Gathering Grand Rapids Statement of Faith

This is meant to serve as basic statement of faith based on Scripture upon which all Christian Churches in Grand Rapids can agree. What unites us is so much greater that which divides us. While certain phrases in this statement may still make some Christians uncomfortable, please know our heart; we are seeking to pray in Christian unity based on the central doctrines of the Christian Faith. Prayerful feedback is welcome at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Bible

The Bible, being fully inspired by God in its entirety, is His perfect Word and is the only authority for all faith and life. (Ps. 119:89; Ephes. 6:17; 2Tim. 3:16,17; Heb. 1:1,2; 2 Pet. 1:19-21)

God

There is one God, eternally existent in three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Acts 6:4; Gen. 1:1,2; Deut. 28:19; John 1:1-3; Rom. 1:20; 2 Cor. 13:14; Ephes. 2:18; Col. 1:15,16; Heb. 11:3; Rev. 1:4-6, 4:4)

Jesus Christ

Jesus is true God and true man, was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died in our place on the cross, and rose bodily from the grave. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. (Mt. 1:18-24, 24:37-44; John 1:1-3; Rom. 8:34; 1 Cor. 15:3-4, 51-58; 1 Thess. 4:14-17; Heb. 9:24; Rev. 14:11-16)

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a Divine person who convicts people of sin, regenerates, indwells, and empowers the believer, dispensing spiritual gifts and developing holiness. (John 3:5,6; 14:16,17; 16:8-11; 1 Cor. 12:12,13; Ephes. 1:13,14)

Humanity

All men are sinful and lost and can be saved only by grace through faith in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Gen. 1:26; 2:17; John 5:40; Rom. 3:9-10, 19-23; 6:23; Ephes. 2:1-3; 1 John 3:8)

Human Destiny

The resurrection of the dead includes all men - the believer to life everlasting and the unbeliever to eternal condemnation. (John 5:28,29; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Rev. 20:11-15)

Salvation

Salvation comes to us only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from any human merit. (John 1:12; 5:24; 6:37-44; Rom. 3:20, 27,28; 5:1-8; 10:9,10; 13:1; 1 Cor. 1:29-31; 6:19,20; Ephes. 2:8-10; Col. 1:13,14; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:4,5; 1 Pet. 1:3-5; 1 John 2:19; Jude 1:24)

The Church

The Church who is the body of Jesus Christ, for which He will bodily return, is comprised of all who have accepted the redemption provided by Him. The presence of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit in the believer will result in a life of personal holiness and a walk of obedience to the will of God. (Mt. 16:18,19; 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; 13:1-3; 20:28; Ephes. 1:22,23; 4:1-16; 5:25-27; Col. 1:17,18; Heb. 10:25; 1 Pet. 5:1,2)