Statement of Faith
2 Timothy 3:16,17
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof,
for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (NASB)
The Word of God is our final authority in all matters, and is used in establishing doctrine, determining correction and for training in godly living. Listed in our Statement of Faith are two categories of doctrines.
1. The PRIMARY DOCTRINES are made up of those teachings that we believe are necessary for a proper and sufficient understanding of a redemptive relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. (These primary doctrines are essential for membership.)
2. The SECONDARY DOCTRINES are teachings we at the Rock of Ages Christian Fellowship, in concert with many other churches of like persuasion, hold to be critical for Christian maturity, development, consistency and victory .The secondary doctrines, though not necessary for salvation, are considered by the Rock of Ages Christian Fellowship doctrines that are to be supported by the membership of the church.
WE BELIEVE PRIMARILY:
1. In one true God. Jehovah was His name as He first revealed Himself to Moses in the Old Testament, (Exodus 3:14, 15, 6:3). He has manifested Himself in three personalities: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Trinity), these three being distinguishable but indivisible. Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13.14; Matt. 3:16,17.
2. In the Lord Jesus Christ being all God and all man at the same time. John 1:1-2, 14-18.
3. In the Lord Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God. John 1 :14; 1 John 4:9; Gal. 4:4,5.
4. In the Lord Jesus Christ's virgin birth, conceived by the Holy Spirit. Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:23; Luke 1:26-35.
5. In full salvation by grace, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ's redemptive work on the cross - Eph. 2:4-19; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1.6,7.
6. In the propitiation (act of showing mercy) for sin, only by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and His substitutionary atoning death. Eph. 1:7; Colo. 1:14; Heb. 9:22; Titus 2:14; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 1:18,19.
7. In the physical death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. I Cor. 15-1-4, 20; Rom. 4:25.
8. In the creation of man (Adam in the image of God) rational, moral and free, who with this freedom chose to sin against God in the Garden of Eden, and brought spiritual and physical death on all the successive generations of mankind. This resulted in the natural depravity (the inbred tendency and bias toward sin) of all mankind. Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 15:22,45-49.
9. In eternal life for the believer and eternal punishment for the unbeliever. 2 Thess. 1:9; John 3:16; 5:24, Rev. 20:10-15.
10. In a life submitted to and governed by the Holy Spirit, separate from the world, perfecting holiness in the fear of God and expressing spiritual fruit. Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:22,23.
11. In the reality and personality of the devil and his ultimate judgment. Matt. 25:41, Rev. 20:10-15.
12 In the plenary (full, complete, absolute) inspiration of the accepted canon of Scripture as originally given through the Holy Spirit to the variety of writers of both the Old and New Testaments. 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Cor. 2:13; 2 Pet. 1:19-21
WE BELIEVE SECONDARILY:
1. In the one and only true church composed of all blood washed believers. Heb. 2:18,22-24; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Colo. 1:15-18.
2. In the Lord Jesus Christ's literal and bodily Second Coming for the church. I Thess. 4:13-18; Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 1:7.
3. In the free moral agency of man, who can backslide and be lost. Heb. 6:4-8; 12:14-17; Colo. 1:19-23.
4. In water baptism by immersion to fulfill the Command of the Lord Jesus. Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:37-41.
5. In divine healing through the atonement. Acts 4:30; James 5:14.
6. In the personal baptism in the Holy Spirit subsequent to salvation, with the accompanied ability to experience the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, which would include speaking in tongues, if so desired. I Cor. 1 2:4-10; I Cor. 14.
7. In the operation of the gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit through the church. Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; 28- 31; Eph. 4:11.
8. In the open table of the Lord's Supper, also called communion. I Cor. 11:28-32.
