OUR OWN CONFESSION OF FAITH:
1. The Holy Scriptures.
We believe that the Old and New Testament Scriptures, as originally given, are the sole, complete and infallible Word of God, revealed to men and written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They are the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
2Timothy 3:16; 2Peter 1:21.
2. The Holy Trinity.
We believe that there is one true and living God, Sovereign in creation, providence and redemption. United in the one essence of God are the three persons: Father; Son and Holy Spirit, co-equal and eternal.
Acts 1:2; John 16:12-15; Romans 9:5; 2Corinthians 13:14.
3. The Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, being eternally God was born of a virgin by the agency of the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, died an atoning and substitutionary death, rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven where he sits and reigns at the right hand of God the Father, ever living to intercede for his people.
Hebrews 1:3; 3:14-18; Romans 5:11; Matthew 28:5,6,18; Philippians 2:6-9.
4. The Holy Spirit.
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the divine agent in convicting men of sin and in the new birth. It is His supreme work to reveal the things of Christ through the Scriptures and to glorify Him. He indwells believers and through the Word of Truth sanctifies them to an increasing likeness to Christ.
Psalm 104:29,30; 2Timothy 3:16; 1Peter 1:11; 1Corinthians 3:16;
John 15:26; 16:14.
5. The Creation and Fall of Man.
We believe that man was created in the image of God to enjoy perfect fellowship with Him. Through Adam’s disobedience all mankind has an inherently sinful nature and is under the righteous condemnation of God; but being spiritually dead, he is unable to save himself.
Genesis 1-3; Romans 5:12-21; John 6:44; Ephesians 2:1,5.
6. Justification by Faith Alone.
We believe that saving faith receives and rests on Christ and his righteousness alone, and is the sole means of justification. Such faith is a gift of God and is invariably accompanied by other saving graces.
Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 3:24,25,28; 4:16; 5:1; James 2:14,17.
7. Unconditional Election.
We believe in the personal and unconditional election in Christ of a multitude which no man can number unto everlasting salvation, out of God’s free grace and love, without regard to any foresight of faith or good works in them.
Ephesians 1:4; 2:10; 2Thessalonians 2:13; 1Thessalonians 1:4.
8. Particular Redemption.
We believe in the personal and eternal redemption from all sin and its consequences of all God’s elect by the substitutionary sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 53:8,11,12; John 10:15; Romans 8:30.
9. Effectual Calling.
We believe in the free offer of the gospel to all men, and the effectual calling of the elect by the irresistible grace of God.
Matthew 28:18-20; John 6:37,44; Romans 8:30; (2Thessalonians 2:14
10. Final Perseverance.
We believe that the elect can neither totally nor finally fall from grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end. Though they may slide into fearful sins through the neglect of the means of grace or by the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, yet their repentance shall be renewed and through faith they will be preserved in Christ Jesus.
John 10:28,29; Philippians 1:6
11. The Return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe in the personal, visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory to judge the world.
2Thessalonians 1:7-10.
12. Final Things.
We believe that at the last day Christ will raise the bodies of all the dead, whilst the elect who are still alive will not die but be changed. The righteous will inherit everlasting life but the unbelievers who do not know God will be consigned to everlasting torment.
Acts 24:15; Philippians 3:21; John 5:28,29; 1Corinthians 15:51,52.
13. The Sacraments.
We believe in the two sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as ordained by Christ’s authority.
Baptism is a sign and seal of union with Christ in the covenant of grace.
The Lord’s Supper is a memorial feast at which there is holy communion with God by faith, and communion of the saints in the benefits of Christ’s atoning death.
Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-6; 1Corinthians 10:16,17; 11:23-26.
Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches Confession:
The churches of the FIEC are committed to these truths of historic, biblical Christianity
1. GOD
There is one God, who exists eternally in three distinct but equal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is unchangeable in his holiness, justice, wisdom and love. He is the almighty Creator; Saviour and Judge who sustains and governs all things according to his sovereign will for his own glory.
2. THE BIBLE
God has revealed himself in the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testaments alone. Every word was inspired by God through human authors, so that the Bible as originally given is in its entirety the Word of God, without error and fully reliable in fact and doctrine. The Bible alone speaks with final authority and is always sufficient for all matters of belief and practice.
3. THE HUMAN RACE
All men and women, being created in the image of God, have inherent and equal dignity and worth. Their greatest purpose is to obey, worship and love God. As a result of the fall of our first parents, every aspect of human nature has been corrupted and all men and women are without spiritual life, guilty sinners and hostile to God. Every person is therefore under the just condemnation of God and needs to be born again, forgiven and reconciled to God in order to know and please him.
4. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life in obedience to the Father. He taught with authority and all his words are true. On the cross he died in the place of sinners, bearing God’s punishment for their sin, redeeming them by his blood. He rose from the dead and in his resurrection body ascended into heaven where he is exalted as Lord of all. He intercedes for his people in the presence of the Father.
5. SALVATION
Salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace and cannot be earned or deserved. It has been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ and is offered to all in the gospel. God in his love forgives sinners whom he calls, granting them repentance and faith. All who believe in Christ are justified by faith alone, adopted into the family of God and receive eternal life.
6. THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ and to apply his work of salvation. He convicts sinners, imparts spiritual life and gives a true understanding of the Scriptures. He indwells all believers, brings assurance of salvation and produces increasing likeness to Christ. He builds up the Church and empowers its members for worship, service and mission.
7. THE CHURCH
The universal Church is the body of which Christ is the head and to which all who are saved belong. It is made visible in local churches, which are congregations of believers who are committed to each other for the worship of God, the preaching of the Word, the administering of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper; for pastoral care and discipline, and for evangelism. The unity of the body of Christ is expressed within and between churches by mutual love, care and encouragement. True fellowship between churches exists only where they are faithful to the gospel.
8. BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper have been given to the churches by Christ as visible signs of the gospel. Baptism is a symbol of union with Christ and entry into his Church but does not impart spiritual life. The Lord’s Supper is a commemoration of Christ’s sacrifice offered once for all and involves no change in the bread and wine. All its blessings are received by faith.
9. THE FUTURE
The Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. The wicked will be sent to eternal punishment and the righteous will be welcomed into a life of eternal joy in fellowship with God. God will make all things new and will be glorified forever.
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