minary W orld Class Seminary - Bethel Seminary - Bethel University

An Affirmationof Our Faith1. The Word of GodWe believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fullyinspired and without error in the original manuscripts,written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, andthat it has supreme authority in all matters of faith andconduct.2. The TrinityWe believe that there is one living and true God, eternallyexisting in three persons, that these are equal inevery divine perfection, and that they execute distinctbut harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence,and redemption.3. God the FatherWe believe in God, the Father, an infinite personalspirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love.We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in theaffairs of each person, that He hears and answers prayer,and that He saves from sin and death all who come toHim through Jesus Christ.4. Jesus ChristWe believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son,conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virginbirth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe inHis substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection,ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for Hispeople, and personal visible return to earth.5. The Holy SpiritWe believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from theFather and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness,and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, andempower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believethat the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ,and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide.6. RegenerationWe believe that all people are sinners by nature andby choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. Webelieve that those who repent of their sins and trust inJesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit.7. The ChurchWe believe in the universal church, a living spiritualbody of which Christ is the head and all regeneratedpersons are members. We believe in the local church,consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ,baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associatedfor worship, work, and fellowship. We believe thatGod has laid upon the members of the local church theprimary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lostworld.8. Christian ConductWe believe that Christians should live for the glory ofGod and the well-being of others; that their conductshould be blameless before the world; that they shouldbe faithful stewards of their possessions; and that theyshould seek to realize for themselves and others the fullstature of maturity in Christ.9. The OrdinancesWe believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committedtwo ordinances to the local church: baptism and theLord’s Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is theimmersion of a believer in water into the name of thetriune God. We believe that the Lord’s Supper was institutedby Christ for commemoration of His death. Webelieve that these two ordinances should be observedand administered until the return of the Lord JesusChrist.10. Religious LibertyWe believe that every human being has direct relationswith God and is responsible to God alone in all mattersof faith; that each church is independent and must befree from interference by any ecclesiastical or politicalauthority; that therefore, Church and State must be keptseparate as having different functions, each fulfilling itsduties free from dictation or patronage of the other.11. Church CooperationWe believe that local churches can best promote thecause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one anotherin a denominational organization. Such an organization,whether a regional or district conference, exists andfunctions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in aconference is voluntary and may be terminated at anytime. Churches may likewise cooperate with interdenominationalfellowships on a voluntary basis.12. The Last ThingsWe believe in the personal and visible return of theLord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of Hiskingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, thefinal judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, andthe endless suffering of the wicked.163