Maple Street Church Core Beliefs

 

1 . The Bible — The Bible is the written Word of God; written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of the truth for Christian beliefs about living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without error.

 

 2. The Trinity — God has eternally existed as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three are coequal and are one God.

 

 3. Jesus Christ — Jesus is the Son of God and is coequal with the Father and Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people 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 and will return again to earth to reign as King.

 

4. The Holy Spirit — The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He provides Christians with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in living within the will of God. He gives every believer spiritual gifts when we are saved. As Christians we should desire to live under His guidance daily. 

 

5. Salvation by grace through faith — People are created in the spiritual image of God; to be like Him in character. Although every person has potential for good, we are all marred by sin; an attitude of disobedience toward God. Sin separates us from God and causes many problems in life. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith.

 

 6. Eternity — People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.