What We Believe
New Testament Plan of Salvation
Jesus proclaimed in Luke 24:46-49, "…thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that (1) repentance and (2) remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, (3) I send the promise of my Father upon you…" Peter preached in Acts 2:38-39, "Then Peter said unto them, (1) Repent, and (2) be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and (3) ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
Step One: Repentance
Jesus died and so must we by repentance. Have faith in Jesus Christ as your Saviour and repent. Believe Jesus Christ is Lord and died for you. Be sorry for your sins and recognize your need of the Saviour in Acts 3:19. Determine to turn from sin and give your life completely to Him. This is not to be confused with Salvation itself; believing is necessary and leads to the other steps. See Acts 8:12-17 and Acts 11:14-18.
Step Two: Baptism
Jesus was buried and so must we by baptism. Be baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ. Be buried with him by total immersion in water. Have the saving name of Jesus Christ pronounced over you as in Acts 22:16. Obtain remission of sins in baptism through obedience and faith in His name. Not to be confused with repeating the titles "Father, Son, Holy Ghost" and sprinkling or pouring. See Acts 8:35-38 and Acts 19:1-6.
Step Three: Holy Ghost
Jesus rose and so must we by receiving the Holy Ghost. Receive the Holy Ghost baptism evidenced by tongues. Meet the conditions of repentance, faith and obedience. Believe God has promised it and that you can receive it as in Acts 2:4. Know that tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not to be confused with tongues as a prayer language or one of the optional gifts of the Spirit. See John 7:38-39 and Acts 10:44-48.
Step Four: Holiness
Live a Godly and sober life in this present world. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Titus 2:11-13 (KJV).
