Here’s what we at NET Church teach our community regarding certain theological matters that are important–even foundational–to our faith. If you’re familiar with traditional churches, think of these almost like our ‘doctrinal statements’.
The Bible //
The Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, written by human authors by the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, for all people. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error. It is completely relevant for every era and society, each culture, and all geographical locations and is the authority for Christian living, and is the final authority over NET Church (we consider His Word above anything else).
The Trinity //
God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. He exists as one being or essence, in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although each member of the Trinity has different roles, each is fully God; with all power and authority.
God the Father //
God the Father, who the scriptures call YHWY (Yahweh), is the Sovereign Lord and the one true God—above all other gods. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present, unchanging, completely worthy of our trust, and above all, Holy. God is righteous and holds all authority and truth. He is the creator of all things. Nothing that exists would have been made without Him. God is good and everything good comes from Him. He is love and is the source of all human ability to love. Because He is faithful to His word, every word and every promise He makes is fulfilled.
God the Son //
Jesus Christ is God in the flesh. He is completely human and, at the same time, completely God. He is eternal and coequal with God the Father. Jesus was conceived miraculously by the Holy Spirit and born to a young Palestinian woman named Mary. His lineage was traced back 40 generations through His earthly father, Joseph. He came for the expressed purpose of saving the world. He lived a perfect life, so that He could be a substitution for us in satisfying God’s demands for perfection. Jesus did this in order to restore the relationship between God and His human creation; as we are unable to save ourselves. Jesus was executed by the Roman state by death on a cross. He defeated death in His resurrection so that we can have life.
God the Holy Spirit //
The Holy Spirit is God in the spirit. He is eternal and coequal with the Father and the Son. More than merely a force, He is God—present with and within every believer, and He assures us of our relationship with Christ. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit after His resurrection, to all who followed Him. The Holy Spirit’s arrival after the resurrection—at the feast of Pentecost—signifies the birth of the Church. He guides believers into all truth and exalts Christ. He convicts people of their sin, God’s righteousness, and the coming judgment. He is the comforter, the giver of spiritual gifts, and it is by Him that we are made more like Christ.
Humankind //
Humankind is made in the image of God and is the supreme object of His creation. Every person is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of honor and Christian love. We were created to have fellowship with God but became separated in that relationship through sinful disobedience. As a result, we cannot attain a right relationship with God through our own effort.
Salvation //
Through the shedding of His blood, His death on the cross, and His resurrection, Jesus Christ provides the only way of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Salvation occurs when people acknowledge their sin, confess Jesus as Lord, and place their faith in Christ—believing that His death and resurrection is sufficient payment for their sin. Every believer should publicly declare their faith in Christ and demonstrate it through obedience to the Christian ordinance of water baptism. Salvation is a gift from God, and it cannot be earned through our own efforts.
The Church //
There is one Church. The Church consists of every follower of Jesus, worldwide. The Church works together in love and unity—unified through faith in Christ, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ. The Church is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and is empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring the Gospel to the world.
Spiritual Gifts //
Spiritual Gifts are given to every believer, by the Holy Spirit. A believer who desires a particular spiritual gift may ask the Holy Spirit. The gift or gifts each believer has are at the discretion of the Holy Spirit and cannot be dictated by any person. Spiritual gifts are given for the growth and edification of the church, as well as the edification of individual believers. Each believer should seek to use their spiritual gift(s) for the benefit of the Church.
Click here to learn more about spiritual gifts.
Visit our RESOURCES page to access tools to aid you in your personal study.
Additional references to come…
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