living, breathing word to us.  What the Bible says, God says.  The Scripture in its entirety originated with God through the instrumentality of chosen men, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, and as such there is no other writing similarly inspired by God.  As the authoritative Word of God, it is our basis of belief and manual for effective living. 

Psalm 19:7-11     2 Timothy 3:15-17     2 Peter 1:16-21

HUMAN BEINGS

People are made in the image of God, bearing His likeness in spirit, with personality, and cognizant of free choice.  Humankind is God's supreme creation, formed with the highest potential of all beings, yet marred by a disobedient spirit known as "sin."  This natural bent toward sin creates relational discord and leads to much pain in life. 

Genesis 1:26,27     Psalm 8:3-8     Isaiah 53:6

SALVATION

The central purpose of God's revelation in Scripture is to call all people into fellowship with Himself.  Salvation is God's free gift to man and cannot be gained through self-effort or good works.  Faith in Jesus Christ's sacrifice for sin brings forgiveness, redemption from eternal death and places one in the family of God.

Given freedom of choice and the natural disposition of rebellion in the human heart, it is possible for believers, one having received Christ, to apostatize or break faith and return to a sinful life.  No matter how far one falls, God's grace is greater still.  The Christian lifestyle is maintained by ongoing confession of sin and repentance. 

John 1:12,13     Ephesians 2:8,9     1John 1:8-10

HOLINESS

The Christian experience is a lifestyle demanding an unyielding commitment to become more and more like Jesus Christ in spirit, character, habit and mission.  Believers are to pursue godliness wholeheartedly.  As the Holy Spirit works within, persons are progressively transformed in Christ likeness. 

1 Corinthians 6:9-11    1 Thessalonians 4:3-8   1 Peter 1:13-16

RELATIONSHIPS

The church is a covenant community characterized by relationships of undying loyalty and unconditional love.  Living with God's family involves new relational rules where love for Christ and each other transcend a diversity of personalities and opinions.  The will to relate in love, despite differences, demonstrates God's power at work in our lives.

ETERNITY

People are created to live forever.  Death seals the eternal destiny of each person.  Heaven and hell are real places.  Those who willfully rebel against God are separated from His presence.  Faithful followers of Jesus Christ are forever united with Him.  To be eternally in God's presence is heaven.  To be eternally separated from Him is hell.

Luke 16:19-31     John 14:1-4     Revelation 20:11-15

LAST THINGS

Jesus Christ will return one final time to consummate His kingdom.  While the time of His coming is undisclosed, the occasion of His return will end time as we know it, ushering in Christ's eternal reign with His church.  The kingdom of God is spiritual and heavenly; a present reality as well as a future hope.

Acts 2:17     Hebrews 1:2     1 Thessalonians 4:13-18     Revelation 22:12-21