OUR BELIEFS
We talk a lot about mission, vision and values at MBC, but they're all built on something even more important: our Statement of Faith. Simply, it is a summary of what we believe the Bible teaches -- the non-negotiable basics of our relationship with Christ.
About the Bible
The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is God's word to all. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures are inspired by God, and are infallible and without error in the original manuscripts. They are the unique, full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalms 119:105, 160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the Universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary by miraculous conception, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days, demonstrating His power over sin and death. He ascended to the glory of Heaven, where He is the only Mediator between God and people, and will one day return again to earth, when he will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
About Humanity
We are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God's creation. Although we have tremendous potential for good, everyone is marred by an attitude of rebellion toward God called sin. Sin separates people from God. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23
About Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to all people. Men and women can never make up for their sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can a person be saved from sin's penalty. When God has begun a saving work in the heart of any person, He gives assurance in His Word that He will continue performing it until the day of its full consummation. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1; Philippians 1:6
About Eternal
Security Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and the power of God, not by any self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and the keeping power of God that gives us this security. John 10:28-29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
About Eternity
People are created to exist forever. Every person will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or will be together forever with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally together with Him is heaven. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence. John 3:16; 14:7; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily. 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
About Faith and Practice
The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. This church recognizes that it cannot bind the conscience of individual members in areas where scripture is silent. Rather each believer is to be led in those areas by the Lord, to whom he or she alone is ultimately responsible. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Psalm 19: 7-11
- In essential beliefs – we have unity
"There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all…” Ephesians 4:4-6 (NAS)
- In non-essential beliefs – we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters…Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls…So then each of us will give an account of Himself to God…So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Romans 14:1,4,12,22 (NIV)
- In all our beliefs – we show love.
“If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I had all faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” I Corinthians 13:2 (NAS)