Statement
of faith
Gospel Church of Sisters' Statement of Faith is based upon God’s will for human life as conveyed to us through the Scriptures, upon which this Church has been founded and anchored- as also articulated in orthodox creeds and documents such as the Nicene Creed and the Westminster Confession of Faith. (Jude 3; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Acts 20:27)
Scriptures
We believe the Bible is God’s absolute, objective truth for all times. It is without error in concept and detail in the original writings. It is breathed out in its entirety by God and divinely preserved, and is therefore trustworthy. The Bible is God’s written revelation complete in the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. (Psalm 19:7–11; Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:17–18; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Jude 3)
We believe the Holy Spirit superintended human authors of these books so that through their individual personalities and literary styles, they composed and recorded God’s Word. The Bible is the supreme authority in all matters to which it speaks, and it is sufficient for life, conduct, and practice — understandable by every believer. (Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 29:29; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:130; John 17:17; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:15–17; 1 Peter 1:10–12)
We believe Scripture must be understood through the literary, contextual, grammatical, and historical methods of interpretation, and applied under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (Nehemiah 8:8; Luke 24:25–27; Acts 8:30–35; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:15–18)
god
We believe in the one personal, transcendent, immanent, living God — the creator, sustainer, and sovereign ruler of all things. He is self-existent, immutable, and works all things according to the counsel of His will in order to bring glory to Himself. (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 3:14; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 46:9–10; Malachi 3:6; Acts 17:24–28; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 11:36).
God’s foreknowledge is exhaustive and is not dependent on human decisions and actions. He eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as outlined in Scripture and summarized in the Athanasian Creed. These three execute distinct but harmonious roles in creation, providence, redemption, and consummation. They are equal in nature, attributes, and perfections. (Psalm 139:1–6; Isaiah 46:9–10; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1–3; John 14:16–17; John 16:13–15; Acts 5:3–4; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
The holy Triune God is worthy of our worship, confidence, and obedience. (Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Isaiah 6:1–3; Revelation 4:8–11; Revelation 5:8–14)
The Father
We believe in God the Father, one in essence with the Son and the Spirit. He is an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in all His attributes. He is the creator, sustainer, and sovereign ruler of all things. We believe that He concerns Himself perfectly in the affairs of humanity. (John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; Acts 17:24–28; Matthew 6:25–34; 1 Peter 5:6–7)
His fatherhood involves both His designation within the Trinity and His relationship with all redeemed persons. Everything He does is in accordance with His perfect will, though His sovereignty does not eliminate or minimize human responsibility. The Father adopts as His own, through Jesus Christ, all those He calls to Himself. (Matthew 3:16–17; John 5:19–23; John 6:37–44; Ephesians 1:3–6; Romans 8:14–17; Philippians 2:12–13; 1 Peter 1:1–2)
The Son
We believe in God the Son, one in essence with the Father and the Spirit. He is the one and only eternal Son of God, the preeminent revelation of God, through whom He created and sustains all things. At the right time He emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-slave. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary as Jesus, the Christ—fully God and fully man. (John 1:1–18; Colossians 1:15–20; Hebrews 1:1–4; Philippians 2:5–11; Luke 1:26–35; Galatians 4:4–5; Romans 1:1–4)
We believe in His sinless life, and in His voluntary submission to His Father’s will, culminating in His substitutionary death on the cross, His burial, and His bodily resurrection. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. His death on the cross atoned for our sin and satisfied the righteous demands of the holy God. (Isaiah 53:4–6; Matthew 26:39; John 10:17–18; Romans 3:21–26; Romans 5:6–11; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18)
He is the Mediator between God and man. He is Prophet, Priest, and King; the Head and Savior of His Church; the Heir of all things; the Judge of all the world; and the exact representation of God the Father. We believe in the personal return of Christ for His Church and in the establishment of His Kingdom on earth. (Deuteronomy 18:15–19; Psalm 110:1–4; Daniel 7:13–14; Matthew 28:18; John 5:22–29; Ephesians 1:20–23; 1 Timothy 2:5–6; Hebrews 1:2–3; Revelation 19:11–16)
The Holy Spirit
We believe in God the Holy Spirit, one in essence with the Father and Son. He was sent by God the Father and God the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ and implements Christ's work of redemption and baptism. (Matthew 28:19; John 14:16–17; John 15:26; John 16:7–15; Acts 1:4–8; Acts 5:3–4; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
He regenerates, baptizes, seals, gifts, and indwells all believers at conversion, progressively sanctifying, and securing them in Christ forever. The Spirit fills, leads, comforts, and intercedes for believers, empowering them for godly living and service. (John 3:3–8; Romans 8:9–17; Romans 8:26–27; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Galatians 5:16–25; Ephesians 1:13–14; Ephesians 3:16; Ephesians 5:18; Titus 3:4–7)
His presence is evident by the fruit of the Spirit and the building up of believers into the body of Christ, the Church. (Acts 13:52; Galatians 5:22–23; 1 Corinthians 12:7; Romans 15:14; 1 Peter 4:10–11)
humanity
We believe that all human beings, male and female, are sacred in God’s eyes. We believe that He uniquely created humanity—in His image and for His glory—to exercise dominion over the earth and to enjoy a relationship with Him forever. Every human being is directly responsible to God in matters of faith and life. (Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 2:15–25; Psalm 8:3–8; Acts 17:24–31; Romans 1:18–23; James 3:9–10)
After sin entered the world, humans still possess the image of God, though tainted by sin. God’s will for all humanity is that they love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love their neighbors as themselves. (Genesis 3:1–19; Genesis 9:6; Matthew 22:34–40; Mark 12:28–34; 1 Corinthians 15:49; Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:9–10; James 3:9)
family
In God’s design for humanity, life begins at fertilization in the mother’s womb. God established the institution of family through the union of one man and one woman in a marriage covenant for life. His design for the continuance of humanity is through the procreation and discipleship of children within the marriage union. (Psalm 139:13–16; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:39–44; Genesis 1:27–28; Genesis 2:18–25; Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Psalm 127:3–5; Ephesians 6:1–4; 1 Corinthians 7:2)
Marriage is to be an example of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His Church (For a more detailed statement on marriage and sexuality, see the Marriage and Sexuality section below). (Ephesians 5:22–33; 1 Peter 3:7; Revelation 19:6–9; Revelation 21:1–2)
Sin
We believe that sin is any action, inaction, or attitude that is contrary to the nature or Word of God, which constitutes a rejection of His authority, resulting in alienation from God leading to suffering and death. Sin entered the world when Adam, representing humanity, disobeyed God. (Genesis 3:1–19; Psalm 51:1–5; Isaiah 59:1–2; Romans 1:18–32; Romans 3:9–20; Romans 5:12–21; 1 Corinthians 15:22; James 4:17)
As a result of the one sin of Adam, his descendants—the whole human race—are separated from relationship with God, spiritually dead, and therefore in a fallen state. Being sinners by nature and choice and utterly unable to remedy their lost condition, humanity is in need of salvation. (Psalm 51:5; Psalm 58:3; 1 Kings 8:46; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:21–23; Ephesians 2:1–3; Ephesians 4:17–19; Titus 3:3; Romans 6:23)
salvation
We believe that salvation is a gift of God, received by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Salvation is motivated by the love of God demonstrated through His sovereign election in Christ, purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross, and received by faith apart from any human merit, works, or ritual. (John 3:16–18; John 6:37–40; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21–28; Romans 8:29–30; Ephesians 1:3–14; Ephesians 2:1–10; Galatians 2:15–21; Titus 3:3–7)
Regeneration is effected through the work of the Holy Spirit in God’s elect. All who repent and believe in Jesus Christ are forgiven of all their sins, justified in God’s sight by the merit of Christ’s righteousness, adopted into His family, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and having equal access to God. (John 1:12–13; John 3:3–8; Acts 2:38; Romans 5:1–2; Romans 8:14–17; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Ephesians 1:13–14; Hebrews 10:19–22)
As a result, the progressive sanctifying work of salvation leads to a newness of life that is evidenced by righteous living, good works, biblical social concern, and the experience of God’s guidance, instruction, and corrective discipline. The consummation of salvation is that those who have accepted God’s gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ shall be resurrected and glorified. They shall receive their inheritance in the Kingdom of their Father, whom they shall see and enjoy throughout the ages. (Romans 6:1–14; Philippians 2:12–13; Titus 2:11–14; James 2:14–26; Hebrews 12:3–11; 1 John 3:1–3; 1 John 3:9; Romans 8:18–25; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Philippians 3:20–21; Revelation 21:1–7)
the church
We believe that Christ’s Church is composed of all persons who by grace and through faith have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. We believe that Christ’s Church is His spiritual body, of which He is the Head. We believe that this body expresses itself in local assemblies in which believers are in a committed relationship. (Matthew 16:13–18; Acts 2:41–47; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 1:22–23; Ephesians 2:11–13; Ephesians 4:4–7; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 12:22–24; 1 Peter 2:4–10; Revelation 5:9–10)
Biblically that relationship is expressed corporately through hearing the Word of God proclaimed, engaging in worship, practicing the two ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, building up each other’s faith, holding each other accountable through biblical love and discipline, and engaging in local and world evangelization. (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:42–47; Acts 20:7; Acts 20:24–27; Romans 6:3–4; 1 Corinthians 11:17–34; Ephesians 4:11–16; Colossians 1:28; Hebrews 10:24–25; Matthew 18:15–20; Acts 1:8)
Biblically designated elder-pastors and deacons must meet the biblical qualifications for their office and submit to the headship of Christ, emulating His servant leadership. We believe the function of elder-pastoring is reserved for biblically qualified males. Each local church is to support and submit to those who function as elder-pastors. (Ezekiel 3:17–21; Acts 6:1–7; Acts 20:17–38; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1–5)
The return of christ
We believe that Christ is coming again to judge the living and the dead. This promise is found throughout the inspired Scriptures. With power and great glory, He will return from heaven with His saints on a day known only to God. (Matthew 24:29–44; Mark 13:24–37; Acts 1:9–11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10; Revelation 19:11–16)
We believe that those who have accepted God’s gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ will enter into God’s eternal glory at the point of their physical death. They shall be resurrected and transformed to His body of glory, and they shall receive their inheritance of glory in the Kingdom of their Father. They shall be made fully blessed in the presence and service of God, whom they shall see and enjoy throughout the ages. (Luke 23:39–43; Philippians 1:19–24; 1 Corinthians 15:50–58; Philippians 3:20–21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Revelation 21:1–7; Revelation 22:1–5)
We believe that all unsaved persons are destined for eternal damnation at the point of their physical death. They will be resurrected, separated from the righteous, judged, then cast into an existence of eternal punishment where they will be tormented day and night forever and ever, when death and Hades are cast into the Lake of Fire. (Matthew 25:31–46; John 5:25–29; 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10; Revelation 20:11–15; Revelation 21:8)
We believe it is imperative for the Church to work and wait in sober watchfulness, that it may be found ready at His coming. Until His return, believers are to live lives that bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. The Church is to be busy doing the work of evangelism and discipleship, proclaiming the pure, uncompromised Gospel of Christ by teaching the Word of God until He returns or calls us home. (Matthew 24:42–51; Luke 12:35–48; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Hebrews 9:28; 2 Peter 3:11–14; Matthew 28:18–20; 2 Timothy 4:1–5; Titus 2:11–14; Jude 21; Revelation 22:20)
Marriage and Sexuality
We believe that God created each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image of God. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of creation in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 2:18–25; Deuteronomy 22:5; Psalm 139:13–16; Matthew 19:4–6; Romans 1:24–27; 1 Corinthians 11:7–15)
We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. The biblical position is that marriage involves the union of one man and one woman in permanent sacred fidelity. (Genesis 2:18–25; Malachi 2:14–16; Matthew 19:1–9; Mark 10:1–12; Romans 7:1–3; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20; 1 Corinthians 7:2–5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–8; Hebrews 13:4)
Though various cultures and customs have evolving definitions of marriage, God alone has ultimate authority to prescribe and describe the marital relationship. Furthermore, sexual intimacy is properly exercised and pursued only within the confines of this marital relationship. (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; Mark 10:6–9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–8)
Sexual immorality, defined as any sexual activity outside of the boundaries of the sacred marital relationship between one man and one woman, is clearly and expressly prohibited by the Lord. We believe that any form of sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography, is sinful, offensive to God, and ultimately unsatisfying. (Proverbs 6:20–29; Matthew 5:27–30; Matthew 15:18–20; Romans 1:24–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20; Ephesians 5:3–5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–8; Hebrews 13:4)
The Church also regards as sinful the intent to surgically alter one’s biological sex to a different sex. Since the body is a creation of God, the Church holds sexual identity to be biologically determined, and associated biblical gender norms, rather than cultural norms, are to be observed. Disagreement with one’s biological sex leads only to spiritual confusion and emotional chaos. (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:18–25; Deuteronomy 22:5; Psalm 139:13–16; Romans 1:18–32; Romans 9:20–21; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11)
In order to preserve the functions and integrity of the Church as the local body of Christ, and to provide a biblical example to Church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the Church in any capacity or united to the Church in membership should abide by and agree to this Marriage and Sexuality section and conduct themselves accordingly. (Matthew 5:13–16; 1 Corinthians 5:1–13; Ephesians 4:17–24; Titus 2:11–14; 1 Peter 2:9–12; Hebrews 13:17)
Though sinful sexual expression is egregious, as is all sin, the gospel provides redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Psalm 51:1–17; Isaiah 55:6–7; Joel 2:12–14; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Ephesians 2:1–10; Titus 3:3–7; Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 John 1:5–10)
Furthermore, in the area of sexuality as well as in all areas of life, there is a difference between temptation and unrepented sin. Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, yet He never sinned. Church members, Church employees, volunteers, and attendees who are wrestling with any manner of sexual temptation will find a Church ready to point them to Jesus and join with them to fight for their obedience to Christ. Jesus called the weary and heavy-laden to Himself. From our shared desire to follow Christ fully, the Church will be a safe place for men and women fighting sexual temptations of all kinds. For those fighting temptation and repenting of sin, the Church will provide love, care, and direction. (Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 11:28–30; John 8:10–11; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 6:1–2; Hebrews 2:17–18; Hebrews 4:14–16; James 5:16; 1 John 1:9)
This statement of the Church on Marriage and Sexuality does not provide grounds for bigotry, bullying, or hate. We fully believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity, regardless of his or her lifestyle. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated as sinful and are not in accordance with the Scriptures nor the doctrines of the Church. (Matthew 5:43–48; Luke 6:27–36; Romans 12:9–21; Galatians 5:13–15; Ephesians 4:29–32; 2 Timothy 2:24–26; James 3:9–10)