Famous preacher A.W. Tozer once said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
For that reason, churches have always had statements of belief to clearly communicate what they “think about God.”
In order to be clear, these statements often contain precise words that can sound stuffy or churchy. But very simply, this is a clear statement on what Front Range believes about God.
We don’t believe all beliefs hold the same weight as others. There is freedom for different beliefs on different issues (the “non-essentials of the faith”), but there are core beliefs in Christianity that are foundational to what has historically been the Christian Church (the “essentials of the faith”). With the essentials God calls us to be unified (Ephesians 4:4-6) and in the non-essentials we’re given liberty. (Romans 14:1-4,12, 22)
With that said, you don’t have to believe to belong at Front Range. If you are unsure about what you believe around some of the statements below, you are still welcome at this church. We’re honored that you’d take this journey with us.
These are the Essential Beliefs we hold at Front Range
The sole basis for our belief is the Bible, which is uniquely God-inspired, without error, and the final authority on all matters on which it speaks. As the Bible teaches, there is one God, eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – each possessing all the attributes of deity. (Psalm 1, 2 Timothy 3: 15-17, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21)
God created humans to have fellowship with Him, but they defied God by sinfully going their own way. As a result, we need God’s saving grace to end our separation from Him. Salvation comes only through God’s grace – not human effort – and must be received personally by repentance and faith.
(Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, II Corinthians 13:14, I Peter 1:2)
Jesus Christ is the second Person of the Trinity, who lived a sinless life on earth and voluntarily paid for our sin by dying on the cross as our substitute. His death on the cross accomplished salvation for all who receive grace by trusting in Him alone. He rose from the dead and is the only mediator between us and God. He baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit. He will return to earth to consummate history.
(Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 1:22-23, John 1:1-5; 14:10-30, Acts 1:9-11, Romans 1:3-4, I Corinthians 15:3-4, I Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 4:14-15)
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, being completely equal to 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 believer from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He also equips believers for personal growth, service to the church, and ministry to others.
(John 14:16-17, 16:7-13, Acts 1:8, I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16, II Corinthians 3:17, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 1:13, 5:18)
Man is made in the image of God. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although God designed man to have fellowship with him, man became alienated from God through disobedience. As a result, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and choose to sin against God. Man is incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through his own efforts.
(Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, 59:1-2, Romans 3:23, Colossians 1:21)
Salvation is a gift from God to man. 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.
(John 1:12, 14:6, Romans 5:1, 6:23, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5)
There are many disciplines of the faith that believers should take part in, but two essentials that Jesus Christ commanded are:
• BAPTISM
Baptism is not essential for salvation, but is a commandment for all those who come to faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It is an act of celebration, obedience, and commitment, and we will celebrate together as we see others being baptized. (Acts 2:38, Colossians 2:11-13)
• COMMUNION
Communion is a spiritual discipline that all believers are to take part in to remind us of what Christ has done for us and to proclaim our belief in the Lord’s return. We will have communion available each worship service. (Matthew 26:26-28, I Corinthians 11:23-26)
Creeds
We affirm the main creeds that the Church has held for hundreds of years.