The complete 157 doctrinal affirmations with detailed Scripture references and theological foundations.
1 The Bible (the original scriptures) is the Triune God's divinely and organically inspired written words and is His complete, infallible, and inerrant revelation of Himself and His redemptive plan for man. 2 Timothy 2:15 | 2 Timothy 3:15–17 | Psalm 119:160 | Psalm 119:89 | John 17:17
2 If any error or misunderstanding is to be taken from the Bible, this is not an error of God but an error of man. 2 Peter 1:20
3 The Holy Spirit inspired the Bible through God's appointed individuals in biblical history. 2 Peter 1:21
4 The Lord allowed these individuals to keep their personalities, linguistic styles, and tones in their writings. 2 Peter 1:21
5 With over 40 different authors from different times, different places, and different circumstances, all that was written was and is in complete harmony and truthfulness. 2 Peter 1:21
6 Such is the beauty of the Bible. Psalm 119:160
7 The Bible does not contradict itself at any point. John 17:17
8 The Bible is comprised of the 66 Books only of the Old and New Testament. Matthew 5:18
9 Any book outside of the 66, regardless of the truths found in them or the help they provide, is not the inspired written word of God. Matthew 24:35
10 The Bible is not just truthful in some parts, nor is it just truthful in concept; the Bible is true in all aspects down to the very words used. Matthew 5:18
11 Not all Bible translations are faithful to the original scriptures, so a faithful Bible aligned with the original scriptures must be what is used. 2 Timothy 3:16
12 All scripture is profitable for all things in life and is the final and ultimate standard of truth in all things. 2 Timothy 3:16 | Hebrews 4:12
13 This does not mean there are no other helpful books out there, but in matters of spiritual things and all moral and practical truths concerning the Christian, scripture is the final authority; moreover, scripture is not merely authoritative to those who believe, but is the inherent, absolute, and universal truth that governs all things and all people, regardless of belief—yet it is the Christian who is called to uphold it and live by it. 2 Timothy 3:16 | John 17:17 | Psalm 119:89 | Isaiah 40:8 | Romans 3:3–4 | Hebrews 4:12
14 All that the believer needs to know to give glory to the Lord and live lives that are continually maturing in the faith and unto Christlikeness is expressed and detailed in the scriptures. 2 Timothy 3:16–17
15 The Bible is not a self-help book and is not to be treated as one where verses are cherry-picked to satisfy or justify a point. 2 Timothy 3:16
16 Scripture is to be interpreted through a literal, grammatical, and historical study of the text. 2 Timothy 2:15
17 What is critical to understand is what the original writers of scripture through the Holy Spirit intended to express. 2 Peter 1:21
18 The Bible is God-breathed in its totality, trustworthy, and reliable. 2 Timothy 3:16 | Hebrews 4:12
19 There is only one God. Deuteronomy 6:4
20 He is the creator of all things and has decreed all things for His purposes and delight. Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11; Ephesians 1:11
21 God is eternal, and no one was before God. Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 43:13
22 While God is the creator of all things, He is completely without sin, does not author sin, and does not in any way approve of sin. Habakkuk 1:13; James 1:13
23 God is sovereignly over all things, yet without sin. Isaiah 46:9-10; Romans 8:28
24 God's attributes are expressed throughout the scriptures, and God expresses all these attributes in perfect unity. Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 145:17
25 Our God is a Triune God—one indivisible divine essence in three personal subsistences: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—each co-eternal, co-equal, and distinct in person, yet of one nature. Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1–3; Hebrews 1:3; 1 Corinthians 8:6
26 Each deserves equal glory, praise, and worship from all creatures. Revelation 5:13-14; Philippians 2:10-11
27 God the Father in His distinct person is the sovereign One who governs all things. Ephesians 1:3-5; Psalm 115:3
28 From eternity past, God the Father has determined of everyone born into the world, who will be those that will come to Him in faith through Christ Jesus. John 6:37; Romans 8:29-30
29 God the Son, in His distinct person, is through whom all things are made and is the One who holds all things together and is the sinless Lamb of God. John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:29
30 God the Son, at the appointed time, entered the world through the virgin birth of Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:35; Galatians 4:4
31 Christ Jesus became truly man in humility without diminishing His deity in any way. Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 2:9
32 While Christ is truly God and truly man, even to this day, at the time of His earthly ministry, there were moments where He would humble the capacities of His being truly God, while at times, He would express it. John 10:30; John 14:9; Luke 24:38–39; John 10:37–38
33 This was to prove to the world that Christ Jesus is, indeed, truly God and truly man. John 1:14; John 20:28; Matthew 28:6
34 God the Son had to come to the world as truly man for His death to represent humanity and so to die physically. Hebrews 2:17; 1 Peter 3:18
35 God the Son had to also remain as truly God so that His death would become a satisfactory atonement for the sins of man because He alone is the righteous and sinless one. Hebrews 9:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8
36 The death and eternal punishment that elect men deserve for their sins would be imputed unto Christ through His shed blood on the cross, while the righteousness of Christ would be imputed unto all who believe in Him as Lord and Savior. Romans 3:25–26; Romans 5:18–19; 1 Peter 2:24
37 Apart from faith in the redemptive and sacrificial work of Christ Jesus on the cross, leading to His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, absolutely no one will be saved from eternal condemnation because of sin. John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
38 Christ Jesus is the only way, the only truth, and the life; no one comes to God the Father to mean saved by grace for eternity, apart from and by Christ Jesus. John 14:6
39 God the Spirit in His distinct person is the One who regenerates a wicked man unto a belief unto Christ Jesus. John 3:5–6; Titus 3:5
40 He indwells the believer, seals the believer, instructs, and guides the believer to live out His transformed and new life in Christ until Christ calls the believer home. Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30; John 14:26; Romans 8:9; Romans 8:14
41 God the Spirit equips the believer to live out that which is now true of Him the moment he was justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone. Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:4
42 The Triunity of God is one of the doctrines that may be difficult to grasp or share, but only so to the one who has not yet been regenerated. 1 Corinthians 2:14
43 The Trinity is not a thing to be argued but simply a scriptural fact to be declared about God. Deuteronomy 29:29; John 1:1; John 14:16–17
44 Hence, any attempt to explain the Trinity through man-made illustrations and/or analogies will fall short of capturing the full and true essence of this reality about our God. Isaiah 40:18; Romans 11:33
45 All men are created in the image of God. Genesis 1:26–27
46 Adam and Eve, in their original state, were free from sin. Genesis 2:7
47 Man is created as only male or female by biological sex at birth. Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4
48 Whatever feelings, mindset, or medical adjustments take place, this person will ultimately have an original and true biological sex at birth, either male or female. Psalm 139:13–14
49 While scripture would allude to the existence of individuals who neither conformed to male nor female biological sex roles, these are not to be taken as an acceptance in scripture of such. Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10
50 Men are created to bring glory to God and for the glory of God. Colossians 1:16, Revelation 4:11, 1 Corinthians 10:31
51 This means to love the Lord our God above all else and to love our neighbors. Matthew 22:37–39
52 This means loving all things according to God's original design and purpose, but it also means being merciful, gracious, and gentle but truthful to those who have yet come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus. Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 4:6
53 Tragically, because of Adam and Eve's favoring of their glory rather than God's glory, and with help from the serpent's temptations, they both fell into sin and condemnation, and through this, all men are born into the world in sin. Genesis 3:1–19, Romans 5:12, Romans 5:18–19
54 This tragedy didn't just bring sin into the picture and in the hearts and minds of men; it also caused a massive separation between the creator God and His created beings, a separation that cannot be bridged by man, for God is thrice holy, and He cannot have anything to do with sin and wickedness. Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8
55 The wrath of God is upon man, and unless and until man believes in Christ Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior, he is at enmity with God. John 3:36; Romans 5:10
56 There is no such thing as a neutral state for man. Ephesians 2:1–3
57 He is either a child of God or an enemy of God, and by and through sin, man, since the fall, will always be born as an enemy of God. Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23
58 Man is corrupt in his nature and unable and incapable of truly knowing and desiring God apart from divine intervention from the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:14, Romans 3:9–18
59 While man can practice good deeds and even behave in a manner that demonstrates moral goodness in life because the laws of God are written in their hearts, these things that the world would consider good behavior or good works will all amount to nothing to the Lord and in His sight; all are filthy rags before Him because God's demand is not only sporadic goodness, His demand is eternal perfection, and that is a state no man can attain. Romans 2:14–15; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:20
60 Despite the rebellion of the creature against His creator, God loved the world that He gave His only Son, and whoever believes in Him alone for their salvation will be saved from eternal destruction and separation from God and instead experience forgiveness and eternal life in and with Christ. John 3:16; Romans 5:8; John 1:12
61 Salvation can only be achieved by the grace of God alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5; Romans 3:28
62 There is no other way unto heaven and salvation apart from faith in Christ Jesus. Acts 4:12; John 14:6; John 5:24
63 The doctrine of Salvation can be best encapsulated, while not exhaustive, in the acronym T.U.L.I.P. Romans 9:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 8:29–30
64 Man is unable and incapable of producing any sort of righteousness that would be acceptable, pleasing, or satisfying to the Lord. Romans 3:10–12; Romans 3:23
65 To make things even more difficult, man does not even desire to know God. Romans 3:11; Romans 8:7–8
66 Man is in active rebellion and rejection of God and Christ Jesus. Romans 8:7–8; John 3:18–20
67 Whatever stimulations or acts that men may pursue that may seem like a seeking for God or a seeking for salvation is, in fact, only a seeking of the benefits and privileges of what they see from people who possess the faith. John 6:26; John 2:23–25; John 5:40
68 Ultimately, whatever good deeds man may commit, these are still driven by selfish gain. Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:20
69 Man is completely depraved because of sin and is therefore deserving of eternal punishment and separation from God. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1–3; Romans 5:12
70 The Triune God, in His sovereign will and purposes, has already chosen, from before the world began, the exact people who will come to faith in Christ Jesus and be with Him for eternity in heaven. Ephesians 1:4–5; 2 Timothy 2:10; Romans 8:28–30
71 The reason for the choosing is completely of the Lord's prerogative as creator God. Romans 9:15–16; Romans 11:5–6
72 Hence, the election of people who will come to faith in Christ is not conditioned upon how people live their lives but solely on God's divine will. Romans 9:11–13; Romans 9:19–23
73 For the unregenerated person, this will be received as unfair and cruel but for the regenerated person, through the Holy Spirit's illumination of the heart and the mind, this will be received as a mercy. 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 11:5–6; Ephesians 1:11
74 Because the issue no longer becomes why does God choose but rather, why did God choose me? Romans 9:20–23; Romans 3:4
75 While God unconditionally elects those who belong to the Son, because this is not a knowledge man is aware of, as far as man is concerned, he is fully responsible for his sins and is fully responsible for repenting of these sins unto the Lord and personally believe in Christ as their Lord and Savior. Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9–10; Luke 13:3
76 The death of Christ on the cross is sufficient to pay for the sins of the world. 1 John 2:2; John 1:29; John 3:16
77 However, the application of the payment and redemption of sin is only for the elect and those who will repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. John 10:14–15; John 17:9; Ephesians 5:25
78 Christ did not die for those who will not believe. His death does not save them nor was it intended to save them. John 10:26; Romans 9:15–18
79 Therefore, His death fully secures the salvation of His people because it was always definite and specific. John 6:37–39; Hebrews 9:28
80 Christ's atonement is limited not in its power, but in its application. Acts 13:48; Matthew 1:21; Romans 8:33–34
81 Anyone that God decrees to be set free from the bondage of sin, death, and depravity will be set free indeed. John 8:36
82 All whom God the Father has unconditionally elected to be part of those who will be atoned for by the sacrifice of Christ will truly come to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith, in God's perfect and appointed time for him. John 6:37; Romans 8:30; John 10:29
83 In this appointed time, this individual will be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. John 3:5–6; Titus 3:5; John 1:13
84 This means, the blinds from his eyes that desire not God, reject God, and fail to see God in all of life, will be spiritually removed and this person will immediately see their sinfulness and their need for a savior. Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:6
85 At this appointed time, this person will be overwhelmed with the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Christ Jesus. Romans 2:4; Ephesians 2:4–5; 1 John 4:10
86 God will then gift this person the faith to believe in the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:29; Ephesians 1:13–14
87 The moment the person confesses with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and believes in his heart that God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he is at this point justified, which means, this person is now declared righteous by God through the righteousness of Christ achieved on this person's behalf, because of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus on the cross and His victory over sin and death at His resurrection. Romans 10:9–10; Romans 4:25
88 The grace provided by God to the once-sinner is irresistible because God has elected him to be saved. Romans 8:29–30; John 6:44
89 In the point of view of man, it is also irresistible because man truly will desire not to resist such a grace and such a mercy gifted to him by the Triune God. Psalm 110:3; Romans 8:14
90 Should anyone seem to display an active resistance to the calling of God, he is either in disobedience already to the truths that have been gifted to him by the Holy Spirit, but in due time, he will conform. Philippians 1:6; Acts 20:32
91 However, it is also possible that the person simply may not have been regenerated. Hence, his active and willful "resisting"—for how can one resist what has not been gifted to him? John 8:43–44; 1 John 2:19; John 3:3–7
92 All believers in Christ will conform more and more to the image of their Savior, Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–4
93 Believers will never be sinless while they remain in the world, but they will sin less and less. 1 John 1:8; Philippians 3:12
94 Believers will grow in loving what God loves and they will grow in despising what God despises. Romans 12:9; Galatians 5:22–25
95 In short, believers abide more and more in the Word. This is a guarantee for all believers. John 15:4–5; John 17:17; Acts 20:32
96 The Holy Spirit that indwells all believers will guide them and sanctify them all the days of their life. John 16:13; Romans 8:14; Ephesians 4:30
97 God the Father elects the people to be saved, God the Son atones for their sins, and God the Holy Spirit sanctifies them and keeps them in the faith until Christ calls them home. Ephesians 1:4–5; John 10:28–29; Philippians 1:6
98 True believers will continue in faith until the end. John 10:27–29; 1 Peter 1:3–5
99 This does not mean the believer will not struggle with sin or have seasons of spiritual dryness. Romans 7:15–25; Galatians 5:17
100 But true believers will not permanently fall away from the faith. 1 John 2:19; Hebrews 3:14
101 Those who do fall away were never truly saved. 1 John 2:19; Matthew 7:21–23
102 The security of the believer rests not in the believer's ability to hold on to God but in God's promise to hold on to the believer. John 10:28–29; Romans 8:38–39; Jude 24
103 Christ is the head of the church, which is His body and bride. Ephesians 1:22–23; Colossians 1:18
104 A local church is a gathering of regenerated believers in covenant community. Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24–25
105 The church preaches doctrine, exercises patrony and pastoral care, glorifies God through discipleship, evangelism, and worship. Matthew 28:19–20; Ephesians 4:11–16
106 The church practices baptism and the Lord's Supper as ordinances. Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
107 Baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality—the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:3–4; Acts 8:36–39
108 The Lord's Supper is a memorial of Christ's sacrificial death and a proclamation of His return. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Luke 22:19
109 The local church is to be led by qualified elders/pastors and served by deacons. 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9
110 Elders are to shepherd, teach, and oversee the flock. 1 Peter 5:1–4; Acts 20:28
111 Deacons are to serve the practical needs of the church. Acts 6:1–6; 1 Timothy 3:8–13
112 The church is called to exercise discipline for the purity of the body. Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5:1–13
113 Church discipline is always to be done in love with the goal of restoration. Galatians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 2:6–8
114 Every believer is gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:4–7; Romans 12:4–8
115 The gifts of the Spirit are to be used for the edification of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:12
116 Sign gifts like tongues, prophecy, and miraculous healings served foundational purposes. Hebrews 2:3–4; 2 Corinthians 12:12
117 Spiritual sign-gifts like tongues and miracles have ceased. 1 Corinthians 13:8–12
118 God still heals today according to His sovereign will. James 5:14–15
119 The church is to be united in doctrine and love. Ephesians 4:3–6; John 17:21
120 Unity does not mean uniformity but agreement on essential doctrines. Romans 14:1–12; 1 Corinthians 1:10
121 The church is to pursue holiness and separate from false teaching. 2 Timothy 2:19; Titus 3:10
122 The church is to be generous in giving. 2 Corinthians 9:6–7; Acts 4:32–35
123 Giving is an act of worship and stewardship. 2 Corinthians 8:1–5; 1 Chronicles 29:14
124 The church is to care for the poor, widows, and orphans. James 1:27; Galatians 2:10
125 The church exists for the glory of God. Ephesians 3:21; 1 Peter 4:11
126 The church is the pillar and ground of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:15
127 The church is called to make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8
128 Missions is central to the church's calling. Romans 10:14–15
129 The church is to pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18
130 Corporate worship is essential to the life of the church. Hebrews 10:24–25; Colossians 3:16
131 Preaching and teaching the Word is central to worship. 2 Timothy 4:2; Acts 2:42
132 Singing is a means of worship and edification. Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16
133 The church is to submit to governing authorities as instituted by God. Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17
134 The church must obey God rather than men when there is conflict. Acts 5:29
135 Marriage is between one man and one woman. Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6
136 Sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage. Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20
137 Divorce is permitted only for sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbeliever. Matthew 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:15
138 Children are a blessing from the Lord. Psalm 127:3
139 Parents are to raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:6–7
140 We affirm Christ will return before a literal, earthly millennium. Revelation 19:11–16; Revelation 20:1–6
141 After this tribulation, He will judge the world. Matthew 25:31–46
142 Satan, and reign for 1000 years. Revelation 20:1–4
143 After Satan's final defeat, the dead will be judged. Revelation 20:7–15
144 A new heaven and earth will be established, where believers dwell with God forever. Revelation 21:1–4
145 Until then, believers are called to faithfulness as we await our blessed hope. Titus 2:13
146 Christ's return is imminent—He could come at any moment. Matthew 24:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:2
147 At death, the believer's soul is immediately in the presence of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23
148 At death, the unbeliever's soul goes to a place of conscious torment. Luke 16:19–31
149 There will be a bodily resurrection of all people. John 5:28–29; Daniel 12:2
150 Believers will receive glorified bodies like Christ's. Philippians 3:20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:42–44
151 The unbeliever will be raised to face eternal judgment. Revelation 20:11–15
152 Hell is a place of eternal, conscious punishment. Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:48
153 Believers will be rewarded according to their works. 1 Corinthians 3:12–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10
154 There will be a new heaven and a new earth where all believers will be in glorious and eternal fellowship with the Triune God. Revelation 21:1-4; 2 Peter 3:13
155 In the final consummation, all who are in Christ will be restored to their Maker in perfect and eternal fellowship. Revelation 21:3-4; Romans 8:30
156 This is not merely a return to Eden but the fulfillment of God's original eschatological purpose—what creation was always destined for before the fall. Ephesians 1:9-10; Romans 8:18-23
157 The final state of the believer in Christ surpasses the innocence of Adam, for it is a state of confirmed righteousness, tested faith, and glorified perfection accomplished by Christ, wherein we shall behold our Father face to face and remain in Him forever. 1 Corinthians 15:49; Revelation 22:3-5; 1 John 3:2