Schuylkill Christian Church
What Do We Believe
As a non-denominational, independent Christian church we unite people from all denominational backgrounds. This is a great strength of our church, but people may ask how does that work? What are the basics that everyone must believe? Faithful, Bible-believing Christians can disagree over many issues. Below you'll find what we believe are the essentials of the Christian faith that are taught by Jesus and His followers in the Bible. While people may disagree upon finer points of theology, we think every Christian can and should agree on the following:
The BibleWe believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, written by men under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is reliable, accurate and authoritative in all matters, spiritual, historical and scientific. We believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible, unless the meaning is obviously symbolic or allegorical. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
GodWe believe that there is one true God, the Creator of the universe, who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; John 1:1,14; John 14:26; 1 Peter 1:2)
JesusWe believe that Jesus was God's only begotten Son, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, voluntarily died on the cross for our sins and was bodily raised from the dead. He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God and acts as an intermediary on our behalf. One day Jesus will return to earth and initiate the consummation of human history. (John 1:1-18; Acts 2:22-41; Philippians 2:1-11)
The Holy SpiritWe believe the Holy Spirit is equal with God and with Jesus. The Holy Spirit provides power to overcome sin, insight into Scripture and personal direction in life. All believers are given the gift of the Holy Spirit at conversion, and through the Holy Spirit's presence and power are enabled to attain spiritual maturity in Christ. Through the Holy Spirit each person in the body is given certain gifts to use in ministry. (Luke 11:13; John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:11)
SalvationWe believe that a human being's central purpose for existence is to have a close and personal relationship with God. Originally created for that purpose, humans defied God, choosing to go their own independent way and were thus alienated from God. This "Fall" took place at the beginning of human history, all individuals since have suffered these consequences and are in need of God's forgiveness and mercy. A person can be forgiven by God and have that close, personal relationship restored by believing that Jesus is God's Son, repenting of their sin and being baptized by immersion for the forgiveness of their sins. (John 3:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 3:23, 10:9; 1 John 1:9)
Human DestinyWe believe that everyone will live forever after they die. Where one spends eternity will depend on what they do with Jesus. For all humankind there will be a resurrection into the spiritual world and a judgment that will determine the fate of each individual. Because unbelievers have rejected Jesus, they will be separated from his presence for all eternity in hell. Believers will be received into heaven to be with God for all eternity. (John 3:36; Revelation 20-22)
Church GovernmentSchuylkill Christian Church is a non-denominational, independent Christian church that is led by leaders from within its own church, not an outside denominational office or headquarters. We have elders and a pastor who oversee the spiritual needs of this church.
As a non-denominational, independent Christian church we unite people from all denominational backgrounds. This is a great strength of our church, but people may ask how does that work? What are the basics that everyone must believe? Faithful, Bible-believing Christians can disagree over many issues. Below you'll find what we believe are the essentials of the Christian faith that are taught by Jesus and His followers in the Bible. While people may disagree upon finer points of theology, we think every Christian can and should agree on the following:
The BibleWe believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, written by men under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is reliable, accurate and authoritative in all matters, spiritual, historical and scientific. We believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible, unless the meaning is obviously symbolic or allegorical. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
GodWe believe that there is one true God, the Creator of the universe, who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; John 1:1,14; John 14:26; 1 Peter 1:2)
JesusWe believe that Jesus was God's only begotten Son, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, voluntarily died on the cross for our sins and was bodily raised from the dead. He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God and acts as an intermediary on our behalf. One day Jesus will return to earth and initiate the consummation of human history. (John 1:1-18; Acts 2:22-41; Philippians 2:1-11)
The Holy SpiritWe believe the Holy Spirit is equal with God and with Jesus. The Holy Spirit provides power to overcome sin, insight into Scripture and personal direction in life. All believers are given the gift of the Holy Spirit at conversion, and through the Holy Spirit's presence and power are enabled to attain spiritual maturity in Christ. Through the Holy Spirit each person in the body is given certain gifts to use in ministry. (Luke 11:13; John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:11)
SalvationWe believe that a human being's central purpose for existence is to have a close and personal relationship with God. Originally created for that purpose, humans defied God, choosing to go their own independent way and were thus alienated from God. This "Fall" took place at the beginning of human history, all individuals since have suffered these consequences and are in need of God's forgiveness and mercy. A person can be forgiven by God and have that close, personal relationship restored by believing that Jesus is God's Son, repenting of their sin and being baptized by immersion for the forgiveness of their sins. (John 3:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 3:23, 10:9; 1 John 1:9)
Human DestinyWe believe that everyone will live forever after they die. Where one spends eternity will depend on what they do with Jesus. For all humankind there will be a resurrection into the spiritual world and a judgment that will determine the fate of each individual. Because unbelievers have rejected Jesus, they will be separated from his presence for all eternity in hell. Believers will be received into heaven to be with God for all eternity. (John 3:36; Revelation 20-22)
Church GovernmentSchuylkill Christian Church is a non-denominational, independent Christian church that is led by leaders from within its own church, not an outside denominational office or headquarters. We have elders and a pastor who oversee the spiritual needs of this church.