A Word About Our Doctrinal Statement
What a church believes about God and the Bible tells a lot about that fellowship. For that reason, in an attempt to be clear about what a church believes, doctrinal statements often contain language that sounds rather stuffy. Even the word "doctrine" sounds odd to some, but it is a simple word that merely means "teaching."
As you read our doctrinal statement--our statement of what we believe and teach--we hope you'll understand that while the words may sound technical in some cases, the intent is to communicate with clarity, not portray an academic approach to God.
Our hope and prayer is that each believer will have a warm and vibrant relationship with God and with the people that God brings across their paths.
But in the end, a warm relationship without truth isn't helpful. So we share our doctrinal statement with you--the truth as we have come to understand it. Although we are just one tiny part of the worldwide family of God, our beliefs are similar to those of millions and millions of other believers in a variety of denominations and independent churches around the world.
If you don't already have a church home, we'd love to have you stop in and check us out. Look over our doctrinal statement below. It will tell you a lot about us. Even if you don't fully agree with each of the statements, please know that you are welcome to come to Eaglebrook Church. Regardless of your personal beliefs, we would love the chance to get to know you better.
Scripture
We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, to be the inspired Word of God; without error in the original writings; the complete revelation of His will for salvation; and the divine and final authority for Christian faith and all of life.
God
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. He arose bodily from the dead and ascended into heaven where, at the right hand of God the Father, He is our High Priest and Advocate. In the person of the Holy Spirit, He indwells the believer.
Holy Spirit
We believe the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and, during this age, to convict, regenerate, seal, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
Mankind
We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost; and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
Salvation
We believe the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe. Only those who receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God.
Ordinances
We believe water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during this age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation or prerequisites for church membership.
The Church
We believe the true Church is composed of all persons who are regenerated by the Holy Spirit through saving faith in Jesus Christ. These Christians are united together in the Body of Christ, of which He is Lord and Head, and are now commissioned for the God-given task of proclaiming the gospel to every person. Only members of the true church shall be eligible for membership in this church, which has the right and responsibility under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs.
Christ's Return
We believe in the personal and certain return of our Lord Jesus Christ. This fact should be a powerful motivator for guiding the personal life and service of the believer.
Judgment
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead. Believers will enjoy everlasting life and fellowship with the Lord, and unbelievers will be judged and experience eternal separation from God.