What We Believe
MCMINTL’S Statement of Faith
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
The Bible is God’s holy and inspired Word without error. The Bible is our supreme and ultimate authority. (Proverbs 30:5; Romans 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
GOD
The God of the Bible is the one true God, the eternal creator of all that is. He is a triune God existing in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:26; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; Luke 1:35; 2 Corinthians 13:14; I John 5:7; Hebrews 3:7-11)
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. When He was on Earth, He was 100% God and 100% man. He was conceived by God the Father through the Holy Spirit and born to the virgin Mary. He is the only man to live a life without sin. He was crucified, died, was buried, and on third day He physically resurrected. He now sits at the right hand of the Father as our mediator & advocate. He will return in power & glory. His blood is sufficient to cleanse from sin and provide salvation for all mankind. (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6; Matthew 1:18,23-25; Luke 1:27-35; John 1:1,14, 20:28; Philippians 2:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; I Timothy 2:5, 3:16; Revelation 1:5)
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost. He is our counselor. He gives power for evangelism. He convicts of sin. He is given to all believers at salvation. (Joel 2:28-29; Matthew 3:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:5, 2:1-4,17,38-39, 8:14-17, 10:38,44-47, 11:15-17, 19:1-6)
HUMAN NATURE
All mankind is created in the image of God. By his own will, man disobeyed and fell from innocence and purity. All mankind have sinned. The penalty of sin is death. (Genesis 1:16-31; Romans 3:23, 5:12-14, 6:23)
SALVATION
Redemption is found by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a free gift, not earned by good works or effort. Salvation is found in Christ alone. While we were still in sin, Christ died for us. Upon repentance, Christ cleanses the believer from sin and he is justified. Salvation provides forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God. Christ’s blood on the cross purchased salvation. All have the opportunity to receive salvation. All who receive salvation are given Christ’s righteousness, abundant life, and eternal life. (John 3:16; Acts 4:12, 16:31; Romans 1:16, 5:8,14-21, 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:16,20, 3:8; Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-10; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 9:22; 1 John 1:7, 1:9)
THE CHURCH
The church is the bride and body of Christ and exists to fulfill the great commission. It is the duty of every believer to be a contributing member of the body of Christ (the church). Christ is the head of the church. The church commits to worship, encouragement, instruction and the making of disciples. (John 17:11,20-23; Ephesians 1:22, 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23)
THE GIFTS & FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit gives gifts to each believer to build and sanctify the church. A believer should show fruit as evidence of a Spirit filled life. Each believer should earnestly desire these gifts. The gifts always operate in harmony with Scripture. (Romans 1:11, 12:4-8; Acts 2:4; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 14:1-40; 2 Timothy 1:5-16, 4:14; Hebrews 2:4; 1 Peter 4:10)
HEAVEN
Heaven is the eternal dwelling place for all believers. (Matthew 5:3,12,20, 6:20, 19:21, 25:34; John 14:1-3, 17:24; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Hebrews 11:16; 1 Peter 1:4; Revelation 7:15-17)