Scripture

We believe the Bible is the Christ-centered (Lk. 24:25-27), Word of God. It is a collection of sacred, Spirit-led (2 Tim. 3:16-17; cf. 1 Pet. 1:20-21) writings created to reveal God to humanity and equip us to know and follow Him.

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The Trinity

Although the word 'trinity' does not appear in the Bible, the Trinity is the Christian understanding of the Godhead—that there is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God has one nature, but three separate consciousnesses (e.g. Matt. 28:19). Each executes a different but harmonious function (e.g. 1 Cor. 12:7-11). 

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Father

Trying to define God the Father is like trying to describe the indescribable. In response to Moses question to who was speaking to him, God simply answered "I AM" (Exod. 3:14). God is infinite (Rev. 1:8), eternal (Isa. 40:28), righteous (Ps. 129:4), and unchanging (Mal. 3:6). He is love (1 Jn. 4:8b), wisdom (Dan. 2:20), grace (Exod. 33:19b), and so much more. He seeks a personal relationship with His creation, and loves us and desires reconciliation so much that He sent his Son to Earth to intercede on our behalf (Heb. 7:25). He saves from sin and death all who approach Him through Christ Jesus (Heb. 4:14-16). 

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Son

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has existed since the beginning of creation (Jn. 1:2) and will continue to exist until the end of time (Rev. 22:13). He is fully God, but became fully human for a time, without ceasing to be God (e.g. Mk. 14: 60-62). Conceived of the Holy Spirit through the Virgin Mary (Lk. 1:26-33), Jesus spent time on Earth as one of us to reconcile us to the Father (Col. 1:19-20) and restore (e.g. Jer. 31:31-34) and redeem us through His great love (Jn. 3:16-17). He was sacrificed on the cross in our place, as a final atonement for our sins (Heb. 10:11-14). He rose from the grave on the third day (1 Cor. 15:3-7; cf. Matt. 12:38-41), defeating both sin and death (1 Cor. 15:55-57), and after performing miracles (Acts 2:22; cf. Jn. 21:25), appearing to crowds, and teaching final lessons, He ascended into Heaven, where he is seated at the right hand of God the Father until He returns again (Heb. 1:3). Jesus is the true intercessor for our faith, our promised rescuer, redeemer, and deliverer (Gal. 1:3-4).  Anyone who accepts Jesus as the Lord and savior of their life, will be made a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17-21) and will live with Him forever (Rev. 3:12-13). 

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Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is an equal part of the trinity, with God the Father and God the Son. He is a divine person, who is best described as the giver and sanctifier. He gives understanding (1 Cor. 2:6-13), power (Acts 1:8), comfort (e.g. Acts 9:31), gifts (Isa. 11:2; cf. Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:8-10, 28-30; Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 4:11) and produces fruit (Gal. 5:22-23). Sanctification is the process of becoming holy. It is a lifelong moment-by-moment process in which we submit ourselves fully to becoming more like Christ. The Holy Spirit carries us along (2 Pet. 1:21) and makes this possible.

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Salvation

We believe that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God," and are in need of salvation (Rom. 3:23). Salvation found only in the saving and changing sacrifice of Jesus (Heb. 10:12-14). It is not earned or achieved in any way, but a gift given from God through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).

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The Gospel

The word Gospel comes from a Greek word euangelion that literally means: a proclamation of good news. The Gospel is the announcement of who Jesus is and all He represents. We believe, when we say Gospel, we say good news and when we say good news, we refer to the fulfillment, coming, and person of Jesus (and the effects that follow).

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The Church

We believe a church is any active community of people who gather together regularly for worship and fellowship in the name of Christ. The word church used in Scripture is translated from the Greek word ekklesia, which is literally defined as “an assembly” or “gathering of people.” The root meaning of church is not that of a building, but of people in community (e.g. Rom. 16:5; Phm. 1-2). For this reason, being free of any property, we believe Restore remains a church in the Church (i.e. Kingdom), being that Christians together make a church.

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Baptism and Communion

As personally and visibly illustrated by Christ (Matt. 3:13-16), we practice a believer’s baptism by immersion in the name of the Trinity (Matt. 28:19). This act is done in response to repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; cf. Jn. 3:5). We see belief, repentance, confession, and baptism all to be necessary elements of conversion, with baptism as the common moment of the gift of the Holy Spirit (e.g. Matt. 3:13-16; Acts 2:36-41; Rom. 6:1-14).

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We believe that the elements of communion, when referred to as the body and blood of Christ (Matt. 26:26-28), are figurative. The Lord's Supper helps us to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection and inspire us to look forward to His glorious return (e.g. Matt. 26:29; Rev. 19:6-9). Since Jesus's sacrifice is a central part of our worship, we take communion each time we gather for Sunday service (e.g. Lk. 22:7-20; 1 Cor. 11:17-34).

 

We also maintain an open table, just as we do an open membership, that welcomes any and all to participate in communion, regardless of church background. There shall be no human designed barriers that shall prevent anyone from participating, as long as they have made a believers confession, claiming Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

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