LIVING STONES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CORE BELIEFS – STATEMENT OF FAITH
WE BELIEVE: THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE GOD, REVEALED AS THE TRINITY
We believe that there is only one true God who is the Creator, Redeemer and just King of all. He is God, eternally existent, revealing Himself in three persons – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. | I John 5: 4-6, Philippians 2:6, John 14:28; John 16:28; John 1:14, 18, John 1:1, John 15:26
WE BELIEVE: THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD
We believe the Bible is the Word of God, written by human hands but supernaturally inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. It is relevant, infallible, and the source of all truth and life. | II Timothy 3:16, I Thess. 2:13, II Peter 1:21
WE BELIEVE: THE GARDEN WAS A TEMPLATE FOR GOD’S PERFECT DESIGN
We believe the Garden of Eden serves as God’s ideal design and original intent for humanity. In the Garden, God created both man and woman. While different in design, each served an extraordinary purpose to creation and to each other. It was in this garden that “covenant” would be outlined.
The first would be the covenant of relationship with our Creator – under this covenant there would be no separation from God and unlimited access to Him would be available. Man’s deepest joy would come from a personal relationship with God.
The second covenant established the covenant of marriage between man and woman, the two joining to become “one flesh.” God ordained this relationship and blessed this union with the gift of intimacy and creation of life. Together, man and woman would be given the assignment of multiplication, as well as, stewardship of the Garden – taking responsibility for its care and protection. We believe true purpose and fulfillment is achieved when we are in alignment with God’s original intent for us. | Gen. 1:26-31, Gen. 2:22-23
WE BELIEVE: MAN WAS MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE
We believe that man was created in the image of God to dwell with Him forever in paradise. Man was then tempted, using his free will to disobey God and fell into sin, which separated man from God’s holiness. Because of this, sickness, death and judgment entered the world, and now creation experiences the effects and consequences of sin. |Romans 5:12; Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10; I John 3:8
WE BELIEVE: HEAVEN AND HELL ARE REAL
We believe Heaven and Hell are both real. It is a free choice given to us by God to acknowledge His sacrifice and live forever with Him in Heaven or to deny His existence and live forever separated from Him in Hell. | John 5:24, 28, 29, Hebrews 9:27, Rev. 19:20
WE BELIEVE: JESUS IS THE REDEEMER
We believe in God’s plan to bring us back to Him through redemption and justification of our sin. He sent Jesus, His perfect son conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, to live as a sinless man and to die in our place. He was crucified for our sins, died, and after three days, He was resurrected, conquering Hell and being crowned Lord of Lords. It is only through Jesus that our relationship is reconciled and we are in right standing with God once more. Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father awaiting His glorious return. | I Corinthians 15:3, I Peter 2:21-24, and John 3:16
WE BELIEVE: SALVATION IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL
We believe that salvation through Jesus is a free gift from God. It cannot be earned or bought. We are saved by grace through faith alone. Restoration through salvation is available for all by repenting, believing and receiving Jesus. |II Cor. 7:10; I John 5:12; John 3:3-5
WE BELIEVE: THE CROSS IS OUR VICTORY
We believe Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paid the price for us, not only spiritually, but physically. Sickness and torment were results of Adam’s sin in the Garden. When Jesus redeemed us, He not only took care of the sin problem, but also the sickness that came as a result of sin. We believe that the victorious, redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides freedom from the power of the enemy – sin, lies, sickness, disease and torment. | Mark 16:18; James 5:14-20; I Peter 2:24; Matt. 8:17; Isaiah 53:4-5
WE BELIEVE: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS WITHIN EVERY BELIEVER
We believe the Holy Spirit lives inside every believer. Because of Jesus, we have continual access to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our closest companion – He encourages, comforts and inspires us on our journey through this life.
The Holy Spirit is also our guide. He convicts, regenerates, justifies, sanctifies and teaches us to live holy as demonstrated by Jesus. The Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as a definite yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation. | Heb. 12:14; I Thess. 5:23; II Peter 3:18; II Cor. 3:18; Phillippians 3:12-14; I Cor. 1:30
WE BELIEVE: WATER BAPTISM AND COMMUNION ARE SIGNIFICANT
We believe Jesus gave His Church holy ordinances of water baptism and communion. Jesus demonstrated the importance and significance of both to bring remembrance of His sacrifice and sustain us until His return.
Baptism by immersion in water is a necessary public declaration of our choice to follow Christ, which symbolizes the death and resurrection of the “New Man” as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. | Matt. 28:19; Romans 6:4; Col. 2:12; Acts 8:36-39
Communion is a practice that represents the sacrifice that Jesus made for us through dying on the cross. His body that was broken (represented by the bread) and His blood that was shed (represented by the wine) gives us tangible elements to remember His unfailing love for us and to bring faith to the Church. Communion is available to anyone who believes in Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior | 1 Corinthians 11:24-25.
WE BELIEVE: THE CHURCH BELONGS TO JESUS
We believe the Church was founded and is sustained by Jesus. It is characterized by those who have put their faith in Jesus and revealed by gathering together to experience God and to inspire each other to live a Christ-centered life. The Church exists to carry on the ministry of Jesus, advancing the Kingdom of God. | Eph 2:20-22, Heb. 10:25, Matt 28:18-20
WE BELIEVE: JESUS WILL COME AGAIN
We believe that Jesus will come again soon for His Church just like He promised.
| I Thessalonians 4:18, Revelation 21:20