DeSmet Community Church Statement of Faith
Article III of DCC Bylaws with additional Biblical references
1. We believe that the Old and New Testament is the inspired word of God, that the original writings are inerrant and infallible, and that the word of God is our ultimate authority. (II Timothy 3:14-17)
2. We believe in one living and eternal God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:1-14)
a. We believe that God the Father is infinite and eternal. He is perfect in wisdom, power, and love.
b. We believe Jesus Christ is God’s only Son. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life on earth and died on the cross so that all who believe in him will not perish, but have eternal life.
c. We believe in the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement, and regenerates, sanctifies, and empowers all who believe in Jesus Christ.
3. We believe that mankind was created in the image of God. All of mankind are sinners and as a result have incurred not only physical death, but spiritual death which is separation from God. All of mankind are born with a sinful nature and are sinners by choice, therefore they are under condemnation. Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 3:9-20)
4. We believe that those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are a new creation in Christ. We celebrate the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:1 when he says “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (II Corinthians 5:16-18)
5. We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of Jesus Christ, His ascension into heaven, and His presence in heaven as the Great High Priest and our advocate. (Hebrews 10:1-14)
6. We believe that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent. (I Thessalonians 5:1-6)
7. We believe in the existence of Satan who works to destroy the souls of men. We believe in hell, and that all who do not repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ will perish eternally in hell. (Revelation 20:10-15)
8. We believe in the church of Jesus Christ, the mission of which is to preach the Word of God to all the world. (Matthew 28:16-20)
9. We believe that the ordinances of the Church, given by Jesus Christ, are the Lord’s Supper (communion) and Baptism.
We believe that the Lord’s supper was instituted by Christ to commemorate his death. (I Corinthians 11:23-34)
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:13-17, 28:19-20, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, Acts 2:37-41, 8:12,26-39, 9:1-19, 10:34-48, 16:14-15, 25-34, 18:8, 19:1-5, Romans 6:3-4, I Peter 3:21)
Babies and small children who are unable to express true repentance may be dedicated to the church upon request from the parents or legal guardians.
10. We believe that every person is directly responsible to God alone in all matters of faith. (I Corinthians 10:28-30)
11. We believe that the Bible clearly teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-5)
12. We believe that the previously listed affirmations are biblical doctrines; therefore, we stand firmly upon them as a confession of Faith. (II Timothy 3:14-17)