our beliefs
These are the beliefs we hold dear
and which guide our principles at GRACE RIVER
We invite you to speak with our leadership to find out more about these beliefs and others not listed here
god
We believe God is One and exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (The Trinity), each of whom possesses equally all the attributes of God. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things manifesting love, power, wisdom, and goodness in working throughout history for the redemption for all creation.
Genesis 1:1, 26; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1, 2; 4:24; Acts 5:3, 4; Romans 1:20; Ephesians 4:5, 6; 2 Corinthians 13:14
JESUS
We believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life in perfect obedience to God. Out of His great love for us, He atoned for the sins of people by His voluntary death on the cross as our substitute, thus accomplishing salvation and forgiveness of sins for all who trust in Him alone. He rose from the dead, ascended to heaven and took His place at the right hand of the Father where He is the only mediator between God and people, interceding for those who trust in Him
Matthew 1:22–23; Luke 1:31–32; John 1:1–5; 14; Romans 1:3–4; Romans 9:5; Hebrews 4:14,15; Hebrews 7:26–27; 1 Corinthians 15:3–5; Acts 1:9–11
HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. The Holy Spirit works to reveal Jesus Christ to people and to make people aware of their need for salvation. Believers are to seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit for the work of transformation into the image of Jesus Christ; to be empowered with spiritual gifts for the work of ministry; to produce the fruit of Christ-like character including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; to receive guidance in doing what is right; to receive understanding of spiritual truth; and to receive power for living.
John 16:7–13, 14: 16, 17; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:16, 23, 26, 27; 1 Corinthians 12; 2 Corinthians 3:17
THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible, consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testament, is the inspired, infallible and authoritative word of God. The Bible was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is the unique, full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice.
Psalm 119:105, 160; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21
SALVATION
We believe that men and women were created in the image of God. Adam and Eve, the first human beings, chose to rebel against God and go their own way. As a result, all of humankind became separated from God, incapable of pleasing God, and subject to physical death. God so loved us that He provided a remedy for our sin and a pathway to enter into His loving presence. The only remedy for our sin is redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is a gift from God bringing us redemption, restoration, healing, and wholeness. We can never make up for our sin by self improvement or good works, it is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1:26–27; 3:1, 24; Isaiah 61:1–3; John 4:6; Romans 3:25; Romans 5:1; 5:12–18; Romans 6:23; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 John 4:10
THE CHURCH
We believe that the church is the body of Christ, composed of all believers who are called to reflect the love of Christ by loving one another. The local church reflects the church universal in ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ including worship, teaching, prayer, fellowship, observing the ordinances of Baptism of believers and the Lord’s supper, and service. [See also our church covenant.]
Psalm 133:1, Matthew 28:19–20; Mark 16:15; John 13:34–35; Acts 1:7–8, Romans 12:4–6; 1 Corinthians 12:4–6; Ephesians 2:19–22; 4:12–16; Philippians 2:1–3; Hebrews 10:24–25
HUMAN DESTINY
We believe that death ushers all people into their eternal destiny. There will be bodily resurrection and judgment for each individual. Unbelievers will enter a state of eternal separation from God and believers will enter a state of eternal communion with God.
the future
We believe in the personal and visible return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to consummate history and the eternal plan of God and to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords over the new heaven and new earth.