Doctrinal Statement

I. BIBLIOLOGY: The Doctrine of the Bible I believe that God has spoken in the past by dreams, prophecy, and visions through the prophets and men of old Heb 1:1 . I believe that every word in the Scripture comes from God and that the Scriptures have the final authority in all matters of life and doctrine (2 Tim 3:15-17 ; 2 Pet 1:16-21 ). I believe that the Canon of Scripture contains the Old Testament with a collection of 39 books, and the New Testament with a collection of 27 books, which have been preserved by God (Luk 24:44; Deut 31:24). I believe the Bible contains no error and no possibility of error in the original manuscripts of both the Old and New Testaments (Psa 119:142; 2 Pet 1:19-21). I believe that the Bible is clear in all that it requires and sufficient to provide us with God’s wisdom for all of life (Isa 29:13-14; 1 Cor 10:31). I believe that the Scriptures are necessary to sustain our relationship with God (John 15:10). I believe the Bible’s translation is necessary for the proclamation and advancement of the gospel to the ends of the earth (Matt 28:19-20; Rev 7:9-12). I believe that the interpretation of Scripture is necessary for understanding the teaching of Scripture, and we interpret Scripture with Scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit (John 16:12-14; Luk 24:47).

2 Peter 1:16–21 ESV

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:15–17 ESV

and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 1:1 ESV

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,