5. The Sinfulness of Humanity

Men and women are made in the image of God and for fellowship with Him. By transgression of God’s command they fell from fellowship with God and their nature was corrupted. As a consequence all people are spiritually dead and subject to God’s wrath and condemnation. Therefore, apart from God’s Grace, people are helpless and hopeless.

​

 6. Christ’s Atonement for the Sin of Humanity

In order to redeem people from guilt, penalty and power of sin, Jesus Christ became man and died a sacrificial death as our representative substitute. By His resurrection, God’s acceptance of His atoning death was demonstrated. This atonement is sufficient for the whole world but effective only in those who receive it. The sinner is justified and reconciled to God, not through any personal merit, but solely on the basis of God’s precious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ received through faith.

​

 7. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Salvation

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is necessary for the acceptance of God’s provision of salvation. The Holy Spirit convinces sinners of their sinfulness, leads them to personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and so brings them to spiritual birth as God’s children and to fellowship in Christ. Working within the life of believers the Holy Spirit makes real the presence of Christ, witnesses to their relationship with God, leads into all truth, bestows gifts for effective service and produces graces for holy living.

​

  8. The Church

The Church is the body of people whom God has separated from the world through faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. All regenerate persons are members of the universal Church of God which takes local form wherever groups of believers unite for worship, fellowship, and service, in accordance with scriptural principles. All believers are called to a priestly ministry in the offering of spiritual sacrifices and sent into the world to be witnesses. God calls individuals to positions of oversight and leadership or to special ministries. The Church recognises such by ordaining pastors, commissioning missionaries, appointing deacons, and other leaders, following New Testament practice.

​

​