Our Faith |
In a religious world where there is so much
variety and divergence, it’s important for a community
of faith to be open about what they believe. It is in the spirit
of that openness that Otter Creek points to the following matters
as important & central to its faith. These matters are the
core of us, and though our convictions extend beyond what we
mention here, these beliefs are what we consider to be necessary
for fellowship in Jesus.
You won’t find anything strange or out of line with
the beliefs of most Christians. We provide this statement
of faith, not to explain how we are distinct from everybody
around us, but to testify that we have a great deal in common
with all those who claim Jesus as Lord and who take the Bible
seriously.
- There is only one God. He is not limited in any way by His creation or our ideas about Him. He rules over all creation in love, justice, and wisdom.
- Everything that exists was designed and created by God to be cared for and enjoyed. He has a plan for what he has created and will accomplish his purposes in the end.
- Humans are created in the image of God so that we can have a personal relationship with Him. This Image gives dignity and enables us to love. It also sets us above and makes us responsible for the non-human creation.
- The history of evil and pain were begun by rebellion against God and can only be undone by the justice of God.
- God has communicated clearly through His creation, through Jesus Christ, and through the Bible. The Bible is our authoritative standard for all matters of faith and life.
- Though God is one, he presents himself in three persons (Father, Son and Spirit)—the Trinity. As “Father,” God reigns on high, pursues his righteous purposes, and will ultimately act as gracious judge of all creation.
- The Son, Jesus Christ, is completely God and became a complete human being. His life revealed God to us. His death satisfied the justice of God for the original rebellion and the evil that followed. His resurrection overcame the power of death and gave us life with God after death. Jesus is now with the Father and personally intercedes on our behalf.
- The Holy Spirit is completely God and does the work of the Father and Son. He teaches, gives gifts, and transforms us back into God’s image.
- Salvation is by God’s grace, through Christ’s cross, and a result of the Spirit’s active work. It is received through faith. It is sealed in confession and baptism. It is demonstrated in a life lived under the lordship of Jesus.
- There is one Church. She is the community of people who have trusted in Jesus to make them right with God and to send the Holy Spirit to make them more like God. The church is a “commissioned people,” partnering with God to accomplish His purposes in this world.
- God has given His church special ways in which we can draw close to Him personally and enjoy His blessings. These include baptism, prayer, worship, preaching, the Supper, Bible study, spiritual gifts, fasting, and relationship with each other and Himself.
- Jesus will return to finally overthrow evil forever and to set up a new heaven and a new earth where we can be with Him forever. God will rule over everything.
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