Our Beliefs

What We Believe

“In the essentials we have unity. In the non-essentials we have liberty. In all things we have love.”

Statement of Faith

Have you ever played darts? Have you ever been axe throwing? It's fun, isn't it? You know that in these games, the most central scoring opportunity is called the "bulls eye".

At Paradise we hold to a "bulls eye" of essential beliefs that clarify what we are focused on as a community. Outside of that "bulls eye" are plenty of differences that we simply do not hold to as tightly.

It's important when you visit a church or consider joining in with a faith community that you understand what the core beliefs are. Here's ours:

What we believe...

1. The Bible is God's Word. Without error and accurate in its original form. People can misuse the bible just like they can misuse the law, money, or their power. Misuses or abuse by bad people do not tarnish the good that's found in the truth of God's word.

2. Jesus was born of a virgin named Mary and He is fully God and fully man. This separates Jesus from every founder of every faith. He is "Immanuel, God with us." (Matthew 1:22-23)

3. Humans were created to know God and have a relationship with him (1 Corinthians 1:9). Due to sin, our relationship with God has been broken and the world reminds us daily of the consequences of this fall.

4. In order to restore unity between God and mankind, Jesus (God in the flesh) paid the penalty for our sin and offers the free gift of forgiveness by grace. God, whom we sin against daily, sent his only son to save, forgive, and set us free from being controlled by sin (John 3:16).

5. We are made right with God (saved) by His grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8)

6. Salvation can never be earned through works, it is a gift of God. None of us can boast. (Ephesians 2:9)

7. Jesus was voluntarily crucified, buried, and on the third day He rose again conquering death, hell, and the grave once and for all. (1 Corinthians 15:54–55)

8. Jesus will one day return to rule and reign, inviting His children home for an eternity with Him in Paradise (Heaven). (Hebrews 9:28)

9. We love our neighbors and we share the good news of the gospel, celebrating all that God has done. We are not here to judge outside of the church (1 Corinthians 5:12), but to love everyone we meet with the compassion of Christ because we are given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18, 20).

10. When even one person meets Jesus, there is a party in heaven (Luke 15:7). We should celebrate just as much right here and right now for our friends and neighbors who start their journey with God, too. We want to invite and welcome them to Paradise!

We will hold firmly to the "bulls eye" of theology but we will hold loosely to most else. The reality is that uniformity in every doctrinal position is not essential for Christian fellowship. We will always seek to grow in Christ and allow the scripture to be our guide, together. If you are a Christian who seeks to stir the pot of argument over secondary or tertiary matters, we invite you to find a different church home. Life is too short for us to participate in fruitless division. (Titus 3:9)

Jesus said that the world will know that we are Christians by our love. Join us as we endeavor to love like Jesus. (John 13:35)

For those who may be curious, we affirm the Apostles Creed. More: https://billygraham.org/answer/what-is-the-apostles-creed/

We believe in one God who is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.

Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22 / Psalm 90:2 / Matthew 28:19 / I Peter 1:2 / II Corinthians 13:14

Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by a nature of rebellion toward God called “sin.” This sinful nature separates man from God.

Genesis 1:27 / Psalm 8:3-6 / Isaiah 53:6a / Romans 3:23 / Isaiah 59:1-2

Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God, through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.

John 3:16 / I John 2:25; 5:11-13 / Romans 6:23 / Revelation 20:15

Salvation is a gift from God to man through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. One must confess Jesus as the only Lord and Savior to receive the free gift of salvation through Christ.

Romans 6:23 / Ephesians 2:8-9 / John 14:6; 1:12 / Titus 3:5 / Galatians 3:26 / Romans 5:1

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22-23 / Isaiah 9:6 / John 1:1-5; 14:10-30 / Hebrews 4:14-15 / I Corinthians 15:3-4 / Romans 1:3-4 / Acts 1:9-11 / I Timothy 6:14-15 / Titus 2:13

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.

II Corinthians 3:17 / John 16:7-13; 14:16-17 / Acts 1:8 / I Corinthians 2:12; 3:16 / Ephesians 1:13 / Galatians 5:25 / Ephesians 5:18

The Bible is God’s Word to all men. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.

II Timothy 3:16 / II Peter 1:20-21 / II Timothy 1:13 / Psalm 119:105,160; 12:6 / Proverbs 30:5