Our Doctrine
Our desire is not to have an endless theological dispute about the essential truths of the gospel. We understand that through Christian history, there has been diversity in doctrine, and it will continue to be so until that which is perfect (Jesus Christ) comes to complete what we know and practice in part. Therefore, with that in mind here is an overview of the doctrine at NWCC:
About God – We teach God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. References: Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2
About Jesus Christ – We teach Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. 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 3 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. References: 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
About Holy Spirit – We teach 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 and understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. Christians should seek to live under His control daily. References: II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1
About Eternity – We teach man was created to exist forever. He will exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation through Christ. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. References: John 3:16; I John 2:25; I John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:31-46
About Man – Man was made in the spiritual image of God to be like him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man was made in the spiritual image of God, he has become marred by sin through Adam and stands in a state of sin before God. References: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
About Salvation – We teach salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin in Adam 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. References: Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26
About Church – We teach Christ is the Head of the church, and all Christians should belong to a local church in order to be accountable for their spiritual growth in Christ. The church baptizes new believers, disciples them in the word to be more like Christ, and joins the members together in covenant relationship to continue the work of Christ as the church. References: Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22, 4:12; Romans 12:5
About Baptism – We teach baptism is by immersion, which symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ. References: Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:14; Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 28:19-20
About Marriage – We teach that marriage is between one man and one woman. It should be held in honor by all and is more than partnership it is a sacred union joined together by God. Marriage models the union of Christ relationship with the Church. Procreation and maturation for children should take place in the context of a marriage covenant built upon: love, identity, provision, security and discipline. We seek to serve to restore those who have been touched by divorce, and preventively in the lives of those who are joined in marriage “Let marriage be held in honor among all.” Reference: Hebrews 13:4
About Communion – We teach communion – or the Lord’s Supper – is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember His sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of bread and wine (or juice) are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross.
About Eternal Security – We teach God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ; the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. References: St. John 10:29; I Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; I Peter 1:3-5
About Sanctification: We teach a Believer is commanded to pursue a life of becoming like Christ through their obedience to the will of God. This is done through a progressive work of the Holy Spirit working with the obedience of the Believer to mature them into becoming like Christ. References: Hebrews 12:14; I Corinthians 3:18
About the Bible – We teach 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. References: II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalms 119:105; 106; Proverbs 30:5
About Death – We teach that physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness (Revelation 6:9-11), that there is a separation of soul and body (James 2:26), that the soul of the redeemed passes immediately into the presence of Christ, (Luke 23:43; Philippians 1:23), and that for the redeemed, such separation will continue until the Rapture, which initiates the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6).
At that time, our soul and body will be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord (I Corinthians 15:25-44, 50-54). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:8).
About End Times – We teach the Lord Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return to earth and establish His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal joy of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked. References: Matthew 16:27; Mark 14:62; I Thessalonians 4:15
