Basic Belief of Friends

 

Friends believe that apostolic (New Testament) doctrines are essentials of Christianity.  Fundamental truths considered as vital and life giving are:  The Fatherhood of God;  the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ the Son;  the ministry of the Holy Spirit;  Christ’s atonement which reconciles believers to God;  the resurrection of Jesus Christ which assures true believers of life after death;  the high priesthood of Christ who gives access to the Father by forgiving sins;  and the individual priesthood of believers who may approach God directly without human intervention.

 

A Summary of Our Beliefs

 

The Bible is the inspired rule of faith and subject to the Holy Spirit’s interpretation.  John 20:31

 

God is Sovereign.  Is. 6:3, 57:15;  Gen. 17:1;  Rom. 11:33; 16:27; Ps. 90:1&2;  Matt. 11:25-27;  Gen. 1:1;  Jo. 1:1-3.

 

Jesus Christ offers vicarious atonement through His death and resurrection.  Is. 53;  Phil. 2:8; 1 Jo. 2:2; Ep. 1:7.

 

The Holy Spirit brings people to experience salvation.  Jo. 16:8; 16:14; Ep. 1:13&14; 2:1;  Ro. 8:15&16.

 

People are sinful but redeemable.  Gen. 2:7; 3:1-7;  Ro. 5:12;  Jo. 3:7.

 

The church is the visible expression of Christ;  it will be fulfilled in the final resurrection and judgment.  Acts 24:15; 17:31;  2 Cor. 5:10;  Matt. 25:24;  Luke 20:36.

 

Communion and the baptism with the Holy Spirit are spiritual realities beyond outward symbols.  Ep. 4:4&5;  1 Cor. 12:13 AVS; 1:17; 1 Peter 3:21;  Ro. 6:4;  John 6:63;  14:16;  Rev. 3:20.

 

Christian witness is given through word and deed both in general and specific ministries.  John 4:24;  1Cor. 12:4-7;  Ep. 5:19;  Matt. 10:8;  Acts 20:33-35.