Statement of Faith

IV. Article Four: Statement of Faith

Section 4.1 The Scriptures: We believe that all of Scripture (i.e. both the Old and New Testament) is inspired by God, and is our final authority in all matters pertaining to doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

Section 4.2 God: We believe in only one true God; One in essence, nature, and attributes, but existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh, is the second member of the Godhead, co-equal and co- eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. (I John 5:7; John 1:1, 14)

Section 4.3 Jesus Christ: We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, of His shed blood on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins, of His bodily resurrection and ascension to the Father’s right hand. We do not believe that He is a way to the Father, but rather the only way through which we can receive righteousness, regeneration, sanctification, and glorification. He is, in fact, our salvation. (I Corinthians 1:30-31)

Section 4.4 The Ordinances of the Church:

Baptism: We believe immersion in water in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. The candidate must first have repented and believe (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38) Believers only are to be baptized (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16). Baptism pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and of the believer in fellowship with Him.

Communion: We believe Communion was commanded by our Lord (Matt. 26:26, 27 & I Cor. 11:27-29). This holy ordinance symbolized the broken body and the shed blood of our Lord, our participation in the benefits of His atoning death, and the covenant which He sealed with His own blood. It represents our union with Him who is the sustenance of our spiritual life. It is a memorial of His death and looks forward to His coming again.

Section 4.5 Holy Spirit: We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit, expressed with the evidences’ (gifts & fruit) of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:4; 9:17; 10:44-46; 11:15, 16, I Corinthians 12, 13 & 14, Gal 5:22-23 ). We believe that spiritual gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit are for the common good and building up of others (1 Corinthians 12:7). We believe this experience is distinct from, and subsequent to, the new birth, and can be received by faith (Matthew 3:11, Acts 19:2 and Galatians 3:2).

Section 4.6 Man: We believe that man was created innocent, but through Adam’s transgression, sin came upon all men, and all men have sinned. The penalty for sin is death, or stated another way, eternal separation from God. (Romans 5:12; 3:23; 6:23)

Section 4.7 Salvation: We believe that Jesus Christ came to pay the penalty for man’s sin (through His shed blood), so that all men who, in repentance and faith, receive the Lord Jesus as Savior and Lord are saved. Salvation is by grace through faith. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 9:11-12, Acts 20:20-21; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8)

Section 4.8 Healing: We believe that the redemptive work of Christ on the cross has provided healing for the human body. (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; I Peter 2:24)

Section 4.9 The Resurrection: We believe in the resurrection of the just and of the unjust; the just to everlasting life and the unjust to everlasting damnation. (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:1-8)

Section 4.10 The Second Coming: We believe in a literal, physical second return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 1:10; 4:16-17)

Section 4.11 The Church: We believe that the universal church is comprised of all true believers who have received salvation through Christ. We also believe in and encourage fellowship with a local church. (Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 10:25)

Article Six: Membership

Every person who is born-again is a member of the body of Christ therefore, is eligible for membership to Living Covenant Fellowship. Membership to LCF is a commitment to each other as well as the vision and purpose of LCF.

Living Covenant Fellowship is an elder ruled fellowship as opposed to a congregational ruled fellowship. We believe this is the Biblical order of things however, we also recognize “according to scripture,” we as elders of the Church are to be servants of the church. If you have any question about the beliefs of LCF please do not hesitate to contact the Pastor or any elder.