the Pearl church

WHAT WE BELIEVE.

SCRIPTURE —

We believe in the plenary-verbal inspiration of the accepted canon of the scriptures as originally given, that they are infallibly and uniquely authoritative and free from error of any sort in all matters with which they deal, including scientific, historical, moral and theological (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:13).

GOD —

We believe in the Eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as one God existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, distinguishable but indivisible (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

CREATION —

We believe in the creation and subsequent fall of man from God’s original design as recorded in Genesis, and his resulting total spiritual depravity and inability to attain to divine righteousness (Genesis 1-3; Romans 3:10-18).

SIN —

We believe that sin is a transgressing of, or falling short of, God’s standard: in action, thought, and character. All individuals are born with a sin nature that affects their motivation, affection, volition, and actions. The results of sin include separation from God, and death (Romans 3:10,23; 6:23; 14:23; James 4:17).

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST —

We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of men, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, fully God and fully man (Luke 1:26- 35; John 1:14,18; Hebrews 2:17,4:15; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6).

CHRIST’S DEATH & RESURRECTION —

We believe Christ lived a sinless life, died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day, and personally appeared to His disciples (1 Corinthians 15:14; Romans 4:25, Hebrews 4:15).

CHRIST’S BODILY ASCENSION & RETURN —

We believe in the bodily ascension of Jesus to heaven, His exaltation, and His personal, literal, and bodily coming again the second time for the Church (John 14:2-3; Acts 1:9-11; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH —

We believe in salvation by grace through faith. Through repentance there is remission of sin through the perfect and sufficient work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:12, 22; Romans 2:4; 5:11).

WATER BAPTISM —

We believe in water baptism by immersion as commanded by Christ. This is a demonstration of belief in and identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Acts 19:1-6; Romans 6:3-11).

BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT —

We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as an experience subsequent to salvation with the manifestation of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:1- 4; 8:14-17; 10:44-46; Galatians 3:14).

THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT —

We believe in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit as identified in 1 Corinthians 12-14 and as manifested in the early church (Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:8-12).

COMMUNION —

We believe in Christians sharing together in the Lord’s Supper, commonly called Communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-32).

HEALING —

We believe in the healing of the body by divine power, as practiced in its varied aspects in the early church (Acts 4:30; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 12:9; James 5:1).

ETERNAL LIFE —

We believe in eternal life for believers and eternal punishment for unbelievers (John 5:24; 3:16; 2 Thess. 1:9; Revelation 20:10-15).

SATAN —

We believe in the reality and personality of Satan and eternal judgment of Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10-15).

CHURCH —

We believe that the church of Jesus Christ is the last instrument that God is using to extend His kingdom prior to the second coming of Christ. Every believer in Christ must be subject to God’s authority in a specific local church for spiritual protection and long-term fruitfulness (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:20-23; 3:10; Hebrews 13:17).

GENEROSITY —

We believe that all Christians should live a lifestyle of generosity in every area; including finances. The tithe, the first ten percent of our income, belongs to the Lord; offerings should be given willingly; and alms should be given to the poor (Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:10-11; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:6-15).