Statement of Faith

<body lang="en-US" bgcolor=#ffffff text=#000000 link=#0000ff background="http://mb-soft.com/base.jpg";table4.background="http://mb-soft.com/base.jpg"> <center> <h1>Statement of Faith</h1> <h2>A Christ Walk Church</h2><br> </center> <h2><font color=#cccc00>Briefly...</font></h2> <b> We believe that the full, final and Ultimate authority is the Bible, in its original form, which was written by men acting as God's instruments. There is only One Living, True, Holy God, Who exists as the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father created and maintains the universe. The Son, Jesus, was born of the virgin Mary, lived a mortal existence, during which He taught and demonstrated Christian lessons. He was betrayed, crucified, died and was buried, and arose on the third day. He is now in Heaven, where He awaits us. His physical death was the instrument of atonement for our sins, which allows us access to the path to Heaven. He will someday return to complete God's plan for the world. <p> Salvation is necessary because of the Original Sin of Adam and Eve. Salvation is only available by Grace of God through Faith in Jesus Christ Alone. The Holy Spirit is present to help us both in this (justification) and in the following continuous Christian development (sanctification), to be fully prepared to be in the presence of God. All who are Saved become part of the Church, the living Body of Jesus. Jesus instructed all Christians to observe two sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion (or the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist.) <p><br></b> <h2><font color=#cccc00>More Thoroughly...</font></h2> <h3>(With Scriptural References)</h3> <dl> <dt><b><font size="+2" color=#cccc00>The Bible</font></b></dt> <dd> <b> The Ultimate Authority is the Bible (Original Scripture). <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Psa. 19:7-9; Psa. 119:11; Psa. 119:30; Psa. 119:43; Psa. 119:89; Matt. 5:17-18; John 3:34; John 10:35; I Thess. 2:13; Rev. 22:6) </i></font> Our Church looks to the Bible as the full, final and ultimate authority on all matters of Faith <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Isa. 40:8; Matt. 24:35) </i></font> and practice. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 7:21; Matt. 7:24; Luke 1:38; James 1:22-25) </i></font> Therefore, we fully study and follow all the teachings included in both the Old and New Testaments. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Luke 24:44; II Pet. 3:15-16; Rev. 22:18-19) </i></font> We believe that the Bible in its entirety originated with God, through chosen men who were His instruments in transcribing and assembling His Words. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:20-21; I Cor. 2:12-13; John 14:26) </i></font> Those men each wrote in the words and literary style of their societies and times. We believe that the Bible is infallible and inerrant in its original manuscripts. <p></b></dd> <dt><b><font size="+2" color=#cccc00>God</font></b></dt> <dd> <b> We believe that there is One <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Isa. 45:5; Isa. 45:22; I Cor. 8:4; Deut. 6:4) </i></font> Living, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Psa. 42:2; Psa. 84:2) </i></font> True, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Jer. 10:10) </i></font> Holy <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Isa. 6:3; I Pet. 1:15-16) </i></font> God. He exists as the Trinity, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 1:1; John 1:14; John 1:18; John 10:30; I John 14:9; John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 15:26; II Cor. 3:17-18) </i></font> simultaneously and eternally in Three Persons - Father, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 6:9; Eph. 1:3) </i></font> Son <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 1:1; Gal. 4:4; Matt. 27:43) </i></font> and Holy Spirit <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 28:19-20; II Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4; Acts 5:1-5) </i></font> - each of Whom possesses equally all the attributes of deity. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rev. 5:13; Eph. 3:14-21) </i></font> The Father created, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Gen. 1:1; Psa. 95:3-5) </i></font> maintains, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3) </i></font> and rules <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Psa. 103:19; Psa. 104:24-29) </i></font> over our physical universe. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Psa. 96:4-6; Psa. 89:11; Psa. 103:20-21; Col. 1:16:17; Psa. 104:5; Psa. 103:22; Psa. 22:28; Psa. 47:8; Gen. 1:31) </i></font> The Son is Jesus Christ, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 27:43; Gal. 4:4) </i></font> Who was sent to Earth in bodily form to enable us to better understand His Love and Grace, and to show us the Way to eternal fellowship with the Father. The Holy Spirit daily assists us in learning ultimate truths by indwelling believers' bodies and thereby joining those believers into the Church. <p></b></dd> <dt><b><font size="+2" color=#cccc00>Jesus</font></b></dt> <dd> <b> Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 1:1) </i></font> He was Born of Mary by virgin birth <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Luke 1:30-35) </i></font> as God's only Son. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 1:14; John 3:16; Gal. 4:4; Matt. 27:43) </i></font> He lived and experienced human childhood, adolescence and early adulthood as a mortal human. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (II Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:6-11); Luke 2:40-52 </i></font> This experience forever united Him with humanity. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 5:19; I Cor. 15:22; I Pet. 2:22; II Cor. 5:21; Rom. 8:29) </i></font> He then experienced spiritual incarnation and began His ministry. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Luke 3:21-22; Luke 4:16-21; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 11:20; Luke 17:20-21; Luke 4:1-13) </i></font> He demonstrated perfect behavior for us by His examples of words and actions. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 5:19; I Cor. 15:22; I Pet. 2:21-22; II Cor. 5:21; Rom. 8:29) </i></font> He was Crucified and Died to Atone for the sins of all who choose to follow His Way. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (I Pet. 2:24; Gal. 3:13; II Cor. 5:21) </i></font> His physical death was a substitution for the spiritual death of His followers. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 1:29; John 6:51; John 4:9-10) </i></font> This established that following His Way ("belief in Jesus as Savior") is the ONLY way of having His substitutionary atonement <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 14:6; Matt. 20:28; Mark 2:10) </i></font> accomplish Salvation for a Christian. He was then Resurrected <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Acts 2:24-28) </i></font> and arose bodily on the third day. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Mark 8:31; I Cor. 15:3-5) </i></font> He ascended to Heaven, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 1:4) </i></font> where He is now and forever. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Acts 2:29-36) </i></font> He is the ONLY Mediator between God and Christians, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (I John 2:23; I Tim. 2:5-6) </i></font> continually making intercession for His own. Some day, He will again come back to us to consummate God's eternal plan. At that time, He will bring a Final Judgment to evaluate all humanity, to establish each individual's future existence in Heaven or Hell. <p></b></dd> <dt><b><font size="+2" color=#cccc00>Holy Spirit</font></b></dt> <dd> <b> The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity. On a daily basis, the Spirit is in the earthly world, interacting with all Christians <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 8:9-10) </i></font> and those who aspire to Christianity, to present and continually confirm the ultimate truths of Christian existence and Scripture, as Helper, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 16:7) </i></font> Teacher, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 14:26) </i></font> and Guide. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 16:13-15; Rom. 8:14) </i></font> Whenever a person desires to pursue a Christian Walk, the Holy Spirit will stay continually near at hand to help the individual's soul be saved. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 12:4-6) </i></font> Once individuals are saved, the Spirit indwells in those individuals to maintain salvation. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 14:16-17; Rom. 12:1; Eph. 5:18-20; I Cor. 14:12; I Cor. 14:26; Luke 11:20; I John 3:8b) </i></font> These efforts of the Holy Spirit enable a human to find the correct path to achieve eternal fellowship with God in Heaven. The Holy Spirit therefore lives in all those who believe in Him by faith. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (I Cor. 2:12; Rom. 8:11; II Cor. 1:22; Gal. 3:5; Eph. 2:22; Eph. 3:16; I John 4:13; I Cor. 3:6; Rom. 8:5-9; I Cor. 2:10; I Cor. 5:5) </i></font> The Spirit uniquely endows each believer with gifts for the ongoing building of the body of the Church. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (I Cor. 12:7-11; I Cor. 14:1; I Cor. 14:5; I Thess. 5:19-21) </i></font> The Spirit makes it possible for the believer to lead a life of Christ-like character. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 14:12-13: Rom. 15:18-19; I Cor. 4:20) </i><p></font></b></dd> <dt><b><font size="+2" color=#cccc00>Salvation</font></b></dt> <dd> <b> Salvation is available by Grace of God through Faith in Jesus Christ Alone. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 1:16-17) </i></font> The beliefs of A Christ Walk Church should NOT be construed to mean that salvation is available through just behaving in a Christian manner and doing "good works". We believe that salvation is only available by the Grace of God as a result of personal repentance <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Acts 5:31; II Tim. 2:25; Acts 17:30) </i></font> and Faith in Jesus, in a traditional Christian manner. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 1:16-17; John 14:6; Matt. 20:28) </i></font> The "good works" ARE A RESULT of the Christian behavior which Jesus demonstrated and which we honor and glorify. In addition, as a RESULT of our salvation and the ensuing "good works" we do as Christian behavior, we will be rewarded in Heaven. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 16:27; Matt. 18:18; James 1:25; Psa. 23:4) </i></font> Salvation is necessary for each human because of "the Fall" of Adam and Eve, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Gen. 3:8; Rom. 1:21; Rom. 5:16) </i></font> in their defying of His rules in the Garden of Eden by listening to Satan. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Gen. 3:1; Rev. 12:9) </i></font> A result of this Fall was that all their descendants are equally imperfect at following His laws and Commandments, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 5:12; John 5:14; I Cor. 15:22; Rom. 8:20-23; Psa. 51:5; Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 2:5; Rom. 2:12; Psa. 58:3; Heb. 9:27) </i></font> and are therefore incapable of fellowship with God. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 3:23; Psa. 51:4) </i></font> We are each therefore in need of the saving Grace of God for our individual salvations. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 8:16; Eph. 2:15) </i></font> This salvation is entirely a result of God's saving Grace <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 15:26; John 16:8-11; II Cor. 3:14-17; Rom. 7:13; Gal. 3:19-22; Rom.2:1-11; Gal.3:24; Phil. 3:8-9; Eph. 2:8) </i></font> in response to our individual repentance <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Acts 5:31; II Tim. 2:25) </i></font> and Faith in Jesus Christ, and NOT as a result of human works or goodness. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 1:16-17) </i><p></font></b></dd> <dt><b><font size="+2" color=#cccc00>The Church</font></b></dt> <dd> <b> Each person who is spiritually saved by the Grace of God in response to repentance and Faith in Jesus, becomes a member <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (I Cor. 12:27) </i></font> of His living body, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 12:4-5) </i></font> the church. The one, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (John 17:20-21; Eph. 4:3-6) </i></font> true, holy <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (I Cor. 3:16-17) </i></font> church <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 16:17-18; I Cor. 1:2; Eph. 2:18-19; I Pet. 2:9-10) </i></font> is very broad, and includes all those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Scripture commands that believers meet for worship, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 18:19) </i></font> prayer, teaching of the Word, observance of baptism <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 28:19-20) </i></font> and communion <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (I Cor. 11:23-26) </i></font> as sacramental ordinances established by Jesus Christ, fellowship, service to the body through the development and use of talents and gifts, and outreach to the world. Wherever God's people meet in obedience to this command, there is local expression of the church. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 18:19) </i></font> Members of these local churches are neither perfect or sinless, <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Isa. 53:6) </i></font> but continually strive to use the Holy Spirit to grow. A result of this growth is the greater expression of His love, peace, joy, and the other Christ-like qualities. The outreach efforts should include preliminary steps to first encourage Trust in Him and His followers. After this trust is established, belief in Him and obeyance to Him is possible and can be pursued more directly. Members of the church should work at maturing in their individual Walks <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 18:18) </i></font> by learning the Word, by participating in Fellowship with other believers, and discipling to others to grow the collective faith. <p> The church is God's Hope for the world. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 5:14) </i><p></font></b></dd> <dt><b><font size="+2" color=#cccc00>Consistent Christian Behavior and Thoughts</font></b></dt> <dd> <b> Salvation is by Grace through Faith alone. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 1:16-17) </i></font> Then, AS A RESULT OF THIS SALVATION and the new indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, "good works" will naturally follow. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Eph. 2:8) </i></font> Jesus gave us numerous examples and lessons on appropriate thoughts and behavior while He was with us on Earth. By following His examples, we more closely Walk in His path. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (I Peter 2:21; I Peter 2:12) </i></font> In addition, as a RESULT of our salvation, we naturally do "good works" which will be rewarded in Heaven. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Matt. 16:27; Matt. 18:18; James 1:25) </i></font> Our congregation is filled with His love, and the effects of the Holy Spirit's effect of the members just "spill over" onto others and are seen as good deeds and attitudes. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Eph. 2:8) </i></font> This situation also makes for great happiness and fulfillment in our members. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Jer. 31:17) </i><p></font></b></dd> </dl> <b> The Epistle of James generally emphasizes that good works issue FROM faith. In the 1500s, Martin Luther was concerned that it might instead suggest that works were necessary requirements FOR faith, but that was clearly incorrect. Some of what Luther was concerned about was <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (James 2:14; James 2:17; James 2:22; James 2:24) </i></font> the references that faith without good works still resulted in a dead soul. These did NOT contradict the faith alone concept, but just confirmed that we are supposed to LIVE and DEMONSTRATE Christ's teachings, not merely understand them. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (James 1:22-26) </i></font> This point is a central goal of A Christ Walk Church <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (particularly James 1:22-26). </i></font> James is definitely supportive of justification by faith alone. Of course, Romans 1-4 and Galatians 3-4 present this justification by faith alone in a more straightforward manner, with the rest of Romans suggesting the effects and implications on us. <p></b> <b> All humans will experience a physical death. Then there will be a resurrection of each body into the spiritual world, followed by a judgment <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Heb. 9:27) </i></font> that will determine the ultimate fate of each individual. Unbelievers will be condemned to Hell and therefore separated from God forever. <font size="-1" color=#009999><i> (Rom. 6:23; Luke 16:26) </i></font> Believers will be received into eternal communion with God, in Heaven, and will be rewarded for works done during the mortal life. The fate of each believer is existence in an environment that is the ultimate Heaven for each of them individually. <p></b> <b> We believe that Scripture is the final authority of all matters of faith and practice. Where Scripture is silent, we believe that the Holy Spirit will aid each individual to identify proper thoughts and actions. The individual and God may be the only ones truly aware of the motivation of the individual's actions, and that pair will ultimately be responsible for determining the consequences of those actions. Human witnessing of the good and bad in human behavior, including by clergy, is unnecessary. (It is not necessary to "play to an audience" to have positive character aspects noticed by the Lord.) <p></b> <HR><br><br><br><br> Note: Occasionally, people have wanted to print out this Statement of Faith. Because of the colors we chose, this page does not print out very well. We have included a <a href="walk2atx.htm" target="_top">black-and-white text</a> version of this page in order to print it out.<p> <HR> We have created a brief presentation of the specific beliefs of our Church at <a href="http://mb-soft.com/public2/ourchris.html">A Christ Walk Church Beliefs ( http://mb-soft.com/public2/ourchris.html )</a>.<p> <HR> Please Click on the <b>BACK </b> Button on your Browser to Return to Main Menu. <p>If you entered this page from an external link, please visit the<br> <a href="http://mb-soft.com/cwalk/index.html">A Christ Walk Church Home Page. ( http://mb-soft.com/cwalk/index.html )</a><p> </BODY>