HOLY BIBLE
The Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God and as such is fully reliable and relevant to our lives today.
II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 16:25-26
TRINITY
There is one eternal God who is the Creator of all things. He exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is compassionate, loving and completely holy.
I John 5:7; Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17,28:19; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 3:7-11
JESUS CHRIST
The Lord Jesus Christ, both 100% God and 100% man, is the only One who can reconcile us to God. He was born of a virgin, He lived a sinless and exemplary life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again to prove His victory and empower us for life.
John 1:1,14, 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:5-6; I Timothy 2:5
VIRGIN BIRTH
Jesus Christ was conceived by God the Father, through the Holy Spirit (the third person of the Trinity) in the virgin Mary's womb; therefore, He is the Son of God.
Matthew 1:18, 25; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:27-35
REDEMPTION
Man was created good and upright, but by voluntary transgression, he fell; his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Gen. 1:26-29, 3:1-7;Romans 5:12-21
REGENERATION
For anyone to know God, being renewed and regenerated by the Holy Spirit is essential.
John 6:44, 65; Matthew 19:28; Titus 3:5
SALVATION
We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human efforts.
Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 9:22
REPENTANCE
Repentance is the commitment to turn away from sin in every area of our lives and to follow Christ. This allows us to receive His redemption and to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Thus, through repentance, we receive forgiveness of sins and appropriate salvation.
Acts 2:21, 3:19; I John 1:9
SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification is the ongoing process of yielding to God's Word and His Spirit to complete the development of Christ within us. It is through the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God that the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life.
The Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God and as such is fully reliable and relevant to our lives today.
II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 16:25-26
TRINITY
There is one eternal God who is the Creator of all things. He exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is compassionate, loving and completely holy.
I John 5:7; Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17,28:19; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 3:7-11
JESUS CHRIST
The Lord Jesus Christ, both 100% God and 100% man, is the only One who can reconcile us to God. He was born of a virgin, He lived a sinless and exemplary life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again to prove His victory and empower us for life.
John 1:1,14, 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:5-6; I Timothy 2:5
VIRGIN BIRTH
Jesus Christ was conceived by God the Father, through the Holy Spirit (the third person of the Trinity) in the virgin Mary's womb; therefore, He is the Son of God.
Matthew 1:18, 25; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:27-35
REDEMPTION
Man was created good and upright, but by voluntary transgression, he fell; his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Gen. 1:26-29, 3:1-7;Romans 5:12-21
REGENERATION
For anyone to know God, being renewed and regenerated by the Holy Spirit is essential.
John 6:44, 65; Matthew 19:28; Titus 3:5
SALVATION
We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human efforts.
Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 9:22
REPENTANCE
Repentance is the commitment to turn away from sin in every area of our lives and to follow Christ. This allows us to receive His redemption and to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Thus, through repentance, we receive forgiveness of sins and appropriate salvation.
Acts 2:21, 3:19; I John 1:9
SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification is the ongoing process of yielding to God's Word and His Spirit to complete the development of Christ within us. It is through the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God that the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life.
I Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23; II Corinthians 3:18, 6:14-18, II Thessalonians 2:1-3, Romans 8:29, 12:1-2, Hebrews 2:11
JESUS' BLOOD
The Blood that Jesus Christ shed on the Cross of Calvary was sinless and is 100% sufficient to cleanse mankind of all sin. Jesus allowed Himself to be punished for both our sinfulness and our sins, enabling all those who believe to be free from the penalty of sin, which is death.
I John 1:7; Revelation 1:5, 5:9; Colossians 1:20;Romans 3:10-12, 23, 5:9; John 1:29
JESUS CHRIST INDWELLS ALL BELIEVERS
Christians are people who have invited the Lord Jesus Christ to come and live inside them by His Holy Spirit. They relinquish the authority of their lives over to him thus making Jesus the Lord of their life as well as Savior. They put their trust in what Jesus accomplished for them when He died, was buried, and rose again from the dead.
John 1:12; John 14:17, 23; John 15:4; Romans 8:11; Revelation 3:20
THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE
We believe God intentionally designed and created humanity male and female. We believe marriage is ordained and instituted by God and according to the Scriptures can only exist and be fulfilled between a man and a woman. This church defines āmarriageā as the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman in which such union is a lifetime commitment based on love, respect, mutual submission, and personal sacrifice. A civil governmentās sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of āmarriageā found in these Articles.
Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself, Compassion Church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. Further, the Pastors and staff of Compassion Church shall only participate in weddings and perform marriages between one man and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Compassion Church shall only host weddings between one man and one woman.
JESUS' BLOOD
The Blood that Jesus Christ shed on the Cross of Calvary was sinless and is 100% sufficient to cleanse mankind of all sin. Jesus allowed Himself to be punished for both our sinfulness and our sins, enabling all those who believe to be free from the penalty of sin, which is death.
I John 1:7; Revelation 1:5, 5:9; Colossians 1:20;Romans 3:10-12, 23, 5:9; John 1:29
JESUS CHRIST INDWELLS ALL BELIEVERS
Christians are people who have invited the Lord Jesus Christ to come and live inside them by His Holy Spirit. They relinquish the authority of their lives over to him thus making Jesus the Lord of their life as well as Savior. They put their trust in what Jesus accomplished for them when He died, was buried, and rose again from the dead.
John 1:12; John 14:17, 23; John 15:4; Romans 8:11; Revelation 3:20
THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE
We believe God intentionally designed and created humanity male and female. We believe marriage is ordained and instituted by God and according to the Scriptures can only exist and be fulfilled between a man and a woman. This church defines āmarriageā as the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman in which such union is a lifetime commitment based on love, respect, mutual submission, and personal sacrifice. A civil governmentās sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of āmarriageā found in these Articles.
Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself, Compassion Church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. Further, the Pastors and staff of Compassion Church shall only participate in weddings and perform marriages between one man and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Compassion Church shall only host weddings between one man and one woman.
Genesis 1:26-28, 2:18-24, 5:1-2; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32, 19:3-11; Mark 10:2-12; I Corinthians 7:10-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; I Timothy 3:2, 12; I Peter 3:1-7
HUMAN SEXUALITY
We believe that God wonderfully and intentionally designs and creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of oneās biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
HUMAN SEXUALITY
We believe that God wonderfully and intentionally designs and creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of oneās biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
We believe God intended sexual intimacy to be enjoyed only within the context of the biologically male and female marriage relationship; and that all other sexual relations outside of marriage are personally destructive, sinful, and forbidden by God. These include but are not limited to, adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, and pedophilia, which are inconsistent with the teachings 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 witness.
Genesis 1:26-28, 2:25, 5:1-2; Leviticus 18:1-30; Matthew 19:4; Mark 10:6; Romans 1:24-32; I Corinthians 6:9-10, 6:13-20, 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Jude 1:7; Revelation 21:8
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
Given at Pentecost, it is the promise of the Father, sent by Jesus after His Ascension, to empower the Church to preach the Gospel throughout the whole earth.
Joel 2:28-29; Matthew 3:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:5,2:1-4, 17, 38-39, 8:14-17, 10:38, 44-47, 11:15-17, 19:1-6
THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY 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, 12 :4-8; Ephesians 4:16; I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6-7; I Corinthians 12:1-31, 14:1-40; I Peter 4:10
THE CHURCH
The church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of Jesus' Great Commission. Every person who is born of the Spirit is an integral part of the church as a member of the body of believers. There is a spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:22, 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23; John 17:11, 20-23
WATER BAPTISM
Following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 10:47-48
HEALING OF THE SICK
Healing of the sick is illustrated in the life and ministry of Jesus, and included in the commission of Jesus 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; I Corinthians 12:9, 28; Romans 11:29
GOD'S WILL FOR PROVISION
It's the Father's will for believers to become whole, healthy, and successful in all areas of life. But because of the fall, many may not receive the full benefits of God's will while on Earth. That fact, though, should never prevent all believers from seeking the full benefits of Christ's provision to serve others better.
Given at Pentecost, it is the promise of the Father, sent by Jesus after His Ascension, to empower the Church to preach the Gospel throughout the whole earth.
Joel 2:28-29; Matthew 3:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:5,2:1-4, 17, 38-39, 8:14-17, 10:38, 44-47, 11:15-17, 19:1-6
THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY 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, 12 :4-8; Ephesians 4:16; I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6-7; I Corinthians 12:1-31, 14:1-40; I Peter 4:10
THE CHURCH
The church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of Jesus' Great Commission. Every person who is born of the Spirit is an integral part of the church as a member of the body of believers. There is a spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:22, 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23; John 17:11, 20-23
WATER BAPTISM
Following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 10:47-48
HEALING OF THE SICK
Healing of the sick is illustrated in the life and ministry of Jesus, and included in the commission of Jesus 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; I Corinthians 12:9, 28; Romans 11:29
GOD'S WILL FOR PROVISION
It's the Father's will for believers to become whole, healthy, and successful in all areas of life. But because of the fall, many may not receive the full benefits of God's will while on Earth. That fact, though, should never prevent all believers from seeking the full benefits of Christ's provision to serve others better.
Financial - Joshua 1:8; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; II Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Psalm 34:10, 84:11; Philippians 4:19
RESURRECTION
Jesus Christ was physically resurrected from the dead in a glorified body three days after His death on the cross. In addition, both the saved and the lost will be resurrected; they who are saved will be resurrected to be with God, and they who are lost will be resurrected to eternal separation from God.
Luke 24:16, 36, 39; John 2:19-21, 20:26-28,21:4; Acts 24:15; I Corinthians 15:42, 44; Philippians 1:21-23, 3:21
HEAVEN AND HELL
We believe that Heaven and Hell are both very real. It can be scary to think about what will happen after we die. However, we know that those who put their faith and trust in Jesus and make Him the Lord of their life will spend eternity together with Him in Heaven. Unfortunately, for those who do not choose Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they will spend eternity separated from God in Hell.
Heaven - Luke 24:16, 36, 39; John 2:19-21, 20:26-28,21:4; Acts 24:15; I Corinthians 15:42, 44; Philippians 1:21-23, 3:21
Hell - Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 14:9-11, 20:12-15, 21:8
SECOND COMING
Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom. This will occur at a date undisclosed by the Scriptures.
Matthew 24:30, 26:63-64; Acts 1:9-11; I Thessalonians 4:15-17; II Thessalonians 1:7-8; Revelation 1:7
Jesus Christ was physically resurrected from the dead in a glorified body three days after His death on the cross. In addition, both the saved and the lost will be resurrected; they who are saved will be resurrected to be with God, and they who are lost will be resurrected to eternal separation from God.
Luke 24:16, 36, 39; John 2:19-21, 20:26-28,21:4; Acts 24:15; I Corinthians 15:42, 44; Philippians 1:21-23, 3:21
HEAVEN AND HELL
We believe that Heaven and Hell are both very real. It can be scary to think about what will happen after we die. However, we know that those who put their faith and trust in Jesus and make Him the Lord of their life will spend eternity together with Him in Heaven. Unfortunately, for those who do not choose Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they will spend eternity separated from God in Hell.
Heaven - Luke 24:16, 36, 39; John 2:19-21, 20:26-28,21:4; Acts 24:15; I Corinthians 15:42, 44; Philippians 1:21-23, 3:21
Hell - Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 14:9-11, 20:12-15, 21:8
SECOND COMING
Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom. This will occur at a date undisclosed by the Scriptures.
Matthew 24:30, 26:63-64; Acts 1:9-11; I Thessalonians 4:15-17; II Thessalonians 1:7-8; Revelation 1:7