Sanctification: We believe sanctification is the life-long work of God in believers by which those who trust in Him grow in holiness and are conformed to the character of Jesus Christ. Sanctification begins at the moment of salvation with the giving of spiritual life, and continues by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit through an ever-deepening understanding of, application of, and obedience to our relationship with Jesus Christ in every area and circumstance of our lives. Glorification is the promised completion of our sanctification at the moment we meet Jesus at our death or upon His glorious return.  

(John17:17; Acts 20:32; Romans 6:1-14, 8:18-19, 29-30; 2 Corinthians 3:18, 6:18-7:1; Galatians 2:20, 3:1-3, 5:22-23; Ephesians 2:19-22, 4:1, 4:15, 6:10-18; Philippians 1:6, 27, 2:12-13, 3:13-14;  Colossians 1:9-14, 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 17,  3:12-13; Titus 2:11-12; Hebrews 10:24-25, 11:6, 12:1-2, 12:23, 13:9;  1 Peter 1:1-2,14-16, 2:5, 9, 3:18; 2 Peter 3:17-18; I John 3:1-3)

The Church: We believe God, by His Word and Spirit, has established and continues to establish His Church as He calls sinful humans out of darkness and into the marvelous light of the fellowship of His family.   He is and will remain faithful to guide, grow and preserve His Church. The universal Church, the global body of Christ, consists of all those who trust the person and work of Jesus Christ in all times, places and locations. A believer’s inclusion in the universal Church is expressed through regular worship with, service in, commitment and accountability to a local church body. We believe the local church is God’s primary means for spreading His good news in the world. God raises up and gifts a plurality of leaders to serve and care for the local church. 

(Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:41, 16:31, 20:17-34; 1 Corinthians 3:7-8; Ephesians 2:19; 1 Timothy 3:1-7,15; Hebrews 12:1, 13:7; 1 Peter 2:9-10, 4:10, 5:1-3)

Baptism: We believe water baptism is the command of Christ for all those who trust the Gospel. Baptism is not a saving work, but an expression of faith. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward spiritual transformation, a visual picture of a believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.  

(Psalm 51:2, Matthew 4:4, 26:26-29, 28:18-20; Luke 22:19-20; John 5:39-40, 6:53-57,17:17; Acts 2:38, 8:36-39,10:44-48, 16:15, 30-33, 20:32, 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 1:17-31, 2:1-2, 10:16-17, 11:23-26; 2 Corinthians 4:5-6; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Timothy 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:14-16, 4:1-4; Hebrews 4:12-13; I Peter 1:22-2:10)

Communion/The Lord’sSupper: We believe the Lord’s Supper (communion) is to be enjoyed regularly by all those who trust in Jesus Christ as Savior.  The Lord’s Supper symbolizes the giving of Christ’s body and the shedding of His blood on our behalf.  As we enjoy the Lord’s Supper together by faith, we remember and proclaim Christ’s sacrificial death, receive spiritual nourishment, are encouraged in hope, and signify our unity with the members of the family of God.  

(Psalm 51:2, Matthew 4:4, 26:26-29, 28:18-20; Luke 22:19-20; John 5:39-40, 6:53-57,17:17; Acts 2:38, 8:36-39,10:44-48, 16:15, 30-33, 20:32, 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 1:17-31, 2:1-2, 10:16-17, 11:23-26;  2 Corinthians 4:5-6; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Timothy 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:14-16, 4:1-4; Hebrews 4:12-13; I Peter 1:22-2:10)

*This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs.  The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of humanity, is the sole and final source of all that we believe.  For purposes of Grace Bible Church's faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Elder Team is the final interpretive authority on the Bible's meaning and application.