The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to men, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason (2 Tim. 3: 1:23-25; Heb. 4:12).
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent, self-revealed “I AM,” and has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association, by simultaneously existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Deut. 6:4; Mark 12:29; Isa. 43:1 ; Matt 28:19).
Man was created good and upright, for God said, "Let us make man in our image likeness." But man, by voluntary transgression, fell, and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Gen. 1:26-31; Gen. 3:17; Ro. 5:12-21).
A. Conditions of Salvation
The Grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, and being justified by grace, has become heir according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 2:11,3:5-7, Ro. 10:13-15; Luke 24:47).
B. Evidences of Salvation
The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Ro 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of holiness (1 Thess. 4:7, 2 Tim. 1:9).
The ordinance of baptism in Jesus’ name by burial with Christ should be observed (as commanded in the Scriptures) by all that have repented of their sins and in their hearts have believed on Christ as their Savior and Lord. In doing so, they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that the released to walk with Him in newness of life (Matt. 28: 19; Acts 2:38; Acts 19:47,48; Ro. 6:4).
The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements, bread and fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing in a memorial to His suffering and death, and prophecy of His second coming, and is enjoined to all believers "until He comes" (John 6:48,51,53-57; Luke 22:19,20; 2 Pet. 11 :25).
All believers should ardently expect and earnestly seek the Promise of the Father, which is the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire. With it comes the infilling of power for life and set bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1: 31). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the New Birth (Acts 2:38; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9).
By the power of the Holy Spirit we strive to obey the command, "Be ye holy, for I am holy.” Sanctification is the will of God for all believers, and should be earnestly pursued by walking in obedience to God's Word (Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:15,16; 1 Thess. 5:23,24; 1 John 2:6).
The church is the holy body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer is an integral part of the Church, and their names are written in the Lambs Book of Life.
Divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for a two-fold purpose: (1) The evangelization of the world, and (2) The edification of the body of Christ (Mark 15:15,20; Eph. 4:11-13).
Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement of Christ and is the privilege of all believers (Isa. 53:4, 5; Matt. 8:16, 17; Mark 16:18; John 5:14).
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation, together with those who are alive and remain unto the Lord, is imminent and is the blessed hope of the church (1 Thess. 4:16; Ro. 6:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Cor. 15:51,52).
The revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, the salvation of national Israel, and the millennial reign of Christ on the earth are scriptural promises and our hope (2 Thess. 1:7; Rev. 19:11-16; Ro. 11:25; Rev. 20: 1-7).
The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and whosoever is not found written in the Lamb's Book of Life shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Rev. 19:20; 20:10-15).
We, as promised in the scriptures, look for a new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness (2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1).
The gift of tongues is a spiritual gift given to some believers when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit (lCor. 12:10; 12:28-30). The primary use of the gift of tongues is for the edification of the Church (Acts 2:2-4; 19:6). Tongues (prayer language) are given to the believer for personal edification (Acts 14:2,4a).
It should go without saying that marriage matters. God created and sanctioned marriage to bring together men and women, the complementary halves of humanity, by joining them in “one-flesh” unions. (Gen 2:18-25.) Marriage between one man and one woman for life uniquely reflects Christ’s relationship with His Church. (Eph 5:21-33.) Marriage also serves as the foundational unit of a stable society. (1 Cor 7:2.) It provides the best chance that children will grow up in the same home with both their mom and their dad. Among many other negative cultural developments over the last several decades, the general acceptance of sex outside of marriage and other sexual sins, including homosexual behavior, constitutes direct attacks upon this timeless and universal institution.
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Ps 139.)FINAL AUTHORITY FOR MATTERS OF BELIEF AND CONDUCT
The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning divinely revealed truth, morality, the proper conduct of mankind, and biblical interpretation, and is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of Shiloh Worship Center’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our executive board of directors is Shiloh Worship Center’s final interpretive authority on the bible’s meaning and application.
