Statement of Faith

Olive Branch

 

1. We believe in the Bible, the sixty-six canonical books of the Old and New Testament, as the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God, and the supreme rule for faith, life, theology, and mission.

2. We believe in God the Father, Creator and Ruler of the universe, who is almighty and holy in nature.

3. We believe in Jesus Christ, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the blessed virgin, crucified, and risen from the dead; as true God and true human being in one person, the only Savior, the Lord to all believers, the only Son of God, and the head of the Church.

4. We believe in the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from God the Father and the Son; who is the Spirit of truth and holiness, and gives power to all believers for the expansion of the kingdom of God.

5. We believe in the Triune God, who is three in one substance and one in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

6. We believe that only by grace through faith of free will in the power of God, are we saved, regenerated, forgiven, justified, and have we become children of God.

7. We believe in the truth of sanctification as the fullness of the Spirit, spiritual growth in faith, liberation from the power of sin, the restoration of God’s image in human beings, assurance of salvation, which is a progression toward perfect salvation and love.

8. We believe in love of God who heals sickness of not only body, soul, and spirit, but also culture and natural environment, and who blesses our home, children, and vocation.

9. We believe in the holy Church as the model of the kingdom of God, unified people of the Lord, the body of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the blameless bride who prepares for the coming of Jesus Christ, the bridegroom.

10. We believe that we glorify the Triune God and love Him with our hearts through worship and sacraments, by which we are given grace and power.

11. We believe in the Great Commission which is to be a witness of Jesus Christ to all the earth and to make disciples of all the nations.

12. We believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ as the consummation of His kingdom, resurrection of the saints, the final judgment upon all mankind, which will bring eternal life to the saved, and eternal punishment to the condemned.