CRCC STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe that all the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts. They are the infallible rule of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12)

We believe God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; John 1:1; Acts 5:3-4)

We believe Jesus Christ is God’s Son. He was born of a virgin as both God and man, lived a sinless life, died to atone for the sins of human beings, was buried, arose from the grave, ascended into heaven and will literally return to earth. (Mark 1:1; Luke 1:26-35; Hebrews 4:15; Acts 1:9-11)

We believe Jesus Christ died to atone for the sins of human beings, was buried, and rose from the grave. (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31)

We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ, and that He is an abiding Helper, Teacher, and Guide. We believe that Jesus Christ baptizes the seeking believer with the Holy Spirit and power for service, either at the time of or subsequent to regeneration, which is a distinct work from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit desires to fill each believer continually with increased power for Christian life and witness, and imparts His supernatural gifts for the edification of the Body and for various works of ministry. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of all biblical gifts of the Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 5:18; Mark 1:8; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:4; 2:38; 4:8, 31; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9; 19:2,6; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31)

 We believe man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God, through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; I John 2:25 & 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15)

We believe all people are by nature separated from God and responsible for their own sin. Salvation and forgiveness are freely offered to all by the grace of Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:12-21)

We believe that on the cross Jesus Christ became sin, providing salvation for all mankind. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Psalm 103:2-3; Romans 10:8-10; Ephesians 2:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21)

We believe the inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit. The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and holiness. (Romans 8:16; 1John 3:23, 2 Peter 3:14)

We believe it is important to uphold the scriptural practices of the early church. Therefore, we hold to the practice of water baptism and the regular taking of Communion. We do not believe that either of these practices is essential for salvation, but that they serve as an act of obedience to the commands of Christ as well as a demonstration of our living faith in Christ. (Matthew 28:19, Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)