Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of Revelation Church, based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
GOD
God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He is Lord of all and has no equal. God has eternally existed in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis1:1, 26, 27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, also known as the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days and nights testifying to His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven in full sight of men and will one day return to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords for eternity. Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
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 sin and need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, the understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right and pleasing to God. The Christian seeks to live under the control and direction of the Holy Spirit daily. 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16. 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1
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 a tremendous potential for good, he is marred by disobedience toward God called “sin.” Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
SALVATION
Salvation is a gift from 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. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
BEING A TRUE BELIEVER
The word believer is used for a person who is convinced that Jesus is the Messiah and the author of salvation. The Greek word usually translated “believer” or “believing” carries the idea of faithfulness and loyalty (John 20:27; Acts 16:1; 2 Corinthians 6:15). A believer is one who faithfully trusts in Jesus Christ.
A believer is one who has received the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God into their hearts, resulting in a new creation (John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17). A believer does more than hear Jesus’ words and accept what He said about God; a believer allows the information to change him (see John 2:23–24). Saving faith is more than mental acceptance of the facts regarding Christ; it involves repentance and unreserved commitment to Him. True believers are those who hear the Word of God, believe it in their hearts, and recognize the value of the message to the extent that they take up their crosses to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23; 14:26–33).
In the Bible, believers were also called disciples. A disciple is one who actively pursues becoming like the one he or she admires. The disciples of Jesus were so committed to becoming like Him that their detractors began calling them “little Christs,” or “Christians” (Acts 11:26).
Believers “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Such faith often comes at a high cost relationally, socially, financially, and even physically. Jesus warned prospective believers to “count the cost” of following Him (Luke 14:25–33). Paul warned that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Believers are convicted of their personal sin, repent from their sinful behavior and beliefs, take up their cross and follow Christ. Recognition of sin and repentance of it is an on-going practice of their faith.
ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
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; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11-12; Matthew 25:31-46
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. 2 Timothy 3:16, 1:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5
BAPTISM
Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and repented of sin, and He is your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ.
COMMUNION
Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember his sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of bread and wine or juice are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross. Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
MARRIAGE
The Bible clearly defines and describes marriage is a blessing given to us by God to make our lives richer and more fulfilling. Scriptures indicate that a good marriage not only draws us closer to our spouse, but it can also draw us closer to God. The Bible goes on to say that after God created Eve “He brought her to the man. And Adam said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.’ Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:22-24). This account of the very first marriage highlights the fundamental characteristic of a godly marriage—a husband and wife become “one flesh.” Obviously, they remain two individuals, but in God’s ideal for marriage the two become one—in purpose. They share the same values, the same goals, the same outlook. They work together to build a strong, godly family and raise their children to be good, godly people. It’s important to note that God initiated this very first marriage in Eden. Marriage comes from God. And His union of Adam and Eve illustrates God’s design for marriage—one man and one woman joined together in a life-long commitment to each other, working together to form strong, godly families. Obviously, human beings haven’t always followed that design, but God’s way is still the best way.
(See: Mark 10:6-9; Genesis 1:27, 28; Hebrews 13:4; Genesis 2:18; Proverbs 18:22; Genesis 2:23, 24; Matthew 19:5,6; Ecclesiastes 9:9; Proverbs 5:18; Ephesians 5:28, 33; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Deuteronomy 7:3, 4; Genesis 24:3,4; Exodus 20:17; Leviticus 18:20; Matthew 5:32; Isaiah 62:5, 54:5; Ephesians 5:25; Proverbs 31:10)
OUR MISSION
We make disciples, in obedience to Christ’s command in Matthew 28:20
“People matter to God.” They matter to us too.
The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which is lost. – Luke 19:10
We humbly recognize that we are among those Christ came to seek and to save.
Jesus went beyond a mere rescue mission; He transformed lives. “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” He taught His followers to pray.
Jesus came to redeem this broken world, and it is on this core belief that we build our mission statement: to turn people into fully devoted followers of Christ.
With this vision to see Christ’s redemptive purposes accomplished in the world, we are committed to carrying on Christ’s mission by reaching out to those who are far from God, coaching those who follow Christ by equipping them for their spiritual journey, and unleashing unprecedented levels of compassion and justice into our broken world.
OUR LIFE SCRIPTURE
“We make it our goal to please God” 2 Corinthians 5:9
OUR MOTTO
“Don’t ‘go” to church, ‘Be’ the church!!”
“Reach the 20,000 in Marion County!”
God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He is Lord of all and has no equal. God has eternally existed in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis1:1, 26, 27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, also known as the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days and nights testifying to His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven in full sight of men and will one day return to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords for eternity. Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
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 sin and need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, the understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right and pleasing to God. The Christian seeks to live under the control and direction of the Holy Spirit daily. 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16. 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1
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 a tremendous potential for good, he is marred by disobedience toward God called “sin.” Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
SALVATION
Salvation is a gift from 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. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
BEING A TRUE BELIEVER
The word believer is used for a person who is convinced that Jesus is the Messiah and the author of salvation. The Greek word usually translated “believer” or “believing” carries the idea of faithfulness and loyalty (John 20:27; Acts 16:1; 2 Corinthians 6:15). A believer is one who faithfully trusts in Jesus Christ.
A believer is one who has received the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God into their hearts, resulting in a new creation (John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17). A believer does more than hear Jesus’ words and accept what He said about God; a believer allows the information to change him (see John 2:23–24). Saving faith is more than mental acceptance of the facts regarding Christ; it involves repentance and unreserved commitment to Him. True believers are those who hear the Word of God, believe it in their hearts, and recognize the value of the message to the extent that they take up their crosses to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23; 14:26–33).
In the Bible, believers were also called disciples. A disciple is one who actively pursues becoming like the one he or she admires. The disciples of Jesus were so committed to becoming like Him that their detractors began calling them “little Christs,” or “Christians” (Acts 11:26).
Believers “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Such faith often comes at a high cost relationally, socially, financially, and even physically. Jesus warned prospective believers to “count the cost” of following Him (Luke 14:25–33). Paul warned that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Believers are convicted of their personal sin, repent from their sinful behavior and beliefs, take up their cross and follow Christ. Recognition of sin and repentance of it is an on-going practice of their faith.
ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
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; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11-12; Matthew 25:31-46
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. 2 Timothy 3:16, 1:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5
BAPTISM
Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and repented of sin, and He is your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ.
COMMUNION
Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember his sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of bread and wine or juice are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross. Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
MARRIAGE
The Bible clearly defines and describes marriage is a blessing given to us by God to make our lives richer and more fulfilling. Scriptures indicate that a good marriage not only draws us closer to our spouse, but it can also draw us closer to God. The Bible goes on to say that after God created Eve “He brought her to the man. And Adam said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.’ Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:22-24). This account of the very first marriage highlights the fundamental characteristic of a godly marriage—a husband and wife become “one flesh.” Obviously, they remain two individuals, but in God’s ideal for marriage the two become one—in purpose. They share the same values, the same goals, the same outlook. They work together to build a strong, godly family and raise their children to be good, godly people. It’s important to note that God initiated this very first marriage in Eden. Marriage comes from God. And His union of Adam and Eve illustrates God’s design for marriage—one man and one woman joined together in a life-long commitment to each other, working together to form strong, godly families. Obviously, human beings haven’t always followed that design, but God’s way is still the best way.
(See: Mark 10:6-9; Genesis 1:27, 28; Hebrews 13:4; Genesis 2:18; Proverbs 18:22; Genesis 2:23, 24; Matthew 19:5,6; Ecclesiastes 9:9; Proverbs 5:18; Ephesians 5:28, 33; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Deuteronomy 7:3, 4; Genesis 24:3,4; Exodus 20:17; Leviticus 18:20; Matthew 5:32; Isaiah 62:5, 54:5; Ephesians 5:25; Proverbs 31:10)
OUR MISSION
We make disciples, in obedience to Christ’s command in Matthew 28:20
“People matter to God.” They matter to us too.
The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which is lost. – Luke 19:10
We humbly recognize that we are among those Christ came to seek and to save.
Jesus went beyond a mere rescue mission; He transformed lives. “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” He taught His followers to pray.
Jesus came to redeem this broken world, and it is on this core belief that we build our mission statement: to turn people into fully devoted followers of Christ.
With this vision to see Christ’s redemptive purposes accomplished in the world, we are committed to carrying on Christ’s mission by reaching out to those who are far from God, coaching those who follow Christ by equipping them for their spiritual journey, and unleashing unprecedented levels of compassion and justice into our broken world.
OUR LIFE SCRIPTURE
“We make it our goal to please God” 2 Corinthians 5:9
OUR MOTTO
“Don’t ‘go” to church, ‘Be’ the church!!”
“Reach the 20,000 in Marion County!”