Essential Beliefs

Beliefs we agree on 100%.

As you look through the pages of scripture, these beliefs are hard to ignore. We see the nine beliefs outlined on these next pages as essential beliefs.

Non-Essential Beliefs

Beliefs we don’t have to agree on 100%.

With these three beliefs we ask for collegiality. We do not tear down or openly disparage these beliefs. We want you to know these may be discussed. We ask you to bring any disagreements or questions to LCS Administration in humility and grace.

Essential Beliefs

THE SCRIPTURES

We believe the Bible is God’s Word, the product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. It is accurate, authoritative, and applicable to our everyday lives.

Deut 4:1-2; Ps 119:11, 89, 105; Isa 40:8; Matt 22:29; John 5:39, 16:13-15, 17:17; Rom 15:4; 2 Tim 3:15-17; Heb 1:1-2, 4:12; 1 Pet 1:25; 2 Pet 1:21

GOD (THE TRINITY)

We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things, and He exists in three co-equal Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. God is totally loving and completely holy.

1 John 5:7; John 1:14, 14:28, 16:28; John 15:26; Deut 6:4; Isa 61:1

THE FATHER

We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in love, holiness, justice, and grace. We believe that He is all-knowing and all-powerful. We believe that He mindfully and mercifully concerns himself with the lives of humankind, that He hears and answers our prayers, and that He offers salvation from sin and death through Jesus Christ.

Luke 10:21-22; Matt 23:9; John 3:16, 6:27; Rom 1:7; 1 Tim 1:1-2, 2:5-6; 1 Pet 1:3; Rev 1:6

JESUS, THE SON

We believe that Jesus Christ is the only One who can restore us to God. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe the unconscionable beating and violent crucifixion of Jesus was in our place–the full, fitting payment for our sin.

1 John 1:7; Rev 1:5, 5:9; Col 1:20; Rom 3:10-12, 23; 5:9; John 1:29

THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal with Jesus and the Father in the Godhead. We believe the Holy Spirit, who came forth from the Father and Son, convicts the world of sin and promotes righteousness and judgment. The Holy Spirit is our omnipresent, omnipotent helper, comforter, and guide to all who believe in Jesus.

John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26-27; John 16:9-14; Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19; Gal 5:22-26

MAN

We believe that mankind was made in the image of God as male and female. Every human personality is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love. We believe sexuality is defined by God and that marriage is between one man and one woman.

Gen 1:26-30, 2:7, 18-22; 3:1-24; Ps 8:3-6, 51:5; Acts 17:26-31; Rom 1:19-32; Eph 2

SIN

We believe our sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives. As a result, man cannot attain a right relationship with God through his own effort.

Gen 3; Ps 32:1-5; Isa 6:5; Jer 17:5; Rom 3:10, 3:23, 5:12; 1 Cor 15:21-22

SALVATION

We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ: His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is an unmerited gift from God, not earned by good works or any human effort. Whosoever calls upon Jesus will be saved.

Eph 2:8-9; Gal 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Rom 10:9-10, 13; Acts 16:31; Heb 9:22

SECOND COMING

We believe that Jesus Christ, the enthroned Son of God, will return in glory at the time appointed by the Father to judge the living and the dead. The saints will be resurrected and reign with Christ in the new heavens and new earth while the wicked will be resurrected to spend eternity separated from God in hell.

Matt 24-25; Mark 9:43-48; Acts 1:11; Heb 9:27; Rev 14:9-11, 20:12-15, 21:8

Non-Essential Beliefs

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

The baptism in the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus to all believers, is a gift received subsequent to new birth (salvation). The baptism in the Holy Spirit enables Christ followers to fully utilize public and private spiritual gifts for the furtherance of the Church and for personal spiritual growth. We believe the evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues.

Joel 2:28-29; Matt 3:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:5, 2:1-4, 17, 38-39; 8:14-17, 10:38, 44-47; 11:15-17, 19:1-6; 1 Cor 14

HEALING

Daily health and divine healing were purchased by Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. Wisdom for the healthy stewardship of our bodies and divine healing by the laying on of hands are available to every believer.

Ps 103:2-3; Isa 53:5; Matt 8:16-17; Mark 16:17-18; Acts 8:6-7; Jas 5:14-16;1 Cor 12:9, 28; Rom11:29

THE RAPTURE

Christ will return before the tribulation to rapture the church. We will then come back to earth together with Him to reign for a thousand years. 1 Thess 4:16-17; Rev 20:6