What We Believe
THE DOCTRINAL BASIS OF THE AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
PREAMBLE
The Holy Scriptures, known as the Bible, is the inspired Word of God and our all sufficient rule for faith and practice. These articles of faith of the GLAD TIDINGS CITY CHURCH, grounded in these scriptures, are given as a basis for belief, fellowship and ministry ‘that we all preach the same thing' (1 Corinthians 1:10). Let it be remembered, however, that this is not given as a summary of the complete revelation of biblical truth, only that it covers our present needs as to these fundamental doctrines.
1. THE ETERNAL GODHEAD
We believe in God, who is eternal and self-existent, revealed as one being in three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the Creator of all things.
2. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, ministering in teaching, healing and miracles. He was crucified and died on our behalf. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where He is now seated and exalted at the right hand of the Father as the risen Lord and Intercessor.
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the Holy Spirit, fully divine, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. He convicts, regenerates and sanctifies, and guides believers into all truth.
4. THE HOLY BIBLE
We believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired and infallible Word of God and our highest authority for faith and practice.
5. CREATION
We believe that God created the universe and that all people are created in the image of God, to love and worship God.
6. THE DEVIL
We believe in the existence and person of the devil, who actively opposes the purposes of God.
7. THE FALL OF HUMANITY
We believe that all people have rejected God through their sinful acts and are separated from God.
8. THE ATONEMENT
We believe that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone who – by His suffering, shed blood, death on the cross and resurrection – has made full atonement for the sins of all people. We receive salvation by grace through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
9. THE CHURCH
We believe that the church, the body of Christ, is the community of people who confess faith in Jesus Christ. While universal, the Church is local in expression and witness. It exists for worship, fellowship, evangelism, discipleship and mission. Gifts of ministry are given by Christ to strengthen and mature the Church.
10. WATER BAPTISM
We believe in water baptism by single immersion in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is a public declaration of a person’s faith in, and identification with, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
11. THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe in the Lord’s Supper, which is in symbolic remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ until He returns.
12. SANCTIFICATION
We believe in the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, who convicts people of their sin and inspires repentance and faith. The Holy Spirit transforms believers into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
13. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which is a transformative experience, distinct from and subsequent to salvation. It is available to all believers and accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. It results in empowerment for effective witness to the world.
14. GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts to believers for ministry to one another, the Church and the world.
15. DIVINE HEALING
We believe that God heals today through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. By praying in faith for healing and miracles we witness to and continue the ministry of Jesus Christ.
16. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
We believe in, and look forward to, the imminent and personal return of Jesus Christ to gather His people to Himself, and to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will have no end.
17. THE PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED
We believe in the resurrection of the body. All who believe in Jesus Christ will have everlasting life in the presence of God; those who reject Him will have eternal separation from God. It is the call of all believers to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ until He returns.