What We Believe
Our 21st century faith is rooted in the 17th century Protestant Reformation. That world-changing event was essentially a "back to the Bible" movement. Its key doctrine is the supreme authority of Scripture, the Bible, in all matters of human faith and life.
THE BIBLE
We believe human authors under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration wrote down God’s eternal plan - to restore all creation to Himself through Jesus Christ and particularly God' best creation – human persons - you and me. All truth is to be measured by the eternal truth of God's Word. We believe the Bible is the full and final authority for what we believe and how we behave.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, John 17:17, 20:30-31
GOD
We believe in one God Who exists eternally in three Persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each Person in this Trinity is equal in power and authority and are one God. In His sovereignty God works to redeem our world today.
​
Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 1:1-2,
Psalm 90:2
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that the second Person of the Trinity existed before creation, equal to the Father and the Holy Spirit in power and glory. Being both fully God and fully man Jesus' two natures co-exist equally. Jesus lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin when He died on Calvary's cross. He rose from the dead to demonstrate His power over sin and death. God's plan culminates when one day Jesus returns to reign as King of Kings and completely restore creation. God's redemption in Christ is what the word "salvation" means.
​
John 1:14, 14:6, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
HOLY SPIRIT
We believe the third Person of the Trinity, God's Spirit is alive in the world to make us aware of our need for Christ. He comes alive in us the moment we believe in Christ. By the Spirit's power, believers are equipped with spiritual gifts that find practical ways to live out the love of Christ in our daily lives. God loves us so we can love others - what it means to be "the Church."
​
2 Corinthians 3:17-18, John 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:11-12, Galatians 5:22-25
HUMAN BEINGS
We believe people are made in God's image as the crown of creation, intended to be like God, designed to glorify and enjoy Him forever. We believe all of us humans are marred by disobeying God, called sin. Although each person has enormous potential for good, all of us nevertheless are born with a sinful nature and become sinners by choice. We are under God's righteous wrath and sentenced to eternal separation from God, which is hell.
​
Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:10-12, 23, Romans 6:23
SALVATION
We believe you can never make up for your sin by good works or self-improvement. Everyone needs a savior and only God can save you. God rescues you from the consequences of your sin and He rescues you to life abundant and eternal. Only by trusting in Jesus for God’s forgiveness can you be saved from sin’s penalty and power. Eternal life begins the moment you receive Jesus Christ into your life by faith, and the Holy Spirit takes up residence within you.
​
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:6-8, John 3:14-17,
Romans 10:9-10, John 14:6,
John 5:24, 1 Peter 1:18-21, Titus:3-5-7, Acts 16:30-31
THE CHURCH
We believe there are two types of Church in the Bible. The Church triumphant and universal is made up of all believers throughout all ages. This is the Bride of Christ that He will return to claim as His own.
Revelation 21:1-7
​
The Church militant is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again believers currently alive now - the local Church. We believe this Church is the divine-human continuation of Christ's coming into the world. The Church's mission is twofold - to "go into all the world and make disciples" and to teach believers "to obey" all that Christ commanded His disciples to be and do, especially to love one another as He loves us. Believers are to be Christ to the world, glorifying God, learning to live by God's Word, administering Christ's sacraments, and proclaiming the Gospel to the whole world.
Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 1:22-23, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27, Colossians 1:18, Acts 4:12
​
We believe that in Jesus Christ God is making all things new. We are forgiven sinners who model Christ's love in the midst of this dying world. Every weekend we gather for worship but we don't stay there. Christ moves us beyond our walls, building relationships, sharing Scripture, serving the least and the lost, and preparing for Christ's return.
From the garden of Eden through Christ's cross and His empty tomb our living Savior Jesus Christ lives and reigns through His people, to bring to completion the triumphant Kingdom He has established. Trust Christ in your life and come join us in this high calling.
​
Rev. Dr. J. Bruce Melton
Pastor in Residence, DPC 12/18