We Believe

Our Approach

Our Beliefs

We take theology, the study of the Bible and scripture, seriously because we take God seriously. The word “theology” comes from two Greek words that combined mean “the study of God.” Christian theology is simply an attempt to understand God as He is revealed in the Bible. No theology can ever fully explain God and His ways because God is infinitely and eternally higher than we are. That being said, any attempt to describe Him will fall way short (Romans 11:33-36). However, God does want us to know Him as much as we are able, and theology is the art and science of knowing what we can know and understand about God in an organized and understandable manner. Sound, biblical theology is an awesome thing; it is the teaching of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We value and hold fast to the ways in which historic Christian orthodoxy has articulated the Essential Beliefs of the Christian faith, which are listed below. Along with St. Augustine, we say, “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In everything, love.”

Where the Bible is clear, we will be emphatic. Where the Bible is silent, we must allow people freedom and grace.

SALVATION - Jesus - The Son of God - the only ATONEMENT for our BROKENNESS

We don’t worship some God who is distant and has no feelings or understanding of our broken world. He willing chose to enter into it! And He Himself was rejected and murdered for no reason at all, enduring the same grief and shocking evil we witness today. We worship a God who is no spectator in the brokeness, hurt, sickness, catastrophes, and death and suffered the same out of His infinite love for His creation.

We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ: His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is an unmerited gift from God, not earned by good works or any human effort. Whosoever calls upon Jesus will be saved. Eph 2:8-9; Gal 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Rom 10:9-10, 13; Acts 16:31; Heb 9:22

According to the Bible (God’s Word) Jesus is completely human but, at the same time, completely God [who gave Himself in our place and rewards us with His glory]. He is the only plan for bringing people who are far from God back into a right relationship with God. He lived a perfect life, so that He could be a substitution for us in satisfying God’s demands for perfection and the only substitute for God’s wrath against rebellion. He defeated death in His resurrection so that we can have life, life abundant, and eternal life in the very presence of God.

The Scriptures [Bible]

We believe the Bible is God’s Word, the product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. It is accurate, authoritative, and applicable to our everyday lives. Deut 4:1-2; Ps 119:11, 89, 105; Isa 40:8; Matt 22:29; John 5:39, 16:13-15, 17:17; Rom 15:4; 2 Tim 3:15-17; Heb 1:1-2, 4:12; 1 Pet 1:25; 2 Pet 1:21

God - The Trinity

We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things, and He exists in three co-equal Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. God is totally loving and completely holy. 1 John 5:7; John 1:14, 14:28, 15:26, 16:28; Deut 6:4; Isa 61:1

The Father

We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in love, holiness, justice, and grace. We believe that He is all-knowing and all-powerful. We believe that He mindfully and mercifully concerns Himself with the lives of humankind, that He hears and answers our prayers, and that He offers salvation from sin and death through Jesus Christ. Luke 10:21-22; Matt 23:9; John 3:16, 6:27; Rom 1:7; 1 Tim 1:1-2, 2:5-6; 1 Pet 1:3; Rev 1:6

Jesus, The Son

We believe that Jesus Christ is the only One who can restore us to God. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe the unconscionable beating and violent crucifixion of Jesus was in our place–the full, fitting payment for our sin. 1 John 1:7; Rev 1:5, 5:9; Col 1:20; Rom 3:10-12, 23; 5:9; John 1:29

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal with Jesus and the Father in the Godhead. We believe the Holy Spirit, who came forth from the Father and Son, convicts the world of sin and promotes righteousness and judgment. The Holy Spirit is our omnipresent, omnipotent helper, comforter, and guide in prayer and life to all who believe in Jesus. John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26-27, 16:9-14; Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19; Gal 5:22-26

Man [Mankind - Humans]

After the fall of man [disobeying God and choosing our way over His], none of us are innocent or sin-free - and none of us are what we want to be on the inside. But there is absolutely nothing we can change on the outside, or thinking we should be something other than who God created us to be, that will solve any of our problems. The only thing that can make us what we are supposed to be is the life-changing Spirit of God. It’s an inside job! We believe that mankind was made in the image of God as male and female. Every human personality is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love. We believe sexuality is defined by God and that marriage is between one man and one woman. Gen 1:26-30, 2:7, 18-22; 3:1-24; Ps 8:3-6, 51:5; Acts 17:26-31; Rom 1:19-32; Eph 2

Sin

Ever sinned the same thing twice, more? We believe our sin has separated each and everyone of us from God and His purpose for our lives. Many think they are “good” people. And while they may be “good” here - it is always a comparison to other people. When we view “good” based on God’s commands, we all fall way short and we realize, none of us are really that good at all. As a result, people cannot attain a right relationship with God through our own effort. We hear many people state: “God is love” and stop there thinking it’s a blank check for sin. While love is an absolutely true attribute of God, demonstrated most of all in His taking on human skin and dying on the cross for us, it is only a part of who He is. God is also HOLY and knows NO sin. In fact, he does not condone nor tolerate sin. Sin has to be dealt with to satisfy God’s attribute of wrath mentioned throughout the Bible. His wrath against sin. Jesus states, unless you believe in me and who I say I am, you will die in your sins and face the wrath of God. Gen 3; Ps 32:1-5; Isa 6:5; Jer 17:5; Rom 3:10, 3:23, 5:12; 1 Cor 15:21-22

Jesus Will Return

We believe that Jesus Christ, the enthroned Son of God, will return in glory at the time appointed by the Father to judge the living and the dead. Those who put their faith in Jesus will be resurrected and reign with Him in the new heavens and new earth while those who reject Jesus will be resurrected to spend eternity separated from God. Matt 24-25; Mark 9:43-48; Acts 1:11; Heb 9:27; Rev 14:9-11, 20:12-15, 21:8

MORE ABOUT OUR BELIEFS

CSBC CONSTITUTION

CSBC CHURCH COVENANT

The Good News about salvation

  • Until you have been saved by Jesus, you’re the walking dead. Trapped in your sins. Spiritually unconscious. Separated from God. Salvation is God’s rescue operation: God’s plan and our hope, for God’s glory and our good.

    Jesus came to earth, died on a cross, and was raised to life to rescue you from sin, make you alive, and bring you into eternal relationship with God. Salvation is not only a matter of life after death, but also the way to live an abundant life on earth with Jesus, here and now.

    Simply put, Jesus is salvation, and salvation is life (1 John 5:12). That’s why CSBC celebrates the empty tomb. When you are saved, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is in you!

  • Depending on your family background or religious tradition, you may have heard a variety of ideas about salvation.

    Perhaps you think it’s what happens when you walk an aisle, pray a prayer or get baptized. Maybe you believe salvation is only for “good people,” or that salvation is something you have to earn with good works or something you can lose if you do bad things.

    You don’t have to wonder or doubt. Jesus wants you to know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13). That’s why the Bible — God’s Word to us — is clear about every aspect of salvation:

  • Jesus saves you when you repent and trust in Jesus’ forgiveness for your sins. Your salvation is God’s gift to you. It is not earned by anything you do. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Prayer is a way to communicate our belief to God.

  • Salvation is for ALL people. No one’s sin is greater than or too big for God’s grace. Jesus’ desire is for everyone to be saved. (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16).

  • You didn’t earn your salvation, so you can’t lose your salvation. If you have put your trust in Jesus and the Holy Spirit has changed your heart, God promises that nothing and no one can separate you from Him. (John 10:27; Romans 8:38-39.)

  • The Bible tells us the truth of who God is. If you want to know more about God and His promises, reading the Bible is your next step. Reading the Bible every day can change the rest of your days, and God’s word—the Bible—is the primary way He speaks to us. It’s the absolute best way to discover how to follow Jesus. Reading the Bible will bring you hope, encouragement, guidance, and practical advice on the every day issues you’re facing. It is relevant to everyone, everywhere, at any time.

  • Baptism is going public about your faith in Jesus and communicating to the world your heart-felt commitment to following Him. It’s the next step after salvation.

    Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34).

    Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!