Beliefs

Andover Christian Center Statement of Beliefs

Our Beliefs

The Bible

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. The New Covenant, as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine. (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21)

The Trinity

God is one, but manifested in three Persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:26; Philippians 2:5-6; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1, 14, 18; John 14:16, 28; John 15:26, John 16:28)

Man, His Fall and Redemption

Man is a created being, made in the image and likeness of God. Sin entered the world through Adam's transgression. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God. (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 3:10, 23; Romans 5:18, 19; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 John 3:8; Romans 10:9-10)

The Gift of Salvation

Salvation is the gift of God to man. It is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and is not based on good works. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:20-22; Romans 3:27-28; Romans 11:6; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:3-7)

Eternal Life and the New Birth

Jesus said "unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God". Being "born again", or the New Birth, is necessary for all men, and when experienced, produces eternal life. (John 3:3-5; John 3:16-18; Matthew 18:3; John 1:12; John 3:36; John 5:24; 1 John 5:12)

Water Baptism

Water baptism is a symbol of the Christian's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.(Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; Matthew 28:19; Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 8:12-13; Acts 8:36-39; Acts 10:47-48)

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a gift from God as promised by Jesus Christ to all believers, and is received after the New Birth. This experience is accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance. (Matthew 3:11; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:1-7)

Sanctification

Every Christian should be growing in a personal relationship with Jesus, continually increasing in the knowledge of Him and being transformed into His image. (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:12-14; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31)

Divine Healing

Healing is for the physical ailments of the human body and is manifested by the power of God through the prayer of faith and by the laying on of hands. It is provided in the atonement of Christ, and is the privilege of every member of the Church today. (1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 8:16-17; Isaiah 53:4, 5; Mark 16:15-18; James 5:14-15; Exodus 15:26; Psalms 103:1-3; Psalms 107:17-20)

The Resurrection of the Just and the Return of Our Lord

The angels said to Jesus' disciples, "This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." His coming is imminent. When He comes, "...the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air...” (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)


Following the Tribulation, Jesus shall return to earth as King of kings, and Lord of lords, and together with His saints, who shall be kings and priests, He shall reign a thousand years. (Revelation 5:10, 20:6)

Hell and Eternal Retribution

The one who physically dies without accepting Christ is eternally lost in the lake of fire and has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or repenting. The lake of fire is literal. The terms “eternal” and “everlasting,” used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned in the lake of fire, carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence as used in denoting the duration of joy and ecstasy of saints in the Presence of God (Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 19:20)