Our Statement of Doctrine

The doctrines expressed in the Christ-follower's statement of faith are primary within the Church. However, there are a number of secondary beliefs the leadership of Zion is passionate. We preach, teach, and counsel based on these theological convictions. This doctrine is communicated through our messages, classes, written material, and other distributions.

Scripture

We teach the 66 books of the Holy Bible are inspired (God-breathed), without error in the original writings, and the final authority for faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21; Matt. 5:18; Jn. 16:12, 13)

Triune God

We teach there is one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit— co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections. One triune God is the foundation of Christian faith and life. (Deut. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13:14)

The Father

We teach God the Father is the Creator of heaven and earth. By His word and for His glory, He freely created everything out of nothing. He is complete Sovereign and by His word He daily sustains and rules over all creation, with the Son and Holy Spirit. As Father, He gave His Son Jesus Christ for mankind's redemption and intends for man to live in fellowship with Himself. (Gen. 1:1; I Chron. 29:11; Ps. 36:6; 139: 16; Jn 3:16)

The Son

We teach that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man. (Jn. 1:1–2, 14; Lk. 1:35)

  • As Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice, and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. (Rm. 3:24; 1 Pet. 1:3–5; 2:24; Eph. 1:7)
  • As High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He fulfills the ministry as Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate. (Acts 1:9, 10; Heb. 7:25; 9:24; Rm. 8:34; 1 Jn. 2:1–2)
  • As King, the Lord Jesus Christ is coming again to, establish His kingdom, claim His Bride and judge the living and the dead. (1 Pet. 4:5; Rm. 14:9; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 19-22)

 

The Holy Spirit

We teach that the Holy Spirit is fully God, the Person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He supernaturally regenerates, baptizes and gifts all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption. (Jn. 16:8–11; 2 Cor. 3:6; 1 Cor. 12:12–14; Rm. 8:9; Eph.1:13-14, 5:18)

Total Depravity of Man

We teach that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that through Adam’s sin humanity fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; man is totally depraved and of himself unable to remedy his lost condition, destined to an eternity in Hell. (Gen. 1:26, 27; Rm. 3:22, 23; 5:12; Eph. 2:1–3, 12)

Salvation

We teach that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins. (Eph. 1:7; 2:8–10; Jn. 1:12; 1 Pet. 1:18–19)

Total Security and Assurance of Believers

We teach that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever. (Jn. 6:37–40; 10:27–30; Rm. 8:1, 38, 39; 1 Cor. 1:4–8; 1 Pet 1:5) We teach that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion for the flesh. (Rm. 13:13, 14; Gal. 5:13; Titus. 2:11–15)

Ministry and Spiritual Gifts

We teach that God sovereignly bestows spiritual gifts. It is the privilege of every Christ-follower to minister according to their gift(s) and it is their responsibility to develop their sovereignly given spiritual gift(s).

  • Particular spiritual gift(s) are neither essential, nor prove the presence of the Holy Spirit, nor are an indication of deep spiritual experience (1 Cor. 12-14; Eph. 4:7–8).
  • God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accordance with His own will, for the sick and afflicted (Jn. 15:7; Jam. 5:14-15; 1 Jn. 5:14, 15).
  • The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at conversion and places the Christ-follower into the Body of Christ (Rm. 12:1–8; 1 Pet. 4:10–11).

The Church

We teach that the Church, which is the body and bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all Christ-followers (Eph. 1:22-23, 5:25–27; 1 Cor. 12:12–14; 2 Cor. 11:2).

  • The establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament (Acts 14:21-27; 18:22; 20:17; Rm. 16:1,4; 1 Tim. 3:1; Titus 1:5; II John 10; III John).
  • The local church is accountable solely to God by His word (Acts 13:1–4, 15:19–31, 20:28; 1 Cor. 3:9, 5:4-7, 13, 16; 1 Pet 5:1–4).
  • The proclamation of the gospel through God’s word, believer’s baptism and the Lord’s supper are scriptural means of testimony for the church (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:41- 42, 18:8; 1 Cor 11:23–26).
  • The importance of a Christ-follower’s submission to church leadership and their diligence to preserve unity and peace. Covenant members will adhere to Zion’s position on primary theological issues, the statement of faith, and will not be divisive over the statement of doctrine. (Rm. 14; Eph. 4:1-3; Heb. 13:7, 17).
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