Free Grace International Doctrinal Statement
GOD
There is one true God, eternally existing in three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3, 4; II Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-6)
THE BIBLE
The Bible is God’s Word inspired, infallible, and inerrant in the original manuscripts, and is our final authority. (Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21)
SALVATION
God, out of love for the human race, sent the Lord Jesus Christ into the world to save sinners. The full penalty for man’s sin was paid when Jesus Christ died on the cross. Three days later he rose from the dead. Anyone who believes in Christ alone for the gift of everlasting life, receives it instantly and irrevocably. A commitment to obey, sorrow for sin, turning from one's sin, baptism, submission to the headship of Christ, or any other act of obedience may and should follow saving faith. Yet none of these things should be added to, or be considered a part of, the sole condition for receiving eternal life which is faith alone in Christ alone. (John 3:16-18; 5:24; 6:47; 10:27-30; Romans 3:21-25; 4:5; 8:38, 39; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:1-10; I Timothy 1:15; Titus 3:3-7; Revelation 22:17)
ASSURANCE
Assurance of eternal life is based only on the promise God makes in His Word, that everyone who has believed in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life has it and can never lose it. Good works are not the measurement of one’s assurance. (John 5:24; I John 5:9-13 Titus 3:8)
SIN
Sin is defined by God’s word, and is not subject to change based on traditions or culture (Psalm 119:11). Sin is a damaging force in the believers life (James 1:15). God will discipline believers who engage in habitual sin (Hebrews 12:6, Revelation 3:19). However, sin does not constitute a loss or a lack of eternal life for one who has previously believed in Christ (John 10:28, Romans 8:38-39).
DISCIPLESHIP
The ultimate goal in the discipleship of the believer, is to have an abundant life (John 10:10), which is a life filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). While the Holy Spirit provides the power to mature (Galatians 5:16, 2 Peter 1:3-4), the believer has a responsibility as well, to pursue godliness with the help of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16). This process is aided by consistent prayer (Ephesians 6:18), Bible study (Psalm 119:105), and fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25).
ETERNAL REWARDS
God will reward believers who have demonstrated faithfulness in their discipleship with eternal reward in His eternal kingdom. Eternal rewards are distinctly different from the free gift of everlasting life. (Matthew 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 3:14: Colossians 3:24).
THE CHURCH
All believers in the present age are members of the body of Christ, the universal church, united to Christ and to one another by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Believers are to gather together in local churches to devote themselves to Biblical teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. The purpose of the church is to develop dedicated disciples. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:42; I Corinthians 1:2; 11:2, 17-34; 12:12-14; 14:34-38; Hebrews 10:23-25)
Revised 6-24-2023
