about Vertical
beliefs
While there are diverse ideas, backgrounds, and cultures within our church, we focus on the core truths of the historic Christian faith to find agreement. The Apostle’s Creed is the most universally received statement of the Christian faith. It has its origins around the second century A.D. and is attributed to the apostles themselves. It is not exhaustive, nor is it meant to be; rather it is a summary of the essentials of the Christian faith.
Outside of these, we follow the motto of St. Augustine, “In essentials, unity; in matters of opinions, liberty; in all things, love.”
The Apostle's Creed
We believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He arose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
from where He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the one global church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
*The word 'global' refers to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ around the world. This has been changed from the word 'cathoic' so as not to be confused with the Roman Catholic Church.
With that mentality, we have identified four essential truths for our faith.
1. Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Jesus Christ, fully God and fully human, lived a sinless life on earth and was crucified. His life, death, and resurrection accomplishes salvation for all who receive grace by trusting in Him alone. He is the only mediator between God and humanity. He baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit and will return to consummate history.
2. The Bible is the Word of God.
As 2 Timothy 3:16 states, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straigtens us out and teaches us to do what is right." We believe that it (both Old Testament and New Testament) is the story of God revealed to us, written by humans who were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
3. Salvation comes only through God's grace and must be received personally through faith.
Humanity was created to have relationship with God. Sin has caused us to be alienated and separated from Him. As a result, we need God's saving grace to restore our relationship. This grace is not through our own effort, but an act of God's love, to be received personally by repentance and faith.
4. Believers can be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led.
The only way to live the Christian life is by God's power in us. Every believer can be filled with the Holy Spirit by simply asking. Also, we believe in the continuing activity of the Holy Spirit in and through the church.