Statement Of Faith

The Bible

We believe the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original documents, a complete and final written revelation from God. (2 Timothy 3:15–17; 2 Peter 1:21; Joshua 1:8; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12–13)

God in Three Persons

We believe there is only one God, eternally existing, immutable, and manifest in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4–6)

Jesus Christ

We believe Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was God in human flesh, died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose again on the third day, and ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He intercedes for those who believe. He will come again in glory and His Kingdom will have no end. (John 1:1, 14; Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Acts 1:11)

Saved by Faith

We believe all humanity is lost and can only be saved by personal faith in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ — by grace, not by human merit or performance. (John 3:16–19; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 3:5)

New Life Through the Spirit

We believe all believers are filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live godly lives and to be bold witnesses for our Redeemer, Lord and Savior. (Romans 8:13–14; 12:1–3; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Ephesians 5:18)

Unity of Believers

We believe in the spiritual unity of all genuine believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, manifested by spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit through His love. (1 Corinthians 12:12–13; Galatians 5:22–23; Ephesians 4:8–12)

Sanctity of Marriage

We believe marriage is a sacred covenantal union between a man and a woman, designed by God, and a picture of Christ's love for His Church. (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; Hebrews 13:4)

Sanctity of Life

We believe in the sanctity of human life at all stages, from conception to natural death. (Psalm 139; Genesis 1:27; Jeremiah 1:5)

Heaven

We believe heaven is a real place where the redeemed will dwell forever with God. (John 14:1–3; Philippians 3:20–21; Revelation 21:1–5)

Judgment

We believe in a real adversary who will ultimately be defeated, and in the final judgment of all people by Jesus Christ. (Revelation 20:10; 1 John 4:4; Ephesians 6:11–16)

The Church

We believe Jesus Christ started the Church for His followers to have fellowship in worship, share communion and baptism, raise up godly leaders, and equip the saints to share the Gospel and disciple the world. These statements guide which churches and ministries partner with Church Santa Cruz. (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19–20; Colossians 3:11)