That is, we are committed to the proclamation and safeguarding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are free in terms of our local church governance, being independent of state control--an unhealthy relationship that once plagued the churches of Europe in the Nineteenth Century. Evangelical Christianity traces its roots through historic Protestantism. During the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century,
Christians rallied around five biblical principles that had been obscured or lost by the medieval church. They are a concise summary of evangelical belief and serve as guideposts for the Christian today. Sola Gratia - Salvation is by grace alone. From first to last, it is entirely a gift from God that no one can earn or merit (Rom 4:4-5; Eph 2:8). Sola Fide - The gift of salvation is received through faith alone, not by works, so that no one can boast (Rom 3:27-28; Eph 2:9). Solus Christus - Salvation is found in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of Christian faith and practice. Religious tradition, experience, and even church government are subject to the authority of God’s written word (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:21). Soli Deo Gloria - To God alone be the glory in all things--including and especially the salvation of men (Isa 25:9; 1 Cor 10:31; Phil 2:10-11; Tit 3:4-6). We likewise affirm the three great ecumenical creeds of Christendom (namely, the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian). These creeds, while brilliant in their form and substance, are neither above nor on par with Holy Scripture which alone is inspired, infallible, and inerrant. Rather, we recognize that they are an accurate summary of biblical truth.
