What We Believe
Our faith is rooted in Scripture and centered on Jesus Christ
At First Church of God, we hold to the historic Christian faith as revealed in Scripture. We are part of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) movement, which emphasizes biblical authority, Christian unity, and holy living.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God. It is the complete revelation of God's will for salvation and the ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
— 2 Timothy 3:16-17
God
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is the Creator of all things, sovereign over the universe, and perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
— Matthew 28:19
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, ascended to heaven, and will return in glory.
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
— John 14:6
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is fully God, dwelling within every believer from the moment of salvation. He convicts of sin, regenerates, empowers, guides, teaches, and gives spiritual gifts to believers.
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
— John 16:13
Salvation
We believe salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It is a gift from God, not earned by human effort or good works.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
— Ephesians 2:8-9
The Church
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, composed of all believers across time and space. We practice baptism by immersion and communion as ordinances commanded by Christ.
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
— 1 Corinthians 12:27
Christian Unity
As part of the Church of God movement, we emphasize the unity of all believers in Christ. We believe Christians should work together across denominational lines, united by our common faith in Jesus Christ.
"That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you."
— John 17:21
Holy Living
We believe God calls us to live holy lives, set apart for His purposes. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are transformed to reflect the character of Christ.
"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
— 1 Peter 1:15-16
The Return of Christ
We believe Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly to establish His kingdom. This hope motivates us to live faithfully and share the gospel.
"This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
— Acts 1:11
Our Heritage
The Church of God movement began in the late 1800s with a passion for Christian unity and a return to New Testament Christianity. Rather than creating a new denomination, our founders sought to transcend denominational barriers and call all Christians to unity in Christ.
Learn more at jesusisthesubject.org
Have Questions?
We'd love to discuss faith, answer your questions, or simply connect over coffee.