Our Beliefs
The following Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe.
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The Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme and only source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Psalm 12:6, 119:105,160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21
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God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God. Genesis 1:1,26-27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19;2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2
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Jesus
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father. Thus, He was God in human form or “God with us.” Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the 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 again someday as conqueror and supreme judge to claim His own and take them to Heaven. Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4;1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15
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Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to convict people of sin and make them aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every genuine Christian working to provide power for becoming like Christ in attitude and action. He provides the Christian with understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. As Christians we seek to submit ourselves daily to the influence of the Holy Spirit. John 14:16-17, John 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18
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Salvation
Salvation – the forgiveness of sins–cannot be earned, but is given to us only by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 26:28; Romans 5:1-11; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 10:19-22; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; 1 John 1:7).
The New Testament directs everyone to respond to God by - admitting their sin and their need for God’s grace (Romans 3:23; Titus 3:3-7), believing and confessing the truth about Jesus (Matthew10:32; Romans 10:9, 10) pointing their lives away from sin (“repenting” – Luke 24:45-47; Acts 3:19;17:30), trusting Jesus as Savior and LORD (Romans 10:11-13; Philippians 2:11), and being baptized (immersed in water) into Christ (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-4).
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People
People are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23
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Eternity
People will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or exist eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is eternal death in Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Revelation 20:15
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Communion
Communion at Canyon Springs is defined as Scripture defines it. Communion is a memorial, a new covenant, and a proclamation. It is a sacred event for those who have a vital, biblical relationship with Jesus. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25; 1 Corinthians 11:26-30.
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Marriage
Marriage has been ordained by God and is a sacrament of the Church. This defines “marriage” as the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman. Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 5:25-32
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Sexual Morality
Legitimate sexual relationships are exercised solely within marriage. Sexual activities outside marriage (referred to in the New Testament as “porneia”) including but not limited to, adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, and pedophilia are inconsistent with the teaching of the Bible and the Church. Further, lascivious conduct, transgender behavior, and the creation and/or distribution and/or viewing of pornography, are incompatible with the Biblical lifestyle. Romans 1:26-32; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:5