BELIEFS
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God. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are co-equal and co-eternal, and they share one divine nature. (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 5:4, Philippians 2:6)
The Father is the creator and sustainer of all things. He is the source of all life and love. The Son is the savior of the world. He came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ to die for our sins and to offer us eternal life. The Holy Spirit is the comforter and guide. He is the cause of spiritual regeneration enables us to believe in God. He helps us to live a holy life and to grow in our faith.
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People. We believe men and women were made in the image of God and therefore deserve dignity and respect. People are also sinful, fallen creatures. We cannot save ourselves and we are completely reliant on the saving grace of Christ. (Genesis 2:27-28, Romans 3:23)
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The Bible. We believe that the Bible is the authoritative, inspired, and inerrant Word of God. It is the only source of our knowledge about God and his will for our lives. (2 Timothy 2:16)
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Salvation. We believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. He is the only one who can forgive our sins and grant us eternal life. (John 14:6)
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The Church. We believe that the Church is the body of Christ. It is the community of believers who have been saved by grace. The church is called to love God and to love others. It is called to be a light in the darkness and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. (Matthew 5:14, Matthew 16:18)
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Baptism. We believe that Baptism is a means to receive God's gift of grace and that all ages can receive baptism. Whether someone is baptized as an infant or when they are old they are born again and receive the Holy Spirit who creates a saving faith relationship with God in their hearts. (Romans 6:1-4, 1 Peter 3:21)
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Communion. We believe that Communion is a means to receive God's gift of grace and that when we eat of the bread and drink of the cup we eat and drink not just bread and wine but the Real Presence of Christ's Body and Blood. Christ's presence in the Communion meal is intended to grant us forgiveness of sins, assurance of God's grace, and the strength to continue living out a Christian life of love toward God and others. (1 Corinthians 11:23-27)
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The End. We believe that the end of time will come when Jesus Christ returns to earth. He will judge the living and the dead and will establish his eternal kingdom. We believe that all who have put their faith in Jesus Christ will be saved and will be raised to life and will live with him for eternity on the new heavens and the new earth. (Revelation 21:1-4, 1 Corinthians 15:51-53, Revelation 20:12)
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Messiah is a member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. For more information, click here.