Our Beliefs

What we believe at Cornerstone

Doctrine

In essential beliefs - we have unity.

"There is one Body and one Spirit … there is one Lord, on faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all …" (Ephesians 4:4-6)


In nonessential beliefs - we have liberty.

"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on dispute matters … who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls … so then each of us will give an account of himself to God … So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God." (Romans 14:1, 2, 12, 22)


In all our beliefs - we show charity.

"... If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God and if I have the faith that can move mountains-but have no love, I amount to nothing at all." (1 Corinthians 13:2)

God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. 


Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22 Psalm 90:2 Matthew 28:19 I Peter 1:2 II Corinthians 13:14

man

Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates man from God. 


Genesis 1:27 Psalm 8:3-6 Isaiah 53:6a Romans 3:23 Isaiah 59:1-2

Eternity

Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God, through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence. 


John 3:16 I John 2:25; 5:11-13 Romans 6:23 Revelation 20:15

Jesus

Jesus is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 


Matthew 1:22-23 Isaiah 9:6 John 1:1-5; 14:10-30 Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4 Romans 1:3-4 Acts 1:9-11 I Timothy 6:14-15 Titus 2:13

Salvation

Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security.

Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8-9 John 14:6; 1:12 Titus 3:5 Galatians 3:26 Romans 5:1; John 10:29 II Timothy 1:12 Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14 I Peter 1:3-5

The holy spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.


II Corinthians 3:17 John 16:7-13; 14:16-17 Acts 1:8 I Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13 Galatians 5:25 Ephesians 5:18

the bible

The Bible is God’s Word to all men. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error. 


II Timothy 3:16 II Peter 1:20-21 II Timothy 1:13 Psalm 119:105,160; 12:6 Proverbs 30:5