OUR BELIEFS
WEST POINT CHURCH is a Bible-based church and we derive all of our beliefs and lifestyle choices on explicit passages or principles from the Word of God. Based on Scripture, we believe the following . . .
ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is the Word of God and the authority for salvation and Christian living. In its original writing, it is inspired, infallible and inerrant (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 16:25-26).
ABOUT GOD
There is one God and Father of all, who was manifested in Flesh (Son) for the purpose of revealing to us His name, His person and becoming our Savior. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself and Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is the only man ever to have lived a sinless life. We believe He was born of a virgin, lived a life we should all strive to imitate and was the example we are all called to follow. He performed miracles and did wonders throughout His ministry and was crucified to atone for our sins. He died on the cross for all humanity and is no respecter of persons. We believe He rose from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures, ascended into heaven, and will return again in great power and glory. (See Deuteronomy 6:4; Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1,14, 20:28; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:5.)
ABOUT THE GOSPEL
The saving gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. We obey the gospel when we repent and are baptized in His name for the remission of sins. We believe through baptism we identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and are given the promise that we shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost which is Christ’s indwelling Spirit. (Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:11-14; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38.)
ABOUT SIN AND SALVATION
Everyone has sinned and needs salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9).
ABOUT CHRISTIAN LIVING
All life is worship and we should cheerfully strive to live a life that is both inwardly and outwardly pleasing to God, as we submit to the power of grace that is working in us. Sanctification is the ongoing process of yielding to God’s Word and His Spirit in order to complete the development of Christ’s character in us. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that a believer is enabled to live a godly life. (Ephesians 4:21-24; 2 Timothy 2:19; 1Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23;)
ABOUT PUTTING FAITH INTO PRACTICE
We practice our faith by loving God and loving people. All the law and commandments are fulfilled by love. We practice prayer, obedience to the Word of God, heartfelt worship, and expressive praise. We are compelled to share our faith story with others. We further practice our faith by being committed to our marriage companions and staying faithful to our families. We bear one another’s burdens and help each other in times of need. We honor and respect all spiritual and civil authority and revere them as ministers of God for good. We submit to all their laws and commandments as long as they don’t require our disobedience to the higher power, which is God. We believe a good and diligent work ethic pleases God and we labor as unto the Lord. We practice honesty and fairness in business and dedicate portions of our time, talent and treasure to advance the kingdom of God on the earth (Romans 12-13; Colossians 3-4; 1 Corinthians 12-13; Hebrews 12:14)
ABOUT THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is manifested through a variety of spiritual gifts to build and sanctify the church, demonstrate the validity of the resurrection, and confirm the power of the Gospel. The Bible lists of these gifts are not necessarily exhaustive, and the gifts may occur in various combinations. All believers are commanded to earnestly desire the manifestation of the gifts in their lives. These gifts always operate in harmony with the Scriptures and should never be used in violation of Biblical parameters. (Hebrews 2:4; Romans 1:11, 11:29, 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:16; 2 Timothy 1:5-16, 1 Corinthians 12, 14; 1 Peter 4:10). Miracles and Healing of the sick is illustrated in the life and ministry of Jesus and included in the great commission to His disciples. It is given as a sign which is to follow believers. It is also a part of Jesus’ work on the Cross and one of the gifts of the Spirit (Psalm 103:2-3; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:17-18; Acts 8:6-7; James 5:14-16; 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28).
ABOUT THE FUTURE
We believe Jesus Christ is coming again to catch away His church and then establish His kingdom upon the Earth. We call this period the Millennial Reign and the redeemed will rule with Him. At the end of the millennium, there will be a resurrection and a final judgment of the unredeemed. The righteous will inherit eternal life, and the unrighteous eternal death. (See I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:11-15.)