About Our Faith
Here's what we believe at Denen Grace Church
What we believe
Denen Grace Church's Statement of Faith is a summary of our beliefs. Our theology is not innovative. Anyone familiar with historic Christian doctrine will find that these statements fall in the center of reformed Protestant theology.
We have absolutely no connection with the Unification Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, or Mormon Church groups in Japan.
What we believe is rooted in the Word of God. We try not to be dogmatic about matters on which Bible-based believers have had differing views. We want our core beliefs to be centered in Christ and His message as supported by the clearest passages of Scripture. Less clear doctrine with less support is left to an individual’s personal conscience as he feels led by the Holy Spirit.
The following is a summary of our beliefs concerning the Bible, God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Mankind, Salvation, the Church, and Eternity.
Bible
he 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.
God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Mankind
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 sin. In Adam, all mankind fell into sin with the result that all men are sinners. Man is justly condemned to eternal judgment and can do nothing to merit salvation.
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.
Jesus
Jesus Christ 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.
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.
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.
Church
The church is composed of all believers. It is the body and bride of Christ, formed by the baptism of the Holy Spirit and existing in two aspects, universal and local. The universal church is an elect company of believers, baptized by the Holy Spirit into one body. Its mission is to witness to its head, Jesus Christ, preaching the gospel among all nations. At the Rapture of the church, it will be caught up to meet the Lord, after which He will return to set up His Kingdom. The local church is a group of believers voluntarily joined together in love (fellowship) to worship God with praise and thanksgiving, and to glorify Jesus Christ by the preaching of the gospel, and exercising spiritual gifts.
Apostles' Creed
We blend the Apostles' Creed into our worship service from time to time. It is a historic church confession that summarizes the above beliefs:
"I believe in God, the Creator of the whole earth and the Father Almighty. I believe in his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. He was born of the Virgin Mary, was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, was buried, descended to the grave, rose from the dead on the third day, and ascended into heaven. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there He comes and judges the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe in a holy and common church, in the fellowship of saints, in the forgiveness of sins, in the resurrection of the body, and in eternal life. Amen."