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This is not an "all-inclusive" list of what we believe. However, this is an explanation of the basic, foundational beliefs that we hold in our Unity Point faith community. Above all, we hold that the Bible, God's inspired Word, is the ultimate guide for ALL of our beliefs, and for every situation in life.

Because we value relationships within our faith community, and because we recognize that we are each at a different place along the journey of our faith in Jesus, we hold to three important guiding standards regarding our beliefs:

1) In essential beliefs we have UNITY.

2) In non-essential beliefs we have LIBERTY.

3) In ALL beliefs we demonstrate LOVE.

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He is ever-present, all-knowing, all-powerful, and the only one worthy of worship. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. This three-in-one existence is commonly referred to as the Trinity. Gen 1:26-27, 3:22; Psa 90:2; Matt 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Cor 13:14

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He was born on earth of a virgin, lived a sinless human life, and offered Himself as the perfect substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven's glory and will return to earth someday to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Matt 1:22-23; Isa 9:6; John 1:1-5; Heb 4:14-15; 1 Cor 15:3-4 Rom 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Tim 6:14-15

The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He is the agent of salvation, drawing us to Jesus. He is present in the Christian to empower us for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right, leading us toward godliness and the imitation of Christ. He operates in Christians through gifts, for the common good of the Body of Christ. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. 2 Cor 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor 2:12, 3:16 Eph 1:13; Gal 5:25; Eph 5:18

The Bible is God's Holy Word. It was written down by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for our beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. Any statement, action or mindset that stands in contradiction to God's Word, either in part or in whole, we reject as false. 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Tim 1:13; Psa 119:105, 160 Pro 30:5

People are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. But we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". Sin is any act or intention that stands contrary to God's revealed will, His character or His nature. Sin is what has created a broken relationship, a great "chasm", between mankind and God. Gen 1:27; Psa 8:3-6; Isa 53:6a; Rom 3:23; Isa 59:1-2

Salvation is in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement, good works, or any religious acts. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be freed from sin's penalty. God washes away our sins by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and grants us forgiveness and eternal life. We are saved when true repentance takes place, meaning that we intentionally turn away from our self-ruled life of sin and surrender to Jesus in faith. This repentance is evidence of genuine faith. Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9; John 1:12, 14:6; Titus 3:5; Gal 3:26 Rom 5:1

We believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ. He will return for His people, the church, and both the living and dead Christians will be received by Christ at that time. God will judge the earth and bring all things to justice. Those who reject faith in Christ will be judged for their sins and separated from God forever in hell, a literal place of eternal punishment. Those who received Christ will not be judged for their past sins, but rather for their lives and work for Christ. They will spend eternity with God in heaven. John 3:16; John 14:17; Rom 6:23; Rom 8:17-18; 1 Cor 2:7-9

All human life is sacred and should be honored and protected. Life begins at the moment of conception, and a new being enters the universe at that moment. That new person deserves our protection, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the conception. We believe that life is not only a gift from God, but that our lives are not our own, belonging to God Himself. Thus, God alone has the authority to determine when our life is completed. Psa 139:13-14; Psa 127:3-5; Jer 1:5; Gen 1:27, 9:6; Eph 2:10

God designed men and women as distinct from each other, but complementary to each other. God designed the marriage covenant to be a union between one man and one woman. This union is representative on earth of the spiritual relationship that Jesus Christ (the bridegroom) has with His church (the bride).

As such, the marriage relationship is holy and eternal. The man and woman in marriage belong to each other and honor each other in this union. They also honor God and point people toward Him in how they live out their marriage covenant.

Gen 1:27, 6:19; Matt 19:4; Mark 10:6; Eph 5:22-33