Core Beliefs
The Frederick Church of the Brethren's beliefs harmonize with the general beliefs of Christianity, as spelled out by the Apostle's Creed. Although we have no official creed, our core beliefs are as follows:
We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament are verbally inspired by God and are inerrant and infallible in the original writings. They are of supreme and final authority in all matters of life.
(John 20:30-31, 2 Timothy 3:16)
(John 20:30-31, 2 Timothy 3:16)
We believe that through Jesus’ atonement on the cross, humanity is delivered from the stronghold of sin, reconciled to God, and justified on the basis of His shed blood.
We believe in the sovereign God, who in holy love creates, sustains, and orders all. We worship the one true God eternally co-existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Psalm 116:5, 1 John 4:7-9)
Salvation occurs then, by the power of God's grace, when, in faith, we fully surrender our sinful nature to God, accepting Christ's sacrifice, and turn from our sinfulness, into new life in Jesus.
(1 John 2:2, Ephesians 2:8, Acts 3:19)
(1 John 2:2, Ephesians 2:8, Acts 3:19)
We believe that, as the incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ was begotten by God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to the virgin Mary.
(Isaiah 53:5, Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 12:2)
(Isaiah 53:5, Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 12:2)
We believe that the ordinances of the Church, given by the Lord, are Baptism and the Lord's Table
(Communion)
(Communion)
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. He convicts people of sin, calls them to repentance, and baptizes them into union with Christ and His Church. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Church is united in doctrine and action. He empowers the preaching, teaching, and understanding of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit empowers the Church for service, comforts us in suffering, is present with us in time of persecution, intercedes for us in our weakness, guarantees the redemption of our bodies, and assures the future redemption of creation.
(John 14:36, Romans 5:5)
(John 14:36, Romans 5:5)
We believe that mankind was created in the image of God, sinned, and thereby incurred not only physical death, but spiritual death, which is separation from God, and that human beings are born with a sinful nature. Only through Christ's sacrifice; His shed blood and broken body on the cross, are we atoned for our sins and reconciled to God.
We believe that those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are the one true Church. Together the Church constitutes the body of Christ with Jesus as the head. The Church is the new community of disciples sent into the world to proclaim the kingdom of God and to display the hope of Jesus. Jesus has commissioned the Church to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all things he has commanded. The Church is guided by congregationally called and elected servant leaders and supported by the wise stewardship of God's people.
(Colossians 1:15-20, Matthew 28; Titus 1:6-9)
(Colossians 1:15-20, Matthew 28; Titus 1:6-9)
We believe in the Kingdom of God. The Church lives under God’s rule presently, as we worship Jesus as Lord, gives total allegiance to Jesus, and lives out a foretaste of the Kingdom of God. The Church anticipates the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom, when Jesus returns. At that time, all creation will face judgment, witness the end of the present age, experience a new heaven and a new earth, and enjoy the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom, as His people live with Jesus forever, in righteousness and peace.
(1 Corinthians 14:26, Ephesians 1:22-23, 1 Peter 2:5)
(1 Corinthians 14:26, Ephesians 1:22-23, 1 Peter 2:5)