Statement Of Faith
Our Statement of Faith
The Bible is God’s message to humanity of love and redemption. The statement that most clearly shows His redemptive love is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 John 3:16). Paul says this message is the ‘first significance’ (1 Corinthians 15:3). As God reveals His nature through the stories of the Bible, the following teachings emerge as foundational doctrines.
God
There is one true God, eternally existing in three Persons, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. They are equal and are one God. God created the world out of nothing and by His power He sustains all He has created (Romans 8:22-25; Ephesians 1:13-14).
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ was miraculously born of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35) and became flesh and blood without ceasing to be God (John 1:1-16). He lived a sinless life and performed many miracles to confirm His divinity. He died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice, paying the debt for our sins (Mark 10:45). On the third day after His death He arose from the dead showing His victory over sin and death. He appeared to His disciples and others (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) then ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God serving as our mediator.
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son. He makes people aware of their need for Christ (John 16:7-11). He indwells and empowers the believer (1 John 4:13). His presence in our life is a seal and guarantee that we are God’s children (2 Corinthians 1: 21-22). The Holy Spirit gives believers spiritual gifts (aptitudes or skills) to be used to help others (1Corinthians 12:7-11; Romans 12:4-8).
Baptism
We believe in water baptism by full immersion in obedience to the Word of God. All those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and saviour should be baptised in water (Matthew. 28:18-19; Acts 2:38).
Bible
The Bible is the inspired word of God and is the final authority in life and doctrine (2 Timothy 3: 16).
Salvation
Salvation is the free gift of God. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross is the only sufficient payment for our sins. All have sinned, but all can be saved. This salvation is available for any who put their trust in Jesus Christ as saviour (Romans 6:23; John 3:16). Those trusting Jesus Christ should repent of sin, confess their faith, and be baptised (Romans 10:9; Acts 2:38).
Church
The church is the body of Jesus Christ on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the task of reaching the lost; discipling the saved and helping them to become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16).
Christ’s Return
Jesus Christ will one day return and judge all people (Heb 12: 23; 1Ptr:4-5; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18). Those who put their trust in Him will be welcomed into God’s presence in Heaven. For those choosing not to put their trust in Him the outcome will be separation from God’s presence in Hell for eternity.
Here at Claremont we sincerely try to follow the Bible and its teachings. Our salvation is wholly reliant upon what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. We also readily acknowledge the fact that we cannot be right about everything and are therefore completely dependent on God’s grace and mercy.