What We Believe

The following are the core beliefs of Erlanger Methodist Church based on the foundational truths taught in the Bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.

God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. He exists as one substance in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although each member of the Trinity serves different functions, they each possess equal power and authority. He is the creator of all that exists, both visible and invisible, and is therefore worthy of all glory and praise.  God is perfect in love, power, holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom,  justice, and mercy. He is unchangeable and therefore is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 61:1, Matthew 28:19, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 1:35, John 5:21-23; 14:10, 16 Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 8:62, Corinthians 13:14, Hebrews 1:8-10, James 2:19

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives.

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, Psalm 119:11, 89, 105, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 22:29, John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17, Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12, 1 Peter 1:25, 2 Peter 3:16

Humans, both male and female, is made in the image of God and is the supreme object of His creation. Man was created to have fellowship with God but became separated in that relationship through sinful disobedience. As a result, man cannot attain a right relationship with God through his own effort. Every human personality is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love.

Genesis 1:26-30; 2:7, 18-22; 3, Psalms 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5 Isaiah 6:5 Jeremiah 17:5 Acts 17:26-31
Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18, 23; 5:6; 6:6; 7:14-25 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19, 21-22 Ephesians 2
Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11

Man was created to exist forever. He will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.

John 3:16, 36, Romans 6:23, 1 John 2:25; 5:11-13, Revelation 20:15

The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the only way of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Salvation occurs when people place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation is a gift from God, and it cannot be earned through our own efforts.

Isaiah 1:18; 53:5-6; 55:7, Matthew 1:21; 27:22-66, 28:1-6, Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32, John 1:12; 3:16, 36; 5:24
Acts 2:21; 4:12; 16:30-31, Romans 1:16-18; 3:23-25; 5:8-10; 6, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20
Galatians 2:20; 3:13, Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 2:12-13, Hebrews 9:24-28, Revelation 3:20

The Church is a local community of baptized believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.

Matthew 16:18-19; 18:15-20, Acts 2:41-47; 5:11-14; 13:1-3; 14:23; 16:5; 20:28, 1 Corinthians 7:17; 9:13-14; 12
Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:10-12; 5:22-32, Colossians 1:18; 3:15, 1 Timothy 4:14, 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 21:2-3

Jesus Christ is returning one day to judge both the living and the dead and to usher in the fullness of God's kingdom on earth.

John 11:25-26; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Peter 1:3; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15;
1 Corinthians 15:21; Romans 6:5-6; Hebrews 13:20-21; Revelation 20: 12-13;
Revelation 20:6; Hebrews 6:1-2; Colossians 1:18