What We Believe
DOCTRINES OF FAITH FOR THE RIVER OF COLUMBUS
THE SCRIPTURES
The Bible is the inspired Word of God. The Scriptures are the divine revelations given from God and received by Man, and as such, are the only such revelations that are inspired and infallible (perfect, flawless). The Bible is the supreme authority in all matters of faith and morals.
THE ONE TRUE GOD
Our God is revealed in Scriptures as the eternal Godhead, the Trinity, who has shown Himself as one God, existing in three persons – The Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost.
THE DEITY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the 2nd member of the Godhead, who pre-existed with the Father and the Holy Ghost.
THE HOLY GHOST AND HIS BAPTISM
The Holy Ghost is the third person of the Godhead. He is co-equal, co-eternal and co-existent with the Father and with the Son. The baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire is a Gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus to all believers and is received subsequent to and in addition to the New birth. The initial evidence of speaking with other tongues, as well as other manifestations described in Acts 2, accompanies this experience. Whereas there is one initial baptism, there are many subsequent infillings of the Spirit. The purpose of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is so that we, the believers, may have power to be a witness.
THE REDEMPTION OF MAN
Man is a created being and was made in the likeness and image of God. But, through Adam’s transgression and fall, sin came into the world and passed upon all men. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the work of the devil and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God.
FURTHER WORKS OF REDEMPTION
The death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ not only secured the eternal redemption from sin, but also redemption from sickness and disease and redemption from poverty and lack.
SANCTIFICATION
The Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the Doctrine of Sanctification as a definite, yet progressive word of grace, commencing (beginning) at the time of regeneration (being born again) and continuing until the consummation of salvation at Christ’s return.
THE END OF ALL THINGS
Jesus promised to return for His church. Scriptures tell us that when Jesus returns the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we, which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.
HELL AND ETERNAL RETRIBUTION
The one who physically dies in his sins without accepting Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the Lake of Fire and therefore has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or repenting.
The Lake of Fire is literal.
THE SANCTITY OF LIFE
The one who physically dies in his sins without accepting Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the Lake of Fire and therefore has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or repenting.The Lake of Fire is literal.